Harlequin Desire June 2017--Box Set 2 of 2 by Maureen Child

Author:Maureen Child
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488015847
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

For the first time since Pepper opened her shop, she was anxious for the final customer to leave. But this particular older lady was becoming a regular. She had discovered the woman was a widow of five years and had a fondness for fresh flowers in nearly every room of her home. Pepper was all too willing to feed her addiction.

She purchased three arrangements and one of the larger paintings and, thankfully, stayed only ten minutes past her regular closing time. With a sale like that, Pepper would gladly work overtime. She’d just turned the closed sign around and flicked the lock on the old glass door when the shop cell phone rang.

Figuring it was someone asking the hours, which was the most common phone call, Pepper crossed the shop and reached over the counter for the phone.

“Painted Pansies.”

“Pepper, this is—”

“Mrs. Wright,” Pepper stated. Her heart kicked up as she rubbed her abdomen and prayed for strength. “You’re supposed to go through my attorney if you need anything.”

“I know that, but I wanted to talk to you as a mother.”

Pepper gripped her phone so tight her hand started shaking. “I don’t think this is a good idea—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Mrs. Wright hurried on. “Just listen for a few minutes to what I have to say.”

She closed her eyes and rested her elbow on the counter. Before she could reply, the older woman clearly took the silence as the green light to continue.

“I just want you to put yourself in my place,” she started, her voice quivering. “I’ve lost my only child and there’s a part of him that will live on. I want to be part of my grandchild’s life. I know you don’t know me, but you have to agree that my lifestyle and finances are in far better shape. Don’t you want that for your child?”

It took every ounce of tact for Pepper to keep from exploding. Yes, she wanted a great life for her child, but money and a staid home life weren’t it.

“From one mother to another, let me tell you this.” Gathering her strength, Pepper pushed away from the counter and paced her shop. “You of all people should know what it’s like to have your only child taken from you. Is that really what you want to do? This child needs his mother. I never said I would cut you out completely—you assumed and took it upon yourself to come at me. If you have anything else you need to say, call my attorney. Don’t contact me again.”

Pepper disconnected the call and held the cell phone to her side. Her whole body trembled and she had no clue how she was going to make it through this custody case. Her sanity could handle only so much and she truly needed to remain stress-free.

After taking several deep breaths and counting backward from fifty, Pepper had reined in her anger and fear…somewhat.

She went to the back and pulled a large painting from her overstock.

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