Read Online Once Upon a Proposal by Allison Leigh - Free Book Online Page A

friends.” She sank down into a corner of the opposite chair. “Instead, I believe Astrid has invited half of the world. She never even asked who I would like to invite. I suppose she was afraid I’d invite someone unsuitable. ” She made a face. “Like my own employees and volunteers.”
    â€œWell, it’ll be over soon enough.”
    â€œI’m not sure I appreciate a phrase like that at my age,” Fiona replied dryly.
    Bobbie couldn’t help but laugh, even though she was immediately reminded of Gabe’s words about his grandmother. “You’re one of the youngest people I know. And it has nothing to do with the calendar.”
    Fiona leaned forward and patted Bobbie’s knee. “You’re a dear. Now tell me what you think of Gabriel.”
    Bobbie nearly choked on her cocktail. She swallowed, trying not to gasp a little at the strong alcohol. “He’s very…handy.” She lifted her shoulder and hoped Fiona would blame the color in her cheeks on the drink. “The work he’s doing around the carriage house has been great.”
    Fiona’s eyes sparkled. “Yes. But what do you think of him? ”
    For a moment, Bobbie wondered if Gabe had told his grandmother about their unconventional meeting. Or about what had happened since.
    But then she dismissed it as unlikely.
    â€œI think he’s—” sexy, handsome, unreasonably attractive “—nice,” she managed weakly. “He certainly loves his children.”
    Fiona nodded. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she sipped her cocktail. “He’d do anything for them.”
    â€œMmm.” Bobbie took another too-hasty drink that burned all the way down her throat. Already her head was beginning to swim a little and she quickly set the glass on the small table next to the chair while she could still set it safely without spilling it. “I imagine they’ll all be here for your party tomorrow evening?”
    â€œI’d certainly prefer Todd and Lisette over their mother’s presence, but Astrid hasn’t included the children.”
    Bobbie blinked. “Gabe’s…ex-wife is coming?” Giventheir strained relationship, she hadn’t expected that. Had he exaggerated the situation?
    â€œYes. I know it sounds odd. But Astrid and Stephanie’s mother are dear friends and for some reason, Astrid still believes that Stephanie and Gabe will reconcile. Doesn’t seem to matter that Stephanie betrayed Gabe in the worst possible way, or that she’s doing her level best to keep Gabe’s children from him as much as she can. She picked Stephanie for Gabe years ago, and can’t bring herself to realize that her choice stunk.” Fiona let out an exasperated sigh. “The woman doesn’t even know her own son. And my son doesn’t seem any better. Even though I myself haven’t seen Stephanie in years, I’m not holding out hope that she’d have the good taste to decline the invitation.” Fiona drained her glass and with no seeming regard for the fine crystal, set it on the side table with a clunk. “I think you should come to the party. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”
    Bobbie straightened her spine. “What?”
    Fiona lifted her eyebrows. “It’s my birthday party. I should be able to invite at least one person that I want to be there, shouldn’t I?”
    â€œWell, of course, but—”
    â€œThen it’s done.” She pushed to her feet. “Sadly, it’s black tie.” She rolled her eyes. “Astrid’s doing, of course. You have something suitable? Maybe a dress left over from that drip of a fiancé you had?”
    â€œI have a gown or two.” Shoved in the back of her closet because she didn’t have the good sense to get rid of clothing that she never wore—or never planned to wear again. Until her involvement with