Читать книгу His Band Of Gold - Melissa McClone, Melissa Mcclone - Страница 12

The air whooshed from Kelsey’s lungs. Talk about open-foot-insert-mouth. She struggled for a breath and the right—appropriate—words to say. Even though she was able to handle even the most awkward situations, this one left her speechless. Not wanting the uncomfortable silence to stretch any further, she settled for the most obvious yet overused sentiment. “I’m so sorry, Will.”

“Thanks.”

No pain in his voice; no anguish on his face, but that didn’t make her feel any better. Okay, his wife had died eight years ago not eight days, but Kelsey still felt about a quarter of an inch tall. It was obvious from everything he’d said about love and marriage that his heart still belonged to one woman and one woman only—his late wife, Sara. “I hope I didn’t—”

“You didn’t.”

“I thought since you wore a wedding band…”

“It’s okay, Kelsey. Really.”

She nodded, wanting to believe him and not wanting to say another word. Her brother would have a good laugh. Cade always called her Ms. Manners and teased her about writing an etiquette book when she tired of designing weddings. So much for handling any situation with aplomb and ease.

The muted whine of the plane’s engine filled the cabin, kept the silence from becoming unbearable. Kelsey straightened in her seat and dug the toes of her black boots into the carpet. It couldn’t be too much longer until they arrived at the airport. Yet each passing minute felt like an hour. She’d never heard Starr or Faith mention Will being a widower. They’d never even mentioned he’d been married. Questions about him filled Kelsey’s mind. She wanted to know the answers, but she didn’t dare ask.

Will looked to be in his early thirties. If Sara was his soul mate and one true love, did that mean he planned to spend the rest of his days alone? Kelsey wasn’t sure whether his answer would make him the world’s biggest romantic or the biggest fool. Surely he must have loved Sara—still loved her—if her memory was enough for him. Kelsey found it hard to believe anyone could love another that much.

Will cleared his throat. “Once we arrive, we’ll head to the Lake Inn. You’ll have the use of one of our suites.”

“Thank you.” The edges of Kelsey’s mouth turned up slightly. “You were confident I’d come if you saved a room.”

“Let’s say I was hopeful,” he admitted. “Tonight you can unpack and get settled in. We’ll have breakfast at my parents’ house and start work tomorrow.”

She hesitated. This required the right amount of tact. “I appreciate your offer to help, but I’m sure it would be a huge inconvenience to both you and Starr Properties to spend the next two weeks working with me.”

He chuckled. “I appreciate your concern, but Starr Properties has been doing quite well these past few months without me working eighty hours a week. My staff knows how to find me if they need anything. And you know Faith. She’d kill me if I didn’t keep her informed about everything you were doing. Trust me, it will be easier if I’m completely involved.”