Love and Secrets - Kit Morgan Page 0,2
about it. John Turner and Crystal Jones.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I guess it was about time they got married.”
“Did your folks fill you in on what happened between the time you left Clear Creek and their wedding?”
“No, but he hinted it was a lot.”
“You can say that again.” Rhys put an arm around him and steered him toward the rest of his family. “Come say hello to the folks.”
Before he knew it, Zane was standing in front of Lincoln and Mavis Cooke, Rhys’ parents. Lincoln took one look at him and smiled. “Zane, good to see you. How’s New York?”
“It’s still there.”
“How long are you visiting?” Mavis asked. “You’ll have to come out to the ranch for dinner one night.”
Zane smiled. The Cookes had always been kind to him. “Thanks, that would be nice.” He looked around. “Where’s Grandpa?”
Lincoln laughed. “John and Crystal’s wedding wore dad out yesterday.”
“I swear that man out danced everyone,” Mavis commented. “But don’t worry, he’ll recover in no time. I’m sure you’ll see him while you’re in town.”
“I hear it was quite the reception,” Zane said.
“Was it ever,” Mavis said.
He smiled and spoke briefly with the rest of the Cookes before he caught sight of a familiar face. “Holly…”
“If you’d been here yesterday,” Rhys said, “you could have danced with her and got reacquainted.”
Zane looked away and cleared his throat. “Maybe.” His eyes darted around the sanctuary, looking for the nearest exit. “It was great seeing all of you again. But I have to go.”
“So soon?” Rhys said disappointed.
Zane glanced in Holly’s direction. She was with Katie Turner. He didn’t know her married name. Had she gone back to using her maiden? She had three kids, all of which were with her. He remembered her husband was killed in Iraq about four years ago.
“Holly looks good, doesn’t she?” Rhys asked.
“Yeah, sure.”
“You don’t sound very excited to see her. Why not go say hi?”
Zane watched Holly as she, Katie and the children headed toward the church doors. “I don’t want to keep them from anything. I’m sure I’ll run into her eventually.”
Rhys nodded. “I guess it has been a long time.”
“Years.” He shrugged and turned to him. “Not since high school.”
“I guess you’re right,” Rhys said. “I guess after seeing John and Crystal get back together, it’s the first thing I thought of.”
Zane watched Holly leave the church. She’d been the love of his life once. But that was a lifetime ago. Besides, his life was forever changed now. There was no going back. All he could do was move forward.
“Are you sure you don’t have time to go grab a bite?” Rhys asked. “Or does your mom want you to herself this afternoon?”
Zane smiled. Everyone in Clear Creek knew his mother showed affection through cooking. “I don’t want to disappoint her. You could join us if you want, but it’ll be a quick lunch. I have some things to do this afternoon.”
“Sounds great. Be right back.”
Zane continued to study the familiar and unfamiliar faces that filled the church as Rhys spoke to his parents then rejoined him. “All right, let’s go.”
Zane smiled and went straight to his mother. She was speaking with the Turners. “What a lovely idea for a honeymoon,” she gushed. “How did you arrange it so quickly?”
“We have friends here and there,” Angie said with a grin. She smiled at Zane and Rhys. “And here’s the prodigal son now.” She turned her smile on his mother. “I bet you’re glad to have him back.”
His mother put an arm around him. “You have no idea. It’s been so long!”
“How long are you in town for?” Angie asked.
Zane shrugged. “Maybe a couple of weeks. We’ll see.” He smiled at his mom. “You don’t mind if we have one more for lunch, do you?”
Rhys gave her a huge grin and waggled his eyebrows.
She laughed. “Of course not,” she said and patted Zane on the chest. “You invite whoever you want, son.”
“I think I’m it,” Rhys said. “Especially when Zane has things to do this afternoon.”
His mother took on a look of surprise. “You do? You didn’t say anything this morning.”
“There’s some things I need, Mom,” Zane said. “That’s all. I just have a little shopping to do.”
“Well, all right,” she said in disappointment and looked at Rhys. “Man shows up late at night, knocks on our door, kisses me on the cheek and then leaves for a motel. The very idea.”
“At least he came to breakfast this morning,” Pastor Brody said as