Love's Design: A North of the 53° Romance

By Carmen Melnyk

Orphaned at the tender age of three and a half years old, Mandy Sullivan has moved from foster home to foster home never putting down roots long enough to make lasting friendships. Her most sincere wish was to be adopted into a loving family but that was not in the cards. Her only friend is a dwarf hamster living in her mind. Now at 24, she hides some very deep hurts and betrayals beneath a smooth, apparently self-confident exterior. She yearns for a true friend…

Jamie Vandraegen, successful architect at 28, lives almost like a recluse in the beautiful house he designed and built with his own blood, sweat and tears. Estranged from his parents and jealously insane brother, he talks to his dream girl, a faceless entity who simply understands him. The day of the big snowstorm, his lonely, quiet life is rocked by the whirlwind appearance of a snow-covered, frozen-lashed girl on his doorstep.

But his jealous brother is bent on making trouble.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663246349

Carmen Melnyk

Coming from the northern parts of rural Alberta, Carmen is not a stranger to snow storms, treacherous highways and freezing cold. Although she loved going to school, it was always a treat when the yellow school bus did not come due to the frigid temperatures. Raised on a farm, she became adept at using all the tools in her father’s garage and learned to sew at her mother’s knee. Her crowning achievement in that department was a double layer parka complete with a fur-trimmed hood. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree as an elementary school teacher from the University of Alberta. A year later, she added an Early Childhood Services Diploma so she could teach at the Kindergarten level. She currently lives in Edmonton with her husband and some very laid-back pets: a Golden Doodle, a Golden Lab and a golden cat. Her passion is growing flowers and spending time outdoors.

Book preview

Love’s

Design

A North

of the

53° Romance

CARMEN MELNYK

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LOVE’S DESIGN

A NORTH OF THE 53° ROMANCE

Copyright © 2014 Carmen Melnyk.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-4635-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-4634-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022918522

iUniverse rev. date: 10/21/2022

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue

About The Author

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Orphaned at the tender age of three and a half years old, Mandy Sullivan has moved from foster home to foster home never putting down roots long enough to make lasting friendships. Her most sincere wish was to be adopted into a loving family but that was not in the cards. Her only friend is a dwarf hamster living in her mind. Now at 24, she hides some very deep hurts and betrayals beneath a smooth, apparently self-confident exterior. She yearns for a true friend…

Jamie Vandraegen, successful architect at 28, lives almost like a recluse in the beautiful house he designed and built with his own blood, sweat and tears. Estranged from his parents and jealously insane brother, he talks to his dream girl, a faceless entity who simply understands him. The day of the big snowstorm, his lonely, quiet life is rocked by the whirlwind appearance of a snow-covered, frozen-lashed girl on his doorstep.

CHAPTER

1

S trong gusts of wind buffeted her car as she doggedly kept creeping along at forty kilometers an hour despite the near whiteout conditions. The drifting snow made it nearly impossible to tell where the shoulder was. Hogging the middle of the highway, she prayed the other guy would have his lights on so she could avoid a head-on collision.

Actually, there’s little chance of that happening. Nobody else is that stupid to be driving in this kind of weather, she soliloquized. She gently rotated her neck and shoulders in an effort to ease the tension and stiffness that had built up over the last hour. According to her GPS, she still has another fifty kilometers to go not that she fully trusted the thing. It was more often wrong than right in remote areas.

All of a sudden, her car fishtailed slightly. Her heart stuck in her throat. She instinctively righted the little Audi, slowing down even more.

Great! Just great! she muttered. That’s all I needed – black ice!

She briefly considered pulling over and parking right there on the side of the road but then immediately negated the idea. Ugh! That would be even stupider. I’d be a sitting duck for some eighteen-wheeler!

Resigned, she squinted into the swirling whiteness and kept going. With both hands gripping the steering wheel, she reminded herself why she was on this godforsaken highway in the worst possible conditions.

She had been fortunate in landing a teaching position with the Public-School Board immediately upon completing her degree. For the last two years, she had devoted all her time and effort in caring and nurturing those wonderful Grade Four students at the Eaglestone Elementary School. The glowing recommendations from her co-workers, parents and principal at the end of those two years culminated in a permanent teacher’s certificate.

