J. Carol Nemeth ~ Author of Romantic Suspense

First Chapters

Check out the first chapters of some of my books and catch a glimpse of what’s inside.

Mountain of Peril, Faith in the Parks Book 1

​Chapter One

With a whistle on his lips, Jake Stuart rounded the corner of the ranger station. He pulled his keys from his pants pocket, prepared to flip the Closed sign by the door to Open as he did every morning. As he approached the front stoop, he froze. The whistle hung in his throat. He jerked back, a gasp slipping out. The decapitated head of a black bear perched on the floor of the porch stoop, a pair of severed paws positioned on either side of the head. Blood seeped from beneath the black fur of the head and ran across the cement stoop dripping into the grass. Jake tasted bile as his gut knotted. He clenched his fists and shook his head. Who would do such an awful thing? And why? The glazed eyes of the bear were haunting. This bear had died needlessly.

Avoiding the horrible mess, Jake stepped onto the stoop from the side and unlocked the station office. Grabbing the phone, he called his supervisor, Cal Bishop. He’d come out and assist in the processing of the crime scene. Because that’s exactly what it was. He pulled his digital camera from the desk drawer. Photo-documenting the evidence was an important part of any investigation. After searching carefully, no vehicle tire tracks or footprints could be found. Too much grass and gravel and not enough dirt to hold a print.

By the time Cal arrived, the spring morning had warmed considerably and flies had found the bear head.

“Now that’s not a pretty sight to greet you in the morning.” Cal climbed out of his National Park SUV. “We’re getting more and more reports of poaching lately, and out of season too. They took the carcass and left the head. Pretty disgusting.”

“Yeah, well, this is different.” Jake squatted down, pulled out his pocketknife and probed the fur for possible gunshot wounds. “This is more than just poaching. Someone’s left us a strong message.” But for what? A warning, maybe? Or a threat?

~

“What’d she say, Burt?” The elderly man turned to his companion where they sat on a bench in front of the old service station.

“I dunno, George. Can’t understand her.” Burt cupped his ear with his hand and leaned forward. “What’d ya say, young woman?”

Molly Walker stepped closer and raised her voice. “Sir, I asked for directions to Deep Creek Ranger Station.” This was the first business she’d found open on this road and somehow she thought she’d gotten turned around. The two elderly gentlemen sitting on the bench in front of the station were why she’d stopped, but she wasn’t getting very far with them.

“Sounds like gibberish to me, George. Can’t make out a word.” He turned his head toward the screen door beside him. “Hey, Bertha!” he called, hand cupped around his mouth like a megaphone. “Come out here a minute, would ya!”

Molly sighed as a large lady in a bright print blouse, orange-red curly hair and large dangly earrings propped open the screen door. “What ya bellowin’ about, Burt? Oh, hello there,” she added with a congenial smile upon spotting Molly.

“This here young woman wants something, and I can’t understand her.” Burt and George both shook their heads.

The woman rolled her eyes, “What can I do for ya, sweetie? You need help with the gas pump? It’s not one of those newfangled ones, but it works. Some of the young folks can’t figure it out.”

Molly smiled wide. “No, thanks. I just need directions out to Deep Creek Ranger Station. I seem to have gotten turned around somehow.”

“Oh, sure. Take this road into town then turn right at the courthouse. It’s the big building with the gold dome.” A touch of pride edged her words. She gave Molly detailed directions all the way to Deep Creek.

“Thanks! You’ve been a big help.” Molly waved at Burt and George. “Thanks, fellows!”

“Who’s Hank Bellows, Bertha?” George raised his bushy eyebrows.

“Never mind, George.” Bertha huffed as the screen door banged shut behind her.

Molly followed Bertha’s directions, liking the laid-back quaintness of the little town. It had that certain “Mayberry” feel to it. She half expected an old black and white to cruise past with Andy or Barney at the wheel. Turning right at the courthouse, she spotted two more elderly men sitting on a park bench, a checkerboard between them. Remembering Burt and George, she grinned. Laid back, indeed!

Small storefronts, a hardware store and an old drugstore lined the street. Taking another right at the old train depot, Molly left the town behind, passing small mountain homes along the green hillsides, a country store and the occasional mobile home. The North Carolina Smoky Mountains rose up from the valley she drove through, their smoky blue color beautiful against the brilliant blue sky. Spring had arrived in the Smokies, and the vibrant pink and white Laurel bushes were in full bloom. Redbuds and dogwoods peeked between the new green leaves sprouting on the poplar, maple and oak trees.

Molly spotted the sign for Deep Creek Campground and a surge of exhilaration knotted her stomach. She’d waited a long time for this. It was her first position with the National Park Service, and she was certain great-grandpa Murphy would’ve been pleased. Having trained for this very day, she was ready to begin her new career. Gratitude for how circumstances had worked out swelled in her heart. Thank you, Lord.

Turning right, she crossed a bridge that spanned a swiftly flowing creek then entered a large clearing in the woods. A small brown building sat near the center with a sign beside it that read Office. The early afternoon breeze stirred an American flag at the top of a flagpole.

