Captured In Ink (Art of Love Series) by Donna McDonald Page B

Michael supposed that was true, but it was also a day neither of them would forget—just like he would never forget she told him she loved him on their wedding night. He doubted his Dad and Jessica would have as much drama on their big day.
    Carrie looked at Jessica, back at Michael, and then at Jessica again. “You can borrow my car to drive to Tennessee, Jessica. It gets great mileage.”
    Shane and Brooke burst out laughing, and then Shane looked at the clock. It read eight forty-five.
    “Damn it. I’m late now,” he said. “See you all later.”
    Running, he slammed the door behind him, and a minute later the motorcycle roared to life and off.
    “Where’s Shane going in such a hurry?” Brooke asked.
    “Hot date,” Michael said snidely, topping off his coffee. “Little mamma can’t date normally. He can only see her in the mornings.”
    Carrie smacked his arm. “Why can’t you even try to understand? He’s in love with her, Michael. Reesa is a perfectly wonderful person with unfortunate circumstances. How many people have a perfect life anyway?”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. I like her too,” Michael admitted. “I’m just—worried about Shane I guess.”
    “We all have our journeys,” Jessica said. “Shane is obviously on his.”
    “Well I want to be next,” Brooke said fiercely. “All these family love vibes are driving me crazy. I want my own special guy now, or I’m going to have to start trolling bars and picking up men.”
    Jessica reached over and patted her hand. “I have a feeling it won’t be long. You’ve had that plan of yours in your head so long, the universe is bound to start delivering on it soon. So, Carrie, how soon will you be ready to go?”
    Carrie shrugged. “I’m awake now. I’ll grab a yogurt bar from the freezer for breakfast and I’m ready when you are.”
    “I’m going to try to finish the welds while you’re gone,” Michael said.
    “Okay,” Carrie said, hugging him. “We’re just window shopping today. If I like it, we’ll go back so you can take a look.”
    “Whatever suits you will suit me,” Michael said. “I’m going to see that you have five pieces when you open.”
    Carrie hugged him tightly again and kissed him soundly. Knowing he had such faith in her was a gift her husband gave her every day.
    “I think this is going to be more than just window shopping,” Jessica said. “You should see how perfect this place is. I don’t think chances like this happen often.”
    Brooke smiled. “Want me to see if Dr. Barrymore can meet us there? He’s actually the one that recommended it to me.”
    “Great idea. You have his number?” Jessica asked.
    “I know more about the man than his own mother does,” Brooke joked, rolling through the previously dialed numbers in her phone. “I did an Internet search on him right after I got the email back from him. His paintings are very good—if you’re into nudes.”
    “Nudes?” Jessica said. “Sounds fun. Is he single?”
    “Yes, but he’s old, Mom. He’s forty-two and divorced,” Brooke told her. “That’s way out of my range, though I have to admit his school website picture was very attractive. He’s got long hair like Michael’s, just with more gray.”
    “You and your forty is old attitude,” Jessica said, shaking her head. “Forty is not old. One day that ageist mentality is going to bite you on the butt, girl.”
    “Well speaking of that, I didn’t say I wouldn’t let him bite me on the butt if the offer ever was extended. I just think he’s too old for a real relationship,” Brooke said, laughing.
    “Sometimes I wish I had set a better example for you,” Jessica said, patting her daughter’s hand. “But most of the time, I’m just proud.”
    “Okay, I’m starting to get excited now. Coffee is working. Let’s go,” Carrie said.

Chapter 7
     
    Reesa laid her head on the kitchen table next to her half drank, rapidly cooling coffee. Sara had cried for almost two