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

“Piper is right around the corner. Everybody hunker down,” Trudy shouted.

Everyone began shuffling around and ducking out of sight. Connor found himself crouching down beside Ella behind a table. They were so close together he could smell a sweet aroma emanating from her dark tresses. He could hear the light sound of her breathing. Their faces were so close to one another that Connor could see the light flecks in her brown eyes. From where they were hiding, he could see Braden walking toward the entrance to greet Piper. The room was eerily quiet as Piper walked in and Braden welcomed her with a tender kiss. As soon as Braden led her toward the dining room and uttered the words, “You look lovely,” all of the guests popped up and shouted, “Surprise.” Piper looked around the room with an expression of utter shock stamped on her face. She then burst into tears. Braden lovingly placed his arm around her as she thanked everyone for gathering in her honor.

Connor looked over at Ella. A look of pure radiance emanated from her. Seeing her so happy and at ease caused a groundswell of emotion to rise up inside him. It was evident she was starting to feel a sense of belonging, despite second-guessing her invitation.

If he hadn’t fully realized it before, it was now stunningly obvious. Ella Perez had a hold on him. And for the life of him, he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

* * *

With the bridal shower tea party in full swing, Ella couldn’t think of a time when she’d had more fun celebrating an upcoming wedding. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she couldn’t rein herself in. Being at Piper and Braden’s celebration made her feel included. Seeing the couple being celebrated by the whole town was heartwarming.

Connor was one of the good guys, and he deserved far better than a woman who might spend the rest of her life hiding her true identity. Connor came from a strong, loving family who lived their lives out in the open. He wasn’t a man who abided secrets. He’d told her as much when he had spoken about Sage’s abduction. A man like Connor North wouldn’t want to have anything to do with her if he knew she was living a lie.

The other day had been a nerve-racking experience until Connor had later informed her that her picture wasn’t going to be placed online on the company website. He’d agreed to only list her name and her award. She couldn’t help but feel that he’d sensed her extreme discomfort and made an adjustment. Isabelle had quickly contacted Jonah to update him on the news. Although the U.S. Marshal had clearly been relieved by the update, he’d been very firm in telling her to keep her guard up and to continue to stay alert to any potential situations that might compromise her identity. Getting reassurance from Jonah that she was safe made all the difference in her state of mind. It had allowed her to attend the bridal shower and cast her fears aside, at least temporarily.

At the moment she was trying to enjoy the festivities and bask in the happy vibe in the air. She took a sip of her tea, marveling at the unique taste and the elegant gold-and-pink teacup and saucer. There were so many lovely details here on display. The refreshment table was filled with finger sandwiches, scones, croissants and tarts. A two-tiered cake had been placed in the center of the table. A plentiful assortment of teas sat on another table. Everything was lavishly displayed in soft and inviting colors.

“It’s so great to see you here.” Ella turned toward Rachel, who was standing alongside her with her mother-in-law in tow. Iris reached out and enveloped Isabelle in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad to see you’re making yourself at home,” Iris gushed. “There will always be a table for you at Tea Time.”

“That’s so kind of you to say, Iris. Everything is so beautiful here. I love this lavender tea. I’ve never had anything quite like it.” Isabelle took another sip of the fragrant tea.

“It’s also a favorite of mine. We actually have favors with tea packets inside, so you can take some samples home with you,” Iris said.

“That’s a perfect party favor,” Isabelle answered. She looked over at the refreshment table, where Connor was standing with his parents.

“He’s a good-looking man, isn’t he?” Iris asked, jerking her chin in Connor’s direction. She turned her gaze to Isabelle, shooting her a questioning look.

“Umm, yes. He’s all right, I suppose,” Isabelle said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

She knew how small towns worked. If she raved about Connor’s dark good looks, the townsfolk would soon be talking about her and how the new girl in town was crushing on the heir to the North Star Chocolate Company. Her face felt flushed just thinking about how embarrassing it would be if Connor got wind of any chatter. She was supposed to be keeping her head down and maintaining a low profile. Being the subject of matchmaking schemes or gossips wouldn’t aid her objective.

“Just all right?” Iris asked in a voice full of outrage. “Ella, I think you might need glasses. Connor North is Alaskan eye candy.”

Rachel playfully swatted at her mother-in-law. “Iris! Stop it. You’re incorrigible.”

Iris stood up straighter and puffed her chest out. “I might be a woman of a certain age, but there’s nothing wrong with my eyesight. He’s as single as a dollar bill, Ella. And from the looks of it, he’s always ready to mingle. Beulah is hoping he’ll settle down and focus on one woman instead of hopping from woman to woman as he’s always done.”

Isabelle did her best to hide her discomfort. Although Iris clearly adored Connor, she wasn’t putting him in the best light. Clearly, Isabelle’s impression of Connor had been far from reality.

“He sounds like a player,” Isabelle murmured. She shouldn’t be surprised. Men who