Welcome To Redemption: Series Collection (Books 1-6)

by Donna Marie Rogers

  “Careful, sweetie. She’s not too happy at the moment.”

  “I won’t pet her, Nana, I promise.”

  Watching the heartwarming scene before her, Lindy’s heart swelled with a yearning completely foreign to her. Children weren’t exactly a priority for her—heck, she wasn’t even dating anyone at the moment. Not to mention she was only twenty-five years old. But there was something about Maddie...the way she gazed up at her grandmother, leaned into her side, her excitement over watching Bianca get a bath. That sweet face, those adorable curls. All of it doing funny things to Lindy’s maternal mojo, making her ache for things she’d never given much thought to before—home, hearth, a family of her own.

  Dammit...fricken Mayberry already!

  She glanced up in time to see a uniformed police officer striding their way, a coffee mug in one hand, a gooey cinnamon roll in the other. He eyed her with smiling curiosity as he approached. So this is Mike, huh? Not bad, not bad at all. Bet he wouldn’t push me away if I kissed him.

  Too bad the only man you want to kiss is an overbearing, egotistical jackass.

  “Hi.”

  Lindy’s cheeks crooked up of their own accord. The man really was something. What a smile. “Hi.”

  Bev glanced over her shoulder. “Ah, good, you helped yourself. Mike, I’d like you to meet Melinda Spalding. Melinda, this is my son, Mike. Also known as Officer Donovan.”

  He grinned. “I’d shake your hand, but...” He gestured helplessly with the mug and the cinnamon roll.

  “I understand. Those look and smell delicious.”

  “Oh, crud!” Bev craned her neck and gave Lindy a look of apology. “I didn’t even think to offer you one. Such a dunderhead I am. Mike, would you mind? Pour her a cup of coffee, too, please.”

  “No problem.” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Melinda, how do you take your coffee?”

  Chapter Five

  “Hmm...I think I’ll try the turkey club, with steak fries and a large glass of lemonade.” Lindy folded the menu and handed it back to Hannah.

  Hannah tucked the menu under her arm with a nod and a rueful smile. “Listen, I’m really sorry about Bianca. Was Bev able to clean her up?”

  Lindy waved off her apology. “The little stinker’s good as new, so no worries. And it wasn’t your fault; I should’ve had her on a leash. Bianca’s normally very well-behaved. She’s certainly never run off like that before. Though I knew exactly where she’d gone off to.”

  Humor lit Hannah’s eyes. “They’re in love. I think it’s cute.”

  Lindy barely held back an eye-roll. “They’re of different species.”

  “I know. But come on, don’t you find it just the teensiest bit romantic?”

  Now Lindy did roll her eyes. “Hannah, I think your bun may be twisted too tight.”

  With a soft laugh, Hannah walked off to place Lindy’s order. It amazed her that such a nice, thoughtful girl was related to that foul-tempered jackass.

  As if you have such a sweet disposition. Pffft.

  Oh, shut up.

  Lindy opened her laptop and found the file she wanted. Hannah returned with her lemonade and a bottle of ketchup. “Your club and fries will be up in a few minutes.”

  When Hannah remained standing at her side, Lindy looked up and was met by curious mirth. “You’re obviously dying to ask me something.”

  Hannah cast a quick glance over her shoulder before sliding into the booth across from her. “I can’t remember the last time I saw my brother like that. What the heck did you do to him?”

  Lindy gaped at her. “Me? Why would you assume I did something to him? Maybe that arrogant brother of yours...what’s so funny?”

  Hannah’s grin broadened. “You’ve got it as bad as he does. Why don’t you two just admit there’s something there and see where it goes?”

  Because I don’t plan to stay in town long enough to find out. “Look, I understand. You’re a romantic at heart and you’d like to see that playboy brother of yours settle down. But—”

  “Drew isn’t a playboy.”

  “—trust me when I say—”

  “He just hasn’t found the right woman yet.”

  “—I’m not the one for him. And he surely isn’t the man for me.”

  Frustration creased Hannah’s brow, but she held her gaze in thoughtful silence. With a reluctant nod, she stood. “Okay, then, I won’t push. But I think you’re wrong. You’re exactly what my brother needs. And whether you want to admit it or not, I think he’s exactly what you need, too.” With that, Hannah headed back to the kitchen.

