Dream 3 - Finding the Dream Read Online Free

any difference."
    "I'm not going to stand around and watch, then." Disgusted, Kate peered up at Josh. "Let's go sit in the south garden for a while. Josh can steal us some champagne."
    "You're under age," he said primly.
    "Right, like you've never done it before." She smiled winningly. "Just a glass each. To toast Laura. Maybe it'll bring her luck, and what she wants."
    "One glass, then."
    Margo frowned, noting the way he scanned the crowd. "Looking for cops?"
    "No, I thought Michael might show after all."
    "Mick?" Kate angled her head. "I thought he was down in Central America or somewhere, playing soldier of fortune."
    "He is—was," Josh corrected. "He's back, at least for a while. I was hoping he'd take me up on the invitation." Then he shrugged. "He's not much for this kind of thing. One glass," he repeated, tapping a finger on Kate's nose. "And you didn't get it from me."
    "Of course not." After tucking her arm through Margo's, Kate wandered toward the gaily lighted gardens. "We might as well drink to her if we can't stop her."
    "We'll drink to her," Margo agreed. "And we'll be there, whatever happens."
    "So many stars," Laura breathed in the night as she and Peter walked across the gently sloping lawn. "I can't imagine a more perfect evening."
    "Much more perfect now that I have a moment alone with you."
    Flushing, she smiled at him. "I'm sorry. I've been so busy, I've hardly had a moment to talk with you." Be alone with you.
    "You have duties. I understand. A Templeton would never neglect her guests."
    "Not ordinarily, no. But it is my birthday." Her hand felt so warm and sheltered in his. She wished they could walk forever, down to the cliffs, so she could share that most intimate place with him. "I should have some leeway."
    "Then let's take advantage of that." He guided her toward the fanciful white shape of the gazebo.
    From there the sounds of the party became muted background, and the moonlight filtered through the latticelike lace. Scents from the flowers perfumed the air. It was precisely the setting he'd wanted.
    Old-fashioned and romantic, like the woman he intended to have.
    Drawing her into his arms, he kissed her. She came so willingly, he thought. So innocently. That lovely mouth parting for his, those delicate arms winding around him. It stirred him, this youth combined with dignity, eagerness flushed with innocence.
    He could have her, he knew. He had the skill and the experience. But he was a man who prided himself on control, and he drew her gently back. He wouldn't soil the perfection, or rush into the physical. He wanted his wife untouched, even by himself.
    "I haven't told you enough how lovely you look tonight."
    "Thank you." She treasured those warm, liquid pulls of anticipation. "I wanted to. For you."
    He smiled and held her tenderly, letting her head rest against his heart. She was so perfect for him, he thought.
    Young, lovely, well bred. Malleable. Through the slats he spotted Margo, flashy in her clinging red dress, laughing bawdily at some joke.
    Even though his glands stirred, his sensibilities were offended. The housekeeper's daughter. Every man's wet dream.
    His gaze shifted to Kate. The prickly ward, with more brains than style. It amazed him that Laura felt this childish attachment for those two. But he was sure it would fade in time. She was, after all, sensible, with a dignity admirable in one so young. Once she fully understood her place in society—and her place with him—she could be gently weaned from inappropriate attachments.
    He had no doubt she was in love with him. She had so little experience in coyness or deception. Her parents might not completely approve, but he was confident that their devotion to their daughter would sway them in his favor.
    They would find no fault with him personally or professionally, he was certain. He did his job, and did it well. He would make a suitable son-in-law. With Laura beside him, with the Templeton name, he would have everything he