Mattie's Call Read Online Free Page A

same women would give him a chance if he didn’t make a good living as an engineer, had a house, and didn’t require they drop him off at work or loan him a little something when he was light. Marilyn Tharp, Dr. Marilyn Tharp, was successful in her own right as a chemist and researcher with Procter and Gamble in Albany, Georgia, when she shucked off the corporate title and joined the faculty of Savannah State University. He’d enjoyed attending faculty functions with her, and getting to know her colleagues, but still…
    â€œSo there’s no escaping his visit next summer,” she said, breaking his errant thoughts.
    â€œWhat did you say, Marilyn?”
    â€œI said, my brother wants to come visit us next summer, and I wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with him staying with us.”
    â€œWhoa, what about your house, Mare?”
    â€œIt will be on the market in two weeks.”
    She took another swig of her drink, stood and approached him. She raised the covered dessert plate next to him and placed a black, velvety box in her hand. She dropped to one knee, scaring Joshua. The platinum and diamond band sparkled in the candlelight. His objection was too slow; she spoke before he could stop her.
    â€œJoshua Marcus Benson, you are the best man I’ve ever met. You are all I’ve dreamed of, fantasized about, and craved since I was a little girl. You’re strong, loving, independent, and handsome enough to make the cutest babies in Savannah. Will you marry me?”
    Joshua shook his hands vigorously. “No, no, no, Mare. Not this.”
    She stood. “You said you had an announcement to make. I figured we were on the same page, so I decided to beat you to the punch. You hadn’t planned on proposing to me tonight?”
    Joshua sighed. Four engagements had taught him not to hint at marriage if he wasn’t sure. He’d never given her any indication he wanted to marry. They’d dated, had fun, but he never mentioned commitment. He’d also bought rings for his women. It shouldn’t be the other way around.
    â€œI wanted to talk to you about my mother.”
    â€œYour mother?”
    â€œLet’s sit down in the living room and discuss this.” He gently caressed Marilyn’s arm, but she snatched it away.
    â€œWe can stand here and talk.”
    Joshua sat at the table and pointed to Marilyn’s vacant seat; she followed suit. They were adults, and blaring police lights didn’t belong in his quiet neighborhood. “I came home to ask for my key back and for you to move your things. I’ve rearranged my schedule to work from home, and I’m moving my mother in with me. I’ve hired a homecare health aide, and I plan to surprise her with this news at the Grand Oak Christmas Pageant.”
    â€œAre you telling me I sat here and made a fool of myself, cooking for you, spending time with you, and you don’t even want to be with me?”
    â€œMarilyn, I said nothing about ending the relationship. I’m freeing my house for my mom. My sisters aren’t willing to take her in, so I’m doing what I have to do for my mother. She’s miserable at that place. I can’t believe Gigi put her there.”
    â€œI can help with your mother.”
    â€œCome on, Marilyn, it was obvious she annoyed you when she was here.”
    â€œShe peed in the bed.”
    â€œShe’s elderly, Mare.”
    â€œShe insulted my cooking.”
    â€œHer dietary needs have changed over the years, Mare. She can’t eat spicy or salty foods without upsetting her stomach. You made her enchiladas and filled them with jalapeño peppers.” He paused, then took a deep breath. “Our parents sacrificed so much for us, and it’s time for me to give back.”
    â€œGive back all you want! Best believe it will be without me.” Marilyn jumped from her seat, knocking it to the floor. She grabbed the ring box and marched