The Marriage Wish by Dee Henderson Page B

tomorrow night without being nervous?”
    “You two will get along just fine.”
    The waiter stopped to inquire if they would be interestedin any dessert. Jennifer declined with a smile. Scott asked for the check. “The movie starts in about thirty minutes. It’s time we headed over there.”
    He reached for her hand as they left the restaurant.
     
    The movie theater was crowded. Scott bought their tickets, escorted Jennifer through the crowds both entering and leaving the theater. He gestured toward the refreshment stand. “Want some popcorn?”
    Jennifer laughed at his hopeful expression. “And a large diet cola,” she added.
    He smiled. “Okay. Any candy?”
    “Maybe an ice-cream cone after the movie,” Jennifer said.
    He nodded. Regretfully he let go of her hand. “No need for you to stand in this mob. I’ll meet you by the doors to Theater Three?”
    Jennifer nodded. “You won’t need a hand?”
    “I’ll manage. See you soon.” He went to find a place in line.
    Jennifer made her way to Theater Three. She frowned. There were children everywhere. The Disney film was showing in Theater Four. She forced herself to take a deep breath. She started reading movie posters, anything to keep from looking at the children.
    A little hand pulled at the fabric of Jennifer’s slacks. “Hi.” The child was holding a handful of bright red licorice sticks. “Would you like one?”
    The girl could be at best three years old. Jennifer felt physically sick. Blond hair. Brown eyes. Dark eyelashes. A perfect grin. The girl could have been her own daughter had she lived. “Thank you, honey, but I already have a treat.” Jennifer held up the piece of wrapped candy she had been carrying since they left the restaurant.
    “Okay.”
    “Mandy, come over here beside Mommy.”
    The little girl turned. Jennifer looked up to see a lady carrying an infant coming toward them. The lady offered an apologetic smile on behalf of her daughter. Jennifer offered a soft envious smile is return. The little girl tottered off happily toward her mother.
    The pain tore into her gut, and her heart stopped beating momentarily, held in the grip of a tight fist. Her composure already shaken, the encounter was enough to tip the balance. Lord, get me out of here. It was a desperate plea, and Jennifer was already turning to find the exit when Scott joined her. Never had she been more happy to see someone than at that moment. “Scott, would you please take me home?” She was desperate, and it came across in her voice and her eyes.
    “Jennifer, what’s wrong?” He set down the popcorn and drinks on the ledge of a display. She looked pale, shaky on her feet. He hadn’t realized she wasn’t feeling well.
    “I need to leave,” she replied softly, forcefully.
    Kicking himself for not being more observant, Scott abandoned the food and maneuvered them toward the exit. Now was not the time for questions. Concern became alarm as they passed a family with an infant and a blond-haired little girl. Jennifer looked like she was going to pass out. His arm around her waist tightened. They reached the doors and she wobbled on her feet. “Let’s get your jacket on, Jennifer,” he said, quickly pulling it apart from his. She rested her head against the cold glass, letting him slip her jacket around her shoulders. He hurriedly found his keys.
    Colleen. She tried to fight the tears. Didn’t succeed.
    His hand gripped hers. “Jennifer?”
    She just shook her head.
    Scott wrapped his arm firmly around her waist andpushed open the door. He was grateful they had parked nearby. Unlocking the passenger door, he helped her inside. Quickly, he moved around to the driver’s seat. She was shivering. He started the car and turned the heater on full blast.
    She took a painful breath and let it out slowly.
    He watched her closely. There was very little color in her face, and her jaw was clenched as she tried to fight the tears. He’d never seen someone in shock before,