Lucky in Love

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter I

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About The Author

DEDICATION

To my mother, a passionate, emotional woman, who taught her family about love and family loyalty with her life. You always said you wanted to write a romance novel, so I wrote one for you. It seems fitting, since I learned all I know about love and romance from you.

To my family, who are my biggest critics and my fiercest fans. Heaven forbid, you should ever argue with a member of my family! You’ll never win.

To my partner, who has put up with the hours of writing and typing to let me fulfill a lifelong dream.

Thank you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge the able editorial assistance provided by Kristin Kirby. It is difficult to review a person’s first work with sensitivity. I learned a lot from your advice and suggestions.

CHAPTER I

Danette jabbed at the intercom button on her telephone. Cindi, can you come in here for a minute?

Be right there.

Danette continued looking at the file in front of her. To an observer, the woman seated at her desk, a beautiful blond wearing a pale, creme-colored business suit, looked much too young for the title she carried, chief executive officer of the very successful Brennan Company. The firm specialized in providing employment services to other large corporations and was very successful. The office was stylish and elegant, matching its occupant, with a large modern desk and conference table. The collection of artwork displayed in the large office was an indication of the owner’s interests that included sculptures, paintings, and many other examples of colorful, creative works.

What can I do for you? Cindi’s voice interrupted. She was Danette’s administrative assistant. Long wavy blond hair, a bright blue knit dress with a silk scarf draped on her shoulders, and a notebook in her hand, Cindi prepared herself to respond to Danette. Not only was Cindi capable of taking shorthand and typing with incredible speed, she also had an incredible knack for organizing and managing the office. She was highly competent at her job, and more than that she was Danette’s right hand. She kept Danette’s work life organized and controlled, which was exactly what Danette needed in an assistant. Whatever project or job Cindi was given, it would be handled with skill and talent and would always meet the project goals. Some people found Cindi to be a little unique. She had four pierced earrings in her right ear and three in her left. She always wore brightly colored clothes, mixing plaids and stripes and had a tattoo of a parrot on her left ankle. Regardless of what she chose to wear, Cindi always managed to look very stylish. She had her very own look. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and was completely loyal to Danette and the company. Denise Johnson, manager of Human Resources, described Cindi as the most talented character she had ever met. Danette and Denise both agreed that she had the most generous heart of anyone they knew. Cindi helped anyone who needed assistance. She was the first to donate to a worthy cause and usually encouraged others to do the same. She was as likable as she was different. Danette considered herself very lucky that she had found and hired Cindi. She was a tremendous asset to the company and one of Danette’s closest friends.

I’m expecting John Booth this afternoon at two o’clock, and I don’t want to be disturbed. Can you delay my meeting with the finance group until three- thirty?

Sure I can. Anything else? Do you want me to order lunch in?

No, I’ll skip lunch today. I’ve got some paperwork to get through.

Danette, you are not going to skip lunch again! Cindi ordered. Danette was a naturally slender person, and she had a bad habit of skipping meals, which at times made her slender frame even more pronounced. Cindi was constantly reminding her to eat. Danette just never thought about food. She had many more important things on her mind.

Okay, okay, I’ll have some yogurt and a cup of coffee, will that make you happy? Danette rolled her eyes at Cindi. She knew better then to argue with her.

Cindi flashed her a quick grin as she turned to leave. Yes, she said, her reply floating back as she shut the office door.

Danette couldn’t resist grinning at the closed door. She had met Cindi over eight years ago at a party that Danette had attended. She had been seeing a woman for about two months who lived on Whidbey Island. The woman was, as she put it, madly in love with Danette and had staged a dinner party at her home in order for Danette to meet her friends. Cindi and her girlfriend had been two of those friends. Cindi had introduced herself as Cindi…with an I while also presenting her girlfriend, Susan. Two weeks after the dinner party, Danette had stopped seeing the woman and retained the friendship with Cindi and Susan. One year later when Beth, Danette’s secretary, had retired after over forty years of service with the company, Danette had hired Cindi. She congratulated herself every day for the smart move.