  Clacking her nails on the table in exasperation, Lindy stared after the younger girl, the truth of her words sinking in like boulders in quicksand. Only in her own mind could Lindy admit her attraction to Drew had soared past the physical and landed with a thud in the deep end of the pool. She wanted him, had since the first moment she’d laid eyes on the arrogant man. And with just one kiss—one unforgettable, heart-stopping kiss—she’d started to yearn for him in ways she’d never before experienced. The magnitude of emotion that had swelled in her chest after that kiss scared the hell out of her.

  Regardless, Lindy couldn’t fathom the thought of settling here in the Midwest. L.A. was her home—always had been, always would be. The beautiful climate, amazing and diverse restaurants, numerous historical museums, shopping on Rodeo Drive. Not to mention the breathtaking backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. And she knew it’d be a cold day in Hell before Drew Porter packed up and moved to the City of Angels with her. So really, what would be the point of pursuing something that could never be more than a fling?

  Hannah delivered her lunch with another sheepish grin, and Lindy realized with a start that Drew wasn’t the only resident of Mayberry she was becoming attached to. Heck, several members of this tiny town had burrowed under her skin—from the Porters, to most of Matt and Carrie’s friends, to even the gruff old man who owned this diner. Redemption was a great place filled with even better people, and she grimaced over the realization that she was being sucked in more and more each day.

  Giving herself a mental shake, Lindy took a bite of her sandwich and got back to work on her laptop. She hadn’t written anything in well over a month and figured some new scenery would start her creative juices flowing again. If she didn’t have the first draft to her editor by June 1st, there’d be hell to pay.

  Vanessa spun away, waving off Bianca’s suggestion as preposterous. As if she would so much as look at that scoundrel, let alone ask for his help. The man was as arrogant as they came, not to mention boorish. And a rogue. A handsome rogue, yes, but a rogue nonetheless. Sure, he could charm the stars from the sky with just one mesmerizing look, but she had her pride. Countess Vanessa Magville would get on her knees for no man, most especially Sir Andrew Portland. She’d rather—

  A low squeal brought Lindy’s head around with a snap. She groaned as she met Hannah’s wide-eyed gaze. Crapola, she hadn’t heard her come up behind her! Okay, no need to panic, she assured herself. Really, what were the chances Hannah was a fan of romance novels let alone a fan of—

  “Oh, my God, you’re Katelynn Meadows!”

  Shit. Seemed chances were excellent. “Could you announce it a little louder? I don’t think the western half of the state heard you.”

  Hannah bent over the booth and eagerly scanned the computer screen, eyes bright with excitement, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Lindy couldn’t hold back a smile. Nothing made an author happier than an excited fan, and it seemed she had at least one here in Mayberry.

  “You’re writing Vanessa’s story! Oh, my God, I was praying Vanessa would get her own...” A howl of laughter suddenly erupted from Hannah, drawing several sets of probing eyes in their direction. Lindy glanced around, avoiding direct eye contact as she prayed for the linoleum to open up and swallow her whole. She slammed her laptop shut and glared at Hannah.

  Holding a hand over her mouth as if to keep from laughing, Hannah’s eye
danced with delight. “Sir Andrew Portland? You named a character after him.”

  “Don’t be absurd,” Lindy hotly denied. “It’s purely coincidental.”

  “Uh-huh. Sure.” Hannah’s knowing grin was really starting to grate. “Does anyone else know? I imagine Matt and Carrie—”

  “No one knows, and I’d like to keep it that way, please.” Lindy hoped her expression conveyed just how serious she was about this. No one could find out about Katelynn Meadows until the time was right. She needed to let her family in on her secret before the public found out or she’d never hear the end of it. Especially since she planned to start writing full-time once the plant was up and running. News which would not go over well with her parents.

  Especially her father, who was still recovering from a major heart attack.

  “Seriously?” Hannah’s face screwed up with genuine confusion. “But you should be proud. You’re a NY Times bestselling author. Your Magville series was featured in People magazine. Why wouldn’t you want anyone to know that?”

