Reading Online Novel

The Missing Heir(44)



                “He’s so young,” she said softly. “He won’t remember either of them.”

                Cole reached out and took her hand. “He’ll remember you.”

                “It’s not the same thing.”

                There was a deep sadness in her eyes, and it wasn’t at all what he’d planned for her tonight.

                “Hot chocolate?” he asked, nodding toward the strip of shops and cafés. “I’ll spring for whipped cream and orange brandy.”

                Her expression relaxed again. “Sure.”

                They coasted to a stop, exchanged their skates for boots and made their way through the colored lights and happy crowds. It felt natural to take Amber’s hand again as they strolled along the pedestrian street. He helped her pick out a stuffed dog and a soft rattle for Zachary. They waited while the clerk gift wrapped the toys, and Cole slung the package over his shoulder.

                “That looks nice.” He pointed across the street to a fenced restaurant patio with padded chairs and glowing propane heaters.

                “Sold,” said Amber.

                They crossed through the crowds and were shown to a table near a festively lit garden.

                He glanced at his watch. “I read there were fireworks at ten.”

                “Perfect timing.” She glanced around. “I love it down here at Christmas.”

                “There’s nothing like this in Juneau.”

                “Too cold?”

                “During the holidays, yes. We do fireworks on the Fourth of July, but they lose something since it doesn’t get completely dark at night.”

                “Not at all?”

                “A sort of twilight look around 2:00 a.m. But you can golf at midnight on the solstice.”

                “I can’t even picture it. Do you like living there?”

                “I love living there. Juneau has a great sense of community.”

                “Tell me about your mother.”

                Cole brought up fond memories. “She was very pretty. She was kind and cheerful. She worked hard. Looking back, I realize just how hard she had to work when I was young.”

                “She never went after your father for support?”

                “She didn’t want him to know I existed.”

                The statement clearly piqued Amber’s interest. “Why not?”

                Cole immediately realized his mistake in letting Samuel get into the conversation. He purposely kept the rest of his answer casual. “She thought he’d be more trouble than he was worth.”

                Amber nodded her understanding. “I hear you.”

                How she said it made him wonder if she’d had bad experiences with men. He wanted to ask, but just then, the waitress arrived with magnificent mugs of hot chocolate, decorated with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

                “Dessert in a cup,” said Amber with a happy smile.