Randall Wedding by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online Page B

efforts.
    “I know how Angel can have a daddy and plenty of family. Without you giving up any control.”
    She stared at him. “How?” she asked slowly.
    “Marry me.”

Chapter Five
    She stared at him. Then she gave him her answer. “No!”
    “Wait! Let me explain. I don’t want to marry, either.”
    “Well, you’re sure going about it the wrong way. Someone might accept if you go around asking.”
    “But I want to marry you for that very reason,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken.
    “That doesn’t make sense.”
    “Yes, it does, if you’ll let me explain.”
    She nodded, watching him closely, as if he was an unpredictable creature.
    “You know my…my wife died summer a year ago. I stopped living. I existed. I closed myself off to every emotion. I hid behind the numbers I work with. I avoided all weddings, babies, parties, celebrations. I was cowardly, I know. When you and Angel came into my life, you forced me back to life. I fell in love again.”
    She looked alarmed and he hurriedly added,“Don’t panic. And don’t take offense. I fell in love with Angel.”
    Her face softened. As it always did when her daughter was involved. He loved that about her. Liked. Liked that, that was what he meant.
    “What I want is to be Angel’s father. What you want for Angel is family. I’ve got more family than anyone you know.”
    “I’ll agree with you there,” she said, relaxing enough to smile at him.
    “Don’t you see? Neither of us wants a marital relationship. But if we marry, no one will try to marry us off. I’ll sign whatever restrictions you want.”
    “I have to warn you, Russ. My father will probably try to take away any money I have. I’ll have to get a job to help support the two of us.”
    “That’s the beauty of our plan. Not only do I have family, I also have money. I’ve made more than a good living. And Tori does my investments. She’s a genius.”
    “Tori? The doctor’s wife?”
    “Yeah. Amazing, isn’t it?”
    “But you shouldn’t have to support the two of us.” She wouldn’t look at him. “That wouldn’t be fair. Besides…” She hesitated, as if she had something else to confess.
    “What is it, honey?” Russ asked softly, stepping over to sit beside her on the sofa.
    “My father can be very unpleasant.”
    Russ kept waiting, expecting something more. Finally he said, “That’s it? He can be unpleasant?”
    “Okay, he can be a bastard. Especially if he has power over you.”
    “But he has no power over me.”
    “He’ll try to ruin you.”
    “And you think I would walk away and leave Angel to him?”
    “My husband did. Well, he didn’t walk away. He decided to give in, thinking it would make him rich. Daddy bought him a fast car. It killed him.”
    “Your husband gave you up for a sports car?” Russ asked, astounded. Now he understood Isabella’s attitude toward marriage…and men. “You’ll be safe with me, honey. If I want a sports car, I can buy one myself.”
    “Russ, I don’t think you’ve thought about this enough. I think you’re acting on impulse.”
    “Just think about it. Now that the storm has stopped and you’re getting better, you’re going to have to make some decisions. Oh, by the way, Nick sent a letter to you in New York. Will your father get it?”
    She shuddered. “Yes. That means he’ll call Nick and probably show up here. When did he send the letter?”
    “We’ll ask him tonight. Just think about what I’ve said. We’ll talk again later.” He finished just as a knock came on the front door and Angel let out a roar.
    “She never starts off easy, does she,” Russ saidas he picked her up. “Why don’t you change her while I get the door and make the bottle.” He reluctantly handed the baby to Isabella.
    He opened the door and invited Nick and Sarah in.
    “I hope we didn’t wake the baby,” Sarah said, her gaze searching the room for the source of the noise.
    Russ grinned. “Nah. She’s right on schedule.