The Last Bachelor Read Online Free PDF Page B

baby?”
    Joe was sitting next to Ginger and he felt the tension rise in her even more. He hadn’t thought anything would be more terrifying than his family. He looked at Ginger sharply as his father answered his question.
    â€œNo, no word on the baby. I’m beginning to think the mother stole her. Maybe changed her mind about giving her up.”
    â€œNo!” Ginger exclaimed. “No, she wouldn’t do that!”
    Everyone stared at her. Joe tried to think of something to say, but fortunately his sister-in-law Amy came to the rescue.
    â€œI think Ginger’s right. That’s not something a mother would do. I agree, Ginger.”
    â€œMe, too,” his mother agreed. “But I’m sure someone will find the baby soon, unless…”
    Joe was afraid Ginger was going to cry, though he didn’t know why. “Uh, did I tell you they’re scheduling the reopening of the Men’s Grill at the club for next Saturday? I’m proud of the work I did, along with Jenny. I hope you’re all going to be there.”
    Ginger looked at him. “Who is Jenny?”
    Joe’s eyebrows shot up. Ginger almost sounded like she was jealous. Maybe she had more acting ability than he’d thought. “Jenny Taylor. She’s the interior designer who’s been working on the Men’s Grill with me.”
    â€œOh.”
    Bill, Joe’s longest-married brother, said, “Don’t worry, Ginger. She’s nice, but you’re prettier. Besides, Joe chose you.”
    Ginger tried to smile, but she wasn’t very successful.
    Joe slid his arm around her. “You bet I did. I’ve had my eye on Ginger ever since I got back.”
    â€œYou sure didn’t let any of us in on it,” his father pointed out.
    â€œI wasn’t going to introduce her to my brothers until after I had a ring on her finger.”
    â€œOh, I forgot to look at your ring,” Kitty, his youngest sister-in-law, exclaimed.
    Suddenly all the gazes in the room were fixed on Ginger’s left hand. Ginger proudly wore the plain gold band Joe had bought her in Vegas, but Joe knew what to expect.
    â€œWhat happened, Joe?” Bill exclaimed. “Did all your investments crash?”
    Ed coughed, and Bill turned to look at him. “You’re embarrassing the newest Mrs. Turner, son.”
    Ginger looked at his mother, and Joe leaned over to whisper, “They’re talking about you, sweetheart.” Then he couldn’t help himself. He kissed her again, lightly this time, since everyone was looking.
    â€œI’m planning on buying her some diamonds, but we did this so suddenly, I didn’t want to buy diamonds in Vegas. I’ll go to the jewelry store here in Mission Creek tomorrow.”
    â€œYou need any help, ask me, son,” Ed offered.
    When his brothers all protested, Joe grinned and held up one hand to quiet them. Then he turned to his father. “No, Dad, I’ve got it taken care of.” Joe looked at Ginger, who sat silently.
    As his brothers continued to tease him, Ginger said softly, “I don’t need diamonds. Joe is—”
    Afraid she was going to say the wrong thing, hekissed her again. “Thanks, sweetheart. See, guys, I didn’t marry a greedy woman.”
    His mother congratulated him.
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    â€œAre you sure you don’t want to spend the night here?” Vivian Turner asked one more time.
    Joe had already refused her offer once, which was a great relief to Ginger. She wanted to go home and get ready for work tomorrow. She was exhausted.
    â€œThanks, Mom, but I think we’ll get settled in. And thanks for dinner,” Joe said.
    Ginger hurriedly thanked her also. Not that she’d eaten much. Her nerves were strung so tight, she couldn’t. But she had peanut butter and crackers at home, which would hold her over until tomorrow.
    Once inside the car, she lay her head back on the headrest, trying to calm down.