The Last Bachelor by Judy Christenberry Page B

it.”
    â€œPedro put extra cheese on the nachos,” she told him with a smile.
    He sniffed the nachos and pretended to be overcome by the aroma. “Oh, well, in that case…” Then he gave her a stern look. “Two-thirty, no longer. You need to rest.”
    To his surprise, she kissed him on the cheek and sang out, “Yes, dear, whatever you say.” Then she danced away to the kitchen.
    He grinned at the nachos. She was getting sassy now that she was getting some rest. He liked that. But he suspected she’d have him wrapped around her finger in no time—if she hadn’t already.
    His mother had told him last night how much she’d enjoyed herself. Amy had always been her favorite daughter-in-law, but already Ginger was a close second. Unfortunately, she’d gone on to say as soon as she gave his mother grandchildren, Ginger would be as much a favorite as Amy.
    Those words brought to mind a picture of Ginger holding a redheaded baby in her arms and giving Joe that teasing smile she’d just used. He’d never thought about having children. Now, however, he would give anything to know that his future included Ginger and their children.
    Ginger appeared beside him. “I’m ready now. See, it only took twenty minutes. You haven’t even finished your nachos.”
    â€œI wanted to save some for you, sweetheart.” He shoved the platter toward her. She slipped into the seat across from him and ate a couple. His hunger had returned and he joined her. In no time, the platter was empty.
    â€œI’ll take this to the kitchen and wipe off the table. Then we can go,” she assured him with a grin.
    He rose and moved to the hall that led to the parking lot.
    Quickly she joined him and slipped her arm in his. “I’m going to wear my new jeans and the dark blue sweater when I get home. Thank you so much for my beautiful new clothes.”
    â€œMy pleasure, honey. Since I get to see you in them, it really is my pleasure.” He leaned over and kissed her soft lips.
    She made no objection at first. Her lips were soft and sweet and he couldn’t help himself. But then she jerked away. “We mustn’t do that. There’s no one watching.” She pulled her hand away and rushed down the hall in front of him.
    Joe didn’t try to catch up. Maybe they both needed a little distance.
    But when he came through the door and saw the same two men from Tuesday night dragging Ginger toward a nearby car, he changed his mind.

Eight
    â€œS top!” Joe shouted, charging the two men. Movement out of the corner of his eye showed him one of the kitchen workers having a cigarette, staring openmouthed at the situation. “Go call 911! Hurry!”
    Ginger appeared to bite one of the men who was trying to hold a handkerchief to her nose. She wobbled a little, but Joe grabbed the other man’s arm and jerked him away from Ginger. As he did so, he ordered, “Scream, Ginger, as loud as you can.”
    She emitted an earsplitting scream even as she kneed the man yelling at her in protest. The man Joe had hold of managed to send a blow to his jaw, but it glanced off as Joe pulled back. Then Joe got in a belly blow that took the man’s breath away. Using his advantage, Joe hit him in the nose. Then he turned to help Ginger.
    She, however, had slammed both fists together to the top of the man’s head as he’d bent over from her knee attack and he was down on the ground. Ginger ran to Joe, back in his arms again.
    â€œJoe, are you all right?”
    â€œI’m fine. Go inside and find some rope.”
    â€œI don’t want to leave you alone!” she exclaimed.
    â€œDon’t worry—”
    The door opened and several of the men who bussed tables poured out into the parking lot, quickly followed by Harvey Small.
    â€œWhat’s going on out here?” the manager asked.
    â€œThese two men were trying to kidnap Ginger. Did