Heart of the Family Read Online Free

them.”
    “Hey, I thought I heard your car.” Peter emerged from the barn, a smile of greeting on his face. “What brings you out this way? Is someone sick?”
    “Do I have to have a reason to pay good friends a visit?”
    Peter slipped his arms around Laura’s waist, and she leaned back against him. “No, but I know how busy you’ve been, and it isn’t even flu season yet.”
    Watching Peter and Laura together produced an ache deep in Jacob’s heart. He wanted that with a woman, but Peter was right. His work and church took up so much of his life that he hadn’t dated much since setting up his practice two years ago. And you have to date to become involved with a woman, he thought with a wry grin. Maybe Noah could give him lessons after all.
    Laura’s gaze fastened on him. “Jacob’s just leaving. He’s going over to check on Andy.”
    A scowl descended over Peter’s features. “Andy’s situation is a tough one. His mother is fighting the state. She wants him back.”
    “To use as a punching bag.” Jacob clenched his jaw. He couldn’t rid himself of the feeling Andy and his situation were too similar to his own experiences growing up, as though he had to relive his past through the child. He’d been blessed finally to find someone like Paul and Alice Henderson to set him on the right path. “If at all possible, I won’t let that happen.” He needed to return the gift the Hendersons had given him.
    “Stop by and have dinner with us when you’re through. I want to discuss the plans for a fourth house.”
    “Peter, I love your ambition, but the third one isn’t even half-finished.” Jacob dug into his pocket for his keys.
    “But maybe it will be by the holidays. What a wonderful way to celebrate Christ’s birthday with a grand opening!”
    “I can’t argue with you on that one, but the weather would have to cooperate for that to happen and you know Oklahoma. When has the weather cooperated?” Jacob headed toward his car. He twice attempted to start it before he managed to succeed and pull away from the barn. He had a woman to charm, he thought with a chuckle.

     
    Andy held up his cast. “See all the names I’ve gotten. All in green.”
    Hannah inspected it as though it were a work of art. “You even went to the other cottage.”
    “Yep, I didn’t want to leave anyone out.”
    Because he knew what it was like to be left out, Hannah thought and took the green marker from Andy to pen her own name on the cast. “There’s hardly any room left.”
    He flipped his arm over. “I had them leave a spot for you here.”
    Hannah wrote her name over the area above his wrist where a person felt for a pulse.
    “I’ve saved a place for Dr. Jacob, too.”
    Andy’s declaration jolted Hannah. She nearly messed up her last letter but managed to save it by drawing a line under her name. “You aren’t going back to see Dr. Jacob. Dr. Filmore will be seeing you about your arm.” She realized Jacob Hartman was at the barn talking with Peter and Laura, but hopefully he would leave without coming over here. She needed more time to shore up her defenses. The walk across the pasture hadn’t been nearly long enough.
    “He told me he would come see me. He’ll be here. The others said he never breaks a promise.”
    That was just great! She was considering retreating to her office off her bedroom when the front door opened and the very man she wanted to avoid entered the cottage. His dark gaze immediately sought hers. A trapped sensation held her immobile next to Andy in the middle of the living area off the entrance.
    “Dr. Jacob. You came! I knew you would.” With his hand cradled next to his chest, Andy hurried across the room and came to an abrupt halt inches from the doctor. The boy grinned from ear to ear. “See all the names I have!” He held up the green marker. “Will you sign it?”
    “Where?”
    “Right under Hannah’s.”
    “I’d be honored to sign your cast.” Jacob again looked at