  “I know it’s hard to understand, but I have my reasons. Anyway, it won’t be for much longer. Think you can keep my secret a few more months?”

  “Of course. If that’s what you want.” A sudden grin chased away Hannah’s contemplative frown. “I can’t wait to see the look on Drew’s face when he finds out. He’s always teasing me about reading ‘that crap’.”

  Great. Yet another reason to despise the man. Not that she needed one...the jackass.

  Hannah turned to leave, but then spun back around. “I meant to tell you. Charlie’s fiancée, Dana McClain, works at the vet office and deals with animal behavioral problems. I bet she could help with Bianca’s odd attraction to my brother’s dog.”

  * * *

  “I swear, I must be nuts,” Drew muttered as he dragged a leashed Bo into the veterinarian’s office. Rick Wilde stood behind the counter showing Mrs. Baiker how to apply oral hygiene rinse to her miniature collie’s teeth with a gauze pad. Bo jerked on his leash, desperate to get the hell out of there, but Drew held tight. Good things didn’t usually happen at the vet’s office, and Bo had a long memory.

  Mrs. Baiker paid for her purchase and smiled at Drew on her way past. Bo gave the miniature collie a nose in the ass as was his usual custom.

  “Drew, good to see you.” Rick shook his hand before giving Bo a pat on the head. “Hey, buddy, looking good. So what brings you guys in?”

  Clearing his throat, Drew admitted, “We’re here to see Dana. Bo has...issues.”

  Rick did his best to hide his grin. “You don’t say. Well, Dana just started a session with another patient, so you’ll have a bit of a wait, I’m afraid.”

  Before Drew could reply, the door to Dana’s office opened and she stuck her head out. “Drew, Bo, if you’re ready, you can come on in.”

  Without warning, Bo went nuts, nearly ripping Drew’s arm from its socket in his quest to reach Dana. “Okay, okay, I’m coming. Christ, two minutes ago I had to drag your ass in here.”

  “Now that he’s seen Dana, he probably thinks Sugar’s in there. Have a good session.” Rick gave Drew a thump on the shoulder before waving his next patient into his office.

  Drew let Bo lead the way, thankful the big oaf was too preoccupied to goose Mrs. Allen as he barreled toward Dana's office. As soon as Dana closed the door behind them, Drew realized who the other occupants were. Sitting in the chair closest to the wall was Lindy, that troublesome white fluff ball perched on her lap. And her less than enthused expression said she was just as surprised to see him.

  Bo and Bianca both went wild—barking, howling, struggling to break free, frantic to reach each other. Drew held tight, marveling over how strong Bo’d become over the past several months. He shot a quick glance at Hot Stuff, who was having a similar problem holding onto her cat.

  “The door is shut, so they can’t escape and run off together. Drew, why don’t you have a seat next to Lindy, and we’ll let these two enjoy each other’s company while we talk.”

  “But that’s the problem. I don’t want my baby anywhere near this monster. He’s a bad influence.” Lindy shot Drew a look of contempt.

  “Hey, if anyone’s a bad influence it’s that spoiled rotten furball you call a cat. Showing up at the garage, rolling around in the dirt like some—”

  “Watch it, Lou, or you’ll have to have my boot surgically removed from your—”

  “Okay,” Dana quickly interrupted. “This is where we all take a deep, calming breath. After hearing the basics from Melinda, I decided to combine your sessions and face the problem head on.”

  Reluctant to even be there, let alone have to share space with Matt’s infuriating sister, Drew wanted nothing more than to get it all over and done with so he—and Bo—could move the hell on. Lindy and her puffball would be on their way back to California in a few short months, and it was best for everyone if they simply let Dana do her thing and cure Bo of his ridiculous infatuation.

  With a hesitant nod, Lindy set Bianca on the floor. Bo sniffed her from nose to tail, and then rolled onto his back with an enthusiastic bark. Loud purring joined Bo’s happy grunt as the two rolled, rubbed, and loved on each other.

  “Repulsive,” Lindy murmured, watching them through narrowed eyes.

  For some odd reason Drew was feeling ornery. “The only thing repulsive is your bad attitude.”

