The Moore Sisters of Montana: The Complete Series Box Set: Books 1-4

by Ann B. Harrison

  Dakota held it up, wiggled her fingers in her half-sister’s face, flexed them a few times to prove she was okay. “Not too bad actually. The cold weather is always going to be hard with the circulation but it’s something I can deal with. Much better alternative than having two fingers amputated.”

  Even though they hadn’t grown up together the girls were still close. The years living with her drug addicted mother after their divorce and her father’s subsequent new marriage, hadn’t turned Mari bitter toward her half-sisters.

  “I wish you’d let me unpack for you. I could have saved you all this work.” She pointed to the boxes and the wrapping paper that littered the floor.

  “Thank you but you know I want to do it myself. My mom and Dad smothered me after the accident. I know they meant well but it got to the stage where I didn’t think I’d ever be able to look after myself again if I didn’t leave. Unpacking and setting up this house is going to be good for me.”

  She looked up at the ceiling, listening to her nephew squealing with glee as he watched the movie his mother had set up in the loft bedroom for him. “I love hearing that child so happy.” The scars no longer worried her as they had when she’d first seen what the surgeons had managed to do for her. Ragged lines of shiny skin ran across the back of her left hand, crisscrossed over all but her index finger. They would fade with time but Dakota was realistic. Her scars were there to stay.

  Mari smiled. “Me too. When Rake died five years ago, I had horrible visions of Noah growing up missing him terribly and not being able to come to terms with being a fatherless child. But since he was so little when it happened, he’s coping much better without a father figure than I hoped.” She curled her legs underneath her and leaned back on the couch, a glass of wine in one hand, the fire crackling in the grate. Vanilla scented candles now sat in glass containers in the window filling the room with the warm comforting smell. Dakota had found it impossible to ignore the boxes after Adam had left and managed to get through two before her sister arrived.

  “Once you get acquainted with your foster parents again, he’ll have more family and that’ll go some way toward making up for it. That was the idea for you moving here in the first place. Have you seen them yet?” Dakota sipped her wine and watched her sister’s reaction. The crackle of the wood fire seemed louder than it should have been when there was no immediate response.

  Finally Mari spoke. “No. they’re away overseas and won’t be back for weeks which is good in a way. Gives me time to settle in and think about how I’m going to approach them. They were great foster parents and I didn’t appreciate that enough. Looking back, I can’t believe I gave them so much trouble. They may not even want to see me, and I wouldn’t blame them in the slightest. Have you thought of that?”

  She put her glass down and pulled a tissue from the box on the table in front of her, dropping her head into her hands.

  “You’re scared, you poor thing.” Dakota moved over to Mari and sat with her arm around her shoulders, wondering why she hadn’t noticed the frailness in her before. Mari put on a good front and she suspected she always had. “Do you really think they’ll take it that badly, hold your past against you? I mean, surely they’ll want to see Noah and you too for that matter. Once they know what happened of course, why you ran away.”

  “I caused them nothing but trouble when my mom died and they took me in. I don’t see them welcoming me with open arms after what I put them through. I’m sure when they know I’m here they’ll avoid me like the plague. I don’t blame them. I’d do the same if I was them.” She rubbed the heels of her hands into her eyes and sniffed. “I’ll be fine and so will Noah. When the time is right I’ll tell them what happened and why we left Cherry Lake. Until then, I’m going to concentrate on my business and try to get involved in the community again. I want us to belong, Dakota.”

  “You always belonged, Mari. You just never let yourself believe it.” Dakota smoothed her hand down the back of her sister’s head.

  Mari smiled and took a breath. “This move is about you. We have to get you back into the land of the living, make new friends and get your business up and running again.”

  “Funny thing is, that’s exactly what you should be doing too.”

  Mari nodded her head. “You’re right. One day at a time for both of us.”

  Dakota clasped her hands together, excitement, anticipation tinged with a sliver of fear racing up her neck. “Can I show you something? And if I do, will you promise to be honest and not sugarcoat your remarks because of my accident and the whole debacle with my fiancé dumping me?”

