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“I can’t believe you’re passing up a home-cooked meal, Jace Yeager,” Lori said. “Maggie’s biscuits are the best around, and probably even better with Cassie helping.”

“Please, Daddy. I’ll go to bed right on time. I won’t argue or anything.”

Jace looked back at Lori. It was her first night here, and probably a rough one.

Lori smiled. “Now, that’s a hard offer to turn down.”

“You’re no help,” he told Lori.

“Sorry, us girls have to stick together.”

That was what he was afraid of. He was losing more than just this round. He hated that he didn’t mind one bit.

“Okay, but we can’t stay long. We have a bedtime schedule.”

“I promise I’ll go to bed right on time,” Cassie said again, and then took off toward the kitchen.

He looked at a smiling Lori. “Okay, I’m a pushover.”

“Buck up, Dad. It’s only going to get worse before it gets better.”

Suddenly their eyes locked and the amused look disappeared. Lori was the first to speak. “Please, I want you to stay for dinner. I think we both agree that eating alone isn’t fun.”

“Yes, we can agree on that.”

He followed Lori into the kitchen, knowing this woman could easily fill those lonely times. He just couldn’t let it happen. No more women for a while—at least not over the age of seven.

Dear Reader,

I can’t tell you how happy I am to be returning to Destiny for my next story. The small Colorado town has always been one of my favourite locations—so, for those of you who remember, I’ll also be revisiting the Keenan family and their historical inn.

This time I move on to another famous family in town: the Hutchinsons. A hundred years ago Raymond Hutchinson built the mining town after he struck gold in the area. When great-grandson Lyle passes away suddenly his estranged daughter, Lorelei, returns to town for the first time in twenty years to learn she’s the only heir to the family fortune. There’s a catch. Lori must live in Destiny for a year and run the Hutchinson Corporation. That brings her face to face with angry contractor Jace Yeager.

Jace doesn’t have time to deal with any more delays on his construction project—especially when his new partner could stop the project at any time. His first priority is his seven-year-old daughter and getting permanent custody. He doesn’t want or need any other female in his life. So it’s strictly business with Lorelei Hutchinson—until they’re snowed in together …

Enjoy!

Patricia Thayer

About the Author

Originally born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, PATRICIA THAYER is the second of eight children. She attended Ball State University, and soon afterwards headed West. Over the years she’s made frequent visits back to the Midwest, trying to keep up with her growing family.

Patricia has called Orange County, California, home for many years. She not only enjoys the warm climate, but also the company and support of other published authors in the local writers’ organisation. For the past eighteen years she has had the unwavering support and encouragement of her critique group. It’s a sisterhood like no other.

When she’s not working on a story, you might find her travelling the United States and Europe, taking in the scenery and doing story research while thoroughly enjoying herself, accompanied by Steve, her husband for over thirty-five years. Together, they have three grown sons and four grandsons. As she calls them: her own true-life heroes. On rare days off from writing you might catch her at Disneyland, spoiling those grandkids rotten! She also volunteers for the Grandparent Autism Network.

Patricia has written for over twenty years, and has authored more than forty-six books. She has been nominated for both a National Readers’ Choice Award and the prestigious RITA® Award. Her book Nothing Short of a Miracle won an RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice award.

A longtime member of Romance Writers of America, she has served as President and held many other board positions for her local chapter in Orange County. She’s a firm believer in giving back.

Check her website, www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

Single Dad’s
Holiday Wedding

Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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To my Vine Street Sisters.

I’ve enjoyed our time together. Bless you all.

CHAPTER ONE

SHE still wasn’t sure if coming here was a good idea.

Lorelei Hutchinson drove along First Street to the downtown area of the small community of Destiny, Colorado. She reached the historic square and parked her rental car in an angled spot by a huge three-tiered fountain. The centerpiece of the brick-lined plaza was trimmed with a hedge and benches for visitors. A pathway led to a park where children were playing.

She got out, wrapped her coat sweater tighter against the cold autumn temperature and walked closer to watch the water cascade over the marble structure. After nearly twenty years many of her memories had faded, but some were just as vivid as if they’d happened yesterday.

One Christmas she remembered the fountain water was red, the giant tree decorated with multicolored lights and ornaments and everyone singing carols. She had a family then.

A rush of emotions hit her when she recalled being in this exact spot, holding her father’s hand as he took her to the park swings. One of the rare occasions she’d spent time with the man. He’d always been too busy building his empire. Too busy for his wife and daughter. So many times she had wanted just a little of his attention, his love. She never got it.

Now it was too late. Lyle Hutchinson was gone.

With a cleansing breath, she turned toward the rows of storefront buildings. She smiled. Not many towns had this step-back-into-the-nineteen-thirties look, but it seemed that Destiny was thriving.

