ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PROLOGUE
Rain lashed against the windows, an irregular rat-a-tat-tat that hinted at a summer hailstorm, while sharp jolts of lightning cut through the early afternoon sky bringing staccato bursts of thunder in their wake. The storm’s fury, though, was no match for Paula Jean Arnett’s desolate anger as she knelt in the middle of her kingsized bed beating her fists against the blameless pillows. She wailed, her voice reverberating against the four walls. “Damn it, Cal.” A slash of nearby lightning illuminated the premature darkness brought on by the thunderstorm. For a split second, everything around Paula was revealed in sharp relief a glass of wine on the bedside table. A dog-eared book. A photo of Cal, his lopsided grin seeming to promise that everything would be okay. “Liar,” Paula whimpered. She shut her eyes and took refuge beneath her covers as a sustained boom echoed throughout the house, seeming to shake its very foundation.
In her dark nest, Paula sobbed until there were no more tears. Oh,Cal. It’sbeenayearnow. Ayearwithoutyou. IthoughtI’dbe able to move on, but here I am, still tethered to what we had. I missyousomuch. Istillneedyou.
She fell into a restless sleep, memories of the nightmare she’d lived last July flashing through her head. Thecallfrom thehighway patrol. ThedrivetoLubbockwhereshe’darrivedatthehospitaltoo late. HerCalalreadygone. She relived it all over and over again. The ringing of the phone persisted outside of her dreams, pushing all the other images away.
Paula fought her way out of the covers to grope for her phone where it lay on the bedside table. She checked the caller I.D. and dried her eyes on the top sheet.
“Cassie, hello.”
“Hey, Goldilocks. I’ve been thinking about you all day. How are you doing?”
Paula swallowed and attempted to steady her voice. “I’m doing okay, sweetie. Thanks for checking on me.”
“You don’t sound okay. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there for you today. I tried, but there was a huge test, and my instructor wouldn’t offer a way for me make it up.”
“I understand. And I wouldn’t have been very good company anyway, so I’m glad you didn’t make the trip.”
“Still. I should’ve been there on this day of all days.”
Paula sobbed into the phone. “Oh, Cassie. I thought this anniversary would mark the day I could begin moving on. I thought I was making progress, but this week has been really hard.
“I’m so sorry.” Cassie fell quiet on the other end, and Paula could hear the tears in her friend’s voice when she spoke again. “We both knew this day would come. That it would be tough, but Paula, you are tougher. And I know you are going to be fine in your own time.”
Paula sniffled. “That’s what I keep telling myself. Um, I am looking forward to seeing you in two weeks, so that’s giving me something to hang onto.”
“Martha and Zeke’s wedding is exactly what you need. I’ll pick you up outside baggage claim and then I’m going to hug the stuffing out of you.”
“Well, that sounds painful. But in spite of how I’m feeling now, I am excited about being with you and everyone at the resort. It’ll do my heart good to see Melinda and Martha and McKenzie.”
“And Dr. Hunky?”
“Oh, Cassie, I don’t know what came over me last year. Cal hadn’t been gone but a week and there I was feeling something for another man. If only Mark hadn’t reminded me so much of Cal…”
“I know. That lopsided smile of his was pretty charming.”
“It sure was.”
Cassie said, “Hold on.” She spoke to someone in the background. “Hon, I need to go. But you call me if you need me tonight. I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Paula rubbed her swollen eyes and fell back under the covers. She breathed out a plea. “Cal, help me move on.” She fell into a restless sleep, still waiting for a response.
CHAPTER ONE
An overstuffed army duffel bag fell with a thud onto the luggage carousel and Paula watched as it teetered on the edge of the conveyer belt before righting itself. “Is that one yours?” Cassie Campbell asked.
Paula shook her head and rolled her eyes. “No. My bag is a plain black nylon suitcase with a red and black Texas Tech I.D. tag.”
“Like this one?” Cassie asked, as the next bag dropped out of the chute.
“Exactly like that one.”
Cassie braced herself and hauled the oversized tote off the carousel. “Dang girl, did you pack your entire wardrobe? This thing weighs a ton. At least.”
Paula shrugged. “I don’t recall asking you to handle my luggage for me, but thanks, anyway. I might’ve overpacked a bit.”
Cassie smirked. “You think?”
Paula cried happy tears as she pulled Cassie in for a hug. “I know we talk nearly every day but, gosh, I’ve missed you. It’s so good to see you in person.”