  “Sure. You know I always tell the truth. What is it, show me?” She got off the blue-and-white striped couch and pulled Dakota up with her, a mischievous grin breaking out on her tear stained face.

  “Follow me. When I was recuperating, Dad wouldn’t let me get my tools out of storage. Claimed it would be cruel to let me try and make jewelry when my hand wouldn’t work properly. So I bought a basic tool set online and started working on something I already had in the early stages of production before the accident. Something completely different to my jewelry that I didn’t tell anyone about. You’re the first to see them.”

  “Ooh I like that.” They gave a conspiratorial giggle and a bump of hips.

  They hurried into the workroom and Dakota flipped open the lid on the packing box on her workbench she’d put aside earlier. She took a tissue wrapped object out and placed it on the table, turning to Mari. “You have to promise to be honest.”

  “Scout’s honor.” She lifted her fingers in the scout salute and grinned. “Come on, already.”

  Dakota unwrapped the decoration, her heart pounding and held it out to her sister.

  “Oh my goodness.” Mari took the fragile glass and copper angel, held it up to the light and watched the rainbows dart over the ceiling as the decoration spun on its golden thread. “That is so beautiful. I’m so envious of your talent, honey.”

  “You really like it?” She analyzed it as it swung, noting the blues and purples in the copper edging, wondering if she should have used a different metal and made them brighter. Perhaps silver would have been a better idea but the copper had appealed to her sense of color matching, thinking it would make a good replacement for gold. That metal would have put the ornaments beyond the average person’s wallet and that wasn’t what she was aiming for with this new collection. She wanted something anyone could afford. Something worthy of being handed down generation after generation.

  “Its stunning, Dakota. Really stunning. Did you do the glass yourself?”

  “No, definitely not my forte. I buy all the components from a factory in Egypt and let my imagination take over. Welding them together with copper makes for a really luxurious bauble, I think.”

  Mari smiled her agreement, holding the angel up again. “This isn’t a bauble, honey. It’s a work of art. I should hire you to make me a heap of these for the hotel. We need to showcase your talents. Even if you can’t go back to making the finer jewelry you used to make, these would sell like crazy.”

  “I’m kind of hoping so too. I’ve already got together a website to see if they take off, still under the Glitterz label. The response has been huge but I’m not taking orders yet, just testing the market, putting out feelers. Each one is unique, same as all of my creations. I’m going to launch it once I take some more photos of what I’ve done so far.”

  “I can tell you for a fact that you will be worked off of your feet once word gets out. And with Christmas fast approaching, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.” Mari held the angel in her hand. “I have an idea. There’s a meeting at the hotel this week. Some of the locals want to try and raise money for the Grange. It’s run-down and Mr. Clement senior wants to try and band the town together and see if they can save it before it’s too late. Every year that goes by is a year lost that they can’t get back and something else deteriorates beyond repair. You should come. Be a great chance to meet everyone
and you could put your hand up to help.”

  “I don’t know. I’d rather have time to find my feet and ease into the community slowly. I don’t want to roll in like a steam engine and make my presence known by taking over.” She took the angel back and wrapped it in the tissue, placing it in the box for safe keeping.

  Mari gave a chuckle. “I know something that you don’t.” She leaned her elbows on the workbench and grinned.

  With a roll of her eyes, Dakota gave in. “Spill it, Sis.”

  “I had a look around the Grange earlier today. Adam gave me the tour because he’s had to take over from his father for now and they think my hotel would be a good place to hold all the meetings. For my part I only have to supply them with snacks, they’ll buy their own drinks but I couldn’t refuse, especially not once I saw what they’re trying to preserve.”

  “You wouldn’t anyway. It’s not in your nature and you want…”

  “To belong, yes exactly. The Grange is a mess but I believe fixable if they can raise the money. Great bones and a terrific meeting place for the town.” Her lips curved in a small smile. “But what might interest you are the chandeliers. Two beauties that are screaming out for loving repairs.” She pointed to the wrapped angel. “This makes me think you could do it.”

