Discovering Sophie (40 page)

Images of Thomas flitted through her mind. He loved money and expensive things. He also hated parting with that money to pay alimony and child support. At twenty-seven, the last thing Ellie had ever dreamed about was being a divorced, single mother. She’d married Thomas right after her twenty-first birthday. Eighteen months later, she gave birth to Cade. When Cade was only three weeks old, Thomas told her he had a girlfriend and wanted a divorce.

Betsy nudged her with her arm, cutting into the dark memories. “I’m baking bread right now, and then I’m planning on taking over a welcome basket. Do you want to come with me?”

Ellie’s mouth watered just thinking about the fresh-baked bread. “I can’t. After I pick Cade up from preschool, I’m taking him into Denver to the children’s museum.” She gave a deep sigh when she remembered what she had to do. The forty-five minute drive to the city would probably be a good time to tell Cade about the canceled trip to Disneyland. “We won’t be home until this evening.”

“Hey, you sound like you’re a little upset. Is everything okay?” Betsy asked. Although Betsy was twice her age, she was Ellie’s best friend.

Shaking her head, Ellie heaved another defeated sigh. “No. Thomas called this morning—he’s not coming to take Cade to California.”

“What?” Betsy’s naturally happy face clouded with anger. “You know, if I ever meet that man face to face …well, maybe the next time he’s here, I’ll sic all four of my boys on him.”

Ellie grinned. The Stewart boys were as mild mannered as the pastor. “Don’t worry, my brothers told me to call them the next time he pulled something like this. They’d like a little time alone with him, and I don’t think it’s just to talk.” Really, her big brothers wanted a chance to knock some sense into him. Too bad both boys lived out of state and were never around when Thomas did make a visit.

Betsy chuckled. “Your brothers are just looking out for their little sister.” She patted Ellie on the back. “Honey, we just need to find you a man.”

Ellie grimaced. “Please don’t! The last thing I need is a man.” Having been thrown back into the dating world, Ellie hated being back on the market, so to speak. She hated how everyone seemed to think she needed help dating and finding another husband. She didn’t want anyone else—not after what Thomas had done to her. It would be a struggle to trust a man ever again. The wounds he’d inflicted still hadn’t completely healed.

Betsy smiled at her knowingly. “Ellie Garrett, you are a beautiful woman, and I know the Lord is preparing someone special for you.”

Why did everyone think that? She’d already had a husband, thank you very much. As for her beauty…it wasn’t enough to keep him from leaving.

“Hey, I’d better go inside to shower.” She avoided Betsy’s eyes by looking at her watch. “Cade’s class is out in thirty minutes.”

Betsy laughed and nudged her in the shoulder again. “I get it. You don’t want to talk about it right now.”

Ellie took a couple of steps backward. “That’s why I like you so much.”

“Yeah,” Betsy said with another laugh. “I said right now. You and I need to have another talk, young lady.”

“Did I just say I liked you?”

Betsy grinned and waggled her finger. “You
love
me. By the way, I made an extra loaf of bread for you and Cade.”

“You’re right. I do love you.”

Ellie decided to leave while she had the chance. She turned toward her house and waved goodbye. “Have fun today.”

Fifteen minutes later, Ellie left to get Cade. As she drove out of the cul-de-sac, she passed a white Denali. At the stop sign, she glanced in her rearview mirror. The SUV turned into the driveway next to the moving truck. It was probably the new owners.

Ellie paused as she debated about whether or not to wait and see who the new neighbors were. When they didn’t immediately get out of the vehicle, she pressed on the gas and made a left turn.

Her curiosity could wait. Cade couldn’t.

* * *

Nick Coulter grinned as he made the last turn toward his new home, and the GPS declared he made it to his destination. His phone buzzed just as he pulled in beside the moving truck. Grabbing the phone from its cradle, he saw the name on the screen and thought about declining the call. His manager, Alec Lawson, would put a damper on his good mood.

Nick’s thumb hovered over the decline button. He probably should answer it, especially since he had promised to return the call a couple of hours ago. He pressed to accept. “Hey, Alec. Sorry I didn’t call you back.”

