Mother's Day Babies (Holiday Babies Series) Read Online Free Page B

Tower.
    “You bet. But it was worth every
minute of discomfort. Where are we heading now?”
    “We’ll take a stroll in the park in
front of the Eiffel Tower.”
    “The French call it Champ de
Mars . The expanse of grassland was used as an exercise ground for the
cadets of the military school.” Her gaze surveyed the big rectangles of green
lawns ahead of them.
    “You did your homework. I’m
impressed.”
    “I wanted to soak up the history
of this country and I read several books on Paris before coming.” She strolled
along the alley separating two rectangles.
    His phone rang. Annoyed to be
disturbed, he checked the caller id. Damn it, Monica.
    “Excuse me, Barbara. I must take
this but I’ll be quick.”
     He drifted away from his companion
and followed her, admiring her swaying figure enhanced by the scenery
surrounding them.
    “Yes. What’s wrong now, Monica?”
he said in the phone.
    “I need your help.” The pitiful,
teary voice didn’t stir him. The last time she’d called she’d practically
insulted him.
    He snorted. “Of course, you
wouldn’t be calling otherwise.”
    “No, seriously, Lou, I’m in
trouble. A big mess.” A series of sobs burst on the line. “Please, come and
help me.”
    “Are you crazy? I can’t now. I’m
in France and very busy. Where are you and how much do you need?”
    “I’m in New York. Let me
explain—”
    “I said I don’t have time now.
Call me at night. We are six hours ahead here.”
    “But—”
    “I’ll wire five grand to your
account. I hope it helps whatever mess you got yourself into this time. Bye.” He
jabbed the off button. His fingers fisted around his phone, he heaved a deep
breath, willing his heartbeat to slow down.
    Barbara turned toward him.
“Problems at work?”
    He nodded, afraid his voice would
betray his anger if he uttered a word. Problems all right. The type he’d never
learned to handle with a cool head. Heck, his blood boiled every time he got a
call like this. No wonder he’d never been able to trust a woman in the last
twenty-five years. Only someone as sweet and serene as Barbara could make him
forget this problem.
    “I can smell the roses. Look at
these bushes of flowers. Aren’t they beautiful, Lou?” Her question pulled him
out of his glum mood and her smile restored his calm. He wouldn’t let the past
spoil his special moment—an exceptional moment with the lovely Barbara next to him
at this romantic landmark.
    “Very beautiful,” he said as he
admired her blond silky curls fluttering in the breeze and her turquoise eyes
twinkling with happy stars.
    “I want a picture with the Eiffel
Tower in the background. It will be a picture to frame.”
    “In that case, I want to be in
it.” He stopped a man in jeans and sneakers. “Do you speak English?”
    “I do, but not with your Southern
accent.” The American tourist burst out laughing and shook hands with Lou.
    “Can you take us a picture
together, please?” Without hesitation, Lou draped his arm on her shoulder and
smiled for the camera.
    “Say cheese,” the American tourist
said to Barbara who’d stiffened. Lou almost thanked him for siding with him.
“Another one? Different pose,” the man suggested.
    “Sure.” Lou heartily agreed. He
eased away from his companion but hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow.
    “From the side now.” Their
volunteer cameraman seemed to enjoy his new role.
    “Of course.” Lou chuckled and
swiveled Barbara to her side.
    A huff of annoyance wafted to his
ears. “I don’t need so many pictures.”
    Huh... I need them . “It’s
just for the camera,” he drawled. She answered with a shrug. “Last one. Now
smile, please,” he begged as he wrapped both arms around her waist and leaned
his head against hers. Good man . Their photographer clicked before
Barbara jerked back toward him. This was one picture Lou would enlarge, frame,
and set on his night table to guarantee a night of sweet dreams.
    “Enough pictures.”