Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 1 of 2

by Marta Perry

  “All right, Sadie, let’s see if we’ve got everything.” Standing in his kitchen just before five, he looked over his list. “Hot dogs and buns?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Chips?”

  “Yes.”

  “S’mores stuff? Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars?”

  “Yummy. Yep.”

  “Ketchup and mustard and hot cocoa mix?”

  “And na’kins and cups and spoons.”

  “Then I think we’re ready to go.”

  When Christa’s SUV rolled up an hour later, the campfire was blazing and he’d set up a table that held all of their supplies, including roasting forks and a thermos of hot water. Temperatures had already fallen into the forties, so the cocoa would probably be in high demand.

  “She’s here!” Sadie cheered and bounded toward the vehicle.

  Mick knew just how she felt. He glanced toward a cloudless sky, sending up a prayer of thanks. Should be a great night for stargazing. That was, if he could tear his gaze away from Christa.

  She emerged from her vehicle wearing a puffy red jacket, then let Dixie out of the back seat before Sadie practically dragged Christa toward the fire. “We’ve got hot dogs and s’mores.”

  Mick met them halfway. “Glad you could make it.”

  “Me, too.” Then how come her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes? Was she tired maybe?

  He took a step closer, dipping his head for a better look. “You okay?”

  Waving him off, she said, “Yeah, just a long day.” She sucked in a breath. “So, where’s the hot cocoa?”

  Mick was pleased to see her mood improve over the next couple of hours. Whether it was because of the food or the company, he couldn’t say. But he sure was happy she was here. She fit into his life like no other woman ever had. Accepting him for who he was and capturing his heart along the way.

  With his camp chair tucked next to hers beside the fire, they stared at the sky, listening to the sounds of nature and the crackling of the flames.

  “This is so peaceful.” Christa’s voice was soft. “I wish I could stay right here forever.”

  He’d be okay with that.

  Suddenly she gasped. “Look! A shooting star.”

  “I see it. Sadie, look up.”

  When his niece didn’t respond, he glanced around Christa to find Sadie asleep on the bench.

  “Oh, poor baby is tuckered out.” Christa moved beside her.

  Mick did, too. “Yeah, she had a long day.” She didn’t even move when he scooped her into his arms. “I’d best put her to bed.”

  “I can help.”

  Inside, Christa eased off Sadie’s boots and coat before turning down her bed.

  Mick settled his niece onto the sheets, pulled the covers over her and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well, princess.” He followed Christa out of the room and downstairs.

  When he continued to the door, she said, “Are you sure? I mean, what if she wakes up?”

  He loved how she always thought about Sadie. “We’re not that far away. Besides, I have this.” He retrieved a small video monitor from the shelf beside the door.

  “A baby monitor? Isn’t she a little old for that?”

  “I prefer to think of it as a rancher’s helper. That way if I have to be in the barn or something while she’s asleep, I can still keep an eye on her.”

  “Good idea.”

  Returning to the fire, he said, “You know, there’s something I’ve been thinking about all day.”

  She paused in front of her chair. “What’s that?”

  “This.” He slipped an arm around her waist, tugged her closer and kissed her.

  When they parted, she looked up at him, her eyes bright in the moonlight. “I like the way you think, cowboy.”

  Grinning, he pulled her to her seat before relaxing in the chair beside her. The fire popped and sizzled, sending sparks dancing into the air as they sat quietly.

  Mick wasn’t sure he’d ever felt so at peace, and as he looked up at the stars, he couldn’t help but thank God for bringing Christa into his life. He tilted his head to look at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked you how you ended up in Bliss.”

  “Well…” Nestling into her seat, she stared into the fire. “After my dad passed away, I was going through his things and came across a magazine with the pages folded back. When I looked at it, there was an advertisement for Bliss, Texas. ‘Because everyone needs a little Bliss in their lives,’ it had said.”

  “That’s our motto.”

  She chuckled. “I know. And there was something about it that wouldn’t let me go. So two days later, I came to check things out. I don’t know if it was the magnolia trees in bloom on the courthouse square, the Victorian buildings or the pride folks had in their town, but I was enthralled.” She shrugged. “Then I saw the For Sale sign in the window of the hardware store and knew it was meant to be.”

  “And just look at how the store has grown since you took it over.”

  “I know.” She frowned. “But it could be so much more.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She hesitated a moment. Buried her hands in the pockets of her jacket and took a big breath. “I want to expand Bliss Hardware and add a home improvement section. And for months I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out just how to do that. I mean, the store is landlocked, so adding on is out of the question. Then it hit me that the empty building next door would be perfect.”

  His chest tightened. “You mean the Gebhardt building?” He swallowed hard.

  “Yes. They share a common wall, so all I’d have to do is take out a portion of the brick, shore it up with a frame, and I’d be good to go. The owner doesn’t want to sell, though, which I absolutely do not understand. I mean, in the past three years that space has housed a pizza place, a gift shop and a dress boutique. None of which remained open longer than six months. I don’t see how that can even cover insurance.”

  So, she was the unknown buyer. And he was the one who’d shattered her dream.

