LITMIR.BIZ

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      “If I do decide to move here and take on this project,” he said, “the hotel will have great restaurants, and there’s always cable TV. And with a five-year-old, my social life isn’t exactly hopping.” His face grew serious. “And when you and yours have been splashed all over the media, going out has less appeal. I don’t care for myself, but my concern is Lauren. She deserves a chance at a normal life.”

      Morgan’s chest tightened. He was a good dad. If she could ever consider allowing a man in her life, she could easily fall for this one…A sudden sadness swept over her. She would never be able to have a normal relationship.

      No man would want someone with so many emotional scars.

      “Morgan…” Justin’s voice broke into her thoughts.

      “Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

      “Easy to do here. I feel like I’m playing hooky myself.”

      “That’s how we want everyone to feel when they come to Destiny.”

      Morgan parked at the back door of the two-story ranch house. It had been recently painted white with dark green trim. The once manicured lawn had the-coming-of-winter golden hue. From the shiny red barn, to the newly strung fencing, Holt had worked hard restoring the place.

      “Impressive,” Justin said.

      “Holt has spent the past year making improvements.”

      Morgan opened the car door and stepped into the chilly air. She raised her eyes toward the gray sky, and saw threatening clouds overhead. Snow was forecast for later tonight. She hoped it would hold off until they finished the tour. She pulled her coat closer around her body as Justin came to her side. Together they walked up the steps as the back door swung open and Leah appeared.

      Her baby sister was petite and cute as could be. Even pregnancy didn’t take away from her appeal.

      “Welcome,” she said as she stepped aside and allowed them inside where it was warm. They passed through a mudroom into a big kitchen with natural wood cabinets and dark granite tops. The original hardwood floors had been refinished and polished to a honey color.

      “Leah, this is Justin Hilliard. Justin, my sister Leah.”

      “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hilliard.”

      Smiling, Justin took Leah’s small hand in his. The Keenan girls were all different and all beauties. The baby sister was blond and adorable. He just happened to prefer the willowy redheaded sister.

      “Please call me Justin,” he said. “And thank you for letting me have a look around.”

      “We’re excited to have you. I just wish you had a warmer day.” Leah turned back to her sister. “I tried to reach you before you left town. There’s a slight problem.”

      “Is it the baby?” Morgan asked anxiously.

      “No, the baby’s fine. But it’s about another baby ready to be delivered. A foal. Shady Lady’s in labor and having a rough time. Holt’s been with her since early this morning.”

      Just then the door opened and a young boy rushed in. “Hey, Mom, Dad’s going to call the vet. Hi, Aunt Morgan.”

      The thin blond-haired boy looked about eight or nine. He hugged Morgan.

      “Hi, Corey,” she said. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

      He grinned. “I’m fine. I got to help Dad with Lady.”

      “That’s great. Corey, I’d like you to meet Mr. Hilliard. Justin this is my nephew, Corey Rawlins.”

      “Nice to meet you, sir.” Corey nodded and stuck out his hand.

      The boy had a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, too, Corey.”

      A tall sandy-haired man, dressed in the usual rancher’s clothing, jeans, boots and cowboy hat, walked in.

      “Man, it’s cold out there.” He stripped off his sheepskin-lined jacket, hung it on the peg along with his hat and came across the room. “Hi, I’m Holt Rawlins, you must be Justin Hilliard.”

      “That’s me,” he said. “I hear from your wife that you’re having a little trouble.”

      Holt went to his wife’s side. “Yeah, my prize mare is having a rough time giving birth. I just came up to call the vet and tell Morgan I can’t leave right now.”

      Morgan looked disappointed but hurried to reassure him. “Not a problem, Holt. If you’ll loan us the Jeep, we can go on our own.”

      “Sure.” Holt frowned. “Just don’t wait too long. There’s a storm moving in later this afternoon. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to call the vet,” he said and walked off down the hall.

      Justin looked at Morgan. “I guess if we’re going, we better leave soon.”

      “Sure,” Morgan said, and turned to her sister. “Sorry to run off.”

      “I’d go with you,” Leah began as she rubbed her slightly rounded stomach, “but I don’t think baby would appreciate a lot of jostling around.” She picked a nylon basket up off the counter. “At least I can send something with you. It’s just coffee and some snacks.”

      Justin took the basket. “Thank you, Leah, that was thoughtful.” He raised an eyebrow. “We better get going, Morgan.”

      “Thanks, Leah.”

      “I just want to help with the project.” She smiled at Justin. “You’re going to fall in love with the site.”

      Holt returned and slipped on his coat. “Vet’s on his way. I’ll walk you down to the barn.”

      There was a long, lingering kiss between Leah and Holt that anyone who didn’t have a special someone in their life would envy. Justin glanced at Morgan. Was there someone special for her?

      “You ready?” Holt asked breaking into Justin’s thoughts.

      With a nod, he followed Morgan to the door and the three of them walked to the barn where an old Jeep was parked. With a wave, Holt hurried off to the barn.

      “I guess we’re on our own,” Justin said.

      “It’s not a problem,” Morgan said. “I’ve been up to this area a hundred times.”

      Morgan wasn’t concerned about the drive as much as the weather. Snow was predicted. If Justin Hilliard didn’t see the site today, he might lose interest. At the very least, it would slow the project that she hoped would start in the early spring.

      “We better hurry since snow is predicted for later tonight. This looks like our window of opportunity.”

      Justin walked around to the passenger’s side of the Jeep. “Then let’s do it now. I like seeing what I’m buying.”

      His words sent a fresh ripple of excitement through her. She was going to make this happen, even if it meant spending considerable time alone with a man. Something she’d avoided for a long time.

      The ride was bumpy, but going up this side of the mountain was the best way to see the future ski run. Morgan hoped that Justin felt the same way she did when he saw Silver Sky Canyon.

      She parked the Jeep along the crest of the canyon opposite the ranch. “Come on, I want to show you the ultimate selling point.” She opened the door, climbed out and Justin followed.

      She carefully made her way to the ledge. Ignoring the wind whipping her hair, she took out her stocking cap and covered her head as she peered down at the canyon. There was little snow to hide the incredible rock formations along with the huge pines lining either side of the natural slope. At the base, the land flattened out.

      “You were right this view is unbelievable,” Justin said. “One would almost hate to do anything to change it.”

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