Free Starlight by Debbie Macomber

to admit that would be revealing too much.
    “I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel our dinner date Saturday night.” The regret in his voice communicated his own disappointment.
    “Oh …” She sighed in frustration and absently fingered the gold locket he’d given her. Karen wore it continually, as if wearing it would result in some wonderfulmagic. She’d been so impatient to see Rand again, and the throbbing happiness she experienced just hearing his voice vanished with his announcement. It seemed their whole relationship was a series of setbacks.
    “Karen, I’m phoning from Washington, D.C. I won’t be back before Sunday.”
    “Washington, D.C.” she gasped, and quickly glanced at the kitchen clock. “It must be two A.M. ”
    “After two,” he murmured tightly. “I’ve been tied up in one of those dreadful meetings that last forever and solve nothing.” He sounded both tired and frustrated. “I suppose I should have phoned tomorrow night, but I needed to hear your voice.”
    Karen’s spirits soared. The need to talk to her was something he admitted grudgingly, as if she were becoming a weakness he couldn’t overcome.
    “I’m glad you did call,” she whispered softly. “I like to hear your voice, too, but I’m sorry to miss meeting Cora.” Karen flushed guiltily; her curiosity regarding his business associate had little to do with friendly overtures.
    “You’ll meet her,” Rand assured her, then paused for a moment. “I’ve been invited to a wedding reception sometime next week. Would you like to attend with me? Cora will be there,” he added, as if she needed an incentive.
    “Yes, I’d enjoy that.” Rand could issue an invitation to a funeral and she’d still experience a thrill of anticipation.
    “I’ll let you know what day and time later.”
    “That’ll be fine. I don’t have anything special planned for next week.” She paused, then began hesitantly, “Would you like a kitten?”
    “A what?” he asked in disbelief.
    “A cat.” She giggled. “My two crazy nephews brought home six kittens yesterday. Judy sent them to the store for a loaf of bread, and some lady was sitting outside the store with a box of kittens. The boys couldn’t believe the cats were
free
and took all six. After all, they considered six free cats to be quite a bargain. By the time Judy returned to the store with the boys and the cats, the lady was long gone. In fact, Judy and I spent the evening posting ‘free kitten’ signs around the neighborhood.”
    “Those two rascals,” Rand said, chuckling. “I suppose all six are females?”
    “Do you have anything against females?” Karen asked with mock indignation.
    “Not of late,” he murmured with a chuckle. “All right, I’ll take one regardless of sex.”
    “Judy thanks you, kind sir.”
    “Go ahead and choose one for me; I’ll have Carl contact you to make the arrangements to pick it up. You can name it for me if you want.”
    “I’d like that.” Already her mind was buzzing with several possibilities.
    “I suppose I’d better let you get some sleep.” His voice was warm and husky, creating in Karen anything but the desire to slumber.
    “I suppose,” she whispered on a sigh.
    “Good night, my sweet Andromeda.”
    “Good night, Rand.” She replaced the receiver and leaned back in the chair to savor every word of their conversation.
    Karen met Carl Friday afternoon at Judy’s. By the time he arrived, Karen still hadn’t decided among the three remaining kittens. All were equally adorable, with feisty personalities and soft, cuddly fur. Carl stood by silently, refusing to be drawn into the decision making. In the end, James helped her choose the calico.
    “The reason no one wants her is because she’s female,” James declared, “but I think she’s the best one.”
    “Well, that settles it,” Karen said matter-of-factly. “Little calico, you’re the one.” She lifted the multicolored kitten from the box, examining