Firefly Duet: New Beginnings and Lasting Love Read online

  “Of course.”

  “But not in person? Catherine’s sculptures are outdoors around Ashnee Valley. People can touch them that way. She wanted that.”

  “I’ve only seen photographs, most recently yours. Ben shared them with me. Is that normal for an artist to want people to touch her work?”

  “Normal?” She smiled, picking up the carafe from the middle of the table and pouring in each cup. “Normal is what is expected. Isn’t that what Catherine left behind in Boston?” Sofia took a bite of the homemade carrot cake set before her. “This is from Patsy’s Diner.” She motioned her fork toward the dessert. “It’s delicious.”

  “Why do I get the feeling I am now pitching you instead of the other way around?” he asked.

  “Mr. Kendall. I’m so honored that you are interested and I appreciate that you came all the way here to meet with me. And it doesn’t surprise me that Ben would set up such a generous opportunity on my behalf.”

  “But…?”

  Sofia sighed. “The truth is, I can make a photography book happen on my own if need be.” She met his raised eyebrow with one of her own. “And to be honest, all in the family is part of any decisions I make these days.”

  “You remind me of Catherine. You’re direct. Go on.”

  “I know from researching your cousin’s background that she gave up her place to you as the heir to a very lucrative publishing company. And I know you built that company into a news empire.” Sofia smiled. “You don’t publish coffee table books.”

  “On that you’re correct. Nonetheless, I suppose at my age I now have the luxury of indulging in projects that are simply of interest to me.”

  “This town is where your cousin lived and loved and raised her beautiful family. They are your family too. And now my family. I live in the house where your Aunt Marjorie spent her last years. This lodge is where your cousin sculpted. This room we’re in is going to be named after her. Catherine Hall.” Sofia pushed her chair back and stood. “Would you come with me. I want to show you something downstairs.”

  Sofia led the way to the basement, flipping on the lights at the top of the stairs as they descended. “This is Catherine’s life work, besides some sculptures around Ashnee Valley. I have all her notes and sketches too. I would love to do a book together. But you and the Mannis family could do so much more. The lodge, the town, her children and grandchildren those are also a part of who she was.”

  Rodney examined a sculpture as he spoke. “What are you proposing?”

  “An investment in Mercy Mountain Lodge. In the restoration of this special place. To install all Catherine’s sculptures for generations of families to visit and enjoy. Ben likely didn’t tell you he’s willing to sell the ranch to see it happen.”

  “No, he didn’t mention that part.” Rodney gave her a contemplative look. “If I stayed overnight, would you be willing to show me around the property tomorrow? To tell me more about the plans for the lodge?”

  “Not just me,” Sofia said as they headed back upstairs, “but Jim, Jett, and Kai would do that too.”

  Jim stood just inside the door. “Would do what?”

  “Has it been an hour already?” Sofia asked. “Show Mr. Kendall around the area tomorrow. We could even go to the sculpture garden near the river.”

  “Sure, that’s a great idea. It’s unlikely you could fly out tonight with high winds coming in anyway. Dad would enjoy having you stay at the ranch.”

  “Show me the way, I’ll follow you two there.”

  “So…” Jim rubbed his hands together. “It’s a yes? To the book?”

  With a wry smile, Rodney’s eyes met hers briefly. “It’s a start.”

  Epilogue

  Six weeks later

  Sofia stretched her neck trying to see out the window from Ben’s kitchen. “What’s that noise?”

  “Jett’s medical scooter,” Jim and Ben said at the same time.

  “A scooter!” Delia got up from the table and joined Sofia at the window. “Oh my God, look at the two of them, that is hysterical.”

  “What he’s doing is tearing up all the grass between the house and the barn.” Jim grumbled.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Ben said.

  “He’s got RJ on his lap, driving.” Sofia snickered.

  Delia leaned over the sink to see. “He is so cute.”

  Sofia bumped her hip to Delia’s. “Which one are you talking about?”

  “RJ, you goof.” Delia walked back to the table and sat. “I don’t think anyone would call Jett Mannis, cute. Would they Jim?”

  “You’re asking me? Yeah, not cute.”

  “Hey.” Ben laughed. “Give your brother a break, he’s got a lot of work to do to learn to walk right again. Time playing with his boy is just as good therapy, if you ask me.”

  Delia pushed back from the table. “I’m going out there. Anyone want to join me?”

  Sofia waved her friend on. “Nope, have fun. We leave for the airport soon.” Staying at the window, she kept watching and laughing.

  Ben put down his newspaper. “What’s she doing that’s so funny?”

  “Standing on the back of that thing, riding along. She’s probably singing her butt off because both Jett and RJ are cracking up.”

  Walking to the window, Jim’s arms settled around her waist. “It’s nice that Delia could come back for another visit so soon. Your friend is not at all like you.”

  Sofia pouted. “What’s that mean? I can be spontaneous too. I’m fun.”

