“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”

Myka shook her head and waited, almost holding her breath.

“I see a woman who’s done her best for everyone, and who never hesitates to lend a helping hand.”

She smiled. “I appreciate you saying that, but that’s not what I’m going to see until I find Bear.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” he said, then kissed her on the forehead. “My dad was very lucky to have a friend like you.”

As she looked up, the tenderness in Joshua’s gaze took her breath away. Her heart ached to feel his arms around her, to feel safe and protected again.

Almost as if he’d read her mind, he pulled her to him. She didn’t resist. It was too tempting, and even if it was only for a moment, she needed to feel loved for who she was….

Dear Reader,

Many years ago, my grandmother taught me how to crochet and knit. At the time, I’m sure it was simply a way of keeping me busy while she worked on her projects, but her passion became my own. In her way, she inspired this book.

I was crocheting and watching a football game with my husband when I saw a commercial about the plight of small company towns all over the U.S. Due to the recession, many were at a crossroads—having to reinvent themselves or face extinction. That’s when the idea for Homespun Christmas was born. It’s a story about the strength our country shows when the chips are down and a community that comes together to survive, finding blessings far beyond economic relief.

Myka Solis and Joshua Nez saw their dreams fall by the wayside, yet they work to rebuild their lives, finding strength in each other and daring to dream again. Christmas is a time filled with traditions large and small. In this season of love and renewal, come and join us in celebrating a true New Mexico style Christmas.

Aimée

Homespun Christmas

Aimée Thurlo

www.millsandboon.co.uk

AIMÉE THURLO Aimée Thurlo is an internationally known bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense novels. She’s the winner of a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews, a New Mexico Book Award in contemporary fiction and a Willa Cather Award in the same category.

Aimée was born in Havana, Cuba, and lives with her husband of forty-three years in Corrales, New Mexico, in a rural neighborhood filled with horses, alpacas, camels and other assorted livestock. Her husband, David, was raised on the Navajo Indian Nation. His background and cultural knowledge inspire many of her stories.

MILLS & BOON

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Dedication

With special thanks to Sydney Abernathy for her help. You’re a terrific assistant!

Acknowledgments

To Michele Kiser, who helped me by sharing her knowledge of Churro Sheep. Also to State Senator Steve Komadina, M.D., who allowed me to get to know his camels and learn about their wool. You guys were terrific!

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER ONE

INDEPENDENCE, NEW MEXICO, was buzzing with the news. The bad boy was back in town.

Joshua Nez had captured the hearts of half the girls in high school. She hadn’t been immune, even though they’d run in different circles. Myka Solis smiled, thinking of those carefree days. She’d been head cheerleader, the quarterback’s girlfriend, and a straight-A student. Joshua had been trouble with a capital T.

Although her parents hadn’t approved of Joshua, living next door to each other had made avoiding him almost impossible. She’d soon learned that just being around Joshua added a high voltage charge to everything. He’d followed no one’s rules except his own.

Sophie Boyer, her neighbor from across the street, called out to her as she hurried up the driveway.

“I understand he’s coming in with a rental van,” she said, catching her breath.

No need to ask who she meant.

Like Myka, Sophie was dark haired, petite and twenty-eight years old.

“Makes sense,” Myka said. “He’ll have to sort through his dad’s things and pack up everything he doesn’t want to keep. Considering Adam had a lot of stuff, that’s going to be a tough job. I thought I’d offer to help.”

Sophie smiled.

“No, don’t go there, Sophie. It’s just the right thing to do. From what I’ve heard, Navajos don’t like being around the personal possessions of someone who has passed on. I figured I could help him box the stuff he doesn’t want and give it to the church.”

“Yeah, a number of people around here could use the donations,” Sophie said, nodding somberly. “You and I are the lucky ones, despite the fact that my only job is nursing Mom. At least you have your online business while you take care of your parents’ home.”

Sophie’s mother, Millie Boyer, had just turned sixty-seven. She’d broken her hip after a fall last winter and Sophie came home from Albuquerque. As her mom’s primary caregiver, Sophie was paid a small sum by the state, and between that and her mother’s social security, they got by.

Myka suspected there was a lot more to Sophie’s story, but she hadn’t pried. For now, the details of Sophie’s life in the city remained a mystery.

“Did you get a chance to talk to Joshua at Adam’s—I was going to say graveside service, but it was a burial, right?”

Myka nodded. “When his grandfather died years ago, Joshua told me burials take place as quickly as possible. It’s like the belongings of the deceased, a lot of Navajos believe it’s dangerous to be around the body, too.”

“How come?”

“Something about the person’s ghost, I think,” Myka said, bunching the edge of her shirt and tugging nervously at it. Seeing Sophie glance down and taking note of it, she stopped instantly.

“I’m sorry, Myka. I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’m sure this brings back all kinds of memories for you. Losing your husband so young...”

“Tanner’s been gone two years.” Myka took a deep, shaky breath. “It doesn’t hurt as much as it used to, but I try to avoid things that remind me so directly...of what happened.”

“I understand,” her neighbor said softly.

Once again, there was that haunting undertone in Sophie’s voice. Myka suspected that life hadn’t been particularly kind to Sophie, either.

“Everything is so different these days,” Sophie added. “An entire generation is disappearing. Mom warned me that things were going downhill here, but I didn’t realize the magnitude of it until I saw the town for myself.”

Their town, Independence, was dying, and too many of their residents had left already. For the past half century, theirs had been a company town. Independence Vehicle Accessories, IVA, hadn’t been the only domestic supplier of steering wheels and other vehicle interior “hardware” in the nation—far from it—but the plant’s employees had taken special pride in their work. Then, eighteen months ago, the economy took a nose dive, and IVA shut down.

Eventually the auto industry had been bailed out, but unfortunately for the residents of Independence, IVA’s jobs had been outsourced overseas. Now the ties that had made them such a strong, vibrant community were slowly and systematically breaking down.

“By the way, whatever happened to Adam’s dog, Bear?” Sophie asked, cutting into her thoughts.

“He took off the same day Adam died, though that couldn’t have been the reason he left—Adam was in the hospital at the time. I’ve put out food and water, but it hasn’t been touched, except by the birds and stray cats,” Myka said. “I promised Adam I’d take care of Bear. He was my responsibility.”

“He’ll come back. Same way he just showed up one day,” Sophie reassured her.

Myka hoped so. “The two sure hit it off instantly. Adam said that Bear chose his owners, not the other way around.”

“Do you think Josh will adopt the dog—if he comes back?”

Myka smiled. “I don’t think he even knows about Bear, but I hope so. He’s close to two hundred pounds, though, so it’s a commitment.” The mastiff and pit bull mix was really incredibly gentle.

“If Josh doesn’t want him, what’ll happen?”

“I was hoping he’d move in with me.”

“Josh or Bear?” Sophie gave her a wicked smile.

“The dog,” Myka said, laughing.

“I’ll keep an eye out for the big guy.” Sophie took a step toward her house. “I better go check on Mom. She’s having one of her bad days. Thank heavens for her knitting.”

“The sweaters she’s been making for my shop are just gorgeous. Once I post the photo online, I usually have a buyer within a day or two.”

“Her skill and your homespun yarns make an unbeatable combination,” Sophie said. “I’m doing my part by tweeting about your site every chance I get, too.”

“Thanks!”

As Sophie left, Myka glanced down the street for maybe the tenth time that day. Bertie from the post office had said that Joshua would be back this morning, and she always knew the latest. Joshua had come home last week to bury his father, but he’d returned to San Francisco almost immediately afterward to finish moving out of his apartment. This time, supposedly, he was coming home to stay—at least for a while.

Joshua’s blue pickup was still parked over in his dad’s driveway.

She looked over at the simple, well-maintained wood-framed house next door. It would be good to see Joshua again, at the home where he’d grown up. He’d be a reminder of the old days when her biggest worries had been her grade point average and keeping Tanner from getting past first base.

That all seemed like an eternity ago, long before her perfect life had shattered into a million pieces.

