A Soldier's Return by Judy Christenberry

Author:Judy Christenberry
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2005-12-25T05:00:00+00:00

“HOW’S EVERYTHING going?” Vanessa asked casually after they ordered.

“Fine. Everything’s fine.”

“Good. I’m so thrilled that Jim is here.”

“Maybe you should’ve asked him to lunch instead of me.” Carrie regretted her words as soon as she heard them, but it was too late to take them back.

“Carrie, is something wrong?”

“No. I mean—everyone keeps asking me what’s wrong. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just trying to do my job.”

“And I’m sure you’re doing a good job. Will always has high praise for your work,” Vanessa said soothingly.

Carrie drew a deep breath. “I’m sorry for what I said. I’m a little on edge this morning, that’s all.”

“That’s okay,” Vanessa said with a smile. “I guess you’re wondering why I invited you to lunch. I want to pick your brain.”

Carrie’s eyes widened. “About what? Don’t tell me you want to become a P.I., too?”

“No, of course not. But I want Jim to stay here and to be happy.”

“He seems happy to me,” Carrie replied.

The waiter interrupted their conversation to deliver their meals. Carrie immediately began eating.

“I know, but he doesn’t know anyone here except us, of course. I was thinking of having a party and inviting some eligible friends.”

“Eligible?” Carrie asked, but the word stuck in her throat.

“Yeah. You know, single. I want Jim to find someone to settle down with, to be happy with.”

“And you think he needs help?”

“Well, Carrie, he only knows family. We’ve got to expand his horizons a little. So tell me, what do you think about the women on this list?” She pulled a folded piece of paper from her purse.

Carrie started to refuse. Then she reached for the paper and unfolded it. “Stella? She’s not single.”

“Yes, she is. She and her boyfriend broke up.”

“Well, there’s no way I’d introduce her to my brother.”

“Silly, of course not. You don’t have a brother.”

“Yes, but she’s a Dolly Parton wannabe!”

“I think Dolly is a very nice person. She’s always so sweet to everyone.” Vanessa smiled.

“You can’t say that about Stella!”

“Maybe not, but—but Stella has two large assets that men appreciate.”

Carrie shoved the paper back to Vanessa. She picked up her fork and continued eating, only saying, “Your list is fine. I’m sure Jim will enjoy meeting so many eligible ladies.”

“Well, when shall we have it?”

Carrie looked up, surprised. “Who is ‘we’, Tonto?”

“You and me, of course. I thought we’d play hostesses for the party. We can have it at my house and Betty will provide the food. We’ll have to figure out what we can do to keep everyone having fun.”

“Why don’t you hire a band and roll up the rug in the family room? That should keep things hopping,” Carrie suggested.

“Good idea! Now, let’s see—”

“Vanessa, I was kidding. Poor Danny wouldn’t get any sleep if you did that.”

“Oops, I forgot about my baby brother. Okay, we’ll just play CDs but we can dance. That would be fun.”

“I—I don’t think I’ll be able to come.”

“How can you say that? We haven’t even picked a date yet.”

“You know I’m not a party person, Vanessa. I never have been.

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