Free 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

his eyes. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s best to hold off on marriage. I’ll tell you what—you let me know when you’re ready to forgive and forget, and we’ll talk again.”
    â€œGood idea,” she said cheerfully. “And you do the same.”
    His brows shot up, and he stepped aside so she could exit the apartment.
    Christie walked past him and was halfway down the stairs when he said, “I don’t suppose this is a good time to mention that I’m going away for a few days.”
    She paused, her foot midway between two steps. The only reason he’d told her this now was to get her attention. For all she knew, it might not even be true. “When did this come up?” she asked without turning around.
    â€œAn hour ago. It’s business. Bobby and I have some meetings in L.A.”
    Which explained why Teri hadn’t said anything earlier. Questions buzzed in her brain, demanding answers. She wanted to know exactly how long he’d be away. What kind of business? And why did he leave it until now to tell her? But making an issue of this would’ve been too much like the old Christie, the insecure Christie, the woman who required constant reassurance.
    â€œOkay,” she murmured, although she clenched the railing so tightly that her fingers ached.
    â€œShould I call you when I’m back?”
    She gave a quick shrug. “Up to you. Have a good trip.”
    He sighed loudly enough for her to hear. “I don’t think I can.”
    She turned to face him with a tentative smile. “No, I mean it, James. I want you to have a good trip.” She felt his gaze follow her as she descended the steps and walked to her car. She didn’t look back.
    As she pulled out of Teri’s driveway, she couldn’t help wondering if she’d just rejected a marriage proposal from the only decent man who’d ever asked her.

Six
    O n Thursday, Grace hurried into the Pot Belly Deli five minutes late. She’d arranged to meet Olivia for lunch at noon, but she’d had to deal with a patron’s inquiry. She didn’t like to keep her friend waiting.
    Now that Olivia had finished her chemo, she was on the way to remission. She’d given herself the summer off to regain her strength before returning to the courthouse, where she was a family-court judge.
    â€œSorry I’m late,” Grace said, sliding into the chair across from her best friend.
    â€œI took the liberty of ordering for you.”
    Grace smiled. “Oh, good. What am I having for lunch?”
    â€œCream of potato soup and a green salad with ranch dressing on the side. No scone.”
    Olivia knew her likes and dislikes, which stood to reason after forty-some years of friendship. “And you?” Grace asked.
    â€œA salad and scone.”
    Grace threw her friend an accusing look. Olivia was still far too thin; she needed more than just a salad.
    Olivia grinned. “And a slice of double chocolate cake.”
    â€œExcellent.”
    â€œWith two forks.”
    â€œEven better.”
    â€œSo, are you ready for Rover?” Olivia asked.
    Grace leaned back in her chair. After months of preparation, the Reading with Rover program was about to launch at the library. She’d worked hard to get it set up. Children with below-grade-level reading abilities could come to the library, where they’d be paired with a dog. The dogs made the reading environment nonthreatening; kids could read simply for enjoyment. With a dog—and a silent companion—as their audience, they didn’t risk being embarrassed in front of their teachers or peers. Children loved dogs, and the dogs loved them back. She’d learned about the program in a professional journal and been intrigued.
    â€œAm I ready?” Grace said, repeating the question. “I think so. I won’t know until this afternoon. So far, I have two teenage volunteers and two adults from the