Perfect Timing Read Online Free PDF Page A

placed the vase of flowers on a table near Bessie’s bed. Ever since Jason’s death, Bessie had tried fixing her up with a number of “right” men. There had been Charlie, the painter, Aaron, the meat cutter, Paul, the shoe salesman, and Theodore, the man who had recently moved to town and opened a slew of dry cleaners.
    â€œI think this one is special, Maxi.”
    Maxi lifted her brow as she took the chair opposite the bed. She decided not to tell Bessie that was what she’d said of the others. “And what makes this one special?”
    Bessie’s face lit into a smile. “He has a child. He’s a divorced man with a twelve-year-old son he is raising by himself. I think that will solve all your problems.”
    Maxi sighed. She didn’t have to ask Bessie what problems she was referring to. There wasn’t any doubt in Maxi’s mind that her mother had told Bessie about her visit with the doctor, so chances were Bessie knew of her pending surgery and what it meant.
    â€œJust think, Maxi,” Bessie continued saying. “That’s a way to get the child you’ve always wanted but can’t have after your surgery. You know I never had any children of my own but raising Dasha and Martin was the next best thing. I never regretted ever having married Solomon and raising his children. In no time at all they had become my children.”
    Maxi stared into space and after a few minutes she nodded. She knew from what she’d been told that when Bessie had been in her twenties, she had married a widower with two small children. Dasha and Martin, who were both in their late forties now and living up north, considered Bessie as their mother and would do anything for her.
    â€œAnd after talking to the man,” said Bessie, breaking into Maxi’s thoughts, “it’s apparent that he’s lonely and would love to meet a decent woman. Raising a child alone isn’t easy, especially for a doctor.”
    â€œA doctor?”
    â€œYes, dear. He’s my doctor. Although he’s a little older than what I had in mind for you—he’s probably in his late thirties—I think he’s the answer to your prayers and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re going to like him.”
    â€œMs. Bessie, you know how I feel about your playing cupid.”
    â€œYes, but then you know how I feel about your being alone. Jason’s been dead for four years. You need to move on.”
    â€œI have moved on. I’m just not ready to get seriously involved with anyone yet.”
    â€œBut life’s passing you by and so are rare opportunities for you to meet someone special. Now is the time for you to start seriously thinking about finding the right man for you.”
    â€œAnd Mrs. Johnstone has taken the notion that I’m him.”
    Maxi’s head jerked toward the husky voice and her gaze met that of the tall figure of the man casually leaning in the doorway. She lifted a brow and decided she couldn’t lie. He was extremely nice looking and the slow smile that spread across his face made her feel completely at ease—given their awkward situation. From what he’d just said, Maxi knew that Bessie had been feeding him a bill-of-goods about her just like Bessie had been doing her about him.
    Faced with the inevitable, Maxi stood and crossed the room, offering him her hand in a warm greeting. “Hi, I’m Maxine Chandler.”
    He took her hand and she noticed how warm it felt in his. “And I’m Dr. Reginald Tanner.” He released her hand but continued to look at her. The look in his gaze indicated he liked what he saw. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Chandler.”
    Maxi chuckled. “I’m sure you have and Bessie has been telling me about you as well, Dr. Tanner.”
    Now it was his time to chuckle. “I find that Ms. Johnstone is one determined lady when she makes her mind up about