by Cindy Stark
Hopefully, by the time Erin returned home, she’d have some answers. Even more, she hoped those answers would soothe the restless spirit or spirits roaming her house. Rosa’s antics were out of hand. At least now she knew the cause of the chaos, and she wouldn’t be calling the police again.
She’d originally believed she’d been left all alone since Rick moved out.
That was a lie.
Rosa and, she’d swear, Annabelle had become her constant companions. They behaved for the most part when guests were on the premises, but when no one was about, the smell of lavender could become overwhelming. The doors to Rick’s and Annabelle’s former rooms closed with no explanation. Lights turned on and off without a human touch. The worst part was the voices she’d hear in the middle of the night.
If Henderson had truly gone crazy, the ghosts that haunted this house had caused it. They were active enough to drive a person insane.
Her ancestors were disappointed in her, no doubt. And the closer her meeting with Livia came, the more active they’d become. They were warning her to do what she had to do to keep the house in the family and quite possibly encouraging her to fix her relationship with Rick. Even if it meant parting as friends. Annabelle had loved him dearly, and time had been gracious and given Erin the clarity to see things from Rick’s point of view. Anyone who’d been side-swiped like he had might need a little time. She’d wanted him to proclaim to the world that he loved her above all else, but that had been a selfish move on her part during a time of confusion for him.
Not that she didn’t deserve it. She did want to be the most important thing in her man’s life, whoever he ended up being.
But to add Annabelle’s deception to her death compounded by Melinda’s return and expect Rick to behave in a completely logical manner… She and Rick had both had a shock, and maybe things between them weren’t as damaged as they’d first seemed. When she’d learned that Rick had been living with Kellan instead of Melinda, a wisp of hope had buried itself in her heart.
All she could do was hope.
A few minutes before ten, Erin donned her coat and proceeded out the front door, locking it behind her. The house had been eerily quiet all morning, as though every being had been holding her breath, waiting for today’s outcome.
She met Livia at the town hall instead of Livia’s shop because, as her friend put it, they needed professional surroundings to discuss a matter this serious, not to mention room to spread out various documents. As a show of support, Allen had offered his office.
Livia was already there when Erin walked into the wood-paneled room. Allen had cleared his things off the desk, and Livia now sat in his leather chair.
“Good morning,” she said, looking up at Erin from behind dark-rimmed glasses. Her long hair had been pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and she’d dressed in a pantsuit becoming a trial lawyer.
“You’re looking pretty sophisticated today. I’ve never seen you so serious before.”
A hint of a smile cracked her stern lips. “This is my lawyer costume. I find that I think with more of a logical, justice-based mind this way.”
“I see.” She sat across from her. “I’m good with whatever works.”
It took them more than thirty minutes for Livia to explain the process of the lawsuit to Erin and to discuss the documents that Melinda’s attorney had filed.
“Normally, it’s very difficult for someone to contest a will.” Livia slid her lowered glasses farther up her nose. “The only way a judge will entertain it is if it’s from a legitimate heir, which Melinda is, and if there’s something to suggest a person was coerced or not in his or her right mind and capable of making such a choice. Which, unfortunately, Melinda’s attorney has raised enough suspicion to warrant a look at the case.”
“That’s what scares me the most.”
“Fear not,” her friend said with determination, pulling out several more documents and fanning them on the desk in front of Erin. “As promised, I’ve had Henderson’s doctor and several of his friends sign affidavits stating that his capacity was not diminished in any way when he changed his will and left the house to Annabelle. They are all more than willing to testify in court if it gets that far.”
That news should make her feel better, but something still weighed on her. “This sounds crazy, Livia, but I feel guilty. Like I’m this newcomer who’s waltzed into town and has had everything handed to me while Melinda gets nothing. Henderson was her grandfather. I sometimes wonder if the house should have gone to her.” Rosa and Annabelle would screech down the halls if they knew what she’d just admitted.
Livia wagged a finger at her. “No, no and no. First off, Henderson did leave Melinda a tidy sum. I’m not sure what she did with it, but he didn’t totally ignore her even though she was a selfish bitch for the most part who wouldn’t give the sweet old man the time of day unless she wanted something. Annabelle was the best thing that ever happened to him. Secondly, that house belongs to your family, Erin. It feels right, and you know that’s the way it should be. I’m a firm believer that karma eventually makes things right in the world, and this is a perfect case in point.”
Erin nodded in agreement as emotion churned inside her. “I feel that, too. I’m just so grateful.”
“Of course you are.” Livia smiled and then picked up her phone and dialed. “Besides, I have one more ace in the hole. Hang on a second.”
“Hi there,” she said into her phone. “Do you have it?”
She paused for a moment, and Erin was dying to know what Livia had found.
“Come on in when you’re ready.” She clicked off her phone and stuck it in her bag.
“Who was that?”
“You’ll see.” She barely finished her sentence when the door to the mayor’s office opened, and Rick walked in. His gaze immediately went to her, sending a silent yet powerful current through her.
He looked good. Too good, and she wished she could ignore how much she wanted him. She wasn’t aware of the possibility that he’d chosen Melinda over her, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t happened.
