Bittersweet: Can she rebuild her life? Read online

  Bittersweet

  Lonely Ridge Collection

  Lyz Kelley

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Bittersweet

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Author Notes

  More Books By Lyz Kelley

  Copyright

  Acknowledgments

  There is a tribe of people I need to thank, especially for helping me get this series completed.

  To Faith Freewoman, my fantastic editor, who has always been there to hold my hand and push me to make my writing stronger. Thank you, lady, for taking this journey with me.

  To Aidy Award who always believes when I’ve had my doubts. The one person who gets it. Thank you, my friend.

  Melody Simmons who created an excellent cover for my story.

  Finally, to Kathy Azzolina, my generous friend. Thank you for helping me trust there is still kindness in this world.

  You all have my sincere gratitude.

  ~Lyz

  Bittersweet

  Starting over is never easy, but in Elkridge, Colorado, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. Come join Lyz Kelley on a moving and rewarding journey with a wounded woman who finds hope and healing

  Leza promised to return to Elkridge after she finished her FBI undercover assignment. Only the local sheriff didn’t keep his promise to be there when she returned. Now she’s searching for a way to rebuild her life.

  Heath applied for the deputy position because he wanted to raise his newly-adopted niece in a small town. He’s not interested in more complications—until he meets the town’s newest resident.

  Heartbroken, Leza is unable to risk having her hopes shattered again. He’s sworn to protect and serve, but Leza doesn’t want that either.

  Can Heath’s single-dad charm and captivating openness heal Leza’s heart?

  Chapter 1

  “I told you to watch your back. Why didn’t you listen?”

  Leza Nickerson wiped away tears before tracing the engraved letters on Sam Gaccione’s cold headstone with numb fingers.

  “Sam. You promised.”

  She’d fallen in love quick and hard with the funny, kind, loving man. He said he loved her. Said he’d wait for her to complete her mission. She’d held him in her dreams, and fought like hell to return to Colorado, only to find him dead.

  The crisp mountain spring air tossed long strands of hair into her face—like fate had thrown her into hell for the past several years.

  “You promised me you would wait.” Her throat clogged with swelling grief. She used the cuff of her fleece jacket to blot away the torrent of tears. “Sam, why didn’t you wait?”

  A twig snapped, jerking her attention toward the lower cemetery path.

  She wasn’t alone.

  Had the drug mafia found her?

  Years of being a target made her pivot in her crouched position and reach for the gun no longer holstered at her side. Her assignment was over. Her secret life had ended. She’d turned in her shield, but that didn’t mean old, ingrained habits had lost their grip on her instincts—the instincts and reflexes that had kept her alive.

  “Hello?” a female voice called into the cool spring breeze. “Is someone there?”

  A woman bundled in a purple jacket and matching scarf stood on the dirt path a dozen yards away, a canister in her hand and a service dog waiting patiently at her side. Leza could relate to the fear in her voice and expression.

  The petite woman adjusted her weight and tilted her head to listen, her hand grasping the dog’s halter a bit tighter.

  “I can smell your perfume.” The younger woman hesitated. “Vanilla. Maybe a hint of citrus?”

  Wow. That's impressive.

  “Hello. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m over here.” Leza rocked back on her heels and stood, letting the cool breezes dry her tears. “You have an amazing gift, you know. Not everyone can identify scents so accurately.”

  The brunette rotated a smidge toward Leza's voice, leaning forward. “You're at Sam’s grave,” the blind woman said while she tucked the canister under her arm. “I came to spend the morning with my parents and sister.” She pointed to the next hill over. “They’re just over the ridge. I like to spread wildflower seeds every year before the last snowfall of the season, and the weatherman is predicting a couple of feet of snow coming our way. Rare for this time of year, but the snow will help blanket the seeds and provide water and protection until summer arrives.”

  The cold nipping at Leza’s nose and ears confirmed the woman’s assumptions. “That’s kind of you.” Not knowing what else to say, she shoved her cold hands into her pockets and waited, letting the sound of the wind blowing through the pines ease her soul.

  The woman took a step. “I recognize your voice. Are you…” her head tilted slightly to the side, “…are you Leza?”

  “Wow.” Leza choked on her surprise. “I didn’t think you’d remember me. We met only briefly.”

  “I'm good at placing voices. Sounds help me identify people since I'm blind. Plus, we met a couple of times when you were waitressing at Mad Jack’s. I’m Mara, in case you forgot.” She let her guide dog lead her up the narrow cemetery trail. “My husband’s been searching for you.”

  “Your husband?” Odd. Leza’s instincts clanged a warning. The last time she was in town, the florist wasn’t married. “Why would your husband be looking for me?”

  Mara tested the ground with her foot before stumbling a bit closer.

  Leza wanted to help, but the determination on Mara’s face warned her away.