Alec snorted. “Yeah, right.”

Nick leaned back in his seat and stretched out his legs. “No really. I’ve been busy driving. And thank you for asking, but yes, I made it safely.”

“Wonderful. How is Pleasure Garden?”

Nick rolled his eyes. “
Pleasant
Wood
.”

“Whatever.”

He glanced out the window at the tall maple shading the driveway. “It’s beautiful. Retirement is going to be awesome.”

Alec let out another sarcastic laugh. “Don’t get too relaxed. You’ve got a packed schedule and a few proposals to look over. Incidentally, I still think we should do a press release right away about your move to Colorado. The news would get your name out there and boost your revenue.”

Nick thought about having a few days without the media knowing about his new location. That would be better than the Colorado Smashburger he hoped to have for dinner. “Nah, let’s keep it until next week like we planned.”

Alec let out a deep breath. “I still can’t believe you opted for Podunkville instead of L.A. Do you know what you’re missing?”

Yeah. Life in the fast lane. At thirty-four, Nick, a recently retired pro-football player was ready to settle down. The rural community outside of Denver had been home to his best friend and college roommate, Jared Huntsman. Whenever Nick had needed a break from his crazy life in California, Jared’s house had been like a refuge.

Then, six years ago, Jared and his wife had been killed by a drunk driver. Their deaths had changed Nick. Suddenly, he hadn’t felt as invincible. He had taken a good, hard look at his life, and didn’t like what he had found. All the money and fame he’d gained over the years had filled every part of him, leaving no room for his Christian faith.

Days after the funeral, Nick had gone home to stay with his parents for a few weeks. There he’d found the solace he was seeking, and had come away with a renewed commitment to his faith.

Although Nick loved his parents, when it had come time for him to retire, Pleasant Wood, Colorado had sounded more appealing to him than staying in California. Plus, it was where he was supposed to be. A decision confirmed by prayer.

“I won’t be missing anything, Alec.”

“I really don’t get you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Nick, ABC sent over another request. Are you sure—”

“I’m not doing it. I can find a wife on my own.” ABC wanted Nick to be their next bachelor. Having seen previous episodes of
The Bachelor
, Nick had declined the offer. Despite what everyone thought, sitting in a hot tub with more than a dozen scantily clad women vying for a rose was not his idea of having a good time. No amount of whining on Alec’s part was going to change Nick’s mind.

“You’re kidding?” Alec said sharply. “Do you have any idea how much money this could get you?”

“We’ve already talked about this. I’m not doing it.”

“Fine. Make sure you read the email with your schedule for the next month. Call me if anything comes up.”

The phone went silent. It wasn’t the first time Alec had hung up on him, so it didn’t offend Nick. His relationship with his manager wasn’t exactly symbiotic, but Alec did play a valuable part in Nick’s life. He had saved Nick’s reputation a few years ago, making him forever in his manager’s debt.

Nick slanted forward and propped his hands and chin atop the steering wheel, his eyes sliding over the beautiful home. He purchased the house sight unseen because it fit the needs he’d requested. In all honesty, it was too large a house for a single man. However, he needed the square footage to host the mandatory parties required to maintain his charity foundation which helped underprivileged kids throughout the United States.

Anxious to be out of the car, he climbed out of the Denali and made his way to the front door. He stepped into the large entryway and looked around. It was a beautiful home—sparsely decorated, though. Why hadn’t he listened to his mother and hired a decorator before moving in? He made a mental note to call his mom later. She’d said something about having a friend who could help him.

The two men from the moving company came down the stairs. Larry grinned and stuck out his hand. “All done, Mr. Coulter.”

“Thanks.” Nick gave him a firm handshake. “You guys were fast.”

He pulled his check book out of his back pocket and had the men follow him into the kitchen where he wrote out the check. As he handed it to Larry, he reminded both men about the bonuses they’d receive if his move wasn’t leaked to the press.

Offering the men the extra money was one way to ensure his privacy until his new location was revealed. His realtor valued word-of-mouth references and wouldn’t dare to jeopardize his reputation. The only other person who knew his identity was Pastor Stewart. He happened to live across the street and, like everyone else, vowed to keep Nick’s confidentiality.

