Small Changes

By Donna Steele

Melanie Daniels is back home, reconnecting with friends and taking over the family business. She’s content even if there isn’t that one special person in her life. Then she sees the man of her dreams stalking toward her.

Jonah Sanders and his daughter have been on the run for nearly two years. It’s time to regroup and rest. He doesn’t know what has drawn him to this small town but he’s learned to live by his instincts. So why does the woman next door override his instincts and cause him to think of a life he can’t chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Steele
• Release date: Aug 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386106449

Donna Steele

Women strong enough for love. Donna writes science fiction, paranormal and small town romances about women coming into their strength and having the courage to find and accept love. Now that she has retired from going into an office every day, she created an office at home and writes full time. Talk about living the dream! She was the girl at the party who was yearning for the quiet corner and a book to read (go Rory Gilmore!), and has been writing in her head since she learned to read. Getting those stories down on paper (or in her laptop) has been more fun than she ever imagined it could be. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn her and she's read them all, there just needed to be a little more romance in them. She finally got up the courage to write them herself and is delighted to be able to share these stories with you. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. She can be reached at www.steelestories.com, www.facebook.com/donnasteeleauthor, or https://twitter.com/steele_donna

Book preview

Small Changes

Chapter One

Melanie Daniels pressed the dirt around the flower's roots and smiled. Last one and the arrangement had turned out beautifully, bright colors popped from the dark rich dirt. She'd added the absorption part of a couple of disposable diapers to the soil mixture. If there was another drought this summer, that should help retain some moisture. Trying the little eco tricks made her feel virtuous anyway.

She took a deep breath of the clear June morning redolent with the scent of fresh soil and new plants. She had a lot to do inside today to start getting ready for the workmen, so she took a moment to cherish this freedom. Before she could move, her dog, Rex, rose to his feet from beside her, and she turned to see what had his attention.

A small girl stood in the yard watching her. Her dark curly hair fell below her shoulders. It needed brushing. The big dark eyes held Melanie for a long moment, but there was no smile. Where had she come from and who was she? Rex approached her cautiously as Melanie heard a panicked male voice. Emma? Emma, where are you!

Melanie rose, brushing her hands off and saw a man enter her open gate and stalk toward them with deliberation.

Melanie's breath caught in her throat. It was him, except it couldn't be. She'd dreamed of this man the last two nights. The dreams hadn't been especially memorable except that she'd had the same one twice in as many days. That was unprecedented in her memory. But she couldn't be certain this was the same man. His face hadn't been visible in her dreams, only that body. The light had been behind him, so his face had remained hidden from her view.

The man hesitated when he saw the large dog and he put his hand out as though to forestall any attack.

It's okay. Rex is not aggressive. She'd found her voice finally. She understood his concern. Rex was big and dark, and had visible scars from his life before being rescued by her.

As if to demonstrate his good will, Rex stretched out in front of the girl and put his head on his paws. The girl immediately plopped down beside him and began rubbing his head.

The man seemed to finally draw a breath and glanced at Melanie. Sorry. I didn’t mean to invade . . . " His eyes took her in again. Did he recognize her too? The look he gave her wasn't a long drawn out gaze, but she had no doubt he'd noted everything in that quick glance, even the gardening tool that lay beside her.

No problem. She wiped her hand on her jeans and held it out. I’m Melanie Daniels and that's Rex.

Pleased to meet you. I'm Jonah Sanders and this is Emma.

You must be my new neighbors. Kyle sent me a text to expect someone coming to the house. When did you get in? I was going to drop by this afternoon, make sure you had some basic supplies. I’m sure there’s nothing there in way of groceries.

Jonah nodded as he lifted Emma into his arms. Late last night. I only went inside to get her some juice. I wasn't gone thirty seconds.

Kids are quick and she's fine. How old is she?

Just turned three.

Around a thousand days old, Melanie thought, and fearless. Rex was a big dog, but the little girl instinctively knew he wouldn't hurt her. Well, I've never seen Rex be aggressive, but I don't blame you for worrying. He can look ferocious.

You raised him from a pup?

No. He's part rescue, part volunteer. She smiled fondly at the dog who looked up, knowing he was being discussed, and beat his tail against the ground a couple of times. Rex did look intimidating, nearly a hundred pounds of muscle with a body that showed he had lived a less than peaceful life. A couple of months ago, I opened the garage to take out the garbage and there he was. When I rolled the can out to the street he came into the garage and when I opened the door to the house, he was inside. Before I could catch him he'd made himself comfortable in front of the fire. Been here ever since. No tag and no one's come looking for him, but I’ve made sure he's had all his shots. We get along very well.

Jonah smiled then, seeming to relax further. Melanie took the opportunity to look at him more closely. There were lines around his eyes that looked new as well as dark circles underlining those eyes, which matched the dark color of his daughter's as well as the slight tilt toward their brows. He'd been scared, his daughter missing, the big dog.

Would you like something to drink?