  “A lot has happened since you disappeared,” Mara stopped when her dog signaled she’d gone as far as necessary. “I married Joe, Sam’s brother. You’ve never met him. He came home for Sam’s funeral, and took over as sheriff when it became clear that Sam was murdered.” Mara’s fidgety fingers stroked her dog’s head. “Joe has an item of yours I think he’d like to return.”

  An item? What could Sam’s brother have of mine? Curiosity eased away a bit of the caution.

  Mara pointed in the direction of the parking lot. “My husband’s supposed to pick me up in a few minutes. Would you mind waiting so he can talk to you?”

  Was she ready to meet Sam’s brother? Leza tucked her hair behind her ears, then swiped away the remainder of the tears and most likely a few mascara streaks on her face. “I don’t know. I’ve already visited longer than I planned.”

  Mara thrust a large canister in her direction. “Would you like to scatter a few seeds near Sam’s grave? That’s why you’re here...to visit Sam, right?”

  Catchfly, Cornflower California Poppy, Candytuft, Columbine. Sam had loved Columbines, and flowers in general. The memory of him buying a weekly bouquet for his mom came skidding back. Maybe today she could plant a few perennials that would flourish. If not, she could replace them later.

  “Thank you.” Leza accepted the metal container. “I’m grateful someone has been taking care of him for me.”

&nb
sp; “He was a good man.” She kicked away a rock she'd stumbled on. “I believe he saved my life. There was this stalker…” her blank stare was aimed a little off center. “…but I suppose you know about the corruption in town. After all, that's why you were here in the first place. Wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, I knew about the corruption, the drugs, and the sex trafficking. I was sent here to collect the evidence.” Bitter anger roiled and swelled in her gut. The bastard. “You're safe now. The stalker can’t hurt anyone, ever again, and everyone else is behind bars.”

  Footfalls along the path made both women turn. “There you are.” Concern wrapped around the strength in the baritone voice.

  The man bore an unmistakable resemblance to the man she’d barely known but loved anyway.

  He was tall, with broad shoulders and an alert gaze, which didn’t miss a single nuance. Joe wrapped his arm around Mara’s shoulder and gave her a quick peck on the head. “When you weren’t with your parents, I started to worry.”

  Mara reached for her husband, her fingers gently sliding over his jaw, the simple gesture conveying a love Leza envied.

  “Hon, I want you to meet someone. This is Leza, as in Sam’s Leza.” Mara folded her hand around her husband’s arm.

  Wonder flashed in his eyes before he filtered the emotion. “I’ve been trying to find you, Ms. Nickerson. My sources at the FBI said your whereabouts were classified. I assumed you were still undercover.”

  He waited for her to confirm his statement, yet she didn’t want to talk about her past, especially with Sam’s family. The anger and heartache were too raw.

  “Is there more trouble here I don’t know about?” he asked to fill in the silent gap.

  Joe studied her, and she couldn’t help but feel like a suspect. But she’d committed no crime, other than not protecting the people she loved. For that she’d pay the toll in guilt for the rest of her life.

  “Not that I know of.” Curiosity made her question his reason for asking. “I’m not here on business, Sheriff, if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve handed in my shield. I’m only here for some R&R.” And possibly find a place where I can live in peace, help others here heal, and avoid situations that trigger my nightmares.

  His shoulders relaxed, and he slipped an arm around Mara’s waist. “In that case, the least I can do is buy you some lunch.”

  “That’s a kind offer, Sheriff, but I’m running a bit short on time. I need to find a place to stay for the night, and possibly longer. I also want to stop by Jack’s to see if he’ll let me have my old job back, or at least work a couple of shifts until I can figure out next steps.”

  Mara rotated and placed a hand on Joe’s chest to steady her sudden movement. He tightened his grip around her waist and looked at her with such love that Leza wished Mara could see it.

  “Why can’t Leza stay in Little Bear?” Mara asked. “We don’t have any renters scheduled.”

  Joe shrugged. “It’s a one bedroom, one bath unit, and would do for a single person. We were asking fourteen hundred a month. It’s yours if you want it. I could throw in the first month free, with a seven hundred down payment if you want to stay longer.”

  Kindness—this simple, automatic, generous act—was why she’d returned to Elkridge, the small town nestled in between two mountain ridges. The instant she drove back over the continental divide, her instincts told her she’d made the right decision. People were so open and giving. Maybe she could feel safe—stop the nightmares from returning.

  She hoped the town and the people contained the nutrients she needed to create the wholesome lifestyle she craved.

  She just wished Sam had been here to welcome her home.

  “I’ll take your offer. Thank you. It’s appreciated.” She approached the couple to shake Joe’s hand.

  Mara’s mouth curved into a friendly expression that eased across the rest of her face. “What do you say we go to Jack’s and celebrate with a hamburger and sweet potato fries, and see if Jack can find a spot for you.”

