Coming Home: A Sweet Small Town Romance

By Leeanna Morgan

Fans of Pamela Kelley and Robyn Carr will love this small-town, feel-good romance!

Mia Costas is a successful artist, not an event planner. Agreeing to help stage a charity gala is the last thing she needs, but it’s for a good cause and she doesn’t want to let her friends down. When she realizes how important the event is, she knows she’s not the best person for the job—and so will the director of the hospital if he discovers who she is.

Stan Lewis, the Director of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, needs to organize the biggest fundraising event Montana has ever seen. An event staging company could be the answer to all his problems or create more than he ever imagined.

With the hopes of more than one child resting on their shoulders, Stan and Mia work together to create a night no one will forget. And maybe, if they let themselves believe in the power of love, they can create a little magic of their own.

COMING HOME is the first book in the Montana Promises series and can easily be read as a stand-alone. All of Leeanna's series are linked. If you find a character you like, they could be in another novel!

Praise for Leeanna Morgan’s books:

“I am addicted to Leeanna Morgan's books! The only problem with them is that I hate coming to the end of one, and can't wait for the next good read. I love how she weaves the characters together and draws you right into their lives. If you haven't discovered her, please do give her books a try. You won't be disappointed, except for not having found her sooner!”

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I couldn't put it down. I purchased it today and finished it just now. Captivating story from beginning to end. Definitely a five-star book.”

Other Novels by Leeanna Morgan:

The Bridesmaids Club:
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
The Bridesmaids Club: Books 1-3

Emerald Lake Billionaires:
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
Book 4: One And Only (Elizabeth and Blake)
Emerald Lake Billionaires: Books 1-3

The Protectors:
Book 1: Safe Haven (Hayley and Tank)
Book 2: Just Breathe (Kelly and Tanner)
Book 3: Always (Mallory and Grant)
Book 4: The Promise (Ashley and Matthew)
The Protectors Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Montana Promises:
Book 1: Coming Home (Mia and Stan)
Book 2: The Gift (Hannah and Brett)
Book 3: The Wish (Claire and Jason)
Book 4: Country Love (Becky and Sean)
Montana Promises Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Sapphire Bay:
Book 1: Falling For You (Natalie and Gabe)
Book 2: Once In A Lifetime (Sam and Caleb)
Book 3: A Christmas Wish (Megan and William)
Book 4: Before Today (Brooke and Levi)
Book 5: The Sweetest Thing (Cassie and Noah)
Book 6: Sweet Surrender (Willow and Zac)
Sapphire Bay Boxed Set: Books 1-3
Sapphire Bay Boxed Set: Books 4-6

Santa’s Secret Helpers:
Book 1: Christmas On Main Street (Emma and Jack)
Book 2: Mistletoe Madness (Kylie and Ben)
Book 3: Silver Bells (Bailey and Steven)
Book 4: The Santa Express (Shelley and John)
Book 5: Endless Love (The Jones Family)
Santa’s Secret Helpers Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Return To Sapphire Bay:
Book 1: The Lakeside Inn (Penny and Wyatt)
Book 2: Summer At Lakeside (Diana and Ethan)
Book 3: A Lakeside Thanksgiving (Barbara and Theo)
Book 4: Christmas At Lakeside (Katie and Peter)

The Cottages on Anchor Lane
Book 1: The Flower Cottage (Jackie and Richard)
Book 2: The Starlight Café (Andrea and David)
Book 3: The Cozy Quilt Shop (Shona and Greg)
Book 4: A Stitch in Time (Laura and Joseph)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leeanna Morgan
• Release date: Sep 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9780994144416

Leeanna Morgan

Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New Zealand surrounded by green hills on one side and the ocean on the other. She enjoys going for long walks, especially if she can convince her husband and two children to go with her!Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.

Book preview

CHAPTER 2

Mia always enjoyed going to Angel Wings Café. It wasn’t the delicious food or seeing her friend Tess, the café’s owner, that made it special. It was the atmosphere that snuck up on you, cocooning you in its warmth and making you glad you stepped through the door.

Today was no exception. The heavenly scent of cinnamon and spice tickled her nose and made her smile.