The wind blew dried leaves as she crossed the two-lane street and strolled past Clark’s Hardware Store and Save More Pharmacy, where her mother took her for candy and ice cream cones as a child. A good memory. She sure could use some of those right now.

There was a new addition to the block, a bridal shop called Rocky Mountain Bridal Shop. She kept walking, past an antiques store toward a law office with the name Paige Keenan Larkin, Attorney at Law, stenciled on the glass.

She paused at the door to the office. This was her father’s town, not hers. Lyle Hutchinson had made sure of that. That was why she needed someone on her side. She pushed the door open and a bell tinkled as she walked into the reception area.

The light coming through the windows of the storefront office illuminated the high ceilings and hardwood floors that smelled of polish and age, but also gave off a homey feeling.

She heard the sound of high heels against the bare floors as a petite woman came down the long hall. She had dark brown hair worn in a blunt cut that brushed her shoulders. A white tailored blouse tucked into a black shirt gave her a professional look.

A bright smile appeared. “Lorelei Hutchinson? I’m Paige Larkin. Welcome home.”

* * *

After exchanging pleasantries, Lori was ushered into a small conference room to find a middle-aged man seated at the head of the table, going through a folder. No doubt, her father’s attorney.

He saw her and stood. “Lorelei Hutchinson, I’m Dennis Bradley.”

She shook his offered hand. “Mr. Bradley.”

When the lawyer phoned her last week, and told her of her father’s sudden death and that she’d been mentioned in his will, she was shocked about both. She hadn’t seen or talked with her father since she’d been seven years old.

All Lori was hoping for now was that she could come into town today, sign any papers for Lyle’s will and leave tomorrow.

The middle-aged attorney began, “First of all, Lorelei, I want to express my condolences for your loss. Lyle wasn’t only my business associate, but my friend, too.” He glanced at Paige and back at her. “I agreed to see you today knowing your reluctance. Your father wanted the formal reading of his will at Hutchinson House tomorrow.”

Great. Not the plans she had. “Mr. Bradley, as you know, I haven’t seen my father in years. I’m not sure why you insisted I come here.” He’d sent her the airline ticket and reserved a rental car. “If Lyle Hutchinson left me anything, couldn’t you have sent it to me?”

The man frowned. “As I explained on the phone, Ms. Hutchinson, you’re Lyle’s sole heir.” He shook his head. “And that’s all I’m at liberty to say until tomorrow at the reading of the will. Please just stay until then. Believe me, it will benefit not only you, but this town.”

Before she could comprehend or react to the news, the door opened and another man walked into the room. He looked her over and said, “So the prodigal daughter finally made it to town.”

The big man had a rough edge to him, his dark hair a little on the shaggy side. He was dressed in charcoal trousers and a collared shirt, minus the tie. His hooded blue-eyed gaze fringed by spiky black lashes didn’t waver from her.

Paige stood. “Jace, you shouldn’t be here. This is a private meeting between me and my client.”

He didn’t retreat. “I just wanted to make sure she doesn’t take the money and run. Lyle had obligations he needed to fulfill before that happens.”

Lori wasn’t sure how to handle this—Jace’s attack. But having heard of her father’s shrewd business deals, she wasn’t surprised by the man’s anger.

“I’m Lorelei Hutchinson, Mr.…”

He stepped closer. “Yeager. Jace Yeager. Your father and I were partners on a construction project until I realized Lyle pulled one over on me.”

“Jace,” Bradley warned. “Work stopped because of Lyle’s death.”

The man made a snorting sound. “It wouldn’t have if Lyle had put his share of money into the business account in the first place.” He glared at Lori. “Sorry if my impatience bothers you, but I’ve been waiting nearly three weeks and so have my men.”

“Be patient a little while longer,” Bradley told him. “Everything should be resolved tomorrow.”

That didn’t appease Mr. Yeager. “You don’t understand. I can’t keep the project site shut down indefinitely, or I go broke.” He turned that heated look on her and she oddly felt a stirring. “It seems tomorrow you’re coming into all the money. I want you to know that a chunk of that belongs to me.”

Lori fought a gasp. “Look, Mr. Yeager, I don’t know anything about your partnership with Lyle, but I’ll have Paige look into it.”

Jace Yeager had to work hard to keep himself under control. Okay, so he wasn’t doing a very good job. When he’d heard that Lorelei Hutchinson was coming today, he only saw red. Was she going to stroll in here, grab her daddy’s money and take off? He wasn’t going to be on the losing end with a woman again.

Not when his business was on the chopping block, along with his and Cassie’s future. Just about every dime he had was wrapped up in this project. And it was already coming to the end of October as it was, with only bad weather on the horizon. It needed to be completed without any more delays.