Sitting on her stool beside her low wheel, she picked up where she’d left off spinning the wool into yarn, working automatically, drawing out the fleece to the desired thickness and tension.

A strong gust swept across the porch, carrying a cloud of dust and sand. The wail of the wind through the trees, like that of a crying child, added to the sense of desolation. If the downward spiral continued, in another six months Independence would be nothing more than a ghost town.

The yellow van driving slowly up the street gave her a reason to smile. Maybe that was Joshua at last.

Seconds later, the van slowed at the end of the street, turned, then came to a stop in front of her house.

Joshua climbed out. He was a handsome man, around six foot one with a broad chest and a leggy stride. Today, he was wearing a black windbreaker, a dark blue T-shirt and jeans.

Myka stood up, stepped off the porch and went down the flagstone walk to meet him, reminding herself to remain casual and not walk too fast.

He strode toward her, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Myka, I’m glad to see you again. I didn’t get the chance to talk to you when we laid Dad to rest. You were there, then you were gone.”

His dark eyes shimmered with mystery and the scar that cut across his left eyebrow made him look even more masculine. “You had others waiting for you and I didn’t want to intrude.”

“You wouldn’t have been intruding,” he said. “So what brings you back to the old neighborhood? Did you move back in with your parents?” He glanced at the mailbox.

“For now, kind of,” she said. “After Dad retired, my parents took to the road in their RV and asked me to look after the place. I jumped at the chance. Betty, Tanner’s sister, is living at our old house in town.”

“So you came back to heal in a place that held only good memories,” he said with a nod. “Makes sense.”

“It felt strange at first, with Mom and Dad gone, but your dad was a terrific neighbor. I really miss him.”

“He never mentioned he wasn’t well. If he had, I would have come home sooner.” Joshua rubbed the back of his neck with one hand.

“He didn’t think it was serious. He only went in for some tests. He expected to be back home after a few days. His death was a shock to all of us.”

Joshua glanced at his dad’s house, then at her. “I’d heard about Tanner’s accident at the plant. Getting taken by surprise with news like that...I know how it feels,” he said and gave her an impromptu hug.

The second she felt his strong arms around her, Myka’s pulse began to race. That flicker of life took her by surprise. Unsettled by her reaction, she stepped back.

She stared at the ground for a moment, breathed deeply and looked back up at him. “At least Tanner was spared having to see what has happened to the community. Independence is in trouble.”

He acknowledged the real estate signs lining the street. “I’ve seen things like this on the news, but it’s different when it hits home.”

“IVA held the town together. Luxury—American Style.” Myka took another deep breath. “Now that IVA’s gone, the only way we’re going to survive is by reinventing ourselves.”

He smiled. “So you’re still an optimist?”

She shrugged. “What else can you do?”

“You’ll be staying here, then?”

“I’ll try to stick it out,” she said, “but right now Independence feels like a home with all the children gone. I keep hoping a new industry will move in. The plant is just sitting there, the buildings empty.”

“I passed by on the way in,” he said with a nod.

Her sheep began to gather along the north end of the pasture, which stopped at the front corner of the house. Here, the semi-rural neighborhood was still zoned for certain livestock. Joshua smiled and went over to the fence. They readily let him pet them. His touch was gentle and calmed the sheep even as they clustered around.

This was a side of Joshua few ever got to see, particularly back in the day.

“I feel as if I’ve stepped back in time,” he said. “You still have your Churro sheep. More head than ever, too, if I remember correctly.”

“You bet. They’ve allowed me to fend off the bill collectors. I spin and dye the wool and then sell the yarn on the internet through my store, Myka’s Wooly Dreams.”

“Now that’s the Myka I remember. You always had a knack for turning a bad situation around.”

“Life doesn’t give us much of a choice sometimes,” Myka said softly. “So what are your plans?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “Not yet anyway. I need time to figure out my next move. I had to close my architectural firm. My partners and I couldn’t make it work. The downturn in housing hit our company hard. We hung on as long as we could, but in the end, we all knew what had to be done.”

“Yes, I’m sorry, I had heard about that. Every time Bertie visits her daughter Andrea in San Francisco she brings back the latest news.” She felt helpless and didn’t know what else to say about his career, so she changed the topic. “I gather you and Andrea remained good friends.”

He nodded. “She and I would get together for lunch when we could and catch up. It was good to see a familiar face from time to time.”

“And now, here we are,” Myka said.

“Looks like I’ll be fixing up Dad’s house and putting it on the market.” He stared straight out at the for sale signs and didn’t so much as blink. “If you hear of anyone who might be interested, let me know.”

“It’s really a buyer’s market right now,” she warned, even though she knew she didn’t have to.

“I’ll do what I can to spruce up the place and see how it goes.”

Life’s hard knocks appeared to have toughened him and that only added to the raw masculinity that was so much a part of Joshua.

She tore her gaze from his and walked back to her porch. She climbed the three steps.

“That’s one of my nicest memories of home—you spinning yarn out on the porch,” he said, walking to the porch rail.

“This is when I’m happiest. But my days here are numbered unless something more lucrative comes along. I’m a good bookkeeper—one of the last people IVA let go. Despite that, I haven’t been able to find anything in the area, not even over in Painted Canyon, and they’ve got that big mining operation just north of the city.”

“If I was still in business, I would have offered you a job,” he said.

“Running your own company was your dream even before college. It must have been tough walking away.”

Joshua looked out across the valley. “It was, and starting over is going to be even tougher. After you’ve had your own company and called the shots, it’s harder to work for someone else.”

She stood beside him with the porch rail between them. “We each got what we wanted, but we just couldn’t hold on to it.”

“Myka, I’m sorry life’s been so rough on you,” he said, brushing his knuckles across her cheek.

His unexpected touch startled her. As she saw herself reflected in his gaze, she stepped back. She didn’t want pity.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” she blurted. “Sometimes just talking to someone can make things easier.”

“Thanks,” he said. “It was good seeing you here today, Myka, but I better get busy.”

“Before you leave, I need to tell you about Bear,” she said, and explained about his father’s missing pet.

He shook his head. “This is the first time I’ve heard about Dad having a pet. I hope he’s okay, but I can’t keep a dog. I don’t know how long I’ll be staying, or even where I’ll be living six months from now.”

“Then if it’s okay with you, I’d like to keep him. Will you let me know if he comes back or if you see him? You can’t miss a dog that big. He’s really a sweetheart, so don’t let his appearance or his bark put you off.”

“It was Dad’s house. If he comes back and thinks I’m an intruder...”

“He won’t bite,” she said quickly. Then she added, “He might sit on you, though. He did that to Daniel Medeiros once. Just knocked him to the ground and kept him there until Adam came home. He’s not dangerous, but I should warn you, he does drool a lot.”

Joshua stared at her.

She laughed. “Don’t worry about it. A dog his size doesn’t sneak up on anyone. When he’s running, he sounds more like a pony than a dog, and you can hear him breathing ten feet away. If you see him, just call me—your dad kept my number beside the phone in the living room. Oh, and Bear can be bribed. Carry some dog treats with you. Your dad has a jar of them in the kitchen.”

“So now I’m a dog trainer?”

“Guess so,” she said. “Welcome home, Joshua.”

He laughed.

“If you need any help sorting, carrying or moving stuff, let me know,” she said, pointing to the van. “I figure you’ll want to haul a lot of your father’s things away.”

“The van’s full of stuff from my apartment in San Francisco. As far as Dad’s things, Dan’s coming over later and we’ll handle it.”

They walked back to the van together, and after he got inside and started the engine, he glanced at her through the open window. “Remember that blue sweater you made for me right before I left for college?”

She smiled. “Yeah. It was my first attempt at making something wearable.”

“I’ve still got it, and it’s as warm as ever.” Without waiting for her to answer, he drove forward, then backed into the next driveway down.

She watched him as he propped open the front door of the house, then began to carry in boxes from the van. Although she could tell by the way he lifted them they were heavy, he walked with unwavering purpose.

