Menopause to Matrimony (Fortytude Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

now.

 
    SEVEN
     
    It’s still another hour before my family arrives for dinner, but Seth is due any minute now. Kiran and I sit at the island in the kitchen while Geena prepares for tonight.
    “Are you sure there isn’t anything you want us to do?” I feel pretty useless just sitting here, not contributing.
    “No, you’re fine. You’re not feeling well anyway.” One by one, she places lamb chops into a baking pan. “You can set the table in a little while.”
    “We should have just ordered Chinese or something. What you’re fixing isn’t a simple meal for such a large group.”
    Geena waves her hand. “Nonsense. It’s my pleasure to do it.”
    Kiran walks to the refrigerator and pulls out a beer. “Would either of you like me to fix you a drink?”
    “I’ll have a glass of wine, dear,” Geena says.
    I slide off my barstool to get the corkscrew out of the drawer while Kiran takes out a bottle of Pinot. “Anna?”
    “I better pass. I’m finally seeing the end of this headache, and I don’t want to push my luck.”
    The doorbell rings and Trixie issues her obligatory woof .
    Geena turns from what she’s doing at the counter and her face lights up. “He’s here!” She quickly washes her hands at the sink and rushes to the front room where Ahsan has already answered the door.
    “Uncle!” Seth says, wrapping his arms around Ahsan. “It’s so good to see you!”
    Ahsan’s hug in return is stiff, but cordial. “How are you, Seth?”
    “I’m well.”
    Seth is quite handsome, and I’m beginning to wonder if there are any unattractive people in Kiran’s family. His hair is almost completely white, with flecks of gray here and there. Something about him reminds me of Richard Gere—only Indian, of course. Maybe it’s just the hair. Though he’s a tiny bit hefty around the middle, he looks like he takes care of himself. His eyes are the same light green as Kiran’s, with lots of laugh lines. He lays those eyes on Geena next, and she grins with anticipation.
    “Look at you, beautiful!” He rushes to lift her by the waist and spins her around.
    Geena is absolutely giddy. “Oh, it’s so good to see you! It’s been too long.”
    “Do you ever age?” Seth turns to Ahsan. “Does she?”
    Ahsan just closes his eyes and smiles.
    Kiran waits for his hello, and when Seth finally has a look at him, he does a most impressive double-take. His mouth falls open as he slowly approaches his cousin. “No!” he says dramatically. “Kiri? I can’t believe my eyes. This is little Kiri?”
    The two of them smile and embrace, giving each other manly back slaps. Seth points at Kiran and addresses all of us. “This does not look like a man who’s just had a heart attack. How are you feeling, cousin?”
    “I’m good as new.”
    “That makes me very happy.” He places his hands on Kiran’s shoulders and backs away for a better look. “You don’t even look like the same person! What a transformation.”
    Like Kiran usually does when there’s any reference to his weight, good or bad, he moves to change the subject.
    “Seth, I would like you to meet Anna.” He motions toward me.
    “Ah, the fiancée.” Seth grins and takes my hand to bring to his lips. “It is truly a pleasure.”
    “Thank you.” I chuckle and eye Kiran. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.”
    “I hope you know what a wonderful, wonderful person you have found,” he informs me.
    “Believe me, I do.”
    He turns to speak to Kiran. “And you better treat this lovely one well!”
    “I intend to.”
    “Well, come, come!” Geena says and walks toward the kitchen. “Let’s stop standing in here and have a drink.”
    ***
    My family has arrived and Geena has instructed us to socialize in the living room while she finishes preparing dinner. Luke and Richard stand in the corner of the room, conversing with Seth. Kiran sits on the sofa with Claire in his lap, asking her to show him whatever music-related activity she’s playing on