  All of a sudden, he felt sick to his stomach. He had to tell her. But how?

  “Maybe it’s not about the money. Maybe it has sentimental value.” He shrugged, feeling completely torn. He wanted to help Christa, to make her dream a reality. But he was determined to hold on to the building for Sadie, and he wasn’t sure he was willing to go back on that. “Have you considered renting?”

  “I can’t very well tear out that brick wall if I do that.”

  Lord, help me here. Give me some sort of brilliant idea that might help her.

  “You could have a separate store. You know, Bliss Hardware Design Center or something. Make it look nice and homey. Have one of those little awning things out front that makes it seem kind of fancy.” The words seemed to tumble out faster than he could think them. And probably didn’t make a lick of sense.

  “I don’t know.” Heaving a sigh, she stood. “I’m sorry. I let myself get all worked up and kind of ruined the mood here.” She reached for his hand. “I think I’d better call it a night.”

  Mick had never found himself in such a quandary. He knew he should tell her the truth, but he couldn’t seem to find the right words. Not that words had ever been his forte. Still, he owed her truth. Maybe she’d be able to understand why he couldn’t sell the building. Or he’d end up ruining the best thing he’d ever found.

  “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  Her smile was forced. All because of him. “At church. However, Laurel invited me to join her, Wes and Sarah-Jane for lunch.” She sighed. “Since I haven’t had much time with Sarah-Jane lately, I plan to take full advantage of all the snuggles I can get. Besides, I promised to help Laurel with ideas for her nursery.”

  “Okay, well…”

  A voice inside urged him to tell her now. But
he needed to think things through first. Otherwise, he’d bumble his way through any sort of explanation and probably dig himself a hole he might never find his way out of.

  Placing her hands against his chest, she pushed up on her toes and brushed a kiss to his lips. “Thank you for a wonderful night. I hope we can do it again soon.”

  He did, too. But if he didn’t tell her the truth—“Christa?” He cupped her elbows as she lowered herself.

  “Yes?”

  “I—” The words tangled on the tip of his tongue. If he told her now, he’d only make a bigger mess of things. He needed to sleep on it. Sort through his thoughts. “Sleep well.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Most Sundays Mick enjoyed Pastor Kleinschmidt’s messages, but this morning’s sermon seemed to go on forever. And sitting beside Christa, Mick felt as though there was a noose tightening around his neck. Sleep had evaded him most of the night, and he knew he wouldn’t be at peace until he told her that he was the owner of the Gebhardt building. He could only pray she wouldn’t be angry with him for not being forthcoming last night.

  When the final chords of the doxology ended, Mick turned to Christa as she gathered up her purse. She looked amazing in a floral-patterned pale blue blouse, dark wash skinny jeans and a pair of those heeled booties that all the women seemed to be into lately.

  “When you’re done at Laurel’s would you mind giving me a call? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  She looked at him, her brow puckering. “Sure. Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah.” Or would be, just as soon as he told her. At least, he hoped so.

  “Okay. I’ll call you when I get home.”

  “Have fun with Laurel and Sarah-Jane.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  As she walked away, Mick felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Bum grinning from ear to ear.

  “The two of you sittin’ together has become a habit.”

  Mick just hoped this wasn’t the last time.

  “You don’t look too happy, son. Did Christa send you packin’?”

  Not yet. “She’s going to Laurel’s for the afternoon.”

  “I see. Well, why don’t you and that young’un of yours come join me for lunch? I’ve got a roast in the slow cooker with some potatoes and carrots. There’s more than enough.”

  Comfort food. Mick could use some comfort about now. Not to mention a friendly ear. Perhaps Bum could help him get things straight in his mind before he talked to Christa.

  “All right. Let me gather up Sadie and we’ll see you in a bit.”

  “I haven’t been to Mr. Bum’s house before.” Sadie looked left then right as they made their way up Bum’s long drive a short time later. “He’s got cows just like you.”

  Mick couldn’t help grinning. “He sure does.” He eased his truck around the circle drive before coming to a stop in front of the 1970s-era brick ranch-style house. He climbed out first, then helped Sadie while Bum waited at the door.

  “Thank you for ’viting us, Mr. Bum.” Standing on the porch, Sadie peered up at the older man.

  “It’s a pleasure to have you here, young lady.”

  She took hold of Mick’s hand as they walked into the house, obviously feeling a little on the shy side.

  “Oh, look out there,” Bum said as a miniature brown-and-white fur ball barreled past them. “Sassy, you be careful ’round that little one.”

  Sadie giggled as she moved in a circle, trying to keep track of the shih tzu that had belonged to Bum’s wife, Dorothy. Finally the dog dropped in front of Sadie, seemingly smiling up at her while it wagged its curly tail.

  Sadie promptly dropped onto the tile floor. “Aw, it’s so cute.”

  Sassy must have taken that as her cue because she pounced into Sadie’s lap and began licking her.

  “Let her alone, Sassy.” Bum shooed the dog away. “You can play with her after we eat.” He eyed Mick then. “Food’s ready, so y’all come on in the kitchen.”