Life might have knocked Joshua down, but something told her he’d soon be on his feet, stronger than ever.

* * *

AN HOUR LATER, Myka walked to the three-sided loafing shed in the backyard where she kept the grain. All ten sheep came to the fence, used to the routine.

After scooping grain into the feeders, she noticed a white butterfly perched on the edge of the welded pipe fence. It adapted to the breeze and, against all odds, remained where it was.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d stood there, watching, when a woman’s voice called her name. Myka turned her head and saw Liza Jenner standing at the corral gate. She waved and walked over to greet her friend.

In her early fifties, Liza was one of the town’s most experienced weavers. “Do you have any more of that spice-colored yarn left, Myka? The Spinning Wheels are meeting at my place tonight and we’re out of it for our Blankets for Warriors service project.”

“Come on. I’ve got some skeins in a box inside,” Myka said, unlocking the gate and letting Liza into the yard. “Has your daughter heard anything yet from that company in Las Cruces?”

“Yeah... She didn’t get the job. Unofficially, she was told they don’t like to hire anyone who’s been out of work that long. Have you ever heard of anything so crazy?”

Myka shook her head. “When Robyn worked in IVA’s public relations department, everyone loved her. That’s why she got such glowing recommendations. I can’t believe the trouble she’s having landing a job.”

“She took this last rejection really hard, but our get-together tonight will cheer her up,” Liza said. “You coming?”

“I’ll be there.” She looked back at the butterfly. If such a fragile creature could adapt to summer heat and strong winds, why couldn’t they be just as adaptable? “You know what this town’s problem is? We’re stuck in a holding pattern, clinging to our memories of what used to be—but that’s not good enough anymore.”

“You have something in mind?” Liza said as they walked toward the house.

“Yes. Tonight, instead of just talking about the projects we’re working on, let’s do something different. Ask everyone to bring a friend or their spouse and we’ll brainstorm on how to breathe life back into Independence. We dream up new colors, patterns and designs all the time. Why don’t we put some of that creativity to work and see what we can come up with for our town?”

“I’ll get busy making calls.”

She’d ask Joshua to come, too. It would be good for him to get away from all the memories the house still held.

Liza left five minutes later, and Myka finished taking care of the sheep.

Her mind was racing. Spur-of-the-moment ideas didn’t always pan out, but they had to try something. Endless waiting for the economy to turn around just wasn’t working. For the town’s sake, they had to find a new direction, and more important, a reason to hope.

CHAPTER TWO

JOSHUA STOOD ON his back porch, ignoring the dust that was blowing in the afternoon breeze and watching Myka, her hair swirling and falling in soft waves around her shoulders, tend her sheep. The girl he’d known since third grade had grown up and was more beautiful than ever.

He couldn’t remember a time he hadn’t been drawn to Myka, the good girl who always had something nice to say, and who’d stuck up for him when others tried to put him down. She was a natural leader, never quite falling in step with the rest of the girls, yet seemingly unaware of her own influence.

The fact that she’d eventually married Tanner was no surprise—they’d been a couple most of the way through high school. What did surprise him was Myka’s loyalty to this dying town. Why was she still here? What was she waiting for?

He wasn’t a betting man, but from the looks of it, he’d say that the odds were definitely against the place.

“You gonna stand out here all day?” Daniel asked, coming out of the house.

“Nah. Just needed some air.”

“And clouds of blowing dust from this unswept porch? City boy, all that carbon monoxide must have jellied your brains.”

He laughed, and they went back inside together. Daniel Medeiros, his best friend from high school and the town’s remaining grocer, had volunteered to help him clear out his father’s house. It was a good thing, too. The task was harder than he’d thought. Everything here was a memory wrapped in wishes, most of them never fulfilled.

His father had always dreamed of better things, making detailed sketches of the barn they’d someday build, and the workshop inside, with the benches and storeroom. Yet the money and time for his dad’s projects had never materialized as he spent his life laboring at his backbreaking job as IVA’s head custodian.

Joshua hadn’t made it any easier on the man. He’d constantly gotten into fights after school and around town. A group of guys, knowing his dad was a janitor—and a Navajo to boot—had hounded him since elementary school.

Knowing which buttons to push, they’d counted on getting a reaction from Joshua and had rarely been disappointed. Eventually, he won enough fights to earn respect, and that had somewhat toned down his defensiveness.

After high school he’d left to pursue his own goals, and somewhere along the way his dad’s time on earth had run out. Adam Nez’s dreams were just another footnote in the history of a man who’d done his best with what he had.

“We should donate most of your dad’s clothing and furnishings to Reverend Anders,” Daniel said, jarring him back to reality. “These days, he’s got a long list of people who need a hand.”

“Sure. That’s fine.”

“Help me load the boxes into my truck and I’ll take the stuff over there now.”

“After that, let me buy you dinner,” Joshua suggested.

Daniel laughed. “Hey, if you don’t mind, I’d rather buy the groceries at my store, then cook something on your dad’s old grill after the wind dies down—like the good ole days.”

“No problem,” Josh said, then thought about it a moment. “Business is okay for you, right? I mean, everyone needs to eat, and you’re the only full service grocer left.”

His friend shrugged. “I’m selling a lot more chicken and hamburger than steaks these days, and too many people are asking for credit. I’d give it to them if I could, but I’ve got to pay my suppliers, too.”

“You thinking of leaving?”

“I’d need to sell the business first, and that’s not going to happen. Not only are there no buyers, but the place has been in my family for generations.” He jammed his hands into the pockets of his windbreaker.

“It’s hard to walk away from things that matter,” Joshua said quietly. “When I look around here...” He shook his head.

“What might have been, huh?” Daniel asked, following Joshua’s line of sight as he gazed through the window at Myka’s place. “You always had a thing for her, didn’t you? But she was Tanner’s girl.”

“She and I have both gone through some tough times these past few years.”

“Which is why maybe you should back off. She’s a widow just trying to survive. Don’t complicate her life.”

“I don’t have any designs on Myka, Dan. I’m here to wrap up this part of my life then go on to whatever’s next.”

“So how long, exactly, are you planning to stick around?”

“No idea.” His pride wouldn’t let him admit it, but until he found a job, he couldn’t even afford cheap rent. He’d sunk every dime he’d had into trying to save the firm. When that had run out, he’d used his personal credit, just as his partners had, trying to stem the tide.

“So, dinner?” Daniel repeated. “After I drop this off at the church, I’ll stop at the store and pick up the food. You can grill us a couple of steaks and microwave some potatoes.”

Joshua pulled out his credit card and handed it to Daniel. “Just put whatever you bring on this.”

“There was a time when I would have argued with you....”

“No, this is on my tab. It’s a thank-you Wish I could do more.”

“No need, buddy.” Daniel headed out to his truck. “Give me about an hour.”

Joshua watched him leave. That card was his only credit these days. It had to last until he was back on his feet again, and he had no idea how long that would take.

He’d sent out a lot of résumés and his application for a license in New Mexico, but he’d yet to get an interview in or out of state. He guessed that some employers didn’t want to hire a guy who’d failed to hang on to his own company. No matter, he’d figure something out. Joshua knew he was a good architect. All he needed was the chance to prove himself.

He walked around the house for a while, remembering old times, like reading on the sofa while his father snoozed in his recliner, supposedly watching the baseball game. But memories belonged in the past.

This place had been fine for his dad, but it would never be enough for him. He still wanted it all—success, and more importantly, the kind of respect it commanded. For him, it wasn’t about money, it was about recognition for his work and achieving the American Dream.

No one in his family had even come close to that elusive brass ring, but someday he’d claim it. As far as he was concerned, it was meant to be.

* * *

JOSHUA EASED HIMSELF onto the back porch bench beside Daniel and took a long pull of a cold one.

“I know you’re planning to fix up the house, but be careful not to waste your money,” Daniel said, chewing on his after-dinner toothpick, staring at the grazing sheep across the way. “Houses are on sale around here for practically nothing and still no one’s buying. We may go down the same road as Soledad.”

