Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold) Read Online Free PDF

surprise that she would be having multiples. It was just, well, Madeline had thought they were friends. That working together had brought them closer. Even though she’d asked, Isabel hadn’t told her the news privately.
    Madeline reminded herself that the information was Isabel’s to share and she shouldn’t take the slight personally. It was just—
    “Don’t be mad,” Isabel whispered. “I couldn’t tell you.”
    “Okay,” Madeline said slowly, still not sure why.
    “It’s just... I was scared. I’m going to need you so much and it’s not fair, but without you, I can’t keep the business going.”
    Madeline hugged her. “You’re an idiot.”
    “I know.”
    “Of course I’ll help.”
    “You swear?”
    “Try to get me to stop. I love you.”
    “I love you, too. You’re the best business partner ever.”
    Madeline laughed. “You say that like it’s news.”
    * * *
    While the rest of the country seemed to jump from Halloween to Christmas, in Fool’s Gold the tradition of giving thanks was embraced. Jonny saw gourds and straw baskets, every form of turkey from paper to ceramic. There were harvest garlands and fall-colored bunting and plenty of pilgrims. Hokey but nice.
    He wasn’t sure how the transition to Christmas was going to happen, but it would have to be nearly an overnight thing. There was a town Christmas tree lighting scheduled this coming Saturday, only two days after Thanksgiving.
    He crossed the street and headed into Paper Moon. He could see Madeline up on the dais, with a bride. The young woman was maybe twenty, with brown hair and glasses. She reminded him a little of Ginger, with her earnest expression.
    The dress had a big skirt, like something a Disney princess would wear. It suited her youth, he thought, then held in a grin. Next thing he knew he would be discussing makeup and shoes. Talk about a way to frighten off guy friends. His buddy Shep would sure have something to say about any discussion that girlie. For now, Jonny was safe. Shep was on loan to the search and rescue program in Yosemite and wouldn’t be back until after the holidays.
    A tall, blonde woman walked up to him. She studied him for a second, as if trying to place him. He saw the exact moment she realized who he was. To her credit, she barely blinked.
    “Good afternoon,” she said. “I’m Isabel Hendrix. May I help you?”
    Now it was his turn to be startled. If the woman knew who he was, why didn’t she know why he was here? He glanced from her to Madeline, who was hugging the young bride. The girl stepped off the dais and headed for the dressing room. Madeline followed her down the stairs, then walked over to join them.
    “Hi,” she said. “Did we have an appointment?”
    A polite way of pointing out he was interrupting her workday. She stood up for herself. He liked that.
    “I had a couple of ideas I wanted to talk to you about. When you have a free moment.”
    “Sure. I’ll be about ten minutes, if you want to wait.”
    “Your office?”
    Isabel glanced between them. “You two obviously know what you’re doing. I’ll head back to my side of the store.”
    She gave Madeline a look that clearly stated they would be talking later.
    The promised ten minutes later, Madeline joined him. “How can I help you?” she asked as she settled behind her desk.
    “You didn’t tell her.”
    “What?”
    “Your business partner. You didn’t say you were working with me.”
    She shifted in her seat, then waved a hand. “I didn’t know if I should, so I erred on the side of discretion. This is your private business. I don’t talk about my brides with anyone. Not in any detail. I might ask for opinions on a dress or get suggestions, but what happens here is personal. Planning a wedding falls under the same category.”
    He could appreciate someone who respected privacy. “You can tell your business partner and anyone you’d like that you’re helping me.”
    “Good, because I’ll have to say something