Avalanche of the Heart (Book Five of the Travers Brothers)

By Rita Hestand

Sammie Jo Travers was faced with too many things at once. Her grandfather's death, her father's illness, her cousin moving away, and last of all, her parents would have to sell the ranch in order to meet medical bills. It was a sad awakening for Sammie Jo who had loved working on the ranch, and had planned to continue it after school. But now that had changed. She had a new direction in her life. She was buying a saloon in Alaska, and moving.

Cody Talltree was infatuated with the little lady from Texas. She seemed so vulnerable and a little sad. He wanted to help her. Little did he know that his infatuation would grow to be much more. But Cody had been married once, and it didn't work out. His ex-wife couldn't take living in the wilds of Alaska with the nearest mall 500 miles away. How would Sammie Jo adapt?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Dec 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311626332

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

Avalanche of the Heart

(Book Five of the Travers Brothers Series)

By Rita Hestand

Smashwords Edition

Avalanche of the Heart

Copyright© 2014 by Rita Hestand

ISBN# 9781311626332

All rights reserved

Cover: Big Stock

License Notes

This book Avalanche of the Heart is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

This book (Avalanche of the Heart) is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Books in this Series

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

Courting Abby

Hannah's Man

Along Came Love

Avalanche of the Heart

~Dedication~

This book is dedicated to my youngest daughter, Elizabeth Dillard, who suffered cervical cancer and beat it. And to all others out there that suffered through this disease and made it, we salute you. Liz was only twenty-seven years old when she contracted the disease, but she worked through her journey, kept her head up, prayed and she made it. May they someday find a cure.

Liz named this book, and several others of mine.

God Bless

Rita Hestand

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Chapter One

Excuse me Miss, I hope you aren't trying to break in there, The soft timber of a man's voice melted quickly over Sammie Jo's heart as she reeled on her boot heels. He didn't sound mad, he sounded surprised and a little intrigued.

Uh…no, she faced a big shiny star staring at her from his chest. What could she say, she had broken the window? But she couldn't get in and this was her place now. Oh…you're the law here? That's good.

It took her a minute to take him in. She didn't know what she expected to see, but it wasn't a handsome man standing there staring at her with an unreadable expression.

His dark eyes penetrated her with questions unspoken, while they gave her a long once over.

His hair was dark. He was dressed in black jeans and a big parka with a hood.

He was menacingly handsome, she had to admit. He exuded authority and his serious expression made her want to laugh. Did he think her a burglar?

Interesting, someone who is glad to see the law. Yes ma'am, I'm a deputy. The big, tall man answered, moving his sunshades into his hair as he came closer. You always go around breaking windows to get in? There was amusement in his voice, but his expression still remained sober.

Oh… Sammie Jo stared at him, and then grinned. Actually, no, I'm Sammie Jo Travers, the new owner of the Night-N-Gale.

Really, I wasn't aware old man Tucker sold the place. We all saw him packing up to leave, but he didn't tell anyone who he sold to or if he sold. He left us in the dark, so to speak. Well, let me help you with that lock in that case, it can be stubborn.

Thanks, Sammie Joe smiled, her breath hitching when he brushed up against her to open the door. She felt a hint of muscle from his arm that brushed her. She smelled the light fragrance of his cologne, not overbearing, and his shadow on his cheeks lent him a more dangerous look than she imagined he was. His skin was a deep tan, his eyes were as dark as his hair. His size was foreboding, but his expression spoke of a strange sense of humor. Even in Texas few men came in such excellent packages, Sammie Jo gulped. But the difference was, this was a man, not a boy. I thought you were about to arrest me.

He flashed her a smile. A beautiful lady like you, not on your life.

Sammie Jo hadn't been attracted to a man in a long time and it took her off guard that her senses were on overload. The last thing she had on her mind in coming here was a man. And yet there was a strange charm about the man that got her attention. He had a welcoming smile that swept the cold out and warmed the heart.