Beth Livingston had been Danette’s Aunt Dorothy’s secretary and friend until Dorothy had passed away, leaving the company in the capable hands of Danette nine years earlier. When Danette inherited the company, she also inherited Beth. Beth had known Danette her whole life, and they shared many memories of working with Dorothy. Beth’s retirement had left a hole in Danette’s small work family, and Cindi had filled it with her talent and her personality. Between Cindi and her girlfriend, the only other close friends

Danette had were Peter and Michael. Her family was small but very important to her.

Peter and Michael had been lovers and partners for over twenty-five years, and Danette had met both of them her first week of college. They remained her closest friends for over twenty years. They had seen Danette through the best and the worst times of her life. In fact, she was going to their home for dinner that evening. She suspected that they were planning a blind-date dinner partner for her. They were constantly trying to hook her up with any single woman they considered worthy. They wanted her to live happily ever after, and they would do anything in their power to make it happen.

Danette would love to live happily ever after with a woman—she just had not found the right one. She was fine when it came to dating, but Danette would panick whenever the subject of living together came up. She just hadn’t met someone she wanted to share her life with yet. She was fine living by herself.

Danette had met several nice women over the last twenty years, but this inability to take the final step was the reason for many a breakup. Several women over the years had pointed out to Danette her weakness in this area. The only true committed relationship she ever had was over twenty years earlier when she lived with Laura Benson. They had met as roommates their first year of college and were each other’s first love. It had left its indelible mark on Danette’s heart. When her three-year relationship with Laura ended abruptly, she had been devastated. If not for the love and help of her Aunt Dorothy, Michael, and Peter, she would not have gotten through the heartache and on with her life. She did not remember much of her last quarter of college, because she had remained in a dazed state for over six months.

Laura had left a month and a half after their three-year anniversary, leaving a note for Danette with very little in the way of an explanation. They never saw each other or spoke again. Danette still had the farewell note tucked away in a drawer. She would never understand why Laura had left—much less so abruptly. Even after twenty years, she still could not even guess what would have made her leave. It would never be something she could accept or forget. As she sat reminiscing, Cindi interrupted her with lunch. Danette welcomed the interruption, because her memories even after many years were still painful.

One hour later, Cindi ushered John Booth into Danette’s office and shut the door. Danette had been meeting with John once a month for over twenty years. He was a private investigator Danette had hired. Originally, Danette had wanted to know that Laura was okay, but over the years it had evolved to knowing what she was doing. Danette knew that most people did not understand this need of hers, so she kept the investigational activities between John and herself. It was John who told Danette that Laura had married a man twice her age two months after she left Danette. A year later, John informed her of the birth of Laura’s only child, a girl named Carole. He had provided pictures of Carole as she grew up. Through John, Danette was able to keep in touch with Laura from a distance. She had not told anyone else about her knowledge of Laura. It was enough for her to know that she was okay. It had eased her heart throughout the years to know that Laura seemed happy and healthy.

Laura too had known grief. Her mother had died eleven years earlier, and she lost her husband seven years ago after a lengthy illness. She currently lived at her father’s home, taking care of him, for over three years earlier he had been struck down by a stroke. She was very active in many charity events, donating her time at a women’s clinic and a children’s hospital. It was ironic that Laura was doing the very thing she had despised in her mother. Danette could remember Laura making fun of her mother and her charities. It was strange to hear how much Laura had become like her. Beyond her social functions, Laura lived a very quiet life. She had never remarried and there had been no hint of any other relationships.

John interrupted Danette’s thoughts, as he entered her office. Good afternoon, Danette, how are you doing?

Fine, John, how’s your wife and children? Over the twenty-plus years their relationship had turned to friendship, and they had opened up to each other. Danette knew John was paying for his two boys to attend college. She also had worried with him several years earlier when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had visited the hospital when John’s wife had surgery and had helped John deal with his wife’s recovery. John, on the other hand, knew about Danette’s relationship with Laura. Over the years, he had developed an understanding as to why Danette needed to know Laura was okay. He somehow knew what Danette needed to hear and provided her with just the right information.

The wife and kids are fine. Thanks for asking. John Junior is still getting almost straight A’s at Western. Jake, on the other hand.

