“I have a few nieces and nephews,” he acknowledged. But I’d love one of my own, truth be told. He didn’t say the words out loud. Noah simply allowed them to marinate.
After a few minutes his boss excused himself and went out into the dining area with Paige and Emma. Noah couldn’t resist watching them as they settled at a table. Cameron reached out to hold his wife’s hand as his daughter climbed up into his lap. The love they shared shone like a beacon.
Noah couldn’t stop staring at Cameron and his amazing family. What must it be like, he wondered, to belong to someone and to bring a new life into being? For so long now it had been Noah against the world. He had deliberately set up barriers so that no woman could come close to breaking down his defenses. He’d spent so much time laying the foundation for Catalano Security that he had neglected his personal life in the process.
How many times had friends attempted to set him up on dates since Kara? More than he could count on two hands. For the most part he’d always said no. And the few times he had agreed to go, Noah had always found fault with the women. Too tall. Too short. Overly talkative. Not personable enough. So many excuses to avoid getting close to anyone.
Being back in Alaska made him yearn for things he didn’t have in his life. A woman to love and be loved by. A place to call home. Comforting arms when the slings and arrows of life became too much to bear. Seattle was where he lived. It wasn’t a home.
Although he’d had rumblings before about his lifestyle, these feelings had become stronger and stronger with each passing day. Being here in Love was changing him. And he couldn’t help but wonder if the presence of a red-haired waitress was a big part of the transformation.
* * *
By the time Noah’s shift was over, all he could think about doing was heading back to his place and taking a hot shower.
Later that evening, after he had eaten dinner and watched a little television, his cell phone rang. Noah let out a groan as he glanced at the caller ID. Sussex! He had completely forgotten he’d scheduled a phone call with him to discuss any new developments regarding his assignment.
The moment he picked up, Sussex snapped, “I was expecting your call.”
“My apologies. I worked a late shift.”
“Anything new to report?” The man’s voice was full of tension.
Noah hesitated a moment before replying. He still wasn’t sure what he intended to tell Sussex about Sophie. Although he was honor bound to report back to the man who was paying for his services, he only had to give him the facts. Nothing more.
“Catalano? Are you still there?” his client barked from the other end of the line.
“I’m still here,” he said. “And I really don’t have much to report. Sophie’s life mainly consists of working at the Moose Café six days a week. She hasn’t gone out on any dates since I’ve been here. Although she did express an interest in getting married and settling down. According to her, that’s the reason she came to Love, Alaska.”
Sussex sputtered. “Getting married? Settling down? She could have stayed right here in New York City and done those things with me!” he said in a raised voice.
Noah detected hurt in Sussex’s voice, along with a dose of arrogance. “I can’t say I blame you for feeling that way,” he said. If Sophie had been his own fiancée this news would have been like pouring salt in an open would.
“So it’s clear from what you’ve told me that Sophie is seeking a husband in that two-bit Alaskan town,” Sussex huffed.
Noah bristled at the insult his client had hurled at the community of Love. “I wouldn’t exactly call it two-bit. This town is full of great people and interesting places. Sophie seems to have found a home here, sir.”
“Love, Alaska, is not her home! It’s a temporary resting place. And you’d do well to remember that. Make no mistake about it! My goal is not only to get my fiancée back, it’s to bring her back home to New York City. So, considering the fact that you’re in my employ, that’s your objective, too. Unless, of course, we’re not on the same page.” Sussex’s tone sounded biting to Noah’s ears. Clearly, the man didn’t like being challenged on anything regarding this assignment. Or Sophie.
“I completely understand,” Noah said through gritted teeth. “You’re the boss.” When had his client become so obnoxious? Most of the sympathy he’d been feeling for him went straight out the door. Maybe Sussex was simply one of those rich, entitled men who thought they could get whatever they wanted. Perhaps Sophie was just another thing he wanted to acquire.