Tess left a carafe of water on a table. Hi, Mia. How are you?

I’m better now that I’m here. Something smells wonderful.

It’s our spiced cinnamon rolls. We’re trying recipes for our Christmas menu and, so far, they’re a hit with our customers. Would you like to sit at a table or do takeout?

A table would be great. I’m meeting Hannah and Claire.

I’ll bring each of you a cinnamon roll and you can tell me what you think. Tess walked toward the front window. You’ll be able to see them arrive from this table. You’ve all been so busy, it’s a wonder you have time to stop for coffee.

That’s what our meeting’s about. They’ve asked me to stage one of their events.

Wow. I’m impressed.

Don’t be. I haven’t done anything like this before.

But you’re going to do it?

Mia nodded. I just hope I do a good job.

You will. Tess glanced at the front counter. I need to serve some customers, but don’t worry. You’re creative and have a great sense of style. I can’t think of a better person to help Claire and Hannah.

As Tess hurried across the café, Mia took off her jacket and sat down. Before she had a chance to look at the menu, Claire and Hannah burst into the café.

Sorry we’re late, Hannah said breathlessly.

You’re not late. I’ve only been here a few minutes.

Claire unbuttoned her coat. Deirdre O’Connell called us just before we left.

Who’s Deirdre? Mia asked.

She was organizing the charity gala at the hospital.

Mia’s eyes widened. Was?

Hannah nodded. Her husband’s being transferred to Oregon at the end of the month. She doesn’t think it’s fair to keep working on the gala when she won’t be here much longer.

Is the hospital looking for someone else to do her job?

They are, but it won’t be easy. Claire took a folder out of her bag. Deirdre wasn’t being paid and the next person might not be able to volunteer their time. The budget for the event isn’t huge, so I’m not sure what the director of the hospital will do.

Mia had been hoping the person organizing the gala would be able to give her some guidance. I have something to tell you, too, only I’m not sure it’s a good idea anymore.

Hannah sighed. It’s Deirdre, isn’t it? I knew that could be a deal breaker.

Mia leaned forward. I thought about the gala last night and I worked out a way of helping you. But with the main organizer gone, it could be too much.

We’ll help you as much as we can, Claire said. If the Jenkins’ wedding takes less time to organize than we think it will, we’ll be right beside you.

What if the hospital director doesn’t like the way I’ve interpreted the theme?

Hannah cleared her throat. Umm…that’s our other news. The hospital director didn’t like Deirdre’s Christmas theme.

Mia frowned. She must have misunderstood what Hannah said. What didn’t he like about it?

Everything. He thinks people will be tired of Christmas events by the time the gala’s held. He wants to see two or three new concepts before he gives his approval to go ahead.

Mia hadn’t paid a lot of attention to the concept plans, but what she’d seen didn’t look that bad. Did Deirdre show him more ideas?

Claire shook her head. No. That’s what we need to work through today.

Tess appeared beside them. Just when you thought your life couldn’t get any better, these are for you. Three complimentary spiced cinnamon rolls and coffee for my favorite customers.

Hannah’s eyes widened. They look amazing, but are you sure?

We’re asking everyone for their feedback. If they’re a success, they’ll be on our Christmas menu.

Claire stood and hugged their friend. Thank you. You’ve made my day.

The doorbell jingled and Tess looked across the cafe. I need to serve our next customers. Come and see me before you leave.

Hannah bit into one of the rolls and groaned. I need to buy a dozen of these and take them home.

Claire took her sister’s laptop out of its case. While you’re enjoying Tess’ baking, give me some ideas for different gala themes.

What about the Moulin Rouge? Hannah suggested as she licked the frosting off her fingers.

Mia leaned forward. If the hospital director wants something different, what about, Under the Sea? We could transform the venue into an underwater aquarium.

Hannah touched her sister’s arm. Or what about a medieval theme? We could encourage people to dress as knights, damsels in distress, and rugged warriors.

Did they have rugged warriors in the Middle Ages? Claire asked.

Every century has warriors, Hannah said with a smile. They just dress differently.

