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“Once your roommate decided to settle here, she certainly embraced our little community.” Mrs. Barbee slanted a sideways glance at A
“Stacie likes to keep busy.” A
“Yes, well.” Mrs. Barbee’s lips pursed together. “Hopefully you can convince her to use some of that boundless energy for projects that benefit the Lord, as well.”
“I’m sure she will, once the wedding is out of the way.” The wedding, or rather the bachelorette party, had been the main reason for A
A smile lifted her lips at the realization that in only four short weeks, Stacie would marry local rancher Josh Collins. When she’d brought her two friends to Sweet River for a brief stay, she’d never expected one of them to fall in love, buy a diner and decide to make this small town in southern Montana her permanent home.
Of course, A
Thankfully she came to her senses before the questions made their way past her lips. Satisfying her curiosity wouldn’t be worth the price she’d pay for the information. One simple question and by nightfall, it would be all over town that A
So, instead of treading on dangerous ground, A
The next time she saw Mitch Donavan she wouldn’t run. She’d walk over and very politely say hello. After all, she wasn’t a spineless wuss. She was a mature, confident woman. It was time she started acting like one.
A
When she’d gotten home from her visit with Pastor Barbee, her roommate, Lauren Van Meveren, had been waiting. The psychologist had a
“Meet Mr. Right.” Lauren flashed a bright smile. “Survey says…the two of you are perfect for each other.”
A distant clap of thunder punctuated the comment. A
Lauren looked up from the lemonade she was pouring and chuckled. “I know. You are so lucky. The guy is superhot.”
There wasn’t a woman alive who’d argue with that. From the time Mitch had been a small boy in Sweet River, Montana, the black-haired child with brilliant blue eyes had turned female heads. His rugged good looks coupled with a standoffish attitude had certainly caught her eye. And with the confidence of a seventeen-year-old beauty queen used to getting her way, A
Lauren’s blond brows pulled together when A
“I do.” A
Staring into the pale yellow liquid in the glass, A
“Is something wrong with him?” Lauren pressed. “Should I drop him from the study?”
A
“Mitch’s family didn’t have the best reputation but he’s a good guy.” A gust of wind off the Crazy Mountains ruffled the napkins on the table but, consumed by her own storm of emotions, A
A
“I hope you’re not hesitating because you think your brother had something to do with the match,” Lauren said finally. “I’d never compromise my research data…not even for Seth.”
Though Lauren’s words were matter-of-fact, A
Lauren was the most ethical person A
In order to gather the necessary data, Lauren needed immediate access to lots of single males. A
“Even without your participation, I should have an adequate sampling.” Lauren’s lips curved in satisfaction. “Thanks to Seth.”
A
She stole another glance at his photo. Her heart fluttered in her throat at the thick dark hair and penetrating blue eyes she remembered so well. There was a maturity to his face that hadn’t been there at twenty. The fine lines which now fa
“I can tell you’re interested.” Lauren’s tone turned teasing. “You need to give your brother’s friend a chance.”
A
And even if she was interested, A
“Okay.” Lauren shrugged and took a sip of lemonade. “I’ll throw you both back into the mix.”
“You can put him in but leave me out.” A
The excuse sounded convincing. And it was true. She was busy. Several months ago, she’d taken a position helping out local attorney Alexander Darst. The job was supposed to be only part-time, but lately she’d been at the office more than she’d been home.
“We’ll be heading back to Colorado soon, anyway,” A
“Don’t remind me.” Lauren glanced around and for a second her expression turned wistful. “I’m really going to miss this town. And this house.”
A
“By the way, how did the estimates come out?” Lauren asked.
The question pulled A
“Shocking. Horrible.” When A