She hadn't come to Alaska to get involved with anyone that was the last thing she needed. She wanted to make a new home and keep her heart intact while doing it. Although telling herself this and thinking it was a different story. He had such an infectious grin, so unexpected.

She moved back and allowed him the job of unlocking the door. Even though, she'd tried her key, the lock didn't budge, so she'd resorted to breaking the small window in the door, so she could open it. She sincerely hoped the lawman was of a forgiving nature.

So, you're taking over the Night-N-Gale? He asked as he snaked a hand through the broken window to unlock the door and push it open for her. The door caught on the floor and dragged, making a horrid screeching noise. They both glanced at the floor then looked at each other.

She nodded. "As of today, I'm the new owner, yes.

The way she said that had him grinning."

He gave her a once over then proceeded to push the door open.

This old door needs to be rehung. The weather sometimes makes for trouble with doors around here. The lawman added as he let her enter.

Yes, it looks like a lot of things need redoing. She replied, smelling a slight odor of stale whiskey and old furniture polish. She moved into a huge room, feeling smaller by the moment as she glanced at the high ceilings and long fans with glass jar lights on them. Sammie Jo smiled; she liked the décor already. Mr. Tucker might have been from Texas too; she smiled at the thought.

She'd been prepared to see a bar, but not like this one. Made of pure oak and as long as the building itself, the bar was an outstanding feature. It hosted a mass of stools and spittoons too. Groups of chairs and tables surrounded the room and a massive fireplace warmed the entire room on the opposite side. There was even a sawdust dancing space. She liked it. It lived up to the pictures she'd seen of it.

Just then a dog, a husky came up to her and licked at her boots and whined.

Sammie Jo looked down in surprise, What's this? Your dog? She inquired.

No…

The dog whined a bit as she bent to look at the animal and pet him. Well now, my first customer, where did you come from? She asked as though the dog might speak.

That's SeeMe, The deputy replied bending down to give the animal a quick back rub. The dog licked his gloved hand and whined again.

SeeMe? What kind of name is that? Sammie Jo laughed.

Well, he's old man Tucker's dog or was. And there is a story to this dog. You see, he wandered into this bar a long time ago and wouldn't let the old man alone. Tucker wasn't used to dogs or animals for that matter. The old man had become quite the loner. But this dog wouldn't take no for an answer. No matter how many times Tucker drug him out, he'd manage to sneak back in. So finally, Tucker gave up and began to accept him, but he didn't call him anything for a long time. It's just my opinion, but by naming him he was afraid he'd get too attached. Then one day a customer stumbled over the dog as he staggered out the door. The drunken man apologized feeling sorry that he'd stepped on the dog's paw and hurt him. And SeeMe just stared at the old drunk and whined a little. The drunk had hollered back at Tucker. I didn't see him, is all. So old man Tucker laughed and said, You didn't see SeeMe, huh? That's how he got the name. Almost everyone in town knows and loves SeeMe now. He's kinda like a mascot in the area. I guess you could say he goes with the place. But don't let his demeanor fool you, SeeMe will protect you in a pinch.

But why did he leave him here? Didn't he get attached to him in the end? Sammie Jo asked as she looked at the dog once more. I had no idea; he'd be here.

Mr. Tucker was an unusual kind of man. He and the dog were inseparable after a while; I expect SeeMe saw him through a lot of lonely winters. But SeeMe isn't a young pup anymore, and this is the only home the dog has ever known, so I guess he thought he was nice by leaving him here. He's become a part of the Nite-N-Gale. I would have thought Tucker would have said something to you, of course. I mean he probably didn't know if you liked dogs or not. And maybe he thought if he didn't say anything to you, you couldn't refuse.

Sammie Jo stared at the dog who seemed content just to curl up at the end of the bar. Well, he has a home if he wants it…

I guess ole man Tucker thought if he could learn to love the dog, so could someone else…

Sammie Jo saw the paper on the bar and picked it up. She glanced up at the deputy. It just so happens I love animals. I always have. But look…maybe this explains it.

