Homespun Bride

174 Homespun BrideRobert had already thought to invite Thad? Intriguing.Thunder rattled the windowpanes and the crystal teardropsof the lamps as she opened the back door.Icy wind slammed into her, but she hardly noticedit. She felt warm and as light as a May day. “Look whatrascal has come in out of the storm.”“A rascal?” Thad’s chuckle was as warm as hope,as welcome as rediscovered dreams. “I suppose you’reright about that.” There was a rustle, as if he werehanging up his coat. “Your uncle was kind enough toinvite me to dinner with you all.”“Yes, and I think I was the last to know about it.”“That right? I’d thought the invitation had originallycome from you.”“It would have, if I had thought of it sooner.”“Is that so?” How about that? Thad felt the hardshell of tension in his chest ease a notch, making iteasier to breathe. She breezed past him like warmth andlight, and he could not help but follow. Some things likeice and snow and February storms were as inevitableand unstoppable as his affection for her.He closed the door tight against the poundingweather, glad for the wave of warmth that washed overhim. The delicious aroma coming from the stove madehis stomach growl. The rare chance of walking atNoelle’s side made him feel alive again in his heart andspirit—places he’d thought had been in the dark for toolong to survive.“I can hear Sadie settling the serving bowls on thetable,” Noelle said over her shoulder as she followedthe wall to a closed door. “Prepare yourself for theWorthington inquisition.”“The what?”