Listen to Your Heart - Fern Michaels [55]
“Your dog is sleeping on my bed with the door closed. He loves me, you know. I don’t think he’s going to want to go with you.”
“That’s what you think. That’s my dog. He goes where I go. He might love you, but he loves me more. I’ve had that dog since he was a pup. He’s mine.”
“Then go upstairs and get him. Tell him you’re taking him home. He’ll do that under-the-bed thing again. Give it up—he’s mine now. He loves Rosie, and he won’t leave without her.”
“Then there’s only one thing to do.”
“You aren’t taking Rosie, so don’t even think about it.”
“Marry me.”
“Marry you! I don’t even know you. Why would I want to do a dumb thing like that?”
“Because it’s the only solution. That way both dogs will be happy. You kissed me like you knew me. And,” he drawled, “you invited me to kiss your ass. That’s pretty personal if you want my opinion.”
“I didn’t say . . .” Josie sputtered.
“You were going to say it. You were hopping mad. You were right to be mad. I’m sorry. I can apologize from now till tomorrow, but it won’t change things. Today was a day to end all days. I sat down, closed my eyes, and then it was eleven o’clock. I’m sorry about your dress. Where’d you get it, Taiwan?”
“No, I did not get it in Taiwan. I bought it in a very exclusive store in town and paid a lot of money for it. It looked nice at seven-thirty.”
“You should ask for your money back.” Paul grinned as he headed for the steps. “Are you going to feed me or not?”
“Why don’t I ever win with you?” Josie grumbled.
“Because your heart isn’t in it. You like me, admit it. Are you going to marry me or not?”
Josie looked around the kitchen, at the open door and windows. The scent of lilies of the valley was so strong she felt faint. Her fingers clutched at the pearls around her neck. You trying to tell me something, Mom? “If I agree to marry you, will you be on time for the wedding?”
“I’ll go to the church the day before and wait. Are you saying yes?”
“I think so. I think my mother wants me to marry you. That has to be what it means. Okay, yes.”
“You can explain that to me later. I want to see my dog. Rustle up some food, woman. I’m starving.”
“You can’t order me around. Don’t even go down that road.”
“Josie, do you think you could possibly find me something to eat?”
“That’s much better. I’ll try.”
The minute he was out of sight, Josie twirled around. “Mom, where are you? You wanted me to say yes, right? I said yes. I wanted to say yes. It’s a good thing, right, Mom? Please, give me a sign. Something. I need to know, Mom.”
She heard them on the stairs, the man she’d just agreed to marry and the two dogs. Zip let out an earsplitting bark that sent Josie’s hand to her throat and the pearls around her neck. She watched in delight as the necklace broke and the tiny circles rolled across the floor. She laughed happily as she dropped to her knees to pick them up. She was still laughing when Paul dropped to the floor across from her.
“Why are you laughing, Josie? You just broke your necklace. I’ll buy you a new one.”
“I don’t need a new one. I don’t want one either. Someday I’ll tell you what this means.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.” Thanks, Mom.
Zip nuzzled Josie’s neck and tried to inch her toward the door. “He wants out.”
“Really.”
“Yes, they’ve been cooped up since seven-thirty. I’d let them out if I were you. Otherwise, you’re going to be cleaning up a mess. I’ll put dinner in the oven.”
“You cooked!”
“Our client slipped and fell on some soapsuds and the food was all prepared. Kitty took most of it to a homeless shelter, but I kept some in case we decided to eat here.”
“So what are we having?” Paul called over his shoulder as the dogs raced into the night.
“We are having a salad of new potatoes and roasted walnuts with warm bacon vinaigrette, beef tenderloin with fresh horseradish and black-pepper crust, an exotic mushroom bread pudding, fresh cranberry compote, and a creole trifle.”
“You did all that? I’m impressed.”
Josie demurred. “I didn’t . . .”
“I know it was for