Harlequin Heartwarming May 2016 Box Set

by Rula Sinara

  “Lack of sales.” She spread out the largesse of goodies—sandwiches and small containers of potato and fruit salad, plus a couple of sample cheeses and crackers, along with cans of soda and packets of gourmet cookies. “Only half of what we’ve built so far is sold or rented. Things were going at a good clip until the past week or so. We need to be further along to make the time and monetary commitment.” A shadow crossed her face. “The reason we don’t need any adverse publicity.”

  Wondering if something negative had hit the press, he didn’t want to ask and ruin the afternoon, so he sat across from her and kept his silence on the matter as he heaped his plate with a little of everything.

  Tasting a cheese new to him, he said, “This is really a treat. You went to a lot of trouble.”

  “You can thank Priscilla for that. I gave her free rein, just told her to pick whatever she thought would be good.”

  They clinked sandwiches together as if in a toast and started eating. Caleb hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he’d nearly wolfed down the first half. He guessed he hadn’t been eating too well the past few days. But being with Grace gave him an appetite. Realizing she’d barely eaten half of what he had, he slowed down so she could catch up to him. And he decided to broach the topic he’d been avoiding.

  “So are you really worried about adverse publicity?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “Interest in the available units actually has slowed down this week. I’m hoping spring vacation just pulled potential buyers and renters in different directions with the kids out of school and all.”

  “Good point.” Caleb took another bite of his sandwich and thought about the single problem he could see. “What about the guy from Spooky Tours? Has he been back?”

  “Not yet. Not a tour per se. At least I haven’t spotted that old bus of his. But I suspect we haven’t heard the last of him, considering he’s managed to have someone distribute fliers all over town.”

  He hadn’t known that. His concerns had been far more personal the past week. Even when he tried his best, he couldn’t keep Angela’s unhappiness out of his thoughts. But he would make an even greater effort this afternoon for Grace’s sake.

  “So what if it doesn’t happen?” he asked. “Phase 2?”

  She shook her head. “Then I’ll be done here in Sparrow Lake.”

  And here he was just getting to know Grace. “So you’ll go on to your next project.” The thought of her leaving saddened him.

  “There is no next project.” She frowned. “Not a green project that I can get behind.”

  “I thought that was your dream.”

  “Yes, mine, but not my father’s. His dream is to retire and leave Walworth Builders in my hands.”

  He could see that she didn’t look happy at the thought. “I sense your lack of enthusiasm for that plan.”

  “I never wanted to be CEO. Not of anything.”

  “But you’re considering it.”

  “I don’t see that I have a choice,” she admitted. “I’m the only Huber left to take over. Unfortunately Dad doesn’t appreciate my slant on our work or my hopes for the company’s future.”

  “You don’t have to work for him, do you? Any number of green companies would be glad to have you.” Being an environmentalist himself, Caleb appreciated Grace’s dreams. “Living up to your father’s aspirations instead of your own is very generous of you, but maybe misguided where your own desires are concerned.”

  Her voice took on a slight edge when she said, “Loyalty is never misguided.”

  “I’m just thinking it’s making you unhappy.”

  “You don’t understand the big picture.”

  Caleb realized that was true. And that maybe—if he wanted to get to know her better—he needed to understand what she meant. “So tell me about it.”

  “Dad has done everything for me since my brother died and Mom couldn’t cope. She left us. I was a mess. Got into trouble. May have gotten into serious trouble if Dad hadn’t saved me. I was going off the deep end, and he pulled me back.”

  The way he was trying to do with Angela, Caleb thought. No wonder Grace was so understanding and supportive of his daughter. She must identify with her.

  “He sounds like a good father.”

  “A great dad. He made me see that my life wasn’t over, and that what I did with it mattered.”

  “It does matter. But it should be something you want to do, not something he wants for you.”

  “It’s kind of a moot point.” She shrugged again, as if she had no control over the situation. “I’m an amateur at all this green stuff anyway. I mean, I’ve been reading a broad range of experts and I’ve been trying to incorporate the best ideas. I may be learning as fast as I can, but I don’t know enough to be a true environmentalist. I’m just playing with the idea at Green Meadows.”

  “It seems to me you’ve done a great job there,” he insisted. Obviously, she was learning fast.

  “Thanks.”

  “And it would be a terrible waste of your drive and desire if you gave it up simply to fulfill someone else’s dream.”

  “It’s a complicated situation.”

  “But you need to do what’s best for you even if your father doesn’t agree. You have to take a stand.”

  Irritation crossed her features. “I’m sorry, but you just don’t get it.”

  This time she sounded annoyed with him, making Caleb back off once again. “Apparently not,” he muttered, diving into a second sandwich. The last thing in the world he wanted to do was create more strife in either of their lives. He just wanted a chance to enjoy being with her.

  If that was even possible now.

  The atmosphere between them had suddenly thickened. His fault for not minding his own business, he guessed. But he couldn’t help himself when he saw what a strong love for the land Grace had. Environmentalism was his passion, and he’d finally met a woman he liked who shared it. He thought she had a real feel for successfully taking her father’s company in a new direction.

