Free Maid for Love (A Romantic Comedy) by Caroline Mickelson Page A

his immense relief, they both nodded. "Great, then how about helping me plan a romantic proposal?"
    "Whoa, you're moving fast." Josh grinned. "Why don't you ask for mom's help when she gets back? She's great at that mushy stuff."
    "Wait six weeks to propose?" Michael shook his head emphatically. "No way. I'm proposing this weekend. If I can pull it off."
    "What about the ring?" Kathryn asked. "You've got to have one."
    "I do, but it's back at the house in Connecticut. I had no idea that Zoe was going to show up here this weekend or else I'd have brought it."
    Josh's expression made Michael smile. "Go ahead, say it."
    His nephew laughed aloud. "You've got it so bad. Sorry, but it's funny."
    Michael's grin was good natured. "Yeah, I'll remind you of that when you're head over heels in love one day."
    Kathryn clapped her hands together. "Let's focus, guys. Zoe's probably going to join us soon." She turned to Michael. "Here's what you can do. After we're done here, take us into town and let's do some window shopping. I can scope out a few places that have some decent jewelry. Then we have lunch and while we're having dessert you excuse yourself and go buy a ring for Zoe." Caught up in the romance of the moment, her eyes sparkled. "It's a place holder ring until you give her a proper engagement ring but it will do. Can you handle that?"
    "Are you for real?" Michael couldn't resist the urge to tease her. "Of course I can. That's a brilliant plan." He turned to his nephew. "Josh, your part in this is to keep Zoe distracted if Kathryn and I duck into a shop. Can you handle that?"
    "Can do."
    Michael hugged them both again. "The plan is perfect. You guys seriously rock."

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Zoe stared into the closet and surveyed her paltry wardrobe. There wasn't much to choose from, but then she hadn't known that Michael was going to plan a surprise evening out for them. Actually, when she'd thrown caution to the wind and made the spontaneous decision to drive to Nantucket, the last thing on her mind had been clothes. She reached for her red sun dress and pulled it out. She held it up for inspection. Wrinkle free, that was a good start. Modest neckline with spaghetti straps, appropriate for an evening spent with Michael's niece and nephew. Flattering color, which never hurt. The red it would be.
    She was half way dressed when her cell phone rang. No doubt it was her mother. Again. She sighed. Throughout the day she'd kept her cell phone off but when she powered it on to check in with her office, Zoe saw that she'd missed sixteen calls from her mother's cell phone. The woman was nothing if not persistent. But a quick glance at the clock told her that there was no time for a protracted conversation right now. Not with Michael, Josh, and Kathryn waiting for her.
    Fifteen minutes later she found Michael waiting for her in the living room. Several flickering candles provided just enough light for her to see that Michael had a bottle of chilled wine and two glasses on the table. She stood in the doorway and smiled. "You look handsome."
    Michael's grin was appreciative. "Thank you. And I've got to say that you've never looked more amazing. Come here."
    But Zoe stayed where she was. "I'm not sure about that, Mr. Archer. There's a little glint in your eye that has me worried for my safety."
    He laughed. "That little something you see is a mix of raw desire and pure adoration. But you're safe for the moment so come have a glass of wine." He poured a glass of Chardonnay and held it out for her.
    His fingers brushed hers as he handed her the glass, sending a rush of longing through her. "Thank you." She took a small sip. "Oh, this is lovely."
    "I'm glad you like it."
    Zoe glanced around the candle lit room. "I do. Both the wine and the ambiance, it's a nice surprise." She took another appreciative sip. When her eyes returned to his face, they widened. He looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. "What is it?"
    He shook his head