Capital Wives Read Online Free PDF Page B

her marriage, while her husband thought nothing of spending days at his office or in a hotel when working on a case. The one time she’d mentioned that she was going to stop by the hotel to surprise Spencer he had accused her of not trusting him. What he didn’t know was that she did trust him, because it was something they’d talked about before exchanging vows. Both had promised that if they found someone else they wouldn’t sneak around but be forthcoming. Spencer trusted her and she trusted him.
    Spencer brushed his mouth over Deanna’s. “I need you to set the table and uncork the wine. As soon as I grill the steak and chicken we can eat.”
    It had become a running joke between them that although Spencer could cook he was all thumbs when it came to uncorking a bottle of wine. When they’d begun dating Deanna didn’t know why he always served wine with a twist-off cap until he finally admitted that most times the cork ended up inside the bottle. Much to her chagrin, she realized they’d seen more of each and had more fun when they werestruggling to make ends meet because both had refused to accept handouts from their parents.
    Spencer had moved from his studio apartment and into her one-bedroom apartment after they were married. They worked hard and saved like misers before they were able to buy a house in a less-than-desirable D.C. neighborhood. Everything changed when Spencer’s grandmother died and he’d inherited her entire estate, which included more than a dozen apartment buildings in a gentrified Chicago neighborhood. He sold the properties for a sizable profit, bought the house he’d coveted in Alexandria, then invested the balance in tax-free municipal bonds for their children’s education. They had come a long way in eight years, but it was the next eight and many more eights that Deanna looked forward to.
    â€œWhat do you say we host a little something for our friends?” Spencer said as she finished rearranging the place settings.
    Deanna gave him a sidelong glance, wondering what had prompted that suggestion. “When?”
    â€œSometime next month.”
    â€œRemember, we have the Red Cross function the beginning of March,” she reminded him.
    â€œThen let’s make it the end of March or the beginning of April. Hopefully the weather will be warmer by that time.”
    Deanna suddenly warmed to the idea. It had been too long since they’d entertained as a couple. “How many people do you want to invite?”
    Spencer cocked his head at an angle. “No more than twenty.”
    â€œBuffet or sit-down?”
    â€œThat depends on you, Dee. If it’s formal, then sit-down. Otherwise I’m not opposed to buffet-style.”
    â€œBuffet is more casual and relaxed.”
    Spencer smiled. “Then buffet it is. Friday or Saturday?”
    â€œLet me get my BlackBerry and I’ll let you know what I have available in April.” Deanna retrieved her cell phone from her handbag and scrolled through her calendar. “All of my Saturdays are booked, but I have the second and fourth Fridays free. Which one is better for you?”
    Spencer lifted his shoulders. “It doesn’t matter.”
    â€œGive me one,” Deanna insisted.
    â€œThe second Friday.”
    â€œOkay. You’ll have to let me know who you want to invite before I make up the invitations. We can have happy hour from five to seven and a buffet dinner starting at eight. That will allow time for those who want to go home and change.”
    â€œWho are you going to get to cater it?” Spencer asked.
    Deanna chewed her lip. “I’m not certain. It’s a toss-up between Jimmy Snell and Dominique Lambert.” She had a listing of caterers and restaurants she used exclusively, but had her favorites. The two she’d mentioned were at the top of her list of favorites.
    â€œAre you going to invite your sister and