“Catalano. The assignment has changed. You need to shift gears.”
“Are my services no longer needed?” Noah asked, half hoping Sussex would pull the plug on the assignment.
“They’re needed more than ever. The bottom line is that Sophie is looking for my replacement. I can’t let that happen, not when I still think there’s a chance for us to get back together. I need you to make sure that doesn’t go down.”
A buzzing sound thundered in his ears. He had a feeling that this discussion was heading into uncomfortable territory.
Noah closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sir, Sophie is an independent woman. I can’t very well tell her not to date someone. We’re not exactly close friends.”
“No. You’re right. Sophie would never listen to any man trying to rule her dating life,” Sussex concurred. Noah had the feeling his client was pondering his options. Perhaps he was rethinking this desperate scheme.
Noah let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t relished the idea of interfering in Sophie’s love life. The situation was becoming tenser by the moment. He felt sweat breaking out on his forehead. He couldn’t remember feeling so conflicted about an assignment. A gut instinct told him he was getting in way over his head.
Sussex continued to speak. “Let’s make this really simple, Catalano. If you pursue Sophie yourself, you’ll keep all the other Operation Love participants at bay. I’m just asking you to keep her occupied until I can find a way to reunite with her. Take her out on the town. Bring her a bouquet of flowers. She really loves lilies. Romance her a little.”
“That’s not what you hired me for!” Noah said. How could his client ask him to do this if he truly loved Sophie? What kind of man thought this type of plan was acceptable?
“Let me know if you’re not up to completing the assignment,” Sussex said in a frosty voice. “I wired a substantial payment into your bank account this morning. For what I’m paying you, there are plenty other PIs who would gladly take this assignment.”
Before Noah could reply, Sussex disconnected the call.
Noah found himself calling on God. He didn’t know what to do. He was too far in to back out now. So much was riding on this paycheck. But he had no intention of dating Sophie simply to keep her away from other men in town. It would be dishonorable and shameful. What kind of man would he become if he sank to that level? And even though he was in Love under false pretenses, he still wanted to maintain his dignity. Doing as Sussex asked wouldn’t allow that to happen.
He was beginning to think he’d already compromised himself by working with a man like Sussex. Could the guy really and truly love Sophie if he could ask his PI to date her? Noah felt incredibly conflicted. Things were spiraling out of control.
Dear Lord. I’m in big trouble here. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I need to follow through with this assignment so I can rescue my company. But I don’t feel right about what I’m doing. And the deeper I find myself venturing down this path, the more conflicted I feel. Show me the way.
Chapter Six
It was a bright and frosty morning as Sophie made her way from her cabin toward Hazel’s house down the lane. Hazel had invited all her bridesmaids to an early-morning breakfast in order to hash out some of the details for her upcoming nuptials.
Sophie shivered as a blast of cold air hit her in the face. Even though it wasn’t far to the main house, she found herself wishing she owned a car. It was freezing outside. Although she didn’t have her license, she had managed to get her permit. It was sitting right in her wallet, serving as a daily reminder to take the next steps toward obtaining her driver’s license. It would be yet another move toward independence.
Sophie remembered her conversation with Noah about learning to drive. He didn’t realize it, but his words had inspired her to get serious about doing so. Warmth shot through her as her thoughts veered toward the Moose Café’s new hire. Little by little Sophie was seeing the real Noah hiding behind the tough veneer. He was kind. And smart. And each and every day, she was finding more things to like about him, even though he made her a little nervous. He seemed like such a simple man and a straight shooter. Noah served as a reminder that Sophie’s life in Love had been built on one big fat lie.
Later on today she would be working side by side with him at the Taste of Love event. Cameron had signed her up to make coffee drinks at the function. Even though today was supposed to be a day off, Sophie couldn’t say no to Cameron. He’d done so much for her since she had arrived in town, and if she ever needed anything he was right there to support her—much like the older brother she always wished for.
