Come Home with Me

by Susan Fox

  “We’ll be making three stops this afternoon,” Aaron told the passengers, speaking loudly to make himself heard over the engine noise. “First, we’ll fly up the Sunshine Coast to Texada Island for our Sylvan Retreat couple. Then west to Campbell River to drop off the three fishers. Then south again to Blue Moon Harbor on Destiny Island.”

  Eden’s dad had booked the flight and she had assumed it was a direct one from Vancouver to Blue Moon Harbor. Her logical brain suggested that flying north, west, and then south wasn’t the most efficient way to reach Destiny Island, but it didn’t really matter. Her goals for today were to get settled at the Once in a Blue Moon B and B, confirm the rental car she’d reserved for tomorrow morning, and make inquiries of the owners of the B and B.

  Normally, Eden planned everything in exquisite detail, but the past week had been crazy. She’d had to organize files and appointments at work so she could leave her assistant in charge and make copious notes for her younger sister Kelsey, who was home from university for the summer and would help Dad care for Mom. There’d been only a moment here and there to prepare for the trip. Her dad had helped, making travel arrangements and using his Internet skills to search for information on the island, but most of what he’d found was tourism-focused. He’d located only two mentions of the old commune, nothing that would help Eden track down a hippie girl named Lucy Nelson who’d come to Destiny Island in 1969. Eden hoped her hosts at the B and B could identify some of the island’s longtime residents, whom she could interview.

  The plane increased speed and its nose came up, the floats skimmed the tops of the waves, and then the small craft lifted into the air. Rather than the white-noise drone Eden was used to when flying, she heard a whiny engine roar and a rattling sound. The dashboard—or whatever they called it in a plane—sported a collection of confusing dials and gauges. The huge window in front of her made it impossible to ignore the scarily vast expanse of sky outside. To her right was another window, in a flimsy door. If that door snapped open, the only thing holding her in the plane would be the seat belt. The aircraft seemed so insubstantial and she felt vulnerable, which she hated. She gulped, took more deep breaths, clenched her hands more firmly, and glanced over at Aaron’s comforting solidness and his strong brown hands on the steering yoke.

  The man’s been thoroughly trained, he knows what he’s doing, and he must have regular medical exams. The plane’s a commercial craft, owned by a reputable airline, and is inspected regularly. There’s not a single thing to worry about.

  “Nervous?” Aaron asked, shooting a pointed look at her tightly clasped hands.

  Since her body’d already given her away, she admitted, “Trying not to be,” speaking up to be heard over the noise.

  “Relax and enjoy it.” He gave her a smile full of warmth and enthusiasm. “It’s the best thing in the world.”

  You must be kidding. But he wasn’t. The sincerity of his tone and body language confirmed that he meant it. As he returned his attention to the plane’s controls, she mulled over his words. To this man, the best thing in the world was flying. He had a job where he experienced joy every day, just as she did. Her work as program counsel for the Butterworth Foundation involved administrative and legal details, which she excelled at and took satisfaction in, but what she truly loved was helping provide funds for worthwhile charities and nonprofits.

  Still, as much as she enjoyed her job, the best thing in her world was her family. She loved her mom, her dad, and her younger sister with all her heart. They were the center of her world, her top priority at all times. Idly, she wondered about the handsome pilot beside her. What people were special to him? A wife or girlfriend? Parents? Maybe a son or daughter? Had he considered them when he made that blithe statement about flying being the best thing in the world?

  She was overanalyzing. That attribute was useful for a lawyer, but family and friends kept reminding her it wasn’t the most comfortable trait to bring to bear in a personal relationship. Yet her musings had distracted her from her anxiety and she felt more relaxed.

  “Lions Gate Bridge,” Aaron announced to the passengers. “Also known as First Narrows. It connects Vancouver’s Stanley Park to West Vancouver and the North Shore.”

  The view was a dramatic one of contrasts: the forest green of the park versus the high-rises of the city; the impressive and beautiful man-made span of the bridge versus the untamed ocean below; the industrial loading docks versus the rugged mountains behind. “Ottawa seems awfully”—she searched for the right description—“sedate and old-world in comparison.”

