Behind Farrell’s home, deeper into the woods, sat a charming dollhouse of a cabin, constructed of rough-hewn logs. It was perfect in every way, and when Ivy stepped out of the car and inhaled, the scent of freshly cut wood assailed her nose.
“This is it,” Katie said, looking over the top of the car at Ivy. “Do you think you and Dolly will be comfortable here?”
Ivy wanted to laugh incredulously. The setting was sheer wonder. “Who wouldn’t be?” she said calmly. “It looks perfect.”
The inside was even better than the outside. The cabin was small, barely eight hundred square feet. Two neat bedrooms with a shared bath between. A compact kitchen with the latest appliances. And a comfy living room with a couch, two matching armchairs and a real wood-burning fireplace.
Someone—Farrell, maybe—had stacked a neat pile of firewood near the hearth. A wooden crate filled with kindling and a mason jar of matches flanked the opposite side.
Ivy felt tears burn her eyelids. She held them back by sheer force of will. Katie wouldn’t understand, and Ivy didn’t have it in her to explain. Not now. Not today. Maybe not ever.
“Who got the baby bed for us? Was it you?” Ivy asked.
Katie shook her head. “No. That was Farrell’s idea. He thought you could leave the port-a-crib at his place, so you’d be able to nap Dolly in either location. That’s an engineer for you. Always studying and planning.”
“It was very thoughtful.” Actually, the magnitude of the gesture spoke volumes about the kind of man Farrell Stone was. Ivy was overwhelmed and trying not to show it.
Dolly began to fuss, so Ivy opened the back door of Katie’s car. “Don’t cry, sweet girl. I know it’s time to get out.” The novelty of the great outdoors soothed the baby’s grievances immediately.
Katie laughed. “Look at her face. I think she likes it here.”
It was true. The baby’s head swiveled from side to side, taking it all in. She stuck her fist in her mouth and sucked it contentedly.
Ivy took a deep breath, searching for composure, gathering herself. “I don’t want to keep you too long,” she said. “You’ve already done so much. If it’s okay with you, let’s go on to the other house so your brother-in-law can show me around and tell me his routine.”
Copyright © 2020 by Janice Maynard
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Special thanks and acknowledgment are given
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Dynasties: Seven Sins miniseries.
ISBN: 9781488062933
Forbidden Lust
Copyright © 2020 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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