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Surprises
Last Updated:
2024-08-28 06:04:58Related chapters
Your Heart & Mine A Dream Realized
Harper peeked nervously out of the window watching as the last of the guest were seated under the large white tent. Outdoor heaters had been placed all around the space to keep everyone warm. She knew it was folly to plan an outdoor wedding in December, but she and Wyck didn't want to waste one more day being apart, and Harper wanted her wedding to take place at her new home, overlooking the valley she loved.The day had dawned cold and clear, the sun doing its winter best to shine for their big day. She swallowed a little nervously as she took in all the people. Most of the town must have shown up. "Ready for the red carpet, Love?" A warm voice asked behind her. Harper turned with a smile for her best friend. Cam had been a stalwart presence over the last year. He hadn't had any plans to move to a tiny mountain town when he brought her to Carrington Ridge to attend her father's funeral, but he'd taken all the changes in stride, falling in love with the town and people. And everyone
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Your Heart & Mine Elizabeth's Story - Transforming Memories
While sunlight played on the dust motes swirling like miniature dancers all around the room, Elizabeth Carrington stood amidst the chaos of the deconstruction, her clipboard clutched to her chest like a shield. She knew the changes would transform her family home to a Bed & Breakfast and be another step to rebuilding the town that carried her family name, but there were days when the necessary destruction pained her. The excavation of memories, both joyous and sorrowful, buried beneath layers of plaster could be overwhelming. When she'd returned to Carrington Ridge to bury her father, she'd never planned to stay. She'd expected to do her duty and return to her life as an architect and project manager for the large company she worked for. Creating condos and businesses wasn't anything close to her dreams of restoring old buildings and making them come alive again, but it was a lucrative living and she'd built a solid reputation for herself. But when her sister, Harper, had latched on t
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Your Heart & Mine The King Is Dead
Beloved Mayor Dies in Tragic Accident. The bold letters across his screen screamed at him. The traffic noise coming through the windows, the clacking of his assistant's nails on her keyboard, and the chatter of employees in the office all faded away. As if a switch had been flipped, the normal sounds were replaced by a roar in his head like a giant waterfall. He felt an icy chill skitter down his spine followed almost immediately by a burning rage in the pit of his stomach. He forced himself to look at the monitor again. There was no mistake. It was him. His picture was there in vivid color below the headline. Jonah Carrington, the man he had hated his entire life, the man who, ironically, had also set him on his path to success, was gone. God damn it!Wyck threw the first thing his hand touched, a stress ball, at the wall. It made a wholly unsatisfying, soft thunk against the sheetrock. He abruptly jolted from his seat and ran his hands through his carefully styled black waves in fr
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Culture Shock
Harper had always thought that driving through snow at night must be what rocketing through space looked like. The white flakes looked like tiny points of light speeding around them in the darkness – like hitting warp speed on the Enterprise. Her Scotty was currently white-knuckling it along a narrow, winding country road. Her best friend, Cam, was a city boy through and through. He hadn't even gotten his drivers' license until he had moved to Raleigh, North Carolina from London at twenty-five. He told her he hadn't needed it until then with public transport as good as it was in the city of his birth. "The Tube, love, is a glorious thing," he'd told her more than once. "Raleigh should really invest in their own."Raleigh, however, didn't have a subway and buses weren't exactly easy to get around on. Cam managed well enough, however, navigating in the bumper-to-bumper traffic there and traveling at high speeds on the interstate that surrounded it, but the mountain roads of southwest V
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Family Grief
In his dark suit, Wyck blended in with the shadows of the trees that lined the small cemetery. He'd felt the need to be there, to see her, but didn't want to intrude on the family. Not today.Generations of Carringtons were buried here. For a bit of privacy, he and Harper used to come out here and simply sit on a blanket and look out over the valley, sipping at a proffered bottle of wine from Jonah's wine fridge or some apple pie moonshine he'd bought off a friend. A smile tugged at his lips at the thought of Harper's first taste of the homemade brew."Oh my God!" She'd sputtered and coughed as the clear liquid ran down her throat. "How does anyone drink this stuff?" She rubbed a hand against her chest no doubt trying to quell the burning."You're supposed to sip it, not take a giant gulp," Wyck had said, rubbing her back and trying not to laugh. "Now you tell me!" She narrowed her beautiful eyes at him and gave him a little punch to the arm.He'd scooted closer to her and pulled her
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Reunion
