June Bride: Now and Forever Romance Read Free Page B

Meredith leaned forward to examine the facade of the building and the grounds around it. The corner of a parking lot was visible around the side. The hedges and flower beds were neatly trimmed. Two figures emerged from the building, both wearing blue scrubs.
    “You’re dating a nurse?”
    “No, no. It’s okay. I’ll explain.” He got out of the car and spoke to one of the nurses. “Do you think I can leave the car here for a while?”
    “Of course, Mr. Dann. I’m sure that will be fine.”
    “Thanks!” He moved around to open Meredith’s door, but she had already stepped out of the car.
    “They seem to know you here,” she said.
    “I come here a lot.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry, this will only take a few minutes. I just need to, um, well…I’ll show you.” He took her hand hopefully and led the way to the front door.
    Meredith paused to read the discreet sign next to the door. “Hey, this is—”
    “I know, I know, don’t worry. We’re not checking in or anything.”
    Meredith gave him a look. “This had better be good, Chris.”

 
    CHAPTER 5
    C hris flashed her a smile, then opened the door for her. Inside, he greeted the woman behind the reception desk. “Hi, Mrs. Stevens. Good to see you again.”
    “Same here, Mr. Dann. She’s in the dining room.”
    Meredith lowered her voice. “Is this some new restaurant experience?”
    Chris tugged her gently toward a plushly carpeted corridor on the left. “Not exactly.”
    Half way down the hall, two large doors stood open, and he led her through, into the dining room, which only deserved the name because food was being served at the elegant tables. Meredith struggled to take it all in. Tapestries were hung on the walls, most displaying hunting scenes, but there was one with little girls in old-fashioned dresses playing with puppies. A large marble fireplace stood against the back wall, with a gas flame on the hearth, proof that she had not stepped back in time. The serving staff wore crisp black and white uniforms. No blue scrubs in this room.
    “There she is,” said Chris, “at her regular table.” He waved and moved at the same time.
    Meredith allowed herself to be gently tugged along. He was just so eager about everything, and she found it totally refreshing. Dwayne would never have let anyone see him eager to do anything, especially not when it came to her. For an errand like this, Dwayne would have told her to stay in the car. And here was Chris, sweet Chris, champing at the bit to show her off to…his other date? She shook her head, as if to clear cobwebs, and let him lead her along.
    “Here she is, my favorite girl in the whole wide world!”
    Meredith couldn’t hide her surprise when Chris leaned over and planted a soft kiss on the forehead of the septuagenarian seated at the table. She had thick white hair, carefully styled, and she wore hints of makeup. She was dressed in a two-piece woolen suit. Its pale pink skirt covered her knees and its matching blouse had a stand-up collar. She also wore more jewelry than Meredith had ever seen outside a jewelry store.
    “Christopher! You’ll be so pleased, darling. They’re serving prime rib tonight.” The elderly woman peeked around him to get a glimpse of Meredith. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, dear?”
    Chris nodded. “Meredith Oakley, this is my grandmother, Nita Pearl Dann. Gran, this is an old friend from college, Meredith Oakley.”
    “So nice to meet you, Meredith.” Nita Pearl’s green eyes had a knowing look. “Why do I get the feeling you two weren’t planning on staying for dinner?”
    “Oh, Gran, I’m so sorry. Here’s what happened—”
    Meredith broke in. “He didn’t tell me I should dress up a bit, I’m afraid. But if you don’t mind my outfit, we would love to stay and dine.”
    Chris’s eyes widened in surprise, then glazed with appreciation.
    Nita Pearl clapped her hands together. “Outstanding! William! Set another place, please!” She