Molly parked across from the office and exited her SUV, stretching stiff muscles and glancing around the quiet clearing. Strolling over to the little office, she opened the squeaky screen door, hoping Cal Bishop was in. As head ranger over the campground and this part of the park district, he was meeting her here to explain her duties.

The small front office was split by a wooden counter along the front, a desk holding a base station radio and a file cabinet positioned behind it. Mountain scenes and maps graced the walls while a tattered and torn backpack hung by the front door. An old coffee pot and tin can, both punctured and bent, hung from the backpack. Beneath, a sign read, Campers: Please Store Food Properly. A partition to the left of the counter indicated more office space.

A young auburn-haired man dressed in a National Park Service uniform leaned on the counter, grinning as Molly glanced around. His hair was short and freckles spattered across his nose. His name badge read “Craig Wilson.”

“Can I help you?” A bright smile crossed his lips.

“I hope so.” Molly returned his smile. “I’m looking for Cal Bishop. Is he in?”

“No, he’s out in the campground somewhere. I can call him if you’d like.”

“I’d appreciate that. My name’s Molly Walker. I believe he’s expecting me.”

“Molly Walker!” He extended his hand to Molly. “You bet he is. He’ll be glad to know you’re here. I’m Craig Wilson. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m happy to meet you, Craig.” Molly shook his outstretched hand.

“Hang on a minute. I’ll call Cal.” Craig reached for the base radio microphone on the desk, depressed the button and called out some numbers followed by Cal’s name. “Guess who’s here? Yeah, she made it. Come back?”

A deep male voice responded he was on his way.

“He’ll be here shortly. I just made some coffee a little while ago. Would you like a cup?”

“I’d love some.” Molly glanced around the office. The coffee maker sat on a small table near the desk. “May I help myself?”

“Sure. May as well. You’ll be working here so make yourself at home.”

“Thanks.” Molly chuckled, filling an insulated cup. “Where are you from, Craig?”

“Montana.”

“Wow! You’re a long way from home. Been in the park service long?”

“This is my first season.” He perched on the bar stool behind the counter. “You’re coming in a little late, I suppose.”

Molly settled onto the rolling chair at the desk, sipping the hot brew. “I understand I’m replacing someone that didn’t work out.”

“Yeah, that was Howard, Cal’s assistant ranger for the past two seasons. He took seriously ill. Don’t know the whole story, but I don’t think he’s returning to the park service. Early retirement, I think.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“So what do you do?”

“I’m a summer seasonal park aide. I’m still in college and working my way through, but I’ll graduate next spring. The experience here will be good.”

The screen door opened and a man of stocky build strolled in. He wore the gray shirt and dark green pants of the National Park Service uniform, and when he removed a dark green NPS ball cap and sunglasses, Molly noticed his sandy colored crew cut and bright blue eyes surrounded by laugh lines. Determining he was in his mid-forties, she stood as he approached with outstretched hand.

“I’m Cal Bishop,” his voice deep and gravely. “Welcome to Deep Creek, Miss Walker.”

“Please, call me Molly.”

“Certainly, but you have to call me Cal. We don’t stand on formalities around here. Come on back and have a seat. I have some things to go over with you.” He led Molly behind the partition where another desk and file cabinet made up Cal’s office. Through an open door to the left, Molly spotted what passed for a bathroom. It would be a tight fit, but certainly better than nothing.

“Did you have a good trip?” Cal motioned her to sit in a chair beside the desk while he took the rolling chair behind it. “Where’d you drive from?”

“From Charlottesville, Virginia. Except for a couple really bad storms that kept me alert, it was uneventful.”

“They’re predicting storms this evening. We need it. It’s been a dry spring so far.” As he chatted he drew a file folder from the desk drawer, removing several pages. “Here’s a list of required uniform items and you’ll get a uniform allowance, so that’ll help you out.”

He removed a small plastic bag stapled to the list then handed the list to her. “You can order by mail or online, but it takes a week or so to get your items. However, if you don’t mind taking a drive, there’s a store in Maryville, Tennessee that carries the NPS uniform shirts, pants and leather belt. You can also pick up the ball cap.”

Cal pointed to his on the side of the desk.

Molly glanced at it. “What about the “Smoky-Bear” hat?”

He tapped the list in her hand. “It has to be ordered. Pick up some good hiking boots too. You’ll need ‘em.”

Dumping the contents of the little plastic bag onto the desk, he picked up a little brass bar. “I took the liberty of ordering your name tag so you’d have it when you arrived.” He handed her the name tag and a metal, shield-shaped badge. “This gives you your authority.”

“When do I start?” Eagerness threatened to overwhelm Molly. Had he noticed her wiping her palms on her pant legs? It was hard to tone down her beaming smile.

Cal glanced at his wristwatch, a broad grin on his lips. Yeah, he’d noticed. “If you want to drive over to Maryville for your uniforms, go today. Then you can start in the morning. On your way, if you don’t mind, you can deliver something to the remote Twentymile Ranger Station for me. I have some paperwork for Ranger Jake Stuart.”

