Read Online Olivia's Mine by Janine McCaw - Free Book Online Page B

woman over there in the green dress
with the hideous hat with the bird on it?” Lucy continued. “That’s
Mary Alice Carpenter, the local seamstress. Had to let the bride’s
wedding dress out twice the past few weeks, she tells me. Notice
how forgiving the cut of the gown is. The older man over at the bar
is Dr. Van den Broek. She’s been in to see him a few times lately.
And the skinny gal over there is Diana the hairdresser. Says that
the bride’s hair won’t hold a curl anymore. Some say that’s just an
old wives tale but, three plus three equals six and that’s about
how many months we all figure she is along. Now shhh! McMichael’s
nearby.”
    McMichael, playing the role of father-of-the
bride for his niece, was pleased with the way the event was
progressing. The wedding was a grand affair with plenty of food and
plenty of liquor. He was a self-proclaimed frugal man, but when he
did things, he did things right. He had even brought a professional
band up from Vancouver to provide live music. Everyone seemed to be
having a good time, he thought, as he glanced around the room. As
beautiful as the bride looked today, there was the lovely Lucy,
stealing the show as she always did when she walked into a room.
She had danced most of the night away, with the single and married
men alike lining up for a chance to take her for a twirl. As
gorgeous as she was though, he couldn’t explain why his heart
literally skipped a beat when he gazed upon the woman now standing
beside her, with the lovely long chestnut hair.
    “Nice wedding, Mr. McMichael,” Frank said as
he passed by with a couple of drinks in his hand.
    “Is that your wife Frank? Over there with
Lucy?”
    “Yes sir. Come on over and I’ll introduce
you,” he said, making his way back to the ladies.
    Olivia took the beverage Frank brought and
put it down on a table.
    “Frank, I love this song, let’s go dance,”
Olivia begged, not paying much attention to the stranger with him.
She had met so many people that night, she couldn’t remember who
she had been introduced to and who she hadn’t. They were becoming a
blur.
    “Liv, I’d love to, but my leg’s killing me.
I’m sorry. I need to sit down for a few minutes.”
    “Well then,” McMichael said, literally sizing
her up. “I would be happy to have a dance with your wife, Frank.
Olivia isn’t it? I’m J.W. McMichael.”
    Olivia hesitantly looked at Frank who in turn
gave her a hesitant go-ahead, as McMichael placed his hand across
her back and led her onto the dance floor.
    “Oh sure Frank,” Lucy said, “throw her to the
wolves her first day.”
    “Why doesn’t he ask you to dance Lucy? I mean
if he wants to dance so much? I know he likes you. I think upon
occasion I’ve even seen him throw a smile your way.”
    “Because,” she replied, “I’m taller than he
is. I tower over him and he can’t stand it.”
    The crowded dance floor soon made room for
the new couple.
    “Thank you for inviting me, Mr. McMichael,”
Olivia said. “That was quite kind of you. I didn’t know anyone
beforehand, but I’ve met quite a few of the townspeople tonight.
Your daughters are quite beautiful.”
    “Thank you Olivia,” he said, taking her into
his arms. “I hadn’t realized that I did invite you, but no matter.
It is a pleasure to have you living in this town. I hope you’re
happy here. That’s a lovely dress you are wearing. Do you mind if I
ask where you got it?”
    Olivia was taken aback by the question.
    “It was a birthday gift from my parents. I’m
not sure where they got it.”
    “Ah, well it’s just that the workmanship is
so detailed. I thought it might have come from a private clothier
in Seattle. My wife had one very similar once. A gift from a friend
of the family. I thought perhaps they were made by the same shop,
that’s all. Your parents have remarkable taste.”
    “Is your wife here? I don’t think I’ve met
her yet,” Olivia asked innocently.
    McMichael stopped