The Road To Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow. Debbie Macomber

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ blinked. “I just wanted to tell you how much I’d appreciate it if you decided to do me this tiny favor.”

      “You’ll buy the ingredients yourself?”

      “The grocery budget couldn’t manage it?”

      “Not unless everyone else is willing to eat oatmeal three times a week for the remainder of the month.”

      “I don’t suppose they would be,” he muttered. “All right, make me a list and I’ll buy what you need.”

      Ellen was half hoping that once he saw the price of fresh shrimp, he’d realize it might be cheaper to take Michelle to a seafood restaurant.

      “Oh, by the way,” Derek said, examining one of the envelopes in his hand. “You got a letter. Looks like it’s from Reed.”

      “Reed?” Her lungs slowly contracted as she said his name, and it was all she could do not to snatch the envelope out of Derek’s hand. The instant he gave it to her, she tore it open.

      “What does he say?” Derek asked, sorting through the rest of the mail. “He didn’t write me.”

      Ellen quickly scanned the contents. “He’s asking if the electrician has showed up yet. That’s all.”

      “Oh? Then why didn’t he just call? Or send an email?”

      She didn’t respond, but made a show of putting the letter back inside the envelope. “I’ll go into the kitchen and make that grocery list before I forget.”

      “I’m really grateful, Ellen, honest.”

      “Sure,” she grumbled.

      As soon as the kitchen door swung shut, Ellen took out Reed’s letter again, intent on savoring every word.

      Dear Ellen,

      I realized I don’t have your email address, so I thought I’d do this the old-fashioned way—by mail. There’s something so leisurely and personal about writing a letter, isn’t there?

      You’re right, the Monterey area is beautiful. I wish I could say that everything else is as peaceful as the scenery here. Unfortunately it’s not. Things have been hectic. But if all goes well, I should be back at the house by Saturday, which is earlier than I expected.

      Have you become accustomed to the idea that your mother’s remarried? I know it was a shock. Like I said, I remember how I felt, and that was many years ago. I’ve been thinking about it all—and wondering about you. If I’d known what was happening, I might have been able to postpone this trip. You looked like you needed someone. And knowing you, it isn’t often that you’re willing to lean on anyone. Not the independent, self-sufficient woman I discovered walking around my kitchen half-naked. I can almost see your face getting red when you read that. I shouldn’t tease you, but I can’t help it.

      By the way, I contacted a friend of mine who owns an electrical business and told him about the problem with the kitchen outlet. He said he’d try to stop by soon. He’ll call first.

      I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you—and the boys, but mostly you. Actually, I’m pleased you’re there to keep those kids in line.

      Take care and I’ll see you late Saturday.

      Say hi to the boys for me. I’m trusting that they aren’t giving you any problems.

      Reed

      Ellen folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket. She crossed her arms, smiling to herself, feeling incredibly good. So Reed had been thinking about her. And she sensed that it was more than the troublesome kitchen outlet that had prompted his letter. Although she knew it would be dangerous for her to read too much into Reed’s message, Ellen couldn’t help feeling encouraged.

      She propped open her cookbook, compiling the list of items Derek would need for his fancy dinner with Michelle. A few minutes later, her spirits soared still higher when the electrical contractor phoned and arranged a date and a time to check the faulty outlet. Somehow, that seemed like a good omen to her—a kind of proof that she really was in Reed’s thoughts.

      “Was the phone for me?” Derek called from halfway down the stairs.

      Ellen finished writing the information on the pad by the phone before answering. “It was the electrician.”

      “Oh. I’m expecting a call from Michelle.”

      “Speaking of your true love, here’s your grocery list.”

      Derek took it and slowly ran his finger down the items she’d need for his dinner with Michelle. “Is this going to cost more than twenty-five dollars?” He glanced up, his face doubtful.

      “The pecans alone will be that much,” she exaggerated.

      With only a hint of disappointment, Derek shook his head. “I think maybe Michelle and I should find a nice, cozy, inexpensive restaurant.”

      Satisfied that her plan had worked so well, Ellen hid a smile. “Good idea. By the way,” she added, “Reed says he’ll be home Saturday.”

      “So soon? He’s just been gone two weeks.”

      “Apparently it’s a short job.”

      “Apparently,” Derek grumbled. “I don’t have to be here, do I? Michelle wanted me to help her and her sister paint.”

      “Derek,” Ellen said. “I didn’t even know you could wield a brush. The upstairs hallway—”

      “Forget it,” he told her sharply. “I’m only doing this to help Michelle.”

      “Right, but I’m sure Michelle would be willing to help you in exchange.”

      “Hey, we’re students, not slaves.”

      The following afternoon, the electrician arrived and was in and out of the house within thirty minutes. Ellen felt proud that she’d correctly traced the problem. She could probably have fixed it if Reed hadn’t become so frantic at the thought of her fumbling around with the wiring. Still, recalling his reaction made her smile.

      * * *

      THAT EVENING, ELLEN had finished loading the dishwasher and had just settled down at the kitchen table to study when the phone rang. Pat, who happened to be walking past it, answered.

      “It’s Reed,” he told Ellen. “He wants to talk to you.”

      With reflexes that surprised even her, Ellen bounded out of her chair.

      “Reed,” she said into the receiver, holding it tightly against her ear. “Hello, how are you?”

      “Fine. Did the electrician come?”

      “He was here this afternoon.”

      “Any problems?”

      “No,” she breathed. He sounded wonderfully close, his voice warm and vibrant. “In fact, СКАЧАТЬ