“I’m excited to see you, too. Here, let me get a good look at you.” Cassie looked Paula up and down. “You need to gain some weight. I haven’t been there to cook for you, and it shows. Let’s get on the road so we can find you something to eat while we’re still in Dallas.”
Paula cocked her head. “Always bossing me around. Some things never change.”
“You know you love it,” Cassie said. She led the way, steering Paula’s bag down the escalator.
“You didn’t have to come in for me. I’d have made it just fine.”
“I know; I couldn’t wait to see you. Thank goodness you’re here. I can’t believe I have you almost all to myself for the next three hours.”
Through narrowed eyes, Paula asked, “What do you mean almost?”
“Oh, that. You’ll see. I have a surprise waiting for you.”
Once at street level Cassie looked left then right. “There,” she said, gesturing to a black BMW SUV.
Paula’s eyes widened. “Wow! Being a culinary student must pay really well…”
Cassie snorted. “It’s not mycar, silly.”
As they neared the car, Paula’s heart skipped a beat when she recognized the tall, dark-haired man who stood waiting to greet her.
Paula squealed and rushed into his open arms. “Oh, my goodness. Court Campbell, what are you doing here?” She stood back and basked in the warmth of his admiring gaze. “Cassie, you didn’t tell me your brother was in town.”
His eyes twinkled as he kissed her cheek. “Pretty little Paula Purdy. It’s been too long.”
Paula hugged him again then held him at arm’s length to get the whole picture—his chocolate-colored eyes, wavy dark hair, and dimples. Yep, still handsome. “You’re right; it has been way too long.”
Court hoisted Paula’s bag into the trunk then opened the front passenger door. “Here you go, Paula. I’ve relegated Cassie to the backseat.”
Cassie slipped into the car. “Apparently, my incessant chatter drives him crazy, so I’m going to relax back here all the way to Happy Vale. You two won’t hear a word out of me.”
Court and Paula exchanged eye rolls at the mention of Cassie being quiet.
“Hey, you two. You’d better not be rolling your eyes at me.”
While Court navigated the airport traffic, Paula studied his chiseled profile. “So, are you driving us all the way to the resort?”
Court chanced a glance her way. “Not only am I driving you to your destination, I’m also Cassie’s plus-one for the wedding.”
Paula turned in her seat with a mock pout. “Cassie, I thought we were going to be each other’s plus-ones.”
Cassie patted Court’s shoulder. “He’s our plus-one. Mine and yours. We’re sharing.”
Paula chortled. “That makes you a plus-one-half, Court.”
Cassie dissolved into giggles. “Perfect.”
Court peeked in the rearview mirror. “Clown it up, ladies. Remember, this is my vehicle, and I can drop you off at the nearest Greyhound bus station, if need be.”
Cassie snickered. “We’ll be good. Promise. Hey, drive through some place and let’s get a snack. Paula needs to eat, and I need a Dr. Pepper.”
After a quick detour through the drive-thru lane of the nearest fast-food place, they were on the road to Happy Vale, Texas, destination: Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort.
CHAPTER TWO
As Paula nibbled on her cheeseburger and fries, Cassie and Court regaled her with stories about their new lives as roommates in Dallas.
Court said, “I’m surprised that my sister and I are finally so compatible. Who’d have thought that could ever happen?”
Cassie snatched a couple of Paula’s French fries. “I certainly didn’t. But it helps that Court’s gone most of the time. It’s hard to fight with someone who’s never home.”
Paula chuckled. “So, Court, Cassie tells me you’re no longer flying for Southwest.
“Nope. Back with American, and I’m flying international these days.”
“Ooh la la. France? Spain?”
“And many more,” he said with a wink.
Paula wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I’ve only ever been to Scotland. Cal and I planned to visit Italy on our next anniversary, but…” She choked back a sob, hoping no one would notice.
Cassie squeezed Paula’s shoulder. “Oh, sweetie.”
Paula tried to blink away the tears gathering in her eyes. “Some days I can almost forget he’s gone. But then I’ll get whiff of a man’s Old Spice, or I’ll find a note with his handwriting on it, and his loss hits me as if the accident happened yesterday instead of a year ago.”
Court covered her hand with his own. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for your husband’s funeral.”
Paula wiped away a stray tear. “The flowers you sent were lovely, and I had so much support. Cassie was wonderful. All of our friends were.
“I sure miss the old gang. Especially Melvin,” Court said.
Paula offered a playful smirk. “You could always pay a visit to Dempsey. I’m sure a lot of your old girlfriends would love to see you.”
