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by all those chilly corporate manners of hers.
    Most men are scared to death of her.“
    “I had my moments of doubt,“ Colby said gravely as he shook hands with Angela. “But I persevered. There’s more to Diana than meets the eye at first. And we writers are good at looking below the surface, you know.“
    “Any money in this writing business?“
    “Mother!“
    Colby’s grin widened. “Don’t yell at your mother, Diana. She’s got a right to know if I can support you in the style in which you’ve been supporting yourself for the past few years.“ He turned back to Angela’s bright, inquisitive face.
    “Yes, Angela, there is some money in the writing business. Nowadays, at any rate. There didn’t used to be, and one never knows about the future, but I’ve always been able to take care of my son one way or another. I’m sure I’ll be able to take care of Diana and the baby.“
    “Colby!“ Diana was turning from pink to red. She could have strangled him. One look at her mother’s face told her the damage was done.
    “What baby?“ Angela swung around gleefully to confront her daughter. “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant already?
    Good grief, Diana. When you decided to go, you went all the way, didn’t you? Congratulations, honey, I didn’t think you had it in you to finally cut loose and live a little.“
    “Mother, let me explain…“
    “No explanations needed. You’re thirty-four years old, not eighteen. I’m thrilled. Positively thrilled.“ Angela threw her arms around her daughter, and then she hugged Colby. “This is the happiest moment of my life. I’m going to sign up for a knitting class as soon as I get home. I can’t wait to get started on some cute little booties.“
    Colby’s eyes gleamed with laughter as he regarded Diana over the top of her mother’s curly blond head. “Who would have guessed,“ he asked gently, “that mother-in-laws came in so many varieties?“
    Diana didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She was saved from having to do either when she spotted Brandon trotting down the steps.
    “Hey, Dad, they’re ready inside,“ Brandon called. “You two better get in here.“
    “We’re on our way.“ Colby put his arm around Diana and pulled her close against his side.
    She leaned into his strength, aware that her knees suddenly felt weak. “Colby, are you absolutely sure you want to do this?“
    “Are you kidding? Your mother would kill me if I backed out now.“
    Half an hour later Colby kissed Diana and bundled her into the front seat of the Jeep. He touched the ring on her left hand. “You look terrific, Mrs. Savagar. Sexy , as hell. Can’t wait to get you into bed.“
    “You’re going to have to demonstrate a little patience, Mr. Savagar. Brandon told me earlier there would be a few people waiting at the house.“
    “A few… what!“ Colby was dumbfounded. He swung around to search out Brandon who was starting toward a small, red two-seater Mazda. He had Angela Prentice in tow. “Brandon.“

    “Yeah, Dad?“ Brandon glanced back over his shoulder.
    “Who’s waiting at the house?“
    “I don’t know for sure. I was just told that a few people wanted to congratulate you and Diana. That’s all I know, honest.“ He ushered Angela into the front seat of the racy little car. “Probably the Thorps and maybe that man who owns the grocery store. No big deal.“
    “No big deal,“ Colby grumbled as he got into the Jeep beside Diana. “I had other plans for this afternoon. The last thing I want to do is share a few drinks with the Thorps and McDonald.“
    As it turned out, Colby didn’t have to share a few drinks with the Thorps and Brian McDonald.
    He had to share wedding punch and cake with the entire population of Fulbrook Corners. Everyone in town, including Margaret Fulbrook, showed up for the reception honoring Colby Savagar’s second hasty marriage.

3
    “What the hell is going on here?“ Colby raked his fingers through his hair and stared