Millionaire Cop & Mom-To-Be by Charlotte Hughes

Author:Charlotte Hughes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2002-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Seven

Katie returned to work the following Monday to a surprise party given by Genna. Doris, who worked the food counter and made the best gourmet coffee and specialty sandwiches Katie had ever tasted, had hung white paper wedding bells in the cozy eating area and tied two dozen white and silver helium balloons to the backs of the chairs. Almost twenty of Katie’s frequent customers had shown up for the event, each carrying a wedding gift.

Katie was touched, first by Genna and Doris’s thoughtfulness, and by her customers for caring enough to share the occasion. If only her marriage weren’t a ruse. Then she wouldn’t have to feel so guilty accepting everyone’s congratulations.

“You guys outdid yourselves,” she told Genna and Doris before the lunch crowd arrived. “I can’t thank you enough.” They barely had time to clean up before the eating area filled with the usual lunch crowd. Although her employees had managed wonderfully in her absence, Katie was glad to be back.

The day passed quickly. Doris left precisely at five so she could relieve the sitter who kept her children after school until she arrived home from work. Once Genna put up the Closed sign, she slumped in a wicker settee that had been placed in the bay window to give the store a homey look. She gave a sigh of relief. “Busy day,” she said.

Katie joined her, kicking off her low pumps. Her heel throbbed, despite the extra padding she’d put in her shoes. Although she’d had the stitches removed and the wound was healing wonderfully, it had flared up after standing on her feet all day. She propped them on the small wicker coffee table. “Very busy,” she agreed. “I’d forgotten how much running we do around here.”

“So, when is your next doctor’s visit?”

“This Friday at 3:00 p.m. I’ll have to leave early.”

Genna nodded. “How are things at the ranch? Are you and Neil getting along okay?”

“Actually, we’re doing very well. I never thought it would work. Of course, it’s still early. We might be going for each other’s throats by the end of the month.”

“People change, Katie. The two of you have grown up. Neil seems very fond of you. You never know what the future might hold.”

Katie shook her head. “No way, Genna. I’m not about to let myself fall for a guy who risks his neck every time he leaves for work.” She told him about Neil’s partner.

“It could have happened to anyone,” her friend pointed out.

“True, but Neil’s job places him in danger every day. If I ever marry for real, it won’t be to a homicide detective. I want a nice stable life for my child.”

“Marry a businessman,” Genna said. “One who sits at a desk all day and battles stress on a regular basis. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is him suffering high blood pressure, a stroke or a heart attack.”

Katie looked at her friend. “You’re not being very helpful.”

“I’m being honest. Love isn’t perfect, Katie, although I think that’s what you’re looking for since you’re a perfectionist.

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