Lakeside Romance Read Online Free

patted his trim stomach.
    Sarah laughed. “Very smart move on your part, my friend.”
    Nate’s smile disappeared. “I talked with the doctor after Melissa’s surgery. This pregnancy surprised all of us. We’re thrilled, but we’re also concerned because she’s already had two miscarriages since Little Nate was born. The doctor wants to keep her activities limited for the next couple of months to ensure she’ll be out of danger. Mel’s parents and her brother and sister-in-law have already offered to do what’s necessary to help us.”
    â€œIt’s always great to have a supportive family.” Sarah’s heart panged a little. Other than Caleb and Zoe, she didn’t really know what that entailed. “What can I do to help?”
    â€œI need to know if you can handle the program by yourself. We still have church members signed up each week as volunteers to lend a hand, so you won’t be all by yourself. Plus, I’ll be in every morning to do the daily devotional like we talked about. Melissa’s stressing out about losing this outreach opportunity. If she knows you’re willing to continue the program without her, then she’ll relax.”
    â€œYes, Nate, of course. Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it.”
    â€œGreat. Because backing out is not really an option.” Nate drained his cup and stood, grabbing the tray. “I appreciate everything you’re doing, Sarah. Like I said when I hired you—if this program is a success, the board wants to make it a full-time opportunity. That way we can help these kids way past summer, even if it’s only for a couple of hours after school. They need to know they matter.”
    Sarah followed Nate out of the cafeteria, chewing on his final words. She’d figure out a way to get through the cooking portion of the program, even if it meant reading dozens of cookbooks, viewing YouTube videos or binge-watching the Food Network. It couldn’t be that hard. After all, a bunch of teenagers wouldn’t be expecting Rachael Ray, right?
    She couldn’t let her church family down...or the kids involved in the program.
    * * *
    If only life’s problems could be solved with a pot of soup.
    Alec lifted the lid and stirred the heavy cream into the zuppa Toscana bubbling on the stove. He tossed in two large handfuls of chopped kale, gave it another stir and then topped the pot with the lid to let everything simmer for about ten more minutes. The aroma of cooked sausage and fried bacon mingled with the chopped onion and pressed garlic.
    Ella Fitzgerald crooned from his docked iPhone on the counter. He hummed along as she sang about someone watching over her.
    The timer on his bread maker beeped. After turning the machine off, Alec reached for a pot holder, pulled the bread pan out and turned over the steaming loaf of Italian herb bread onto the metal cooling rack.
    The doorbell pealed, sending his shoulders to his ears. He made another mental note to install a different, less intrusive sounding one.
    Swallowing a sigh, he dropped the pot holder on the counter and wiped his hands on a dish towel before heading to the door.
    He’d left the front door open, allowing the afternoon breeze to sweep in through the screen door. He saw a woman’s silhouette on the porch. Too tall to be his sister. Besides, Chloe would knock once and come in without waiting for an invitation. Or come in through the back door.
    The woman turned, and his steps slowed. His new tenant stood on his welcome mat, her arms wrapped around a stack of books, and a wide smile emphasized those incredible cheekbones.
    â€œCan I help you?”
    She shifted the books and pulled a hand free to give him a little wave. “Hi, Alec...right?”
    He nodded, but didn’t say anything more.
    â€œYeah, well, I checked my mail and found a letter addressed to you in my box.” She pulled an envelope off the stack of