“I don’t mind. Is it on the way?”

“Yep. You drive right past it to get to Maryville. Before you go, I’ll take you up to the duplex where you’ll lodge temporarily until you find a place.” Grabbing a notepad, Cal drew a rudimentary map and handed it to Molly along with a manila envelope. “Here are directions to Maryville with Twentymile marked on it. This is the packet for Jake.” Unlocking a drawer in his desk, he opened it and pulled out a Glock 19 9mm and a brown leather holster.

“This is your sidearm.” He peered closely at Molly. “From your weapon scores, I see you know how to handle one of these.”

“I didn’t do too badly.” Pleasure warmed Molly at his compliment. “Besides, my father made sure my brothers and I knew how to protect ourselves.”

Cal nodded and handed her another form. “That’s what I like to hear. Sign on the dotted line. This says you were issued the weapon. Just make sure the serial number matches the paper before you sign.”

Comparing the numbers, Molly signed the form and returned it to Cal.

“Follow me and I’ll show you to your quarters.” Clapping his cap on his head, he led the way out the door.

~

After Molly and Cal dropped off her suitcases, bags and boxes at the little duplex up the hill from the office, Molly grabbed lunch at the drugstore in town then headed west toward Twentymile Ranger Station. The drive was pleasant with the road winding past the edge of a huge lake and around hairpin curves. According to Cal’s map, the lake was Fontana Lake. The scenery was gorgeous. Molly’s family had visited the Great Smoky Mountains in her childhood, and she’d always loved the gentle yet mysterious smoky-blue mountains. Not nearly as tall as the Rockies or some of the other western mountain ranges, the Smokies had a quiet, peaceful beauty all their own.

Molly spotted a sign for Fontana Dam and another for Fontana Village. Having read up on the area before coming, she knew the dam, one of many in the area, was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority during WWII. The village was a summer resort with a lodge, swimming pools and hiking. It was located south of Fontana Lake, while the boundary to Great Smoky Mountains National Park lay along the northern shore.

With no time to explore the area today, Molly vowed to return on a day off to investigate further. Passing the entrance to the village, she descended a winding, wooded mountain road to the bottom where a bridge crossed a wide river. To her right, the sheer wall of Fontana Dam rose far above. A power generating station sat to one side. On the left of the bridge, the river flowed into another lake. Here in the valley below the dam, the road wound along the lake’s edge on the left while on the right the wooded foot of the mountains rose up into the park.

Turning into a gravel driveway by a sign for Twentymile Ranger Station, she parked in the small lot in front of the building. Climbing out, she stretched, listening to the peace and quiet that enveloped her. A creek flowing merrily alongside the station, a gentle breeze rustling the trees and birds singing were the only sounds. Bright sunshine belied any sign of a predicted storm.

Molly stepped onto the small front porch and found a large wooden clock face with movable hands indicating the ranger would return in an hour. She glanced at her wristwatch. She couldn’t wait that long. Not with an hour drive to Maryville.

Exploring the grounds, she hoped to find Jake Stuart. A long, dark green garage stood fifty feet behind the station. A light green NPS Jeep was parked in front beside a blue Ford Ranger. The gravel and dirt driveway wound past the station, the garage and on up the hill. It curved past a little brown shanty before disappearing around the bend.

Well, now what should she do? A faint sound came from up the hill. Was that a metallic ringing noise? Following it, she stopped at the little shanty only to find it locked. Twenty-five feet further an iron gate blocked the road that meandered into the woods. Ducking beneath the gate, Molly followed the road toward the sound of a faint voice, an occasional metallic ring and a horse nickering. Ahead she spotted a barn surrounded by corrals.

Shoving open one of the barn doors, she glanced around for the owner of the voice. Two horses and a mule stood in their stalls, softly nickering at her appearance. As they stirred, motes of dust danced in the sunbeams that slipped through the cracks above the rafters. The scent of hay and horses filled her nose.

“Hello?” she called in a soft voice. Frightening the horses would be a bad idea. “Anyone here?”

Molly approached one of the horses and stroked its head, crooning softly to it. “Easy, fellow. Where’s the ranger, huh?”

The voice spoke again, louder this time. The owner switched back and forth between talking and humming in a deep baritone. Striding to the double doors leading to a corral, Molly found a man working beside a horse. Bent from the waist, he held the horse’s back hoof between his knees, a hoof pick in his hand. With his back to her, he hadn’t heard her approach. The horse noticed her and nickered, shifting his weight.

“Whoa, Billy!” A deep voice soothed. “Stand still, boy. We’ll be done shortly.”

“Excuse me,” Molly said quietly. “Sorry to interrupt your work, but I’m looking for Jake Stuart.”

Glancing over his shoulder in surprise, the man accidently allowed the weight of the horse’s leg to slip from his grasp. Suddenly off balance, he fell forward, landing on his shoulder and knees.

“Oh, no!” Molly gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Picking himself up, he dusted off his pants and grinned. Molly wasn’t sure if the red in his cheeks was from embarrassment or from leaning over too long. She had a pretty good idea which it was. Her hands still covering her mouth, she tried not to laugh, but found one working its way out.

