Trye as Sue might, she couldn’t figure Jake out. He was an enigma. He intrigued her in a way she didn’t want to admit. Was he really interested in being intimate with her? The idea pleased her in a way she didn’t anticipate. As much as she wanted to be mad at him for making her go through all that work and spreading all those lies about her, she was flattered that he pursued her so romantically afterwards. He made her feel beautiful and soft. She wasn‟t even aware that she enjoyed receiving feminine gifts like flowers and perfume until he sent them to her. He cared about what she wanted and what she thought. He liked to talk to her, and she felt that she could talk to him about things she couldn‟t discuss with anyone else. For the first time in her life, she felt desirable to a man. She wanted to be with him. She had lied to Ethan Bower. She wasn‟t simply fond of him. She loved him. It seemed that he felt the same way. All of these thoughts went through her mind as she

That afternoon, Mrs. Walker called Sue over to the front desk while she was putting some books away. Sue finished putting the last book on the bookshelf and walked over to the older woman who was smiling at her. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Walker?” she asked. “I need you to help Miss Stallone deliver some new books to the ladies‟ luncheon at the college campus. Mrs. Monroe and her group wish to donate some new books to the library there.” She nodded and helped Miss Stallone carry the boxes to the carriage waiting for them. She sat across from Miss Stallone who was grinning from ear to ear. “I take it things are going well for you and Ben York,” Sue noted. She blushed. “I try not to be obvious about it.” “Be obvious about it, Betty. You should enjoy it. Ben is just as infatuated with you as you are with him. He’s not really interested in books. He comes by the library to see you. He’s a good, honest man, and I think you two will do well together.” “Tha

Sue dropped the mouse on a panicking and crying Johanna and ran over to her brother. “She is? When did the labor start?” She heard Luke yell something at Johanna and the men finally moved to action to save what was left of the luncheon while the other women stood by and laughed at the whole scene. “I told Luke not to bring his mouse,” Trevor said. “I’m sorry, sis. He insisted on coming along on Trouble. I rode Double Trouble in. Luke saw that man walking the cat and two dogs and jumped off the horse to show the man his mouse. Then I had to chase Trouble down until I got his reins. Both horses are safely tied up at the light posts outside.” Sue remained oblivious to the chaos going on behind her. She shook her head. “When is Gloria going to have the baby?” “Probably tonight. Her water broke an hour ago. I just got the doctor. Her water broke like a gush of water flowing out of a massive hole in a dam. I never saw so much liquid in my entire life. It was strange wat

The next morning passed by swiftly as he finished getting ready for Mr. Brothers‟ arrival. He went to lunch by himself but hardly tasted his food. He returned to work and saw Justin with his wife and kids. Once again, the kids were hanging all over him. This time, Jake smiled and walked into his office. When Mr. Brothers arrived, he gave him the tour of his bank and discussed business. They shook hands and Mr. Brothers left. Justin came by his office. “How did it go?” “Very well,” Jake replied. “Everything is set. We have officially become a major competitor to George Leroy’s bank.” “Speaking of him...” Justin closed the office door and sat down. “No one has seen him since last Friday.” “Who’s in charge of the bank while he’s gone?” “Mr. Edwards but he has no idea where George is. George didn’t even tell him he was going to be gone.” “Does George’s wife know where he is?” “No. She went to the police, but they think he’s off with his mistress on a vacation.” “He’s always a

ue held baby Kevin in her arms. She sat next to Gloria on the couch in her parents‟ parlor. Kevin was born the previous evening, and he had already won the hearts of his family. She smiled at the baby who was content to lay awake in her arms. It was nice to hold him. For the first time in her life, she allowed herself to entertain the notion that she might hold her own child one day. She sighed. She missed Jake more than she thought she would. It was easy to put him out of her mind while she was busy getting Gloria ready for the birth and cleaning up afterwards. The doctor came to deliver the baby, announced that everyone was doing well, and left. She was happy for Gloria and Jeremiah who looked proud to finally be parents. She knew that this baby was a miracle for them after having suffered through four losses. Gloria beamed. “I can’t believe he’s actually here. It’s so wonderful to hold him after praying so long for his safe arrival.” “It is,” Sue agreed. “He’s goin