Wyck had given the front of the house a wide berth and made his way to the kitchen doorway that opened into the back gardens. He'd come this way to avoid the crowds of mourners, well-wishers, and, honestly, looky-loos, who had invaded the Carrington home after the public memorial service. He wasn't ready to run the gauntlet of people from his past looking to 'catch up' after fifteen years away. He also hadn't told his parents he was back yet, though he seriously doubted they would be in attendance at today's gathering. On second thought, however, his mother did belong to the ladies' group at the church that Mitzi ran. No matter how little Katie Crockett might have, she always said there was someone who was worse off, and it was her Christian duty to help. Working two to three jobs over many years had aged his mom and dad before their time and it saddened him to see new lines on their faces every time he visited. Those visits had been few and far between, however, and that ate at his
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Fifteen Years
"Harper! There you are. Come say hello to Mrs. Hash," her mother implored, reaching for Harper's arm to pull her into her orbit next to the long mahogany dining room table, a pleasant expression frozen on her face like a mask."Nice to see you, Mrs. Hash," Harper responded as expected. She tried for the same expression as the dark-haired woman dragged Harper's taller frame down to her for a hug."So good to see you, honey," Mrs. Hash murmured. "So sorry about your daddy. I know you'll miss him."Harper returned the hug then stepped back, thanking the woman. This dance repeated over and over again as Harper stood next to her mother. The voices started sounding like nothing more than bees buzzing around her head. Harper's mind wandered back to the meeting in the kitchen. Her eyes had refused to believe what they were seeing at first. It had taken several moments to recognize the tall man in the expensive suit and perfect hair but then she had zeroed in on the eyes. Those grey, storm-clo
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Hollow Victories
Wyck's cell phone rang just as he stepped into his hotel room, arms laden with white, Chinese takeout containers. He was emotionally drained and exhausted. All he wanted to do was eat and collapse. Find some oblivion. Not discuss business. He dropped the food on the coffee table and fished the phone from his suit pocket."What," he answered shortly, collapsing onto the lumpy couch."Well, aren't you Mr. Sunshine," Davis cracked wryly.Wyck suppressed a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What do you want, Davis? It's been a long day.""Just wanted to give you the good news, man. Spoke with that attorney this afternoon. Carrington signed over the last of his assets right before he died. So we're all set - no probate battles ahead."Davis chuckled. "Hell, the poor bastard even took out a loan against his house with a big balloon payment coming due. Like he thought he'd actually be able to cover that after we destroyed his business. Dude was delusional."Wyck sat forward, hand droppi
Last Updated : 2024-08-27
Latest chapter
Your Heart & Mine Elizabeth's Story - Transforming Memories
While sunlight played on the dust motes swirling like miniature dancers all around the room, Elizabeth Carrington stood amidst the chaos of the deconstruction, her clipboard clutched to her chest like a shield. She knew the changes would transform her family home to a Bed & Breakfast and be another step to rebuilding the town that carried her family name, but there were days when the necessary destruction pained her. The excavation of memories, both joyous and sorrowful, buried beneath layers of plaster could be overwhelming. When she'd returned to Carrington Ridge to bury her father, she'd never planned to stay. She'd expected to do her duty and return to her life as an architect and project manager for the large company she worked for. Creating condos and businesses wasn't anything close to her dreams of restoring old buildings and making them come alive again, but it was a lucrative living and she'd built a solid reputation for herself. But when her sister, Harper, had latched on t
Your Heart & Mine A Dream Realized
Harper peeked nervously out of the window watching as the last of the guest were seated under the large white tent. Outdoor heaters had been placed all around the space to keep everyone warm. She knew it was folly to plan an outdoor wedding in December, but she and Wyck didn't want to waste one more day being apart, and Harper wanted her wedding to take place at her new home, overlooking the valley she loved.The day had dawned cold and clear, the sun doing its winter best to shine for their big day. She swallowed a little nervously as she took in all the people. Most of the town must have shown up. "Ready for the red carpet, Love?" A warm voice asked behind her. Harper turned with a smile for her best friend. Cam had been a stalwart presence over the last year. He hadn't had any plans to move to a tiny mountain town when he brought her to Carrington Ridge to attend her father's funeral, but he'd taken all the changes in stride, falling in love with the town and people. And everyone
Your Heart & Mine Surprises
Though he still had dark periods and searing migraine pain, Harper learned when to hold him and when to give him space. Bit by bit, signs of her old Wyck re-emerged - his ready laugh, the teasing gleam in his eye, arms wrapping her close while they watched movies at night.One afternoon as the warmth of summer gave into the crispness of fall in the mountains, Harper arrived to find Wyck typing determinedly on his computer despite the tremors wracking his hands. His grin flashed when she appeared in the doorway."Are you up for a little drive?" Enthusiasm and mischief danced in his eyes. "What are you up to, Wyck Alan Crockett?" She'd never been able to think of him as a Ward. He'd always be a Crockett to her.Harper tried to sneak around behind him to see what he'd been working on, but he quickly shut the laptop before she could see.Wyck twisted to look up at her, more alive and eager than she'd seen him since the accident. "No peeking. It's a surprise." His eyes held a hint of his
Your Heart & Mine Awakenings