Unfortunately, some perverse twist of fate changed everything! Her Grade Four class was awarded to another teacher with more seniority leaving her with little choice but to take on the Grade One class. She didn’t mind the little ones but it was a totally different ballgame. And to make matters worse, her nice principal was promoted to a bigger school and his replacement seemed to have taken an immediate dislike to her. Maybe it was the fact that her class was too lively, too enthusiastic. He called it unruly. Or maybe it was because she bluntly refused to have the children hold on to a rope like pack animals when they went out on field trips.

Why is it, she wondered aloud, "that when you think you have all angles covered and your life is going along just beautifully, some idiot throws a monkey wrench in the whole works? Like I don’t have enough problems or something! And why did all those accidents have to happen while I was on supervision? I must be jinxed! Some yoyo up there must have picked my number out of a hat and decided to make my life a living hell!"

Talking to herself seemed to alleviate the monotony of this long, unending drive. Plus, it was a little habit she’d picked up along the way when trying to figure things out. Putting things into words always helped her to look at them from an exterior point of view. One time, she had tried to explain to her roommate, Leila, why she talked to herself.

You see, by voicing the problem out loud it gets it out of my head. Otherwise, it ends up going around and around in circles like a hamster in a wheel. After a while, the wheel takes the hamster for a ride and he ends up thumping along out of control till he falls to the bottom, half dead.

Leila almost had an apoplexy from laughing so hard. For weeks after, she’d ask, How’s the hamster? any time she figured her roommate had been silent for too long – which was about a half hour limit.

That was the first and last time Mandy had ever tried to explain how her mind worked.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noted the faint glow of a yard light. Common sense should have asserted itself at that moment and she should have holed up at this farmhouse until the storm passed over. But, if there ever was a character flaw in someone, it would have been Mandy’s stubbornness in attaining her goals. She meant to get to her destination today even if it half killed her in the process.

The tension in her shoulders and neck was becoming unbearable as she once again rotated them. Driving on, eyes glued to the road, she continued her monologue.

"Is it my fault if that kid froze his tongue to the monkey bars? Whatever was he thinking? I guess he wasn’t thinking! And that poor little girl – she’s going to have a scar on her cheek for the rest of her life now."

Mandy felt really bad about that one but there was nothing she could have done to prevent that accident short of turning into Superwoman. The end of recess bell had just sounded and the 2nd grader was running towards the school when she inadvertently stepped on the edge of her crazy carpet and ended up sliding right into the bike rack. Her parents had filed a negligence report on her – the second one in the space of ten days! The straw that broke the camel’s back came barely two weeks later when a ten-year old broke his arm falling out of the jungle gym. She could still see the principal’s sorrowful demeanour which didn’t quite disguise the happy gloat in his eyes when he so sweetly expressed his regrets at having to dismiss her.

I hate apologetic hypocrites! she cried out angrily, straightening up abruptly.

That was a mistake! The uneven pressure on the gas pedal caused the car to lose its tenuous hold on the icy road. Instinctively putting the car in neutral, she eased off the gas as it spun around and around. She might have been able to keep it on the road had the passenger wheels not hit the frozen ridge on the shoulder. With those two wheels locked in place, the rest of the car has nowhere to go but up and over on its side.

She felt curiously detached as it sunk into the ditch sending a geyser of snow flying outward, all four wheels now spinning freely. Hanging from her seat belt, she was dimly aware that the passenger side airbag had deployed under impact just as it should per the manual.

What a waste, she noted resentfully.

She cautiously reached for the ignition and shut the motor off. In the ensuing silence, all she could hear was her furiously pounding heart. Taking stock of the situation, she braced herself and unclipped the seatbelt. Despite the cramped quarters, she managed to put on her ski pants and find her scarf, tuque and mitts. Digging out her wallet from her purse, she slipped it in one of the large pockets of her three-quarter length parka along with the car keys.

Getting out of the car proved more of a challenge than expected. The wind was either trying to rip the door off its hinges or else slam it down on her head as it swirled around the car like a preying hyena.

