by Viv Royce
He carried the basket for her, and she followed him up the porch steps and through the door into a room smelling of chopped wood and coffee. To her right and left were huge bookcases full of leather-bound volumes. She dashed over to look at all the titles.
“Should have known you’d be more interested in the books than me.” He put the basket down on the sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace and picked up the poker to stir the fire.
“You know that’s not true.” She went over and wrapped her arms around him. “Even if this cabin had no books and no food or fire, I would have come. To be with you.”
“Hello!” From the kitchen area, a woman with sleek blonde hair and a sporty outfit of a sweater and jeans came over to her.
Mark gestured at her. “My mother. Mom, this is Cleo.”
“Hello.” Cleo straightened and shook her hand.
“So nice to meet you. Please call me Irma. My husband isn’t here yet. He’ll come tonight.”
“Or tomorrow, or not at all,” Mark said with a sour look. “I told Dad how important this is.”
His mother waved it off. “It’ll be fine. I’d better get back to the kitchen. I’m making tomato soup.” She hesitated a moment and added, “Tammy just messaged. She won’t be coming. She’s going to some car race with James.”
“Oh.” Mark went over and squeezed his mother’s shoulder. The silent gesture said more than a thousand words. They’ll both be seeing that empty chair tonight and wondering how it’s going to end with Tamela and James.
Maybe I can help to cheer her up. She said to Irma, “I snapped a lot of pictures of Rook and Wood Creek to show you. All the shops on Heart Street, the community center, and the library.”
“Can’t wait to see them. Maybe over dinner?”
“But dinner isn’t ready yet,” Mark intervened. He reached for Cleo’s hand. “We’ll be back in half an hour, Mom.”
Squeezing Cleo’s hand, he dragged her outside. “I want to show you our very own lake. As kids, Tammy and I believed it was ours.”
He leaned over and whispered, “Meeting Mom wasn’t too bad, huh? I’m so glad you’re here to make her forget about Tammy and James for a bit. It’s been eating at her more than she wants to admit, and Dad’s burying himself in work, which doesn’t help Mom, either.”
“Don’t worry. I’m here to make it into a great weekend, for all of us.” Cleo rubbed her thumb over his hand. He relaxed, and they ambled down the path, the brush around them rustling in the tender breeze.
Ahead, a breathtaking view opened up. A wrinkle-less lake lay surrounded by trees in vivid spring green, and a deer stood on the other side, looking at them with dark eyes. Its ears turned forward, as if to assess the danger they might pose, then it turned and bounded away into the woods.
“Listen.” Mark raised a hand. “That’s at least three different birds.” He took a deep breath and grinned at her. “Isn’t this perfect?” Leaning over, he added, “I turned off my phone, and it won’t come back on all weekend. Nothing to disturb our time together.”
At last, someone was here for her, giving her time and attention, making her feel like she was the center of the universe. Tonight they’d be looking at the stars together. Tomorrow they would lounge in their hammocks and read books. Make plans for other bookish weekends—flying out to Versailles or Venice where Marco Polo had started his travels, or staying close to home, stalking bookstores and eating ice cream. The location didn’t really matter. As long as it was the two of them, exploring old stories they both loved and writing new ones. Blending their favorite tales into their very own happily-ever-after.
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Acknowledgments
Thanks to all the authors, editors, and agents who share online about the writing and publishing process.
Special thanks to everyone who works with me on the Little Shops on Heart Street series: my amazing agent Jill Marsal; the entire dedicated team at Entangled, especially Candace, Erin, Liz, Meredith, Riki, Heather, and Curtis; and last but certainly not least, cover designer Bree Archer for the cute cover.
The idea for the little shops was born from my own love of shopping in small, family-owned businesses and, in that way, supporting people’s dreams. These businesses often carry unique products and show attention to detail in every aspect, from the shop decorations to the expert advice. I loved creating fictional Wood Creek and the bookstore where Cleo has built her own little world that reflected her love of reading. I wanted her to clash with someone who didn’t really see how all her creativity sold books but would then be won over by her vibrant personality. Enter Mark Stephens. I hope that all the bookish things they do together bring a smile to your face.
In this story, you already met antique shop owner Lizzie Cates, who will be the heroine of the next installment. A handsome customer with a special request turns out to be a real prince. But as sparks fly, the question is: Is a man with a duty to his country free to give away his heart? Happy reading!
About the Author
With the same trademark atmospheric settings, relatable characters, and cute canines that made several of her cozy mysteries #1 Amazon U.S. and Canada bestsellers in multiple categories, Vivian Conroy pens romance as Viv Royce, creating the little shops on Heart Street she herself would like to frequent to stock up on bonbons, books, and cute home decorations. When not hanging out in fictional worlds, she likes to hike, craft, and spend too much time on Twitter where readers can connect via @VivWrites.
Also by Viv Royce…
A Family by Christmas
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