This is a work of fiction . The characters , incidents , and dialogues are products of the author 's imagination and are not to be construed as real . Any resemblance to actual events or persons , living or dead , is entirely coincidental . Shakespir Edition License Notes Thank you for downloading this free ebook . You are welcome to share it with your friends . This book may be reproduced , copied and distributed for non - commercial purposes , provided the book remains in its complete original form . If you enjoyed this book , please return to Shakespir . com to discover other works by this author . Thank you for your support . Dedicated to those who read my books and short stories . Thank you ! The color of Katy 's hair had been called dirty blonde during her high school years . Today it was just dirty , soaked in sweat and chaff . Pulling the straw hat off her head , she fanned herself with it , and then gathered the stray curls that had escaped from the ponytail . She secured them again , hoping they would stay put until she was finished cleaning . Looking at the right knee of her favorite denims in disgust , she couldn 't recall how she had managed to tear it so badly , but the next stop for them would be the recycle center . They were faded to almost white , so soft and comfortable she was really going to miss them . Sticking her hat back on her head , she picked up the shovel and continued cleaning the gutters in the barn . She had only ten days left before the new owner took possession of the farm and she was doing her best to get it ready . But she was exhausted , and there were times when she just wanted to sit down and cry . However , that was a luxury she couldn 't afford . When her mother had died of an aneurysm just as Katy had been preparing to head off to college , Katy 's dream of studying psychology had to be set aside . She stayed to help out on the farm because her dad was devastated and barely able to function . She just couldn 't leave him alone , on his own . Just her luck to be female and an only child ! And now her dad was gone too , dying of a cardiac arrest , just eighteen months ago , but she really believed it was a broken heart in the truest sense of the words . She had thought long and hard about how she was going to deal with settling the estate , finally severing a two - acre lot at the back of the farm , one concession over . Her dad had created a farm pond back there years ago , among the cedars , and on the strength of the farm sale , she secured a loan . The next step was to contract Guildcrest Homes to prepare the lot and build her a small bungalow in their factory . The septic , well and driveway had been prepared and the house had been placed on the foundation . It was now ready for furnishings and appliances , most of which she would take from the farmhouse . So much to be done in just ten days , and she was tired to the bone . Chin up , girl , you can do this ! The livestock had been sold off , with the exception of the laying hens and the flock of sheep , at the request of the buyer . Her dad had been a general farmer with a few dairy cows , a couple of horses , some pigs , and the sheep and hens . Once the dairy cattle and horses were sold , the sheep took shelter in the barn . She had yet to meet the new owner , all transactions being done through the realtor and the lawyers . She only knew that he had been in Scotland for the past five years , was single , and was returning to Canada in the next week or so . Handing over the keys to the house , when he arrived , was going to be the best day of her life , and she couldn 't wait . Finished with her current dirty task , Katy left the barn and headed to the house . Next on the agenda was a long hot shower and shampoo , but as she was walking towards the house , she suddenly looked up to see a new red pickup truck driving into the yard . Oh , man , just what I need , when I look a mess ! Company ! She walked towards the truck , wondering who it could be , and feeling really embarrassed by the state she was in - dirty , sweaty , and with ripped jeans . As the truck door opened , she watched as a tall , fit man in suit , tie and dress shoes stepped down and came around the front of the vehicle . Smiling at her , he said , " Katy MacDonnell , I presume ? " " Well , you 're going to have to wait a little longer . Right now I 'm going to have a hot shower and I 'm going to put on something a little less grubby . You can go wander around , if you like , but if you wait until I 'm more presentable , I 'll give you the grand tour . " " Sounds good . See you in a bit . " And he headed towards the barn . Thanking her lucky stars she had just finished cleaning the barn , she hurried into the house and gave up on the long hot shower , settling for a quick scrub and shampoo . She took a moment to blow dry her hair , letting the natural waves fall to her shoulders . Taking out her cosmetics , she added some lipstick , eye shadow and a little blusher . Well , what am I supposed to do ? Look like something the cat dragged in ? I think not ! He 's gorgeous ! When she found him in the barn she