Holding the door up with one hand, she managed to get halfway out. As she searched for some kind of purchase to pull herself out the rest of the way, a strong gust of wind ripped the door out of her grip and sent it crashing back onto her head and shoulders. Half-winded and blinded by the pelting snow, she hung there for a second, muttering curses but praising heavy parkas.

Finally, sitting atop her car, she peered over the edge, slowly taking in the undercarriage. So that’s what it looks like underneath. Shaking her head at her untimely curiosity, she focused on more pressing matters… like getting down! Jump or slide? Exposed as she was to the freezing wind, the debate was short-lived. Taking a deep breath, she jumped and sank up to her knees. Her momentum sent her elbow-deep in the snow.

There’s something about snow. If it can find a way inside your clothes it will. The small amount of exposed flesh between the edge of her mitts and the parka sleeve was immediately attacked by the cold biting snow. Uttering a mild oath, she jerked her mitts off one by one and shook them out before it had time to melt there. She checked to make sure her keys and wallet were still in her pocket and plowed her way out of the ditch.

The wind and air were so cold that she could only take shallow breaths lest she freeze her lungs. It made her teeth ache. She pulled up the fur-trimmed hood and rapidly wrapped her long woollen scarf over her mouth and nose. Without further ado, she set off back to the yard light she had sighted earlier. It can’t be more than a couple of kilometres she figured based on the speed she had been travelling.

Although it was just past mid-afternoon, the sun was long gone. In fact, six hours of daylight this far North was par for the Winter Solstice. The impenetrable blackness pulled at Mandy’s consciousness but she refused to give in to her fears turning instead to her faithful hamster for comfort. He was always there for her through thick or thin…

Leaning into the wind and blowing snow, her mind went around and around while her legs automatically carried her forward.

Forty minutes later, she was still walking.

What if I’m going the wrong way? I didn’t think it was that far!

Just the thought that she may be heading in the wrong direction had her heart clenching uncomfortably. Peering in the blackness, she tried to see that magical glow which should appear anytime now… now? Dispirited, she mindlessly put one foot ahead of the other, refusing to believe she was headed nowhere.

A light!? Blinking hard in an effort to see better, she almost glued her eyelashes shut. The moisture from her breathing has formed a thick coating of frost on them.

YES! There it is! I was right!

It’s amazing how fire, light and water to one who has been deprived of such can be so invigorating. She was so happy that she would have willingly walked another kilometre just to experience the moment again. Smiling inwardly at her crazy thoughts, she lengthened her stride. Gone was the tiredness, her fears, uncertainties and the hopelessness of this never-ending trek. Her goal was in sight!

She could see the house now. Keeping her eyes riveted on the warm glow emanating from the windows, she turned up the short drive. A small voice in her head distracted her.

What if they’ve got this vicious dog guarding the place? Everyone around here has a dog and being so close to the highway, you would want some kind of alarm system.

She was halfway to the house, when she spotted one. Stifling a scream, she slowed right down but didn’t stop. Her goal was so close…

Inching along, she noticed two more coming at her from the sides. Huskies, she thought. Not daring to look behind her in case a whole team of eight was stalking her, she stood there in a quandary… to move or not to move.

Swallowing down her panic, she pleaded with the dogs.

Listen, I’m tired, I’m hungry, my car is in the ditch – actually why don’t you go check it out! she suggested hoping to get rid of them somehow.

She took another small step forward. Three low growls erupted deep in their throats as they closed in on her. A silent howl of frustration resounded in her head. She was almost there!

Disappointment and despair gripped her. Caught in their triangle, she couldn’t go forward and there was nowhere to retreat to. Defeated, she fell heavily to her knees.

Go ahead you stupid mutts! But I tell you, you’re not going to get much of a meal out of me!

No longer moving, she recognized how utterly at their mercy she was and a cold fear froze her in place. She watched with dread as the one she had first spotted approached warily on stiff legs. Stretching its neck out as far as it could, it sniffed her mitts. She held utterly still, hardly daring to breathe. Her heart skipped every second beat. Then, another one nuzzled her sleeve causing the poor thing to lodge in her throat. Rigid with terror and lack of oxygen, her head started to spin. The soft glow coming from the house slowly faded in the intensifying blackness.