John didn’t have to finish his statement. Danette knew all about Jake. She had helped to get him into the University of Washington. Jake was a very intelligent young man who found it hard to apply himself. Partying and causing his parents grief was his current goal in life.

He’ll be okay. He is just finding his way. You wait, he’ll work it out.

I hope so, before he worries my wife and I to death, John responded glumly. The image of the tough private investigator didn’t fit John Booth.

From the first day Danette hired him, she knew he had a heart of gold. He was a large man, about six foot two and two hundred pounds. He was always a little rumpled-looking with mussed hair, a wrinkled suit, and a purple and gold Husky tie. His family came first in his life, and Danette had great respect for him. He had been a Seattle police officer until his wife expressed her concern at the occupation’s dangerousness. He quit the force and became a private detective, and his wife had quit worrying.

I have some interesting information for you this month. It seems Laura’s daughter Carole is going to marry against her grandfather’s wishes. Rumor has it that he’s threatening to disown her.

Why would he do that?

He doesn’t like the boy. It also appears that Laura approves of the match and is helping her daughter and future son-in-law.

What’s he like? Laura wouldn’t approve of him unless he was good enough for Carole.

He’s just finished his second year at New York University studying structural engineering and architecture. He is a sharp kid, getting straight A’s while working fulltime. He is twenty-four and has worked very hard to go to college. He had to put himself through school since his parents have several other children to support.

How did he and Carole meet?

At college a year ago. He is from a hardworking Italian family from the Bronx. I have a picture of the kid. He’s a good-looking guy and, from what I can tell, a terrific kid.

So, when are they getting married?

It seems that Laura met the family, and they are planning a small wedding very soon.

I wonder why a small wedding, unless Laura’s father won’t pay for anything.

I don’t think that is the case. It happens that, since Laura’s husband left everything to her, she is extremely well off and doesn’t need her father’s money.

So they must want a small wedding.

"Actually, the new son-in-law-to-be is applying to the University of Washington Architecture department. They have several scholarships available, and Carole and her fiancé want to get away from New York. They want to be on their own.»

Why would they come here?

From what I can find out, it was Laura who suggested Seattle and the university. John paused in his report and looked at Danette. She had listened intently the whole time.

They want to move here, huh? John, I want you to do several things for me. John took out his pen and opened his notebook to a blank page. He was used to Danette after twenty years. First, I want you to call Professor Childicotte, he’s head of the Engineering Department at the university. Cindi will give you his telephone number. I want you to make arrangements for me to pay for a full scholarship for this young man. What’s his name?

Anthony Capoletti.

I want the scholarship to be offered from the University of Washington. He’s not to know any different. Make sure it is a full scholarship. Also, tell Professor Childicotte that I will donate twenty-five thousand to the scholarship fund along with payment for this one. Danette didn’t blink an eye as she spoke to John. Second, I want you to keep me apprised of the wedding. Let me know what happens.

Will do, Danette. John had never questioned Danette over her vigilance with Laura and her family. He respected her privacy. Anything else?

Not that I can think of.

Well then, I’m off. I will contact you as soon as I have any more information.

Thanks, John, take care.

You too, Danette.

It wasn’t until John left her office that Danette showed any reaction to John’s information. Why would Laura encourage her daughter’s boyfriend to apply for a scholarship at the university? Whatever the reason, Danette was gong to help. If Laura’s daughter was moving to Seattle, Danette wanted to make it as easy as possible.

Danette, you have a meeting with the finance group in half an hour. The reports are on your desk, Cindi announced over the intercom.

Thanks, Cindi, I remember.

Also, you have a five o’clock hair appointment.

Thanks again, I didn’t remember that. Danette smiled. She didn’t know what she would do without Cindi.

CHAPTER 2

Four days later, Danette received a call from John. Danette, Tony Capoletti has accepted the scholarship and is coming out here next week to find a place to live. Carole is coming with him, and she is going to look for a job.

Good work, John.

The wedding is August 3 rd, and then they will drive back out here to get moved in before school starts for Tony in September.

Okay, John. I have some rental homes around the university, let me see which one’s available.

Are you going to rent a place to them?

No, I want you to notify Professor Childicotte that one will be made available for them as part of the scholarship, Danette replied.