  Why couldn’t she see that and follow her own heart?

  * * *

  IRONIC THAT CALEB was pushing her to defy her father when he was having the same problem with his own daughter. Angela wanted to be an artist and Caleb wanted his daughter to do something practical. In some ways, the two men were a lot alike. But both were devoted to their daughters, and that part she appreciated.

  That both of them were telling her what to do now...not so much.

  Her mood had been spoiled for a moment, and it was clear Caleb recognized that. His continuing to eat in silence bothered her. They’d had a lovely rapport going and she wanted it back. Talking about the potential for Phase 2 wouldn’t hurt anything.

  “Seeing your house gave me some ideas for Phase 2,” she said.

  “What kind of ideas?”

  “Possibly building a half-dozen A-frames similar to yours in a heavily wooded area. That would appeal to a different type of resident than we have now.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  The return of Caleb’s smile was wonderful, too, and warmed her inside.

  Relaxing, Grace leaned in closer to him. “I’d just worry about how much of the wooded area I would have to clear.”

  “I’m the wrong guy to ask about that. I had my place built in a clearing that already existed, so I didn’t have to remove any trees. I don’t know much about planning construction myself, even if I know how to do the grunt work of building. I assume you have someone who could advise you.”

  “I do. Several someones, probably. It’s just a little early in the game, since I don’t even know if there will be a Phase 2.”

  As if warming to the topic—and to her—he edged a little closer. “If there is, and if you were to build a home for yourself, what would it b
e like? Would you want an A-frame?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe.” Her pulse picked up a beat and she felt a bit breathless with him so close. “I know I would like to bring the outdoors inside with a big screened porch. And take the indoors outside with an outdoor kitchen and living area.”

  “Sounds like you’ve put some thought into it.”

  “A little dreaming here and there.”

  She took the last bite of her sandwich and as she swallowed, he reached out and rubbed a thumb against the side of her mouth.

  Startled, she stared at him wide-eyed, and her heart thumped so hard she swore he could hear it.

  “You had a little mustard there,” he murmured.

  “Oh. Thanks.” She shrugged. “Messy eater.”

  He grinned and she couldn’t help but laugh. The easiness with which they’d started their date had returned.

  Deciding to turn the focus on him, she said, “So tell me about your classes. I really will consider taking one if I have the opportunity this summer.”

  “We’re already past midterm, so most of the students are preparing final projects. Well, hopefully they are. The good ones will come through.”

  “And the others?”

  “Some will undoubtedly fail.” Sighing, he shook his head. “I wonder why they’re there when they obviously don’t want to be. Fortunately, I’ve only seen a couple of those this year.”

  “Maybe they’re finally getting the idea that education is important to their future. And maybe you’ve had a positive influence on them.”

  He grinned at that, the softening of his rough features sending a thrill shooting through Grace. She liked seeing him like this. Natural. Easy. One with her.

  “Weekend after next,” he said, “I’m taking students out on an overnight field trip to the Ojibwe Woods between Green Meadows and the Chippewa Sparrow Lake Reservation.”

  “You’re taking your students on a camping trip?”

  He chomped into a cookie and nodded. “With sleeping bags and a bonfire. And tents for those who prefer more privacy. It’s just overnight, but it’s a way for them to get a better feel for the land, to be part of it.”

  “That sounds like a lot of fun. Not that I would know personally.” Though she had always wanted to camp while in her teens especially, she hadn’t been part of a group that was that adventurous. “I’ve never been camping.”

  Caleb started at the admission. “And here I thought you were an outdoor girl.”

  “I pretty much am. I just never had the opportunity to go camping with anyone.”

  “We can fix that.” To Grace’s surprise, he asked, “How would you like to come with my class?”

  Warmth flowed through her at his invitation, so she didn’t hesitate. “I would love to go camping with you!”

  Caleb’s return grin was infectious, and Grace found herself laughing out loud with him. She couldn’t help but think he was a man after her own heart...

  * * *

  THE INFERNAL YAPPING of a dog in the complex sent Olive flying into bed with Nellie that night, as if for protection.

  “Go back to sleep, girl,” Nellie moaned, patting the fur ball that shuddered against her.

  “Me-e-eow!”

  The complaint issued in her face popped Nellie’s eyes open. And the continued yapping made her sit up straight in bed. Alarmed, she grabbed her glasses from the nightstand, shoved them on and squinted at the clock. Twenty past midnight. What in the world was going on?

  She patted Olive, who squirmed under the covers. Grudgingly, Nellie left the comfort of her bed, slid her feet into slippers and pulled on a wrap before stumbling into her living room and peeking out the bay window. The moon was bright enough that she saw her neighbor Fran Willowby outside with her poodle, Sampson, whose voice still cut through the night as he jerked at his leash.

  Oh, dear, who could sleep through that?

  Nellie opened the door as her neighbor tried to rein in the dog. “Fran, is everything okay?”

  “No! Sampson, c’mon, please!”

