Sweet Mercy by Lynn Hagen

Author:Lynn Hagen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-17T00:00:00+00:00

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“You seem distracted.” Ford had spent most of the day with the contractors outfitting the back half of the building, transforming it into a space that could be used as a kitchen. They’d installed gas lines for the stove and converted the outlets to handle the industrial equipment.

Ford had watched them, learning new skills. Not that he planned on doing that sort of work, but having that basic knowledge couldn’t hurt.

Now he stood next to Mercy in the front area of the shop where the counter was being installed by a local company that specialized in such things.

Mercy had shown up an hour ago and seemed lost in his own thoughts the entire time. Was he still having doubts about starting his own business or letting Ford pay for all of it? If so, Ford wasn’t sure how else to convince his mate that this was truly happening, that Mercy’s dream was coming true.

“There’s just so much to get done.” Mercy’s hand fluttered to his throat as he gave Ford a tight smile.

Ford was still learning his mate, but it didn’t take a genius to know the guy was lying to him. He touched the tips of his fingers against Mercy’s cheek. “I got your back. You know that, right?”

Mercy looked away. “You’ve been a great help. More than I could have asked for.” He wandered to the large glass window that showed the shops across the street, the trees at the curb, and people walking or driving past.

Ford had been all over the United States with his work. Small towns had blended into one another after so many years. Blue-collar workers just trying to make a living. Poor folks struggling to stay afloat. Different festivals for different occasions. The poor side of town and the well-to-do side. Petty crimes and town gossip.

He had no doubt Fever’s Edge was just the same. But there was also something different about this town. Ford couldn’t put his finger on what that was, though.

He walked up behind Mercy and looked out the window. People were seated on the outdoor patio of Cresting Moon, eating, talking, laughing, as if life in the small town was perfect.

Ford had come from a place that hadn’t been this picturesque. His upbringing had entailed going hungry to bed on some nights, shivering in his room in winters because the potbelly stove’s heat hadn’t reached the back of the house. Drafts through the floorboards. Sharing a room with three other siblings. Getting a job at the age of twelve just so he could help support their family.

There were other memories from his youth that he didn’t care to think about, so he shoved those thoughts aside.

Mercy turned and smiled up at him. That tentative smile melted Ford’s heart. “I think the bakery is going to be a success. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.”

“I don’t have any doubts.” Ford slid his hand over Mercy’s cheek. He couldn’t stop himself from touching his mate. Mercy’s lips parted, and Ford went in for a kiss.

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