Page 37 of Lakehouse Promises

“I’ve never slept on a couch in my entire life.” She studied the large diamond on her well manicured hand. “It’s too late to go into town. I’ll sleep in the guest bedroom.”

“Well, it’s not fit for company.”

“And why not?”

“Because I was left with a house that renters had destroyed and I’m doing the best I can to rebuild it on very limited funds.” She fired back.

“I think I need to call Chris.”

“Perfect. I’m going to bed. There’s bedding in the hall closet.” She turned on her heel and headed into her bedroom shutting the door behind her.

The dog looked up at her.

“Things just got more complicated.” She shook her head and climbed back into bed.

She couldn’t fall back to sleep. She had never been on good terms with Janice. Her former mother-in-law had always thought her son could do no wrong and she constantly criticized Carolina when she came for a visit.

Janice always made her second-guess everything despite Carolina trying her best to please her.

Now she was tired and didn’t have the energy to worry about it. She had enough things that were taking up her time.

Carolina closed her eyes and hoped that when she woke up in the morning Janice would be gone.

Chapter 21

Carolina woke up around six. She grabbed her throw and wrapped it around her shoulders.

She slipped her feet into her boots since she didn’t have any slippers and went into the kitchen to grab some coffee.

Janice was sitting on the edge of the couch stiff as a board. She could almost pass for a mannequin.

“Good morning.” Carolina passed her on her way into the kitchen. She was kind of surprised she was still here.

“I didn’t sleep a wink,” her former mother-in-law reported, sounding as stiff as she looked. She didn’t bother looking at Carolina as she spoke.

“Sorry to hear that. Would you like some coffee before you go?”

“Coffee and cream.” She didn’t bother moving but kept her position on the couch.

Carolina fixed two cups of coffee and handed one to her. “I’m going to sit outside. You’re welcome to join me.”

Janice looked at her like she was crazy. “It’s freezing outside.”

“I know but the dog has to go outside and I like watching the sunrise.” Carolina headed to the back door.

Janice began telling her reasons why she shouldn’t go outside this early in the morning, but Carolina ignored her and stepped outside anyway.

The wind was colder and she was grateful for her boots but wished she had worn her coat.

“Hurry up. Go do your business,” she told the black dog.

He took his time sniffing each dead blade of grass before finally finding a suitable spot.

When he was finished, she reached for the doorknob and glanced over her shoulder. “Are you coming in?”

The dog looked at her and then headed toward the closest neighbor’s house.

She couldn’t blame him. Even a canine could sense the trouble inside.

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