Jace looked over Lyle’s daughter. The pretty blonde with big brown eyes stared back at him. She had a clean-scrubbed look with a dusting of freckles across her nose, and very little makeup.

Okay, she wasn’t what he expected, but he’d been wrong about women before. And the last thing he wanted to do was work for her. After his ex-wife, he wasn’t going to let another woman have all the control.

He looked at Bradley. “What does Lyle’s will say?”

“It won’t be read until tomorrow.”

Lori saw Jace Yeager’s frustration, and felt obligated to say, “Maybe then we’ll have some news about the project.”

He glared. “There’s no doubt I will. I might not have your father’s money, Ms. Hutchinson, but I’ll fight to keep what’s mine.”

Jace Yeager turned and stormed out right past a tall redheaded woman who was rushing in. “Oh, dear,” she said, “I was hoping I could get here in time.” Her green eyes lit up when she saw Lori. “Hi, I’m Morgan Keenan Hilliard.”

“Lori Hutchinson,” Lori said as she went to shake Morgan’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you. As mayor, I wanted to be here to welcome you back to town, and to try and slow down Jace. Not an easy job.”

Since Paige and Bradley had their heads together going over papers, they walked out into the hall. “I’m not sure if you remember me.”

“I remember a lot about Destiny. Like you and your sisters. You were a little older than I was in school, but everyone knew about the Keenan girls.”

Morgan smiled. “And of course being Lyle’s daughter, everyone knew of you, too. I hope you have good memories of our town.”

Except for her parents’ marriage falling apart, along with her childhood. “Mostly, especially the decorated Christmas tree in the square. Do you still do that?”

Morgan smiled. “Oh, yes and it’s grown bigger and better every year.” She paused. “Our mom said you have a reservation at the inn for tonight.”

She nodded. “I don’t feel right about staying at the house.”

The redhead gripped her hand. “You don’t have to explain. I only want your visit here to be as pleasant as possible. If there is anything else, any details about your father’s funeral.”

Lori quickly shook her head. “Not now.”

Morgan quickly changed the subject. “Look, I know Jace isn’t giving you a very good impression at the moment, but he’s having some trouble with the Mountain Heritage complex.”

“I take it my father was involved in it, too.”

Morgan waved her hand. “We can save that discussion for another time. You need to rest after your trip. Be warned, Mom will ask you to dinner … with the family.”

Lori wasn’t really up to it. She wanted a room and a bed, and to make a quick call back home to her sister.

Morgan must have sensed it. “It’s only the family and no business, or probing questions. We’ll probably bore you to death talking about kids.”

Lori relaxed. She truly didn’t want to think about what would happen tomorrow.

“You’re right. That’s what I need tonight.”

That evening as Jace was driving to the Keenan Inn, he came to the conclusion that he’d blown his chance earlier today. He tapped his fist against the steering wheel, angry about the entire mess.

“Daaad, you’re not listening.”

Jace looked in the rearview mirror to the backseat. “What, sweetie?”

“Do I look all right?”

He glanced over his shoulder. His daughter, Cassandra Marie Yeager, was a pretty girl. She had on stretchy jean pants that covered coltish long legs and a pink sweater that had ruffles around the hem. Her long blond hair had curled around her face with a few tiny braids. Something she’d talked him into helping with.

“You look nice. But you always do.”

“We’re going to Ellie’s grandmother’s house. Ellie Larkin is my best friend.”

“I think she’ll like your outfit.”

“What about my hair?”

“Honey, I’ve always loved your blond curls. The braids are a nice touch.”

That brought a big smile to her face and a tightening in his throat. All he ever wanted was for her to be happy.

When they’d moved here six months ago, it hadn’t been easy for her. He still only had temporary custody of his daughter. It was supposed to be only during the time when her mother remarried a guy from England. Jace had different plans. He wanted to make Cassie’s life here with him permanent. Optimistic that could happen, he went out and bought a run-down house with horse property. Although it needed a lot of work, it felt like the perfect home for them. A couple horses helped coax his seven-year-old daughter into adjusting a little faster to their new life.

A life away from a mother who’d planned to take his Cassie off to Europe. He was so afraid that his little girl would end up in boarding school and he’d only get to see her on holidays.

No, he wouldn’t let that happen. A product of the foster care system himself, he’d always longed for a home and family. It hadn’t worked out with ex-wife Shelly, and that mistake cost him dearly—a big divorce settlement that had nearly wiped him out. Jace hadn’t cared about the money, not if he got his daughter. He only hoped they weren’t going to be homeless anytime soon.

