A Father For Bella. Jill Weatherholt

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       Chapter One

      “After a cold day on the slopes, come in for a warm stay at the Black Bear Inn and Ski Resort in Whispering Slopes, voted Shenandoah Valley’s most popular inn.” The radio advertisement warmed Joshua Carlson’s heart as thoughts of his mother filled his mind. The Black Bear Inn—her favorite place. He had to save it.

      He hit the turn signal on his silver luxury sedan. The rear wheels spun on a patch of ice as he continued up the steep driveway. A dusting of snow covered the manicured hedges lining the grounds. Puffs of smoke billowed from two massive chimneys and drifted toward the picturesque snowcapped mountains encompassing the property. Mahogany rocking chairs filled the wraparound porch on the two-story brick-and-stone home.

      He zipped into the last available parking space. Good sign—the place was busy. No surprise there, because his father never owned anything that didn’t make his wallet bulge.

      Joshua stepped out of the car and pulled the crisp mountain air deep into his lungs. He’d always loved the smell of fresh pine. For the first time in months, his shoulders relaxed while he repeated slow and even breaths. The bitter divorce had taken a toll on him both physically and emotionally. He sauntered up the sidewalk, forgoing his luggage for now. He gripped the icy doorknob, wishing he’d worn gloves.

      The pine floor gleamed as he crossed the threshold of the front entrance. He inhaled the citrus aroma filling the air. A winding staircase led to the second floor, where he spied a young couple sneaking a kiss—probably newlyweds. I wonder how long that will last. He shook away the negative thought. Not every relationship ends with your first and only love walking out the door.

      “Bella! Where are you?”

      With a jerk, he bolted to the back of the inn toward a woman’s frantic scream.

      “Bella!”

      Joshua СКАЧАТЬ