asked if he wanted to see the entire farm , or just the buildings . " I 'd like to see it all , if you don 't mind . I know this isn 't quite proper protocol , but I couldn 't wait . I 've been wanting to farm for a long time , and when I heard of your property coming on the market , I knew it was just what I was looking for . " And you are a major added bonus . " That would be me . I severed these two acres off and had the house built . I love this farm - just couldn 't farm it by myself . " Sitting at a table in the library by himself , a scribbler open in front of him , Andrew was scowling . He had come here to find a quiet environment , conducive to focusing on the task at hand . He was attempting to put thoughts on paper so he could finish the last chapter of the current murder mystery he was writing , and get it typed up and sent off to his publisher . If his eyes could shoot daggers , she would be full of holes by now . ' She ' was an attractive , self - confident , self - absorbed piece of work . Her brown hair fell in a sweep down past her shoulders , and she kept pushing it off her face . But the thing that was irritating him past his point of tolerance , was the way she giggled , a quiet but audible giggle , every few minutes . To make matters worse , she was sitting facing him , directly in his line of sight , so ignoring her was becoming impossible . He had promised the manuscript would be sent out this week , and today was Thursday . He knew how the story would end , but was at a complete loss as to how to write the middle of the final chapter . This was a new problem for him , and he didn 't know what to do about it . He also didn 't know how he was going to deal with her either . Going back home wasn 't an option . His teenage nephew was staying with him for a week , while his brother and sister - in - law were away . Foolishly , he had told the lad that he could have a friend over , but one friend turned into three , the tunes were cranked up , the laughter was loud , and concentration was impossible . Shoving his hand through his hair and making it stand up on end , he looked around for another table , but this was the only one with vacant chairs . Didn 't she know that she was supposed to be quiet in a library ? Didn 't she care that she was disturbing people who needed quiet ? Finally he 'd had enough . Throwing down his pen , he marched over to stand staring down at her . It was a moment before she raised big blue eyes to him , a question in them . " Can I help you ? " " This . I 'm supposed to be creating illustrations for this kids ' book . It 's hilarious and it makes me laugh . I 'm really sorry . I 'll do my best to be quiet . " She was still looking up at him . " Forgive me ? " And he was lost in those eyes . Her smile was sheepish and flirtatious , her dimples popping out on her cheeks . Suddenly he was tongue - tied , unsure of himself , and of how he should respond to her . He had led a somewhat solitary life , writing his mysteries , spending hours doing research , and for the most part , keeping a low profile . He wrote under a pseudonym and refused to participate in book tours and signings , using his own name on Facebook to praise his work . It had made him quite successful , and caused him to smile when friends would agree with his comments about his book , not knowing he was the author . As far as his friends knew , he was living off an inheritance , while trying to write a book . But there was something about her that was holding him spellbound . " Am I forgiven ? " " One condition . Let me see what 's making you laugh . " He managed to get the words out without stumbling over them . Turning the book around , he began reading , scanning the words quickly , and suddenly he was chuckling . Not just at the text , but mostly at the characters she had drawn and the ridiculous outfits and expressions they were wearing . Looking up at her , he said , " You 're good . I can understand the giggling now , so I can forgive you . But that doesn 't solve my problem . " And suddenly he found himself in completely uncharted waters , outlining the basic story and explaining how he was stuck in the middle of the last chapter . " Would you let me read that part ? Maybe I can help . " They had been talking quietly , keeping voices low , so as not to disturb others . Gathering up her books and pencils , she followed him over to his table and took a seat across from him . " Here 's what I have so far in this last chapter . I know how it ends . Just can 't come up with a middle . " He handed her his hand - written pages . " I hope you can read my scrawl . " " I guess that makes sense . " And she began to read . He sat quietly , trying not to fidget , and watched her face as she was reading , looking for reactions to his words . Putting the papers down , she asked , " Does he have a love interest ? " " Wow ! You just solved my problem . I forgot all about her , focusing on the plot . She needs to be in here , so now I know what to do . " He immediately began writing , and she was able to study him - and she liked everything she saw . Brown hair falling