Single Dad's Holiday Wedding. Patricia Thayer

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СКАЧАТЬ a year ago, Lori had moved her sister into her apartment while Eric served a jail sentence for drug possession and spousal abuse. This hadn’t been the first time he’d smacked Gina around, but the first conviction. That was the reason they’d planned to move out of state when Lori had been notified about Lyle’s death.

      “No, Gina, he doesn’t get out until the first of the month.”

      “Maybe he got an early release.”

      “Detective Rogers would have called you. You still have a few weeks.”

      “What about you? Are you flying home soon?”

      She knew this delay would worry Gina more. “I can’t yet. I still need to meet with the lawyer tomorrow.”

      She heard a sigh. “I’m sorry, Lori. You’ve done so much for us. You have a life of your own.”

      “No, Gina. You’re my sister. Zack is my nephew. I told you, I won’t let Eric hurt you again. But I still need a day or so to get things straightened out. Then hopefully we’ll have some money to start over and get away from Eric.” She prayed that her father had left her something. Since their mother had died a few years ago, there wasn’t anything holding them in Colorado Springs. They could go anywhere. “Think about where you and Zack want to move to.” Preferably somewhere they needed a second grade teacher.

      “No, you decide, Lori. We’ll go anywhere you want. We just can’t stay here. I won’t survive it.”

      Lori could hear the fear in her voice. “I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Now go get some sleep and give my special guy a kiss from me.”

      Lori hung up the phone and hoped everything she said was true. Unlike Lyle Hutchinson, she didn’t walk away from family.

      The next morning, Lori was up early. She was used to being at school ahead of her students to plan the day. Not anymore. Not since she’d gotten her pink slip at the start of the school year. She’d been told it was because of cutbacks and low enrollment, but she wondered if it was due to the trouble Eric had caused her at the upscale private school where she taught.

      No, she couldn’t think about that now. She needed to have a clear head for the meeting. Was Lyle Hutchinson as wealthy as people said? Normally she wouldn’t care, but it could help both her and Gina relocate to another part of the country. Somewhere Gina could raise Zack without the fear of her ex-husband coming after her again. Enough money so Lori had time to find a job.

      She drove her car to the end of First Street. A six-foot, wrought-iron fence circled the property that had belonged to the Hutchinsons for over the past hundred years. Her heart raced as she raised her eyes and saw the majestic, three-story white house perched on the hilltop surrounded by trees. Memories bombarded her as she eased past the stone pillars at the gate entrance. The gold plaque read Hutchinson House.

      She drove along the hedge-lined circular drive toward the house. She looked over the vast manicured lawn and remembered running through the thick grass, and a swing hanging from a tree out back. She parked in front of the house behind a familiar truck of Jace Yeager. Oh, no. Was the man following her?

      Then she saw him standing on the porch leaning against the ornate wrought-iron railing. He was dressed in jeans and a denim shirt and heavy work boots. Without any effort, this man managed to conjure up all sorts of fantasies that had nothing to do with business.

      She pulled herself out of her daydream. What was he doing here?

      He came down the steps to meet her.

      She got out of her car. “Jace, is there a problem?”

      He raised a hand in defense. “Mr. Bradley called me this morning. Said he needed me here for after the reading.”

      Lori was confused. “Why?”

      “I hope it’s to tell me it’s a go-ahead on the Mountain Heritage project.”

      They started up the steps when she saw a man in a khaki work uniform come around the side porch. He looked to be in his late sixties, maybe seventies. When he got closer she saw something familiar.

      “Uncle Charlie?”

      The man’s weathered face brightened as he smiled. “You remember me, Miss Lorelei?”

      “Of course I do. You built me my tree swing.” She felt tears sting her eyes. “You let me help plant flowers, too.”

      He nodded and gripped her hands in his. “That was a lot of years ago, missy. You were a tiny bit of a thing.” His tired eyes locked on hers. “You’ve turned into a beautiful young lady.” His grip tightened. “I’m so sorry about your father.”

      Before Lori could say anything more, another car pulled up. Paige Larkin stepped out of her SUV. Briefcase in hand, she walked up the steps toward them.

      They shook hands and Paige spoke briefly to Charlie before the man walked off. Paige turned to Jace. “So you’ve been summoned, too.”

      “I got a call from Bradley first thing this morning.”

      Paige frowned. “Dennis must have a reason for wanting you here.” She turned back to her client. “Let’s not speculate until we hear what’s in Lyle’s will.”

      Lori nodded and together they walked up to the large porch, where greenery filled the pots on either side of the wide door with the leaded glass panels.

      She knew that her great-great-grandfather had built this house during the height of the mining era. It was said that Raymond Hutchinson never trusted banks. That was why he didn’t lose much during the Great Depression.

      They went inside the huge entry with high-gloss hardwood floors. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling and underneath was a round table adorned with a large vase of fresh-cut flowers. The winding staircase circled up to the second story, the banister of hand-carved oak. Cream and deep maroon brocade wallpaper added a formality to the space.

      Lori released a breath. “Oh, my.”

      She was reminded of Jace’s presence when he let out a low whistle. “Nice.”

      “Do you remember this house?” Paige asked.

      “Not much. I spent most of my time in the sunroom off the kitchen.”

      Paige shook her head. “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes yours. And then you can go anywhere in it you want.”

      Lori started to tell her she didn’t want any part of this house when a thin woman came rushing into the room. Her gray hair was pulled back into a bun. She looked familiar as she smiled and her hazel eyes sparkled. Lori suddenly recognized her.

      “Maggie?” she managed to say.

      The woman nodded with watery eyes. “Miss Lorelei.”

      “I can’t believe it.” Lori didn’t hesitate, and went and hugged the woman. It felt good to be wrapped in the housekeeper’s arms again. Years ago, Maggie had been her nanny.

      “It’s good to have you home.” The older woman СКАЧАТЬ