The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks Page B

better on you."
    "Oh. Well, you shouldn't have."
    "You're wrong there. It was exactly what I should have done."
    Julie put one hand on her hip. "You're spoiling me, you know. People don't usually go around buying me gifts for no reason at all."
    "Then it's a good thing that I do. And do you really believe there always has to be a reason? Haven't you ever seen something that you thought was perfect for someone else, and bought it?"
    "Of course. But not like this. And I don't want you to feel like I expect you to do these things, because I don't."
    "I know you don't. But that's part of the reason why I like to do it. Everyone needs a surprise now and then." He paused. "So, are you up for doing something this Friday night?"
    "I thought you were leaving town for a meeting."
    "I was. But it turns out the meeting got canceled. Or rather, my part of it got canceled. I'm free all weekend."
    "What did you have in mind?" she asked.
    "Something very special. I'd like to keep it a surprise, though."
    Julie didn't answer right away, and as if sensing her uncertainty, Richard reached for her hand. "You'll love it, Julie. Trust me on this. But you'll have to get off a little early. I'd have to pick you up at your place around four o'clock."
    "Why so early?"
    "It takes a while to get where we're going. Do you think you can make it?"
    She smiled. "I'll have to shuffle my schedule a bit, but I think I can make it. Should I wear something dressy or casual?"
    It was a polite way of asking if she should pack a bag. If he said both, it meant a weekend away, and she couldn't see them doing that just yet.
    "I'll be wearing a jacket and tie, if that helps."
    It certainly sounded like a legitimate date. "I guess I'll have to do some shopping," she finally said.
    "I'm sure you'll be beautiful no matter what you wear."
    With that he kissed her again, and when he finally left, Julie's fingers traveled to the locket. It opened with a click, and she saw she was right in assuming small photos could be placed inside. She was surprised to see that he'd already had it engraved with her initials, one on each side.
    "This is not looking good, little brother," Henry admitted. "I don't care what Emma said the other night. This is not looking good.""Thanks for the update, Einstein," Mike grumbled.
    "Let me give you some advice."
    "More advice?"
    Henry nodded, as if telling Mike there was no reason to thank him. "Before you do anything, you're going to have to come up with some sort of plan."
    "What kind of plan?"
    "I don't know. But if I were you, I'd make it a good one."
    "It's lovely," Mabel said, eyeing the locket. "I guess he's really taken with you, huh? It looks like it cost a small fortune." She motioned toward the locket. "Do you mind?""No, go ahead," Julie said, leaning forward.
    Mabel looked it over. "And it's definitely not from one of the jewelers in town. This looks handmade."
    "Do you think so?"
    "I'm sure of it. Not only that, you've learned something important about Richard Franklin."
    "What's that?"
    "He's got good taste."
    Mabel let go of the locket, and Julie felt it tap gently against her chest. She looked at it again. "Now I just have to find a couple of pictures to go inside."
    Mabel's eyes twinkled. "Oh, honey-if you're beating around the bush, don't worry about it. I'd be more than happy to give you a picture of me to carry with you. I'd be honored, in fact."
    Julie laughed. "Thanks. You were the first one I thought of, you know."
    "I'm sure. So-you gonna put a picture of Singer in there?"
    At the mention of his name, Singer looked up. He'd been standing beside Julie since she'd come back into the salon, and Julie ran her hand along his back.
    "With this bozo, I'd probably have to stand a hundred yards away to get one of him that would fit."
    "True," Mabel said. "What's going on with him, anyway? He's been so clingy lately."
    "I have no idea. But you're right-he's been driving me crazy. I keep stumbling over him every time I turn