Tuesday's Child Read Online Free

Vianne’s had the day before as he glanced around. “Well, you certainly have lots of patients, Miss Monroe. Or should that be Dr. Monroe?”
    “Dad always used Doctor for the kids, since we were making their toys better. It seemed natural for me to do the same thing. But I prefer Dr. Adeline or Dr. A.”
    Nate sipped the coffee. “I owe you an apology for the way I spoke to you yesterday.”
    “Don’t worry about it. I put it down to a bad day in the office.”
    Nate nodded. “It wasn’t one of the best. But that’s no excuse for being rude. I should know better. I’m sorry.”
    “You’re forgiven. I prayed for you last night.”
    He looked completely gobsmacked. “You…you did?”
    “I always pray for the pastors and elders, but last night God laid you on my heart, especially.”
    “Thank you.” His eyes softened, making a huge difference to his face. “I appreciate it.”
    She smiled at him. “You’re welcome.”
    Nate walked with her to the office.
    “So how do you manage if you can’t hear?”
    “I read lips and sign.”
    “How come you speak so well?”
    “I got the measles when I was five and lost my hearing, then. My mother insisted I carried on speaking and learned both lip reading and sign. She made the whole family learn. But Ben is my best asset.” She glanced at her faithful friend by her heels. “He’s my hearing dog. He tells me when the phone rings or the doorbell chimes or when the smoke alarm goes off. Or when someone wants my attention, and I haven’t noticed them.”
    “So a guide dog for the deaf, then?”
    “Yes. I’d be lost without him. He’s two now. I’ve had him six months.”
    Nate settled into the chair by her desk, his long legs stretched out. One hand rested on his thighs, the other held his coffee. He fixed his gaze on her, a long lazy smile curving his full lips. “I don’t remember the last time I just sat and did nothing.”
    “You should do it more often.”
    “Bit hard in my line of work. Especially with the case I’m currently involved in.” He took a long drink. “There are no leads, just—” He broke off. “You don’t want to hear this.”
    “If you want to talk, I’m happy to listen.” She smiled, waiting for him to catch the little joke.
    It took him a second. He grinned, at ease, and then his expression sobered. He took a long drink of his coffee, indecision playing over his face. “Thanks, but I really shouldn’t. It’s an ongoing investigation.”
    “All right. I’ll keep praying. And if you should change your mind, I’m here.”
    “Thank you.” He ran his fingers around the rim of the cup. “Have you done any kind of self-defense classes?”
    “I have Ben.”
    Nate took in the way Ben sat by her heels. “And as fierce as he is, a backup plan might be an idea. I run a self-defense course in the church hall on Monday evenings at seven. You’d be welcome to join us.”
    “Thank you. I’ll think about it.”
    Nate finished his coffee. “I should take Vianne home. I have a thousand and one things to do around the house today. Thanks for the coffee. And the prayers, Miss Monroe.”
    Adeline smiled. “You’re welcome, Sgt. Holmes.”
    He got to his feet, his tall frame not in the least bit imposing. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    For a moment her heart leapt, then she realized he meant in church and a shaft of disappointment filled her. “We’ll be there.”
     
    ****
     
    Walking down the aisle to her usual seat in Headley Baptist, Adeline was amused to see that Ben adopted his church attitude almost as soon as they entered the building and walked sedately. She smiled at Holly and Kyle and said hello as she passed them. They really did make a beautiful couple. Who’d have thought God could work such a horrid situation for good the way He had with them?
    She slid into the pew and Ben settled at her feet.
    Chrissie and Matt sat in front of her. They’d announced their engagement only recently. It seemed as if the church