Dr. Horatio vs. the Six-Toed Cat Read Online Free Page B

daughter get married? At the very idea, a dull pain thudded in her chest. “Of course we do,” shehurried to say. Albert opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him with a glance and then turned to Alison. “But Colombia ?”
    â€œI know.” Alison shook her head. “It stinks. But Mom, I love him no matter where he’s from.”
    â€œHow do you know?” Albert demanded. “You just met the guy. And unless I’m wrong, you haven’t spent much time getting to know him. You were in Florida, what, a week? And you haven’t gone anywhere since you got back. You can’t possibly know if you love him or not.”
    â€œWe’ve e-mailed and texted constantly. I know everything about Nick, and he knows everything about me.” Her features settled into an ornery arrangement that looked very much like her father’s. “I’d like your approval, but even if you don’t approve, we’re getting married and that’s that.”
    They were both shouting now, and Millie’s stomach clenched into tense knots. She loved these two people deeply and fully, and knew they shared a stubborn streak strong enough to topple buildings. And volatile tempers to match. If this conversation continued, things would be said that shouldn’t, hurtful things that might cause permanent harm.
    She forced a peaceful tone. “Let’s all calm down.” Reaching out, she placed a hand on each of their arms. “We won’t solve anything by arguing.”
    â€œThere’s nothing to solve.” At least Alison spoke at a reasonable volume, though with a hint of steel resolve. “Everything is decided.”
    â€œI understand that.” Millie squeezed Albert’s arm to impart both comfort and warning.
    Actually, she was a little concerned about him. His cheeks were purple, and a vein at his temple had swelled until she could see his pulse. No doubt his blood pressure had escalated through the roof. She squeezed again, and watched his efforts to regain control. When the alarming color faded a tad, she turned to their daughter.
    â€œWhy don’t you tell us about Nicholas?”
    Gratitude flooded the girl’s face, and a smile stole across her lips. “Oh, Mom, he’s wonderful. Really incredible. The smartest man I’ve ever met. And funny too.” A girlish giggle heralded the return of the sparkle to her eyes. “He makes the wittiest comments.”
    This was more like it. Actually, watching Alison as she talked about Nicholas took the edge off of Millie’s tension. The girl positively radiated happiness. Her face glowed with an inner elation that Millie had never seen before. Maybe she really did love this man.
    â€œHow old is he? And what does he look like?”
    â€œHe’s twenty-two, exactly my age. Only a few days’ difference. And oh, he’s so handsome!” She folded her hands beneath her chin and shut her eyes. “His heritage shows. Black hair, dark complexion, eyes so dark you can get lost in them. And his lips…” Bliss settled over her features as she wilted against the chair back and heaved a deep sigh.
    Albert looked at Millie, eyebrows drawn together toward a pair of deep lines etched in his brow. After more than three decades of marriage, they could sometimes communicate without words. She read his thoughts as clearly as if he’d spoken them. What are you doing? Don’t encourage her. We need to stand together on this.
    Millie arched her eyebrows and lowered her chin slightly in return. Arguing won’t solve anything. We’ll discuss it later.
    She turned to their daughter. “When will we get to meet him?”
    Bright eyes opened. “Next weekend. He’s coming to town for the fall festival, and we’ll get our marriage license then.” Her gaze flickered toward her father. “Mostly he’s coming to meet you, of course.”
    Many times over the