THE EMAIL IN Mitch’s inbox was from the historical society.
It was a reply back to his query from two weeks ago.
Since Laurel had agreed to marry him, or him her, depending upon who you asked, Holden had left as soon as the pass to Boise was open, taking the sulking Dragon Lady with him.
Although Dr. Carlisle hadn’t accepted the position of town physician, she hadn’t had Shane, Zeke or Roy arrested. In fact, she claimed the two days she was at the inn were the best two days of sleep she’d had in months.
Gabby’s nose had emerged from the bruises, as small and pert as ever. Those bruises had earned her the respect of her elementary school peers, but she was glad to have her old face return. She hadn’t worn makeup since. What she had done was dedicate her evenings to knitting scarves. She might make enough to buy a phone yet.
Laurel and Sophie were making slow progress on their retail endeavors across the road. During breaks in the snow, others in Second Chance came to help put the buildings in order. Flip and Odette had agreed to sell their work, and Roy had agreed to help Sophie go through other buildings to find items to sell.
Laurel entered the inn with Shane and the twins. The boys shucked their boots and jackets and ran across the room to Zeke, begging him for a game of checkers. Shane was wearing a new pair of sensible snow boots. He had yet to wear a pair of blue jeans or snow pants, but there was hope for him yet.
Laurel came to stand beside Mitch, wrapping her arms around him. “Shane, I don’t want you to drive me to my doctor’s appointment. The last thing I need is my doctor upset to see her would-be kidnapper.”
Mitch covered one of her arms with one of his as his heart filled with the love of her presence, especially at the feel of an ever-growing baby bump. “Since I’m going to be Laurel’s labor coach, I’m the only one allowed to drive her to the doctor.”
“Dr. Carlisle was our best and only lead.” Shane flopped onto the couch. “We have to keep things running smoothly here if we want to convince Holden that Second Chance is worth preserving. My consultant’s report is due in three weeks and who knows what he’ll recommend.”
Mitch opened the email. He had to read it three times before the words sank in: Second Chance was a candidate for historical protection.
“Does that email say...?” Laurel leaned over his shoulder to read the missive.
“Uh, Shane.” Mitch grinned. “You might want to come over here. I found just what we need to save Second Chance.”
In case you missed the first installment of
The Mountain Monroes, check out
Kissed by the Country Doc
by Melinda Curtis,
available at www.Harlequin.com!
Coming next, sparks fly for
Sophie and Zeke in
Rescued by the Perfect Cowboy!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Almost a Bride by Rula Sinara.
Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!
Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003