Debbie Macomber - Married in Seattle: First Comes Marriage; Wanted: Perfect Partner

To Anna and Anton Adler, Russian immigrants and my loving grandparents.

Thank you for the wonderful heritage you gave me.

Y ou must be Zachary Thomas, Janine said breathlessly as she whirled into the office. Sorry Im late, but I got hung up in traffic on Fourth Avenue. I didnt realize theyd torn up the whole street. Still a little winded, she unfastened her coat, tossed it over the back of the visitors chair and threw herself down, facing the large executive desk.

The man on the other side blinked twice as though he didnt know quite what to think.

Im Janine Hartman. She drew in a deep breath. Gramps said if he wasnt back from his appointment, I should introduce myself.

Yes, Zachary said after a moment of strained silence. But he didnt tell me youd be wearing

Oh, the bandanna dress, Janine said, smoothing one hand over her lap. The dress had been constructed of red and blue bandannas; it featured a knee-length zigzag hemline and closely hugged her hips. It was a gift. And since Im meeting the girl who made it later, I thought I should wear it.

And the necklace?

Janine toyed with the colored Christmas-tree lights strung between large beads on a bootlace that dangled from her neck. Its a bit outrageous, isnt it? That was a gift, too. I think its kind of cute, dont you? Pamela is so clever.

Pamela?

A teenager from the Friendship Club.

Isee, Zach said.

I do volunteer work there and the two of us hit it off as soon as we met. Pams mother doesnt live in the area and shes at that awkward age and needs a friend. For some reason she took a liking to me, which was fine because I think shes wonderful.

I see, he said again.

Janine doubted he did.

The necklace is different Ill grant you, Zach was sayingwhich wasnt admitting to much. His dark eyes narrowed as he studied it.

Now that shed met Zachary Thomas, Janine could understand why her grandfather was so impressed with himif appearances were anything to judge by. In his well-tailored suit, he was the very picture of a high-powered executive, crisp, formal and in control. He was younger than shed assumed, possibly in his early thirties, but it was difficult to tell. His facial features were attractive enough, but he wasnt strikingly handsome. Still, she found herself fascinated by the strength of character she saw in the uneven planes of his face. His dark hair was cut military short. His jaw was strong, his cheekbones high and his mouth full. That was the way shed describe him physically, but there was apparently much more to this man than met the eye. At least, her grandfather was convinced of it.

Several months earlier Anton Hartman had merged his well-established business-supply firm with the fast-expanding company owned by Zachary Thomas. Together the two men had quickly dominated the market.

For weeks now, Gramps had wanted Janine to meet Zachary. His name had popped up in every conversation, no matter what they were discussing. To say her grandfather thought highly of his partner was an understatement.

Gramps has spokenwell of you, she said next.

A hint of a smilejust the merest suggestiontouched his mouth, giving her the impression that he didnt smile often. Your grandfather has one of the keenest business minds in the country.

Hes incredible, isnt he?

Zacharys nod betrayed no hesitation.

There was a polite knock on the door and a tall middle-aged woman wearing a navy-blue pin-striped suit stepped into the room. Mr. Hartman phoned, she announced primly. Hes been delayed and asked that you meet him at the restaurant.

Zachs lean dark face tightened briefly before he cast Janine an uneasy glance. Did he say when he was going to get there?

Im sorry, Mr. Thomas, but he didnt.

Janine looked at her watch. She was supposed to meet Pam at three. If they were delayed much longer, shed be late.