A Soldier's Secret by Linda Style

Author:Linda Style
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-01-11T23:00:00+00:00

PASTING ON A SMILE AS she and Mac entered the Blue Moon, Natalia stopped directly inside the door and waited for her eyes to adjust to the lower level of light.

Immediately, Mac’s mother swooped over and gave her a hug. As the woman drew back she said, “Well, now I know why my son is so smitten. You’re absolutely beautiful, my dear.”

Natalia managed a thank-you before being accosted by Serena, who dragged her off to the ladies’ room.

Inside, Natalia glanced in the mirror and fluffed her hair. “What’s up?”

“You look amazing,” Serena said.

“You, too.” Natalia waved a hand over Serena’s loose black-and-white zebra-print dress, dark stockings and black ankle boots. “Très chic.”

“Thanks. I’m not feeling all that great, though, so I thought I’d let you know right now that I may have to leave if it gets worse.”

Natalia touched her friend’s forehead. “You’re not warm.”

“It’s just an upset stomach. Probably morning sickness in the evening. I’ll be fine.”

“Maybe I can find some crackers for you to munch on.”

Serena hugged herself as if she was cold. “No. Really, I’m fine. Now let’s go out there and pretend you’re deliriously happy.”

Natalia laughed. “You know what? I don’t have to pretend. Even though I didn’t want to do this, I really am happy. Mac’s son will be here in a couple of weeks and that makes it all worthwhile.”

“Oh, wow,” Serena said. “That’s wonderful. Your life can go back to normal again.”

Go back to normal. She wasn’t sure what that would be like anymore. “No, it can’t, not quite yet. I’m staying until D.J. gets settled in.” She searched in her bag for her lip gloss.

Her friend gave her a sidelong glance. “Really? And you’re okay with it?”

“Of course.” She dotted her lips with the gloss. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Serena grinned. “No reason. No reason at all.” As they walked out, she added, “You know, you and Mac really do make a great-looking couple.”

Natalia ignored the comment and they headed for the party room where the music was coming from. Several dozen people had arrived, and Catherine and two of Mac’s sisters were making the rounds, chatting with guests, while Mac stood with his buddies at the bar on the other side of the room. Seeing her, he strode right over and took her arm.

“Come with me, my dear. We have to make this look real.”

Seeing his wide white smile, she couldn’t help giving him one back. She admired the ease he had that made people comfortable, drew them in. He was a naturally gregarious person, where she was naturally shy. Not that people would notice. She’d learned early on that she had to put herself out there or she’d be left behind. It just wasn’t as easy for her as it was for Mac.

“Can’t we act like we normally do, and then just add a little lovey-dovey here and there?”

“Yep. But we should stick together.”

“Okay.”

Just then a loud male voice announced that the entertainment tonight would be music from the past, and

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