The Wedding Party by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online Page A

endless crying.
    When she was finished, Dennis said, “You know, it could be a number of things—from the predictable old-age dementia to Alzheimer’s. It could even be small strokes…or maybe she was just very tired or had other worries on her mind. Then again, maybe itonly appeared she was confused and lost when she was daydreaming.”
    â€œDo you think it’s possible?” she asked hopefully.
    â€œI think she’d better see a doctor, a specialist. There’s a good geriatrics doctor at St. Rose’s. People like him. If you can get Lois to go, I can get her a quick appointment. He owes me.”
    Dennis always made everything all right. No matter what the crisis, he could be counted on. “I would be so lost without you,” she said.
    â€œSo that was what had you crying? Worrying about your mother?”
    â€œYes. Silly, isn’t it? I usually check things out before I overreact.”
    â€œAnd were you so overwrought that you walked home from your car in the rain?”
    She grimaced. Ah yes, there was something else she hadn’t mentioned. “Jake was on his way here to ask me a favor,” she said. “He pulled up right behind me, moments after the tire went flat. It started to pour so I got in his car to sit it out. Then he asked me if I’d put on a little weight.”
    Dennis couldn’t help himself. He started to laugh.
    â€œI wasn’t amused,” she said.
    â€œI don’t imagine you were.” He had no trouble envisioning her as she jumped out of his car and, furious, walked the rest of the way in the rain. “Just tell me one thing. You didn’t suggest we get married because Jake made you feel fat, did you?”
    â€œNo,” she said. “But by the time I got here, soaked and mad, I realized that the one thing in my life thatI have always been able to count on is you. And I’m stupid not to tie you down and get you off the market.”
    â€œCharlene, I’ve been off the market for five years.”
    â€œAnd I’ve been crazy to let you run around loose. Dennis? Do you think it’s a bad idea? Because—”
    He covered her hand with his. “I think it’s probably about time.”
    She sighed in relief. For some reason, all she wanted was to have this one part of her life settled. Mapped out, covered, secured. Done.
    â€œWhy don’t you take a soak while I clean the dishes,” he said. “Then I’ll start the bedroom fireplace and meet you in there.”
    She had a moment’s hesitation. “Dennis—”
    â€œIt’s all right, Charlene,” he said, reading her mind. “We’ve both had rough days. I’m thinking along the lines of a little CNN before sleeping.”
    By the time she got out of the bath, he had already nodded off on top of the comforter. At 5:00 a.m. she felt his lips touch her forehead as he prepared to leave for his early start in the emergency room. She could smell the coffee he’d made, and although he was clean shaven, there would be no evidence that he’d used the bathroom sink; Dennis was as immaculate as she. She couldn’t have asked for a better night’s sleep, all her worries and anxieties put to rest by the best companion of her life.
    Yes, it was probably about time.

Three
    W hen Charlene entered her office, Pam London was taken aback. “Wow,” she said, her mouth dropping open in surprise. “Look at you.”
    â€œWhat?” Charlene asked, but she smiled because she knew what Pam saw. She’d seen it herself in the mirror that very morning.
    â€œYou look ravishing. You haven’t looked this good since you got back from Mazatlan.”
    â€œRavishing?”
    â€œMy, my, yes.” Pam squinted a bit, studying Charlene’s face. “What is it? New makeup?”
    â€œNot exactly. Come into my office, will you?” Pam followed, notepad in hand, and shut the door