Read Online Coulson's Wife (The Coulson Series) by Anna J. McIntyre - Free Book Online Page B

stock in celebrating birthdays — mine or my brothers’. But on the fourth, we always
had a family picnic and watched fireworks. It felt strange just staying home on
a day that was always so special. But it wasn’t special because it was my
birthday.”
    “I’m sorry, Mary Ellen,
truly. I wish I had known.”
    “Oh, it’s fine.” She
shrugged and took another bite.
    “Your birthday — that means you’re eighteen now.”
    “Yes.”
    “Happy belated
birthday. Maybe your parents never celebrated it, but I promise, that will
change on your nineteenth one!”
    She smiled and
continued to eat her dinner.
    William wondered if
Randall had overlooked the birthday or if he ever knew it was in July. When he
chastised his friend for marrying a girl so young, never once did Randall
mention the bride to be would be turning eighteen a month after the wedding.
    “So, are we still on
for the movies this week? I was thinking a Saturday matinee.”
    “ Tarzan of the Apes ?
Oh, I’d love that.”
    “Afterwards I’ll take
you to an early supper. Make sure and tell Mrs. Parker you won’t be here for Saturday
night.”
    “You don’t have to do
that.”
    “Sure I do, a belated
birthday dinner.”
    Mary Ellen looked up
into William’s clear blue eyes. By his determined expression, it was obvious he
would be taking her out for a dinner and show on Saturday.
    “Okay, I’ll go,” she
finally acquiesced. “But do you think it will be okay with Randall, is it even
proper?”
    “I’ll run it by him. But
I don’t see a problem.”
    “Just let him know it’s
your idea.”
    William laughed at her
insistence. “I promise.” He gave her a wink then took another bite of his
dinner. “So tell me, why are we eating in here tonight?”
    “Don’t you like it?”
Mary Ellen stopped eating for a moment and glanced around the room.
    “Actually, it’s rather
comfortable in here. I always wondered why Randall insisted on eating in the
formal dining room every night.”
    “Have you always eaten
your dinners here?”
    William laughed and
then said, “My, you must think I’m a grand freeloader!”
    “No, not at all.” Mary
Ellen blushed.
     “I suppose it started
out of convenience—always something to discuss after a day at the office. Then
it became habit. A few times, I tried to break the habit but Randall insisted
it was foolish for me to hire a cook when his was preparing dinner anyway. I
guess I’m lazy.”
    “Well, I’m happy to
have the company.”
    “Thank you. I’m not
sure you’ll be able to convince Randall to start taking the evening meal in the
parlor when he returns.”
    “Oh, I really don’t
expect to.” Not sure I would want to , Mary Ellen thought. She preferred
the more formal and distant environment of the dining room when with her
husband.
     “When he returns, I
should probably think about hiring a cook—to allow you newlyweds some privacy.
Then perhaps he’ll warm up to a quiet supper with his bride in the parlor.”
    “Please, don’t feel you
have to do that.”
    • • • •
     “Did you know it was
her birthday on July fourth?” William asked Randall later that evening, after calling
him up on the telephone. He’d returned home an hour earlier and decided to call
his business partner before going to bed. Knowing Randall, William was fairly
confident the other man would still be awake.
    “Her birthday? Now that
you mention it, I do recall her birthday was in July.”
    “She’s your wife,
Randall. Things like birthdays are important to women.”
    “I suppose you’re
right. Fine, I’ll pick up something at the jewelers and have it sent to her. I
still need to get her a wedding band, but I’ve been so busy.”
    “Have you even called
her since you’ve been gone?”
    “Why? You’re keeping a
good eye on her and tell me everything I need to know.”
    “But don’t you want to
talk to her? Hear her voice?”
    “Good lord, man, this
is a marriage, not some grand love affair. I