~

Jake Stuart noted the woman was trying unsuccessfully not to laugh at him. “You know, seeing as how we’ve never met, I don’t think it’s very polite to laugh at me.” His voice and face were stern, but his dark sapphire eyes shone with laughter. “Especially since you’re the one who startled me.”

“I truly am sorry, but if I’d shouted, would I have startled you any less?” The pretty woman chuckled again.

He shook his head. “I suppose you have a point. Did you say you’re looking for Jake Stuart?”

“Yes, I am.”

He surveyed her thoroughly, taking in the long brown braid hanging carelessly over her shoulder. The soft curve of her cheeks, and the dark chocolate eyes. Her lips were a delicate shade of pink, slightly compressed at the moment and compressing more and more as he observed her appearance. She wore a pair of blue jeans and a white button-down shirt with flowers embroidered on the collar.

“Do you know where he is or don’t you?”

Uh-oh. A frown was forming between her delicate eyebrows.

Jake couldn’t take his eyes from her. She blushed, and the pink color delighted him. Was that a Virginian accent he detected? Whatever it was, it sounded great coming from her.

“What do you need him for?”

Eyes narrowing, she lifted her chin defiantly. “That’s none of your concern. I have something for him, and I need to give it directly to him.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Well now, he never mentioned expecting you. I’m sure if he knew you were coming, he would’ve made sure he was here to meet you.”

Boy, this was fun. He checked his grin as she crossed her arms as well and tilted her chin upward.

“Be that as it may, I’m still looking for him.”

~

Molly jumped as the walkie-talkie propped on a nearby stump crackled to life. After the usual call numbers, a deep voice said, “Come in, Jake, this is Cal.”

Whoever this man was, he glanced at the walkie-talkie then back at her. Was the call for him? “Come in, Jake. This is Cal. Do you read me?”

Molly watched with dismay as the man hesitated momentarily before reaching for the instrument and pressing the button, responding. “Cal, this is Jake. What’s up?”

“Just wanted to let you know that Molly Walker will be by sometime this afternoon to drop off those papers you wanted. She’s the new ranger over here. Should be getting there soon, I expect. Was going to call sooner, but got caught up in a situation here.”

Jake’s gaze flicked back to hers. “Thanks Cal but she beat you to it. She’s already here.” He shrugged, never removing his eyes from her face.

“Roger that, Jake. Talk with you later. Cal out.”

“Jake out.”

“Hey, wait up,” he called.

She sped toward the station, wanting to put some distance between them.

Jake caught up with her just before the gate. Catching hold of her arm, he gently tugged her around. “You’re quick, you know that?”

Molly turned her best blank expression on him and pulled her arm away. “Thanks.”

Molly spun on her heels and headed back through the barn. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Jake yank off the leather apron covering his uniform and nametag. He tossed it on the stump, slipped the walkie-talkie into its belt holster, and hurried after her.

“Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have led you on like that, but I guess I was little sore at being caught off guard and having fallen flat on my face. I think they call it male ego or something like that. Anyway, I know you didn’t surprise me on purpose.” One side of his mouth lifted in a crooked grin as his eyebrows rose. “Am I forgiven?”

Molly grinned at the “male ego” comment and knew she couldn’t stay mad. She’d have to work with him some time or other. Best to get things squared and make life a little easier. Besides, she had laughed at him. She held out her hand. “You’re forgiven, if you’ll forgive me for laughing at you.”

His large calloused hand engulfed hers then released it. “Done. Now let’s start over. Hi, I’m Jake Stuart.”

“Molly Walker. I have an envelope for you in my car. The one Cal referred to when he gave you away.”

As Jake strode on long legs back toward the station, Molly tried to keep up.

He shortened his stride. To match hers? “Right. Needless to say, I wasn’t expecting you. I knew someone was replacing Howard, but I didn’t know who. It’s been awhile since I’ve been over to Deep Creek.” As they stopped by her car, Molly retrieved the envelope.

“When did you get to town?”

“Today. I checked in with Cal, dropped my things at my temporary quarters then headed here. He suggested purchasing my uniforms in Maryville so that’s where I’m heading. He asked me to drop this off to save him a trip.”

“You’re heading to Maryville, huh?” Jake’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Could I impose on you to pick up something for me?”

“Sure. What do you need?” Another errand for another ranger? Was she going to be a ranger or a courier?

Jake pulled out his wallet and handed her a few bills then removed a notepad from his shirt pocket. “I’ll jot down what I need.” As he wrote, Molly took the opportunity to observe him unnoticed. His thick black hair was cut short and neat. A very handsome man in spite of the faint scar marring the right side of his chin. When she’d first seen him at the barn she’d noticed his broad shoulders and his dark sapphire eyes beneath black brows.

She suddenly realized those same eyes were gazing at her now. Uh oh. She’d been caught staring. Looking down at the paper he was holding out, she willed herself not to blush.

“R…right,” she stammered. “I’ll pick these up for you and drop them off on my way past. Will you be here?”