Mia took her cell phone out of her pocket and looked online for inspiration. Here are two more. What about a Secret Garden or Broadway?

Claire nodded and typed them into the document. I like them. Okay, that gives us five ideas. Are there any more?

We staged a masquerade ball last year, Hannah said. We could recycle some of the props we used.

Claire opened a folder on the laptop. I’ll show Mia the photos of that event and the others we’ve organized. If we use any of those themes, it’ll be easier to put together some concept plans. She spun the laptop around. Press the space bar when you’re ready to see the next image.

Mia didn’t hurry through the photos. They’re all so different. I like the way you use lighting to add extra atmosphere to the events.

It’s all smoke and mirrors, Claire said. Our goal is to transport people to a different world as soon as they walk into the venue.

Mia’s mouth dropped open when she saw the next photo. Wow. I’ve never seen such enormous trees, and the fairy lights…

Hannah leaned sideways. "That was the Abertons’ wedding in July. They wanted a Lord of the Rings theme, so we recreated Lothlórien—a forest and elven realm beside the Misty Mountains. The backdrop was incredible. Once we added dry ice, even we had to look twice to make sure we were still in Bozeman."

Mia flicked back and forth through the Lord of the Rings photos. Do you still have the backdrop?

It’s in a storage unit, Hannah replied. What were you thinking of doing with it?

It would make a great fantasy masquerade ball backdrop. We could paint a castle between the trees and add fireflies and fairies to the edges. It would look amazing.

Claire looked at her sister. Deirdre booked the Baxter Hotel, the same venue as the Abertons’ wedding. It would take a lot of maneuvering to lift it upstairs, but it could be done.

Hannah took a notebook out of her bag. And what’s even better is that it won’t cost a lot to make it look great. That’d leave Mia with more than enough money to decorate the rest of the hotel.

Claire’s fingers flew across her keyboard. That’s one idea. Now all we have to do is choose two others, settle on a draft budget, and add a few photos. I hope Deirdre’s boss has a good imagination.

Mia frowned. Anyone who rejected a Christmas-themed gala needed more than a good imagination. A sprinkling of festive cheer might be better for everyone.

Mia sipped a drink and watched everyone admire the art inside her grandfather’s gallery. Exhibitions were usually nerve-racking, but this one was fun.

The Bozeman Art Collective had two exhibitions each year. This was by far their largest.

Holly’s arrived, Claire whispered.

Mia turned to her friend. I thought she left for Scotland today?

She changed her tickets so she could be here. If you want to see her, she’s standing beside your painting.

Do you want to come with me?

I’m on waitressing duty in five minutes. I’d better collect a tray of finger food from my sister, or she’ll send out a search party.

Mia smiled. I’ll see you later. I’m taking over from Hannah in half an hour. She moved across the room, determined to say goodbye to Holly in person. Their brief phone call the other day had worried Mia.

Holly had started the Bozeman Art Collective with Mia more than eighteen months ago. They’d wanted to create a place where artists could meet and support each other. As well as painters and sculptors, they had weavers, porcelain doll-makers, and jewelers in their group. At first, they’d been worried the range of art was too diverse. But after the first few meetings, they realized it was the difference between everyone’s work that made their meetings enjoyable.

As she wove between their guests, Mia caught little pieces of conversation. What she heard made her happy. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and from all the red stickers on the art, most pieces had been sold.

Holly stood beside Mia’s granddad, nodding at something he was saying.

You’re not keeping Holly from her adoring fans are you, Granddad?

Nick Costas’ eyebrows rose. Who me?

Holly linked her hand through Nick’s elbow. Your granddad was telling me about your exhibition in San Francisco. Why didn’t you tell me it’s at the John Williams Gallery? That’s huge.

I’m already nervous about what the critics will say. If I’d told you where it was, I would be even more nervous.

Holly had exhibited at some of the most prestigious galleries in the world. Her paintings sold for thousands of dollars, but she still had her feet firmly planted on the ground. She was one of the most generous people Mia knew and she was glad they were friends.

You don’t need to be nervous, Holly said. You’re an incredible artist.