  Joe squeezed Mara’s shoulder. “I’m supposed to meet Deputy Watson at Jack’s, but not for another half hour. I still have a couple of things I need to take care of at the office. Why don’t I drop you off, then swing back by?”

  “Perfect.” Mara reached for her dog’s halter. “Are you in, Leza?”

  The memory of roasted garlic and buttery richness made her stomach growl. “I’ve missed Jack’s sweet fries. Count me in.”

  “Oh, I forgot,” Mara’s expression switched to concern. “We were going to spread some seeds for Sam.”

  Leza shook the canister in her hand. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to come back another time. I’ll plant flowers then.”

  “Sounds like you’re planning to stay awhile.” Joe’s brow hitched to an inquisitive level.

  Was Joe asking a question or making a statement? She wasn’t sure. “If you’re asking if I’m staying, then the answer is yes. My dream is to open a wellness center here. A place where people can come and meditate or ease their minds. This town needs healing. What a better spot to open a center for healing the body and soul?”

  “Oh,” Mara reached out. Her hand searched until Leza connected and guided her forward. Mara circled her hand around Leza’s arm. “You mean one of those places that do yoga and massages and stuff?”

  “Yep. That’s what I’m thinking. I’d like to open a retreat for those who want to explore alternative modalities for finding inner peace.”

  For a long moment Joe was silent, as if trying to figure out what kind of hell Leza had disappeared into. He had to know the high-level details, but no one would ever know how bad circumstances really got.

  “How about I follow you into town?” she offered. “I could use one of those hand-crafted mountain brews.”

  “Sounds like a perfect idea.” Mara squeezed her arm but didn't let go. “You’ve missed a lot since you’ve been away. Jenna got married and started her own bakery. Ashley closed down her mom’s antique store and is a full-time mom now. Maggie, I suppose hasn’t changed.”

  No, she supposed the loving, tell-it-like-it-is woman wouldn’t change. The café’s owner was a centerpiece in town. The type of person Leza hoped to be someday.

  The path narrowed, and Mara moved in a bit closer.

  Having someone so close, touching her in such a friendly way, made Leza uncomfortable. She fought against the absurdity. It had been years since she had a refreshing or restorative relationship with anyone, except for her few precious weeks with Sam. Her skin craved tenderness. To be touched, hugged, held. Like mountain snow runoff, Mara’s acceptance came swiftly and naturally.

  “Did you ever meet Kym? She’s my best friend and recently moved to California,” Mara continued with her update.

  The chatter was a welcome relief compared to living with her lonely thoughts. The town, the people, were rich with healing possibilities, possibilities she looked forward to nurturing.

  She took a deep breath of the cold air and reveled in the clouds dancing across the sky. Then the memories returned.

  Her heart ached for what should have been. Sam should have been here waiting. Damn him.

  He had understood her. The way her father had. And she missed them both.

  But she could no longer dwell on what might have been.

  When one chapter closed, and a new one began. That’s what her dad always said.

  She closed her eyes, taking a minute to honor the heroes in her life.

  Today she’d embrace the joy of knowing both strong, honorable men and still being alive.

  Chapter 2

  “Ellie Alison Watson. Eat. Your. Lunch.”

  Heath did his best to outstare his seven-year-old niece, but some days he had to admit the little manipulator won.

  Why hadn't anyone written a new father’s handbook dealing with young girls? He desperately needed one. Where was the line between parental guidance and childhood desires? Or was there even a line?

  “Why do
I have to learn math? It’s stupid,” She said, giving him the cross-armed, protruding-lip thing she had mastered. The little imp had him wrapped around her pinky finger, and she knew it. Not that he minded. He’d do anything for his sister and her daughter. Anything. And if that meant wheedling El into learning addition and subtraction, he would.

  He shoved back his half-eaten hamburger. “Math is not stupid. You use math every day.”

  “Do not.”

  He reached over, grabbed a couple of her fries and held up the three sticks. “You had ten fries. How many do you have now?”

  Her irritation vibrated through the booth as her tennis shoes thumped against the wooden base. “Not enough.”

  His low grumble turned into a sigh. “Fine. But every night before you go to bed, we’ll go through your addition and subtraction cards. The faster you learn, the more time we have to play games or read stories.” He gave her back the evil-eye stare. “Your teacher wants to make sure you're ready for your multiplication tables next year.”

  “What are multi plucker tables?”

  He worked hard not to laugh. Laughing would only encourage her rebellion.

  “Multiplication tables are a way of adding numbers faster. Now eat up. I need to take you back to school before my shift starts. Don’t forget, I have a staff meeting, so Ashley will pick you up after school for reading time at the library.”

  Every day he appreciated Marine mate Case Daniels for hooking him up with a job, and his buddy’s wife, Ashley, for looking after El. The legal hoops he had to jump through for the adoption hadn’t been easy. Neither was looking after a lost and moody kid. He valued the help.