His thoughts turned to Lorelei Hutchinson. He didn’t like how he reacted to her. Why had she angered him so much? He knew why. She had nothing to do with Lyle’s business dealings. But she was due to inherit a lot of money tomorrow, and he could be handed the shaft at the same time. It could cost him everything that mattered. His daughter. No, he wouldn’t let that happen.

He pulled up in front of the beautiful three-story Victorian home painted dove-gray with white shutters and trim. The Keenan Inn was a historical landmark, a bed-and-breakfast that was also the home of Tim and Claire Keenan. Jace had heard the story about how three tiny girls had been left with them to raise as their own. That would be Morgan, Paige and Leah. After college all three returned to Destiny to marry and raise their own families.

Right now there was someone else staying in the inn—Lorelei Hutchinson. Somehow he had to convince her that this downtown project needed to move forward. Not only for him, but also for Destiny.

Just then Tim Keenan came out the front door, followed closely by some of their grandkids, Corey, Ellie and Kate.

His daughter grabbed her overnight bag and was out of the car before he could say anything. He climbed out, too.

Tim Keenan waved from the porch. “Hello, Jace.”

“Hi, Tim.” He walked toward him. “Thank you for inviting Cassie to the sleepover. I think she’s getting tired of her father’s bad company.”

“You have a lot on your mind.”

Tim was in his early sixties, but he looked a lot younger. His wife was also attractive, and one of the best cooks in town. He knew that because the Keenans had been the first to stop by when he and Cassie moved into their house. They’d brought enough food for a week.

“Hey, why don’t you stay for supper, too?”

He wasn’t surprised by the invitation. “Probably not a good idea. I don’t think I made much of an impression on Ms. Hutchinson.”

The big Irishman grinned. “Have faith, son, and use a little charm. Give Paige a chance to help resolve this.” They started toward the door, as Tim continued, “I’m concerned about Lorelei. She wasn’t very old, maybe seven, when her parents divorced. Lyle wrote them off, both his ex-wife and his daughter. As far as I know, he never visited her. Now, she has to deal with her estranged father’s mess.”

Jace felt his chest tighten because this woman’s scenario hit too close to home. “That’s the trouble with divorce, it’s the kids who lose.”

They stepped through a wide front door with an etched glass oval that read Keenan Inn and into the lobby. The walls were an ecru color that highlighted the heavy oak wainscoting. A staircase with a hand-carved banister was open all the way to the second floor. All the wood, including the hardwood floors, were polished to a high gloss. He suspected he wasn’t the only one who was an expert at restoration.

“This house still amazes me,” he said.

“Thanks,” Tim acknowledged. “It’s been a lot of work over the years, but so worth it. The bed-and-breakfast has allowed me to spend more time with Claire and my girls.”

Jace shook his head. “I can’t imagine having three daughters.”

Keenan’s smile brightened. “You have one who gives you joy. I’m a lucky man, I tripled that joy.” Tim sobered. “Too bad Lyle didn’t feel the same about his child. Maybe we wouldn’t be having this conversation tonight.”

The sound of laughter drifted in from the back of the house. “That sounds encouraging,” Tim said. “Come on, son. Let’s go enjoy the evening.”

They walked through a large dining room with several small tables covered in white tablecloths for the inn’s guests. They continued through a pantry and into a huge kitchen.

Okay, Jace was impressed. There was a large working area with an eight-burner cooktop and industrial-sized oven and refrigerator, and all stainless steel counters, including the prep station. On one side a bank of windows showed the vast lawn and wooded area out back and, of course, a view of the San Juan Mountains. A group of women were gathered at the large round table. He recognized all of them. Morgan because she was married to his good friend Justin Hilliard, another business owner in town. Paige he’d met briefly before today. The petite blonde was Leah Keenan Rawlins. She lived outside of town with her rancher husband, Holt.

And Lorelei.

Tonight, she seemed different, more approachable. She was dressed in nice-fitting jeans, a light blue sweater and a pair of sneakers on her feet. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and it brushed her shoulders when she turned her head. She looked about eighteen, which meant whatever he was feeling about her was totally inappropriate.

Those rich, chocolate-brown eyes turned toward him and her smile faded. “Mr. Yeager?”

He went to the group. “It’s Jace.”

“And I go by Lori,” she told him.

He didn’t want to like her. He couldn’t afford to, not with his future in the balance. “Okay.”

“Oh, Jace.” Claire Keenan came up to them. “Good, you’re able to stay for dinner. We don’t get to see enough of you.” She smiled. “I get to see your daughter when I volunteer at school.”

He nodded. “And I’m happy Ellie and Cassie are friends. Thank you for including her in the kids’ sleepovers.” He glanced out the window to see his daughter running around with the other children. Happy. “Your granddaughter Ellie helped Cassie adjust to the move here.”

Claire’s smile was warm. “We all want to make sure you both got settled in and are happy.”

