Free Starlight by Debbie Macomber Page A

her face carefully. “She’s lovely. Thank you, James.”
    A hint of a smile touched Carl’s wrinkled features. “Mr. Rand said you’d be choosing a female. Have you picked out the name?”
    “Not yet,” she said, frowning thoughtfully, “but I’m working on it.”
    “I like Super Pooper, because she’s the one …”
    “Carter, that’s quite enough,” Judy snapped, looking a bit abashed.
    “Yes, Mom.” The youngster’s enthusiasm was immediately quelled, but his eyes sparked mischief.
    Carl happened to catch Karen’s eye, and she noted the difficulty with which he restrained his laughter.
    The boys enthusiastically helped Carl load the kitten into the carrier he’d brought. Both made their farewells as if they were seeing their only sister depart to an unknown world.
    “Such dramatics,” Judy whispered with a sigh.
    “Is Tuesday evening at seven convenient?” Carl questioned as Judy and Karen walked him to the car, obviously referring to the wedding reception Rand had mentioned.
    “That’ll be fine. Thanks, Carl … for everything.” She gave him a pleasant smile and waved as he pulled from the driveway.

    On Tuesday evening, Karen was once again meticulous with every detail of her appearance. She chose a white taffeta puffed-sleeve blouse with a coordinating burgundy tiered skirt. The striking contrast of the two colors highlighted the dark, rich tones of her hair and winter complexion. Her face glowed radiantly with a light application of cosmetics, and her eyes were clear and sparkling. Although an emerald brooch was pinned to the neck of her blouse and she wore matching earrings, Rand’s locket remained in place beneath the taffeta.
    She looked and felt lovely, but again discovered her confidence slipping. Her stomach twisted with butterflies as she waited for Rand, not knowing how he would greet her. The gruff exterior he’d displayed at their first two meetings after the Christmas party was gradually wearing away. After her visit to his office and their telephone conversation, she knew he was mellowing. Intuitively, she recognized Rand was withholding part of himself, the part she’d witnessed the night of the party. Unexplainably, the barriers had been lowered that wonderful evening, and, with a heavy sigh, she wondered how long it would take to bring them to that point again.
    Aside from the brief visit to his office, she recognized his game. Rand had purposely planned that all their times together involved others: the play, the wedding reception—even the dinner date he’d been forced to cancel had been arranged with Cora Dibner. It didn’t matter; he could avoid being alone with her for only so long.
    As before, Rand arrived promptly, and Karen was surprised to note that he came by taxi and Carl hadn’t driven. Her heart raced with excitement. He was tall, strong, and handsome enough to be any maiden’s dream.
    “I’m early,” he explained as Karen took his coat. “The reception isn’t until eight.”
    “I don’t mind. Would you like something while we’re waiting?” She took the hanger from the closet.
    “You wouldn’t believe what I want,” he murmured almost inaudibly, rubbing a weary hand across his face.
    “Pardon?” She stopped, her hand suspended in midair.
    “Nothing … it wasn’t important.” He stood awkwardly in her tiny entryway, suddenly looking unsure.
    “The most comfortable chair is to your left,” she said lightly, hoping he wouldn’t find her directions a form of rescue.
    He smiled gratefully. “Thanks.” He located the large overstuffed chair and sat down.
    “Would you like something to drink?” Nervously, she placed a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn’t keep a large supply of beverages on hand and could only hopeshe had what he wanted.
    “Coffee, if you have it.”
    “I do.”
    “Why the sigh of relief?”
    “What?” Although halfway to her kitchen, Karen turned back toward him.
    “You sighed like you were afraid I’d