Harlequin Love Inspired August 2020--Box Set 2 of 2 by Lee Tobin McClain

Author:Lee Tobin McClain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Claire checked off a few more items on her laptop to-do list while she nursed a handcrafted mocha latte on the patio of a popular T-town coffeehouse. The Cherry Street district was abuzz with afternoon activity as shoppers and college students passed by on the sidewalk.

She finished off the chocolate croissant in front of her and relaxed, simply people watching for a few minutes. What an indulgent way to spend her birthday. How long had it been since she’d been out and about in the world without Zoe? A long time. Weeks ago, when her daughter had a playdate with a coworker’s child.

Was it possible that a future with Reece in their life would yield some good changes along with the challenging ones?

Eyes on the laptop screen, she reviewed her list. Mail picked up at the post office and forwarding form completed online. Check. Zoe’s toys packed up along with extra clothes for both of them. Check.

She’d met with her nursing supervisor, who again verbalized her displeasure at Claire’s leave of absence, warning her that she couldn’t promise to hold her position.

Claire rubbed a hand over her mouth. There was nothing she could do. The calendar reminded her that it was nearly July and she had a long time until her life was hers again. That was if everything went smoothly at the farm.

Looking back over the last three weeks, her life on Ballard Farm had actually found a rhythm. At sunrise, she’d let Blue out and then read her Bible. After breakfast, she and Zoe took Blue on a long walk to exercise the Lab. While Zoe had worked on her dollhouse, Claire attacked another part of her father’s house. When Nan needed help, she and Zoe would offer assistance at the farm’s market. Then, each night after dinner, she would read to Zoe before bed.

Claire had taken enough psychology courses to recognize that routines were her safety net. It was a day-by-day effort to put her trust in God instead of her schedule.

When an email popped up on her laptop, Claire eagerly opened it, recognizing the sender as a paper supply company. The holiday supplies she had ordered online had shipped and would be on her doorstep in three-to-five days. Another thing to check off her list.

Only twenty-four hours after Nan and Reece had come up with the Christmas-in-July idea, things were already moving. Claire was proud of herself for putting aside her fears and embracing the party idea.

She’d invited two of her favorite nurse friends, who were excited to drive out for the occasion and would spend the night at Rebel Ranch. Maybe Reece would spring for a friend-and-family discount at the guest ranch if she asked nicely.

Hosting her first party had her perfectionist tendencies working overtime. That meant yard work and cleaning the house. She found herself excited at the possibility that she would say goodbye to the bitter memories associated with Ballard Farm.

First, she had to get through the three days she’d committed to harvesting peaches.

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