That all depended on so many things, he thought. “You’ve certainly done that.”

The older woman turned to Lori. “I wish I could talk you into staying longer. One day isn’t much time.” Claire looked back at Jace. “Lori is a second grade teacher in Colorado Springs.”

Lori didn’t want to correct Claire Keenan. She had been a second grade teacher before she’d been laid off last month. So she didn’t mind that her dear father had decided to leave her a little something. It would be greatly appreciated.

But, no, she couldn’t stay. Only long enough to finish up Lyle’s unfinished business. She hoped that would be concluded by tomorrow.

Claire excused herself. Tim arrived, handed them both glasses of wine and wandered off, too, leaving them alone.

Lori took a sip of wine, trying not to be too obvious as she glanced at the large-built man with the broad shoulders and narrow waist. No flab there. He definitely did physical work for a living.

“How long have you lived in Destiny, Mr.… Jace?”

“About six months, and I’m hoping to make it permanent.”

She didn’t look away. “I’m sure things will be straightened out tomorrow.”

“I’m glad someone is optimistic.”

She sighed. “Look, can’t we put this away for the evening? I’ve had a long day.”

He studied her with those deep blue eyes. “If you’d rather I leave, I will. I was only planning to drop my daughter off.”

In the past few hours Lori had learned more about Jace Yeager. She knew that Lyle probably had the upper hand with the partnership. “As long as you don’t try to pin me down on something I know nothing about. It isn’t going to get us anywhere except frustrated.”

He raised his glass in salute. “And I’m way beyond that.”

CHAPTER TWO

TWO hours later, after a delicious pot roast dinner, Lori stood on the back deck at the Keenan Inn. She’d said her goodbyes to everyone at the front door, but wasn’t ready to go upstairs to bed yet.

She looked up at the full moon over the mountain peak and wondered what she was doing here. Couldn’t she have had a lawyer back in Colorado Springs handle this? First of all, she didn’t have the extra money to spend on an attorney when she didn’t have a job and very little savings. She needed every penny.

So this was the last place she needed to be, especially with someone like Jace Yeager. She didn’t want to deal with him. She only planned to come here, sign any papers to her father’s estate and leave.

Now there was another complication, the Mountain Heritage complex. She had to make sure the project moved forward before she left town. She didn’t need to be told again that the project would mean employment for several dozen people in Destiny.

“Why, Dad? Why are you doing this?” He hadn’t wanted her all those years, now suddenly his daughter needed to return to his town. How many years had she ached for him to come and visit her, or to send for her. Even a phone call would have been nice. The scars he’d caused made it hard for his daughter to trust. Anyone.

She felt a warm tear on her cold cheek and brushed it away. No. She refused to cry over a man who couldn’t give her his time.

“Are you sad?”

Hearing the child’s voice, Lori turned around to find Jace Yeager’s daughter, Cassie.

Lori put on a smile. “A little. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. A lot of memories.”

The young girl stood under the porch light. “I cried, too, when my daddy made me come here.”

“It’s hard to move to a new place.”

“At first I didn’t like it ‘cause our house was ugly. When it rained, the ceiling had holes in it.” She giggled. “Daddy had to put pans out to catch all the water. My bedroom needed the walls fixed, too. So I had to sleep downstairs by the fireplace while some men put on a new roof.”

“So your dad fixed everything?”

She nodded. “He painted my room pink and made me a princess bed like he promised. And I have a horse named Dixie, and Ellie is my best friend.”

Her opinion of Jace Yeager just went up several notches. “Sounds like you’re a very lucky girl.”

The smile disappeared. “But my mommy might come and make me go away.”

Jace Yeager didn’t have custody of his daughter? “Does your mom live close?”

The child shook her head. “No, she’s gonna live in England, but I don’t want to live there. I miss her, but I like it here with Daddy, too.”

It sounded familiar. “I’m sure they’ll work it out.”

The girl studied her with the same piercing blue eyes as her father. “Are you going to live here and teach second grade? My school already has Mrs. Miller.”

“And I bet you like her, too. No, I’m not going to teach in town, I’m only here for a visit. My dad died not too long ago, and I have to take care of some things.”

“Is that why you were crying, because you’re sad?”

“Cassie …”

They both turned around and saw Jace.

“Oh, Daddy,” Cassie said.

Jace Yeager didn’t look happy as he came up the steps. “Ellie’s been looking for you.” He studied Lori. “The rest of the girls took the party upstairs.”

“Oh, I gotta go.” She reached up as her father leaned over and kissed her. “‘Bye, Daddy, ‘bye, Miss Lori.” The child took off.

Jace looked at Lori Hutchinson as his gaze locked on her dark eyes.