Jake’s smile was bright against his tanned face. “I’ll be here. When you live in the back-country, there aren’t too many places to go. If I’m not here at the station, I’ll be up at the barn. I still have two more horses to shoe.”

As Molly drove away, she was still embarrassed that she’d stared, much less been caught at it. What had come over her? Staring at a man wasn’t her style. She shook her head and concentrated on the winding road.

The Peaceful Valley Wounded Soldiers Anthology: The Soldier’s Heart, Book 1

“Have you heard who’s back in town, Myra?”

Beth Hayes couldn’t miss Myrtle Brown’s voice from the next isle over as she searched Hoover’s Pharmacy shelf for the supplies she needed.

“Nope,” Myra Washington replied. “Can’t keep up with who comes and goes in this dadblamed town. Seems the young’uns are always leaving and coming back. Never satisfied. Want to leave because the town’s too small. They leave and they don’t like what they find in the big world so they come back.”

“Myra, would you just hush up and listen to me?” Myrtle said.

Beth grinned. The two women had been best of friends for at least fifty years but were always going at it. They were pretty much inseparable, but to hear them talk, you’d think they couldn’t get along.

“What are you going on about, Myrtle? Which young’un has returned this time?”

Beth reached for a bottle of peroxide.

“Why it’s that Alex Hunter, don’t you know. He’s back from the Army. And he’s a looker too,” Myrtle added, “Mmmhmmm. He sure is. They say he’s a major.”

The plastic bottle of peroxide slipped from Beth’s fingers and hit the floor, rolling under the edge of the display unnoticed.

Alex Hunter? Her Alex Hunter? No. Not her Alex Hunter. Her Alex Hunter left for the Army twenty years ago never looking back. Why would he return? He wouldn’t. And he wasn’t her Alex Hunter. Not anymore.

Beth glanced into the shopping basket hanging from her arm. What was she doing? Her brain had gone numb. Myrtle’s words had thrown her for a loop and she needed to focus. Even if Alex Hunter had returned to Grace Ridge, there wasn’t anything she could do about it, and she needed to keep moving on as if he hadn’t.

With a determined nod she peered around. Hadn’t she been looking at a bottle of peroxide? Oh yes, there it is. She grabbed it from beneath the edge of the display, dropped it into her basket, finished her shopping and headed to the cash register. She’d get on with her day as if she hadn’t heard this…extraordinary news. Grandpa was waiting for her.

“Have a good afternoon, Beth,” Mrs. Compton said from behind the register.

“You too, Mrs. Compton,” Beth said, “and stay cool. It promises to get really warm today.”

“Don’t I know it?” The lady fanned herself in spite of the air conditioned pharmacy. “The heat just shoots in that door when someone comes in or out. Well, have a good day.”

Waving her fingers, Beth grabbed her bag of supplies and rushed out the pharmacy door. Turning toward Grandpa Hayes’ office, she ran smack into a hard chest and bounced backward losing her balance.

Hands reached out and grabbed her before she could fall backward and hit the pavement. Stunned and with the air knocked out of her, it took several moments for her to realize what had happened.

“Take slow deep breaths, Beth.” A deep voice said as she was half led, half carried to the bench that sat between Hoover’s Pharmacy and Valley Hardware next door. “Take it easy.”

Beth did as she was told because she needed to breathe again. What was that wall she’d hit? Or rather who had she run into? Then as reason began to return and her breathing settled back to normal, she looked at the man beside her, and her face warmed. She knew it wasn’t the end of the June warm day that caused it. Of all the people in the world she had to physically run into, why did it have to be Alex Hunter?

The last time she’d seen him he was eighteen years old. He was good looking at eighteen, but he was devastating at thirty-eight. Apparently the Army had been good for him. It had been twenty years and he’d never returned. He’d left a skinny kid right out of high school. He was anything but that now. He was taller and muscular, his dark brown hair cut in the high and tight favored by the military guys. But his face…his face looked as if he’d seen things. Hard things. His jaw had become more square and stronger.

Beth’s gaze was drawn to Alex’s and there she saw strength. The same gorgeous gray gaze looked back but there was a maturity that hadn’t been in the young Alex. What could he have seen and done in his years in the military to build this man from that untried and untested teenager?

Right now compassion and concern filled his gaze. “Are you alright, Beth? You ran into me pretty hard. Where were you going in such an all-fired hurry, anyway? You could’ve been seriously hurt.”

Beth’s breathing had returned to normal and her ire rekindled. Standing, she grabbed the bag of pharmacy supplies he’d thoughtfully placed on the bench beside her. “You’ve been gone a long time, Alex. You can’t just come back and pretend twenty years away.”

Without a second glance she hurried toward Grandpa Hayes doctor’s office. She could feel the anger coursing through her veins. Who did he think he was? After leaving her high and dry twenty years ago to show up now out of the blue and act like nothing had changed. They had been inseparable since sixth grade. They did everything together. Then in high school they’d planned to go to the same college, and then the future? Who knew? But it probably would’ve been together. Right?