Court grimaced. “And that’s exactly why I don’t ever go home.”
Cassie huffed. “He gets at least two calls a month from old flames. I’ve started pretending I’m his wife… Hello? Whoisthis? Madelyn Green? And you want to speak with my husband about what? They hang up pretty fast after that.”
Court uttered a strangled cough. “Maybe she had a legitimate reason for calling, like to get my address so she could send an invitation to our next high school reunion or something.”
“If that had been the case, your fake wife could have provided that information for her. No, she wanted something else. You really should be thanking me. I probably saved you from dealing with a jealous husband.”
Paula closed her eyes and relaxed against the seat. Being with these two brought back wonderful memories. “Hey, Court, do you remember when Cassie and I borrowed your CDs without your permission?”
He shot her a look. “Borrowed? That’s what you’re calling it now? I never did get my Guns N’ Roses CD back.”
Cassie said, “You’re lucky you got any of them back, after all the mean stuff you and Melvin did to us back in the day.”
Paula crumpled her napkin and passed the remainder of her fries to Cassie. “Like forgetting to pick us up after band practice…”
Cassie leaned forward. “…five nights in a row. In December . ”
Paula’s eyes darted between Cassie and Court. “Andtrying to convince us we could ride our bikes blindfolded if only we could recite the alphabet backwards. Cassie hit a parked car and broke her collarbone. You remember?”
Court winced. “Of course, I remember; it was Mom’s car after all, and I got grounded for a month. That was a pretty mean thing to do. Can you two forgive me?”
Cassie passed the empty French fry container back to Paula. “Maybe. So Paula, what have you decided to do with CalNet?”
“It’s poised to sell to a man Cal worked with when he taught in Champaign. Melinda suggested I contact him, and now we’re in the process of ironing out the details.”
Cassie stifled a yawn and settled back into her seat. “Well, that’s one less worry. Y’all, I’m going to take a nap.” Within seconds, she began to snore.
Paula chuckled. “Your sister always amazes me. She goes from a hundred miles an hour to nothing in the blink of an eye.”
Court looked over his shoulder. “I think it might be an inherited ability. Dad and I can do it, too. It drives Mom crazy.”
“How are your folks? Are they still on their big adventure?”
Court maneuvered into the turn lane. “They’re somewhere in Michigan. Heaven only knows where they’ll park the motorhome next month. I keep thinking they’ll go back to Dempsey and settle down, but they really like the vagabond life.”
Paula shifted in her seat to see him better. “Maybe that’s inherited, too. I mean, look at you, flying all over the world.”
“Huh. Hadn’t thought about it that way. Maybe I just haven’t had a good enough reason to settle down,” he said, fixing his gaze on her.
She cleared her throat and nodded toward the road ahead. “You can’t put this thing on autopilot, you know.”
He turned his attention back to the road. “And that’s a damned shame. So, what’s this CalNet anyway?”
“CalNet was Cal’s business. He put together seminars and conferences for high school seniors and university students to help them figure out how to get the most out of college. That’s how I met him, you know. I was a sophomore at Texas Tech, and I attended one of his seminars. We got to talking and just never stopped.”
“Weren’t your parents shocked when you wanted to drop out of school to date this older man? What was he? Twenty years older than you?”
Paula groaned. “I’m not sure why you’d think that. I didn’t exactly drop out to date Cal, and he was only fifteen years older. True, Mom and Dad weren’t all that enthusiastic in the beginning, but they really loved him once they got to know him. Plus, I think they were secretly pleased that I wasn’t going to be wasting any more of their money.”
Court merged the car into heavy traffic, and for a while, Paula was left to her own thoughts as she watched the city pass by. I can’tbelieveI’mfinallyreturningtotheplaceCalboughtwithoutmy knowledge. What was he thinking? If he hadn’t died last July, wouldhe have toldme eventually, or wouldIhavejustgone on my merry way for therestofmy life withoutknowingabouthisbargain with Melinda? Would I never have met the 3M’s? Paula smiled to herself thinking about her nickname for Martha, Melinda, and McKenzie.
Court’s voice snapped her out of her reverie. “So, whose wedding is it we’re going to?”
“It’s Martha Murray’s wedding. She’s the mother of the woman Cal was briefly married to.”
Court shook his head. “Cassie told me your husband bought this fishing resort on Lake Toledo Bend without your knowledge. She said y’all had quite the adventure down here.”