  The meal was as tasty as it was hearty, rounded out with some of those crescent-shaped rolls from a can and peach cobbler from Rae’s Fresh Start Café.

  “Can I play with Sassy now?” Sadie scooted out of the wooden captain’s chair a short time later.

  Mick eyed her empty plate. “If it’s okay with Mr. Bum.”

  Her green eyes moved to the older man.

  “You sure can. She’s got a basket of toys right around the corner. And she loves to play ball.”

  “Careful with the ball, though,” Mick was quick to add. “Roll it so you don’t risk breaking anything.”

  As she hurried away, Bum said, “She’ll be all right. There ain’t nothing she can hurt.” Fork in hand, he scooped up another bite of cobbler. “You seem a little somber. Is it the lawsuit?”

  “Not this time. This has to do with Christa.”

  “I would think all this time you’ve been spending with her would put a smile on your face.”

  “Normally, it does. But I’ve gotten myself into quite a pickle.”

  “How so?”

  Mick took a sip of his iced tea before revealing Christa’s desire to purchase the Gebhardt building, his refusal to sell and his silence when he found out she was the one wanting to buy it. “I’m standing in the way of her dream. But at the same time, I’m not sure I should let the building go.”

  “Christa’s a smart woman. Just explain that to her.” Bum wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “You know what they say. Honesty is the best policy.”

  “Yeah, I probably should have exercised that last night, but I was so blindsided I didn’t say a word. And I’m afraid that might come back to bite me.”

  “Then I’d suggest you rectify things just as quick as you can.” Bum belched under his breath.

  “That’s what I intend to do. I told her to call me when she got home.”

  “Good.” The older man massaged the area beneath his breastbone, his expression suddenly pinched.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah. This heartburn’s really been getting to me lately.” He picked up his plate. “Reckon I need some more of those antacid tablets.” When he stood, Mick noticed his friend was looking a little gray. And he was sweating.

  “Maybe you should go lie down.”

  “Nah, I’ll be—” A look of panic lit Bum’s eyes. He thrust the plate toward the counter. It landed with a crash as Bum clutched his chest.

  “Bum!” Mick bolted from his chair and caught the man before he hit the floor. Easing him onto the tile, he looked down at the seemingly unconscious man. “Can you hear me, Bum?” He scrambled for his phone. Dialed 911. Lord, please let him be okay.

  Sadie rushed into the room, screeching to a halt when she spotted Bum on the floor.

  “Uncle Mickey?” Her lip quivered.

  “It’s okay, princess. Mr. Bum just fell, but I need to get him some help.” It had taken all of his effort to keep his voice calm. Just then, the dispatcher came on the line. Mick relayed the information as succinctly as he could, adding that he suspected his friend was having a heart attack.

  Ending the call, he looked at Sadie who was sitting in a chair, her eyes wide. “Mr. Bum isn’t feeling well, so the people from the hospital are on their way to help him.”

  Bum started to rouse. “What happened?” He looked around. “What am I—?” He tried to sit up, but Mick stopped him.

  “Easy, my friend. Ambulance is on its way.”

  “Ambulance?” Bum frowned.

  “I think that heartburn might be indicating a problem with your heart. We need to get you checked out.” To Mick’s surprise, the man didn’t argue. It was as if he’d had the same suspicions. “Have you got some aspirin? They told me I should give you one.”

  The man nodded and pointed toward the collection
of bottles beside the sink.

  Sassy wiggled toward them as Mick stood, her ears back, tail low as she sniffed her master.

  Mick was certain the dog sensed something was wrong. Especially when she plopped down beside the big man and nosed at his hand.

  “It’s okay, Sassy.” Bum stroked the animal.

  Mick located the aspirin and filled a glass with water. Looking down at his friend, Mick knew he couldn’t let him go to the hospital alone. Bum’s daughters lived in Dallas and Abilene, and while Mick would let them know what was going on, they were a minimum of four hours away. Still, he hated to make Sadie go with him.

  “Sadie, I’m going to see if you can stay with Miss Christa while I go to the hospital with Mr. Bum, okay?” He hated to do it, but she was his only option.

  “Okay. But can Sassy come, too? Cuz we can’t leave her here all alone. And I know Dixie will love her.”

  “We’ll see what Miss Christa says.” He dialed her number and waited while it rang. Just when he was about to give up, she answered.

  “Mick? Hey, I’m still over here at Laurel’s.”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need your help. Bum collapsed and I’m waiting for an ambulance. I think it’s his heart.”

  “Where are you?”

  “At Bum’s.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  He could hear the ambulance approaching as the line went dead. God, please don’t take Bum away from me now. I’m not sure I could bear losing another loved one so soon.

  When the EMTs arrived, Mick explained what happened and answered questions before taking Sadie outside to wait for Christa. He glanced up at the brilliant blue sky, wondering how such a beautiful day could turn ugly so fast.

  The sound of tires moving over gravel had him shifting his attention to the drive and Christa’s SUV.

  Once she parked, Sadie hurried to meet her.

  Mick joined them a moment later.

  “How is he?” Christa rested her hands atop Sadie’s shoulders.