After thanking them again, he stood on the sidewalk and waved goodbye as the truck turned the corner, disappearing from his sight. With his hands on his hips, he glanced around and took in his surroundings. The neighborhood was beautiful and secluded. Just what he’d wanted.

It appeared to be empty right now. Really empty. And quiet. Despite what he’d just told his manager, part of him had kind of hoped for a welcome-to-Colorado party.

As the former quarterback for the Sacramento Defenders, he was used to the media and the fans. He hated to admit if he’d gone ahead with the press conference, he’d definitely have a welcoming committee. But that was not why he’d moved here. Instead, he wanted peace and quiet. Normal.

He looked around again and felt…
lonely?
No. He was just a little tired. As he turned to go back inside his house, he heard a door slam. Looking across the street, he saw a woman coming toward him. She wore a big smile and carried a basket on her arm. As she drew closer, he could see she was probably about his mother’s age. He wondered if this was the pastor’s wife.

“Hello!” She waved with enthusiasm, crossing the street.

Nick raised his hand to wave at her. At least somebody was going to welcome him to the neighborhood.

“Hello,” she said again as she drew closer.

“Hi. I’m Nick, your new neighbor.”

“Well, I’ll be.” The woman stopped dead in her tracks. “Owen is in so much trouble.”

Under A Georgia Moon

By

Cindy Roland Anderson

Chapter One

Three
months. That’s all it had taken for Addie Heywood’s ex-fiancé to marry Flaxseed Oil Girl. Three lousy months.

Addie swallowed hard as she glared at the invitation, noting Brandon looked almost exactly the same as he’d looked in
their
wedding announcement only a few months earlier. But this time the girl smiling up at him was a blonde—completely opposite of Addie’s deep auburn hair.

She’d heard Brandon was engaged, but part of her didn’t believe he’d go through with it. That maybe he had commitment issues, and it hadn’t just been her…well, her and—according to Brandon and his fanatical health food code—her unhealthy eating habits that had caused him to dump her three weeks before their December wedding.

Her eyes scanned the fancy script and she noted the nuptials had taken place two weeks ago in San Diego. An open house was scheduled for next week at his parents’ house. That surprised her. When Brandon dumped her, he’d also dumped their small Idaho town, claiming he wouldn’t be back in Daisy Springs anytime soon.

Oh yeah, that was another thing he didn’t like about Addie. She was too attached to her family and to Daisy Springs.

Addie glanced up at her big sister, Chellie, and handed her the embellished paper. “I wonder if their wedding cake was loaded with antioxidants and was sweetened with Stevia?”

“Really?” Chellie took the card and narrowed her eyes at Addie. “That’s all you’re wondering?”

No. She also wondered if the rumors were true and Brandon’s wife was now four months pregnant which meant he’d been doing more than sharing organic recipes with another woman while engaged to Addie. She also wondered if his belated nuptials coincided with the first week in March because he planned on going to Hawaii with his new wife—the postponed honeymoon trip they’d booked for Addie and him to take once he finished his bar exams.

“Well.” She shrugged and tried not to show the hurt she still felt. “I guess I wonder if the cake tasted good.”

Her sister tossed the invitation on the countertop. “Addison, why can’t you just talk about your feelings?”

If her sister was using her full name, it meant she was in “mother mode,” but right now she needed Chellie to be in “friend mode.” That was the whole reason she opted to stop by her house to open the invitation.

“Okay. I
feel
strongly that a wedding cake should not have flaxseed oil or spinach in it.” She made a face. “Yuck.”

Addie hoped to make her sister laugh, not look at her with pity. She was so tired of pity. Since that fateful day when Brandon announced he couldn’t marry her because he’d found someone else more compatible with his obsessive health food tastes, Addie had been the recipient of more than enough stares and whispers from people who felt sorry for her.

Slipping past her sister, Addie served herself a piece of chocolate cake with gooey marshmallows melted under a thick layer of chocolate frosting. Even at the age of twenty-four, if Addie was going to get into her “feelings” and all that, she needed a sugar boost.