across his high forehead , deep brown eyes , tall and slim , and he was good - looking when he wasn 't chastising her . Putting the pen down , he said , " By the way , I 'm Andrew . What 's your name ? I need it so I can dedicate this one to you . " " Shannon . Does this mean I get a signed copy as well ? " She was grinning at him , dimples again showing . " Not only do you get a signed copy when the book is published , but it comes with a dinner invitation , right now . There 's just one condition - you must never reveal my identity as the writer of this , or any of my other books . Let 's go . " Black tooled cowboy boots , long legs clad in dark blue denims which had ironed creases , light blue Western shirt open at the neck , sleeves rolled above the elbows , black cowboy hat held in front with both hands - and finally Sara looked at his face , only to realize she was caught staring at him , and he was staring back . Blushing to her roots , she looked back down at the newspaper help wanted ads in front of her . Just back from three years working as nanny to her small niece and nephew in Scotland , she needed to find work , and soon . Startled , she realized the cowboy was now standing beside her table . " Excuse me , Ma ' am . Are you Sara Webster ? Rodney Black suggested I contact you to see if you would help me out . I 'm Blake Collins , by the way . " " Yes , I 'm Sara . Why don 't you have a seat and tell me what you need ? " If Rod sent him , then he had to be okay . Sitting down across from her , he told her what his problem was and how she could help , if she would . " I 'm looking for a nanny for my little boy . His mother died giving birth , so I 'm in way over my head trying to take care of him . " He 's just twenty months . I bought the old Richardson farm last month . The house is in good shape but everything else needs fixing - fences and outbuildings - before I can move in some cattle and plant some crops . I just don 't have time to take care of Benny and get all of the rest done . " " My neighbor is minding him for a few hours a day , but she 's eighty - two and she finds it a bit too much , so I really need someone who could live in and be there while I 'm out working . There 's a small apartment over the garage , attached to the house , so you would have your own space whenever I 'm indoors . What do you think ? Would you be able to help me ? " Sara had been watching him as he spoke and she could see the deep sadness , anxiety , and yes , hope , in his changing expressions . " This has to be about the freakiest thing that has ever happened to me . I was just going through the help wanted ads looking for a job . By the time I got back from Scotland , my parents had sold the farm and moved to a condo in the city , so I 'm presently camped out at the motel down the road . Staying there eats up money quickly . So yes , I can certainly help you . Would you like a resume and references ? " " Not necessary . Rod 's recommendation is good enough for me . By the way , the apartment is furnished , so you just need to bring your clothes and personal items . Do you have a car ? " His face lit up immediately and she was captivated by his smile . Over lunch he talked at length about his little boy , and how he was now running all over the house , learning a few more words every day , and putting together some very short sentences . Sara had no questions or doubts about how much he loved his son and wanted only the best for him . " Well , I 'd better go . My neighbor will be wondering where I am . Do you know where the Richardson 's farm is ? " " Yes . I know just about every place around these parts . But I guess quite a bit has changed in the three years I 've been gone . " " Well , I 'll see you later . And thank you so much for agreeing to do this for me . " Going to the counter , he paid the tab , stuck his hat on his head , and left . Sara was ecstatic . All of her worries were gone in an instant , and as bosses go , she couldn 't imagine a better one , and she couldn 't wait to meet Benny . Heading out the door , she went to the motel and started packing . As soon as Benny saw Sara , he ran to her , arms up , asking to be picked up . She dropped her bags on the floor and swung him high . " So Benny , are you a good boy ? " He had his dad 's blue eyes , but his hair was a mass of blond curls , unlike his dad 's black hair . " Good boy . " Touching her cheek with his hand , he looked in her eyes , his smile wide . Throwing his arms around her neck , he hugged her , and held on tight . Sara was lost . She had loved her niece and nephew , but this was different . Benny needed her , and so help her , she needed Benny . She loved children and had dreamed of the day when she would have a husband and babies of her own . Blake watched , bemused , as the two of them became acquainted . For the first time since his wife died , he was looking at another woman , with a great deal of interest . Over the next three months , they fell into a comfortable pattern . Sara had begun making all of the meals the day after she moved in , over Blake 's half - hearted protests . " I 