Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Patrice Lewis (i read book txt) 📖

the staff thinks I’ve gone missing.” With a wave of her hand, Isabelle strode toward the exit. As she made her way down the street, Isabelle’s heart felt lighter than it had been in months. So far, today was shaping up to be a banner day. Even though her transition from her old life in Miami felt a bit shaky at times, she had to concede that certain things were moving her in a good direction. Perhaps happiness was in her future. If she could just manage to keep looking forward and not dwell on the past, maybe it would be within reach.

When the sign for the chocolate shop came into view, Isabelle’s thoughts turned to Connor. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about him. Seeing him every day surely wasn’t helping matters. She let out a groan of frustration. If she had a checklist for a love interest, Connor would score a perfect ten. But she couldn’t imagine delving into a relationship with him, all while hiding her truths under the surface. The North family had been so good to her by employing her and encouraging her to become an integral part of Owl Creek. Pretending to be someone she wasn’t still felt wrong on so many levels, even though it had been borne out of necessity.

Even though she was safe in her new Alaskan life, Isabelle still had vivid nightmares about Saul’s death and the attempts on her life. In some of the dreams Isabelle hadn’t managed to flee the nightclub. Instead, she’d met the same end as Saul at the hands of Burke. She still felt broken about all she’d gone through. It was hard not to question whether she had done the right thing by testifying and agreeing to participate in the Witness Protection Program. It had turned her entire life upside down, as well as the lives of those near and dear to her. It still felt surreal to her to be living as Ella Perez.

She was still grieving the loss of Isabelle Sanchez. There was no way of knowing if she would ever get used to being this new version of herself.

* * *

Connor bit into his crab cakes and let out a groan. As usual, the menu at the Snowy Owl did not disappoint. Although he was no slouch in the kitchen, Connor couldn’t compete with the diner’s offerings.

Piper stood by the table, grinning at his reaction. “They’re good, huh?”

“If my brother wasn’t already marrying you, I might just propose so you could make me these for the rest of my life,” Connor said.

“That’s about as likely as a heat wave in December.” Braden North stepped up and wrapped his arms around Piper’s waist, then leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. “She’s taken.”

“I am indeed,” Piper said, grinning at her fiancé.

“Settle down, little brother.” Connor made a face at Braden. “I’m trying to eat my dinner. Take that kissy-face stuff to another booth.”

Piper rolled her eyes. “Let me know if you guys need anything else.” She walked off toward the kitchen with Braden by her side. Connor’s gaze trailed after them. He still couldn’t believe the lifelong best friends had fallen in love. Connor hadn’t seen it coming at all, but he knew they were as perfect for one another as a couple could be. Contentment shimmered off them in waves.

What would it feel like to know his destiny was tied up in another human being? He imagined it would be epic. When he looked at Braden, it seemed as if his brother’s heart had grown by leaps and bounds. Loving Piper had brought out the very best in him. Hank had said the same about his sister.

Knowing he needed to focus on why he’d met up with his best friends for dinner, Connor turned back to Hank and Gabriel sitting across from him at the table. “Okay, now that they’re gone we can keep planning the bachelor party.”

“I’m not sure about your idea. It doesn’t sound fun to me. Maybe we can stage an elaborate game night,” Hank suggested.

Connor groaned. “Come on, guys. Have a little creativity. This is supposed to be my little brother’s prewedding send-off. Who wants to sit around playing checkers?”

Gabe let out a snort. “No one said anything about checkers. We just don’t think Piper would appreciate placing her husband-to-be in any jeopardy.”

Connor scoffed. “Braden has done every extreme sport you can imagine. I don’t think that a little night skiing would be a problem.”

Hank shook his head. “Connor, you need to start brainstorming again. Considering how Jack died, I think it could come across as insensitive.”

Connor let out a groan and slapped his forehead. “I have no idea where my head is at. That would really be problematic. Not to mention downright inconsiderate. Maybe we can do a bowling night and rent out the place just for the party. With food and music, it could be just right. Thanks for the save, guys.”

Piper’s father and Hank’s stepfather, Jack Miller, had passed away after a snowmobile accident on one of the mountain trails. It had caused a huge rift between Piper and Braden when it was revealed that Braden had been arguing with her father shortly before the tragic accident. Thankfully, they had sorted things out and reconciled. Their spring wedding was mere weeks away.

“No problem. We’re all excited that Braden and Piper are making it official.” Gabriel grinned as he put a forkful of rosemary potatoes in his mouth.

Hank frowned. “He better treat my little sister right or he’s going to answer to me.” The menacing expression stamped on his face gave way to a smirk when he couldn’t keep a straight face. Gabe and Connor began chuckling along with him.

“I’ve always wanted to say that. You know I think the world of Braden,” Hank admitted.

Connor grinned. “The feeling is mutual. He’s looked up to the three of us ever since he was in diapers,” Connor said, struggling to keep his emotions