Oh, thanks, no. We're disturbing you and I have plenty to do.

I'm through here. I gardened early to get me going for the rest of the day, but I imagine you have a lot to do to get settled. Do you need anything? I always have sugar and eggs.

He chuckled, and that small grin made her blood pressure rise a little. I'll keep that in mind. I do have to get groceries sometime today.

Applesauce.

Melanie smiled at Emma. I like applesauce too.

What? Jonah looked at her.

Emma and I were agreeing on what you should get at the store. We both like applesauce.

Okay. Well, we need to get to work. It was nice meeting you.

You too, Melanie said, a little confused. The look on his face didn't match his words and he'd seemed to retreat slightly as though suddenly uncomfortable. She shrugged it off as she watched them return next door, closing the gate behind him. The gate had been open where he'd rushed through. Was it open before? She was usually careful about that. Could Emma have opened it? No, she wasn't tall enough.

The back of the retreating man caught her eyes. Nice broad shoulders, slim hips, low-slung jeans that hugged an amazing part of his anatomy, and his arms tenderly around the little girl he held. He was a big man, but moved easily in his body. Must be an athlete, she mused. She was certain a six-pack lay hidden under that t-shirt to go with the muscles of his arms. For an instant she wondered where Emma's mother was, but it didn't deter her from enjoying the view. Heck, she was still breathing, and since looking was all she could do, she’d go for it.

But how had she seen that body so clearly in her dreams? She needed to get out more. She hadn't had a date since moving home. She'd gone out, renewing friendships from high school and spending time with old friends, but not with any one man in particular. She could have, but that prospect wasn't appealing in the least.

Well, come on, Rex. Inside stuff to do now. Melanie gathered up her gardening tools and headed toward the sliding glass door. The workmen would be coming later this week to start on the renovation of the kitchen and she still had a couple of cabinets to empty.

She was excited about the changes she was finally ready to make, both in the house and her life. The house was another home to her growing up but she wanted more openness and light to the layout. She and Aunt Cora had often spoken of the changes, but Aunt Cora had never acted on them. Now that it was hers, Melanie was going to renovate the space, opening the kitchen to the new great room, rather than formal dining and living rooms. The colors would be softer adding to the impression of space and airiness. A sage green was planned for the large area and hardwood floors in the kitchen and great room.

The upstairs would remain the same, two bedrooms and a bath, with a small study that Uncle Daniel had used until the stairs became an issue. Aunt Cora, with inspired foresight, had made sure the master suite was on the first floor when they’d built the house. A genius move, which the builder had fought at the time. Aunt Cora won.

Melanie’s furniture was smaller than Aunt Cora's. More neutral in tones, she planned on spots of color with art and pillows. Of course the messy part would come first, but it would be worth it in the long run.

The project no longer needed to be delayed. She knew she wanted to stay here now. She hadn't been certain when she returned to her hometown, but the warm welcome convinced her, she was home again.

After nearly an hour of working to empty the kitchen, Rex interrupted her with a short bark at the sliding glass door that led to the patio. Want out, buddy?

Melanie stretched as she turned to the sliding glass door and spotted Emma standing there. Emma? Does your Dad know where you are? She stepped out and glanced over at the fence. The gate was open, but she was sure she'd stood watching as Jonah shut and latch it when he left.

You know you're welcome, Emma, but I don't want either of us to get in trouble. Let's take you home so your dad won't be worried, okay?

Melanie held out her hand and Emma took it without hesitation. They were almost to the gate when Jonah shoved the back door open and vaulted outside.

He stopped when he spotted them and ran his hand across the stubble that graced the lower half of his face. I'm sorry. I don't know how she got out. He was obviously embarrassed and upset.

Melanie spoke, trying to put him at ease. I think she really likes Rex. Please don't worry about it. Moving can be stressful.

Jonah nodded and took a deep breath. I think I'll finish setting up my computer tonight when she's asleep. I'm really sorry.

I’m just glad she came back to my house. Maybe I should leave the gate unlatched, so she can stay away from the street.

That's okay, I'll be more vigilant.

I wasn't accusing— she started to backtrack her statement. She’d meant no indictment.

I know, I'm sorry. I guess we're both stressed.

I'm sure. Look, when you need to leave for your errands, I’d be happy to come over with Rex and keep an eye on her. I know you don’t know me—

But you're Emma's best friend now. Thanks, I might take you up on it. If I can get her to nap that'd be a good time.

I'd be glad to give you a break. I don't have a little girl to entertain Rex and he seems quite pleased with having a new friend.

Jonah managed a small smile and took Emma's hand. I'll let you know.

Okay, and I’ll leave the gate unlatched, just in case.

He nodded again and moved Emma inside.

She watched him go, once again enjoying the view.

Melanie scratched behind Rex’s ears after Jonah was out of hearing. That is one very stressed man, Rex. I'd like the rest of the story. He looked up with agreement in his eyes. She turned back to her house leaving the gate closed but