Autumn in the Adirondacks

By Fiona Dash

Come along to the Adirondacks for an autumn season you will never forget.

 

Bonnie Parker hadn't been home in nearly eighteen years, so when her agent (and friend) tells her that she needs to pack up and go back for some much needed inspiration, she is reluctant, but she knows she has little choice in the matter.

 

Unlike Bonnie, Blake Barrington never left their small town in the mountains, he never felt the need to. So, he is one of the top reasons Bonnie isn't overjoyed with the prospect of returning, not after the way she broke his heart all those years ago.

 

Little does Bonnie know that this won't be her average autumn in the Adirondacks. She will find herself and find love again, for starters. Come along to see what else she uncovers.

 

This full-length, sweet, clean contemporary romance novel is perfect for fans of Hallmark Channel movies and Hallmark books!

 

Coming soon:

Christmas Visit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Perfect Escape
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393277705

Book preview

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Copyright © 2018 by Fiona Dash. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means.

Do not upload or distribute anywhere.

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be resold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book with others please either purchase it for them or direct them to the retailer of their choice for purchase. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Contents

Copyright

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

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Other Titles

Bonnie Parker hadn't been home in nearly eighteen years, so when her agent (and friend) tells her that she needs to pack up and go back for some much needed inspiration, she is reluctant, but she knows she has little choice in the matter.

Unlike Bonnie, Blake Barrington never left their small town in the mountains, he never felt the need to. So, he is one of the top reasons Bonnie isn't overjoyed with the prospect of returning, not after the way she broke his heart all those years ago.

Little does Bonnie know that this won't be her average autumn in the Adirondacks. She will find herself and find love again, for starters. Come along to see what else she uncovers.

Chapter One

Exiting the highway, Bonnie followed the signs to Lake George, trying desperately to calm her tattered nerves. She focused on the road ahead with the bright orange sun blazing in the distance. It was a crisp November day and the weather report suggested a light snow was on the horizon later in the evening. Luckily for Bonnie, she would be quietly tucked away in her old childhood bedroom by that time. If only she could get to the house before her father got home from work. Knowing it wasn't likely, became the source of her anxiety.

She hadn't been back since that fateful day after her high school graduation. That was nearly eighteen years ago. There was no reason for her to return to her hometown, at least not the way she saw it. Everything that might have kept her tethered there was gone, whether it was ripped away, ran away, or simply tossed away by her own doing.

Had it not been for her agent, she wouldn't have returned now, either. But Lane insisted that Bonnie needed this. Even though she didn't like it, Bonnie agreed, otherwise she wouldn't have returned.

Her publisher was waiting for the last installment in her Romance by the Seasons quartet she committed to. The four-book deal helped catapult her from indie author to household name. She had winter and spring completed when her agent pitched it to the publishing house. They loved the idea and each book was slated to be released at the top of the season in the New Year. Then summer was easy enough to knock out, having lived in the Sunshine State for two years with her ex-boyfriend.

But this last one, autumn, was more of a challenge. Besides juggling sneak peek readings and small, intimate interviews for Winter Wonderland, which were expected out in a month, Bonnie was not giving herself fully to the autumn story like she did the others. Her agent suggested it take on more of a small town feel, contrasting nicely to the big city vibes of winter in New York City. The trouble was that every draft she'd presented was worse than the last, according to Lane. They lacked depth, emotion, and a connection to the town. Probably because Lake George was the only small town she knew of that made autumn the highlight of the year, and she couldn't reconnect with the town in her imagination.

Bonnie, you've been away too long, Lane said, I think you need to go back. Spend Thanksgiving there. Didn't you tell me they have an annual Autumn-Fest?

I did, Bonnie said hesitantly, almost regretting having ever mentioned it. She knew where the conversation was going and didn't like it.

I want you to get absorbed in that this year. Volunteer, attend, interview folks involved, I don't care, just fall in love with the small town feel again. Then you can transfer those emotions on to paper and we'll have gold. You need this.

But— Bonnie started to plead her case when she was steamrolled right over by Lane, who pushed her out of her office as she said, Now, I'll see you in a month.

Lane was a force to be reckoned with. She was her best friend and most trusted confidant, even though she paid her. And Bonnie didn't like the idea, but she followed Lane's advice. She knew she had no choice.

Bonnie promptly went home, packed her things, and got herself in her car before she could second guess her decision. The drive from Boston wasn't terrible, but it gave Bonnie just enough time to start having doubts. Too bad she was a block from her childhood home.

When she finally did pull up to it, it looked the same. The two-story house sat on four acres of land, centered atop a small hill, with columns supporting the second story deck just outside of the living room. The paint had since been changed from the burnt sienna it was to a more weather resistant daffodil. Small flowers and bushes lined the walkway and larger maple trees provided shade from the east. It looked like it belonged in a painting.

Two cars sat in the driveway, one she knew was her brother's from the last time he drove out to visit her, and the second she assumed was her father's. They were both home. So much for being able to sneak in unnoticed, she thought to herself.

Taking a few deep breaths, she sat in her car, parked behind theirs. This was her last chance to turn around, but Bonnie knew if she did, she would never be welcomed back again. It was bad enough when she left the first time around, but to do it a second time, that would be far worse.

It's now or never, she coaxed herself and turned around in the car to reach for her coat. Just then her brother Robby rapped on the window.

Scared, she clutched her chest to calm her erratic heartbeat. Geesh, give a girl a heart attack, why don't you.

Helping her out of the car, Robby took her hand and pulled her into a hug. I wasn't sure that you'd come in without a little assist.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. Funny. I was just getting my things.

