Read Online Must-Have Husband by Ginny Baird - Free Book Online Page B

he had any option other than forging out on his own. He’d grown up with a hardworking yet loving single mother who’d worked double shifts at the bakery to pay for school extras so he could stay enrolled in the most competitive courses. Her support and his own dedication had paid off by landing him a full scholarship to the forestry program at Berkeley. Mac had never wanted to do anything but work outdoors. He’d initially considered working for the National Park Service but ultimately found running his own business—and being his own boss — to be the perfect fit. That was until everything went up in smoke.
    His dinner plate was cleared and a flaming dish was placed before him. “Bananas Foster,” Connie explained with a sweet smile. Mac couldn’t believe they were serving dessert again. Not after having cake and champagne as appetizers… then a summer squash bisque to start … followed by the apple, pecan, and goat-cheese salad… wrapping up with prime rib and lobster…
    “I don’t know how you girls can eat like this and still keep your figures.”
    “StairMaster,” Linda assured him with a grin.
    Connie nodded in agreement, eagerly digging into her second dessert, but Mac didn’t believe he could fit in one more bite. Already, he was bursting at the seams, particularly in this too-tight jacket. A server came around with coffee as the band picked up its tempo. The music was saucy and upbeat, and Connie must have liked it. He could hear her tapping her feet in time to the rhythm under the table. Wendell Junior silenced the band and took his place center stage. “Honored guests, friends, and family, we’re delighted you could join us tonight for my father’s very special celebration. And in honor of the man of the hour, I hope you’ll all fulfill his request to dance until your shoes fall off.” A ripple of laughter erupted from the crowd as Grandpa Oliver watched, beaming, from the sidelines. He motioned for his son to hand him the microphone, then took it to address the room.
    “It was very kind of you to come this evening. Very kind of all of you, indeed. And I can’t thank you enough for your donations to my chosen charities. The art museum and community playhouse will both benefit greatly from your generosity, and will hopefully keep entertaining others long past the time this old man is gone.” As if to prove his frailty, he broke into a wheezing cough. Elizabeth appeared and took the microphone while Grandpa Oliver continued to breathe hoarsely. “Thank you. Thank you all again.”
    He beckoned Elizabeth toward him and whispered something in her ear as she held the microphone at her side. She brought the cordless mike to her mouth and her face warmed in a smile. “The birthday boy has a special request. Before we begin the general dancing, he’d like to welcome Connie’s new fiancé to the fold with a special introductory couple’s dance.”
    Mac’s coffee sloshed sideways as he rapidly set his cup down on its saucer.
    “Ladies and gentleman,” Elizabeth went on, “may I present to you our daughter Connie’s newly betrothed, Adam ‘Mac’ McCormack.” She gestured grandly in his direction, and people applauded. Mac wanted to crawl under the table, but Connie stopped him by taking his hand.
    “I can’t dance,” he whispered to her, his pulse picking up a notch.
    “Of course you can,” she said with a smile.

    Mac heard cups clattering against saucers and dessert forks scraping dishes as Connie led him toward the center of the room. Was it his imagination, or were people actually whispering behind their hands about his boots?
    Wendell Junior gave a signal to the bandleader, and the quartet began to play something with a lot of swing and dip. Mac had no clue what he was doing, so he let Connie lead as she pulled him along. Soon he was following her example, rocking back and forth and stepping sideways to the beat, all the while holding Connie’s hand. He didn’t know how she