  “You’re from Ottawa?” Aaron said. “How about the rest of you?”

  “Vancouver,” one of the other women answered. “Even so, the scenery never gets old.”

  “We’re from Edmonton,” one of the men said.

  Another added, “We came out here for the fishing a few years ago and now it’s an annual thing. There’s something about fishing for salmon on the open ocean that gets into a man’s blood. Not to mention being able to take home fish you caught yourself and lord it over all the Alberta beef-eaters.”

  Fishing held no appeal to Eden and she’d had no experience with the ocean. But gazing down at tankers and sailboats gave her some small notion of what an important role the sea played in some people’s lives.

  Ever since she’d agreed to undertake this mission for her mother, she’d been focused on practicalities, but now a tingle of excitement quickened her pulse. She was in a new place, a ruggedly scenic setting, and something about the vista of ocean and mountains invigorated her. Adventure might not be her middle name, but it seemed she was on one, and right now it didn’t feel half bad.

  Something had drawn Lucy, the aunt Eden had never even known about until a week before, to Destiny Island. What had Lucy experienced there—and what lay in store for Eden?

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  International bestselling author Susan Fox (who also writes as Savanna Fox and Susan Lyons) has been a finalist in Romance Writers of America®’s prestigious RITA® contest and has won the HOLT Medallion, the Booksellers Best Award, the Book Buyers Best Award, the National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Aspen Gold Readers Choice, the Golden Quill, the More Than Magic, the Lories, the Beacon, and the Laurel Wreath. She is a Pacific North-westerner with homes in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite, giving her an outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship, and a sense of humor. Visit her website at www.susanfox.ca.

  WINTER WISHES

  This winter, let four tales of mistletoe magic and the spirit of the season cast a special glow as some of your favorite authors introduce stories of hope, happiness, and holiday hearts.

  CHRISTMAS KISSES

  Fern Michaels

  Starting over in a new town with a new job, Meredith thinks buying Noah’s grandmother’s house will be a simple business deal. But neighborly Noah is determined to make Meredith feel at home—and as the holiday season works its magic, he’s suddenly hoping that she’ll find a place for him in her heart.

  BLUE MOON HARBOR CHRISTMAS

  Susan Fox

  Jillian and Michael have nothing in common—except the child two reckless college students created eight years ago. When Michael unexpectedly asks to meet his son, they have the twelve days of Christmas to get to know the adults they’ve become—adults who just might be ready to fall in love for real.

  SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS

  Jules Bennett

  A blind date turns out to be anything but when Ruby finds Knox on her doorstep. A few years ago, she nursed his dying wife. Can two lonely people defeat the shadow of the past and let the spirit of Christmas offer them the most special gift of all?

  FINDING COLIN

  Leah Marie Brown

  When Grace is suspended from work over the Christmas holidays, she
does the only sensible thing—she travels to Ireland to find her favorite actor! But while the Colin she finds may not be a star, he’s ready to show her that gifts come in all shapes and sizes—and love is the miracle that truly counts.

  HOME ON THE RANGE

  In this exciting new series, author Susan Fox welcomes you to Caribou Crossing, a small Western town made for love and adventure . . .

  For Evan Kincaid, the best thing about his dusty hometown was watching it fade into the distance. Jessica Bly was the only one who didn’t treat him like an outsider, and their friendship ended with one mind-blowing night of young passion. Now they’ve both got the lives they planned—Evan in New York, Jess with her beloved horses in Caribou Crossing. But business has brought Evan back to Jess’s Crazy Horse ranch on a mission that could destroy whatever’s left of her trust.

  Ten years ago, Jess wanted one perfect night to remember Evan by. What she got was a broken heart and a secret that’s kept them strangers ever since. The boy she knew was sexy and sweet; the man he’s become leaves her breathless. And no matter how much she tells herself that country girl and city boy don’t belong together, in her heart she wants to believe his home has been right here all along . . .

  Also features the full-length prequel novella “Caribou Crossing.”