“The base shut down there, right?” Joshua asked, wondering what he’d do if he couldn’t sell the house. This was going to be seed money to start up a new business. Finances could get tough in a hurry and he was living on a shoestring as it was. A businessman with lousy credit didn’t have much of a future. Even potential employers might shy away.

“Yeah. It’s all gone. Used to be a nice little town, too. Now, without the Air Force test facilities, it’s nothing more than empty homes, a natural gas field and a pumping station. Not more than fifty people left. That could happen here, too.”

“Well, I need to keep busy,” Joshua said, knowing that he couldn’t afford to sit around and wait for things to happen. “I figure I’ll start by cleaning the place from the ground up and giving it a fresh coat of paint. Like you suggested—sweat equity.”

“Is it tough for you? I mean, being here at the house without your dad around?”

Joshua shrugged. “It’s not the memories that bother me most. It’s the feeling that I’m back to square one. I never thought I’d return empty-handed.”

“Maybe you took a wrong turn somewhere and destiny wants you to start over—here. Ever consider that?”

“You sound like Grandma Medeiros,” Joshua said. Daniel’s grandmother.

“Her words exactly.” He reached for his jacket and fished out the keys to his truck. “I’d better get going. I’ve got to help her close up the store.”

Joshua set his beer on the side table. “Your grandma’s still working? She’s got to be...what? Close to eighty, if I figure it right.”

“Seventy-seven, and she still works a forty-hour week to supplement her social security. I can’t get her to slow down. I swear she’s got more energy than I do.”

Joshua walked Daniel to his truck, which was parked behind the rental in the driveway. “Feel free to come by anytime, Dan. It was good to shoot the bull with you again.”

After his old friend drove off, Joshua wandered to the woodworking shed he and his dad had built—a concession to the workshop/garage that remained a faded drawing in his dad’s file cabinet.

Memories crowded in around him as he looked up at his own first project, a small sign that hung over the doorway. He’d used a woodburning set to carve out the words Adam and Joshua Nez in a piece of scrap pine.

He stepped inside and turned on the shop light. As a cloud of dust settled, his gaze fell on the yellowed designs tacked to the wall. The one in the corner was his own scale drawing for a treadle spinning wheel he’d worked at in secret for nearly six months. He’d wanted to give it to Myka for graduation, but he’d run out of materials and it had remained unfinished by the time he’d left for college.

He glanced around for the wheel, wondering if his dad had kept it. Adam almost never threw things like that out, so chances were it was still here someplace, maybe taken apart and stored in a box. Perhaps now, with everything in the world just a mouse click away, he could get the flyer assembly and bearings he needed on the internet.

Out of curiosity, he decided to look inside the big storage cabinets first, but to open them, he’d need to find the keys to the padlocks. All he’d found so far was the key to the shed itself.

He was rummaging through the workbench drawers when he heard a soft knock behind him.

Myka stood there, holding something. “I don’t mean to intrude, Josh. I know you’re busy.”

“Come in. It’s been a long time since I’ve set foot inside this workshop, and I’m trying to remember where everything is.”

“Your dad said you spent the night here once.”

“Yeah, I fell asleep waiting for some varnish to dry,” he said, chuckling. He’d been working on her spinning wheel.

She looked up at the spinning wheel design tacked to the wall. “Cool. Was that one of your dad’s projects?”

“Something like that,” he said but didn’t elaborate. She was standing in the place where he’d first fantasized about kissing her.

“Life was so much simpler when we were kids, wasn’t it?” she mused. “I sometimes wish we could turn back time.”

“I can’t say I do. I don’t care much for the kid I used to be,” he said, admiring the way she looked in the glow of the overhead light.

“Any sign of Bear yet?” she asked.

“The only animals I’ve spotted are lizards and a bunch of daddy longlegs spiders on Dad’s shelves,” he said. “I kept Bear’s dog bed and dishes, though. You’ll need those if he shows up again.”

“Thanks. I just wish he’d come back.”

“He found his way here once before,” he said.

“That sounds like something your dad would say.”

He nodded. “Navajo teach that everything is connected and forms a pattern. We all have a place within that, the dog included.”

She avoided his gaze, stepping outside. “He can jump the fence or dig under, so if it’s okay, I’ll be walking around the back of your property from time to time looking for Bear.”

“You don’t need permission, Myka. You’re always welcome.”

“Thanks.” She reached into her pocket. “There’s something I should return to you. Your dad gave me his extra set of house and truck keys when you went off to college.” She tossed them to him through the open door.

He caught them with one hand. As he did, he saw the inscribed cedar stick attached to the key ring. “I made this for Dad in eighth grade shop. I didn’t realize he still had it.”

“You were his son. He was proud of you. You could have chosen a career as a sheepherder and he would have bragged about you to his friends.”

“I just wish—” He stopped and turned away, staring at the drawings on the wall. She was too easy to talk to.

“I know it’s hard for you to be here, Joshua. I think what you really need is a distraction. I’ve got the perfect idea.”

CHAPTER THREE

MYKA HAD JUST finished getting dressed for the meeting when she heard a knock on the door. Thinking it would be Joshua, she finished dabbing on some lipstick and answered it.

Tanner’s sister, Betty, stood at the threshold with her daughter, six-year-old Evelyn, beside her.

“Aunt Myka! You look so pretty,” Evie said, reaching up to give her a hug.

Myka bent down to hold her close. “Thanks, sweetie.” Evie was such a terrific kid. With golden locks and the face of an angel, she could charm her way into anyone’s heart.

“I hope you don’t mind my dropping by unannounced, Myka. I know about the meeting tonight, but I was out running errands and I needed to ask you a favor.”

Betty, her sister-in-law, was a stunning blonde with vibrant blue eyes. “Need me to babysit this week?” Myka asked, guessing at the request.

“No, but I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. You’ve been a real lifesaver. Shameless that I am, I need to ask you a different favor.”

“Come in and have a seat.”

“Aunt Myka, do you have any cookies?”

“Evie!” Betty said.

Myka laughed. “They’re in the cookie jar in the kitchen. Take as many as you like.”

“No, just two, do you hear me Evelyn?” Betty said.

“Three! Mom, please?”

“They’re small,” Myka said softly. “And I bake a supply of chocolate chip cookies mostly for her. Come on, let me spoil her.”

Betty smiled. “Okay, three,” she told Evie.

As Evie hurried off, Betty focused on Myka once again. “I have a question for you about the inn.”

“You don’t have to clear anything with me, Betty. I may own a third of it, but it’s your baby.”

“I know that restoring the place sounds nuts, Myka, but all the inn needs is some TLC to start attracting paying guests again. Come hunting season, we’ll have lots of people looking for lodging or a base camp. I want to be ready, but I’ve run into a snag.” She lowered her voice and in a barely audible whisper, added, “Tony’s out of prison.”

Betty’s husband had almost destroyed her, physically and mentally. He’d been convicted of assault and battery against a former employer. “Is he still refusing to give you a divorce?”

“Yeah, and I don’t want him to find out about the inn.”

Myka’s face hardened. “You inherited a stake in the inn, not him. He has no legal claim whatsoever.”

“Legalities won’t matter to him, and the fear of prison obviously hasn’t stopped him in the past. If he decides I’m trying to cheat him, he’ll make trouble, and he can do a lot of damage when he’s angry.”

“Did you know he was trouble back in high school?”

“I guess, but whenever I was with Tony, I felt...invincible. Being Tony’s girl meant no one ever gave me a hard time.”

“It’s hard to believe how wrong things went,” Myka said.

“After Evie was born everything fell apart. He lost his job and started drinking when he couldn’t find another. His rages...” She shuddered.

“Will’s still staying with you, right?” Myka asked. Tanner and Betty’s older brother was also the town’s police chief.

She nodded. “I’ve filed a restraining order against Tony, so he’ll go back to prison if he comes within three hundred feet of me. But he still scares me.”

