Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

You can do this. Her mother’s voice buzzed in her ear, enveloping her like a warm embrace. Isabelle missed her more than she could ever express in words. Though the Sanchez family had never had much in the way of material things, Mama had always given her children wings and allowed them to soar. The thought of never seeing Mama again or hearing the lilting tone of her voice gutted her. Hot tears pooled in her eyes.

Do not cry! she urged herself. Today was not the day to break down. She needed to establish herself in this town and get her bearings in her place of employment. Despite her stomach being tied up in knots, Isabelle had to project an air of composure. It was going to be way harder than she had ever imagined. This was where her faith would be more important to her than ever.

“‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’” Isabelle said, reciting the verse from Philippians as a calming mechanism. She often drew from Bible passages in troubled times. This one was no different.

By the time the shops on Main Street came into view, she had managed to collect herself. The white chalet-style shop looked even more charming this morning. She pulled into the back lot as she’d been instructed and parked. Walking inside the North Star Chocolate Shop felt like stepping into a whole new world. The interior was done in shades of gold and cream with splashes of brown and pink. A small chandelier hung above a display case that was a chocolate lover’s dream. The aroma filled her nostrils, and she felt a heady sensation to be surrounded by so much chocolate.

“Good morning. You must be Ella!” A very distinguished-looking woman greeted her from behind the counter. With her jet-black hair streaked with silver and a widow’s peak, the woman had a striking appearance. “I’m Beulah North,” she said, sticking out her hand in greeting as she moved toward Isabelle.

Isabelle reached out and shook hands with her new boss. “Yes, I’m Ella Perez. It’s great to meet you in person, Mrs. North, after all of our phone conversations.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you face-to-face. You’re lovely,” Beulah crowed. “We’re mighty pleased to have you here in Owl Creek. Welcome to the North Star Chocolate family. And I’ll be offended if you don’t call me Beulah.”

Something about this dazzling woman made her smile. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she just knew they were going to be fast friends. “I’m happy to be here, Beulah.”

“This is my granddaughter, Sage Crawford,” Beulah said, turning toward the younger woman by her side.

Sage was beautiful in a girl-next-door kind of way. She radiated happiness. Sage smiled at Isabelle, and said, “Hi, Ella. We’re so happy you’ll be working with us. I just know you’re going to love being here.”

Isabelle waved her hand around the area. “What’s not to love? This place is fantastic. Every chocolate lover’s dream. If the chocolate is even half as good as it smells, I’ll be delighted.”

“Oh, our chocolate is divine,” Beulah crowed. “I’ll make sure to give you plenty of samples to take home with you tonight. Then you can tell us your favorites.”

“That sounds like a great homework assignment,” Isabelle said, garnering laughter from Sage and Beulah.

“Why don’t we give you the grand tour?” Sage suggested. Isabelle nodded, then followed behind the women as they led her around. Although she had worked in retail spaces before such as coffeehouses, clothing shops and bookstores, Isabelle had never been employed by a company the caliber of North Star Chocolate. Everywhere she looked were examples of excellence. Awards of distinction were framed on the wall. The display cases were filled with so many assortments of chocolates—Belgian chocolates, pecan clusters, chocolate-covered raisins, truffles, nonpareils and so many more, many of which she’d never heard of before.

Although her head was spinning with all the details, she was beginning to feel enthused about working at the chocolate shop. She knew she had a lot to learn about the company, and as manager, she would be in charge of the store as well as its employees. Once Sage and Beulah finished showing her around and introduced her to the employees, they sat down in the café portion of the shop and enjoyed cups of North Star’s signature hot chocolate.

“You weren’t exaggerating when you raved about the hot cocoa,” Isabelle said after taking several sips of the delicious treat.

“Thank you. I’d tell you the secret ingredient but it’s a North family secret,” Beulah said, winking at her. Her eyes twinkled with delight. Isabelle had the feeling Beulah North was a unique individual with many different facets to her.

Isabelle chuckled. “I don’t blame you one bit. The recipe is pure gold.”

“Speaking of family, what does yours think about this move to Alaska?” Sage asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

Isabelle’s mind went blank. What could she say? That her family was devastated by her decision to enter WITSEC? Should she explain that the minimal risks to her family members’ lives hadn’t justified their participation in the program?

“I don’t have much family to speak of,” she answered. She felt awful for denying the existence of her large, bustling family, but it would be better in the long run so it wouldn’t look strange not to mention them. Cutting her family out of her past, present and future was her new reality.

Beulah made a tutting sound. “I’m sorry to hear that, but in a town like Owl Creek, it won’t be long before you’ll be considered as one of our own.”

Sage flashed a wide grin. “I can attest to that!”

“Well, I hate to drink and run, but I need to head over to the factory for a meeting. Sage will stay with you and show you the ropes,” Beulah explained. “We’ll have to get you over there one day this week. I’d love for you