Then Alex decided he wanted to serve his country. There wasn’t anything wrong with that. Beth’s father was an officer in the US Army and had died serving his country when she was sixteen. She was very proud of him and his service. But Alex had just up and joined without talking to her. They’d made plans and he’d ruined them.

Beth flung open the back door of the doctor’s office and stomped up the hallway, by this time in a fine dander.

She hurried into the supply room where Jeannie Mason stood surveying the shelves with her clipboard.

“Oh good. You’re back. The supply company said they could get the shipment out by early next week so we’ll just have to plug along with pharmacy supplies until then.” She turned as Beth dumped her bag of supplies on the work table. “What goodies were you able to find?”

It was only then she noticed the steam pouring from Beth’s ears. “Uh oh. What happened?”

“He’s back.”

Jeannie was not only Beth’s co-worker but her best friend. “Ok. I’ll bite. Who’s back?”

“Alex Hunter. That’s who’s back.” Beth paced the small floor of the supply room then stopped in front of Jeannie. “What am I going to do?”

Jeannie chuckled and put her hand over her mouth to cover it up. “Why should you do anything? It’s been twenty years. The man has served his time. He can do whatever he wants. Yes, even come back to his hometown if he wants to. Hello! He did grow up here.”

Beth felt as if a bubble popped inside her. Jeannie was right. This was his hometown. He’d been born and raised here the same as her.

“You know, Beth, just because he went off and joined the Army and decided to have a different life than you doesn’t mean it was the wrong thing for him to do. Maybe it’s time for you to get over it.”

“Beth, I need you to prep the rooms ASAP.” Grandpa stuck his gray head into the supply room. He peered at her over his wire-framed glasses. “Everything okay? You don’t look so good. We’re running behind this morning, and the first patients are already in the waiting room.”

Beth nodded numbly. Jeannie’s words had stung but she didn’t have time to think about them right now. Getting the supplies at the pharmacy and running into Alex had made her late. She’d have to hurry to get things back on schedule

~

A grin lifted the corners of Alex’s mouth as Beth marched away. Yep. She still had that same spitfire spunk she had as a kid. Her auburn ponytail swishing back and forth as she walked was just as cute as it had been then too.

Had she changed in twenty years? Oh yeah. A lot. She was always a cute kid but she’d matured into a gorgeous woman. Now to have her come flying out of Hoover’s Pharmacy like a tornado and smash right into him had been a pleasant surprise but it had been nearly disastrous for her. She’d had the wind knocked right out of her.

It was pretty obvious she was none too happy to see him. Her hazel eyes had always changed colors when she was angry and their darker hue now indicated ire. Twenty years ago he’d tried to explain his reasons for wanting to join the Army but she’d refused to listen. It had been important to him to serve his country, but every time he’d tried to tell her, she’d slammed the door in his face. For six weeks before he was due to leave for boot camp, he’d tried to talk to her, but Beth would leave when he came into a room. She’d lock the door when he came over to talk to her. She’d hang up when he called. She wouldn’t let him explain.

Glancing at his watch Alex remembered his appointment with the bank manager, Mr. Edwards, and walked over.

Parade of Hearts

Chapter One

“You look like death warmed over.” The words greeted Hannah Overman as she stood for a second in the open doorway of her bakery shop. The bell above the door tinkled as she stepped inside and let it close behind her. She dragged her feet across the hard-wood flooring to the counter where her employee, Gracie Miller, stood with her arms folded across her ample bosom, a frown on her face.

“Thanks, Gracie.” Hannah pushed the short swinging door at the end of the counter and moved into her office at the back of the shop. She dropped her tote bag on the desk, removed her short coat and hung it on the coat tree in the corner then plopped onto her desk chair. Sitting forward, she leaned her elbows on the desk, and supported her forehead in her hands.

“Hannah? What’s wrong?”

Hannah peeked between her fingers to find Gracie propped against the doorframe, her arms still crossed. Hannah dropped her hands and scooted back in her chair, resting her head against the headrest and closing her eyes.

“I just came from a meeting of the Christmas parade committee. They decided to meet this morning rather than wait until after business hours. I suppose when the mayor speaks, the town folk jump. Or so I’m coming to realize.” Hannah opened her eyes and gave Gracie a wry smile.

The older woman nodded. “Something like that. Mayor George Haywood thinks a lot of his position as mayor and expects everyone to come at his beck and call. It doesn’t seem to matter if you have a business to run or not. I wondered why you were late.”

Hannah straightened in her chair, grimacing as she lifted her head. “Yeah, sorry about that. I was heading into the shop when I got a call from the mayor’s secretary to come in immediately. I was so flustered I forgot to call.”

Gracie waved a hand. “No worries, dear. I’ve had a handle on things. As usual.”

Hannah nodded then grabbed her head. Oh boy, did it hurt. And swallowing? That hurt too. She coughed, covering her mouth with her hand. Reaching into her tote bag, she pulled out the travel coffee mug she’d brought from home and took a long swig. The warmth felt good on her throat. She coughed again.