“Will’s a trained officer and almost Tony’s size. You shouldn’t worry.”

Evie ran back into the room and offered Betty a cookie. “These are great, Mommy. Myka makes the best chocolate chip cookies ever.”

Betty smiled as she took the cookie.

“Can I watch TV?”

Betty looked at Myka, who nodded. “Go ahead, it won’t bother us,” Myka said.

Betty waited until Evie’s favorite cartoons popped on screen, then she changed the subject.

“How’s Josh doing? I heard he’s back in town.”

“He’s fine, I guess,” Myka said. “He wants to sell his dad’s house, but I warned him about the real estate market these days.”

“I’m going to ask him to look at my renovation plans for the inn. I’d like to knock out some walls, and since he’s an architect, I thought he might tell me where it’s safe to do that,” Betty said. “I don’t think we should mention that Will’s part owner, though.”

“You think Josh still carries a grudge? He and Will had fought over Sophie back in high school. That was a lifetime ago.”

Betty laughed. “No, not at all, but Josh and Will have always been like oil and water. They’ve already had a run-in.”

“What happened?”

“Josh missed a stop sign as he was coming into town.”

“Let me guess. The one on Orchard Lane that’s buried by the house-high tumbleweeds?”

Betty nodded. “The town doesn’t have a weed and litter crew anymore. Heck, if the rest of us didn’t know the stop sign was there, we’d miss it, too.”

“Did Will give him a ticket?”

“Yeah. All he said was that Josh was pushing his buttons.” Betty rolled her eyes, then glanced over at her daughter. Seeing Evie engrossed in the show, she continued in a low voice. “I think the real problem is that he doesn’t want Josh back in town.”

“That’s none of his business. Why does he care?”

“Will may not actually say it, but he thinks it’s his duty to look out for you, his little brother’s widow. He’s convinced Josh has always had a thing for you.”

“No, that’s not true. Besides, I choose my own friends. Your brother needs to butt out.”

“I agree. Getting back to Joshua, I haven’t seen him in ages. Can we go over there and say hi?” Betty asked.

“No need. He’s coming over in a few minutes.”

“Ah. You two going on a date?”

Myka shook her head, but before she could elaborate, Betty added, “Too bad.”

“Joshua Nez isn’t right for me, Betty. The most we’ll ever be is friends.” Hearing a knock on the door, Myka stood. “That must be him now. Come on in, Josh.”

Joshua came in a moment later, wearing a lightweight sports jacket, dress slacks and an open-necked shirt. Myka bit back a sigh. No matter what he wore, he was always eye candy. Although he looked professional, there was an unmistakable ruggedness about him. Untamed—that word fit him the best.

Seeing Betty, Josh smiled. “It’s been a long time,” he said, and shook her hand. Looking down at her daughter, who’d come over, he smiled. “And who’s this?”

“I’m Evie,” the girl said.

“Pleasure, Evie.” Joshua shook hands with her, too, and she beamed.

Evie looked back at Betty. “Is it okay if I go outside to play with Teddy Bear?”

Myka looked at Joshua. “She means Bear.”

Joshua raised his eyebrows. “From what you’ve told me, that dog is way too big to play with a kid Evie’s size.”

“He’s like a big teddy bear,” Evie said. “And he’s my friend. Can I go get him, please?”

Myka crouched in front of Evie. “Bear’s not around right now, sweetie,” she said gently. “When Mr. Nez went to heaven, Bear wanted to be by himself for a while.”

“Oh, okay,” she said. Then, after a heartbeat, “Can I have another cookie?”

“One more and that’s it,” Betty said.

Myka smiled. “I love the way kids do that. No disappointment lingers for long. They can switch gears in an instant.”

“I envy her that, too,” Betty said softly, then focused on Josh. “I’m glad you’re here, Josh. I wanted to ask you a favor. Would you drop by the Blue Spruce Inn on Main Street tomorrow morning? I’ll trade you breakfast—all homemade—for your opinion on my renovating ideas. We have a tight budget, so I have to make sure I don’t make any costly mistakes.”

“Who’s we?” he said, picking up on that immediately.

Betty winced. “Myka, Will and I are partners.”

“It’s mostly Betty’s thing,” Myka said quickly. “Will and I chip in with the property taxes and help out with other expenses when we can.”

“Wait a sec. I’m missing something. You’re spending money to fix up an inn here in Independence?” he asked.

Betty nodded. “It’ll be more of a B and B. A lot of people come into this part of the state during hunting and skiing season, and on summer vacation. It’ll be a seasonal business, but I think we’ll be able to make it work.”

“I’ll be glad to stop by tomorrow and take a look,” Joshua said, “but I should warn you. One of your partners may not appreciate my input.”

“That’ll be Will’s problem, then. Myka and I would really appreciate your expertise,” Betty said.

Hearing the grandfather clock chime, Myka gasped. “Oh, no! We have to go right now, Josh. The meeting is at Liza’s house and we’ll be late.”

“Wait—you’re going to a crafter’s meeting?” Betty asked, looking at Josh. “There aren’t any woodworkers there, I don’t think. It’s mostly the knitting, crocheting and weaving crowd.”

“Tonight will be different,” Myka said. “We’re going to do some serious brainstorming and try to come up with ideas on how to help Independence. The more input, the better. Why don’t you come, Betty?”

“I wish I could, but I have to get Evie home, then it’s dinner, bath and bed. Let me know what happens.”

Myka saw Betty and Evie to the door, then came back for her purse.

“What’s Betty’s story?” Joshua asked, after she’d left. “That was Tony’s kid, right?”

Myka nodded. “Betty’s had some rough times, thanks to Tony, but she and her daughter will be okay now that they’re back home,” she said, unwilling to add any more details. “Ready to go?”

* * *

WHEN THEY ARRIVED, people were in the den hovering around a table covered with inexpensive snacks—everything from pretzels to chips, salsa and iced tea.

The gathering, normally consisting of ten or twelve, was nearly double that size. Many familiar faces were present, mostly the husbands and adult children of the regulars. Liza’s sofa and two easy chairs had been supplemented by several dining room chairs and a dozen metal folding chairs borrowed from the Independence Methodist Church.

As Myka stepped into the room, Liza caught her eye then went around to the TV, the focal point of the family room.

“Time to get started, everyone,” she announced.

As a hush descended, Myka moved to stand beside Liza. “I’m glad to see you all here. Most of you know Joshua Nez,” she said and motioned to where he stood. “I’ve asked him to join us because he’s an architect and he comes up with new ideas all the time. Joshua’s also a native of Independence and knows our community.”

Several shout-out welcomes to Joshua went around the room, then Myka continued. “We’re all having a tough time getting by these days. Individually, none of us are in the position to help the community. What we need to do is pull together. A lot of you already know that I’ve got my own small internet business,” she said, and saw people nod. “Business is good, so I’ve been thinking of expanding my inventory to include a variety of crafts. I don’t have the cash to buy your pieces, but I could take them on consignment. Almost everything I’ve listed over the past months has sold within a week or less. Something like this could help everyone’s bottom line and, ultimately, the town’s economy.”

Robyn, Liza’s daughter, stood up next. She had a stately five-foot-eight frame that always commanded attention, as did her beautiful black hair and blue eyes. “Myka, what you’re proposing wouldn’t even make a dent in the town’s economy,” she said in a quiet, nonjudgmental voice.

“I’m not saying it’s a cure-all, or that we’d be rich, but we need to start somewhere. Extra money in our pockets could mean all the difference in the world to Mabel’s Coffee Shop, for example, or Shorty’s Burgers,” Myka said.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Daniel’s grandmother, Elise Medeiros, added.

“Thank you, Grandma,” Myka replied, then glanced around the room. “We have something to offer the world. Our crafts are based on Rio Grande traditions, and there’s always a market for beautiful, handcrafted things.”

“The consignment store idea is good, but we’d each have to work pretty quickly to keep things rolling,” Bertie said. “We have to think this through. Once we start making stuff to sell, it’ll no longer be just our hobby—what we do to relax or take our mind off our troubles.”

