Read Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) for Free Online

caretaking. She needed quiet, so she poured a cup of coffee in the kitchen then stepped on to the porch to rest her weary body on the swing. The porch light glowed dim, and the crickets serenaded her. The privacy soothed her soul like crashing waves on a beach at sunset. As she sipped her coffee, a bird sang, and the song relaxed her even more. What kind of bird chirped such a peaceful song at dusk?
    From the shadows, the shuffle of boots sounded, and Cora jumped. “Who’s there?” she called, already getting up from the swing.
    “Keep your seat. It’s just me, Rex.”
    “You startled me. I didn’t know anyone else was out here.”
    “I come out here almost every evenin’ at dusk. I like hearin’ the birds sing.”
    Cora stared at Rex. This rough-hewn man appreciated the gentle sound of a bird, after the way he’d acted earlier? “What kind of bird is that?”
    He moved out of the shadows and sat down in a wicker rocking chair near the swing. “It’s a meadowlark. Whenever I feel outta sorts, I come out here and listen to it sing, and I feel better.” A gentle breeze blew across him, whipping his curls across his forehead.
    His tenderness struck Cora speechless. As she gazed at him, his face showered with muted light, his earthy scent traveled in her direction on the wind. His bronze skin accented his deep brown hair and coal black eyes. His sadness couldn't be masked by his handsomeness. Oh, the pain of loss. Should she share her past with him?
    “Well, I’ll see ya tomorrow. I’ve gotta get to bed.” Rex stood from the rocker.
    “Okay. It was nice talking to you. Good night,” she said softly.
    “By the way, I’m sorry I came on so strongly this mornin’. I just want the best for my girl.” Rex walked away.
    “I…”
    Rex disappeared back into the shadows before she could say anything to this mysterious man. She finished her coffee, scolding herself for letting her thoughts stray toward him in the first place. She’d briefly forgotten about Clark. She was, after all, still a married woman.

Chapter 4
     
    Cora came through the dining-room doorway, heading up the curved staircase, when Pearl called out to her from the family room. She turned and walked through the foyer into the room.
    “Yes, ma’am?”
    “Would you like to ride into town with us in the morning for church? We always take Susie. You’re welcome to go with us.”
    “I’d love to come along.” She smiled. “What time do you leave?”
    “About nine-thirty.”
    “I’ll get up and get Susie ready and go with you. Thanks for asking me.” Cora swiveled toward the stairs and missed landing in Rex’s arms by only a few inches. “Excuse me. I didn’t know you were behind me.” Cora gazed up at this towering man, his warm hands on her shoulders, and felt herself blush. Thankfully, the lighting was dim in the foyer.
    “I just walked up. No harm done. G’night.”
    “Good night.” As Cora climbed the stairs, Rex addressed his parents.
    “Mom, I’m going to Wild Bill’s.”
    “At this hour? Rex, it’s after ten.”
    “Mom, I’m twenty-seven years old. I can go out past ten.” Rex shuffled his snakeskin boots across the pine floor.
    “Son, your mother is only concerned about you. Do you really think you need to be going there? Regardless of what time it is, it’s hardly the place for you,” R.L. pleaded.
    “Pop, I can take care of myself. I need to get away for a little while. That’s all. I’ll be back later. Don’t wait up.” Rex turned to leave.
    Cora crept quietly up the stairs, hiding in the shadows but not getting out of earshot. Why had he told her he planned to go to bed if he intended to go out?
    “We’ve got so much to work on with the ranch, son. You don’t need to be out at all hours of the night.”
    “What about church, Rex?”
    “Mom!” Rex shut the front door.
    In her room, Cora readied herself for bed. What was Wild Bill’s? A bar, probably. She sighed heavily, sad that a little girl lay