Page 33 of The Hot New Bachelor in Town

That clashes with my shift at Bruno’s, but I’m sure I can sneak over during my lunch break.

With an application folded in my pocket, I walk home to Two Hearts Inn.

As I approach, I notice several vehicles parked out front that weren’t here this morning. A few cars. A delivery truck. Another with the Mister Fixin’ logo, a local repair man we practically had on speed dial before the money troubles began.

Curious, I cross the porch and make my way inside, holding the door open for two men carrying a long ladder and waiting for them to pass by first.

I walk in and I already sense something’s… different. Above my head, the chandelier shines with light. All fixed.

“Papa!” I call out at the front desk, eying the few men in the sitting room with suits and clipboards.

Papa appears in the office doorway with a wide grin on his face. “Mickey!” he says, his arms open for a hug. “I’m glad you’re here! You came just in time!”

I hug him tightly. “Just in time?” I ask. “Papa, what’s going on?”

“I sold the inn!”

My stomach drops.

I knew this day would come.

I hoped I had more time to prepare for it.

“What?” I ask, my throat clenching already. “You sold the inn?”

“I sold the inn!” he says again with even more excitement.

“But...” My head spins, the world so fast. “Hold on, Papa.”

“The new owner’s already replaced the stove!” he says. “Even called up Gladys and offered her her old job back. Food is officially back on the menu at Two Hearts Inn! Can you believe it?”

No.

I can’t believe any of this right now.

“Who, Papa?” I ask.

“Gladys. The cook. She’s back!”

“Not Gladys, Papa. The new owner. Who bought the inn?”

“I did.”

I look up, my heart skipping twice at the sound of his voice.

Over Papa’s shoulder, standing in the office doorway in a sleek business suit and tie holding our guest ledger, is Carter Cartwright.

He smiles at me. “Hello.”

“Hello,” I say, somehow finding my voice.

“He did!” Papa says, patting my shoulder. “Made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” He inches closer, lowering his voice. “Fifteen percent more than it’s worth, but don’t tell him that.”

“Uh-huh,” I murmur, too shocked to say much else.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, honey,” Papa says, “I believe I have a few more things to sign. Point me toward the suits?” he adds to Carter.

Carter points into the sitting room and Papa walks off, his step more jaunty today than it’s been in a long time.

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