“Which means we’d be sucking all the fun out of it,” said Fran Brown, a town councillor. “Then, if we start depending on it, and it dries up...”

She didn’t have to finish the sentence. They’d all been shocked when IVA had shut its doors. Myka glanced around as a heavy silence fell over the room.

“Anytime you try something new, especially in business, there’s a risk,” Joshua said. “But from what I’ve seen of the town, doing nothing is no longer an option.”

“Time’s working against us, but let’s take a few more days to think about this,” Myka said. “Maybe someone else can come up with a better idea by the time we meet again.”

After more discussion, the gathering finally disbanded. Myka and Joshua stayed behind, answering questions and trying to help the others overcome their reluctance.

Finally ready to call it a night, she and Joshua went to the door.

“You’ve planted the seed, Myka. That’s all you can do,” Liza said.

Joshua walked beside her as they headed back to his truck. “I wanted to brainstorm, but I did most of the talking and ended up scaring them,” Myka said.

“Not everyone can greet change with open arms. Some of the people there tonight have lived their entire lives in Independence, and they want things to go back to the way they were.”

“The old days aren’t coming back,” Myka said softly.

“I know, but they’ll have to accept it before they can move on and take action.”

As they crossed the street to where he’d parked, she felt the warmth of his body close to hers. It was a welcome awareness, one that contrasted sharply with the familiar ice-cold blasts of fear and sorrow she’d lived with these past few years.

He held the door open for her. “Give them time, Myka,” Joshua advised. “Their backs are to the wall and they’re scared.”

They were driving down the street at a leisurely pace when they heard a siren behind them and saw the flashing lights of a police cruiser.

Joshua cursed and pulled over, turning off the engine.

Seeing Will behind them in the side mirror, Myka tried not to cringe. He was the last person she’d wanted to run into tonight.

“There was no stop sign back there, right?” Joshua asked.

“No. Just stay cool.” A moment later, her brother-in-law came up to the driver’s side window. Seeing Myka on the passenger side, he glared at her.

“What’s the problem, Will?” Joshua asked.

“I was going to ask the same thing,” Will said. “Did you have car trouble, Myka?”

She tried to keep her temper in check. After Tanner’s death, Will had been there for her—day or night. She knew he meant well, but this time he was going too far. “My car’s fine. Joshua’s next door now, so we decided to ride to the Spinning Wheels’ meeting together.”

He scowled at Joshua. “You taking up crochet?”

“I asked him to come,” she said, and explained, though she knew she didn’t have to. “You would have been welcome, too. Your welded sculptures, like that rearing horse you made out of scrap metal, are just stunning. They’re too large to ship easily, so it’s not a good match for my online business, but everyone would have valued your input.”

He expelled his breath in a hiss. “So far your online company’s doing okay, but I still think it’s dangerous for you to do business on the internet. There are too many crazies out there looking for trouble.”

“I really haven’t had any problems, not big ones anyway,” she said. “I’m very careful about protecting myself and my privacy.”

He looked at Joshua. “You never cared much for Independence, so why were you there?”

“To help brainstorm. I have a house to sell, and to do that, Independence will need to get back on its feet.”

“Had to go to college to figure that one out, did you?” Will snapped, then said “Myka, can I talk to you privately?”

She bristled at his tone of voice. Nodding to Will, she glanced at Joshua and added, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Moments later, Myka stood with Will beside his cruiser. “Will Solis, why are you acting like such a horse’s butt, pulling Joshua over for no reason at all?” she demanded, keeping her voice low. “One of the reasons I asked him along tonight is because I know what it’s like to get a house in order after someone you love passes on. His dad died less than two weeks ago. Cut him some slack, and me, too. And on top of that, mind your own business.”

“Myka, you mean well, but—”

“Will, back off. Joshua’s got some real tough days ahead, getting his father’s things packed and sifting through a million memories. On top of that, he’ll have to deal with regrets—all those things he might have said or done if he’d known his dad was going to die...”

“You’re identifying too much with what he’s going through, Myka. He didn’t lose a spouse—you did.”

She swallowed hard. “Maybe you’re right, Will, but here’s what I think. This isn’t really about Joshua. It’s about you guarding what was Tanner’s—in this case, me—because you think he’d expect that of you.”

“There’s truth there, Myka, but Nez is still bad news,” Will said quietly. “People don’t change. He may have lived here most of his life, but he never really belonged. From what I hear he couldn’t run a business out in San Francisco, either. He’s a loser. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of him.”

“You’re really high and mighty tonight, aren’t you? Instead of playing bully cop and judging Joshua for who you think he was, why don’t you show a little objectivity for once and get to know him?” Myka stopped for a moment, realizing she was getting louder by the word.

“Look who’s getting...” Will began.

“I’m not finished yet, Will,” Myka whispered harshly. “Joshua is stopping by the B and B tomorrow. Betty asked him for advice on some renovations, and he agreed to help in exchange for breakfast. Come by, keep an open mind and leave your attitude in the squad car. Hear what he has to say. This isn’t high school anymore, Will, and you’re not the same kid you were back then, either. Grow up on the inside, too.”

His face turned red, then he took a deep breath. “All right, okay, I’ll give him a chance, but don’t expect miracles. I see things for what they are, not the way I’d like them to be.”

“Fair enough. Just take off the blinders.”

“I want you to do something for me, too, Myka. Don’t trust Joshua, you hear?”

“Trust is something I can figure out on my own. You’re reading way too much into this. To me, he’s just an old friend and neighbor going through a rough time. Back off and think before you get in someone’s face again.”

By the time Myka returned to Josh’s truck, she found that his mood had soured considerably.

Once Will drove off, Joshua put the truck in gear and pulled out. “I don’t know why he’s got a problem with me. I haven’t seen him in years.”

“You got into a lot of trouble back then, though you were usually provoked. I’m not apologizing for him, but with his brother gone, Will’s looking out for family,” Myka said. “He’s rough around the edges, sure, and he tends to go overboard sometimes. Hopefully he won’t act like such a jackass next time you meet.”

“I promised Betty I’d take a look at the inn, but I may have spoken too soon, considering Will’s attitude. I won’t take his bull, cop or not.”

“I’ll be there, and I can stop his nonsense without having to throw a punch. What if I buy you a cup of Mabel’s coffee, then we’ll both cross the street to the Blue Spruce Inn? Betty can cook breakfast burritos that are second to none, but her coffee’s just awful.”

“Mabel’s was my favorite haunt. I’m glad to hear it’s still there. Even when I was broke, I’d stand out on the sidewalk so I could enjoy the scent of fresh coffee and those incredible tiny doughnuts.”

“She only serves coffee these days but, yeah, Mabel’s is still there and her coffee’s better than ever. Money’s tight for everyone, but we all consider her signature blends a guilty pleasure.”

“Okay, then. You’re on. What time do I pick you up tomorrow?” he asked.

“How about we get an early start? Seven too early, city boy?” she teased.

He laughed. “By that time, I’d already battled traffic and was sitting at my desk.”

It didn’t take long for them to get home. As he parked in Myka’s driveway, she spotted movement by the juniper hedge. “Bear!”

She bolted out of the pickup and ran toward the dog, calling his name, but the animal vanished back into the dark.

“Are you sure that was him?” Joshua asked, catching up a heartbeat later. “It could’ve been a coyote.”

“Coyotes aren’t that big, and there aren’t many left around here these days,” she said, still trying to peer into the darkness.

“Bear!” she called again, but there was no response.

“If that was him, then it’s clear he stuck around. He’ll probably come back when he’s ready. All the activity around Dad’s house might have made him nervous, not to mention Dad’s absence. Once things settle down, I’m sure he’ll be back.” He walked her to her door. “Myka, one last thing...thanks.”

“For what?” she asked. The only thing she’d done was lose his father’s pet.

“For being Dad’s friend when I wasn’t around,” he said and gave her a quick hug.

