Read Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) for Free Online Page A

him through the living room and outside to the screen porch. Pointing toward the woods enclosing the backyard, she said, “The lightning bugs are coming out. Soon they’ll be hundreds of them. When we were younger, Rose and I used to catch them and put them in glass bottles. We’d pretend we were on a deserted island waiting to be rescued by a handsome pirate captain. The plan was for Rose to marry the pirate, and I would become the first mate.”
    “Didn’t you want to marry the pirate?”
    Laurel shook her head. “I didn’t like boys then. They pulled my hair and teased me.”
    Colton chuckled. “A natural reaction – young boys don’t know how to express their affection. It doesn’t get any easier when we grow up. We’re drawn toward these fascinating creatures we can’t hope to fully understand.”
    “Doesn’t that just add to the ‘thrill of the chase’?”
    “You’re not supposed to know about that,” he protested.
    “Is it such a big secret?”
    Before he could answer, the doorbell rang. “I’ve been saved by the pizza.”
    * * * *
    Colton glanced reluctantly at his phone; it was after one in the morning. Where had the time gone? Laurel had fallen asleep while they were watching a movie. For the last hour, he’d done nothing but look at her. He wound a lock of her hair around his fingers, wanting to delay the moment he would have to wake her up. Had he only known her three days?
    “Laurel,” he said softly.
    Her eyes opened, and an apologetic smile touched her mouth. “I’m not used to staying up late.”
    It was all he could do not to kiss her again. “It’s my fault; I should have left long ago. You have to work tomorrow.”
    She moved away from him. “I’m sorry for using you as a pillow. You must have strong shoulders. I’m not exactly petite.”
    He smiled as he pulled her up to stand next to him. “No, but you’ve got curves in all the right places.”
    Laurel laughed as she followed him to the door. “A little too curvy in some places.”
    Colton turned around and let his eyes drift over her. “You can’t be serious.”
    She looked away from his teasing glance. “What exciting things do you have planned for tomorrow?”
    “I volunteered to work the blood drive. My shift is from eight to twelve. In the afternoon, I’m helping a new arrival at the hospital move into my apartment. Ben and I have had the place to ourselves for the last six months, but we really need another person to make it affordable.”
    “Do all of you work different shifts?”
    “It would be a nightmare if we didn’t.” He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. “When can I see you again?”
    Tilting her head to the side, she eyed him speculatively. “Well, I have a Bible study tomorrow evening with the singles group at church; you’re welcome to come along.”
    “I’d love to. With my schedule, I find it difficult to get to church as often as I’d like.”
    “Can you be here by six-thirty?”
    “I should be finished by then.” He reached for her hand and lightly kissed her fingers. “See you later on today.”
    “Goodnight, Colton.”
    Laurel closed the door on his departing figure. A dreamy smile passed over her face as she remembered what had happened earlier in the kitchen. Juliet had been wrong again; Colton definitely hadn’t forgotten how to kiss.
    * * * *
    The next few days had a surreal quality that Laurel would remember years afterward. The more time she spent with Colton, the more she liked him. Everything he did reinforced her initial opinion of him as a thoughtful, caring person.
    Their shared faith in God was a particular source of happiness. So many guys she dated in the past only went to church with her because they thought it was expected. They weren’t interested in talking about God any other time.
    Colton was refreshingly different. He didn’t go on and on about his beliefs, but when asked, he wasn’t reluctant to share. He didn’t try to impress her by