Nick sighed. I tell my little girl that all the time. But does she listen to her pappouli? No.

You’re biased, Granddad.

I may be biased, but I know talent when I see it. You were invited to exhibit in San Francisco because your paintings are beautiful.

Holly wrapped her arm around Mia’s waist. When are you going to resign from your teaching position and become a full-time artist?

I can’t. Not yet.

That’s what you said last year.

I know, but it’s a big step.

Nick patted Holly’s arm. I will leave you to talk some sense into my granddaughter. Say hello to your father for me.

I will. I’ll see you when I get back from Scotland.

Nick kissed Holly’s cheek. I will look forward to that.

Mia smiled as her granddad moved with surprising speed toward a woman wearing a black jacket.

I think your granddad likes Kathy.

They’re good friends, Mia said. Even though he still works, he gets lonely. They went to the movies last night.

That’s so sweet. And what about you?

I don’t have enough time to be lonely. Between teaching, painting, and working with Granddad, there aren’t enough hours in the day.

Remind me what your New Year’s resolutions were.

I never keep them, Mia muttered.

You won’t if you don’t make them happen.

Painting full-time and going on at least five dates were silly resolutions. Losing ten pounds would have been easier.

Holly shook her head. You don’t need to lose weight, and they aren’t silly. Do you still enjoy teaching?

You know I do. It’s my manager who’s the problem.

He doesn’t appreciate you.

That was only half the problem. Steven Murdoch didn’t have a creative bone in his body. Mia had no idea how he’d become a senior lecturer. His imagination was nonexistent and his definition of teamwork was to tell his staff what to do, then yell at them if they didn’t follow his instructions.

You’re in a toxic relationship with your boss.

Mia scrunched up her nose. I don’t want to be in any relationship with him.

Holly pointed to Mia’s painting. This is what you need to be doing. Your paintings are fantastic.

One day I’ll be a full-time artist.

Don’t let life sweep you in a different direction.

Heat hit Mia’s face. Helping Claire and Hannah with the hospital gala was definitely keeping her away from painting. If she wanted her canvases to be ready for her exhibition in San Francisco, she needed to make time to finish them.

Holly took two glasses of wine off a tray. Let’s make a toast. To friendship, New Year’s resolutions, and a happy future.

Mia held her glass toward Holly. And to Granddad. Without his support, we wouldn’t have this space to make a lot of people’s dreams come true.

To Nick, Holly repeated as they clinked their glasses together.

Bubbles tickled Mia’s nose as she sipped the sparkling wine. If she was going to achieve any of her New Year’s resolutions she needed to do something fast.

CHAPTER 3

Stan opened the attachment on an email and frowned. Delivery of the neonatal ventilators had been delayed by three weeks. He needed to call the manufacturer, find out what the problem was, and fix it. Three weeks was pushing their schedule to the limit.

Gina buzzed him.

He picked up his phone, only half-listening to what she said.

…shall I send her into your office?

Who?

Gina’s sigh told him exactly what she thought of his ability to multi-task.

Mia Costas is here from Perfect Staging.

With one click, he opened his appointment calendar. Flashing in red letters was Perfect Staging, the company that would make the gala into something no one would want to miss. Send her through. Can you call Daniel and tell him I’ll be ten minutes late for lunch?

Okay. Do you want me to move your two o’clock appointment?

No. That one’s fine. He replaced the phone on its cradle. After Deirdre told him she was resigning as the Fundraising Coordinator for their neonatal unit, he’d been worried. Without her working through the hundreds of individual details, financing the entire neonatal remodel from grants and donations was looking doubtful.

His office door opened and a woman in her early thirties strode into the room.

He rose from his chair and she froze.

Her blue eyes widened and seemed to take in everything about him in one unblinking stare.

Something about her was familiar. He stared at her face, trying to remember where he’d seen her before. With a social life that was practically nonexistent, he would have met her at a hospital function or something to do with his daughter.

He held out his hand. I’m Stan Lewis, the director of the hospital.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward. I’m Mia Costas. It’s nice to meet you.

