Lights and Shadows (Oregon In Love) by Bonnie Blythe Read Free Book Online Page B

hand. “It’s okay. You have my permission to cry
whenever you feel like it. Besides, you’ve had some rough months,
with the accident and all.”
    Grasping onto that excuse like a lifeline, Julia nodded as she dried
her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure that’s what it is. Thanks for being so
understanding.”
    Sara handed her another tissue. “I just wanted your okay to use
Nicole. If it’s a boy, we’ll use Brian’s middle name, Alan.”
    “I’m honored, of course.” Julia took a deep breath. “Now
really, is there anything I can help you with today?”
    “Nope, you’ve done enough around here. You seem to keep
forgetting you’re on sabbatical.
    Besides, you’re pampering me with all your help and I’m liable to
get spoiled.”
    “You deserve to be pampered.”
    Sara gave an imperious wave of her hand. “I hereby dismiss you from
your duties.”
    Julia smiled weakly. Sara couldn’t know the anxiety a lack of
purpose caused within her. Her eyes roamed around the room. She
caught sight of a shelf lined with cookbooks. An idea began to form
in her mind, flooding her with relief.
    “Sara, can I make dinner for you and Brian tomorrow night? It would
be a way for me to thank you for all your hospitality and kindness.”
    “Well, we don’t have anyone booked for then so unless someone
drops in, we could use the big table in the dining room.” Sara sent
her a hard stare. “But there’s no reason to go to such trouble.”
    “It won’t be any trouble, it’ll be fun, I promise. So is
tomorrow at six-thirty, okay?”
    “Fine. Oh, I almost forgot. Marc is stopping by to talk to Brian
about an equipment cabinet he wants built.”
    Julia’s excitement faltered. “Of course, he’s welcome too.”
She stood. “Is it alright if I borrow the car again? I’d like to
go into town and pick up some things.”
    “You know where the keys are.”
    As she headed out the door, Julia breathed a small sigh of relief.
Busyness would keep her from brooding about the accident and...other
things.
    Especially other things.

    ***

    The next morning, Julia felt well enough to get through a short
workout session. That fact bolstered her mood as she went ahead with
her plans for dinner. See, I don't have to let a 'chance'
encounter with an attractive man upset my equilibrium .
    She spent the day beginning preparations for her chosen menu which
consisted of cream of celery root soup, standing rib roast, mashed
potatoes and Swiss chard terrine, steamed asparagus with lemon
butter, parslied carrots, and for dessert, flavored coffee and white
chocolate cheesecake with raspberry sauce.
    When she could take a break from cooking, she spiffed the living and
dining rooms, placing scented candles all around. Their fragrance
mingled with the scent of fresh cut flowers she'd brought in from the
yard.
    By the time the food was prepared, Julia realized she’d used just
about every bowl and utensil in the kitchen. Clean up would be a
major undertaking. She blew a lock of hair from her eyes and saw it
was after five-thirty. After setting the table, she hurried back to
the cottage for a quick shower.
    Julia changed into a textured silk blouse in a slate blue color with
a matching skirt. When she was satisfied with her hair and makeup,
she headed back to the house and began removing the dishes warming in
the oven.
    Just before the appointed time, Sara drifted in, still sleepy from a
nap. She was followed by her husband, freshly-showered after
returning home from work. At the same time, Julia heard the crunch of
gravel in the driveway when a vehicle pulled in and parked. After
lighting the candles, she schooled her expression into a polite mask
as Marc walked in the front door.
    Julia was glad she’d made some attempt to prepare herself. Coming
face to face with him left her decidedly weak in the knees. She
smiled and gathered everyone around the table, asking Brian to give
thanks when they were settled. When the prayer was over, she kept
busy serving