He’d let his whiskers grow a little longer, emphasizing the chiseled look of his jaw. She wanted to believe the dark shadows beneath his eyes were from having as many sleepless nights as she’d experienced since he’d moved out.
“Hey,” he said to both of them.
Her doubts bested her, and she wondered if his presence harmed her interests. She locked down her feelings for him, bracing for the worst. “What are you doing here?”
“I asked him to come.” Livia waved him in. “Rick has produced another important document relevant to this case.”
He walked forward, but instead of giving the manila envelope to Livia, he handed it to her. “This is for you.”
Uncertainty and curiosity mingled in her as she reached out to take the envelope. He retained his grasp on it for a few seconds after she grabbed hold, his gaze trapping hers. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.” He nodded and then turned and left.
She swallowed as she switched her gaze from the envelope to Livia, trying to decipher what had happened. Rick had said he was sorry. Was that because of what the enveloped contained? Because he’d left her for Melinda? Or what? “What’s in here?”
A cryptic smile tilted Livia’s red lips. “Open it and see.”
Erin slid the contents from the envelope as she quickly scanned the first page. “Signatures of people who will testify to Henderson Morgan’s sound state of mind?” She couldn’t believe it.
“Yep.” Livia beamed. “My intention was to get several key signatures, but, after Rick learned what Melinda was up to, he took it upon himself to get the rest.”
She flipped through the papers. “There are five pages here. Must be at least a hundred signatures.” Her pulse increased as she scanned the names of people she’d come to know and a bunch that she hadn’t met yet. “Oh my god. Even Penny is on here.”
“Melinda and her attorney don’t have a chance in hell,
Erin. After we finish here, I’m headed to Sage to file our response to Melinda’s claim. A judge will take one look at everything we’re presenting and toss this out. You can rest easy now.”
Erin jumped from her seat and hurried around the edge of the desk. Livia stood just in time for Erin to hug her. “How will I ever be able to thank you?”
“No need. I’m just protecting the interests of my clients, Henderson, Annabelle and you.” She tilted her head. “You might, however, consider thanking Rick and maybe even give him a second chance. He still loves you, you know?”
“Yes, I think I do.” The truth blossomed before her eyes and quickly flipped into an urgent need to hold Rick close and tell him how much she cared. “I have to go. Thank you again, so much. I’ll call you.”
She grabbed her coat and shrugged into it as she raced for the doors leading outside. She’d held him to some unfair standards because of her fears of being left, when really, she’d known for quite a while that he loved her.
Brilliant winter sun glinted off the snow, glaring into her eyes. She scanned down Main Street and found the object of her desire. Rick walked down the middle of the snow-packed street, apparently heading toward his garage.
She hurried down the steps and out into the open. “Rick Hartigan,” she yelled, and he stopped and turned around as though facing her in an old-fashioned shootout. But she wasn’t firing bullets. Although if she could pierce his heart with her love, she wouldn’t mind.
“Wait!” She rushed toward him, her boots sliding on the compacted snow. Just as she reached him, she slipped, and he caught her in his arms. Seconds passed, and he didn’t release her, giving her courage to say what was in her heart. “Where do you think you’re going?”
He searched her expression as though looking for a sign of her intentions. “To work. Why?”
She grasped for reasons to detain him. “Do you think you could help me with something?”
A hint of a smile caught in his eyes as he looked down at her. “What would that be?”
“I have two unruly ghosts in my house, and I need a big, strong man to set them straight.”
He gave her an entertained look that stole her heart. “Two ghosts now?”
“Annabelle’s there, too, and she won’t be happy until you come home.”
He nodded, his gaze growing serious. “What about you?”
“You belong there. With me. That’s the only thing that feels right. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you enough to give you the time you needed. I was scared of losing you, and I ended up pushing you away.” Livia was correct. Sometimes a person knew to the very depths of her soul what’s right. “Will you come home?”
“I’m sorry, too. I never want you to doubt how much I love you.” A wide grin parted his lips, and he ran a thumb down her cheek. “You couldn’t keep me away.”
Epilogue
Three months later…
Erin turned on the sound system in the atrium before resuming her place on the couch next to Rick. “This was Annabelle’s favorite song,” she said to the young newlyweds who held hands as they sat in the opposite chairs. She never tired of telling the stories of the resident ghosts, and she had to admit, it did help keep the rooms full.
“How do you know there’s more than one ghost?” the woman asked, her green eyes wide with interest.
“When Rosa’s here, I can smell lavender. Annabelle is a little trickier. I’ve learned she’s the one who likes to close doors or flip on the lights. I think it’s her way of letting us know she’s still around.”
Rick nodded in agreement. Erin had wondered after he’d moved back if the ghosts would continue their antics in front of him. They had, but to a much lesser degree. It seemed they’d found their peace as well.
“That’s so cool,” the new husband said. “Do you think we’ll notice anything while we’re here?”
“You never know,” Rick added. “They do seem to like young lovers.”
The guy snorted as a laugh slipped from the girl. “Maybe we should go to bed and see if they visit us there,” she said.
The young husband stood and held out a hand to his wife. “No arguments from me.” They said their goodnights and headed out of the room, leaving Erin and Rick alone.