Dear Miss Travers. I've left everything as it was; the suppliers are listed by the phone in the kitchen. Anyone you need to reach should be there for you. I'm also leaving my dog as I can't take him with me, and he's too old to root out. Hope that's okay with you. If you don't want him, then give him to someone who will take good care of him, as he's done me good for so long. Good luck.

Sammie Jo looked up, her eyes misting, her voice tremulous. He's left him for me. Isn't that sweet?

Like I said, old man Tucker was unusual. Are you going to keep him?

You know I often wonder what the animal would say if they could talk. If they had a choice. It looks as though SeeMe has found his home here, who am I to discourage him from it. I welcome him. A dog can be a lot of company. It only makes me a little sad that Mr. Tucker had to leave him. I'm sure he'll miss him. And will he pine for his old master, or take to me? Sammie Jo bent and stared at the dog for a moment, and that's when SeeMe licked her face. She laughed and stood up again, I guess I have no choice in the matter. I think he likes me.

Sure, looks like it. The deputy smiled.

Well, I hadn't planned on company, but he's in luck, I do like animals. All animals. I hated leaving my horse at home, but the airlines wouldn't accommodate Sammie Jo replied with a chuckle.

The deputy stared at her, his mouth curling into a slight, sexy grin.

Just hadn't planned on inheriting one. And so soon, too. I wonder how long since he had some food?

He usually lays right by the end of the bar. He's a good dog, and he'll be some company and protection for you. Come on; let's see if we can find some food for him.

The deputy moved about the bar as though he knew it by heart. She quickly realized that this man and Tucker had probably been friends. Sammie Jo smiled and followed the deputy into the big kitchen and pantry. She was silently glad he happened by as she was already feeling a tad lonely.

The deputy poured a big helping of food into the silver bowl on the floor, under the cabinet. Then he proceeded to fill the water bowl, and SeeMe helped himself as he followed them. He ate like he moved, in no hurry.

After a moment of silence and letting her get used to the idea, the deputy twisted his head. I'm a little surprised that one so young would come all the way to Alaska to open a new business. Buying a saloon, in the wilds of Alaska, is a big undertaking for a little lady. The lawman smiled charmingly at her.

So, I've been told by my well-meaning parents. She answered, not giving the man another glance. He was too handsome. She didn't have time for handsome men. She was too wrapped up in her surroundings to give him her full attention right now. Too wrapped up in her problems. Problems she had come here to escape. Problems she hoped would disappear with plenty of work to be done.

Ever owned a saloon? The deputy asked, as though he knew the answer.

No…never.

You mean you came here, bought the place, and you don't have any experience running a bar?

How hard could it be? You pour drinks, and I know how to mix them and pour them. I'm pretty good with socializing.

I think you're about to find out how hard. The weather alone can beat you down, here. The loneliness and isolation can also get to you.

I'll make out. She smiled.

She admired the huge mirror hung behind the bar, lined with beautiful glasses, and aged whiskey of every sort.

At least that was still in place, just needed dusting, she decided as she ran a quick finger over the wood shelf.

Well, you'll have to excuse old man Tucker. He wasn't the best at keeping things clean. But I'm sure you'll know how to make it shine. I just hope you know what you are doing. I take it you have a license to operate?

Yes, I have a license. That was one of the first things I looked into before buying. The laws. But feel free to keep me informed of them as we go along because I'm not up with all the Alaskan state laws, so if I mess up, feel free to correct me.

Have you ever lived here?

No, she answered distractedly. I've researched it on the net a lot though.

He whistled softly, Never run a bar, never been to Alaska. All these things you've done are a lot of firsts for you then.

I'm not afraid of hard work or Alaska. Sammie Jo laughed.

Where you from, if I might ask? The deputy seemed bent on finding out all he could about her and she reckoned that since he was the law she should cooperate. Maybe he'd forget about the broken glass in the door.

Texas…

Texas, he whistled, That's a long way away.

Yes…

Then she turned her attention to him. It wasn't something she was used to, being attracted to a complete stranger, but the man was gorgeous in his thick parka and big