LITMIR.BIZ

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“He’ll be all right. I’m glad she called the sheriff earlier. All Corey had with him was a thin blanket. He could have frozen tonight.”

      There was something Nick wasn’t saying. What? “Ned could be looking at child endangerment and neglect. The state could step in.”

      “I hope they do something this time.”

      “What do you mean, this time?”

      “I have reported Ned’s behavior before, but nothing was done. He left Corey alone overnight. Corey called me afraid because he heard a noise outside. I came over to be with him until his dad showed up in the morning. That’s when my precarious relationship with Ned turned from bad to worse. Thankfully Mrs. Scott has been able to step in more, but she’s had health issues. She’s a temporary solution but not a permanent one.”

      “How about the boys ranch for Corey?”

      “I know they have room for one more boy, and I’d much rather see Corey there, but Ned would never go for it.”

      “Unless this time the state does something about it.”

      “I volunteer at the boys ranch, and it’s done a lot for the kids who live there. I’m there several times a week. It would be so much better for Corey than living with Ned. The boys ranch isn’t like what Fletcher says. They aren’t hooligans but kids who need extra help.”

      She wasn’t surprised that Nick would volunteer at the boys ranch. In the short time she’d been with him, she’d seen a man of action and heart. “Then I’ll pray to the Lord something is done for Corey.”

      “In my experience He hasn’t helped much.”

      There was something in Nick’s voice—pain—that touched her. Who did he turn to when he was in trouble or upset? She started to say something in reply to Nick’s last statement, but the tense set of his jaw and rigid posture indicated this wasn’t a good time. He wouldn’t hear her.

      She didn’t want to leave Haven until something was done for Corey. How could she walk away from a child in need, a child she was related to?

      She relished the silence as Nick drove toward Haven. Exhaustion weaved through her body, and she had to fight to keep her eyes open. But she perked up when he neared the place where her car had stalled. “Good. Slim must have towed my car.”

      “He’ll be able to give you an estimate for fixing the car early tomorrow morning.”

      “I hope he can fix it right away.” She only had a few weeks to discover what she’d come for, and after what Nick had told her about Fletcher trying to shut down the boys ranch, she wanted to see it too.

      “At least the Blue Bonnet Inn is near downtown and within walking distance of most places, but Slim is gifted when repairing anything with a motor. The only thing that will hold him back is if he has to order a part. We don’t have too many suppliers in this area, but Waco will.”

      Nick parked in front of a three-story Victorian house with a sign saying Blue Bonnet Inn. Lights illuminated the long, partial-wraparound porch and its white wicker furniture. Darcy’s first thought was that it looked inviting, homey and peaceful. A perfect place to take her long-overdue, four-week vacation. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to take a break until this moment. She sighed.

      “Ready? Knowing Carol, she’ll be up waiting for you.” Nick assessed her.

      And usually when someone did, it made Darcy uncomfortable, but she must be too tired to even feel that. “It’s eleven. A lot has happened today.”

      “More than you bargained for, but I appreciate your help.”

      “Anytime. I hope you’ll let me know what happens with Corey.”

      “Yes, ma’am, just as soon as I know.” Nick tipped the brim of his cowboy hat and then climbed from his truck.

      Darcy did the same and grabbed some of the luggage he’d put on the ground near the tailgate. When he hefted the two bigger suitcases as well as her duffel bag, he looked loaded down but strong enough to manage. Yesterday when she’d packed, she hadn’t known what she would do once she came to Haven, so she’d planned for everything she could think of. Now she realized it appeared she was moving in rather than staying for a short vacation.

      Darcy started for the entrance to the inn with her hands full too. “When I was trying to figure out what to bring, I read that the weather here can be spring-like one day and full winter the next.”

      “So you brought all your clothes?” He paused on the porch, the bright light allowing her a good look at Nick McGarrett.

      He was mighty attractive. “No, I left more than half my wardrobe behind.”

      “You’re kidding?”

      “I’m afraid not. I like clothes but especially shoes. The duffel bag is full of them.”

      He shook his head and moved toward the front door. “I own a pair of tennis shoes and dress boots as well as work ones. That’s all.”

      Over six foot three, he commanded a confident presence. His chestnut-brown hair peeked out from under his cowboy hat. She would have been able to tell his build was muscular even if she hadn’t known one suitcase was full of books she’d wanted to read but had been too busy to this past year. The angular planes of his face complemented his firm mouth, but what drew her full attention were his piercing blue eyes, reminding her of the Gulf on a sunny day.

      “Men don’t have all the choices women have,” she finally said when she realized she was staring at him and he’d noticed.

      “Don’t see a need for so many choices. Makes getting dressed much easier.”

      The heat of a blush flooded her face. She opened the door and stepped into the inn, the scent of lavender filling the air and welcoming her in from the cold. Ah, someone who understood the importance of essential oils. Already she was letting go of her stress.

      Darcy scanned the large foyer, glimpsing into a dining room on one side and a large living room on the other. Antiques, such as a bookcase, desk and end tables, were sprinkled among the elegant but comfortable-looking couches and chairs. She took a step toward what must be the heart of the inn, enthralled by the beautifully carved mahogany coffee table between two cream-colored sofas.

      A middle-aged woman with auburn hair pulled into a bun came from the back of the house. “You must be Darcy Hill. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Carol Thornton, the owner of the Blue Bonnet Inn.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled.

      Darcy immediately felt at home. “Yes, I am. You have a beautiful place.”

      “It’s been in my family for years.” Carol turned to Nick. “How’s Corey?”

      “Safe and staying with Mrs. Scott, his neighbor. The sheriff arrested Ned.”

      “It’s about time they did something about that man’s neglect and drinking. If I can help, let me know, Nick,” Carol said, then shifted her gaze back to Darcy. “I called Slim, and he has your car. He’ll look at it first thing in the morning.”

      “That’ll be great. Nick told me I could walk to the garage.”

      Carol waved her hand. “It’s only a few blocks away, but then a lot of places are here in Haven. If you need a ride, I can help or my husband, Clarence, can. Speaking of my husband, he fell asleep an hour ago. He’s been fighting a migraine all day. Will you please—”

      “Say no more, Carol. Where do you want me to take these suitcases?” Nick, still loaded down with Darcy’s bags, walked to the staircase. “Then I need to leave. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

      “The second room on the right. Thank you, Nick. I knew I could count on you.”

      “And I can take care of these.” Darcy gestured to the few she’d set on the floor. Before Carol could say anything, Darcy picked

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