'm not paying you to be cook and housekeeper - just to be nanny to Benny . I 'm going to have to raise your wages . " " Don 't even think about it . You have enough on your plate , I love to cook and I have plenty of free time when Benny is napping . You take care of the outside and I 'll take care of things inside . Okay ? " " Yes , Ma ' am . " Tipping his hat to her , he went out to repair some more fences , the image of her lodged firmly in his mind . She was average height , shoulder - length brown hair , brown eyes , and dimples when she smiled . And he thought about her often - maybe too often . " Hey , Bennie , did you know your daddy is a hottie ? " Sara was sitting on the floor with him , by the open window , playing with blocks and balls . As she spoke , she was unaware that Blake was under the window , on his way back to pick up his work gloves , left behind at lunchtime . Grinning to himself , he went into the garage to find an old pair . He didn 't want to embarrass Sara , but he was really pleased to have eavesdropped on that particular conversation . Blake always made sure he was in by six , in order to have dinner with them and to play with Benny until it was time for his bath , bed and story . Once Benny was asleep , Blake would sit in the living room , look for an old movie on TV and usually fall asleep within minutes . This night when he picked Benny up , after he had cleaned up for dinner , and said , " How 's my boy ? " Benny 's reply had Sarah turning scarlet and heading for the kitchen . " Daddy hot . " Blake tried hard not to laugh out loud , knowing why she had disappeared so quickly . He kept the conversation running over dinner , aware that she was uncomfortable , but not wanting to embarrass her further . Sara was worried about him , because he was out working by six every morning , and dog tired when he came in for the night . Tonight was no different . He was sound asleep , the TV on low . She hesitated for a few minutes , but she knew he would sleep better in his own bed , so she touched him lightly on the shoulder . " Blake . " She spoke quietly , not wanting to startle him . He stirred but didn 't waken . So she put a little more pressure on his shoulder , and spoke a little louder . " Blake . You need to wake up and go to bed . " This time , he opened his eyes , looked up at her , and then pulled her down into his arms and onto his lap . " I was just dreaming about you , and about this . Have you got a kiss for this hottie ? " " Yes , Willa . " With a deep sigh , Bob prepared to listen to her latest silly version of a joke . " Why did the hen walk out into the traffic ? " " Get back to work right now , or I 'll fire you . " Trying not to laugh , Bob continued working . These conversations were a daily occurrence as they installed the electrical wiring , circuit breakers , switch and plug boxes , and everything else electrical that was required in the new home under construction . He was constantly amused and amazed at her ability to come up with these inane little quips , but he had to admit it relieved what could be the tedium of a sometimes - monotonous job . She certainly didn 't fit the standard image of an electrician , with her small but compact frame encased in a blue coverall , and her brown hair tied back in a ponytail . She looked much younger than her twenty - four years . When he asked her once why she decided to be an electrician , she said , " Beats me ! I didn 't want to be a teacher or a nurse , and I thought it would be something I could do without interacting too much with people . " Willa was half - way in love with Bob , but she was very careful to keep her feelings to herself , because in no way did she want to mess up the great working relationship they had developed over the past year . She sneaked a peek at him when she knew he wasn 't looking , so she could admire his muscled arms , black hair , and long legs . She was very aware that he viewed her as a pesky little sister , and she was content to keep the status quo - for now . Picking up the drill , she bored a hole in the two - by - four , pulled the wire through the hole , and moved over to the next two - by - four . She repeated the steps until she reached the site for the next plug - in box . She fastened it to the two - by - four and pulled the wire through and into the box . " Hey , Bob . " " Well , Willa , I would imagine it was a woman who said , ' I don 't want that ugly thing sitting up in the middle of my wall . ' How 's that for an answer ? " He had been expecting some more of her nonsense , so couldn 't avoid getting back at her . " For just this one time only , I may have to admit that you could be right , even if I don 't like sitting on the floor to put these wires in place . " " Can I ask you something ? " Bob continued working as they talked . Pulling wires and attaching switch plates and plug - in boxes didn 't require a great deal of concentration . " You will anyway . Fire away . " " So I 've been told , by more than one person , on more than one occasion . Don 't you ever get down in the dumps about anything ? You are so chirpy you