Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Agreeing to help Brandon Culver recover from his injury seemed harmless enough.
Sure, he’s a firefighter and Mountain Laurel Cove’s most eligible bachelor. But I’m too busy focusing on my nursing career to be distracted by a handsome face.
Unfortunately, Brandon is a lot more than a great face.
He’s steady. Dependable. He’s the kind of man who remembers the little things and shows up when it matters. His easy confidence is comforting. His quiet strength makes me feel safe. And the way he looks at me makes me question everything I thought I wanted.
But I’m in his home to care for him, not fall for him.
One tiny slip could ruin all the plans I’ve meticulously made for my life. Romance is a fool’s game and if I’m anything, I’m level-headed. Until his heated gaze and lingering touch threaten to turn the electricity between us into a five-alarm fire.
If I’m not careful, I might be the one getting burned
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
PREAMBLE
FALL SEASON
TWO YEARS PRIOR TO PRESENT DAY . . .
“Iheard about the carving in the tree,” Winter says, walking up to us just before Summer was going to kiss her husband. I’m not upset by the interruption. Those two can’t keep their hands off of each other.
I can only dream to be so lucky one day.
Never missing potential gossip, Spring joins my side, and asks, “What are we talking about?”
Daniel, my new brother-in-law, replies, “There’s a tree with a carving in it. CS #7.”
I hand the bride a glass of champagne. My sister Summer smiles and whispers, “Thank you.”
“What does CS #7 mean?” I ask, and take a sip from my glass.
Summer shrugs. “We don’t know.” Her eyes travel over my shoulder, causing me to look back.
Brandon Culver.
Naturally, he and Daniel have become friends, putting him back into my orbit again. I’d be just fine never seeing his face again. Not matter how attractive he is. My heart knows how to hold a grudge and that is one jerk that will never be forgiven.
I sigh, trying to avoid making eye contact, and down the remainder of my champagne.
Shifting around to my side, he glances at me. Of course, he is always trying to get my attention like he’s not fully aware of what he did in our past. When I make the mistake of letting him catch my gaze, he smirks and says, “I know.”
PROLOGUE
FAITH SEASON
12 YEARS PRIOR TO PRESENT DAY . . .
“Don’t run too far ahead, girls,” I call out, though it may be too late. Or they’re pretending not to hear me.
They’re old enough to roam on their own, but I didn’t stop being a mom when my youngest turned ten. Though my worries lessened knowing how strong-minded they’ve become. From oldest to youngest, Summer leads her three sisters to the docks to feed the ducks. I remember my mama bringing me down here on lazy summer days when we were bored of being home.
Some things, we never outgrow.
It’s also good for the girls to feel out their independence while in the safety of this close-knit community. Just like I did and my mom before me.
My gaze flows up to the blue sky above. There’s not a cloud in sight. I tilt my head back, closing my eyes, and soak in the sunshine. The wind picks up just enough to keep the temperatures bearable, sending the sound of my girls’ laughter to my ears. It’s a melody that always makes my heart sing.
I open my eyes to see my second oldest waiting for me. When I reach Autumn at the edge of the docks, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and we keep pace together. I kiss her head, though I’m sure at fourteen she hates it. She’s patient enough with my sentimental side not to pull away. “Why aren’t you with your sisters? You know Spring is going to throw the bread in chunks, and there won’t be any left for you if you don’t hurry.”
“It’s okay,” she says with the casualness of a shrug. “I wanted to wait for you.”
I lower my arm, but she takes hold of my hand. I don’t know what I was thinking earlier. My dearest Autumn would never hate a kiss or a hug from me. For good or bad, she’s inherited my altruism. She always sees the good in everyone and wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a caretaker by nature, and the first one my youngest will run to score a Band-Aid from. I still get to kiss the boo-boo, though.
We stop at the head of the longest pier, and I face her, feeling the need to steal a minute just for the two of us. Brushing strands of her red hair away from her face, her bright green eyes match her father’s coloring perfectly. Handsome on my Charlie, and so beautiful on my girl. I didn’t expect the opportunity, but I take it since it’s been presented. “Real quick, I want to give you something, honey.”
“What is it?” Her voice is so sweet, a built-in layer of comfort that makes everyone feel right at home in her presence.
I reach into my pocket and pull out my coin purse. Digging inside, I find the token that’s been through more than its fair share of life’s ups and downs alongside me. “I’d like you to have this.” I turn her hand over and place it in her palm.
When her eyes widen, her gaze dashes from the round and worn metal to me. “You can’t. It’s your lucky bluebird.”
“I don’t need luck, sweet girl. I’ve been blessed with more than I could ever wish for. I have the four of you, your dad, and my mom.” Stretching my arms, I add, “I get to live in the most perfect place on earth. Mountain Laurel Cove.” I tap her nose. “And raise you.”