“That’s for sure. I went there thinking that Cal might have a secret family and instead discovered new friends. Did Cassie tell you she learned to juggle while we were there?”
“Hm. I guess that one slipped her mind.”
“Well, if you want to be entertained sometime, ask your sister about her adventure with a troupe of natural jugglers.”
Court wrinkled his nose. “Natural jugglers?”
“Natural as in naked. Nude. In the buff.”
Court peeked over his shoulder at Cassie and grimaced. “Does she? I mean, in the...?”
Paula chuckled at the face he made. “As far as I know Cassie only juggles fully clothed. But I wouldn’t put anything past that girl.”
“Who’d have even thought about juggling in the nude?”
“They have conferences and everything. Martha’s groom is president of the Natural Jugglers of America, and she’s stipulated that there will be no nude juggling at her wedding or the reception. I can’t say that I blame her.”
“Well, I can’t wait to meet everyone. Cassie’s been talking about your 3M’s non-stop the last few weeks.”
“I know you’ll like them, too.”
“Still, it must’ve been hard to learn about Cal’s first marriage and everything so soon after his death.”
Paula sighed. “I thought he’d betrayed me. I know you never got to know Cal, but he was steady as a rock. Such a good man. A great listener. And when I thought he’d played me for a fool, it was almost more than I could take. Thank goodness for Cassie.” She glanced over her shoulder to where Cassie had discarded her seatbelt and was sprawled across the leather seat in a deep sleep. Paula sighed again. “Dear, crazy Cassie.”
CHAPTER THREE
Paula shook Cassie awake when Court stopped at a convenience store thirty minutes outside of Happy Vale to top off the gas tank. The two women hustled inside to the restrooms, and to buy Cassie another Dr. Pepper. When they returned to the car, Paula gave Court directions to their destination.
She felt like a child returning to a favorite playground when she realized they were nearing the entrance to the resort. Gesturing to an opening between a pair of massive oaks, Paula said, “Right here. The driveway is on the other side of the... Wait. Where’s the sign? Look, Cassie, the sign’s gone.”
Cassie sat forward and craned her neck. “That’s weird. Maybe they’re getting a new one?”
A crease settled in between Paula’s eyebrows. “It’s odd timing, if they are. Still, turn between these trees.”
Driving down the tree-lined lane that led to the office, Paula stifled a squeal. Court gave an amused grin and said, “You remind me of little Paula Purdy at the Lubbock fairgrounds all those years ago. The time you rode the Ferris wheel with me, and we got stuck at the very top. I thought you’d be scared, but no, you just wanted to do it again.”
Paula closed her eyes. IrememberthatFerriswheel… andthe kiss Court stole. It hadonly been a quickpeck on thecheek, but still… “That’s kind of how this place makes me feel—a little scared, but excited, too.”
“Yeah, Cassie tried explaining how it was that you came to own a resort, but I guess I didn’t connect all the dots.”
“So, Cal was once married to Melinda, right? Only I never knew about her. They lost contact after the divorce, and Cal never got around to telling me about her.”
Paula bit her bottom lip. “I still don’t understand why… Anyway, this resort was in her family for years; her uncle left it to her when he died. Before she could make it profitable, she was diagnosed with cancer. She had a failing fishing resort on her hands
and no health insurance. She needed help. So, Melinda tracked Cal down through a mutual friend and he bought the resort from her. They agreed he’d sell it back to her whenever she was back on her feet. But then…”
Her chin trembled. “But then he died. And it wasn’t until after Cal’s funeral that I learned about this place and that I’d inherited it. But when Cassie and I came down here to investigate, I found so much more than a property. I found a second family.”
“Wow. Are you planning to keep it then?”
“Right now, Melinda and I are working together to make it profitable. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything with the resort without her. She’s great. In fact, the whole family is incredible. And the resort is more than I could’ve asked for. I hope you love it here as much as Cassie and I do.”
Court patted her hand. “For you, I’ll try.”
As the car stopped in front of the office, a slender young woman bounded down the porch steps, her dark ponytail bouncing merrily. Over her shoulder she yelled, “Mom, they’re here.”
Paula stood and hugged McKenzie Arnett, the youngest of the 3M’s. “Look at you. All dolled up on a Tuesday afternoon. Your makeup is gorgeous! Did you do it yourself?”
McKenzie’s brown eyes twinkled as she turned her head from side to side. “Yes. Yesterday, my cosmetology class was all about special occasion makeup. I’ve been practicing. How great is that right before Gram’s wedding? I can do the whole wedding party’s makeup.”
