Ship of Dreams (Dreams Come True Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

hanging over the fireplace, Laura made her way to the back of the townhouse, hearing the low hum of voices. All of Darcy’s and Josh’s closest friends and family were there. Mark, Chris, and Martin from Josh’s office, along with Martin’s wife, Cindy, spoke with Darcy’s parents, Jeff and Vanessa.
    Darcy’s sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Matt, laughed at something Darcy’s literary agent and godmother, Gloria, had said. Judging from the highball glass in her hand, Gloria had already tapped into the Bombay Sapphire gin Darcy kept in the liquor cabinet especially for her, while Darcy’s editor, Elise, sipped from a glass of wine.
    She’d made sure Kelly and Daniel were there as well. Hero-lawyer Josh saved Kelly’s home from foreclosure, and became an unofficial big brother to her son, Daniel, in the process. Not that Laura would ever call Josh a hero to his face. Even if that’s what he was.
    Whispering in the corner were Brandon, Darcy’s brother, and his long-time partner, David.
    Darcy’s mom, Vanessa, a Jane Austen scholar at Barnard College, had named all her children after her favorite Austen characters. Darcy Elizabeth, Frederick Brandon, and Anne Elinor.
    “Laura!” Jeff greeted her as she walked in. “How’s the world of advertising?” He walked over and, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, pressed a kiss to her cheek.
    Darcy’s father had been more a father to her than her own. His support and encouragement, along with the occasional kick in the ass, kept her on the right track. And Darcy’s mother offered the love and warmth her own mother never did. Vanessa drew her in for a hug. “You’re so thoughtful to do this for Darcy and Josh.”
    Laura brushed it off. “It’s nothing. Let’s move into the living room. They should be home any time now.”
    As soon as everyone crowded into the living room, Laura glanced out the bay window to see the car pull up out front. “Shh. They’re here.” The driver gathered the luggage from the trunk and carried it to the stoop. With a rattle of keys, the front door banged open amongst giggles and the unmistakable sound of smooching. Laura rolled her eyes and lifted a hand to hold the snickers and cries of surprise at bay.
    Josh stepped into the foyer, Darcy still in his arms after carrying her over the threshold, their lips locked, unaware of their audience.
    Laura spoke up. “Oh, give it a rest. Now you’re just rubbing it in.”
    Josh spun around with a stunned Darcy, as everyone yelled, “Surprise!”
    Josh set Darcy on her feet before sharing some high-fives and fist-bumps with his buddies, Daniel among them. “Daniel! What’s up, dude? Besides growing, like, five inches since we’ve been gone.” Josh turned to Kelly. “You must have been feeding him nothing but your parents’ steaks.” Kelly’s parents owned a butcher shop in Harlem.
    Darcy grabbed Laura for a hug, then drew back. “You said you weren’t going to be in the country.”
    “A little fib.” Laura made as if she studied her nails.
    “Aren’t you going on the cruise?”
    “Yes. I leave Sunday, so the slide show will still have to wait.”
    “You’re such a little sneak.” Darcy glanced around the room. “Did you do this?”
    “Pfft. We all did,” Laura indicated the others in the room.
    “Mom! Dad!” Darcy rushed her parents, hugging and kissing them, before moving on to the rest of the welcoming committee.
    “Welcome home.” Gloria patted her cheek. “You’re out of gin.”
    “I missed you too, Gloria,” Darcy said as she teared up. “And Millie!” She hauled a stiff Millie in for a hug.
    Laura shook her head. Darcy knew full well Millie didn’t like displays of affection, especially public ones. Laura turned and greeted Josh in her usual manner, “Voldemort.”
    “Bellatrix.”
    “What’s the difference between a porcupine and a Mercedes-Benz full of lawyers?” Laura asked.
    “The porcupine has pricks on the outside.”
    “Damn. They