One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series) by Celeste Norfleet Read Free Book Online Page B

they’re about to do serious battle.”
    Louise smiled. “They’ll be fine,” she assured him.
    Colonel Wheeler shook his head in disagreement. “Fine, my dear, is when you respectfully disagree. Those two are ready to go to war. I’ve seen that same look in men under my command in two wars, a peacekeeping mission and several covert operations. That’s one furious lady. I think you might have chosen someone a bit more easy-going.”
    “For Raymond? Nah, heavens no. He’s a big boy. Besides, he’s been getting too big for his britches lately, he needs to be knocked down a few pegs.”
    Colonel Wheeler continued to shake his head. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”
    Louise thought for a moment then smiled, perhaps conflict was inevitable. Raymond is a very strong willed man but, to her credit, Dr. Adams appeared to be able to hold her own. “No, dear,” she took his hand, “I have a feeling that this will work out just fine.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    Louise smiled happily. “Aren’t I always.”
    Otis kissed her forehead. “Yes dear, you are. But I have to warn you, don’t get your hopes up. This time it doesn’t look promising.”
    “Trust me.”
    Colonel Wheeler nodded doubtfully as he thought about Louise’s last matchmaking plan. She was right about her other grandson Tony and his wife Madison. Now those two were an impossible match. But, somehow Louise found a way and everything worked out. Wheeler leaned down and kissed her forehead again. That’s why he adored this very special woman. She had a heart of gold with just enough mischief in it to make his life interesting.
    Suddenly the door opened.
    Raymond angrily marched in. “That woman is impossible,” he declared, as Louise slyly looked at Wheeler. “How she successfully got through med school I have no idea. She must have gotten her degree on Riker’s Island or Alcatraz. She has the finesse of a storm trooper, the temperament of General Patton and the tact of a raging bull.”
    Raymond paced the floor angrily continuing to rant. “Do you believe that she had the audacity to refuse my consultation on your case? Can you believe that? She wants me to sign in and out like some kind of...of...visitor.”  Louise looked at Wheeler. Her eyes twinkled.
    Colonel Wheeler nodded his agreement and relented to her matchmaking mastery. Yes , he thought to himself, she had done it again . It was only a matter of time before Raymond would realize that he was a goner. But by then, it would be too late. Colonel Wheeler chuckled to himself and wondered how long it would take for Raymond to recognize that his cleverness at eluding his grandmother’s set-ups had been a complete waste of time. He had literally stormed right into her plan.

Chapter Five
     
    Hope slammed the patient file on the nearest desk and plopped down in the nearest chair. She perched her elbows on the armrests, closed her eyes, then swirled the swivel chair around in several complete circles. The light-headed dizzy feeling instantly distracted her.
    She’d just had another useless talk with her favorite frequent flyer patient. The conversation went around in circles much like the chair she was now spinning around in. It had been futile to point out the dangers of staying in an abusive relationship. She knew her patient put her life in jeopardy each time she went back home. Yet, instead of seeing the potential for disaster, she merely validated her husband’s brutal behavior. Hope shook her head dismayed as the pointless conversation rang in her mind.
     
    “Mrs. Jackson, Leanne,” Hope softened her tone and continued patiently, “it’s very evident that your abrasions are not accidental or self-inflicted.”
    Leanne ran her fingers through her limp mousy brown hair and looked away. She shifted her frail-looking body uncomfortably in the hospital bed. “I don’t understand,” she stammered and lowered the ice pack from her brow.
    “I think you do.”
    “I don’t