44 Cranberry Point. Debbie Macomber

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СКАЧАТЬ arms. Maryellen positively glowed with happiness, and Grace was delighted. Maryellen was more confident and relaxed, more carefree somehow, than she’d ever been. And-equally important-Katie would have the benefit of growing up with two parents.

      “You’re out and about early,” she said conversationally.

      “Jon’s working and won’t be home until late afternoon.”

      That meant her son-in-law was somewhere in western Washington photographing trees or birds. Or something.

      “I love married life,” Maryellen burst out. “Oh, Mom, how could I have been so foolish? Jon is a wonderful husband and father.”

      “Honey, I’m thrilled for you.”

      “I’d better get back to the house. I bought three pounds of fresh clams and I need to get them into the refrigerator.”

      “I didn’t think you liked clams.”

      “I don’t, but Jon does.”

      It seemed to Grace that if Jon indulged Maryellen, as she often claimed, her daughter catered to Jon just as much.

      Grace bought a pound of clams herself and a jar of marmalade from Carol, the lady who sold homemade jelly. She glanced around and didn’t see Stan and figured that was for the best. After strolling down the other aisles, she made her way toward the parking lot.

      “Grace,” Stan called, waving vigorously. He stood on the marina walkway. “Over here.”

      With Buttercup trotting beside her, Grace walked to the marina area.

      “Seth suggested I sleep in his boat,” Stan explained. He looked like he was ready for a tennis date, wearing white shorts and a white cable-knit sweater with a red-and-blue border.

      “How’s it going?” he asked, striking a relaxed pose, studying her as if he wasn’t quite sure where to start.

      “Good.” She didn’t elaborate, preferring to skip the small talk. “What can I do for you?”

      His smile was strained. “You know, since Marge and I split and Olivia married that newsman, I’ve been at loose ends.”

      Grace didn’t like the sound of this. She wondered if he was leading up to asking her out again, and if that was the case, she simply wasn’t interested. She had to tell him before he went any further.

      “Stan, I realize you must be lonely-”

      “Lonely,” he repeated and shook his head, a puzzled expression on his face. “No, no, it isn’t that. I heard about the Dog and Bachelor Auction.”

      It took Grace a moment to put two and two together-and then she upbraided herself for being so dense.

      “I’d like to volunteer to be one of the bachelors,” Stan said eagerly.

      She should’ve known. Stan had always enjoyed being the center of attention. The idea of women bidding on him…That would be the ultimate. In all fairness, he’d do a good job as someone’s date for an evening, provided whoever won him knew what to expect.

      “It’s for charity, right?”

      “To raise funds for the animal shelter,” she told him.

      “Well, you know how I feel about animals.” He nodded sagely and she nodded, too, although she’d never noticed any particular liking for animals. “I’m willing to do my part,” he went on, “and since I’m available, well, why not?” He cast her a practiced smile. “I imagine I could bring in a few dollars for a worthy cause.”

      “You don’t live in Cedar Cove, remember?”

      “You’re right, but I did at one time and people here know me. Really, volunteering is the least I can do to help out, and I understand you’re the person to talk to.”

      “Actually, two other women are gathering bachelors’ names, but I’d be happy to suggest yours.

      Stan grinned. “Thanks.” Gratitude radiated from him. “I knew I could count on you.”

      Buttercup wagged her tail and looked up, anticipating Stan’s attention. However the animal lover didn’t so much as glance in the dog’s direction.

      “Have you already been to the market?” Stan asked.

      The bags in her hands should be evidence that she had.

      “How about if I buy you a cup of coffee and you can fill me in on the details about the auction? Maybe you could help me come up with a strategy.”

      “A…strategy?”

      “Yeah, you know. How to get the ladies to bid on me. Just how many women are expected?”

      “I don’t know. The tickets haven’t gone on sale yet.”

      “I just had a thought.” He straightened, seeming pleased with himself. “I imagine that if the women in town knew exactly who was up for auction, the animal shelter would sell more tickets, right?”

      Grace wasn’t sure about that. “I suppose.”

      “What if you printed the names of the bachelors directly on the tickets? That might generate even more interest, don’t you think?”

      Stan was certainly full of ideas. “I’ll make that suggestion, too,” she murmured.

      “Good.” His eyes brightened and Grace could see he was quite taken with this bachelor auction. During their one and only dinner date, Stan had practically been crying in his soup, wallowing in self-pity. He’d regrouped fast enough, she thought wryly.

      “I’ll do what I can to make sure your name’s added to the list,” she said, eager to leave for home.

      “Thanks, Gracie. I appreciate the fact that you’re such a good friend.”

      Grace didn’t consider herself that much of a friend, but she let the comment-and the nickname-slide. She directed Buttercup toward the parking lot behind the library, where she’d left her car.

      “Nice seeing you again, Grace.”

      “You, too, Stan.”

      “Oh, Grace.” He jogged the few steps over to her. “When you mention the idea about printing the names…”

      “Yes?”

      “Be sure and tell them it came from me.”

      “Of course.” She ordered Buttercup to sit and dropped the leash for a moment so she could shift the heavy bags from one hand to the other.

      “And seeing that it was my idea-” he paused and laughed playfully “-I think it’s only fair that my name be one of those on the list.”

      “I’ll make sure that’s understood.”

      “Great.” He grabbed her by the shoulders СКАЧАТЬ