could make a suicidal person laugh . What gets you down ? " " So I noticed . Very unprofessional of you . " Bob was grinning . " As long as I get the job done , who cares ? Now you get back to work , or I 'll fire you . " " Since I 'm the boss that would be interesting . Let 's finish this up and get out of here . It 's past quitting time , in case you didn 't notice . " Pitching her hard hat , which she tended to do once everyone else had left , Willa donned her bright red baseball cap , pulling her ponytail through the back . He couldn 't help laughing the first time he saw the words on the back of her cap . It read , ' My hat matches my neck . ' " Want to grab a bite to eat ? You don 't have a wee wifey at home preparing a hot meal for you , and I 'm sick of tomato sandwiches . So what do you say ? " She held her breath , waiting to see what his answer would be . " Hey yourself , Willa . That 's a great idea . But can we go to our respective apartments , grab showers , and get dressed in clean clothes ? I 'd like to go to a real restaurant , for a real sit - down meal . I 'm tired of grabbing burgers and fries . " Sitting across from each other at the restaurant , they were both amused to see the changes a shower and non - work clothing made to their appearances . In Willa 's case , it went beyond that , to curls in her hair and makeup on her face . Bob found himself looking at a very attractive , albeit small woman , instead of a silly girl , and he was suddenly very aware of feeling an instant and powerful attraction to her . For the first time in their so - called relationship of boss and employee , they began chatting as friends , and Bob was surprised at the range of topics she brought up , discussed and dropped . Then she was on to the next one . He found out very quickly that she was really interested in the future possibilities of free energy , and in the rapid changes in all forms of technology . They paid little attention to the food , sipped the wine Bob had ordered , and the time passed so quickly they were surprised when they realized it was nine o ' clock . " Hey , Bob , let 's go down by the water for a little while . It 's too nice out to go home yet . " Bob paid the tab and walked with her down to a bench by the water . Once seated , Willa quickly reverted to form , partly to cover her nervousness at being in a social situation with the man she knew she loved . " Hey , Bob . " Taking her face in his hands , he leaned over and kissed her . Kissing him back , there was only one thought in her mind . Hey , Bob , that 's awesome ! ! ! Finished topping up the tank on her little green John Deere garden tractor , Chrissy paused for a moment to admire her freshly - mowed lawn . She was proud of her little farm , her flock of laying hens , and her small herd of rental goats . It had been a struggle financially to acquire her thirty acres and bungalow , but she had done it , and now she was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel . Getting away from office work and out into the fresh country air had made a big difference in her mood and personality . At thirty - three , she was enjoying her new life , only occasionally wondering if she should be raising a family instead of a herd of goats and a flock of hens . The hens continued to lay big brown eggs , and because they were free range and fed organic layer mash , she was able to ask and get a good price for the eggs . Her goats were in great demand from spring to fall , clearing small acreages for farmers . Being able to provide and set up moveable electric fencing in order to confine the goats , was also a good selling point . Goats were not easy to keep in one spot , unless they had plenty to eat . Today she was loading them up to be delivered to a farm fifty miles away , so she wanted to get an early start . The fencing materials were loaded into the bed of her truck , then the goats were settled in the trailer . They had learned early on that going into the trailer would get each of them a raisin , and they were very fast learners . Chrissy was constantly amazed at them and their antics when they were free to play . She had begun breeding some of them in the fall and selling the babies when they were old enough in the spring . It was another source of income for her . With the truck and trailer loaded , she hitched them together and headed out to the goats ' new assignment . Declan was busy in his aquaponics greenhouse , doing his best to keep up with the produce as it matured and was ready for delivery . He had been really fortunate to get in on the new Costco program . They had provided a loan to help him buy the small farm and set up the greenhouse , in exchange for a promise of organic produce . It had taken a year to get everything up and running - the fish tanks and fish , the filters and aerators , the trays for the seeds , and the lighting system . The lighting was a huge expense , but worth every penny because it allowed him to grow food all year . The cost was offset by the fact that he didn 't need a tractor and machinery or fuel to run them . He had a good well with plenty of