“Are you okay, Hannah? Like I said when you walked in the door, you look like death warmed over.”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just not feeling tip top, that’s all.” Hannah waved Gracie’s words away.

“Did you all make any headway in your meeting?”

Hannah refrained from shaking her head this time and frowned instead. “I made a suggestion and ended up being nominated to carry it out.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, right? If it was a good suggestion, that is.”

Hannah took a deep breath then released a huge sigh and laid her head back against the chair again. “It was a great suggestion, but I wasn’t planning to be the nominee to carry it out.”

“Well, what was the suggestion?” Gracie took a chair from beside the wall and moved it in front of Hannah’s desk.

Hannah coughed again and took another drink from her coffee mug. “I thought we should take the opportunity in this year’s parade to somehow honor our military troops. I mean, we do live right next door to a large Army base after all. Some of the troops have just returned from an overseas deployment. Why not recognize their service?”

Gracie sat a little straighter in her chair. “Hannah, that’s a wonderful idea. What did the committee think?”

“Oh, they agreed with you. Thought it was an awesome idea. Then they proceeded to take a vote and unanimously voted for me to carry it out.”

Hannah coughed again then dropped her head back against the chair. She pressed fingertips to her temples and rubbed them.

“I have faith in you, kiddo. You’ll see it done.” Gracie’s smile faded as she observed her boss. “Hannah you truly look awful, and that cough sounds bad. Maybe you should see the doctor.”

Hannah took stock of what felt bad and realized just how much she agreed with her employee. “Gracie, I think you might be right. I feel awful.”

Gracie stood and pulled Hannah’s coat from the coat tree and held it out. “You get ready to go, and I’ll call the doctor’s office for you.”

Hannah stood with slow deliberate movements and slipped her arms into her coat then sat back down while Gracie made her call. Within minutes Hannah was on her way to a walk-in appointment.

She’d only been in Old Colorado City for nine months, but the people of this town had taken her in and treated her like family. Gracie Miller was no exception. Her employee acted more like a mother than an employee most of the time. Most of Hannah’s family lived on the east coast and she rarely saw them, so her Old Colorado City family made life that much more precious. Now to find out what was going on from another “family member,” her doctor.

~

Ed Butler set the cordless phone back onto its base and dropped his pen into the pocket of his white pharmacy coat then returned to filling prescriptions.

“You know, Milly, I hope this bug that’s going around gets squashed soon. It’s hard to keep up with these prescriptions. With it being a virus, it’s hard to get a handle on it.” Ed reached for an empty amber-colored bottle in which to place the pills he’d just counted out. “With Christmas coming in a few weeks, it would be terrible to have half the town sick for the holiday.”

“Wouldn’t it though.”

Ed turned at the unexpected voice to find his grandson, Caleb Ryan, standing beside the high pharmacy counter, a huge grin on his tanned face.

“Caleb? What in the world are you doing here?” Ed dropped what he was doing and hurried around the counter to his grandson. “I thought I was talking to Milly.”

Caleb waved at the older woman standing in awe behind the counter, her shade of red hair obviously from a bottle. “Hey, Milly. How are you doing?”

Ed grabbed his grandson and drew him into a bear hug. “Oh, my goodness, Caleb. It’s so good to see you home, boy. You’re back, safe and sound, praise God.”

Milly grabbed Caleb as soon as Ed let him go. “Oh Caleb, it’s so good to see you. Welcome home.”

Caleb patted Milly on the back and attempted to pull away, but she just kept on hugging him.

“Awe, come on, Milly. Let the boy go. Give him some breathing room.” Ed chuckled as Milly released Caleb.

Ed slapped his grandson on the shoulder. “How are you doing, Caleb? You’re looking good.”

“I’m doing fine, Grandpa. We just returned this morning, and I thought I’d stop in to see you.”

“Well, I’m sure glad you did.” Ed wiped happy wetness from the corners of his eyes. “Have you seen your mom yet? She’s going to be so excited you’re home.”

“Yeah. She was my first stop. You know she had to be.” Caleb swiped a hand across his short-cropped dark hair.

Ed nodded. “I bet she was happy to see you. Did she cry?”

“What do you think? Hey, I’ll let you get back to your prescriptions, Grandpa. From what I heard you say, you’re pretty busy right now. Something going around?”

“Yeah, a virus has a lot of people down for the count.” A wry expression settled on Ed’s features as he shook his head. “My delivery boy is out making deliveries right now, and he won’t be back for a while. I have some deliveries between here and your house. Would you mind dropping them off on your way home? You’re not in uniform, so it wouldn’t be a conflict or anything. You’d be doing me and my customers a huge favor.”

Caleb shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “Sure, I’d be happy to. Just give me the addresses. I have a GPS in my truck.”

Ed clapped Caleb on the shoulder and headed back behind the counter. “Caleb, you’re a God-send. Thank you.”

~

Cough-cough-cough. “Thanks, Milly. I’ll leave the front door unlocked. Tell your delivery boy to come on back to the family room. That’s where I’ll be.”