Finally Lori broke the connection. “I thought you’d left.”

“I’d planned to, but I got caught up at the front porch with the Keenans.”

He had wanted to speak to Paige, hoping she could give him some encouragement. She’d said she’d work to find a solution to help everyone. Then she rounded up her husband, Sheriff Reed Larkin, leaving her daughters Ellie and Rachel for Grandma Claire’s sleepover.

The other sisters, Morgan and Leah, kissed their parents and thanked them for keeping the kids. He caught the look exchanged between the couples, knowing they had a rare night alone. The shared intimacy had him envious, and he turned away. He, too, planned to leave when he spotted his daughter on the back deck with Lori.

“And I was finishing my coffee.” He’d had two glasses of wine at dinner. He had to be extra careful, not wanting to give his ex-wife any ammunition. “Well, I should head home.”

She nodded. “Your daughter is adorable.”

“Thank you. I think so.” Jace had to cool it with Lori Hutchinson. “I just wanted to say something before tomorrow.…”

She raised a hand. “I told you, I’ll do everything I can to get your project operational again.”

He just looked at her.

“Whether you believe it or not, I don’t plan to cause any more delays than necessary.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“After the meeting, how about I come by the building site and tell you what happened?”

He shook his head. “The site’s been shut down. Until this matter is settled, I can’t afford to pay the subcontractors. So you see there’s a lot at stake for me.”

“And I understand that. But I still have no idea what’s going to happen tomorrow, or what Lyle Hutchinson’s plans are. It’s not a secret that I haven’t seen the man in years.” She blinked several times, fighting tears. “He’s dead now.” Her voice was hoarse. “And I feel nothing.”

Jace was learning quickly that Lyle Hutchinson was a piece of work. “Okay, we can both agree your father was a bastard.”

She turned toward the railing. “The worst thing is, you probably knew the man better than I did.” She glanced over her shoulder. “So you tell me, Jace Yeager, what is my father planning for me? For his town.”

* * *

Tim Keenan stood at the big picture window at the inn as he waved at the last of dinner guests left.

He was a lucky man. He loved his wife and his family. He’d been blessed with a great life running the inn for the past thirty-plus years. Mostly he enjoyed people and prided himself on being able to read body language.

For example, Jace and Lori had been dancing around each other all night. Not too close, but never out of eye sight. And the looks shared between them … oh, my.

Claire came down the steps and toward him, slipping into his arms. “I got the girls settled down for now, but I have a feeling they’re plotting against me.”

He kissed her cheek. “Not those little angels.”

She smiled. “Seems you thought the same about your daughters, too.”

“They are angels.” He thought about the years raising his girls. And the grandchildren. “And we’re truly blessed.” He glanced out to see the lonely-looking woman on the porch. Not everyone was as lucky.

Lori watched from the inn’s porch as Jace walked to his truck. He was strong and a little cocky. She had to like that about him. She also liked the way he interacted with his daughter. Clearly they loved each other. What about his ex-wife? She seemed to have moved on, in Europe. Who broke it off? She couldn’t help but wonder what woman in her right mind would leave a man like Jace Yeager. She straightened. There could be a lot of reasons. Reasons she didn’t need to think about. Even though she’d seen his intensity over the project, she’d also seen the gentleness in those work-roughened hands when he touched his daughter.

She shivered. One thing was, he wasn’t going to be put off about the project. And she couldn’t wait for this mess to be settled. Then she could put her past behind her and move on.

She walked inside and up to the second floor. Overhead she heard the muffled voices of the kids. Her room was at the front of the house. A large canopy bed had an overstuffed print comforter opposite a brick fireplace. She took out her cell phone and checked her messages. Two missed calls.

Fear hit her as she listened to the message from Gina. She could hear the panic in her half sister’s voice, but it had been like that since childhood.

Lori’s mother had remarried shortly after moving to Colorado Springs. Not her best idea, losing Lyle’s alimony, but Jocelyn was the type of woman who needed a man. She just hadn’t been good at picking the right ones. Her short union with Dave Williams had produced a daughter, Regina. Lori had been the one who raised her, until big sister had gone off to college.

Without Lori around, and given the neglect of their mother, Gina had run wild and ended up pregnant and married to her boyfriend, Eric Lowell, at barely eighteen. Except for Gina’s son, Zack, her life had been a mess ever since. It became worse when her husband became abusive, though the marriage ended with the man going to jail. Now Lori was tangled up in this mess, too.

She punched in the number. “Gina, what happened?”

“Oh, Lori, I think Eric found us.”

Over a year ago, Lori had moved her sister into her apartment while Eric served a jail sentence for drug possession and spousal abuse. This hadn’t been the first time he’d smacked Gina around, but the first conviction. That was the reason they’d planned to move out of state when Lori had been notified about Lyle’s death.

