Free 204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber Page A

Art Gallery,” she added.
    â€œYes, I know.”
    She’d swear he sounded amused, which only served to fluster her more.
    â€œI’ve been invited to a Halloween party,” she said, rushing to explain the reason for her call. “Everyone’s supposed to come with a date—well, not a date exactly. We’ve been asked to bring someone, a man, to introduce to someone else. I have this friend who’s really lovely and she likes to eat.” She grimaced, thinking that sounded kind of dumb, but plunged on, anyway. “She enjoys her food and well, her biggest wish is to meet a man who likes to cook and naturally, I thought of you.” She realized she was rambling and stopped abruptly.
    There was no response.
    â€œWould you be interested in attending the party?” she finally asked. “You’d be under no obligation.” She wanted that understood. “Basically, you’d be doing me a favor.”
    â€œBy meeting this friend of yours.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œThe one who enjoys a good meal.”
    â€œYes. Her name’s Teri, and she’s a lot of fun. I think you’d like her.”
    â€œYou’d be there?”
    Maryellen sighed. “Yes, of course. I’d introduce you to Teri. So—what do you think?”
    â€œCan I let you know later?” he asked after another long pause.
    â€œOf course.” She figured she should feel encouraged that he hadn’t rejected her outright.
    â€œThen I’ll be in touch.”
    â€œGreat.”
    â€œListen, before you go, did you get a chance to look over my pictures?”
    â€œOh, yes, and they’re fabulous! I’ve sold every one of them already. I was hoping you’d be bringing me more.”
    â€œI’m working on it.”
    â€œThat would be great.” This was by far the longest and most involved conversation of their three-year working relationship.
    â€œYou haven’t come into André’s,” Jon said. “I was looking forward to cooking for you.”
    â€œI appreciated the invitation, really I did, but I’m worried about giving you the wrong impression. Like I explained, I’m divorced and I’m not going to remarry and this party is just a friends thing…. If you came, that would be fabulous but only because I want you to meet Teri. Oh, did I mention we’re holding it at The Captain’s Galley, in the bar?” She managed to get all that out in a single breath. “Halloween night,” she added.
    â€œI’ll get back to you.”
    Maryellen thought that was fair enough.
    Â 
    After two glorious days and nights with her husband, Justine no longer had any doubts about her marriage. She was more in love than she’d dreamed possible.
    Flying up to Alaska on the spur of the moment like that, without making any arrangements, had been preposterous, and yet she’d found Seth. Justine considered it a sign. Seth was truly meant to be her husband.
    In a few weeks he’d be home, and they could discuss the future and make the necessary plans for their lives together. There had been so many pressing questions she’d wanted to ask him. But once they were together, none of them had seemed all that important. The only thing that mattered was lying in Seth’s arms, sharing their love.
    Justine vowed that if Seth asked it of her, she’d live aboard his sailboat for the rest of her life. But she suspected he’d probably want to move in with her. Staying in her apartment was more practical than living at the marina.
    She’d told him about sleeping on his boat at her most desperate moments, seeking to feel closer to him. From his reaction, she knew he’d been touched by her fears. He’d kissed her again and again as she described her doubts, all the while whispering reassurances and promises. Justine had left Alaska feeling deeply loved.
    The following Friday night, Justine dropped by her