water and because he was using aquaponics , the water didn 't need changing as it would with hydroponics - just topping up as required . His first greenhouse was turning out to be very successful and he was on track to set up a second one , knowing that he would require help to establish and run it . He knew his neighbor down the road was a single female , raised goats and laying hens , and drove a green John Deere garden tractor . But that 's all he knew so far . They had yet to meet . Stepping out of his greenhouse , he was surprised to see that same little green tractor being driven down the side of the road . He had seen her leave with her truck and trailer an hour ago , so now he was concerned . Jumping into his truck , he drove out to the road and quickly caught up to the tractor . Tooting his horn , he stopped and shut the truck off when the tractor pulled to a stop . Walking over to the driver , he was surprised to see a young teenage boy . " Hi . My name is Declan . I 'm just curious where you are going with the tractor . " " Please , Mister , don 't call the police . I didn 't mean any harm . Our tractor is broken , and my dad was laid off last year from his job , so we can 't afford to fix it . " The boy was fighting off tears as he spoke . " Okay . Here 's what we 'll do . You drive back and put the tractor where you found it . Then come and borrow mine , go home and mow the grass , and bring it back when you are finished . After supper tonight , I want you to go to the neighbor , tell her what you did and apologize . " " Well , Jake , I think I may be able to solve his problem . I need help in my greenhouse . I 'm putting up a second one so I will need someone to help with that , and then to work full time with me when it 's up and running . What are you doing after school is out for the summer ? " Going back to his truck , Declan drove home , feeling really good about what had just happened . At thirty - eight , he was thinking he needed to work less and socialize more , but his vegetables kept him too busy . With some help maybe he could get a little free time and a life outside of gardening . Chrissy had returned from delivering her goats , fed the hens , made herself a quick dinner and was sitting with a coffee out on the front porch when a truck drove into the yard . She could see a man and a boy , but had no idea who they were . As they walked up to the porch , she asked , " Can I help you ? " " What is it , Jake ? " Chrissy smiled at the teen , sensing his nervousness . " I have to apologize to you because I was borrowing your garden tractor to cut our grass , when Declan stopped me and told me to take it back . I 'm really sorry . " " Well , no harm done . I think it 's time we all get to know each other in this neighborhood . I 'm Chrissy , by the way . " " I 'd like that . " Jake was smiling , now that his apology was delivered . " So , Declan . You are the greenhouse guy , right ? " " That sounds good . I 'll bring dessert . " Chrissy was already planning an apple crisp . They met , they talked , and they fell in love . Sandy was once again perched on the edge of Brett 's desk , again wearing a short skirt , and again swinging her legs . She was grinning inside because she could tell he really wanted to look , but was trying his best to focus on her face . " So what 's your problem now , Sandy ? " " We have another showing tonight , if you 're available . They are really anxious to sell because they found a house nearer to the city where he works . So can I count on you ? " She told him where the dwelling was located . " I 'll drive this time . Does seven work for you ? " Sandy was really hoping he would say yes , and he did . Ever since Brett had joined the real estate office , and had taken over Shelley 's clients , Sandy had been working closely with him . He had made it clear that he wasn 't interested in a relationship because he was divorced and had support payments to make to his ex - wife . Fortunately they had had no children , but the payments were a real drain on his finances . Two years had passed from his first day on the job and he was doing exceptionally well on sales . As his financial problems improved , so did his mood . He was much more relaxed and often asked Sandy to celebrate with him over dinner when one of them had made a really good sale . Sandy knew she was falling in love with Brett , but she was gun - shy because of her failure to communicate her feelings in her last relationship . He had been a really good man , but because she wouldn 't open up to him , he finally broke it off , leaving her devastated . She knew now that if she was ever to have a happy and meaningful relationship with Brett , or anyone else , she was going to have to change her ways . The showing was a success and they had a firm offer . Brett had left the room to take a call on his cell phone and Sandy noticed a big change in him when he returned to talk to the interested couple . Once they closed up and were on their way back to the office , she just had to ask him . " What 's up with you ? You look like a kitten who found an open butter dish . " " I 