His arms were strong and his chest rock solid. It felt good to lay her head against his shoulder and feel the beat of his heart. As his warmth enfolded her, her pulse quickened.

Realizing the danger, she stepped back. “No thanks are needed,” she said. “Do you mind if we postpone getting coffee till around eight tomorrow? That’ll give me time to feed my sheep and see if I can spot any sign of Bear.”

“I’m a lousy tracker, never was much of a hunter either, but I’d be more than happy to help any way I can.”

She laughed. “Thanks, but no. He’s more likely to approach me if I’m alone. Tonight, I made the mistake of running after him, and that probably scared him even more. Let’s meet back here a little before eight, and then we’ll head out, okay?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

* * *

THE FOLLOWING MORNING Joshua waited while Myka searched for his father’s dog. It took her forty minutes to return home, and her expression told him she hadn’t made any progress.

“Don’t let it get to you, Myka,” he said, meeting her in the driveway. “You’ve done your best. The next move belongs to Bear.”

She nodded silently. “Let me get my purse and we’ll go.”

Five minutes later they arrived at Mabel’s place on Main Street. As they stepped through the front doors, Joshua looked around. The coffee shop was a lot smaller than he remembered, but a rich aroma still filled the air and brought back pleasant memories. Even the best coffee houses in San Francisco hadn’t been able to rival Mabel’s premium blend—at least to his taste.

After placing their order, they went to one of the small, circular wooden tables scattered around the room.

Joshua smiled as Mabel brought him a large hazelnut coffee topped with whipped cream and hazelnut sprinkles. As he stood to say hello, she gave him a big hug, welcoming him back to town.

Still standing, he took a sip of his coffee and sighed happily. “Mabel, you’ve outdone yourself. This is incredible.”

“Coming from a well-traveled city boy, that’s quite a compliment,” she said, then with a mischievous smile, she added, “or was it that you didn’t expect the old lady’s coffee to be as good as you remembered?”

He laughed. “No way. You’re still the standard.”

Mabel, a tall, stately looking sixty-year-old, beamed. “Good answer. That might earn you a second cup at half price. Now take your seat again and enjoy.”

As she walked off, Myka smiled. “Mabel’s something else, isn’t she? Did I ever tell you that a Seattle coffee chain wanted to buy the secret to her special blend, but she turned them down? She said she liked offering the people of Independence something that would always say ‘home’ to them.”

As Josh looked around he saw the chairs were starting to fill up. “I’m glad to see she still does a steady business. I can’t imagine Independence without Mabel’s.”

“I’m hoping that eventually Betty will cut a deal and serve Mabel’s coffee over there. Her own...” She cringed. “Motor oil would probably taste better. Just don’t tell her I said so.”

He laughed. “So is that what it takes to be a silent partner?”

She shrugged. “I’ve got my hands full processing wool, selling my yarn and managing my online store. Betty needed something positive to focus on, too, besides her daughter, and that’s where the Blue Spruce comes in.” She paused, then added, “Will uses his welding in much the same way.”

“Being the Independence police chief isn’t enough for him?”

Myka took a moment before answering, measuring her words carefully. She wanted Joshua to understand, but she didn’t want to violate any confidences. “Will knows better than most what’s happening around here. He was a cop in Albuquerque for four years, then returned home after Sheriff Mercer died because he felt needed here. He wants to spend the rest of his life in Independence, but things have continued changing, and not for the better. Now, we’ve got a part-time mayor, and the town can only support a three-officer police department, which includes one volunteer.”

“There used to be a dozen officers—plus IVA security,” Joshua recalled. “Who’s the backup now?”

“Will. He’s on call full-time and he gave up a pay increase to keep at least one officer active 24/7. When we lost our fire marshal, he took on that job, too, pro bono, so everyone’s insurance rates wouldn’t skyrocket. He works ten or twelve hours a day, sometimes more,” she added.

“I didn’t know that.”

“Few people do. Will’s stretched pretty thin, and he’s doing his best to protect what’s left of the community. He’s on edge, so go easy on him.”

He nodded slowly. “You have nothing to worry about. The kid you knew who got into fights at the drop of a hat finally grew up. That’s not who I am anymore.”

“Good.” She finished the last of her coffee. “Now let’s go to the Blue Spruce and see what Betty has in mind for the inn.”

CHAPTER FOUR

AS THEY STEPPED onto the sidewalk, Myka and Josh immediately felt the pleasant warmth of the sun rising off the asphalt. This was Main Street, downtown Independence, the oldest part of the community. There were about twenty shops lining the narrow street, which had been laid out when cars and horse-drawn wagons competed for space. It was easy to imagine what the town had looked like a hundred years ago.

Almost all of the multistoried buildings were made of brick and stone and had their roots in the mining boom of the early 1900s. They’d been upgraded many times, and during prosperous years the businesses here had flourished.

Farther down the street were single-story, flat-roofed adobe structures. Those had been built in the Southwest style associated with the Pueblo tribes and early Spanish influence. But the adobe buildings were in the worst shape, since regular maintenance was costly.

Myka stopped in front of the inn and took a moment to admire the red roses etched on the glass transom above the entrance. They spoke of the grandeur and elegance of days gone by and stood in stark contrast to the chipped mortar and flaking paint which exposed the wood trim.

Joshua opened the door and gestured for Myka to precede him. The Blue Spruce was in transition. Metal scrapers and a steamer that would eventually take off the old wallpaper were resting on the floor where sections of the baseboard had already been removed.

Among all the chaos one thing stood out—the wonderful scent of fresh baking. “Betty, did you make your special honey bread?” Myka called out.

“Yep, I sure did.” Betty stepped out from an alcove, then waved them over. A heavy wooden dining table with coordinating chairs faced glass doors leading into a courtyard full of big leafed plants and small wooden tables. “I want to entice you guys to stay, and I didn’t think the torn up foyer with peeling wallpaper would do it. So come on. Let’s have breakfast here in the garden alcove and then we’ll get to work.”

Betty wheeled in a serving cart with glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, thick slices of homemade bread, butter and jelly and plates filled with scrambled eggs cooked with a touch of New Mexico green chile.

The meal was delicious and they took their time, discussing the various possibilities for the dining room and Betty’s decorating ideas.

Twenty minutes later, after helping Betty clear the table, Joshua thanked her. “I can be bribed like this anytime, Betty!”

“Ready to get to work, then?”

“You bet. Why don’t you tell me what you envision for the inn as a whole? Start with the big changes you’d like made, then add the details as you think of them.”

“When the Blue Spruce was built, the rooms were small, to squeeze in as many guests as possible. I want to knock down some walls to create several larger spaces that flow into each other and are family friendly. That’s why I’d like to tear out a large portion of those two walls, for starters,” she said, pointing to the dining area. “In their place, I’d like archways that provide a better view of the courtyard and welcome the guests to wander about.”

“Okay,” he said, then took a closer look at the rooms and ceiling above, inspecting the position of joints, adjoining rooms and doorways. “From what I can see here, you’d be taking out a big section of this load-bearing wall. There are ways to do that safely by creating supporting structures, but we need to check the blueprints. Do you have them?”

“No, those were filed with County and lost decades ago in a fire.”

“Using imaging tools, we can look inside the walls without resorting to major work, but it might be necessary to cut a few holes to check out the condition of the existing framework. For now, let’s talk some more about the kind of renovation you want to do here,” Joshua said.

Betty took them around the front rooms, explaining her plans. “I want the place to have a homey, Southwest cowboy feel. Forget the upper-class drawing room that we have now. Open space with plenty of light is a must.”

“I can tell that parts of this building were added on, and that complicates things,” Joshua said.

They heard footsteps, and Will appeared from around the corner. “You trying to talk up the price?” His voice boomed in the small room.

Joshua turned around, and to Myka’s surprise, didn’t react. “I’m just here to offer free professional advice.”

Will’s eyebrows went up. “Betty, I thought you were going to pay him.”

“I’ve already been compensated,” Josh said. “My payment came in the form of the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.”

