One Special Christmas & Home for the Holidays by Irene Hannon Read Free Book Online

remark to Frank? He should have been content with Frank’s initial surprise when he’d accepted the invitation. There had been no need for overkill, he chastised himself.
    And now he was stuck. Frank expected him to show up with a date in tow, and he’d never hear the end of it if he didn’t. His partner would badger him about the “mystery” woman he’d “almost” brought. Even worse, thinking he was now willing to date, Frank would renewhis efforts to set his friend up, much as he had—relentlessly—for a year or two after the divorce. Eric closed his eyes and groaned. He loved Frank. Like a brother. But not when he played matchmaker. No, he had to show up with someone. And Kate Nolan was the only option.
    Besides, there were altruistic reasons for this invitation, he rationalized. Kate seemed to lead far too solitary a life. As far as he could see, she only had Sarah. The little girl was a charmer, he acknowledged, and she seemed to adequately fulfill her mother’s nurturing needs. But what about Kate’s other needs? Despite the tragedy that had taken the man she loved, she still needed adult companionship. And adult conversation. And someone who cared when she had a cold or a taxing day, who worried when she worked too hard or didn’t eat right. He was certain those needs weren’t being met. Inviting her to go with him to Frank’s party wasn’t a solution—but it might be a step toward a more normal, balanced life for her.
    Feeling more confident, he picked up the phone and dialed her number, tapping his pen restlessly against the desk as he waited. When she answered, three rings later and out of breath, his hand stilled.
    â€œMrs. Nolan? It’s Eric Carlson.” That was odd. He sounded as breathless as she did.
    There was a momentary pause, and he could sense her surprise, could imagine the look of astonishment on her face. His assessment of her reaction was confirmed by her tone of voice when she spoke.
    â€œHello, Doctor.” He heard her draw a deep breath. “I was just opening the door when the phone rang. I had to run to answer it.” And why are you calling me? The question, though unasked, hung in the air.
    â€œI wanted to thank you for the note you sent me.” She’d written him a warm, heartfelt letter after Anna had agreed to watch Sarah, and it suddenly seemed like a good way to open the conversation.
    â€œOh. You’re welcome. I was very grateful for everything you did.”
    â€œI’m just glad it worked out. Mom seems much more like her old self, even though it’s only been a week.”
    â€œWell, speaking for Sarah, this seems like a match made in heaven. She and your mom hit it off right from the beginning. Her morning tune has changed from ‘Do I have to go?’ to ‘Hurry up, Mom. We’ll be late for Aunt Anna’s.’ In fact, I’m not sure how she’ll manage away from your mom for three whole days over the Labor Day holiday.”
    That gave him the opening he needed. “Maybe she doesn’t have to.”
    He could hear the frown in Kate’s voice. “What do you mean?”
    Eric took a deep breath and willed his racing pulse to slow down. You’d think he’d never asked a woman out before, he thought with chagrin. And this wasn’t even a real date, anyway.
    â€œWell, I know this is a bit last-minute, but I was wondering if you were free Monday. My partner is having a barbecue, and I thought it might be a nice change of pace for you, after the stress of the last few weeks. And I could use a break myself.”
    Her stunned silence conveyed her reaction more eloquently than words. Well, what did he expect? he asked himself wryly. After all, they barely knew each other. In her position he’d probably react the same way. And he’d likely decline. So before she could do so, he spoke again, playing his trump card.
    â€œI’m