“No, Gina, he doesn’t get out until the first of the month.”

“Maybe he got an early release.”

“Detective Rogers would have called you. You still have a few weeks.”

“What about you? Are you flying home soon?”

She knew this delay would worry Gina more. “I can’t yet. I still need to meet with the lawyer tomorrow.”

She heard a sigh. “I’m sorry, Lori. You’ve done so much for us. You have a life of your own.”

“No, Gina. You’re my sister. Zack is my nephew. I told you, I won’t let Eric hurt you again. But I still need a day or so to get things straightened out. Then hopefully we’ll have some money to start over and get away from Eric.” She prayed that her father had left her something. Since their mother had died a few years ago, there wasn’t anything holding them in Colorado Springs. They could go anywhere. “Think about where you and Zack want to move to.” Preferably somewhere they needed a second grade teacher.

“No, you decide, Lori. We’ll go anywhere you want. We just can’t stay here. I won’t survive it.”

Lori could hear the fear in her voice. “I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Now go get some sleep and give my special guy a kiss from me.”

Lori hung up the phone and hoped everything she said was true. Unlike Lyle Hutchinson, she didn’t walk away from family.

The next morning, Lori was up early. She was used to being at school ahead of her students to plan the day. Not anymore. Not since she’d gotten her pink slip at the start of the school year. She’d been told it was because of cutbacks and low enrollment, but she wondered if it was due to the trouble Eric had caused her at the upscale private school where she taught.

No, she couldn’t think about that now. She needed to have a clear head for the meeting. Was Lyle Hutchinson as wealthy as people said? Normally she wouldn’t care, but it could help both her and Gina relocate to another part of the country. Somewhere Gina could raise Zack without the fear of her ex-husband coming after her again. Enough money so Lori had time to find a job.

She drove her car to the end of First Street. A six-foot, wrought-iron fence circled the property that had belonged to the Hutchinsons for over the past hundred years. Her heart raced as she raised her eyes and saw the majestic, three-story white house perched on the hilltop surrounded by trees. Memories bombarded her as she eased past the stone pillars at the gate entrance. The gold plaque read Hutchinson House.

She drove along the hedge-lined circular drive toward the house. She looked over the vast manicured lawn and remembered running through the thick grass, and a swing hanging from a tree out back. She parked in front of the house behind a familiar truck of Jace Yeager. Oh, no. Was the man following her?

Then she saw him standing on the porch leaning against the ornate wrought-iron railing. He was dressed in jeans and a denim shirt and heavy work boots. Without any effort, this man managed to conjure up all sorts of fantasies that had nothing to do with business.

She pulled herself out of her daydream. What was he doing here?

He came down the steps to meet her.

She got out of her car. “Jace, is there a problem?”

He raised a hand in defense. “Mr. Bradley called me this morning. Said he needed me here for after the reading.”

Lori was confused. “Why?”

“I hope it’s to tell me it’s a go-ahead on the Mountain Heritage project.”

They started up the steps when she saw a man in a khaki work uniform come around the side porch. He looked to be in his late sixties, maybe seventies. When he got closer she saw something familiar.

“Uncle Charlie?”

The man’s weathered face brightened as he smiled. “You remember me, Miss Lorelei?”

“Of course I do. You built me my tree swing.” She felt tears sting her eyes. “You let me help plant flowers, too.”

He nodded and gripped her hands in his. “That was a lot of years ago, missy. You were a tiny bit of a thing.” His tired eyes locked on hers. “You’ve turned into a beautiful young lady.” His grip tightened. “I’m so sorry about your father.”

Before Lori could say anything more, another car pulled up. Paige Larkin stepped out of her SUV. Briefcase in hand, she walked up the steps toward them.

They shook hands and Paige spoke briefly to Charlie before the man walked off. Paige turned to Jace. “So you’ve been summoned, too.”

“I got a call from Bradley first thing this morning.”

Paige frowned. “Dennis must have a reason for wanting you here.” She turned back to her client. “Let’s not speculate until we hear what’s in Lyle’s will.”

Lori nodded and together they walked up to the large porch, where greenery filled the pots on either side of the wide door with the leaded glass panels.

She knew that her great-great-grandfather had built this house during the height of the mining era. It was said that Raymond Hutchinson never trusted banks. That was why he didn’t lose much during the Great Depression.

They went inside the huge entry with high-gloss hardwood floors. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling and underneath was a round table adorned with a large vase of fresh-cut flowers. The winding staircase circled up to the second story, the banister of hand-carved oak. Cream and deep maroon brocade wallpaper added a formality to the space.

Lori released a breath. “Oh, my.”

She was reminded of Jace’s presence when he let out a low whistle. “Nice.”

