The Wife He Needs - Brenda Jackson Page 0,2
find it hard to believe you’ve gotten over Karen...although it has been close to ten years now.”
Garth glanced over at Jess as he took a sip of his wine. Garth was close to all his siblings, but there was a special closeness between him and Jess. Jess had confided his intentions to Garth when he’d decided to run for United States senator. Jess had won the election in a landslide victory. And he knew just what Karen had meant to Garth, because it was all in the letters Garth would write home to Jess.
Garth leaned back in his chair. “It could be twenty years and I still won’t get over Karen, Jess. I loved her too much. But I’m not getting any younger, and I want the same happiness I see that Walker and our cousins have. Besides,” he said with a chuckle, “I figure if I make the first step, the rest of you will follow suit.”
Jess threw his head back and laughed. “Don’t expect that to happen. Some of us aren’t ready for home, hearth and the sound of little feet yet.” Then Jess added, “Now that you’ve made up your mind, have you decided on a particular woman? Anyone we know?”
Garth shook his head. “Nope. Taking Charm’s advice, I—”
“Wait! Hold up. You took Charm’s advice about something?”
Garth chuckled. “Yes. I know it sounds scary, but I liked what she suggested. It’s a totally different approach to meeting a woman who is wife material.”
“What approach is that?” Jess asked, taking a sip of his beer.
“A private dating service.”
Jess nearly choked. “You’re serious?”
Garth smiled. “Yes. I thought it was way out there at first, too, until Charm convinced me how productive it would be. She did all the legwork for me and found this high-class dating agency that’s located in Beverly Hills, California. Just to be considered as an applicant the men must have a specified financial portfolio, and the women are required to not only be attractive but have a certain level of poise, education, classiness and sophistication.”
Shifting in his seat, Garth added. “I further specified I wanted a woman who was trustworthy, had good morals and was one who wants to become a wife and mother one day. Sooner than later. And she must share my interests and hobbies. I provided a list of them.”
“Have they found such a paragon of a woman who met all your specifications?”
Garth grinned. “Surprisingly, yes. Trust me, any woman who comes through this particular dating service is well vetted. She’ll keep things confidential and private during the entire process.”
“Have you met her yet?”
“No, but she has agreed to spend two weeks with me, at a location we both agreed to, so we can get to know each other better. Of course, I’m covering all the expenses, including those to get her there.”
“And exactly where is there?”
“Santa Cruz, Spain. I’m flying there next week.”
“This method sounds so impersonal. More like a business arrangement.”
“In a way, it is. I’m hiring the service to match me with someone who’s compatible with my needs and desires. I’ve seen pictures of her and she’s beautiful, and her résumé is impressive. If things work out the way I’m hoping they will, after our Spain trip we’ll continue to date and then eventually talk marriage.”
“A loveless marriage.”
“Yes, a loveless marriage. I will honor her, respect her and take care of all her needs, but I won’t ever love her,” Garth said bluntly. “I’ll be honest and forthright with her about that, Jess. I won’t have her entering the marriage with false hope or illusions.”
“Why use a dating service? I would think you’re capable of finding a woman on your own.”
“Didn’t have time.”
“Any reason you’re in a rush?” Jess asked.
“No.”
Jess studied him intently and Garth wished he wouldn’t do that. Jess could always figure out his motives, and Garth hoped like hell that he didn’t figure out this one. The less Jess knew, the better.
“Well, you’re an ace when it comes to strategic planning, and I wish you the best. I hope the woman is everything you want, Garth, and things work out.”
“Thanks, Jess. I hope so, too.”
Regan Fairchild’s job as a corporate pilot was one that anyone who enjoyed flying would love. Then why was she thinking of leaving it? The answer to her question was the gorgeous specimen of a man walking toward the plane with his briefcase in one hand and a cell phone in the other. His long black coat whipped against his legs as