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

looked like Connor often had their pick of women. It didn’t hurt that he hailed from a prominent family and held an executive position at North Star Chocolates.

Rachel none too subtly jabbed Iris in the side. “We don’t want Ella to get the wrong idea about Connor. He’s a good man.”

“Of course he is. It’s not his fault he’s cut a huge swath through all the women in town. Ever since he was young, he’s been the object of every girl in town’s affection.”

“Umm, hello. Not mine,” Rachel interjected. “I always had my eye on a certain pilot.”

Iris leaned in and pressed a kiss on Rachel’s cheek. “Bless your heart. You sure did. My son is blessed to have you. I should scoot and replenish the refreshments. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Isabelle felt thankful for Iris and her chatty ways. Iris’s intel on Connor made her feel grateful that she hadn’t locked lips with Connor the other night. Clearly, he viewed women as conquests. She felt embarrassed that she’d thought Connor was interested in her. According to Iris, he played the field like a champion. She stuffed down the feelings of disappointment. It would have been an impossible situation between them anyway, but it rankled a little bit to realize she wasn’t special in his eyes.

“I wouldn’t quite describe Connor the way Iris did,” Rachel said, interrupting her thoughts. “My mother-in-law is very opinionated, so I wouldn’t take her words to heart. Everyone in Owl Creek adores Connor.”

Clearly, Rachel felt an allegiance to Connor, and she didn’t want Isabelle to think poorly of him. She appeared to be doing a bit of damage control.

Isabelle shrugged. “It’s not my place to judge him. I honestly don’t know him that well.”

“He’s a really good person. I’ve known him my entire life,” Rachel added. An earnest expression was stamped on her face.

She nodded her head but didn’t comment any further. She didn’t want to talk about Connor anymore. Iris had dropped a little bombshell on her. It served as a wake-up call and she was still trying to process what she’d learned. His past really wasn’t her business, although it did give her perspective.

For the remainder of the party Isabelle did her best to mingle and enjoy the festivities. She participated in a variety of games, even managing to win a round of bridal song trivia. Her prize was a large surprise packet that she couldn’t wait to dig into once she got home. It was thrilling, since she never won anything.

Piper made a point to seek her out during the party. Isabelle wasn’t expecting to receive a bear hug from the guest of honor, but it reinforced her feelings about the lively bride-to-be. She was just as sweet and kindhearted as Isabelle had imagined. Slowly but surely Isabelle was becoming a part of things here in Owl Creek. She didn’t feel quite so lonely anymore. Now, when she walked down Main Street, there were friendly faces who called out to her by name. Customers in the shop asked for her when they came through the doors. Although she still looked over her shoulder from time to time, Isabelle felt safe in her small Alaskan haven. She prayed that her identity was never compromised. She didn’t want to be forced to leave town as she’d feared a few days ago.

Fear was still a living, breathing thing inside of her. Would she ever have an aura of peace surrounding her? Or would the past always hang over her head? Isabelle needed to have faith in Jonah and his assurances.

Lord, please give me a spirit of grace and not fear. I’m so tired of looking over my shoulder and wondering if I’m still in danger. Please lift me up so I can see beyond my anxieties. Bless my future and help me banish the past.

As the party began to wind down, Ella left the main tearoom to gather up her belongings in the coatroom. She’d already said her goodbyes to Piper, Iris, Sage and Rachel. Just as she was putting on her coat, Isabelle felt a slight tap on her shoulder. When she turned around, Connor was standing there.

“Hey. Are you heading out?” he asked.

“Yes,” she answered, zipping up her coat before adjusting her hat. “It was a great party, but I’m tired.”

“I barely got to talk to you at all,” he said.

She shifted from one foot to the other. It wasn’t as if she’d been avoiding him, but she hadn’t sought him out either. Truthfully, she felt a little self-conscious around him now, based on the information Iris had shared with her. It was ridiculous on her part, considering Connor could never be anything more than a friend.

“Well, the place was packed. All these people must really love Piper and Braden.”

Connor nodded. “Everyone enjoys a good love story. They were childhood best friends throughout their lives, so it’s all the sweeter that they fell in love.”

It was utterly charming. No wonder they were the town’s sweethearts. It’s what everyone wanted. Marrying your best friend and making a beautiful life together would be a dream come true for most people. A heaviness settled on her chest. Something so wonderful wasn’t destined for her. And it was beginning to weigh on her. Isabelle had always been the little girl dreaming of a big wedding filled with family and friends. Most importantly, she had fantasized about marrying a man who brought her joy.

“I’m so happy for them,” she said, though her voice sounded wooden to her own ears. She hated feeling this way and wondered when she’d return to her usual upbeat and positive vibe.

“I have to get going,” she said, before quickly striding toward the door. She imagined Connor thought her actions were abrupt, but she didn’t stop walking at a fast clip until she reached her truck, which was parked down the street. Along the way she breathed in big gulps of the cold air, all the while reminding herself that this too would