“That’s awesome. But aren’t you on summer vacation?”
“No, we’re on a year-round schedule, like Cassie is. But I arranged things with my instructors so I could be here on Friday to help Gram.”
Paula hugged her again. “That’s wonderful.”
“Hey, where’s my hug?” Cassie asked.
McKenzie embraced Cassie, then turned and stared, openmouthed, at Court.
Cassie said, “McKenzie, this is my big brother, Court.”
“He’s beautiful,” McKenzie said under her breath.
Paula and Cassie exchanged glances and Cassie whispered, “Yes, and he knows it.”
Melinda Arnett jogged down the steps of the cabin, her arms opened wide. “Hey, you two. EEE! You made it. I thought you’d never get here.”
Melinda hugged Paula and Cassie then shook Court’s outstretched hand. “And you must be Court. I’m Melinda Arnett. Welcome.”
Court flashed his dimples. “Thanks for having me. I’ve heard so much about this place and about all of you.”
Melinda winked. “Only believe the good stuff. Come on in and we’ll get you into your rooms.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Paula stepped inside the lobby and clapped her hands. “Wow. Everything looks wonderful. The remodel turned out beautifully, didn’t it?” She inched closer to the walls to inspect several of Melinda’s watercolor paintings of the lake. “These look great in here. And I love the photos of all the proud anglers with their trophies. The after photos you sent me really didn’t do the place justice.”
Cassie leaned on the counter. “And look at the new computer. It’s a big step up from that old guest registry, isn’t it?. Oh, and look at the awards.”
Melinda adjusted an off-kilter plaque on the wall behind the counter. “Well, they aren’t all awards. We joined the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and we started a youth fishing derby. And it seems the town of Happy Vale is always looking for sponsors for youth sports. Our Little League girls’ softball team placed second in the city championship. The payoff has been awesome. Lots of word-of-mouth advertising for our place these days. And have you seen the new website? Business is good, boss.”
Paula waved her off. “Boss? Hardly. But I have seen the website. I’m so happy for you.”
Melinda wiped a tear from her eye and hugged Paula again. “For us. I’m happy for us. I’m an emotional mess right now, but in a good way. I expect I’ll cry all week long. Wait ‘til you see Mama, though. I’m not nearly the mess she is. I’m hoping you two can keep her occupied while I take care of everything else.”
“We’ll do whatever you need us to do. Just put us to work,” Cassie said.
Paula nodded. “Gladly.”
Melinda beamed. “Thank you both. My world already seems more manageable than it did ten minutes ago. Okay, let’s see where I put your room keys. Rest up as much as you need to, but we’ll be cooking out at the campground around five.”
McKenzie draped an arm around her mother’s shoulder. “If you don’t need me, I’ll go see if Gram needs help.”
Melinda said, “Go ahead sweetie. Now, where were we? Okay, I took the liberty of stocking the mini fridges in your rooms. Cassie, there’s Dr. Pepper for you, and Paula, I remembered that your favorite beer is Shiner. Court, what’s your beverage of choice?”
Court turned his attention away from the art on the walls and said, “I’ll share the Shiners with Paula, but I brought along a bottle of Scotch and some wine.”
Melinda gave him a thumbs up. “I think we’re set then.” She presented Cassie and Paula the keys to rooms two and three and put Court in room four.
Paula pocketed her key. “Cassie and I could’ve shared a room.”
Melinda offered a mischievous grin. “I know, but Zeke’s got quite a bit of family coming and most of them needed the rooms with two double beds. I figured you all wouldn’t mind having rooms to yourselves. Paula, your room’s next to Mark’s. You know he always gets Room One.”
Paula’s heart stuttered. Even though she’d only been around Mark Fields for a few days last year, they’d both felt an attraction. She chided herself. I’mjustnotreadyyet.
Cassie eyed Paula and gave her a playful jab. “Oh? When will Mark be here? Is he bringing anyone?”
Melinda’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “He’ll be here tomorrow afternoon and he’s as single these days as a slice of American cheese.”
“Well, then, Paula, he can be your plus-one,” Cassie said with a flourish of her hands as if having solved one of the world’s biggest problems.
Court threw back his shoulders. “Or he can be yours and I can be Paula’s.”
Paula’s eyes darted between the siblings. “Or… how about this-we can all be on our own.”
Melinda stepped around the counter. “You all do whatever gets you to the wedding on time. After you get settled, let me know if you need anything.”