  “Really? I’ve never tackled anything like that before.” The thought of doing repair work on something as old as they must be piqued her interest. “I’d love to go and have a look.”

  “I can show you tomorrow or better still, get Adam to. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  Dakota shook her head. “I don’t want to bother him. He’s a busy man.”

  A laugh filled the room. “Cherry Lake is not Los Angeles, Dakota. It’s not that busy that he can’t take ten minutes off to show you the Grange. Honestly, it’ll be fine.”

  Dakota’s mind started going over the possibilities.

  “Let’s get dinner going. I need to get Noah to bed before he falls asleep on me. The child is growing up and getting heavier by the day. I don’t want to have to carry him up the stairs when I get home to the hotel.”

  “I can’t wait to see it in the flesh. The photos you sent Mom and Dad of the hotel were awesome. So much you can do to make it a fabulous wedding destination too. You’re lucky you and Rake were financially secure before he died.”

  “Yes, I am. Come over whenever you like. Can’t wait to show you around.”

  The next morning Dakota woke up in her new bedroom and stretched before looking out the window. From where she lay nestled in her pillows, it gave her the feeling she was floating on Flathead Lake, peaceful and soothing. Just what she needed after the turmoil of L.A. She rubbed the side of her hand, got the blood flowing before flexing her fingers. They were much better and she gave a small prayer of thanks.

  The thought of not having all four fingers and thumb after the horrific car accident she’d been in had left her in such a panic that she’d said if she could keep them, she’d treat every day as a blessing and do what she could for anyone she met. Pay if forward with kindness. That was a promise she had every intention of keeping and it looked as though she already had an opening with the community project.

  Dakota threw back the blankets, slid out of bed and padded down the hallway to the kitchen. Tiny pranced around her feet until she opened the back door. “Stay home, little poodle.” The dog ran outside, did her business and made a beeline for the bushes and started sniffing.

  Once the coffee machine started to warm up, Dakota scurried to the bathroom for a quick shower, reveling in the fact that for the first time in months, she was on her own again. In her own space to do as she pleased. Even the loss of her beautiful condo couldn’t dampen her spirits this morning. She dressed in winter running gear with a warm jacket and carried her runners and gloves into the kitchen. Tiny lay in the sunshine in the middle of the lawn sunning herself and Dakota left her there while the first cup of coffee hit her bloodstream.

  “Let’s go for a walk and explore our new town.” Dakota jiggled the lead and Tiny came running. She slid her cell phone into her jacket pocket, walked out the front door ready to take on whatever the day threw at her. Sunlight shimmered over the lake as she crossed over to the sandy shore. The fresh clean smell of the water went a long way to making her feel invigorated and ready for exercise despite the cold. Few people were out this early but that didn’t deter her. She started a brisk walk toward the main road, Tiny prancing beside her. A jogger ran by her, called out a greeting as they passed.

  After half an hour of brisk walking, Dakota spied the real estate office. Yesterday when she’d arrived, all she could think of was getting her keys and finding her cottage. Exploring held no interest, she was too tired and wound up after her long drive. Today she wanted to see what the town had to offer. Now seemed like as good a time as any to poke her nose into different shops and see what was available.

  Tiny kept pace as they crossed the road. Dakota smiled greetings to those she passed and walked down the street taking in the sights and smells of Cherry Lake. She spied Adam jogging toward her and raised a hand in greeting. “Good morning.”

  He stopped and bent over, catching his breath. His T-shirt was damp with sweat and clung to his skin, showing off a very trim, fit body. Baggy track pants hung low on his hips giving her a peek at a flat stomach. He grinned at her, a sexy heartwarming smile that had her heart thumping. He really was having an unexpected effect on her. Lousy timing though.

  “Good morning, Ms. Moore.”

  “Dakota, please. You did say this was a friendly town, no point in trying to be too stuffy. Besides, we’ve already had a drink together, we can hardly act formal after our first unofficial date.” She grinned as Tiny pirouetted in front of Adam for attention.

