Free Spontaneous by Brenda Jackson Page A

had asked her that same thing when she’d told her mother about her acceptance into medical school. Evidently she was hoping for a different answer.
    “Whatever Kim wants, that’s what we’ll do,” he said, leaning over and placing a kiss on Kim’s lips. He could tell from the expression that appeared on Wynona’s face that she wasn’t pleased with his comment.
    “But we’re talking about four, maybe five years,” the older woman pointed out. “Don’t you think that’s way too long to wait?”
    He opened his mouth to respond but Kim beat him to it. “Maybe you ought to try it, Mom. You, of all people, should know that rushing into marriage serves no purpose other than a quick divorce. Which is why I thinkyou and Mr. Villarosas should take more time to get to know each other before the two of you contemplate marriage.”
    Instead of agreeing or disagreeing with Kim’s comment, Wynona smiled at him and said, “And what do you do for a living, Duan?”
    “I used to be a cop but now I’m a private investigator. I own my own business.” Now he knew how it felt to be interrogated.
    “And I take it that you love my daughter.”
    Duan looked at Kim again, and something about being asked that question bothered him. Nonetheless, he plastered a smile on his face before saying, “Very much so. I wouldn’t be marrying her if I didn’t.”
    Wynona opened her mouth, but at that moment there was a knock at the door. She smiled. “Excuse me. That’s probably Edward.”
    As soon as Wynona exited the room Kim turned to Duan. “So far so good. You’re handling Mom’s inter rogation well.”
    Before Kim could say anything else, Wynona returned with a tall, slender man by her side. He was smiling as he approached them.
    “Well, now, Wynona, this has to be your daughter. She favors you.” He came to stand before Kim and Duan, but only gave Duan a cursory glance. Kim had his full attention.
    “Yes, Edward, this is my daughter,” Wynona said, beaming proudly. “Kim, this is the man I plan to marry in a few weeks.”
    Kim extended her hand to him. “Nice meeting you, Edward. And this is the man I plan to marry, Duan Jeffries. Duan, this is Edward Villarosas.”
    It was only then that Edward met Duan’s gaze, and Duan felt the smile he bestowed upon him wasn’t genuine. That feeling in his gut intensified. “Duan, nice meeting you.” Edward offered him his hand.
    “Likewise,” Duan said, taking it.
    Wynona leaned close to Edward. “Don’t they make a lovely couple, Edward?”
    Edward smiled up at her. “Just as lovely as we do.” He then turned his attention back to Kim. “I understand you have doubts about me making your mother happy.”
    Kim lifted a brow. “And you plan to rid me of those doubts, right?”
    He chuckled. “I certainly do. Your mother is the only woman for me.”
    “So this is your first marriage?” Duan asked, pinning the man with a direct gaze.
    Villarosas seemed surprised by the question, and the look he gave Duan indicated he didn’t appreciate being asked. “No. In fact I’ve been married twice and both ended in divorce.”
    Duan nodded. At least Villarosas was up front about that.
    “But I’m determined to make sure this time is the last time,” he added, taking Wynona’s hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles.
    A part of Duan wished everything the man said was true. That he was innocent in the disappearances of his two wives. Not for Villarosas’s sake but for Kim’s mother’s sake. She was a nice lady who deserved better.
    “Mom, Duan and I are going to check in to the hotel now and—”
    “But Gert will want to come by later to see you,” Wynona said.
    Kim shrugged. “I’ll see Aunt Gert tomorrow. We’ll come join you and her for breakfast since I know you’re making a big deal out of it in the morning. I can just imagine who all you’ve invited.”
    Wynona smiled. “Just family and friends. They’re looking forward to seeing you and meeting