“Do you remember this house?” Paige asked.

“Not much. I spent most of my time in the sunroom off the kitchen.”

Paige shook her head. “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes yours. And then you can go anywhere in it you want.”

Lori started to tell her she didn’t want any part of this house when a thin woman came rushing into the room. Her gray hair was pulled back into a bun. She looked familiar as she smiled and her hazel eyes sparkled. Lori suddenly recognized her.

“Maggie?” she managed to say.

The woman nodded with watery eyes. “Miss Lorelei.”

“I can’t believe it.” Lori didn’t hesitate, and went and hugged the woman. It felt good to be wrapped in the housekeeper’s arms again. Years ago, Maggie had been her nanny.

“It’s good to have you home.” The older woman stepped back and her gaze searched Lori’s face. “How pretty you are.”

Lori felt herself blush. She wasn’t used to all this attention. “Thank you, Maggie.”

The housekeeper turned sad. “I’m so sorry about your father.” Then squeezed her hands tighter. “I want you to know he went in his sleep. They said a heart attack. Maybe if we would have been there …”

Lori could only nod. “No. He couldn’t be helped.” She had no idea this would be so hard.

Dennis Bradley walked down the hall. “Good. You made it.” He turned and nodded toward Jace. “Mr. Yeager, would you mind waiting a few minutes until I’ve gone over the will with Ms. Hutchinson?”

“Not a problem.” He looked at Maggie and smiled. “I wonder if you could find a cup of coffee for me.”

“I’ll bring some out.”

Once she left, the lawyer said, “We should get started.”

He motioned them down the hall and into an office. Lori paused at the doorway. The walls were a deep green with dark stained wainscoting. The plush carpet was slate-gray. Bradley sat down behind the huge desk that already had a folder open.

After they were seated, the lawyer began, “I’ll read through Lyle’s requests. His first was that the will be read here at the family home.” He handed Paige and her copies. “We can go over any details later.”

The lawyer slipped on his glasses. “I don’t know if you knew that Lyle had remarried for a short time about ten years ago.”

Nothing about her father surprised her. She shook her head.

“There was a prenuptial agreement, then two years later a divorce.” He glanced down at the paper. “Lyle did have one other relative, a distant cousin who lives back in Ohio.” He read off the generous sum left to Adam Johnson. Also he read the amount given to the household staff, which included Maggie and Charlie.

“I’m glad my father remembered them,” Lori said.

Bradley smiled. “They were loyal to him for a lot of years.” He sighed. “Now, let’s move on to the main part of the will.

“Lyle Hutchinson has bequeathed to his only living child, Lorelei Marie Hutchinson, all his holdings in Hutchinson Corp.” He read off the businesses, including Destiny Community Bank, two silver mines, Sunny Hill and Lucky Day. There were six buildings on First Street, and this house at 100 North Street along with all its contents, the furnishings and artwork.

Lori was stunned. “Are you sure this is right?” She looked down at Paige’s copy to see the monetary amount stated. “My father was worth this much?”

Bradley nodded. “Lyle was a shrewd businessman. Maybe it was because your grandfather Billy lost nearly everything with his bad investments and eccentric living. Lyle spent years rebuilding the family name and recouping the money. And he also invested a lot into this town.”

Bradley looked at her, then at Paige. “Are there any questions?”

Lori gave a sideways glance to her lawyer.

“I probably will once we go over everything.”

Bradley nodded. “Call me whenever you need to. Now, for the rest I think Mr. Yeager should hear this. Do you have any objections, Lorelei?” With her agreement, he went to the door and had Jace come in.

He sat down in the chair next to Lori.

Bradley looked at Jace. “Whatever you thought, Mr. Yeager, Lyle went into the Heritage project honestly. The business complex was to promote more jobs and revenue for the town. He wasn’t trying to swindle you. As we all know, his death was sudden and unexpected.”

Jace nodded. “Of course I understand, but you have to see my side, too. I need to finish this job, get tenants in and paying rent.”

Bradley nodded and looked at Lori. “And that will happen if Lorelei will agree to the terms.”

“Of course I’ll agree to finish this project.”

“There is a stipulation in the will.” Bradley paused. “You are the last living heir in the Hutchinson line, Lorelei. And this town was founded by your great-great-grandfather, Raymond William Hutchinson, after he struck it rich mining gold and silver. But other business has been coming to Destiny and your father invested wisely. He wants you to continue the tradition.”

“And I will,” she promised. “I plan to release money right away so the work on Mountain Heritage complex can resume.”

Bradley exchanged a look with Paige, then continued on to say, “Everything your father left you is only yours if you take over as CEO of Hutchinson Corporation … and stay in Destiny for the next year.”

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