Vegas Sunrise Read Online Free PDF

I’m all yours.”
    Sage slapped his brother on the back. “Time for us old married people to hit the road. We get up with the kids at the crack of dawn. We’re usually in bed by ten, so it’s past our bedtime. We’ll say good night. If we don’t see Celia, explain for us.”
    â€œI’ll do that. Good night.”
    â€œI’m glad you’re back, Birch.”
    â€œMe too.”
    Â 
    â€œWhat can I do to make that frown disappear, Mrs. Reed?” Marcus asked.
    â€œUntil six o’clock my world was almost perfect. Then, in one instant, it changed. Right now I should be the happiest woman alive. All my chicks are in the nest, my wonderful husband is at my side, my two best friends are finally going to get the vacation they deserve. Billie and Thad are here, and so are Josh Coleman and his family. I haven’t seen any of them all evening. I’m a terrible host. What’s wrong with me, Marcus?”
    â€œYour son brought a wife home. A wife you didn’t get to approve or disapprove of.”
    â€œI’m sure she’s a lovely girl . . . woman. This wasn’t exactly the ideal time to introduce her. We all gave her short shrift as my father would say. Tomorrow we’ll arrange dinner or something so she can be the center of attention. If not tomorrow, then maybe this weekend at Sunrise. Josh said his family was staying on through the weekend. I really want to get to know all of them.”
    â€œHoney, when are you going to tell Birch about Jeff?”
    â€œIn the morning. I invited him for breakfast. He said Celia likes to sleep late. What do you think of her, Marcus?”
    â€œIn my day we would have called her a dish. She’s a beautiful young woman. It’s obvious to anyone who looks at Birch that he’s completely in love.”
    â€œBut what do you think of her?”
    â€œI think I want to know why you didn’t do that Fanny thing with your arms and your lips. I don’t think I ever saw you act so formal. Even with the Colemans whom you just met. Everyone kissed and hugged.”
    â€œI meant to and wanted to. Then I looked in her eyes. I knew I didn’t want to hug or kiss her. I reacted to my feelings. Did Birch notice?”
    â€œIf he did, I don’t think it bothered him. Men are usually oblivious to things like that. How would Ash have reacted?”
    â€œOh, Marcus, I was just thinking the same thing. Isn’t it wonderful that you and I can talk about the children’s father without either one of us getting upset. To answer your question, Ash would have sized her up in a heartbeat. He had such a way with women. In minutes he would have known her strengths and weaknesses. He’d go on from there, well armed. He could outhink and outguess just about everyone expect me. He admitted that to me once. I’m sorry to say Ash wouldn’t have liked Celia one little bit.”
    â€œYou look tired, Fanny. Let’s say our good nights and head upstairs. Tomorrow is another day.”
    â€œThis is wrong, Marcus. We’ve all formed opinions on the run where that young woman is concerned. I’m sure she’s wonderful if Birch chose her for his wife. This . . . can be overwhelming at first. There was the long plane ride, choosing clothes quickly, the apprehension of meeting our family, all these people. Tomorrow I’m sure we’ll meet the real Celia.
    â€œIt’s wall-to-wall people,” Fanny said a moment later. “Unless we page everyone, we’re out of luck. Let’s just head upstairs to bed.”
    â€œMy thoughts exactly.”
    Celia Thornton watched her mother-in-law make her way to the private elevator that would take her to the penthouse. The penthouse that Birch promised would be hers.
    The champagne flute in her hand started to shake. She set it down next to one of the slot machines as her gaze swept around the entire floor. She tuned out the world as she