Read Online The Love List by Jean Joachim - Free Book Online

bringing that in? And the
butter, too? And plates? Mom has the milk and sugar."
    Carrie handed her mug to Grey and headed for
the kitchen. Fran put the small tray bearing her antique porcelain
milk and sugar set on the table.
     
    ****
     
    Grey topped off his coffee with milk then sat
back on the sofa. He had never felt better, despite the teasing
from Colin. A smug smile curled his lips as he thought about
exactly how very satisfied he was after their lovemaking of the
night before. Who needs presents? Carrie gave me the greatest
gift ever. What a night! Whew.
    Grey picked up on his brother's stare and
turned to face him.
    "What?"
    "Nothing. Nothing," Colin muttered.
    "Come on, out with it. We don't usually hold
back in this family."
    "You're happy, aren't you?"
    "Can't you tell?"
    "I mean you're not settling or anything,
getting anxious to have a family and stuff?"
    "Are you kidding? Carrie is amazing. I've
searched for a long time…finding her was a dream come true. I
didn't know what happy was until I met her. Couldn't keep away from
her almost as soon as I met her."
    "Well, then…good luck, Grey. No hard
feelings, eh?"
    "We're cool, Col. I hope you find a woman
like her. She'll change your life."
    "Who's life is changing?" Carrie asked,
carrying a basket of muffins in one hand and a butter dish in the
other as she entered the living room.
    "Mine."
    "Oh?" She arched an eyebrow at him then set
the basket down.
    "Since I met you," he said, reaching for her
hand. He put it to his lips.
    Color came to Carrie's cheeks as he pulled
her down on the sofa next to him. But she popped right up
again.
    "Plates." Carrie headed for the kitchen.
    Grey glanced over at Colin.
    "She's beautiful, Grey."
    "Yeah, smart, funny…she can cook and
do…everything."
    "Sounds like love to me, little brother,"
Barbara put in.
    Jenna flounced in, followed closely by
Carrie. The women put out the rest of the food then took their
seats next to their spouses.
    "Colin's next, now that Grey's finally
taken," Jenna said.
    "I'm in no hurry," the younger man
replied.
    "Uh oh, do I detect another Casanova of the
County in the making?" Barbara teased.
    "Enough. Let's get this show on the road.
Fran?" John Andrews said, reaching for a corn muffin.
    Presents were distributed and opened. Carrie
twisted a piece of wrapping paper in her hands as she watched
Grey's family open the presents she picked out for them.
Conservative gold earrings for Barbara for work, a silk blouse in
aqua, Jenna's favorite color and plaid flannel shirts for Earl and
Bill were well-received.
    Grey watched Carrie's brow relax. He put his
hand over hers. She stopped twisting the paper and looked up at
him. He leaned over, placing his lips to her ear.
    "Everyone loves everything. Your stuff is a
hit," he whispered.
    Barbara was the Master of Ceremonies this
year, luck of the draw, so she handed out all the gifts. She picked
up a small box from Grey and Carrie to Fran and John and put it in
her mother's hands.
    "Grey, you shouldn't have," Fran said,
automatically.
    "Different kind of gift this year. Carrie's
idea," he responded.
    Carrie's eyes clouded as her brow furrowed
again. Grey patted her hand. When Fran opened the box, with John
peeking over her shoulder, his curiosity piqued, she was
speechless.
    "Oh my God! Tickets to One Dark Night, the
Broadway show I've wanted to see for ages! How wonderful!"
    Fran's face lit up and Carrie's right
afterward.
    "You know how I hate to drive into New York,
Grey…" his father put in.
    "Take the bus. Laura and Barney said they'd
take you to the bus and pick you up. I'll meet you in New York and
drive you to the house. Carrie's redecorating the place and you'll
have your very own room and bath. All the comforts of home."
    John smiled at his son. "Okay. Your mother's
wanted to see that show…"
    "How did you get tickets? I heard it's been
sold out for months," Fran asked.
    "I've got a little pull."
    "I can't wait to see what you are doing with
that