She breathed out a puff of air. It was so frigid outside she could see the mist in front of her face. At least her feet weren’t cold. She looked down at her navy blue boots, the latest design from Hazel’s footwear line, Lovely Boots. They kept her feet cozy and warm. Being friends with Hazel had plenty of perks. Being given the latest boots was at the top of the list.
By the time Sophie reached her destination, she was ready to come in from the biting cold. She let herself into Hazel’s house without knocking or ringing the bell. Hazel didn’t like guests to stand on ceremony. She insisted that her door was always open.
As soon as Sophie crossed the threshold, the smell of baked goods rose to her nostrils. Her stomach began to grumble at the thought of blackberry cobbler. In addition to her other skills, Hazel was a masterful baker. Once Sophie took off her coat and boots, she ventured toward the parlor, following the sound of voices.
Hazel’s parlor was filled with joyful, smiling faces. Despite the early hour, the space vibrated with energy. Sophie received a hearty welcome from the other bridesmaids—Grace Prescott, Annie O’Rourke, Ruby Prescott and Paige Prescott.
No sooner had Sophie dug into a plateful of blackberry cobbler than Hazel commanded everyone’s attention by a loud clearing of her throat.
“Thank you, ladies, for gathering here so bright and early on a Saturday morning,” Hazel announced as she poured steaming cups of tea from her vintage floral tea set. Even the smell of scones and muffins couldn’t make up for the early hour. This morning should have been Sophie’s morning to sleep in. Instead, she had trudged over here in order to help plan her friend’s wedding and reception.
Annie hid a yawn behind her hand. “Sure thing, Hazel. Anything for you.”
Grace took a long sip of tea, then placed her cup back on the saucer. “I don’t care how early it is. It’s nice to get away from the house while Boone is watching Eva.” She let out a little giggle. “Just the thought of him changing her diaper makes me grin.”
All the ladies laughed along with her.
“Liam is fortunate. Aidan likes to sleep in now, as well,” Ruby chimed in, looking at her watch. “I’m guessing those two will sleep for hours.” With her mocha skin and warm brown eyes, Ruby was a stunning woman. Even better, she was down-to-earth and as sweet as pie.
“I’m happy to be sitting down for a change. I love working at the Moose, but my feet ache from standing up all day every day,” Sophie said, flexing her ankles.
Hazel stood up from her seat and loudly clapped her hands. “I was trying to wait for Honor to get here, but I can’t contain myself much longer. I promised you ladies I would show you the dresses you’ll be wearing at the ceremony. They finally came in from Anchorage.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see them,” Paige said, her expression radiating excitement. Sophie smiled over at her. Of all the ladies in the room, Paige was the only one who fit the title of fashionista.
Honor Prescott burst in the door, shaking snow off her shoulders as she took off her coat and hung it on Hazel’s coatrack. “Sorry I’m late,” she called out. “The roads from the wildlife center were coated with ice. I had to drive really slowly.”
“Safety first. Come on in.” Hazel beckoned with a wave of her hand. “Take a seat and grab some food. I’m about to unveil the bridesmaid dresses.”
Honor quickly settled next to Sophie and began helping herself to breakfast. Sophie filled Honor’s glass with orange juice while her friend helped herself to a muffin and hash browns.
“You arrived just in time,” Hazel told Honor, then reached down into a box, pulled out a dress and held it up in front of her. It was a lavender-colored gown with feathers at the hem. Hazel’s expression radiated pure joy and satisfaction. “Ta-da! What do you think, ladies? Is this elegant or what?”
Honor sputtered on her orange juice. “Oh, please, no,” she said in a low voice.
“I—It sure is vibrant,” Sophie said, struggling to find something positive to say.
“Isn’t it, though? And who doesn’t look good in purple,” Hazel crowed.
“Are all the dresses just like that one?” Grace asked. The look of horror on her face didn’t escape Sophie’s notice.
