Single Dad's Holiday Wedding

“Do I look all right?”

He glanced over his shoulder. His daughter, Cassandra Marie Yeager, was a pretty girl. She had on stretchy jean pants that covered coltish long legs and a pink sweater that had ruffles around the hem. Her long blond hair had curled around her face with a few tiny braids. Something she’d talked him into helping with.

“You look nice. But you always do.”

“We’re going to Ellie’s grandmother’s house. Ellie Larkin is my best friend.”

“I think she’ll like your outfit.”

“What about my hair?”

“Honey, I’ve always loved your blond curls. The braids are a nice touch.”

That brought a big smile to her face and a tightening in his throat. All he ever wanted was for her to be happy.

When they’d moved here six months ago, it hadn’t been easy for her. He still only had temporary custody of his daughter. It was supposed to be only during the time when her mother remarried a guy from England. Jace had different plans. He wanted to make Cassie’s life here with him permanent. Optimistic that could happen, he went out and bought a run-down house with horse property. Although it needed a lot of work, it felt like the perfect home for them. A couple horses helped coax his seven-year-old daughter into adjusting a little faster to their new life.

A life away from a mother who’d planned to take his Cassie off to Europe. He was so afraid that his little girl would end up in boarding school and he’d only get to see her on holidays.

No, he wouldn’t let that happen. A product of the foster care system himself, he’d always longed for a home and family. It hadn’t worked out with ex-wife Shelly, and that mistake cost him dearly—a big divorce settlement that had nearly wiped him out. Jace hadn’t cared about the money, not if he got his daughter. He only hoped they weren’t going to be homeless anytime soon.

His thoughts turned to Lorelei Hutchinson. He didn’t like how he reacted to her. Why had she angered him so much? He knew why. She had nothing to do with Lyle’s business dealings. But she was due to inherit a lot of money tomorrow, and he could be handed the shaft at the same time. It could cost him everything that mattered. His daughter. No, he wouldn’t let that happen.

He pulled up in front of the beautiful three-story Victorian home painted dove-gray with white shutters and trim. The Keenan Inn was a historical landmark, a bed-and-breakfast that was also the home of Tim and Claire Keenan. Jace had heard the story about how three tiny girls had been left with them to raise as their own. That would be Morgan, Paige and Leah. After college all three returned to Destiny to marry and raise their own families.

Right now there was someone else staying in the inn—Lorelei Hutchinson. Somehow he had to convince her that this downtown project needed to move forward. Not only for him, but also for Destiny.

Just then Tim Keenan came out the front door, followed closely by some of their grandkids, Corey, Ellie and Kate.

His daughter grabbed her overnight bag and was out of the car before he could say anything. He climbed out, too.

Tim Keenan waved from the porch. “Hello, Jace.”

“Hi, Tim.” He walked toward him. “Thank you for inviting Cassie to the sleepover. I think she’s getting tired of her father’s bad company.”

“You have a lot on your mind.”

Tim was in his early sixties, but he looked a lot younger. His wife was also attractive, and one of the best cooks in town. He knew that because the Keenans had been the first to stop by when he and Cassie moved into their house. They’d brought enough food for a week.

“Hey, why don’t you stay for supper, too?”

He wasn’t surprised by the invitation. “Probably not a good idea. I don’t think I made much of an impression on Ms. Hutchinson.”

The big Irishman grinned. “Have faith, son, and use a little charm. Give Paige a chance to help resolve this.” They started toward the door, as Tim continued, “I’m concerned about Lorelei. She wasn’t very old, maybe seven, when her parents divorced. Lyle wrote them off, both his ex-wife and his daughter. As far as I know, he never visited her. Now, she has to deal with her estranged father’s mess.”

Jace felt his chest tighten because this woman’s scenario hit too close to home. “That’s the trouble with divorce, it’s the kids who lose.”

They stepped through a wide front door with an etched glass oval that read Keenan Inn and into the lobby. The walls were an ecru color that highlighted the heavy oak wainscoting. A staircase with a hand-carved banister was open all the way to the second floor. All the wood, including the hardwood floors, were polished to a high gloss. He suspected he wasn’t the only one who was an expert at restoration.

“This house still amazes me,” he said.

“Thanks,” Tim acknowledged. “It’s been a lot of work over the years, but so worth it. The bed-and-breakfast has allowed me to spend more time with Claire and my girls.”

Jace shook his head. “I can’t imagine having three daughters.”

Keenan’s smile brightened. “You have one who gives you joy. I’m a lucky man, I tripled that joy.” Tim sobered. “Too bad Lyle didn’t feel the same about his child. Maybe we wouldn’t be having this conversation tonight.”

The sound of laughter drifted in from the back of the house. “That sounds encouraging,” Tim said. “Come on, son. Let’s go enjoy the evening.”

They walked through a large dining room with several small tables covered in white tablecloths for the inn’s guests. They continued through a pantry and into a huge kitchen.

Okay, Jace was impressed. There was a large working area with an eight-burner cooktop and industrial-sized oven and refrigerator, and all stainless steel counters, including the prep station. On one side a bank of windows showed the vast lawn and wooded area out back and, of course, a view of the San Juan Mountains. A group of women were gathered at the large round table. He recognized all of them. Morgan because she was married to his good friend Justin Hilliard, another business owner in town. Paige he’d met briefly before today. The petite blonde was Leah Keenan Rawlins. She lived outside of town with her rancher husband, Holt.

And Lorelei.

Tonight, she seemed different, more approachable. She was dressed in nice-fitting jeans, a light blue sweater and a pair of sneakers on her feet. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and it brushed her shoulders when she turned her head. She looked about eighteen, which meant whatever he was feeling about her was totally inappropriate.

Those rich, chocolate-brown eyes turned toward him and her smile faded. “Mr. Yeager?”

He went to the group. “It’s Jace.”

“And I go by Lori,” she told him.

He didn’t want to like her. He couldn’t afford to, not with his future in the balance. “Okay.”

“Oh, Jace.” Claire Keenan came up to them. “Good, you’re able to stay for dinner. We don’t get to see enough of you.” She smiled. “I get to see your daughter when I volunteer at school.”

He nodded. “And I’m happy Ellie and Cassie are friends. Thank you for including her in the kids’ sleepovers.” He glanced out the window to see his daughter running around with the other children. Happy. “Your granddaughter Ellie helped Cassie adjust to the move here.”

Claire’s smile was warm. “We all want to make sure you both got settled in and are happy.”

That all depended on so many things, he thought. “You’ve certainly done that.”

The older woman turned to Lori. “I wish I could talk you into staying longer. One day isn’t much time.” Claire looked back at Jace. “Lori is a second grade teacher in Colorado Springs.”

Lori didn’t want to correct Claire Keenan. She had been a second grade teacher before she’d been laid off last month. So she didn’t mind that her dear father had decided to leave her a little something. It would be greatly appreciated.

But, no, she couldn’t stay. Only long enough to finish up Lyle’s unfinished business. She hoped that would be concluded by tomorrow.

Claire excused herself. Tim arrived, handed them both glasses of wine and wandered off, too, leaving them alone.

Lori took a sip of wine, trying not to be too obvious as she glanced at the large-built man with the broad shoulders and narrow waist. No flab there. He definitely did physical work for a living.

“How long have you lived in Destiny, Mr.… Jace?”

“About six months, and I’m hoping to make it permanent.”

She didn’t look away. “I’m sure things will be straightened out tomorrow.”