Where The Heart Is

By Jean Lauzier

She left home without saying goodbye. Now a funeral brings her back and she must face the man she left behind eight years ago.

 

Life is going great for Sam until she catches her boyfriend in a coworkers arms and she gets the call about her sister's funeral. Becoming a single mother isn't in her plans, but neither is still loving Marcus.

 

Will she rekindle their relationship or run back to her life in the big city?

 

Where The Heart Is by Jean Lauzier is a sweet and touching contemporary romance novella set in DryLake Texas. 

 

Buy now to find out where Sam's heart truly is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seriously Awesome Books
• Release date: Jul 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734784220

Jean Lauzier

Jean Lauzier is a many-faceted die. She’s a wife, mom, writer, dog trainer, and even tried to train the cats. She spends most of her days writing and trying to keep the heathen ( aka Bodhi, the Belgian Malinois) out of trouble. Jean’s not a coffee person, but you can find her writing at Silver Grizzly Espresso or hanging out on her Facebook page.

Book preview

Special Thanks

Kelley York at Sleepy Fox Studios for the awesome cover.

Please leave a review!

Not only do reviews make authors happy, they help with our advertising. For example, many places won’t advertise without a certain number of reviews. It doesn’t have to be some long, thoughtful review. Just an I liked this book. Or even a simple, You should read this book.

Want to know what’s coming next?

Then sign up for my free newsletter at [e-mail],

and you’ll be kept up to date on new releases, sales, contests, and giveaways. I promise not to spam you with a bunch of emails.

Chapter One

Iwill not go back to that town! Samantha James frowned, grapevined across the front of the room then sidestepped back. Sweat soaked her lycra tank top and glistened on her forehead. Damp tendrils of hair clung to her neck, escapees from a dark braid that bounced with each step. Counting to herself, she watched the class follow her across the room.

Okay, ladies, back to the step. Right foot lead with arm curls. Sam stepped in time to the music blaring from the speakers. I’ll go back, but I’m not staying. They can’t make me stay. As soon as the funeral is over, I’m gone. Change step! Front lat raises for your arms. She switched her lead foot. If you’re getting tired, just focus on the steps. You can add the arms later. One week, no longer. I can stand it for a week.

THE TRAIN WHISTLE BLASTED and woke her with a start. Sam rubbed her eyes and heard the conductor announce, ten minutes to DryLake. She swallowed hard, ran her hand through her hair, and wished she didn’t have to do this. Her stomach churned as the train seemed to fly down the track. She should have gone back years ago, but she hated the thought of facing Marcus. It had been hard enough explaining why she had left to her mom and Jayne on the phone. Jayne at least understood. Sam stared out at the pine trees that made up the scenery as the train carried her closer to the home where she had grown up. The home she had left in the middle of the night eight years ago. The train entered the station with the sound of air brakes. Laughter and conversations flowed around her from passengers excited to get out of the train for a few minutes. She stood and carefully removed her suitcase from the overhead luggage compartment. Passengers rushed noisily past. With a sigh, she stepped into the aisle and followed them out the door and into the humid air. Sam sighed again. July in east Texas. Wonderful.

Sam strode across the platform, through the double doors into the station, and stopped. People milled about her. Some hugged family or friends while others rushed to the nearby restrooms. She looked around the lobby. To her left was the old Whistle Stop Restaurant. Not only had it been repainted, but it had a new, modern makeover. She wondered if the Smithers still ran the place. A fresh paint job brightened the walls of the lobby and reflected the light from the glass doors. She smiled at the carried over train theme she remembered from her childhood. Shifting her suitcase from one hand to the other, Sam headed into the heart of the station toward the Whistle Stop.

She weaved her way across the lobby then jerked to a halt. To her right was the ticket office and Marcus. Sam watched him head toward her and swallowed hard. No way she could forget the calm, relaxed way he strolled across a room. His hair was a bit longer than she remembered, and he had added some muscle. She looked around the lobby for a place to hide. Too late. He looked up and saw her. Sam dropped her suitcase as his gaze met hers.

Glancing down at his hands, he folded the piece of paper he held and put it in his pocket. He looked back up at Sam then made his way across the lobby toward her. He stopped in front of her and gazed down at her. Her mouth turned to desert and her brain to mush as he stood there. She remembered the feel of his arms around her and how she had always felt so safe with him. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. He still wore the same aftershave she realized. Sam looked up into his grey eyes.

I’m sorry. She watched his jaw tighten. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

He unclenched his teeth. You didn’t say goodbye. No note. Nothing. I didn’t know what I’d done wrong or where you were. I thought you cared. I thought we had something special.

I knew you would try to talk me into staying, and you wouldn’t leave. I didn’t know what else to do.

You’re right; I’d have tried to talk you into staying. But you’ll never know if I’d have gone with you since you didn’t ask. He reached to her face. She closed her eyes as his fingers trailed down her cheek.

I’m sorry about your sister and Brad. We were good friends. He looked around the lobby. Do you need a ride out to your mom’s place? That’s where everyone is gathering.

Sam shook her head. Thanks, I appreciate it. I called Jayne. She should be here any minute. I planned on waiting a bit.

Well, I don’t want to mess up your plans. Marcus pulled keys from his pocket. I’m sure I’ll see you later. He turned on his heel, marched across the lobby, and out the door.

Great, she’d hurt him again. She watched him disappear, then picked up her suitcase and headed toward the Whistle Stop. Inside, she found a booth that faced the door, tossed her bag in the seat, then slid in next to it. A young waitress brought her a glass of ice water and a menu and placed them on the table with an I’ll be right back to take your order. Sam sipped the water while looking at the menu. It had been a long time since breakfast, but her stomach flip-flopped at the thought of food. The waitress reappeared with an order pad.

What can I get for you? Today’s special is roast beef, potatoes, and gravy. She smiled at Sam, her pen poised above her pad. The burgers are great, if you prefer.

Sam looked up at the waitress and checked out her nametag. I’m just waiting for someone. But I’d really like another glass of ice water, if you don’t mind, Sue.

Sue stuck her pen and pad in a pocket. No problem. Maybe next time. She picked up the glass, carried it toward the beverage station. Soon she returned with it refilled. If you need anything else, just let me know.

Sam sipped the water and watched for Jayne. She and Jayne had become friends the first day of kindergarten. Jayne was the only one who hadn’t made her feel guilty about leaving home. Sam crunched her last ice cube just as Jayne breezed in the door. Tall with dark hair, she hadn’t changed much in the last several years. Maybe added a little weight, but she still looked great. A smile crossed Jayne’s face when she saw Sam. Jayne waved then made her way across the crowded room. She slid into the opposite seat and took Sam’s hands in hers.

I’m so glad you called me. I’ve missed you so much. She squeezed Sam’s hands. "Are you ready to go? My jeep is just outside. I’ll have you home