Lover's Leap Read Online Free PDF Page A

and I deserved better.”
    “Yes, you did. But honey, maybe it’s a good thing this happened.”
    “Why? So that our vacation ended on a sour note? Because I didn’t really need to mark the Great Barrier Reef off my bucket list?”
    “No,” Nic responded, her voice patient. “Because personally, I think the anger is a good thing. I think that all these years you’ve needed closure on your relationship with Cam. Maybe now you’ll be able to finally let him go and open your heart to someone new.”
    Sarah rolled her eyes. “Not that old argument again.”
    “Just saying.” Nic held up her hands, palms out. To Sarah’s relief, she changed the subject and asked, “How is your mom doing?”
    “Okay. She’s content to sit in the living room and watch sports on TV. All I can say is thank God for cable TV and especially ESPN Classic. I do see progression of the disease, but I believe the new medication has slowed its pace.”
    “Good. Let’s hope that trend continues.”
    “Amen to that.”
    “Now that you’re back from your trip, will the church group resume helping you with caretaking?”
    “Yes.” Sarah didn’t know what she’d do without the St. Stephen’s Women’s Group, because as her mother’s health had deteriorated, they had stepped up. Someone visited Ellen twice a day, which substantially reduced the need for paid caregivers and made it economically feasible for Sarah to continue to care for her mother at home. “Someone will check on her at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. We can get by okay with that for now. Hopefully by the time the busy season hits, I’ll have something else arranged.”
    “What are you thinking? Live-in help? That worked well while you were gone on your trip.”
    “Yes, but it would consume my monthly budget.”
    Nic opened her mouth to speak but apparently changed her mind, because she shut it abruptly. It didn’t matter. Sarah knew what she’d been about to say, because Sarah knew Nic as well as Nic knew Sarah, and they’d had this discussion dozens of times in the past.
    “I know a memory-care facility is in our future, but neither Mom nor I are ready for it yet.”
    Sarah nibbled on her lower lip and silently debated spilling the beans about her new plans. For some reason, telling Nic would make it more real than signing papers at the bank. Yet she was glad she’d have the distraction in the weeks to come. Nothing would get Cam Murphy out of her head faster than flinging herself into something new. That as much as anything had helped her decide to green-light the change. “I have something else in mind. I’m selling the Trading Post, Nic.”
    Nic’s brows arched, her eyes bugged, and her mouth gaped. She worked her jaw, but no sound came out. Sarah found the fact that she’d shocked her friend speechless twice in one day immensely satisfying.
    A note of panic in her voice, Nic asked, “Are you moving away?”
    “No.” Sarah straightened her spine, squared her shoulders, and declared, “I’m going after my dream, Nic. I have Lori’s college expenses taken care of now, and after three successful summer tourist seasons, I’ve been able to set aside enough for start-up expenses. I’m going to remodel this house to suit Mom’s needs and mine, and open my dream business right here.”
    Nic sat back heavily against her chair. “Your bakery. You’re going to open your bakery!”
    “I am.”
    Beaming, Nic jumped up and threw her arms around Sarah in a fierce hug. “How exciting! That’s wonderful news. I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time. Tell me everything. When did you get serious about the idea?”
    “I met with Bob Carson at the bank the first time back in October. Someone tangentially connected to Lorraine Perry had contacted him looking to buy an established business in town, so he asked me about the store.”
    Nic winced. “Not another Lorraine Perry!”
    Lorraine was a reality TV show chef who had brought Hollywood to town