'm up for that . One less lonely dinner at home to sit through . " Sandy was curious but also happy to have some time away from the office with Brett . Over dinner later Brett finally divulged his news . " That call I took while we were at the showing was the best news ever . It was my ex letting me know that she got married on the weekend , so I can stop the support payments . It 's been a real drain on me but now it 's finally over . Sandy signaled to a passing waiter and ordered a bottle of champagne . " Let 's celebrate your good news . You deserve it ! " " If we drink that bottle , I won 't be able to drive home . " Brett had driven them to dinner . " Ever hear of a thing called a taxi ? I 'll bring you back in the morning to pick up your SUV . " So they celebrated with the champagne and began talking about personal things , as their inhibitions slipped away . Brett told her about his failed marriage - how they had been together since high school , but had both changed a great deal over the years , to the point where they were just no longer compatible . Sandy really opened up , telling Brett her problem with non - communication issues , and how it had destroyed her former relationship . " You are communicating just fine right now , Sandy . Maybe all you needed was a bit of champagne . " Brett was smiling at her , happier than he had been in years . She was beautiful with her short black hair , blue eyes and great sense of humor . Fun to be around , she was also very professional when it came to selling properties . He realized he was beginning to think of her as more than just a co - worker , and it made him nervous . Falling in love with her was a bad idea , in case she didn 't reciprocate his feelings . It was now late autumn and Sandy had another property to list . " Brett , I need your help on this one . Too big for me to handle alone . " " That 's the catch . It 's about two hours away from here on a pothole lake , in a private campground . He doesn 't own the property - just pays a nominal annual fee for his site . The lake is stocked with rainbow and speckled trout , there 's ice fishing in the winter for those who don 't mind the cold , and the campground is behind a locked gate . The road going in , once we leave the highway , is a forest access road that runs through crown land . It 's kept in fairly good repair by loggers , but is narrow with high hills and a few curves , and the drive in from the highway is close to a half hour . So - are you in ? The owner gave me the key to the gate , as well as keys to the cottage . He 's not asking much because he needs to wind this up and head west . " " Would Saturday work for you ? " Brett was now more than ready for this adventure . " Saturday is fine . I 'll make us up a picnic lunch , and the weather is looking good - not too hot and not too chilly . It will be a couple of degrees cooler there because the lake is high up in the hills . " " So let 's get an early start and enjoy the day . We can pretend we 're just going on a picnic in the countryside . And yes , I 'll drive because it sounds like we 'll need the extra clearance . Bring your camera and we 'll take photos to show to prospective buyers . " Saturday morning was sunny and the directions were easy to follow . The bush road was narrow with limited visibility on the curves , so travel had to be slow . Once inside the gate , they found themselves in a little piece of heaven . The cottage sat amongst a stand of pines with a large deck facing the lake . There was a dock with a boat and electric motor , solar panels for lights and running water . The owner had said there was a septic tank and a flush toilet , a heater for warm showers , and that everything , except for a few personal items , would be included in the price . Not far from the cottage was a small library , built by the property owner , stocked with all genre of reading material , the books placed there by campers . There was also a sand beach at the end of a second large lake on the property . Everything anyone could possibly want in a vacation spot was there for some lucky buyer . Once Brett and Sandy had taken photos of the interior as well as the exterior , including photos of the lake , they sat on the deck and enjoyed their lunch . It was quiet and peaceful , a family of ducks swimming on the water . Brett finally spoke up , with a big grin . " This is going to be the easiest sale ever . I already have a buyer for the cottage . " " Relax , Sandy . You won 't have to leave , except to go to work . I 'm buying the cottage and we 'll come here whenever we can get away for a couple of days . This is just too good to pass up and the price is quite reasonable , thanks to my ex for getting herself a husband . What do you think ? " " I think I love it , and I think I could kiss you about now ! " Sandy jumped up , so excited to find out that she was going to be able to come back here . Getting to his feet , Brett put his arms around her and gave her a long and lingering kiss . " I don 't just love this place , Sandy , I think maybe I 'm falling in love with you too . Does that scare you ? "