Just as she was on the verge of collapsing in a dead faint, the dogs snapped their heads up and took off into the trees. As if released from some invisible harness, she fell forward on all fours. She hung her head down in an attempt to get some air back into her constricted lungs. Her body was shaking so hard, she couldn’t get up. Seeing the terrified hamster in her mind helped her summon sufficient nerve to get moving. Crawling on all fours was the best she could manage right now.

Her faithful hamster, always on the look-out for her well-being, whispered fretfully, "Get up! They could come back! Hurry!"

She slowly got herself in an upright position and took a shaky step toward the house then, another one… and another one. Her relief when she finally got to the door was beyond description. All she could do was lean her forehead against it in utter thankfulness.

CHAPTER

2

U nder the slight pressure, the door simply swung open and she stumbled in. Mandy yelped in shock as she crashed into a very solid chest.

JAY-sus! swore an equally shocked man.

He pushed her off forcefully and held her at arm’s length for a second or two.

Alarmed by this rough handling, she wondered what kind of trouble she had landed in this time! She glanced warily at her would-be saviour.

He stood there eyeing her suspiciously from the height of his 6-foot frame, his azure blue eyes half-lidded under thick, long eyelashes. After a moment, he shivered violently from the freezing air emanating from her and the doorway. Once again, he grabbed her and pulled her further in. With a deft use of the foot, he slammed the door shut.

Annoyed at being manhandled like that, Mandy shrugged his hands off and started stripping her gear. Trapping her hands between the knees, she pulled off her mitts and let them fall to the floor. Without a pause, she reached behind her head to undo the scarf. As she unraveled the first turn, snow flew in every direction causing him to step back instinctively.

Mandy halted mid-motion when she realized she was busy getting everything wet. Turning about, she stepped outside and finished taking off the scarf as well as her parka giving both a vigorous shake. In the space of seconds, she was back in the house, coat and scarf over the arm, a victorious smile on her face. Now that she had finally reached her interim destination safe and sound, she was ecstatic. I MADE IT!!

Hi! I’m Amanda Sullivan…Mandy for short, she announced, extending a hand in greeting. "I’m sure glad someone was home… and that you have a yard light. How many dogs do you own, by the way?"

Dogs? he repeated in a dazed voice. He looked at her as if she was missing a few marbles.

Yes. I saw three of them. I didn’t think they’d let me get to the house, she expanded giving him a baffled look. What’s wrong with him?! He’s only said two words since I got here!

He frowned in her direction.

Boots! he said tersely nodding in the direction of her dripping feet.

Raising a brow at his tone, she nonetheless loosened the laces on her Sorrels and toed them off being careful not to step in the melted snow. Neatly placing them on the mat next to his, she turned to face him once again.

Do you have a rag or mop so I can wipe the mess I did on the floor?

Behind you in that little broom closet. Use the sponge mop, he directed.

His mouth twitched slightly, repressing the urge to smile or laugh. She wasn’t sure. Looks like he might have a sense of humour after all she figured as she dumped her coat and other gear on the floor. Her eyes widened slightly when she took in the contents of the closet. Gad! I’ve never seen a broom closet that clean or that organized! That is one meticulous wife. Choosing the designated mop, she threw him a pitying glance before efficiently mopping up the hardwood floor. He just stood there silently, arms crossed, as she finished up and returned the implement to its proper place.

Where can I hang my coat?

Not bothering with a verbal answer, he pressed a panel on the wall revealing a large coat closet. When she turned to him in awe, he simply gave her a lopsided grin.

With a small shake of the head, she dropped parka, scarf and mitts to the floor once again and proceeded to take off her ski pants making herself right at home. Choosing a hanger from the closet, she methodically hung the pants by the shoulder straps, then the parka. She was struggling to get the scarf to lie flat around the shoulders when, unbidden, he lifted the hanger off her hands and held it up for her. She shot him a grateful smile and proceeded to arrange the scarf to her liking so it could dry. With that done, she scooped up her mitts and snapped them together. Using the drawstrings of her hood, she deftly hung them to the front of her parka.

Thank-you, she said graciously, lifting the works off his finger and hanging it in the closet.