Erin took his hand in hers as a sense of happiness and overwhelming love filled her. “I like to think Annabelle and Rosa are sitting somewhere dressed in their fancy costumes, slinging back Jack Daniels and dancing with all the men.”
“That’s a nice thought.” He stood and held out a hand to her. “Maybe we should be dancing, too.”
She took it and let him pull her into his arms as the song suddenly restarted, and she shared a knowing grin with her lover. “I’ll never get tired of you holding me.” She slipped her hands over his broad shoulders before running her fingers through his hair.
He gazed down at her, looking every bit the confident, sexy man. “That’s good because I’ll never get tired of holding you.”
Shivers of excitement raced across her skin as he leaned down and captured her lips. “Want to go upstairs and see if there are any ghosts hiding in our bed?” he asked, his lips against her mouth.
“Mmm-hmm.” She kissed him, heat building in her core as his tongue tangled with hers. “I definitely think we should.”
“You don’t mind if they watch?” he teased. “We might shock them a little.”
She laughed as she turned off the music and tugged him toward the doorway. “Knowing the history of those two ladies, I doubt we could. But I’m willing to try if you are.”
They hadn’t made it to the stairs before he hauled her against him for another heated kiss. “God, I love you.”
She took his face in her hands, marveling at how her life had changed since the day she’d met Annabelle. “I love you, too. Now and forever.” She gave him a soft kiss before she wiggled out of his arms. “First person upstairs gets the top.”
He growled and grabbed for her as she laughed and dashed up the stairs, the scent of lavender trailing them as they went.
The End
Excerpt from Relentless (Aspen Series #1)
Chapter One
From the corner of her eye, Lily Chandler caught a blur of black as it dashed into the road. She slammed on the brakes. The tires on her little white Honda screamed as she swung off the pavement and onto the grassy area at the side of the road, narrowly missing a ditch.
When the car had come to a standstill, she plastered a hand against her chest, trying to slow her racing heart. "What the hell was that?"
Hannah eyed her as though she'd lost her mind. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you trying to kill us?"
"No.” Lily glanced across the isolated two-lane highway, searching for the critter that almost lost its life. "There was something in the road. Didn't you see it?"
"Uh…no.” Her friend looked around. "It was probably a skunk or raccoon. We have those out here, you know," she said with a touch of sarcasm.
Lily narrowed her eyes. "I know that.” Actually, she had no idea what she'd find in the small town of Aspen, Utah, but she wasn't about to admit it. She scanned the surrounding green pastures one more time for the little beast who'd stolen a year of her life.
"Can we go now?"
Lily sighed as she pulled out onto the never-ending stretch of blacktop. Her bug-spattered windshield showcased nothing but farmland alive with early summer grass. Occasionally, a house had popped up on the horizon, but not often enough for Lily's comfort. Somewhere up ahead was Hannah's brother hauling a good portion of their possessions in Hannah's truck. Everything else had been left in a storage shed in Salt Lake with the hopes that she and Hannah would be returning soon. "I'm starting to wonder if this was a good idea."
"Are you kidding?” Her friend tilted her head, the action making her auburn ponytail shake. "Don't second guess this now. When I left home seven years ago, I swore I'd never move back. I'm only going now because you begged."
"I didn't be
g.” She hadn't. But moving in with Hannah's family seemed preferable to being homeless. Two weeks ago, they'd both been fired from their respective jobs at a local newspaper in Salt Lake City, all because their boss hadn't been able to keep his zipper zipped. His wife had found out, and now the paper was slowly disintegrating from all the bad press and soon to be split assets. If it hadn't cost her a job, Lily would have been happy the jerk had been found out. She could totally commiserate with her boss's wife. She'd dealt with similar humiliation and pain when she'd caught her fiancé cheating with her sister.
Hannah folded her arms. "This was your idea. No complaining. I warned you my family lived in a rural area."
"Rural?” Lily let go a nervous laugh. "To an L.A. girl, rural is like…subdivisions. Like the outskirts of Salt Lake. Places where people still live. Not this…vast emptiness.” She gestured to the hills that didn't stop until they touched the sky. "If a person got lost out here, they may never be found."
"Ain't that the truth," Hannah said with a laugh. "Let me rephrase then. My parents live in a backward, podunk, God-forsaken town.” Her friend pretended to shudder. "And look. We're here.” Hannah pointed to a sign stating, Aspen, population: 250. "Welcome to my version of hell."
Only 250 people? There had to be that many living on their block in downtown SLC. Lily forced a smile and slowed as the speed limit dropped considerably. What if the people here didn't like her or couldn't relate to her? She was a city girl through and through.
The little town was cute, though. Baskets of pink and purple petunias swung from streetlamps, and all of the buildings were in good repair. It was like going back in time fifty years.
"Sorry to postpone our arrival. Mom asked if I could pick up a couple of things before we head out to their place.” Hannah nodded toward a building with Andersen's Grocery painted on the side. "Do you mind if we stop?"
"Not at all.” Lily cruised into the small parking lot, grateful to have arrived. "I'd like to look around the place I'm going to be calling home anyway."
