Read Online Family Affair by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online

sought out that afternoon was Jack. She went directly from the elevator to his apartment, knocking several times, eager to share her news. To her disappointment, he wasn’t home. She realized how important he’d become to her. It was as if none of this were real until she’d shared it with her neighbor.
    Letting herself inside her own apartment, she promptly greeted Cleo and then reached for the phone. Jeanne answered on the second ring.
    “I asked Mr. Sullivan for a raise,” she said without so much as a hello. “Jeanne, I’m so happy, I could cry. It just happened. He made some offhand comment about me being his wallpaper expert, and I said if that was the case I should be properly compensated.”
    “That’s great, and about time too, girl. Congratulations!”
    Lacey knew Jeanne would be pleased for her, if for nothing more than garnering the courage to ask.
    “I owe you so much,” Lacey said, the emotion bubbling in her voice. “I really do. Not long ago you claimed if I wanted to be a victim, you couldn’t help me, and I realized you were right. And Jack too, he’s been—” She stopped, thinking how much Jack had helped her. Not in the same way as Jeanne, but by his own gentle understanding, he’d encouraged her and helped her to find herself. She understood for the first time how confronting Mr. Sullivan was tied in with her divorce. She’d come out of her marriage emotionally crippled, carrying a load of grief and insecurity that had burdened her whole life.
    “You haven’t mentioned Jack much lately,” Jeanne commented. “How’s it going with you two?”
    “I haven’t talked about Jack?” Lacey hedged. “It’s going fine, just fine.”
    “ Fine suggests it’s going great.”
    Cleo wove her way around Lacey’s feet, demanding attention. With the tip of her shoe, Lacey booted the catnip toy as a distraction. Cleo raced after it.
    “Now,” Jeanne said, heaving a giant breath, “tell me how much of a raise Mr. Sullivan’s giving you.”
    “He didn’t say . . . exactly. All he said was that he was going to think about it overnight.”
    “Don’t let him weasel out of it,” Jeanne warned.
    “Don’t worry,” Lacey said. “He wouldn’t dare.” At the moment she felt invincible, capable of dealing with anything or anyone.
    As soon as she was off the phone, Lacey gave Cleo the attention she demanded. “How are you doing, girl?” Lacey asked. “I bet you’re anxious to have those kittens.” She stroked her back and Cleo purred contentedly. “Jack and I will find good homes for your babies,” Lacey assured her. “You don’t have a thing to worry about.”
    Jack didn’t get home until after six. The minute she heard movement on the other side of her kitchen wall, she hurried over to his apartment. She tapped out a staccato knock against his door and was cheered to hear him humming on the other side.
    “Who is it?” he called out.
    “Lacey.”
    The door flew open. The minute he appeared, she vaulted into his arms, spreading kisses over his face. He blinked as if he wasn’t sure what was happening.
    “Lacey?” His eyes were wide with surprise and delight. “What was that for?”
    “A thank-you.” She wove her arms around his neck and kissed him again. “I’m so happy.”
    “My guess is something happened after we met at lunch.”
    She rewarded his genius, taking more time, savoring the kiss. With every beat of her heart, she thanked God for sending Jack into her lonely, bleak life.
    “I’m almost afraid to ask what this is all about. Whatever it is, don’t let me stop you.” He closed the door with his foot and carried her into the living room.
    She hugged him tight. His shirt was unfastened. Either he was dressing or undressing, she couldn’t tell which. Her trembling body moved against his.
    “Are you going to tell me what we’re celebrating?” he asked her breathlessly.
    “A raise,” she said. “And long overdue. You see, I had to ask for it, and doing