  GENTLE ON MY MIND

  In her latest contemporary romance, Susan Fox welcomes readers back to Caribou Crossing, the ruggedly sexy Western town that seems made for starting over . . .

  Brooke Kincaid knows second chances don’t come cheap. She’s spent five years repairing past mistakes and making her life in Caribou Crossing steady and predictable. But now a stranger’s Harley has shattered her fence and her peace of mind in one swoop. Because Brooke is drawn to everything about wounded undercover cop Jake Brannon . . .

  By rights, Brooke should curse Jake for complicating her life. Instead she’s offered him a place to heal and a cover story as he searches for a wanted man. Jake knows she’s vulnerable, but she’s also strong, kind, and hotter than hellfire. It’s a combination that could make even a die-hard loner long to put up his boots and put down roots at last, and show her just how good a second chance can get . . .

  LOVE ME TENDER

  Pay a visit to Caribou Crossing, the rustic, inviting Western town where broken hearts mend and new love takes root . . .

  Dave Cousins, owner of the Wild Rose Inn, is known throughout Caribou Crossing as the nicest—and loneliest—guy in town. He’s had his heart broken more than once, and he’s determined not to let it happen again. So it’s no wonder he’s wary when a free-spirited drifter leaves him longing for more than just a steamy fling . . .

  Like the wild goose tattooed on her shoulder, Cassidy Esperanza goes wherever the wind takes her. For her, a new day means a fresh start. And yet something about her days in Caribou Crossing—and nights with its handsome hotel owner—makes her think about staying a while. But when life takes an unexpected turn, her first instinct is to take flight once more. Is Dave strong enough to help them both face their fears, come to terms with the past, and believe that sometimes love truly can last a lifetime?

  Also contains the full-length novella “Stand By Your Man.”

  LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU

  With its breathtaking terrain and welcoming people, the Western town of Caribou Crossing is the perfect place for a heart to heal, and for love to blossom once more . . .

  Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she’s still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he’s a reminder of the feisty woman she once was—and maybe still could be . . .

  Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn’t move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores—and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she’ll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love . . .

  RING OF FIRE

  No one is a stranger in Caribou Crossing, a small Western town made for healing and second chances . . .

  She’s raising her son on her own, but that’s just fine with Lark Cantrell. Caribou Crossing’s fire chief comes from a long line of strong, independent women—who have lousy luck with men. Lark’s ex-husband walked out when Jayden was born with cerebral palsy. No matter—Jayden, now ten, is a bright, terrific kid, and the love of her life. When it comes to men, Lark is content with the occasional casual hookup; there’s no room in her heart for more disappointment.

  Major Eric Weaver is in Caribou Crossing for one reason: to complete his rehabilitation so he can return to active service. Haunted by what went down in Afghanistan, his wounded soul isn’t healing as quickly as his body. But it’s almost impossible to resist the appeal of the sexy, feisty fire chief and her plucky son—not to mention the friendly, caring small town way of life. In Lark’s loving arms, the scarred soldier begins to believe he may finally have found his true home . . .

  HOLIDAY IN YOUR HEART

  It’s Christmas in the cozy Western town of Caribou Crossing, the season for homecoming, forgiveness, and—just maybe—the gift of a fresh start . . .

  As the holidays approach, the air is filled with the festive sounds of bells chiming and carolers singing. Maribeth Scott loves Christmas, but she’s pretty sure that after years of waiting, Santa isn’t finally going to gift her with Mr. Right. In fact, the only thing she truly wants for Christmas is a baby to love. At thirty-nine, she’s determined to become a mother and she will make it happen, even if she has to do it on her own.

  When Mo Kincaid returns to the rustic town after almost twenty years away, he’s seeking redemption from his checkered past. The last thing on his mind is romance, and he’s certain he doesn’t deserve it. But now there’s irresistible Maribeth, showing him the true spirit of Christmas and winning his heart. For the first time in Mo’s life, the future looks bright. Only one thing stands between them: Maribeth’s deep desire for a child and Mo’s conviction that he’s too flawed to be a father. Is his world-weary heart ready to take the ultimate leap of faith?