He motioned toward two sofas on one side of his office. Please, take a seat. I’m assuming Deirdre told you I wasn’t blown away by the idea of a Christmas theme for our gala?

She did. I brought some other ideas with me today. Mia opened a satchel and pulled out a portfolio.

Stan was surprised at her efficiency. He’d expected someone from an event staging company to be more dramatic, more extrovert and talkative than the woman in his office.

Mia sat on the edge of the sofa, her back ramrod straight. You wanted something different. My colleagues and I came up with three concepts. We’ve included a budget and visual aids for each design.

So far, so good. All he needed to do was to like one of their ideas and the gala would be on its way. He opened the portfolio and studied the first photographs and drawings.

It wasn’t possible to capture all the elements that will be incorporated into each theme. What you’ll see are the main focal points. Mia pointed to a giant arch spanning an entranceway. These are the main ideas for a fantasy masquerade ball. As soon as your guests enter the hotel, they’ll be greeted by staff dressed as woodland nymphs. The pine-covered arch signals the beginning of their journey.

Journey?

To the ball. There’ll be a carpet of pine needles leading into the main ballroom with trees and shrubs lining the walls. Dry ice, subtle lighting, and the sounds of a forest will add to the atmosphere and create a little magic.

While she was talking, her hands moved across the page, highlighting other elements she’d included in her presentation.

He didn’t know much about staging an event, but what she was showing him looked expensive.

She handed him another document. I’ve emailed your secretary a copy of everything you’ll see today. This is the approximate cost of each concept. We’ve kept within your budget.

He flicked through the pages. You did all of this in the last three days?

Mia nodded. Planning an event this close to Christmas isn’t easy. If you want Perfect Staging to work with you, we’ll need to book equipment and contractors in the next week or two. Have you appointed another fundraising coordinator?

That was one of the problems he was dealing with today. Not yet, but I’m hopeful someone will be in place by the end of next week.

That’s great. Are you ready to see the other ideas?

He nodded, and Mia turned the page.

Over the next thirty minutes, they worked through each of the three themes, discussing the pros and cons of each design.

After seeing all the concepts, Stan turned to the front of the portfolio. This is the one I like.

Mia smiled, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a pull of attraction.

That’s my favorite, too. Your guests will be talking about the gala for months afterward.

As long as it helps raise the funds we need for the neonatal unit, I’ll be happy.

I’ll do everything I can to make that happen. Mia took a piece of paper from her satchel. All I need is your signature on this client agreement form. I’ll start ordering everything we need this afternoon.

Stan added his signature to the form. If you could ask Gina to scan the document on your way out, that’d be great.

Mia nodded. Of course. Here’s a business card for Perfect Staging. I’ll be given any messages you leave for me.

Thank you. I’ll let you know when I have a new funding coordinator.

I’d appreciate that. Mia slid her portfolio into her satchel. I’m looking forward to working with the person you employ.

Stan hoped neither of them was about to be let down. If the person he’d spoken to wasn’t interested in the position, he didn’t know what he’d do.

He opened his office door and shook Mia’s hand. Until we’ve appointed a coordinator, call me if you need anything.

I will. Thank you.

The same feeling of having met Mia before washed over him. But no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn’t remember where he’d seen her. With an unusual reluctance, he closed his door and sat at his desk.

With back-to-back meetings scheduled after lunch, he needed to forget about Mia and work through the other issues sitting in his inbox. Issues that had nothing to do with a five-foot-three brunette with a cute pixie nose and the bluest eyes he’d ever seen.

I think he recognized me. Mia buried her face in her hands. It was so embarrassing.

Hannah added a candle to the table decoration in front of her. Did he say anything?

No, but as far as he’s concerned, I’m an employee of Perfect Staging. I want him to be confident in what I’m doing. If he remembers where he met me, he might think I’m a flirt.

Hannah handed Mia a bowl of chocolate buttons. Eat these and take a deep breath. You met him more than a year ago in an elevator in the hospital. He must see thousands of people in those elevators each year.

That’s true.

And Holly was in the elevator. You were having a conversation Stan overheard. Nothing happened that you need to be worried about.

Mia sighed. "I’m