Nephew's Wife, The Read Online Free PDF Page B

grief will slowly fade away.  Make room in your heart for another man.”
    If only she could, Ellen thought, sadly. She wondered what Dolly would say if she knew the truth about her.  She’d probably fire her on the spot. 
    “Was he your husband, Dolly?” Ellen gestured toward the photo.
    “Yes, he was my beloved Harold.” Tears shined in Dolly’s eyes.  “I still miss him after all these years.  You understand how I feel.  You loved Paul deeply, too.”
    Ellen gulped.  To agree would be a lie. I never loved Paul deeply. The idea saddened Ellen. A well of tears opened in her eyes, but she held them back.
                  “I’m not doing a very good job my first day here.” Ellen stood abruptly and started fluffing Dolly’s pillows.  “I should be lifting your spirits, not dragging you down.” 
    “You’re not dragging me down, dear.  I enjoy your company.”
    “What would like me to do for you, Dolly?” Ellen focused on her new position.  She wanted to prove herself up to the responsibilities and worth every cent Rand Powers was paying her. She straightened Dolly’s bed covers then walked over to the vanity and came back with Dolly’s hairbrush.
    “There is something I’d like you to help me with.”  Mischief skittered through Dolly’s tone.
    “Sounds mysterious.”  Ellen arched her brow as she brushed Dolly’s curly, gray hair into place. 
    “It’s more sneaky than mysterious,” Dolly quipped. “I want you to help me find a wife for Randolph.”
    “What?” Ellen gasped, holding the brush in mid-air.
    “I knew when I saw you that you’d be the perfect one to help me.  I could tell you weren’t self-absorbed like those other girls. You have a heart for others.”
    “Dolly, I wouldn’t even know how to go about this.”
    “Surely you know some Christian ladies who’d enjoy going out with my nephew.”
    “No, I’m sorry Dolly, but I don’t have any close girlfriends.” Ellen took the brush back to the vanity.
    Dolly’s spirits deflated.  “I’ve been insensitive again.  Here I am, wanting you to play matchmaker when you’re dealing with a broken heart.  I’m so sorry.  You have too much on your plate now.” 
    Ellen regretted her negative reaction.  Why not help Dolly find someone for her nephew?  How hard could it be when the subject was so— perfect? Besides, it could be fun, and she needed a distraction from her dismal problems.  It meant so much to Dolly, Ellen relented.
    “Okay, Dolly, I’ll be happy to help you find a wife for your nephew, but I really don’t have any single girlfriends.  I didn’t socialize much the past nine years.”
    “I knew I could count on you, Ellen.” Dolly’s wrinkles fluttered under her infectious grin.  She tossed her covers aside.  “I feel like getting up.  Bring me my chair, please.”
    Ellen helped Dolly dress in a velour warm-up suit then wheeled her down the elevator and onto the stone patio.
    “Finally!” Celeste had a fit when she saw Dolly outside.
    “Oh, hush!”  Dolly chided, playfully.
    Celeste called her husband Edward over from a flower bed he was weeding to share in the excitement. 
    “You must be some miracle worker, Miss,” he exclaimed to Ellen. 
    “I’ll bring your lunch out here.” Celeste marched off in a cloud of joy.
    Ellen parked the wheelchair by a glass-topped table and helped Dolly into one of the floral-cushioned chairs then draped the throw she’d brought over Dolly’s legs. They sat quietly, taking in the tranquil scenery.  The breeze off the bay, clean and refreshed from yesterday’s rain, was on the warm side.  In the distance, several private yachts floated on the satiny smooth waters like play toys while noisy seagulls soared overhead in search of food. Ellen felt a lift in her spirits.
    “I forgot how lovely the bay is.” Dolly’s eyes glistened with tears as she scanned the property.  “God’s blessed us with so much.  I’ve been terribly