Mandy had always been mechanically inclined. The spring-loaded magnetic catch had caught her attention when he’d first opened it. Biting her lower lip in excitement, she gently pushed the door shut. When she heard the tell-tale click of the magnet, she stepped back proudly. Clever! You can’t even tell there’s a closet there. Pleased with herself, she turned to find him nodding slightly as if he too thought she was pretty smart.

In an unexpected move, he stepped forward and plucked the tuque off her head. She gasped in surprise, her hands flying up in a reflexive attempt to stop…Stop what? Take my tuque off? What did I think he was going to do? Disgusted at her reaction, her arms dropped heavily. An unaccountable urge to cry swelled inside her. That little intimate gesture only permitted between friends, reminded her of how utterly alone she was in the world. No one to share her life, her dreams, no shoulder to cry on if she needed to, no strong arms to comfort her when the going got tough…

It was evident by the widening of his eyes that he noticed her torment. Lowering her long eyelashes, she blinked a couple of times and covered her momentary binge of self-pity with a bright smile.

Guess I forgot a piece.

Yep, he agreed.

Lightly taking her elbow, he steered her across a beautiful parquet floor, down three steps into a sunken living room straight into a huge stuffed chair next to a real wood-burning fireplace.

Would you care for something to drink? Coffee? Tea? Or something stronger?

Coffee would be nice, she murmured. Just milk or cream, no sugar.

Alright, he acknowledged with a ghost of a smile as he turned about to take care of that.

Mandy was in shock. From what she’d seen of the house so far, it looked like a dream home. In the centre of the large open-beam foyer hung the most beautiful chandelier she’d ever seen. The smooth panelling trimmed with exquisite moulding glowed warmly under its lights. A wide staircase polished to a high sheen beckoned one upstairs. The place was uncluttered and the few strategically placed vases with their tall arrangements added a touch of elegance. A perfectly shaped spruce stood to the right of the entrance, scintillating with Christmas lights and ornaments. No presents underneath, she noted mentally.

All in all, she judged it to be the nicest house she’d ever been in. However, she couldn’t reconcile the interior with the exterior. The outside was as uninviting as it possibly could be – rough-hewn wooden planks just as you would find on most shacks in the area. Almost ugly! Passing this house on the highway, nobody would give it a second glance! And then it dawned on her. Well of course! If it looked as nice outside as it does inside, he’d have every Tom, Dick and Harry and other undesirables stopping by. Smart!

Having figured out that much to her satisfaction, she gazed about the sunken living room. Utterly gorgeous! The fireplace just by itself was a work of art. The hearth was flanked by dark grey mortar imbedded with irregular-shaped stones cut flat to reveal their reddish veins. Positioned in an upward curve along that whole wall, one had the impression of being welcomed with open arms. Tall lamps shone softly on the dark-red panelling and various loveseats and chairs artfully arranged complement the space. The room felt so comfortable it made one want to curl up with a good book and not move for some hours.

She sank in the huge chair and rested her golden-brown head on one arm. Staring at the ceiling, she found herself trying to figure out how the recessed cream-coloured tiles were held up.

You would have to shape each wooden beam with an edge to support the tiles. I wonder how the intersecting corners are done? she mused aloud.

Unbeknownst to her, he was back with their coffees and heard her.

Is this something you do a lot of? he queried with a hint of a smile in his voice.

Startled, she abruptly righted herself, warm colour flooding her cheeks.

What?

Talk to yourself.

Embarrassed, she watched as he placed the tray on the small table between the two chairs. He looked at her again, clearly expecting an answer as he gracefully lowered his tall frame in the vacant chair.

Yes.

It’s alright, I do that too, he admitted candidly, gesturing for her to take her coffee.

At a loss for words, she murmured, Thank-you.

You’re welcome. Now, what brought you to my doorstep on this stormy night?

I was headed to Beaver Lake, going about thirty kilometers an hour when I hit some black ice and my car ended up on its side in the ditch. I had seen your yard light when I went by so I walked back to it, hoping there was a house there too.

He looked at her silently for a moment.

How far did you walk? And is there damage to the car?

The car is fine except for the passenger airbag which blew up. It was a pretty soft landing as far as that went, she said shaking her head ruefully. How far did I walk? Not sure. I thought it was only a couple of kilometers but it was probably double that. I must have walked for almost an hour.

