Free TIS THE SEASON...FOR ROMANCE (WESTMORELAND/MASTERS/JEFFERIES) by Brenda Jackson Page B

and sharing kisses.
    She hadn’t left his house until around seven that night and the goodbye kiss they’d shared had tempted her to ask if she could stay the night. He had invited her to lunch several times this week and she looked forward to each and every moment they spent together.
    And she was proud of the fact that she’d finished all of her therapy sessions with Dr. Banks. More than ever she felt she was ready to move on and continue to date Rick with the full knowledge that she deserved some real happiness in her life and didn’t owe Ron a single thing. With that resolution planted firmly in her mind she was ready to move on to the next level with Rick.
    “You’re smiling.”
    Barbara glanced over at her sister and unashamedly admitted, “Yes, I am.
    “And I guess I have the good detective to thank for it,” Peggy said, returning her sister’s smile.
    Barbara had given up on correcting Courtney or Peggy whenever they referred to Rick as a detective. Both knew he’d retired but would jokingly say that until they saw him again in another role, they would continue to think of him as the ever efficient and dedicated Detective Rick Blair. She was well aware that was their way of letting her know they were waiting on her to bring him around to meet them on a less formal basis.
    “Yes, Rick is the reason I’m smiling like I know Willie is the reason for your smile.”
    Peggy laughed. “Touché.” She then glanced around the room. “Courtney is truly happy.”
    Barbara glanced over at her daughter who was still opening her gifts. “Yes, she is and I’m happy for her. Ron and I didn’t set a good example.”
    “Neither did Joe and I for Sonya. But luckily our girls picked better men for husbands than we did,” Peggy said. “I think they learned from our mistakes.”
    Barbara nodded. “I think so, too.”
    “Have you given much thought to Thanksgiving?” Peggy then asked her.
    Barbara sighed. She couldn’t believe Thanksgiving was next week. “No. I figured it would be the same as last year. It’s time for me to host it at my place this year.”
    “Yes, but there is a slight change from last year,” Peggy noted.
    At the raising of Barbara’s confused brow, Peggy said. “Ron.”
    Barbara left out a deep sigh. She had totally forgotten that this time last year she’d been a married woman. Out of sight and out of mind. She didn’t think of Ron unless it was during Dr. Bank’s sessions. And definitely not when she was spending time with Rick.
    “Or are you thinking about inviting Ron?”
    Peggy’s question almost made her choke on the sip of punch she’d just taken. “No more than I expect you to invite Joe and his child bride.”
    A smirk touched Peggy’s lips. “And let’s not forget the baby nobody believes is his. And to answer your question the answer is no. Nobody from that household is invited. I’m past wanting to get the opportunity to shove my Thanksgiving turkey down Suzette’s throat.”
    Barbara couldn’t help but laugh and doing so felt good. Life was good and she couldn’t wait to see Rick again.
    “Are you inviting Rick?”
    Barbara glanced over at her sister. “Are you inviting Willie?”
    “Yes, although he might have made plans to spend Thanksgiving with his daughter, son-in-law and his grandson in Texas. But I plan to ask him anyway.”
    Barbara nodded. “Rick has a son who lives in Atlanta. I don’t know how they spend Thanksgiving. I never asked him.”
    “But you will invite him to our little get-together right?”
    A huge smile touched Barbara’s face. “Yes, I think that I will.”
     
    * * *
     
    Later that night when Rick entered Barbara’s home after returning from the skating rink, he closed the door behind him and then pulled her into his arms and kissed her with a degree of passion that sent heated shivers through both of their bodies. He tried to ignore the pulsing ache behind the zipper of his jeans, but the more he kissed Barbara, the more the