When Hannah got home from the doctor’s office, she immediately changed out of her work clothes and into sweatpants and an old, faded sweatshirt. She tugged her long brunette hair into a loose ponytail and slipped her feet into fuzzy socks. Her cough had worsened. After making a cup of hot tea, she snuggled into warm blankets in front of the gas fire in her family room.

According to the nurse who had triaged her at the doctor’s office, her temperature was 102˚. Once her tea was finished, perhaps she would just allow herself to doze amongst the blankets until the delivery boy brought her prescription.

Hannah had already taken Tylenol for her pounding head and aching body. She turned on the large flat screen TV hung above the gas fire and sipped her tea. She set the mug on the coffee table and allowed herself to doze for a bit until she heard the front doorbell ring. She sat up and attempted to stand. Her head swam as dizziness threatened to swamp her. Hannah stood for a moment, coughing and trying to fight the swirling dizziness. Without warning, the dizziness turned to blackness, and Hannah began falling. Falling? Falling where? Then…nothing.

~

Caleb had delivered all the prescriptions Grandpa had given him except the last one, and he pulled into the driveway of that address now. Turning off the truck, he grabbed the little white paper bag with its label stapled to the top and climbed out. As he hurried up the sidewalk, he ran his gaze over the old Victorian with a wide porch and a swing that had been raised to the porch roof for the winter. The home looked recently painted and the yard landscaped. Nice.

Taking the front steps two at a time, Caleb rang the doorbell then opened the front door as Milly had instructed him to do.

“Hello? I’m Caleb Ryan. I’m here with your prescription.”

No answer. Caleb closed the door behind him.

“Hello?”

Caleb glanced through archways into other rooms as he made his way through the house to the back where he found the family room and…the occupant. Oh no!

She was passed out on the floor.

He knelt at her side and checked for her pulse. Thank goodness she had one. It was weak, but it was there. She was breathing but it was shallow.

Caleb glanced at the prescription label for a name. Hannah Overman.

“Hannah! Hannah Overman!” He called the young woman’s name as he gave her a gentle shake then patted her cheeks. “Hannah, can you hear me?”

He pulled out his phone to call 911 just as she began to stir.

Hannah opened her eyes and met his gaze. She attempted to sit up, but Caleb gently pushed her back down. With a tender touch, he swiped her dark hair from her face. “Hey, don’t get up yet. Let’s make sure you’re completely aware first.”

The young woman blinked several times and coughed, her voice rough and scratchy. “I’m aware. Wh… who are you?”

Caleb grinned and held up the prescription bag. “My name’s Caleb Ryan. I brought your prescription from the pharmacy. You did leave instructions for me to come in. And it’s a good thing you did.”

Hannah tried again to sit up. “Please, can you help me get back to the couch?”

“Sure thing.” Caleb placed an arm behind her back and lifted her first to a sitting position, then after several seconds, he helped her to her feet. “Okay let’s get you to the couch now and get you comfortable.”

Hannah coughed, covering her mouth and turning her head away. “I’m so sorry. I hope you don’t get whatever it is I have.”

Caleb chuckled. “Yeah, so do I.”

With Hannah settled on the couch, Caleb reached into the little white paper bag and pulled out the prescription bottle. “Here you go. You should probably get started taking this right away. Can I get you some water to take it with?”

He glanced into the mug on the coffee table. “That doesn’t look like water.”

Hannah attempted a small smile. “It’s not. It was hot tea, but it’s probably cold by now.”

Caleb winked at her. “Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”

Caleb strolled into the kitchen and searched for her drinking glasses. He finally found the right cabinet and taking one, filled it at the sink. He returned to the family room and handed it to Hannah. “Here you go. Get that med into your system and let it start doing its job.”

Hannah followed his advice then handed him the glass of water. He sat down on the corner of the heavy coffee table and held the glass in his hand.

“Would you like for me to make you another cup of hot tea? I’m sure it would feel great on that scratchy throat of yours. I can hear it when you talk.”

Hannah tugged her blankets closer and eyed him. Caleb met her gaze. She had gorgeous hazel eyes that were filled with pain and discomfort. He bet they were simply stunning when she wasn’t sick.

She closed her eyes and with care laid her head back against the couch cushions. “That sounds great. Thank you. I’d come help you find everything, but…”

“No need. I’ll find it.” Caleb stood and, grabbing her mug, headed back to the kitchen.

With a little searching, he found everything and never had to ask. Shortly he brought Hannah a cup of hot tea with lemon and honey in it.

“This should help.” Caleb grinned as he came around the end of the couch to find Hannah had nodded off. He was tempted to just let her sleep. Glancing down at the cup of tea in his hand, he decided she probably needed the rest more than the tea. He set the mug on the coffee table and reaching over, tugged the blankets up around her more. Grabbing his jacket and pulling it on, Caleb silently headed out the front door, locking it behind him.

Who was this Hannah Overman? He’d been born and raised in Old Colorado City and was fortunate enough to be assigned to Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs. Sure, he’d had several deployments that had taken him away from home, but he’d always come back. He’d never seen this woman before. She must’ve moved here while he was on his last deployment. One thing was for sure. He would find out more about Hannah Overman.