He froze, the coffee cup inches from his lips. His eyes bore into hers in stunned disbelief. A dark, angry flush slowly swept over his features. All of a sudden, he slammed his cup down and jerked out of his chair. Grabbing the poker, he struck at the burning logs viciously, sending showers of sparks onto the flagstones in the process.

Amanda sank lower in the chair, feet curled tightly under her while keeping a wary eye on him. Whatever has gotten into him? He looks ready to kill!

With slow, painstaking care, he replaced the poker in its stand. Pinning her with an ice-blue stare, he growled through clenched teeth, Are you out of your blasted mind?

Which part? Walking or driving? she squeaked.

Both! he snapped angrily.

What do you expect me to answer to that?! I’m wrong either way! she retorted defensively.

As much as she was ecstatic earlier, she was furious now. How dare he criticize my actions! And why is he so mad at me? As if I’d committed a crime or something! If he doesn’t want me around, he should just say so! I’ll leave!

Coffee spilled onto the tray as she slammed her cup down. Her feet hit the floor and she stomped out of the room.

Where are you going? he demanded belligerently.

Rigid with anger and disappointment, she lashed out, Back to my fuckin’ car!

She was halfway to the entrance by the time he caught up to her. Whipping her around, he crushed her against his chest, holding her so tight she could hardly breathe. Angry tears pooled in her eyes as she struggled against him. He eased his grip yet kept her trapped in the circle of his arms, afraid she’d take off again.

I’m sorry, he apologized sheepishly. I don’t know what got into me. I didn’t mean to get mad at you.

Emotions in turmoil, Mandy stood there shaking. What a fucked-up day! And I really don’t want to go back out there!

Please stay, he implored gently.

That soft voice was her undoing. Nodding mutely, she swallowed hard past the lump in her throat and choked out, Where’s the washroom?

Up the stairs and first door to your right.

Afraid she’d make an exhibit of herself by drowning in a deluge of tears, she rapidly made her exit.

When Mandy walked into the washroom, she completely forgot to cry. It was by far the most elegant washroom she had ever seen.

Wow! she said in a hushed voice.

Slowly turning in a small circle, she admired the standard components of the room. The large Jacuzzi-type tub as well as the toilet and sinks were an unusual cream colour. Their shiny gold faucets precisely matched the gold pin-striping on the forest green wall covering. Once again, the woodworking details on the cabinets were exquisitely done bringing out the richness of the wood. And the dark brown ceramic tiles under her feet were surprisingly warm.

Sitting on the toilet, she scanned the wood panelling on her left fully expecting to find signs of carefully crafted secret doors.

Yes! There they are! she exclaimed extremely pleased with her discovery.

Rapidly finishing her business, she pressed open the four doors one at a time, noting the piles of neatly folded towels, racks containing cleaning supplies, other holding personal effects – all neat and orderly.

This would make any IKEA designer green with envy! she smirked.

Turning about to wash her hands, she grimaced at her reflection in the large mirrors. Her dark brown eyes were overly bright; her hair was a mess and, other than two bright spots on her cheekbones, her heart-shaped face definitely lacked colour.

Impulsively, she re-opened the cabinet door where she had seen his personal effects. With no compunction whatsoever, she picked out his comb. Her static-filled shoulder length hair was decidedly uncooperative, clinging to her face and comb as she tried to smooth it out. A little bit of water later, it rested properly, gently curling under the chin as it should. Satisfied, she replaced everything and went in search of her host.

Following the sounds coming from the kitchen, she walked quietly through the foyer. Her mind and senses were inundated by the beauty of the place but when she stepped into the open doorway of the kitchen, even the hamster fell to the bottom of the wheel in overwhelm – stainless steel implements, a cooking island, the most intimate breakfast nook and a sumptuous dining room off to the side. Sensation overload! Her vision blurred and the room started to swim in a black haze.

CHAPTER

3

S ensing her presence, he looked up just in time to see her face go a shade whiter.

Mandy! he cried out in alarm.

He was sure she was about to faint. In two long strides, he had her securely wrapped in his arms. She is so tense! He’s not sure how long he held her, easing the knots in her neck and shoulders.

