Married in Seattle Read Free

myself all too well. Full retirement would be impossible for me. If I stopped working, I’d shrivel up and die. That’s just the way I am,” he said simply.
    Neither Janine nor Zachary disputed his words.
    “I’ll never be able to keep my fingers out of the business, yet I want to enjoy my travels. I couldn’t do that if I was fretting about what was going on at the office.” He paused as if he expected one of them to contradict him. “I believe I’ve come upon a solution. As of this afternoon, Zachary,I’m handing the reins to you. You will assume my position as chairman of the board. I realize this is sooner than we discussed, but the time is right and I hope you’ll agree.”
    “But, Anton—”
    “Gramps—”
    Anton held up his hand. “I’ve thought about this long and hard,” he said confidently. “I find Zach’s honesty unquestionable, his loyalty certain and his intelligence keen. He’s shrewd, perceptive and insightful. I can think of no better man, and there’s no better time.”
    Janine noticed that Zach seemed uncomfortable with the praise. “Thank you,” was all he said.
    “A share of this company will belong to you someday, Janine,” Anton said next. “Do you have any objections to this appointment?”
    She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Of course she approved. What else could she do? “Whatever you decide is fine with me.”
    Anton turned his attention to the other man. “Zachary, do you accept?”
    Although their acquaintance had been brief, Janine knew instinctively that it took a lot to fluster this man. But her grandfather had managed to do so.
    Zachary continued to stare at him as though he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. But when he spoke, his voice was well modulated, revealing little emotion. “I’m honored.”
    “For the next few months, we’ll be working closely together, much as we have in the past, but with a difference. No longer will I be showing you the ropes. I’ll be handing them to you.”
    The first course of their lunch arrived, and after that, the conversation flowed smoothly. Her grandfather made sure of it. He was jubilant and entertaining, witty and charming. It would have been impossible not to be affected by his good humor.
    When they’d finished the meal, Zachary looked at his watch. “I’m sorry to leave so soon, but I have an appointment.”
    Janine took a last sip of her coffee. “I should be leaving, too.” She reached for her purse and coat, then slid out of the booth, waiting for her grandfather to join her.
    “If neither of you objects, I’m going to linger over my coffee,” Anton said, nodding toward his steaming cup.
    “Of course.” Janine leaned over to kiss him goodbye.
    Zachary walked out to the street with her. Before he left, he shook her hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Hartman.”
    “You’re sure?” she teased, unable to stop herself.
    “Yes.” His eyes held hers and he smiled. She walked away feeling oddly excited about their meeting. Zach wasn’t an easy person to know, but she suspected he was everything her grandfather claimed and more.
     
    G RAMPS’S MOOD remained cheerful when he got home later that evening. Janine was in the library sipping herbal tea with her feet tucked under her as she watched the local news.
    Sitting in the wingback leather chair next to her, Gramps crossed his legs and chose one of his Havana cigars. Janineshook her head affectionately as he lit it; she loved her grandfather dearly and wished he’d stop smoking, though she no longer bothered to express that wish. He was the kind of man who did exactly as he chose, got exactly what he wanted. He was obviously pleased with the way their luncheon had gone, and she wondered briefly if Zach had said anything about her afterward. Somehow she doubted it.
    “Well,” he said after a moment, “What do you think of Zachary Thomas?” He blew a steady stream of smoke at the ceiling while he awaited her answer.
    All