Free Heart of a Marine (The Wounded Warrior Series Book 1) by Patty Campbell Page A

spotted the price tag. “You paid a hundred-forty dollars for this?” His voice had risen a full octave.
    Echoing Dadley’s words, Marla said, “You paid a hundred-forty dollars for that?”
    “Yes. It’s a Vera Wang. We got it for half price.” Hands to her cheeks, Char’s feet thumped up and down running-in-place. “I’m so excited. I’ve never owned a Vera Wang.”
    Marla crossed her arms. “I can understand why, sis. I can’t imagine paying that kind of money for a blouse.”
    Silvia lifted a Nordstrom bag from the floor and ruffled through a mountain of tissue. “Ta da! We got one for you too.” The paper fluttered to the floor, and Mom held aloft the same style blouse in a deep shimmery aquamarine. “This will look beyond fabulous on you, Marla.”
    “Don’t take off your sweatshirt in front of me, please. I’ll have to close my eyes again.” Dadley winked.
    “Bradley, leave the room this minute!” Silvia smacked his shoulder and shoved him in the direction of the hall.
    He grumbled. “I paid for it. Shouldn’t I be allowed to get my money’s worth?”
    “You got more than your money’s worth the day these girls were born. Now leave the room. I’ll call you back in when she puts on the full outfit.”
    Marla touched the blouse, the silk cool and slick on her hand. “There’s more?”
    “Lordy, I can’t wait. Get those ugly jeans and sweatshirt off. Mom bought the skirt they had on display with it. Both were in size twelve. It was like they knew we were coming.”
    They knew you were coming all right. I’m willing to bet the head of the women’s department knows both of you by your first names. “Char. Mom. I can’t wear this kind of expensive stuff. I never go anywhere. Anyway, I can’t afford it.”
    “Don’t worry, dear. Your father paid for it. We’ll call it an early birthday present.” She held up a beautiful ivory colored jacquard skirt, flat pleats all around with a back zipper. Marla nearly swooned. She’d never owned anything so beautiful.
    “Our birthday isn’t for five months! And it probably won’t fit. I’ll pass.”
    “Oh, no you don’t.” Charlene grabbed the bottom of her sweatshirt and pulled up. “Lift your arms.”
    “You’re ganging up on me!” They paid no attention. While Charlene tugged the sweatshirt over her head, Silvia unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them down to her ankles.
    “Kick off your shoes, dear, and step out of these.”
    I might as well accept defeat . Soon, Marla stood in the middle of her parent’s living room barefooted, in her underwear. Her plain white, practical underwear.
    “Lordy, we’ve got to get you some better lingerie.”
    “Char, I like my lingerie just fine.”
    “Maybe you do, but those things do not qualify as lingerie. You’ve got the body of an Italian movie actress. You should show it off with panache.”
    “Panache. I’ve been running short on that lately.”
    Silvia put a hand on her chin. “I’d forgotten what lovely curves you have. Charlene’s right. You’re not showing yourself to your best advantage.”
    “Who am I going to show myself to for the love of Pete!”
    Charlene pursed her pretty mouth and pointed her finger at Marla’s nose. “I plan to take care of that. I booked another single’s dinner for next week.”
    “Charlene!”
    Dad’s voice echoed from the hall, “Can I see what my money bought?”
    “No!” the three of them shouted.
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
    “What’s with the boss lady today?” Cluny asked when he entered the door of the construction trailer. “She actually smiled at me just now.”
    Ignoring the question, Dwayne looked up from the scribbled note. “Did you take this phone call?”
    “Huh? What phone call?”
    Dwayne held up a piece of paper. “This note was beside the phone when I got here. It’s dated today.”
    “What’s it say?”
    “I’m in town. I want to see the kid.”
    Cluny had his jacket off and was reaching for the coat peg when he