  “Ah, I see what you meant yesterday.” He crouched down and ran his fingers over her head, paying attention to her ears. “So very soft.”

  “Yes it is. And she doesn’t shed like most dogs do which is a win-win for me.”

  Adam stood up, grinned down at her. “How did you sleep? It must have been weird to wake up to boxes everywhere.”

  “Very well, thank you and yes, I can’t wait to open the boxes. It’s a gorgeous cottage and it’ll be fun to get reacquainted with my goods. I slept like the dead and woke ready to discover the joys of Cherry Lake. Seemed like a good idea to have an early morning walk.”

  He pointed down past his office. “If you head down there a little bit you can get the best coffee and waffles for breakfast you’ve ever had. I’ll vouch for that. There’s a dress shop, a hair salon and a pharmacy, as well as a gift shop. Go across a couple of streets and the library and council buildings are there. Down the other direction heading toward Poulson, you’ll find a much larger range of shops and businesses. All run by friendly locals and that’s where your sister’s new business is in case you didn’t already know.” He paused to wave at someone that drove past before turning back to her again. “The Lake Hotel is a landmark in the area. Not sure how she managed to get the owners to sell. I have the feeling it became too much for the old couple. Too much work and ongoing problems with staff. She’ll have her work cut out for her bringing it back up to scratch. I wish her all the best. It’s a beautiful hotel.”

  “And she’s thrilled to bits as well. It was a timing thing apparently. I’ll go over there later. Right now, the coffee and waffles sound like what I need. Thanks.”

  Two teens on bikes came pedaling madly toward them and skidded to a halt, spitting up gravel from the edge of the sidewalk. Tiny huddled behind Dakota’s legs whimpering.

  “Hey, Adam.”

  “Cory, you trying to get someone killed with that thing?”

  “Nah, I know how to ride. We wanted to catch you before you started work. Coach Miller called my dad last night.” He smiled at his friend and nudged him with his elbow. “Said to tell you he’ll be in touch about the coaching clinic. My dad said you’re pretty cool doing what you did yesterday and thanks for offer
ing to help out. He’s more excited than I am about you bringing some of your famous teammates down here to help us kids improve our game. Coach wants to talk to you about it too.”

  Adam’s cheeks had colored and Dakota looked at him with fresh eyes. The cute guy had a soft side too. That was interesting. It would be if she was interested, that is. Which she wasn’t. Not yet.

  “It’s not a promise, Cory. Merely a suggestion but as I said, I’ll do what I can to get some of the guys to agree. I don’t know how long I’m here for so it will all have to fall together in a short amount of time or it’s a no-go.”

  “Yeah, sure. But you’ll do your best, right?”

  “Of course I will. I’d hardly have mentioned it if I didn’t want to make it work. And tell your dad I’m glad to be of help.” He cleared his throat. “Cory, I want you to meet Dakota Moore. She’s renting the gray cottage.”

  “Yeah, I know. Granddad told me.” He bent down and let Tiny sniff his hand before he ruffled her head. “Your dog came and saw me this morning. She’s pretty cute.”

  “I didn’t know that. I thought she was out the back when I was in the shower. Feel free to send her home if she comes back again. I don’t want her going on the road.”

  “Sure thing.” He nudged his friend. “Okay, gotta go and get the others to practice what you showed us before Coach catches us larking around town. No such things as days off, he reckons.”

  “I agree with him. Get practicing and put that helmet on. Lot of good it will do hanging on the handlebars.”

  Groans of protest came from Cory as he slammed the helmet on his head.

  “I might see you later and say hi to your grandfather and dad for me.” Adam grinned as they sped off toward the school grounds.

  “Cute kids. Coaching class and famous team members, what is it that you do exactly? You did say but I’m not sure I got the idea.”

  “Soccer, Seattle Sounders to be exact. Look, you don’t want to join me for a coffee, do you? I haven’t had one yet and I can introduce you around. I’ll understand if you don’t want to, I’ve been running and could probably use a shower before I get close to anyone.”