His Diamond Bride Read Online Free PDF

didn’t know what had happened to me that night. I thought you were wonderful, but I had no idea of falling in love with you because I didn’t know what love was. I only knew I was happy because you were going to stay with us for a few days. You dazzled me, and I didn’t think there could be anything better in the world. That’s how naive I was.
    What is it, darling—are you restless? That’s it, curl up against me and go back to sleep. That noise downstairs is them clearing up after the party. I suppose I ought to have offered to help, but I just wanted to be with you and think of all the things that have happened to us.
    So many things—so many tears, so much laughter. So long ago, and yet not really a long time at all. I woke up next morning feeling so happy…
    Â 
    She had to be up very early to start work at the hospital and the day was still dark as she left the house, yet the world was mysteriously flooded with light.
    At the bottom of the street was a bus stop, from which she could just see the front of the house, and the room that was normally hers. While waiting for the bus, she watched the window and saw it raised and Mark’s head come out. He noticed her and waved. She waved back, feeling that the day had had a perfect start.
    When she returned in the late afternoon, she saw Sylvia walking Billy in the street.
    â€˜I had to get out of the house,’ she said crossly. ‘Mark’s spent the day in the garage with Dad and now neither of them can talk about anything but engines. Honestly! You’d think I didn’t exist!’
    â€˜I suppose he has to think about engines some of the time,’ Dee said mildly.
    â€˜Yes, but not when I’m there.’
    â€˜He’s probably trying to impress Dad so that he can take this job and be near you.’
    â€˜Yes, that must be it,’ Sylvia said, slightly mollified. ‘But I’m going to find a way to get him out of the house tonight and have him all to myself.’
    They had reached home by now. There was no sign of Mark, and Sylvia went looking for him. When she’d gone, he appeared so promptly that Dee was sure he’d been avoiding her.
    â€˜Is she still annoyed with me?’ he whispered.
    Mischievously, Dee nodded. ‘You’ve been talking about engines all day, and that’s a terrible crime.’
    â€˜Do all women find it boring?’ he asked.
    â€˜Mostly, I suppose.’
    â€˜What about you? Doesn’t a hospital need machines of some sort?’
    â€˜Yes, we do, and I’m learning how to work them, but I suppose it’s more interesting if you’re doing things yourself rather than just hearing about them.’
    He pulled a face full of good-natured resignation, spreading his hands as if to say—what was he supposed to do?
    â€˜I keep getting it wrong,’ he sighed. ‘Sooner or later I always annoy women.’
    She was about to tell him not to talk nonsense when she connected with the teasing look in his eye and in the same moment she was invaded by a sweet warmth that shook her to the soul.
    â€˜I can believe that,’ she said in a voice that trembled slightly. ‘In fact, I can’t imagine how any woman puts up with you.’
    â€˜Neither can I,’ he chuckled.
    â€˜Mark, are you there?’
    Sylvia’s voice brought them both back to reality. Deethought she spotted a brief look of exasperation on his face, but it vanished at the sight of her, smiling again and so lovely that Dee knew she herself was forgotten.
    Supper was a cheerful meal. Joe was warm in his praise of Mark’s abilities. The job offer was confirmed, and it was understood that he would stay with them until after Christmas, when he could start looking for a place of his own.
    Afterwards, Sylvia announced that she and Mark were going to the cinema. ‘There’s that new film at the Odeon, A Christmas Carol. Mark’s longing to see