“They are,” Hazel said, looking as proud as a peacock. “So who wants to try it on?” she asked, glancing around the table.
No one spoke for a minute. Not wanting to hurt Hazel’s feelings, Sophie jumped up from her seat. “I’ll try it on, Hazel. After all, lavender is one of my favorite colors.”
Ruby stood up. “Me, too. If you need someone else to try it on, I’m game.”
The women all nodded their heads and chimed in with their support. It warmed Sophie’s insides to see the overwhelming support for Hazel. It didn’t matter that the dress was hideous. Not in the grand scheme of things. Hazel was the heart and soul of Love. She was the most supportive and fiercely protective person Sophie had ever known. Although everyone called her Hazel to her face, she was often affectionately referred to as “Mama Bear” behind her back.
“You gals really are something else,” Hazel said. Sophie thought she saw tears pooling in her friend’s eyes. Although Hazel considered herself to be a stoic Alaskan, she was a teddy bear at her center.
“Right back atcha,” Sophie said, tears welling up in her own eyes as the realization hit her that Hazel was the closest thing to family she had. Even though there was a space in her heart yearning for home, she’d found something incredible here in Love. And every single person in this room had been a part of her journey.
Hazel threw her head back and let out a cackle of laughter. For a few moments she clutched her stomach and couldn’t seem to stop.
“Are you all right, Hazel?” Honor asked, her eyes wide with alarm.
Hazel swatted at her own eyes with the back of her hand. “You ladies never fail to amaze me. I wouldn’t have you girls wear this monstrosity if it were the last dress on earth. I’m sorry. I know it’s not April Fools’ Day, but I couldn’t resist pranking you.” She waved the dress in front of her. “Unless, of course, you really do want to wear this lavender eyesore. It’s been hanging at the back of my closet for decades.”
Several sighs of relief could be heard in the room, along with shouts of laughter.
“I came to the realization that I want you ladies to wear something that you really love. So you’re free to pick your own dress, as long as it’s a nice shade of white.”
“We can’t wear the same color as the bride,” Paige said, raising her hand to her neck in dismay. “Th
at would be a huge fashion faux pas.”
Hazel held her head high. “I’m not wearing white,” she announced in a firm voice. “I’ve decided to wear a beautiful blush color. White tends to wash me out. And I’m a big fan of blush tones. Jasper loves the idea.”
Sophie crossed her hands in front of her. “I think you’re going to be a lovely bride, my friend.” She took a few steps toward Hazel and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
“My sweet Sophie. This town sure was blessed the moment you arrived,” Hazel said as she patted her back.
“Anything I’ve given to this town I’ve gotten back tenfold,” Sophie said, knowing with a deep certainty the veracity of her words. Love had given her a soft place to land at a time when the bottom had fallen out of her world. She was part of this village now. And every single resident had been embedded on her heartstrings. God sure had known what He was doing when He had pointed her toward this very special place.
“Okay, this is really turning into a sobfest,” Ruby said, wiping away tears. “We’re supposed to be in celebration mode.”
“I know,” Honor said. “Let’s change the mood in here. Quick. Someone share some harmless gossip or a funny joke.”
“I met the new cook at the Moose. His name is Noah,” Paige said with a grin. “He’s very attractive, and according to Hazel he’s single.”
“And ready to mingle,” Hazel quipped. “Just ask Sophie. They’re getting along like a house on fire.”
Oohs and aahs rang out in the room. Sophie felt the heat of all their gazes.
“Come on, Sophie,” Grace drawled. “Tell us all about the new cook at the Moose. And don’t you dare leave out a single detail.”
“Yes, please do,” Ruby pleaded.
Hazel sent Sophie a knowing glance. “If I had my druthers, Sophie and Noah would be the next match in Operation Love.”
Sophie swung her gaze in her direction. “Really, Hazel? We’re just friends. I barely know the guy.”
His Secret Alaskan Heiress Page 7
