Deadly Risk by Dana Mentink

Author:Dana Mentink
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-06-01T19:43:34+00:00

* * *

Mia turned her face to the sun, relishing the warmth that drove away the last remnants of the storm some two weeks after Gracie’s rescue. Spanish Canyon and the entire county was an official disaster area according to the federal government. Efforts were underway for a massive cleanup. Mia was ready to begin her own restoration project.

Dallas looped his good arm around her shoulders and planted a kiss on the top of her head as they stared at the burned wreckage of Cora’s house. Gracie poked a stick into the various mudholes she was able to locate with Juno sniffing right along behind. “You sure you want to tackle this?” he said, gesturing to the ruined structure.

She snuggled into his side, careful not to put too much pressure on his shoulder. “I think Cora would have been pleased to see another house built here on the property she loved so much.”

“And the matchmaker in her would have appreciated the fact that we’re doing this together.”

“For our future.” Ours. The thought thrilled through her like the spring breeze. If all went well, the house would be built and the beautiful flower beds restored in time for their fall wedding. Closing her eyes, Mia could imagine the details. Gracie with her little basket of flowers, probably followed closely by a four-legged, hairy attendant. Antonia and Reuben would be there to add their heartfelt blessings along with Dallas’s friends from the Search and Rescue school where he had signed on to work indefinitely.

“Still,” Mia said, an ache in her throat. “I wish Cora was here to see it.”

“She’ll see it,” Dallas said. “And she’ll have the best view of all.”

“Dallas,” she said, turning to face him and marveling once again at the strength and gentleness she saw there. “This place was where I lost my dear friend. I thought I’d never come back.”

“And?”

“And now it’s the place where I am going to start my life over again. Pain and joy, all in one place.”

“Blessings are like that, I think.”

She kissed him, pressing him close, her future husband and irreplaceable blessing.

“Hiya,” Gracie said, coming over with her muddy stick. “I’m hungry.”

Mia laughed. “You’re always hungry.”

Dallas retrieved a package from the stash in his truck. He handed the pizza-flavored Goldfish crackers to Gracie. “Don’t feed too many to Juno,” he said, voice stern but eyes twinkling.

“Okay,” Gracie agreed.

“And don’t fill up before lunch,” Dallas said, taking one more item from the truck. He shook the blue box. “We’ll go back to the trailer you and your mom rented and I’m going to cook up some mac and cheese. This time, I’m following the directions.”

“Hooray,” Gracie squealed and Juno barked along with her. “But just in case, can Mommy help?”

Mia and Dallas laughed as Gracie raced off to chase a pair of butterflies.

“I dunno, Mr. Black,” Mia teased. “Rebuilding a house is one thing, but tackling mac and cheese?”

“Don’t worry,” Dallas said, sliding his arms around her again. “Even an old dog can learn new tricks.

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