Harlequin Love Inspired May 2016 - Box Set 1 of 2: An Amish Match\Claiming the Single Mom's Heart\Coast Guard Sweetheart (Amish Hearts) by Jo Ann Brown & Glynna Kaye & Lisa Carter

Author:Jo Ann Brown & Glynna Kaye & Lisa Carter
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781460398166
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-04-30T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“You’re coming to the Hideaway Saturday evening, aren’t you, Sunshine?” Delaney Marks Hunter, her wavy, sun-streaked blond hair tumbling around her shoulders, paused at the bottom of the Co-op gallery staircase that led not only to Sunshine’s apartment, but to several small studios where Delaney had started taking silversmithing lessons from Benton Mason during the summer.

Sunshine had received and responded to the invitation Delaney was referring to with mixed emotions. Elaine and Dave Hunter were hosting a gathering of current town council members, candidates and other prominent people in the community. It was hard to imagine socializing with Irvin after his ungallant performance a week ago, but that was not what bothered her most.

“I’ll be there. My friend Tori is going watch Tessa.”

“Bring Tessa along. Tori, too.” Delaney’s smile broadened, obviously thrilled to be a Hunter now. Having married into the family a month ago, she was already comfortable speaking on their behalf. “The Hunters would be fine with that.”

“I think a night of boring local politics might be a bit much for both.”

“Our kids will be there. At least for the cookout.” Luke had three children, which Delaney already thought of as her own and had earlier confided her intent to adopt. “Claire—one of Luke’s twin sisters—and her kids are in town to help out, so they’ll be there, too. And I imagine several others will bring their children. The Hunters are all about family. You should see Grady when he’s surrounded by his nieces and nephews. He’s going to make a great dad some day.”

He’d certainly won Tessa’s heart.

The invitation had been addressed to Sunshine Carston and family, noting she could bring a guest. But with Tori busy researching how the Hunters may have swindled Sunshine’s great-great-grandparents out of their property, she’d likely balk at being asked to socialize with them. And although Tessa might enjoy playing with the other kids, her obsession with Grady being her hero didn’t need to be fueled further. When Tessa had spied him at church last Sunday, she’d gone running with arms outstretched to the poor surprised man. Recovering, he’d laughed, picked her up and lifted her high before setting her back on her feet. Not good.

“It’s nice of the Hunters to plan something like this.” Even though it was awkward. Not only was she hoping to prove their ancestor had done hers wrong, but she’d been nagged by guilt for days at having let Grady down Tuesday night—and having put him off on Thursday, as well. But after Gideon’s accusations about her “getting cozy” with Grady, she’d had no choice.

She had a fine line to walk, keeping the two factions of the Co-op on speaking terms and unified in purpose. While Gideon had kept a physical distance at Wednesday evening’s meeting—no doubt wary after having been confronted by Grady—he’d challenged her again and again.

She could not lose her job and the apartment that came with it. Maybe at tonight’s veterans-hosted dinner she’d have the opportunity to clarify things with Grady. To smooth the gulf between them that she’d been forced to create.

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