The Last Bachelor Read Online Free PDF Page A

of what he faced when he got his bride back to Mission Creek.
    Heaven help him.

Three
    J oe called his mother when they changed planes in San Antonio. They were only a short flight from Mission Creek.
    â€œMom, it’s Joe. Are you and Dad going to be home this evening?”
    â€œWhy, yes, dear. Where are you?”
    â€œI’m in the San Antonio airport. I have someone I want you to meet. May we drop by in about an hour?”
    â€œOf course. Will you have eaten?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI’ll have some food ready. Is this a friend from Chicago?”
    â€œNo, it’s better than that, Mom. I’ll see you in an hour.”
    He hung up the phone and found Ginger staring at him. “What is it? Why are you upset?”
    â€œWhy did you tell your mother?”
    â€œWell, actually, I didn’t. We’re going to surprise her,” he said with a big grin. His family would definitely be surprised. And he would be relieved. He’d told his family he’d never met a woman he wanted to marry. The truth of the matter was, he didn’t think he’d ever want to risk his heart again. He’d beenbetrayed when he first fell in love, and it had become a habit to avoid commitment. But marrying Ginger wasn’t real. And she truly needed him.
    â€œBut I don’t think we should tell your mother,” Ginger said.
    Joe sighed. “Remember we agreed to talk and act like we’re really married. We wouldn’t keep it secret. It’ll make my mother very happy, I assure you.”
    â€œBut she will be upset when we don’t stay married.”
    Joe looked around to be sure no one important had overheard Ginger’s words. “Look, Ginger, you mustn’t say things like that.”
    She covered her lips and looked around, too. “Joe, I don’t think we should’ve done this. I’m afraid you will get in trouble.”
    Joe shook his head. “Too late. Come on, our plane is leaving.”
    â€œBut I’m very hungry,” she complained. “I can pay for—”
    He swooped down and kissed her. Then, pretending touching her lips had been normal, he said, “No need. Mom is fixing a meal for us.”
    Ginger wore a shocked expression on her face. He didn’t think the kiss would elicit that much of a surprise. But in the future he was going to have to be careful, because kissing her, he’d discovered, was a real pleasure. He leaned closer, drawing in her scent. “Remember, we’re married.”
    He didn’t give her a chance to respond. He tookher hand and led her to the gate where the small plane awaited.
    Ginger sat quietly for the next forty-five minutes, greatly relieving Joe’s mind. Once they settled into a routine, things would be easier. But they weren’t there yet.
    He’d left his car at the small airport. It took only a few minutes to reach it since their luggage was carry-on. Right on time, he pulled up to his parents’ house. All the cars parked in front told him his brothers and their families were there, too.
    He had to warn Ginger, though he knew she wouldn’t like it. “Uh, Ginger, I think my entire family is here tonight. Remember we have to act like we’re married.”
    â€œYou have a big family?”
    â€œI have four brothers. I told you they’re all married. Only one doesn’t have any children yet, but his wife is expecting in two months. Just be careful what you say.”
    She nodded, though she tightened her lips and set her shoulders, as if she were about to face a hostile crowd.
    â€œAnd try to look happy,” he added, thinking she might burst into tears at any moment.
    They got out of the car and he came to her side. “Are you okay?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    When they reached the front door, he hugged her close. “Everything’s going to be great, honey.” He aimed a kiss for her cheek, but she turned to look athim and