  Lindy slapped a hand against the arm of her chair, and spun to face him, eyes wide with indignation. “My bad attitude? My bad attitude? You...you...”

  Satisfied to have gotten a rise out of her, Drew taunted, “You-you what? Come on, Hot Stuff, spit it out.”

  “You idiot! I swear God was punishing me the day he tossed you into my life. You’re arrogant and bad-mannered and...you smell like motor oil!”

  “I’m an auto mechanic, princess. What do you expect me to smell like, roses?”

  Lindy slammed back into her chair with a huff, and crossed her arms.

  Drew cocked a teasing brow at Dana. “Aren’t you supposed to say, ‘And how does that make you feel?’”

  Dana grinned. “No, it’s perfectly clear how both of you feel. But perhaps we could get back to Bo and Bianca...?”

  For some reason, the fact that Lindy was in such a foul mood brought out his mischievous side. Lacing his fingers behind his head, elbows out, he drawled, “I agree. And now that I’ve thought about it, who are we to stand in the way of true love?”

  “Excuse me?” Lindy shot forward so fast one of her hair combs flew from her head and clattered across the floor.

  Dana leaned over to pick it up and set it on her desk.

  “Have you lost your feeble mind? No way are you going to encourage a relationship between these two!”

  The ‘two’ in question took a break from bathing each other to gaze up at Lindy, ears cocked with curiosity. Drew had to admit, he envied their ease with each other. Be nice if Hot Stuff stole a page from her cat’s book and tried a little honey instead of the vinegar that normally spewed from her lips.

  Except when she'd kissed him. Her lips had been pretty damn sweet then. Shit.

  “Jesus, woman, chill out before you scare off the patients in the waiting room.”

  “I swear, in about two seconds I’m going to beat you to a pulp with the heel of my boot, you—”

  “O-kay,” Dana interrupted for a second time, an unmistakable chuckle in her voice. “Again, we need to calm down and take a deep breath.” She demonstrated before standing up and coming around her desk to stand before them. Her gaze dropped to the lovebirds. Bo was sprawled out on his side with Bianca now lying across his neck, one paw resting on his big head as if holding him in place while she thoroughly cleaned his ear. Drew shuddered at the sight, but Bo was in heaven, with his tongue lolling out of his mouth and his hind leg going like a windmill.

  Lindy shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I’m sorry, Dana, I know you mean well, but I’m not so sure this was a good idea.” Lindy shot Dr
ew a sidelong glance before adding, “Sometimes, two...animals, no matter how attracted they are to each other, shouldn’t be together.”

  “And why is that?” Drew demanded. Her constant negative attitude was really starting to grate on his nerves.

  “You don’t want them spending time together anymore than I do,” Lindy reminded him, her tone pure ice. “So what’s with the one-eighty?”

  Before he could respond, Dana jumped in. “Listen, I have an idea that I think might work, though it may sound a little unconventional at first. Will you hear me out?” When they both nodded, she continued. “The forbidden can be an incredible aphrodisiac. Eventually, just like us humans, the more time they spend together, the more the charm will wear off. I’d suggest you set up a couple of play dates. Let them spend plenty of time together, eventually, they’ll get tired of each other.”

  Suspicious by nature, Drew wasn’t sure if he completely bought Dana’s ‘solution’. But not so much as a facial twitch gave away any ulterior motives. He glanced at Lindy who sat in surprising silence considering Dana’s suggestion would mean they’d have to spend more time together as well. Deciding to test her mood, he said, “Well, I’m free tonight. You?”

  She hesitated, sharing a look with Dana, no doubt wracking her brain for any excuse to get out of it. “Actually, Matt and Caleb are coming over for pizza tonight. My way of thanking them for all the work they did on the house.”

  “That right?”

  “I didn’t think you’d be interested,” she added, her tone defensive.

  “Come on, Hot Stuff, at least be honest. You didn’t ask because you didn’t want me there.”

  “Hey,” she reminded him, “you’re the one who ran out of my house like your hair was on fire. Why would I assume you’d want to come back after that?”

  “You don’t have to explain, I get it.” He’d done plenty of work on that house, and she damn well knew it.