Read Online When Tomorrow Comes by Janette Oke - Free Book Online Page A

male voice asked as the young man in uniform stood to his feet.
    Her glance turned back to him. He was not as tall as Henry and a bit stockier. His hair was very dark and his eyes even more so. At the moment they seemed a bit puzzled.
    Christine nodded.
    “Henry said kid sister,” he muttered half under his breath.
    found her tongue. “Where is Henry?”
    “Well, he got called out—unexpectedly.”
    “Out? To where?”
    “Some farmer had him a problem. Henry didn’t explain. Just said he’d be back as soon as he could.”
    Christine shifted slightly, wondering what she should do next.
    “Was . . . was I supposed to wait for him here?” she asked, feeling awkward and childish.
    The young Mountie’s face reddened. “Well—that wasn’t really the plan. I mean . . .” He looked down at his highly polished boots. “Henry said, ‘My kid sister’s coming. I told her I’d take her to the café. If I’m not back in time, will you take her on over?’ I said, ‘Sure.’ ”
    “I . . . I see,” stammered Christine.
    “So if you don’t mind, I’d like to keep the agreement with my boss.”
    He was still blushing.
    “You must have work to do.”
    “A man has to eat.”
    “Yes . . . I guess so,” Christine said, feeling a bit annoyed with Henry for putting them both in this awkward predicament.
    The man reached for his Stetson. “So. . . ?” he asked.
    Christine managed a smile. “So . . .” she responded. “Let’s go eat.”
    He seemed much relieved. “I have to warn you,” he said as he held the door for her, “Jessie likes the spices.”
    “So I’ve been told.”
    “Henry already warn you?”
    Christine nodded, then began to laugh. “I consider myself thoroughly warned. I’ll depend on you to steer me through the menu.”
    “Well—you can have peppered scrambled eggs or peppered stew or super-peppered chili. Take your pick.”
    Christine laughed more heartily, and the young officer joined in.

CHAPTER
S ix
    They were halfway through the meal when Henry made his appearance. He didn’t even bother with an apology. Christine was feeling more relaxed as she chatted with her lunch partner. She did, however, give Henry a look of relief.
    “So what’s for lunch?” he asked as he took the chair next to her. With a quick glance at the menu, then a look at Christine’s toast and tea, he asked, “Is that all you’re eating?”
    Christine nodded, then lowered her voice. “With double warning about spice, I decided to play it safe.”
    “It’s not that bad,” he whispered behind the menu. “What are you having, Laray?”
    “Laray?” Christine raised an eyebrow.
    “You haven’t met?”
    “Oh yes. We’ve met. I just haven’t been told who it is I’ve met.”
    Laray flushed. “Sorry,” he stammered. “I just never thought—”
    But Christine waved his apology aside. “It’s okay. I should have known. You’re the one who took on the bear.”
    “Actually—it was the bear’s idea. I gladly would have passed up the experience.”
    Christine turned sober. “How is your arm?”
    “Gets a little better all the time. Soon the fellas won’t be able to use it as an excuse to make me do all the office paper work while they cruise around in the squad cars.”
    Henry laughed.
    “You decided?” asked a young waitress, setting a cup of coffee in front of Henry.
    “I’ll have what he’s having.” Henry nodded toward Laray and handed the menu back to the girl. “What are you having?” he asked Laray when she was out of earshot.
    “The lasagna.”
    “Any good?”
    “Yeah, if you like spice.”
    Henry took a swallow of coffee. “One thing you’ve got to say for Jessie,” he said as he put down the cup. “She’s sure not stingy with the coffee beans.”
    Laray nodded. “But I sometimes wonder just how long she uses the same ol’ ones.”
    “Stop it, you two,” Christine said, giving Henry a playful kick under the table.
    “I forgot,” said Henry. “We’d best mind our