“You can count on a full spread every morning you come by, if you agree to help me out,” Betty said.

“Deal,” Joshua answered. “Relax, Chief. I miss my work and I’m a darned good architect.”

“Best one in town,” Will muttered.

“Will, can I have a word?” Myka led him to the alcove, out of hearing range. “Listen to me, and listen good, Will,” she said in a harsh whisper. “I’m not going to stand around while you continue to make a fool of yourself. Joshua’s here and he’s helping. You’re here, and all you’re doing is causing trouble. That sum it up for you?”

“Myka, face reality. Do you really think he won’t want something in return?” Will scoffed, not bothering to keep his voice down. “I did a little checking up on Nez and he’s broke. He lost his business. His only assets are his pickup and his father’s house, and you know how much property around here is selling for these days, if it sells at all.”

“Be careful how you measure someone’s value, Will. You don’t own a house, you drive the town’s car, and you’re forced to work ten hour days or more to pay the bills,” she argued back.

“At least I have a job,” Will replied. “And the town needs me.”

Joshua came over and joined them. “If you don’t want my help with the renovation, just say the word and I’m out of here, Will. Your call.”

Betty came in and glared at Will. “Just so you know, I was getting ready to knock out a load-bearing wall.”

“Picture it, Will. The second floor could have become a permanent addition to the first. That what you want?” Myka said.

Will’s face turned red, but he held Joshua’s gaze for several seconds, then nodded. “Okay. It’s clear we can use your help, but no favors. We need an architect—you need the money. Set your fee.”

“All right. After I get your design ideas, Betty, I’ll inspect the building and draw up plans that’ll include several options on how to expand the rooms safely.” He ignored Will completely while he quoted her a very low flat fee, then added, “Plus a loaf of that bread you made, say once a week for the next month?”

Betty shook Joshua’s hand. “You’ve got a deal. I’ll boost the bread offer through December, too.”

“So Betty and I vote yes, Will,” Myka said.

“All right then,” he said. “If things go well, you can use us as references for future jobs.”

“I’ll take you up on that,” Joshua said.

“So what’s next?” Betty asked Josh.

“I’ll need to look upstairs, then crawl into the attic and check the roof structure.”

“Come on. I’ll take you,” Betty said.

“I’m on duty. I have to get back to work,” Will said.

“Go ahead, Will. We’ll handle things here.” Myka smiled. “Don’t worry.”

“That’s not going to happen. You, Evie, Betty and Mom are all the family I’ve got left. I worry.” He turned and walked away.

Betty found a flashlight and led Joshua upstairs. Myka followed and watched Joshua work. His gaze took in everything as he concentrated. A shiver ran up her spine. To have him look at her like that... She sighed softly.

The last stop was a hallway access point to the attic. Joshua climbed up the ladder, then spent several minutes overhead before finally coming back down.

“What’s the verdict?” Myka asked as Joshua pushed the folding ladder into place and closed the access panel.

“From what I’ve seen, the inn’s had at least two additions over the years, but the work was well thought out and it’s in good condition. Before you knock out any walls, I suggest hiring an electrician to check out the wiring and help you decide how to reroute what’s there.”

“I’ve been trying to find an electrician, but Harry Westin moved away last month,” Betty said.

“Harry’s shop is closed, but his daughter Molly took over his business part-time,” Myka said. “She’s a teacher at Independence Elementary, but she’s also a licensed electrician. She works after hours and on weekends.”

“So, Joshua, how soon do you think you’ll have those plans ready?” Betty asked.

“In a day or two I can tell you which walls in the guest rooms can be taken out or fitted with passageways. The downstairs portion will require a bit more work. I’ll have to do some calculations and take measurements. We’ll also need to discuss design options within your budget before I draw up the specs, and that’ll have to wait until my New Mexico license comes through. Will ten days be okay for everything?”

“Sure. Take longer if you need to. I’ve got a ton of work to do first—everything from removing wallpaper to refinishing exterior trim. After that, I’ll tackle the big jobs like knocking down walls,” she said. “Grandma passed on five months ago, but she let things slide here after IVA closed down. Seeing Independence die a slow death and watching Mom go downhill every day took its toll. Her heart was broken.”

“Early onset Alzheimer’s,” Myka said, answering Joshua’s unspoken question about Betty’s mom.

“What about your dad?” Joshua asked.

“Dad passed on three years ago, before IVA closed. He couldn’t cope with what was happening to Mom. One day his heart just stopped beating,” Betty said. “Mom lives in a private nursing home over in Painted Canyon. She doesn’t know us anymore, but we visit once a week. Last time I took Evie to see her, she thought Evie was me,” Betty added.

“I’m sorry,” Joshua said. “That’s got to be tough.”

“You accept it and go on. What else can you do?” Betty said. “When Grandma left the place to the three of us, Will figured we’d close it down till we could find a buyer, but I couldn’t let go. I love this place. I always have. I used to do my homework here after school and I helped at all the big Christmas parties Granddad used to host. You should have seen it back then! Only the North Pole had better decorations.”

“Maybe it’ll be that way again, once the inn reopens.”

“I sure hope so,” she said with a wistful smile.

As the phone rang and Betty went to answer it, Joshua asked Myka, “You ready to go?”

“I think I’ll stick around. I can catch a ride home later,” she said, “but let me walk you to the door.”

They stopped in the entryway, and Joshua glanced back into the room. “Now I understand why Betty’s so invested in this place. The inn is part of her personal history.”

“The Blue Spruce is also her and Evie’s future. It’s a good place for them.”

He brushed his knuckles against her face in a gentle caress. “Myka, it may be too late for Independence, but not for you. Think of your future. You still have your whole life ahead of you.”

His touch sent warmth all through her. A fleeting touch, the tenderness of a caress, those had been missing from her life for so long she’d forgotten what a sweet thrill they could bring.

“You put on a brave face for everyone but keep the real you out of reach,” he said, his voice quiet.

The way his eyes held hers was mesmerizing, but the spell broke instantly when something clanged onto the tile floor back in the kitchen.

As Myka turned toward the sound, she saw the photo of Tanner, Will and Betty that hung behind the front desk.

“I better get to work,” she said. “I promised Betty I’d help her put a coat of varnish on one of the armoires upstairs.”

“See you later then,” Joshua said.

As Joshua left, Betty walked over to join her.

“Pants warm?” she asked.

“Huh?” Myka turned around and looked directly at her.

“Liar, liar, pants on fire. We’re not varnishing anything today.”

Myka gave her a thin smile. “Oh, that.”

“What are you worried about, Myka?” she asked. “What people will think if you spend time with a man? Tanner’s gone. I loved my brother dearly, but he’s not coming back.”

“I know, but...”

“There are no ‘buts’ about this...except maybe Joshua’s exceptional one,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Myka choked.

“What? I’ve got eyes. You thought I didn’t notice?” she asked, laughing.

“I hadn’t.”

“Baloney,” Betty said.

Myka grinned. “Okay, maybe.”

“Will’s being a jerk, but he’s right, you know. Joshua has a thing for you. It dates all the way back to elementary school.”

“Why on earth would you think that? Because he’s nice to me? By that definition, he has a thing for everyone.”

“No, it’s in the way he looks at you—when you’re not looking.”

“Betty, we’re just old friends.”

Betty shook her head. “It goes beyond that.”

“You’re wrong, but even if we were both wild about each other—and we’re not—it couldn’t go anywhere. Sooner or later he’ll leave Independence, and I belong here.”

Myka swallowed hard and continued. “Joshua’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, and life’s hurt me enough. I don’t want any more pain.”

“Maybe you’re right. Josh is destined for city life, and you can’t change a man.”

Myka heard the pain laced through Betty’s words. Reaching out, she gave her a hug. “You and I bend, but we never break. That’s what makes us who we are.”

A few hours later, Myka left the inn and headed home. It was a pleasant afternoon, and the mile-long walk back would do her good. She needed time to think. She and Betty were both strong women, but being around Joshua had reminded her that even the strongest among them needed gentleness, too.

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