Read Online The Doctor's Runaway Fiancée by Cindy Kirk - Free Book Online

furrowed the older woman’s brow. “Do either of you ladies happen to play the piano?”
    Josie shook her head. “Sorry. ‘Chopsticks’ is it for me.”
    â€œThat’s more than I can do.” Sylvie touched Kathy’s arm. “Is there a problem?”
    â€œWe always have a sing-along with the piano at events like these.” Kathy gestured to the baby grand. “But Suzanne Duggan came down with a nasty cold today. Knowing we were counting on her, she came tonight, but we sent her home.”
    â€œThere isn’t anyone in your group who plays?” Sylvie found it difficult to believe there wasn’t at least one person in this group of singers who could bang out a few tunes.
    â€œWe have several.” Kathy’s cheeks pinked. “But Suzanne has been doing this for years. She can play anything the crowd wants, so we didn’t bring any sheet music.”
    â€œI can help.” Andrew stepped forward, extended a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Andrew O’Shea, a friend of Sylvie’s.”
    â€œYou play the piano, Mr. O’Shea?”
    â€œPlease call me Andrew.” He flashed her the smile that had always made Sylvie go weak in the knees. “I haven’t played much in recent years, but I’m proficient. I also have a good ear for music and pick up most tunes easily.” Sylvie could see Kathy react to the self-assured tone. Not bragging, that wasn’t Andrew’s style, just confident.
    Kathy surprised them all by flinging her arms around Andrew and giving him a hug. “You’re a lifesaver.”
    â€œGlad to help out,” Andrew said.
    â€œEveryone,” Kathy called out at the same time she motioned for him to follow her to the piano. “We’ve got our pianist.”
    Applause echoed off the walls graced by portraits of elk, bison and majestic mountains.
    Josie leaned close to Sylvie. “Is he any good?”
    Sylvie just smiled, not about to admit that she’d never heard him play.
    Andrew sat at the piano, played a few scales with nimble fingers, then smiled up at Kathy. “What would you like me to play first?”
    â€œHold that thought.” Kathy flashed him a smile, then whirled and clapped her hands sharply.
    Several women in the back of the room immediately ceased their conversation.
    â€œLadies, this part of the program is a chance for us to warm up our voices and have a bit of fun doing it.”
    â€œI’ll toss out the first song. The rest of you be thinking what you’d like to request next.” Kathy turned to Andrew and surprised them all by requesting “Friends in Low Places.”
    Sylvie was shocked when Andrew’s fingers settled on the keys and he began to play the country classic.
    Sylvie hadn’t expected to sing. She was here only to do the catering. But when Kathy looped an arm through hers and smiled, she sang along to the Garth Brooks hit.
    Instead of simply following the melody, Sylvie found herself harmonizing with Kathy. The older woman’s smile of pleasure encouraged her to continue.
    The moment the song ended, someone in the audience requested “Country Roads.” Sylvie considered stepping away to check the desserts, but decided what would be the point? Everyone at this party had forgotten all about food, except for Noah and Josie, who appeared to be doing more sampling than singing.
    After a half dozen, Kathy clapped her hands once again and announced the sing-along portion of the evening had come to an end.
    Andrew rose from the piano bench to a rousing chorus of applause.
    When Sylvie turned, intending to check on how many desserts Josie and Noah had left, Kathy restrained her.
    â€œYou have a lovely alto, my dear. Have you thought about joining our group?”
    Sylvie cocked her head. Was the woman joking?
    â€œI believe she’s serious.” Andrew stepped to her side. “I heard you