His Small-Town Family by Lorraine Beatty

Author:Lorraine Beatty
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-06-13T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Ethan unpacked the electronics display that had arrived yesterday. It was larger than he’d expected, but not complicated to assemble. Latimer’s didn’t have the space or budget to stock a large supply of electronic equipment, so the company had provided a sample kiosk where customers could examine several devices, order them and have them shipped to their homes later.

He’d have to check with Nicki to see if she’d decided where to place it in the store. It was attractive and should draw customers to examine the sample laptop, eReader, smartphone and small digital camera. Ethan let his gaze rest on the box that held the small silver camera. For the first time in nearly a year, he had a desire to take a few shots. He wished he’d taken some before and after pictures of Latimer’s. It had changed a lot since he’d started working there.

The push to get everything done in time for the sidewalk sale was taking a toll. Several items Nicki had counted on for the big event hadn’t arrived yet. He was working hard to get it all done, but Nicki was pushing herself even more, and he was worried about her.

“Looks like my girl is keeping you on your toes.”

Ethan smiled when he saw Allen Latimer coming into the stockroom. He looked much stronger than he had the last time they’d met.

“Afternoon, sir. What brings you here?”

“Change of scenery. And some time with the two prettiest ladies in town.”

Ethan smiled and shook the man’s hand. “You’ll get no argument from me. Sadie is a beauty.”

Latimer strode to the workbench. “Just like her mother.”

“Yes, sir.” He had the strangest feeling Mr. Latimer was on a fishing expedition. “You’re a blessed man.”

“Don’t I know it. I was telling my daughter how great the store looks. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate all you’ve done for my girl. She can be bullheaded like her mother, and she doesn’t like to ask for help.”

“I’ve noticed.” He grinned in agreement.

“But she’ll take help from you. Why do you suppose that is?”

Ethan’s neck suddenly felt tight. “I couldn’t say. Things were pretty serious when I showed up. I suppose she was desperate.”

Mr. Latimer nodded thoughtfully. “True.” He glanced around the stockroom. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen the place so neat. I could never find anything in here, but then, Charlie had his own system. I used to be better about staying on top of things, but after I lost my boy, and I got sick...” He shrugged. “Guess I let things go.”

“I understand, sir. Illness steals your energy. All you can do is try to survive. Everything else fades into the background.”

“You speaking from experience?”

Ethan hesitated. Apparently Nicki hadn’t told her father about his PTSD. “Yes, sir.”

Latimer studied him a moment. “You strike me as an observant man. Someone who watches, and thinks things through before acting.”

“I suppose so. I like to take my time. Look at things before I jump in.”

“My daughter is very fond of you.

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