  The dog stopped barking but he trembled as he stood, legs spread wide, and stared toward the wooded area, the very same area that had spooked Nellie the week before when Olive had gotten outside.

  Fran jerked on Sampson’s leash. With a final bark, he went off guard and walked with her back toward the apartment complex.

  “I’m so sorry, Nellie,” Fran said in a low whisper. She glanced over her shoulder as if looking for trouble.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Sampson woke me. He was super anxious. I figured he just needed to relieve himself, but when we got out here, he headed straight for the trees and I couldn’t stop him.”

  Not that the poodle was particularly big, but apparently he was strong enough to jerk his elderly owner around.

  Nellie swallowed hard. “But you didn’t see anything, right?”

  She noted how Fran’s eyes widened. “Um, well, something...”

  “What?”

  “I swear I saw something spooky running through the trees.”

  “Just like I did last week,” Nellie whispered.

  “Well, I don’t like it. I don’t feel safe here.”

  Nellie got that. She’d never figured what exactly had been out there. She pushed her glasses at the bridge so they settled in place on her nose, but as hard as she stared at the wooded area, she saw exactly nothing. “Did whatever it was threaten you in some way?”

  “Well, no, it didn’t come anywhere near me, but it scared me anyhow. Scared Sampson, too.” She patted her dog, who seemed to have regained his comfort zone. “I don’t like this at all, Nellie. I didn’t sign up to live with ghosts. Moving into this complex was a mistake. If this area is haunted, I’m getting out before the ghost gets me.”

  Nellie remembered having a moment like that, thinking the place really was inhabited by a ghost. But that was silly. “You don’t have to move anywhere, Fran.” And hopefully, she wouldn’t go around telling others what she’d seen or they might decide to move, as well. “There’s no such thing as a ghost! Those Spooky Tour fliers just put the idea in our minds.”

  “You don’t know that!”

  “Look, I was afraid, too, until I had time to think about it. We do have animals in these woods. Deer—”

  “No! It wasn’t a deer. I’m telling you, it was something floaty and spooky looking!”

  A thrill shot through Nellie. Just as she would have described it, too. Something that changed in shape. Undefined. Phantasmal.

  But it was definitely not a ghost, because there was no such thing.

  So what could they both have seen?

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  BY MONDAY MORNING, Grace had heard all about the new ghost sighting at Green Meadows. Gossip apparently was rife in Sparrow Lake. Probably a form of entertainment for the citizens. Only Grace wasn’t entertained. Fearful that the ridiculous rumors were going to hurt her pet project, she knew she needed to do something about them, so she decided to hear firsthand what had gone down from Nellie Martin herself.

  Halfway through the morning, she gladly abandoned her latest stack of paperwork to walk over to Nellie’s Treasures. She’d been meaning to get over to the consignment shop anyway. She believed in supporting local small businesses, and Nellie had been one of the first to move into the Green Meadows rental building, so having a look at her store was the least Grace could do. Maybe she would find something fun to buy. Glancing in the window, she loved the peek into what appeared to be a pretty boudoir with a fainting couch and vanity, the couch draped with a flowery dress and scarf, the vanity with beautiful jewelry and gloves and a spring hat.

  Nellie had just opened, so Grace was the first customer of the morning. On her way inside, she passed the rack next to the door t
hat held advertisements and fliers for local businesses. Including a stack of fliers that set her on edge. She froze there for a moment and clenched her jaw.

  “Grace, how nice to see you.”

  “Nellie!” She whirled around to face the shop owner.

  Nellie’s smile fell into a frown. “What’s wrong?”

  Grace sighed and turned back to the rack. “It’s these fliers from Spooky Tours.”

  “Oh, can you grab them? I meant to throw them away, but my hands were full when I came in.”

  Relieved, Grace scooped them up and handed them over to Nellie, who took them from her and disappeared through a doorway for a moment. When she came back into the store proper, she brushed her hands together as if satisfied she’d gotten rid of something distasteful.

  “I didn’t even know someone dropped those awful fliers in my store until I noticed them this morning. They’re making people imagine things.”

  A good intro to what was on Grace’s mind. “I heard something about another ghost sighting last night.”

  “My neighbor Fran thought she saw something in the woods.”

  “Did she describe it?”

  Nellie shrugged. “Nothing real specific. Basically she saw what I did last week. Just something moving through the trees. Something floaty. Sampson sure didn’t like it. Her dog,” Nellie clarified.

  “But it could have been another animal, then, right?”

  “I thought maybe it was a deer, but Fran said that it wasn’t.”

  “She was probably upset, so it could have been anything.”

  “That’s what I was thinking. But this morning, Lavinia Miller told me her boy Johnny came home late from basketball practice last night, sounds like right before Fran and Sampson went out for that walk. He saw something in the woods, too, something different. Swore it was black and white and big—a cow—like in that story the Spooky Tours man told everyone.”

  “If there was a cow out there, there would be hoofprints,” Grace reasoned.

  “Even if it was a ghost cow? Johnny also said there was a spooky whishing sound.”

  Grace nearly choked on that idea. “Do you really think that’s likely?”