  “Yeah, you are.” Open mouth kisses skittered up her neck as Jim’s fingers slid higher underneath her shirt. “And, sexy. Hot as hell.”

  Ben cleared his throat.

  “Sorry Dad.” Jim chuckled. “When did you want me to drop you off downtown?”

  “When the physical therapist gets here. The session will be at least an hour Jett told me. You’ll need to watch RJ since Sofia’s taking her friend to the airport.”

  Sofia leaned against the counter sipping the last of her coffee. “What’s happening downtown?”

  “Dad has a date.”

  Ben shuffled his newspapers into a pile with a long-suffering sigh. “It’s not a date.”

  Sofia bounced on the balls of her feet. “Ooh, who with? No wait, let me guess.”

  “Good luck, he’s keeping it a secret.”

  Sofia pulled a chair out again flopped down and rested her chin on her hands, studying Ben’s face. “I know who it is.”

  Ben’s lip curled up in amusement. “I bet you do.”

  “What? Who?” Jim asked. “I hate this telepathy thing you two have going.”

  “Plain as the nose on your face.” Sofia giggled.

  “Easy as pie.” Ben chuckled.

  “Patsy from the diner!” Jim’s voice rose. “It’s Patsy? You have a date with Patsy? She’s so much younger than you.”

  “No she’s not, she’s in her late sixties. I’m in my late seventies.” Ben pushed his chair back and tossed his papers into the recycle bin next to the back door and stopped at the kitchen window. “Uh, we have a new development.”

  Jim joined his dad at the window. “I thought it got kind of quiet all of a sudden.”

  Sofia turned when footsteps pounded up the back steps and RJ burst through the door.

  “I have to pee.”

  “Go right ahead.” Ben motioned to the hallway, then moved aside when Sofia came to window.

  “Holy smokes.” Sofia whispered. “That’s some kiss.”

  “Sure is,” Ben said.

  “Looks like Delia’s sending Jett off to war or something.” Jim scooped up RJ when he ran back through the kitchen heading toward the door. “Whoa there, buddy. How about you come with me today. We can stop by Aunt Kai’s house so you can play with Suze. How’s that sound?”

  “Okay.” RJ wriggled in Jim’s arms until he set him down again.

  At Ben’s, coast is clear, Sofia opened the door. “RJ, why don’t you go say goodbye to Delia. She has
to head home to New York today.”

  “She’s funny. I like her.”

  Sofia ran her hand over RJ’s hair. “I know for a fact that she likes you too. You’ll see her soon. She’ll be back when the weather is warm because we’re having a big party at the lodge.”

  “I can’t wait.” RJ shouted as he headed outside and she closed the door.

  Sofia gathered her keys, purse and sunglasses from the counter then kissed her father-in-law on the cheek. “I want a full report later about your date.”

  Jim slipped his arms around her and squeezed. “What about me Mrs. Mannis? Can I…do something…things…later…for you…to you…?”

  “Mmm, I made a list.” Sofia answered with a quick kiss.

  “Good Lord, the air is thick in the valley.” Ben gave a snort and left the kitchen.

  “That’s quite a look you have on your face,” Jim teased.

  “Who me?” Her voice rose in feigned surprise.

  “Yes, you.”

  Sofia opened the door and turned back to her husband. “It seems Delia and I have something intriguing to talk about on the drive to the airport.”

  Acknowledgments

  For my husband and son, thank you always for your love and encouragement.

  * * *

  Barbara Bettis asks all the right questions to bring forth the best story possible. Thank you so much for editing Firefly Duet. Thank you to The Killion Group Inc. for the gorgeous cover and expertly shepherding the book to the finish line.

  * * *

  I can’t give praise enough to Pub-Craft who manage my social media, website and marketing. Laurie Cooper is a joy to work with in every way.

  * * *

  The original draft of Firefly Duet was written many years ago and in the time since has been significantly changed. Thank you to my earliest readers who offered critiques and gently nudged the beginning of my journey from writer to published author.

  * * *

  To Jim and Sofia, who waited so patiently for their story to be told…thanks for sticking with me!

  Books by Becca Maxton

  MERCY MOUNTAIN SERIES

  * * *

  Dragonfly Dance

  Firefly Duet

  * * *

  Coming Next!

  Honeybee Rhythm

  For sneak peeks and the latest release dates

  visit www.beccamaxton.com

  About the Author

  Becca Maxton is a contemporary romance author. She writes sensuous (dare say, steamy) and encouraging stories about rocky road detours leading to resilience and romance. Her characters are brave women and men facing challenges together and finding love.

  * * *

  Becca is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in Colorado with her husband and son.

  * * *

  Follow Becca Maxton on Facebook and Instagram @BeccaMaxtonAuthor or visit

  www.beccamaxton.com.

  She enjoys meeting and connecting with readers online.