Page 36 of A Match Made in Montana

Aunt Janice smiled uncertainly. “Annie? I hope you’re not going to break her heart? She’s still recovering from having lost her parents.”

“Do you know what happened?” Riley asked his aunt. “I’ve heard the Millers parents’ deaths were very tragic, but I don’t know what happened.”

Aunt Janice sighed. “Such a sad story. Their mom was a social worker. Whenever he could, their dad would accompany her when she visited the seedier parts of Sacramento. On one such occasion they were the victims of a drive-by shooting.”

“Oh, no!” Riley called out, her eyes filling with tears. “How absolutely dreadful. Is that why they’d moved here?”

His aunt nodded. “One of the reasons. Remember Vivian’s bad experience with the boss she had at the hospital she was working at in Sacramento. Mitch was in finance, apparently, but he’s always wanted to write a novel. He was the one who suggested they move across state lines. Annie remembered the happy holiday they had visiting Yellowstone National Park and the beautiful town they’d seen on their way and well, here they are.” She turned to Craig again. “Be gentle with Annie. She’s not like the women you normally date and discard.”

Craig gave his aunt a hug. “We’re both in this with eyes wide open. She doesn’t want to get married and neither do I. For the next two weeks we’re spending time together. That’s it.”

“That’s a pity. I had high hopes for her and Marcus Baker.” She smiled. “But I’ll tell Marcus to wait until you’ve left.”

Irritated, Craig turned to go to his room, but Aunt Janice touched his arm. “We have to talk.”

His aunt’s eyes were troubled. “Everything okay?” he asked.

She pulled him into the living room. “Your dad has just called me. He says he’s sent you a message to tell you they’re back in Portland. For good. That’s why you’ve been upset.”

Rubbing his face, Craig sighed. “Yeah. I got their message yesterday. I’m not sure why they want to see me, though?”

“They… um, they’ll be arriving in Marietta tomorrow.”

Taken aback, Craig stared at his aunt. He wasn’t quite sure how to react. “Will they be staying with you?”

“No, I’ve suggested Bramble House.”

His mind in a turmoil, Craig turned away. “Thanks for letting me know. Annie is expecting us around seven this evening. We can take my car.”

Why would his parents want to see him now? The few holidays he’d spent with them had been few and far between. During those weeks, they’d be busy, not quite sure what to do with him. Later, he’d found excuses not to go. They’d sent presents but because they didn’t know him, they had no idea what he’d liked and sometimes it was clear they hadn’t even been sure how old he was.

Annie. He wanted to go to her. Right now. She’d know something was wrong. She’d know what to say.

Closing his bedroom door behind him, he walked toward the windows looking out over Copper Mountain.

He’d worked hard to keep his work and private life separate. Not that there had ever been much of a private life. Work had always been his sanctuary. Usually, he was the calm and centered one in the room. He hated chaos and always planned everything to the last detail.

That had all changed after the last big account they’d won.

Coming here, visiting Aunt Janice, had probably been the most spontaneous thing he’d ever done. Since then, being spontaneous came easily. Like kissing Annie.

His phone rang. Without checking his phone, he answered.

His thoughts racing, he dropped his phone a few minutes later. Another resident of the small town of Marietta seemed to need his services.

Interesting.

Someone knocked on his door. “It’s Riley. I have some pictures I want you to look at.”

“Come on in,” he called.

Riley entered with Dylan right behind her.

“You mind?” Riley asked, pointing at her son.

Bending down, he picked up the little boy. “Of course not. I’ve missed you guys.”

Dylan laid his head against Craig’s shoulder. Swallowing the strange lump in his throat, Craig hugged the small body.

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