Once a Thief Read online

  “That was partly my fault. How could you know you could trust me?”

  “Sutton made threats against you.”

  He inhaled sharply. Sutton had wanted her for himself.

  “I was afraid. Afraid he’d hurt you or your family if I told.”

  “I know, sweetheart. Pop figured that one out.”

  “I finally told Amelia a little, but I even regretted that. I was afraid if Sutton found out he’d hurt her, too.”

  “It’s all right. Nothing is going to hurt you again. Not if I can help it.” He looked at her with longing. “Could you possibly love me, too?”

  A look of surprise crossed her face. “I do love you. I thought you knew that.”

  Joy washed over Blake, and he drew her into his arms. “Sweetheart, you need to know I’m returning to law school.”

  Her eyes widened, and she leaned back in his arms and looked up at him. “You mean you’re not going to write music anymore?”

  He grinned. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing music. But it’ll have to be a secondary career. Do you think you could stand being married to a stodgy attorney?”

  “You could never be stodgy.” She started to smile. Then a frown appeared between her eyes. “But, Blake, I have to take care of Jimmy.”

  “Of course. But it’s we that will take care of Jimmy. I always wanted a little brother.”

  Happiness filled her eyes. “Are you sure, Blake, absolutely sure?”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. So. . .will you marry me?”

  A glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes. “Can I still be an actress?”

  “Do you want to be?”

  “Only for a little while. I’d hate to stop being Peg just now.”

  He laughed. “Okay. That’s settled. When Peg in Dreamland closes, you quit the theater and we get married.”

  “What if it goes on forever?”

  “In that case, Bosley will have to find someone else.”

  “Look, Blake. It’s snowing.” Sure enough, big flakes were falling all around them. One landed on Danielle’s nose. She giggled and brushed it away as Blake threw his head back and laughed.

  “Hmm.” She threw him a coy smile. “I wonder how it feels to be kissed in the snow.”

  Blake pulled her closer. “Let’s find out.”

  About the Author

  FRANCES DEVINE spent most of her childhood, teen, and young adult years in Dallas, Texas, but lived for five years in a little country community called Brushy Creek among the beautiful pinewoods of East Texas. There, she wrote her first story at the age of nine. She moved to Southwest Missouri more than twenty years ago and fell in love with the hills, the fall colors, and Silver Dollar City. Frances considers herself blessed to have the opportunity to write for Barbour. She is the mother of seven adult children and has sixteen wonderful grandchildren. Frances is happy to hear from her fans. E-mail her at [email protected].

  Dedication

  For my granddaughter, Cat, who loves to act. I’m so happy you’ve dedicated your dreams to Jesus. I hope you like Danielle’s story.

  A note from the Author:

  I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

  Frances Devine

  Author Relations

  PO Box 721

  Uhrichsville, OH 44683

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Prologue

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  About the Author

  Dedication