Over the next hours, Wyck's parents and Harper shared stories from their childhood and their lives since leaving Carrington Ridge. Though he called often, Wyck had rarely ventured back to the town he'd grown up in. He'd even moved Marjorie and Hank to a new home overlooking the New River several years ago. Hearing these missing pieces, Harper felt even closer to the complex man she loved.Late that night after Wyck's parents reluctantly went to the hotel to rest, Harper dozed off still holding his hand. Around dawn, she gradually awoke to the feeling of fingers lightly brushing her hair. Disoriented, her eyes flew open.Wyck was watching her, his grey eyes finally open but still dulled with pain and medication. Harper jolted upright. "Wyck! You...you're awake!" He gave a faint, lopsided smile around the oxygen mask that had lived on his face since they had taken him off the ventilator. His fingers continued weakly combing through the length of her hair.Tears of awe and relief flooded
Your Heart & Mine Vigil
Harper startled as the waiting room door swung open. A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and tortoiseshell glasses strode toward them, green scrubs wrinkled from hours in surgery. Harper's heart lodged in her throat as she shot to her feet. Was this the doctor? Did he bring news of Wyck?The man offered a tired smile. "Family of Wyck Ward?" At their anxious nods, he extended his hand. "I'm Dr. Nash. I operated on Mr. Ward."Harper clutched Brenna's hand tightly, bracing for his next words. Cam placed a comforting hand on her shoulder while the doctor gathered his thoughts.Finally Dr. Nash began solemnly. "Mr. Ward sustained very serious injuries in the accident. Major trauma to his abdomen required immediate surgery when he arrived. We had to remove his spleen and repair a severely lacerated liver."Harper swayed. Cam's grip tightened, anchoring her upright. She blinked back tears, gesturing for the doctor to continue."He also had several broken ribs, one of which punctured his lun
Your Heart & Mine Accident
Cam followed right on the trooper's bumper flying down I-81 toward Roanoke. The flashing red and blue strobe lights hypnotized Harper. She was numb. And cold. So cold. All she could think of was the words Cam had spoken 'There's been an accident'. She couldn't really process anything after that. An accident. A single tear tracked down her cheek."He's going to be fine, Love. You've got to believe that." Cam gripped her hand as if he could ground her in reality by his touch alone. "He's young and strong."Harper didn't respond. Her hand lay limp in his grasp. She stared straight ahead."Harp? We're almost there. You just hang on, okay?" Brenna said from the back seat. Her voice wavered just a bit, but she wasn't crying any longer. "Elizabeth is bringing Mama. We'll all be here for you."Cam met Brenna's eyes for a moment in the rear-view mirror, silently worrying about what would happen to Harper if Wyck didn't make it. She would never forget the Trooper's calm, matter of fact voice as
Your Heart & Mine Openings & Closings
Harper rested her forehead against Wyck's after kissing him again. She sighed heavily. "I hate you're going to miss the Artisan Market opening."Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Wyck drew back and met her sad hazel eyes. "I know, Angel. Believe me, I'd much rather be here." He pressed another fervent kiss to her lips. "But Davis says the board is demanding an in-person meeting in Richmond to review expansion plans."Wyck's jaw tightened with frustration as he explained the urgent summons that would pull him away for several days. The board of directors of his development company had been pushing aggressive ideas to take Ward Development national. But since starting the Carrington Ridge project, Wyck was committed to thoughtful growth focused on improving communities, not just chasing profits."Davis thinks they may try forcing a vote while I'm gone, so I can't risk brushing this off," he told her. "I know timing couldn't be worse with the market launch. I tried to delay but th
Your Heart & Mine Luckiest Man Alive?
"Oh my!" Harper's hands flew to cover her mouth in surprise as she walked out onto the deck and took in the scene.A round table covered in a thick, white tablecloth sat there where only lounge chairs had been before. A beautiful centerpiece of hydrangeas and baby's breath sat in the middle and the table was set with silver and crystal. A strange man in a black shirt and pants pulled out a chair for her, "Ma'am?""What is all this?" she asked as she took the seat offered to her."This is just the beginning of all the things I want to give you." Wyck appeared behind her looking insanely handsome. His white linen pants were loose and his matching shirt was partially unbuttoned and had the sleeves rolled up to showcase his muscular, tan forearms. A little shudder of delight ran through her. When had forearms become sexy?Wyck took a seat and nodded at the man who had pulled out Harper's chair. He silently disappeared back into the house. "How did you get all this done without me knowing?
Your Heart & Mine Deep Blue Sea
"Ready for our adventure?" Wyck leaned across the console of the Range Rover to steal a kiss, his smile boyish. "More than ready." Harper laughed happily, beyond ready for their romantic getaway. "I still can't believe you won't tell me where we're going."Wyck shot her a rakish smile and waggled his eyebrows. "You'll see soon enough. Just sit back and enjoy the ride."Rolling her eyes at him, she squeezed his hand and did as he recommended. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a true vacation. Building her real estate career had required lots of nights and weekends and continuing education classes in between. Since returning to Carrington Ridge and unexpectedly launching Legacy, her days had never been busier. Yet the work here fed her soul in a way her old career never had. Building McMansions and upscale townhomes in Raleigh catering to transplanted techies had been profitable, sure. But if Harper was honest, it had also been soul-sucking.The hum of the tires on the
