Free 6 Rainier Drive by Debbie Macomber

Jolene, since Bruce often sought her advice. Because she’d lost her own mother when she was relatively young, Rachel identified with the child.
    In other words, there was nothing romantic between her and Bruce. Rachel was seeing Nate Olsen, although the time they actually spent together was limited, since the navy’s demands came first.
    â€œI need someone to take me shopping,” Jolene said in a small, uncertain voice. “Dad said I could buy an Easter dress.”
    â€œI’d be happy to go with you,” Rachel assured the youngster.
    â€œMy dad wants to talk to you, all right?” The little girl’s voice was more cheerful now.
    â€œRachel,” Bruce said. “Would it be a bother?”
    â€œNot at all.” The truth was, she could do with something new herself. “I’d love it.”
    â€œWhen can you go?”
    Since Easter was the following weekend, Rachel figured it would need to be soon. “How about this afternoon?” she suggested. She had a rare Saturday free, which she’d arranged on the off-chance thatNate would be available. But it was already midafternoon and she hadn’t heard from him, so she assumed he wouldn’t be calling.
    â€œThis afternoon is perfect,” Bruce said.
    Rachel heard Jolene shout with glee in the background.
    â€œI’ll bring her by in an hour if that works for you,” Bruce said.
    â€œThat would be great.”
    They discussed a price range for the new outfit and after a few words of farewell, ended the call. Rachel always enjoyed her “girl-time” with Jolene. When she’d started fourth grade, Jolene had asked her to attend the school’s open house, and with Bruce’s blessing, Rachel had gone. Afterward Jolene had written her a lovely thank-you note, which Rachel treasured. She had a stack of artwork that Jolene had colored or drawn or constructed for her. These were things a little girl would normally give her mother, and Rachel felt honored to play that role—part-time surrogate mom—in Jolene’s life.
    As Rachel finished brushing her hair, her phone rang again. Even before she answered, she had the sinking feeling it would be Nate.
    It was.
    â€œAre you free?” he asked.
    â€œI will be later,” she told him. Nate was working on some major project aboard the aircraft carrier.Because of it, they hadn’t been together in more than a week.
    â€œI thought you took the day off,” he complained.
    â€œI did.” She didn’t mention how many favors she’d had to call in to arrange a free Saturday. “When I didn’t hear from you, I figured you were still hung up on this project.”
    Nate groaned. “Can you cancel whatever you’ve got planned?”
    Rachel refused to do that to Jolene. “No. It’s Jolene. I’m taking her shopping for an Easter dress.”
    The line went silent. “All right,” he said reluctantly, his disappointment obvious. “I would’ve phoned sooner if I’d had the chance.”
    â€œI know.” Rachel was disappointed, too. “What about later?”
    â€œWhat time?”
    â€œI’m not sure.” She wouldn’t know that until she got to the shopping mall. “Say six?”
    â€œThat’s too late,” he muttered. “I have a commitment this evening—a stag I have to go to. Dinner and, uh, entertainment. The whole deal.”
    â€œWell…we’ll get together soon,” she assured him. It was the best she could offer.
    â€œSoon,” Nate agreed with a sigh.
    They spoke until the doorbell rang. Assuming it was Bruce and Jolene, Rachel ended the conversation with Nate and opened the door to discover TeriMiller waiting there. “Turn on your television,” Teri insisted, storming into the small rental house.
    â€œMy television?” Rachel said. “What for?”
    â€œRemember when we were over at Maryellen’s last