A Bride at Last Read Online Free PDF Page A

have to do a review on a new movie showing there.” Time to quit, Nadine, she thought.
    Grandma sat back in her chair, almost pouting. “That’s so too bad. I was really hoping for you to meet Dr. McCormack. He’s quite good-looking.”
    “Well.” Nadine lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Sorry, but I can’t break a date with Trace.” She brushed a quick kiss on her grandmother’s cheek. “So long,” she added, straightening.
    Grandma caught her hand and squeezed it as Nadine straightened. “Do you like this man?”
    Nadine almost relented at the sight of her grandmother’s worried expression. Grandma really did only mean the best, she thought. But she steeledherself, knowing that Grandma’s strongest ammunition was her concern and consideration. “We’re just getting to know each other, Grandma. These things take time.”
    “Well, then, it shouldn’t matter if I ask someone else over, should it?”
    She just wouldn’t give up, thought Nadine incredulously, holding her grandmother’s gaze, determined not to back down. “I have a boyfriend now, Grandma. You don’t have to worry about me. You never had to.” And with that she turned and left before she was forced to make up any more lies.
    Trace Bennet, Trace Bennett, she repeated to herself as she walked out the door. I’ve got to remember that name! She stepped out and hurried down the walk, her guilt hanging over her like a dark cloud.

Chapter Three
    C lint stepped out of his office into the airy, spacious foyer. It still held that new smell of paint and carpet glue. He had ordered the renovations as soon as he took over, knocking out one wall and putting a curved, chest-high divider that acted as reception desk. The room was done up in shades of cream and hunter green. The staff referred to it as the restaurant, but most agreed that it made the office look more professional and inviting.
    Sharlene was already at her desk, answering the phone and trying to bring a measure of order to the office.
    “When Nadine comes, can you tell her I’d like to see her right away?” he instructed the receptionist.
    Sharlene nodded, and just as he was about to go back to his office, the door opened with a jangle of chimes and Nadine stepped into the room, rubbingher hands. A flow of cold air accompanied her and as she looked up, she stopped, glancing at Clint, then sharply away.
    Clint couldn’t stop the nudge of disappointment at her reaction. It was no different than usual, but it still bothered him.
    He cleared his throat. “When you’ve got a few minutes, Nadine, I’d like to see you.”
    “Okay. I’ll be there right away.” Without giving him another glance, Nadine walked to Sharlene’s desk and leaned on the divider. “Any mail for me?”
    “Just these. And a letter with no return address.”
    Nadine caught the letter, turned it over and shoved it in her ever-present knapsack. “I’ll get the others when I come back.”
    Finally she turned back to Clint, her head back as if challenging him. Clint bit back a sigh. Why did he even bother with this woman? She would never let down her guard with him. She would never come to care for him as he did for her. But as he caught her eyes, he saw pain and weariness behind the light of challenge, and he felt the impulse to hold her, comfort her.
    He would just have to be patient. After all, didn’t the Bible tell us that love is patient?
    “You wanted to see me right away?” she said.
    “If you have a moment.”
    Nadine shrugged. “Better get me now before the phone starts ringing.”
    Clint ushered her into his office, but before shesat down he offered her a cup of coffee, which she declined.
    “You mean I don’t even get to show you what a sensitive, caring guy I am?” he joked in an attempt to alleviate the mood.
    She looked up quickly, a smile teasing the corners of her mouth. Clint smiled back as he sat down.
    “I know what kind of man you are,” she said quietly.
    That stopped him. Things