Here Comes the Groom Read Online Free PDF Page B

Grant.
    “We hope so.” Chris had always liked to answer for other people. “You back farming now?”
    “Trial run…could be permanent. Depends on whether Jo shows up for the wedding.”
    Jo forced a laugh. “Always a kidder.” She put a hand under Chris’s elbow. “Let’s go back to our table. I know you movers and shakers work on a tight schedule.”
    Chris resisted. “I have to say I’m surprised, Dan. I never knew you were interested in Jo romantically.”
    “Obviously I had to wait for her to drop her standards,” said Dan. “Let other guys disappoint her into having more realistic expectations. So I guess I have you to thank in some small way.”
    Jo caught Anton’s eye, saw he was enjoying this as much as Dan. She bit her lip. At any other time she’dhave loved having Chris put in his place but not when she was about to reject CommLink’s offer. She wanted the atmosphere amicable. She flashed a quick frown at Dan, who interpreted it correctly.
    “Still, I hear you’re achieving great things in your career.”
    Some of the stiffness went out of Chris’s posture. Jo realized she was still gripping his elbow and released it.
    “Thanks. I hope your farming venture’s as successful.”
    “You and me both. Anyway, I have an appointment so I’d better get going. Jo…? I’ll be at Barry’s when you’re done.” The menswear shop downstairs from the Chronicle. His lips brushed hers and she blinked in surprise.
    Dismissing a prickle of unease, Jo sat down with Chris and Grant over chicken pie. “About the paper.”
    “Always impatient,” Chris said. “But before we present our offer let me tell you why it may be lower than you had hoped.”
    His comment intrigued her. Jo finished a morsel of creamy chicken and flaky golden pastry. “Go on.”
    “The situation’s changed since you and I talked.” Grant’s tone was apologetic as he put down his fork and reached for his water glass. “The economic downturn’s decimating revenue for all of us in community publishing.”
    “What my colleague’s saying,” Chris interrupted, “is that the Chronicle’ s books showed a sharp drop for the six months ending in December.”
    “And a steady recovery this year,” Jo pointed out.
    “Not to anywhere near the previous year’s levels,” Chris countered.
    Give me time. “How about we skip the preamble and go straight to your offer?”
    “At least let’s finish this delicious lunch first,” he protested.
    “Why, will the offer give me indigestion?”
    Chris laughed, but when their plates had been cleared and he finally gave her the contract Jo did need an ant-acid to stomach it.
    “You probably have questions,” he said.
    “Only one.” Jo looked at Grant. “Did you have a hostile takeover in mind when you first approached me to sell?”
    His mouth dropped open. “Of course not!” Out of the corner of her eye, Jo saw Chris shift in his chair.
    “I believe you,” she said to Grant. “You know, Chris, I sent you the Chronicle’ s accounts in good faith. I guess I should have known that, sensing a weakness, you’d pounce.”
    “That’s a little harsh.” He seemed hurt as he picked up his dessert menu.
    “Order the double chocolate cheesecake,” Jo suggested. “It’ll kill you quicker.” She discovered she was enjoying herself.
    Grant looked aghast, but Chris only laughed.
    “To be honest I was feeling guilty when I came here today,” she confessed. “You see, I’d already decided to decline your offer. How fortunate we’ve both been wasting each other’s time.”
    The two men exchanged glances, then Grant leaned forward. “Jo, you’ve done a great job,” he said earnestly.“In fact, you’ve held out longer than most small independents. But these days publishing success comes from economies of scale, not idealism.”
    Jo looked at Chris. “I’m assuming you’re the bad cop.”
    “Always coming out swinging…well…okay.” He put down the dessert menu. “Here are