Marry Me by Kristin Wallace Page B

Thomas Richardson had always been a hugger, a toucher, and a look-into-my-eyes-and-tell-me-your-deepest-desires kind of guy.
    Julia still had vivid memories of Sunday mornings. She used to wake up early and pad into his study to sit on his lap while he read the paper. Most of the time they didn’t speak, but sometimes he’d comment on an article he was reading. Julia hadn’t understood what he was talking about, but it hadn’t mattered. She was with him.
    He’d been her prince. Her hero. Her friend.
    Then he went away. Left her with the pretty woman who smiled vaguely and patted her head on occasion as she wafted out the door on a cloud of expensive perfume en route to her next date. There hadn’t been any more Sunday mornings.
    Julia swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “No, he was affectionate, but he always sent me away when it suited him, too. He simply never cared enough to stick.”
    Sarah reached over and turned Julia’s head back. “Like I said, not perfect, but not a monster either. For your own sake, you need to come to terms with him.”
    The statement pulled Julia back from the abyss of her own maudlin memories. Thank goodness. She stared in amazement. “Good grief, when did you morph into your mother?”
    Sarah rolled her eyes. “I’ve caught myself spouting my mother’s words lately, and it’s unsettling. I think some ”wise momma” gene must get mixed in with all those pregnancy hormones.”
    â€œDo they tell you that in those pregnancy books? Because I think women should be forewarned they’re about to turn into their mothers.”
    Sarah laughed outright. “I guess I don’t mind becoming more like my mother. She’s a pretty good example to follow.”
    â€œTrue.” Julia stood up. “Well, I have an appointment with a client and a singer.”
    â€œOh, with Meredith?”
    â€œI’m supposed to help the couple pick out music, though what I can contribute I can’t imagine.”
    â€œYou’ll do fine. Let Meredith handle everything. She’s a dream to work with. Wait till you hear her sing. She’s incredible. She was on her way to a big time music career, but she gave it up.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI probably shouldn’t tell her secrets, but if she’s comfortable enough, maybe she’ll tell you herself. It’s a fascinating story. I think you’d relate to her.”
    â€œIf I get around to it, I’ll ask. Before I go, I have something for you,” Julia said, reaching for her gift. “Call it a welcome to the twenty-first century.”
    Sarah’s face lit up. “A present?”
    Julia put the box in Sarah’s lap. Her mouth formed an “oh” as she realized what was inside. “You got me a tablet?”
    â€œYes, a good one which includes the ability to do video calls so I can see you face to face when disaster is about to strike. I called and someone should be here to set up your wireless connection tomorrow.”
    â€œJulia, this is too much,” Sarah said, even as she took out her new toy.
    â€œThere is no such thing as too much. After the last wedding, I knew you needed to be with me all the time, even if it wasn’t physically. Plus, you can use it to order movies and books to ward off the boredom.”
    Sarah beamed. “Or I could use it to order a pizza without getting up off the couch.”
    Trust a pregnant woman to think of food. “I’m sure there’s an app for pizza ordering, too.”
    â€œI feel so modern.”
    She leaned down and kissed the top of Sarah’s head. “I really do have to go now.”
    â€œHey, don’t be a stranger!” Sarah called out as Julia started to leave. “I’ve only been home one day, and already I know I’m gonna go crazy cooped up here all by myself.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I plan to pester you as often as possible.