Finally, she stirred and raised huge brown eyes to his.

Who are you? she whispered.

Staring into her face, his heart careened out of control, not quite believing that in less than half an hour he had managed to hold this girl in his arms…TWICE! It certainly wasn’t something he did every day. A very lonely man, you little brown bird.

Jamie Vandraegen, he replied knowing it was only a partial answer to her question. She nodded and tentatively moved her neck and shoulders.

I was so tense driving, I’m amazed I didn’t break my neck when I flipped, she concluded wryly.

Somehow the reality of the accident started to penetrate his senses. She could have been hurt and unconscious out there in the freezing cold… He sucked in his breath sharply. An unnamed sense of loss and despair flooded his mind and soul. Gritting his teeth, he guided her to the breakfast nook.

Sit, he ordered sternly. After we eat, we’ll figure out what needs to be done.

He went about finalizing the meal all the while trying to come to grips with the whirlwind explosion that had just occurred in his house…and inside of him. Just thinking of her had his heart beating irregularly.

Who is she? he muttered to himself. And why is she travelling today of all days!? And alone to boot! She has about as much sense as…as… Unable to come up with an appropriate description for her irrational behaviour, he shook his head in vexation. She is such a dichotomy!

He glanced in her direction wondering why she was so quiet. His eyes opened wide in surprise. She fell asleep! Looking down at the two plates of food in his hands, he chuckled quietly. She takes cat naps. Adding this to the growing list of attributes, he noiselessly deposited the plates on the table and stood there staring at her face. She’s beautiful! Her long eyelashes rested peacefully against her cheeks and her lips held the hint of a smile. He was just wondering if he should wake her up when she suddenly looked at him.

She calmly stared into his blue gaze, her soft smile turning into a wider and wider grin.

How long was I out? she asked with a small chuckle.

Not sure. Maybe two or three minutes, he answered with a perplexed expression. Are you ready to eat?

Yes – I’m starved and this smells delicious.

He was no sooner seated that she dug in.

You’re a good cook! she declared matter-of-factly between mouthfuls.

Thanks! It’s pretty hard to tell yourself that, he agreed, grinning.

But I bet that sometimes you look at some problem you’ve just solved and tell yourself with a satisfied smile, ‘That was brilliant!’

Laughing, he admitted, I have said exactly that on a few occasions!

Out loud, she specified.

Yes.

To no one else but you, she added softly, a wistful look in her eyes.

Suddenly he couldn’t swallow for the tightness in his throat. How does she know that? Is that how she feels too? Her eyes once again reflected that sad, lost look he had seen earlier.

But before he had a chance to go down that line, she roused herself.

Your house is beautiful and unexpected. Who designed it?

I did, he said simply, and I did most of the work myself. That’s what I do for a living – I’m an architect.

The admiration in her eyes was unmistakable.

You’re very good at that too!

She gave her head a small shake and looked at him with such a puzzled expression that he had no trouble guessing what she was thinking.

You’re wondering why I’m not married.

She turned brick red ducking her head in mortification. Taking pity of her discomfiture, he explained in a quiet voice.

Mandy, I built my dream house. Now, I want to make it my dream home.

He had no clue how one went about finding a dream girl. It’s not as though he could just go to the King’s Court and find himself an heiress or beautiful debutante who wanted nothing better than to live in the cold north of Canada.

Finding the conversation a little too personal, he got things back to the matters at hand.

Why were you headed to Beaver Lake, if I may ask?

Work. I’ll be teaching at Beaver Hills Elementary School starting January 4th. I’m replacing a teacher who’s going on maternity leave.

His eyes lit up with pleasure at the news. She’s going to be near he thought jubilantly. But close on the heels of that thought came a flood of new questions. What has she been doing for the last four months? How come she’s available now in the middle of the year? And if she’s not starting till the 4th, what was the rush in getting there?

"I was teaching, she said in a hard voice, answering his unspoken questions. But I got dismissed for reasons beyond my control."

There was a mutinous, angry look in her face.

It makes me see red! she blurted out. "In fact, thinking about it is what caused the accident. I got all riled up and inadvertently stepped harder