Or considering whether you should bolt. But it's too late, Dad saw you pull up. Robby laughed and the lines that appeared on his face reminded her of her father. The father and son duo shared many characteristics, dark hair, brown eyes, cleft chin, and they had the same deep roaring laugh. It gave Bonnie shivers looking at him sometimes, it was like traveling back in time with her father. Sometimes she wondered if the same could be said about her and her mother, but she'd never know.

How is he? Bonnie finally asked.

Robby picked up her luggage from the trunk, placing it on the ground. He's great. Excited to see you.

It hadn't been that long since he saw her. He joined her and Robby for Christmas in Boston two years ago. Before that, they had gone far longer without seeing each other. But she had extended an olive branch a few years back and he accepted, so it was only natural that they spent the holiday together. Last year, she was on a writer's convention in the southwest, so she was unable to spend the holidays with them. They hadn't discussed their plans for this year, but it didn't matter at this point, not with her coming home for her work.

Bonnie shook her head, unsure what he meant by that. I spoke to him last week.

Not the same. Go on in. I'll bring your suitcases in, Robby said. Then he gave her a gentle shove toward the front door and after waiting a beat too long, she saw her father was indeed watching from the window.

By the time she approached the door, Robert Parker III swung the door open and held his arms out wide. Honey, it's so good to see you. His eyes were full of emotion and she could see how much the years had taken a toll on him.

You, too, Dad. Bonnie stepped into his hug, and surprisingly, didn't feel the same strength of an overprotective father crushing her. Yep, time had indeed changed him; in more ways than she could count.

Come on in. We waited to have dinner, it's just warming in the oven. He walked into the old kitchen that still proudly displayed Bonnie and Robby's finger paintings.

Robby joined them and announced, Your bags are in your room.

Thank you. Bonnie appreciated them doting on her, but it was unnecessary and she feared that the old feelings of suffocation would return. It never was easy being the only girl in the house, especially after her mother left. Thank you for allowing me to stay here, Dad, but you don't have to worry about me, I'm only here to absorb Autumn-Fest and then—

We know, we know, then you're going back to Boston, her father finished her thought as he placed the simple casserole dish in the middle of the table. Let's just appreciate the time we have together.

Yeah, stop being a stick in the mud, Sis.

It's just that I don't want you to stop your lives for me.

We wouldn't dream of it. Robby smiled and dug into the delicious cheesy rice and mushroom casserole.

Bonnie nodded and started eating, too. I was thinking we could go out for Thanksgiving dinner, my treat to say thank you. What do you guys say? The holiday was a couple weeks away, but she couldn't think of another way to break the ice.

Her father shook his head. No. She should've figured he would be resistant. The Thanksgiving holiday was always his favorite time of year.

Okay, Bonnie spoke, and as soon as she heard herself, she knew the uncertainty in her voice was apparent.

Oh, no, sweetie, sorry, it's not like that. It's just that this year the town is doing a community dinner in the square. I volunteered to be head chef.

Robby laughed and waved his fork at their father. He is the best chef this town has.

It was true; that much Bonnie knew. It didn't matter how long she'd been away, she always knew her father was the best chef. After her mother left them, Robert took his God-given talents and opened a restaurant. He needed to be his own boss so he could still be around to raise his children Bonnie and Robby.

Robert's efforts were rewarded. He proved to be an overnight success and remained so ever since. His restaurant was the most popular in town. Many folks made it their go-to for weekly family dinners, workday lunches, and even quick but healthy breakfasts. He pretended it was because of the strong community support of his neighbors and friends, but it was more than that. He had a real gift in the kitchen.

Finally, acknowledging the plans her father told her about, Bonnie said, I see. Well, that should be interesting.

It's going to conclude Autumn-Fest. They want to go out with a bang and what better way than with Thanksgiving dinner. Robert spoke with excitement, but Bonnie could sense that something else was on his mind.

She assumed he wanted her help, which was no issue at all, because that was the whole point of this little trip. Maybe I should volunteer then.

That would be wonderful. You can tell Mayor Jameson and the Chamber of Commerce Director tonight. They will be here any minute. I invited them for coffee and cake. I hope that's okay with you, we had to discuss a few things. The hesitation in Robert's voice was apparent this time and suddenly a sense of dread filled Bonnie anew.

Not at all. Why would it? she asked, fearing the answer.

Robby filled in the blanks for her as he cleared the dinner dishes from the table. Well, see, Sis, the thing is that Blake is the Chamber's Executive Director. And with that announcement, he fled from the dining room.

Chicken, Bonnie thought to herself. She decided to remain calm, cool, and collected. She may not have seen or heard from Blake Barrington since she left, but that was okay. That could only be expected after breaking somebody's heart—and her own in the process—couldn't it?

Chapter Two

The third car in the driveway of Robert's house was curious to Blake. He recognized the second car as Robby's, but the other was unfamiliar to him.

Madam Mayor Sarah Jameson drove a tank, claiming she could never give it up even after sending all of her brood off to college last year, so he knew it wasn't hers.

Besides, Sarah was never on time, that much was a known fact in the small town. But she kept things in perfect order, and the community members were healthy, happy, and well-acquainted with one another, so her tardiness didn't matter. Everyone just expected it and, if need be, they told Sarah an earlier time than necessary to guarantee she would be on time; that was a trick Sarah's husband gave her assistant years ago when she was first elected and had almost missed a debate.

But if it wasn't Sarah's car, and it wasn't Robby's, then who's was it? Blake knew who's it couldn't be and that was Robert's daughter. Bonnie hadn't been back to Lake George since she took off after their high school graduation. She tore through town on her last night like a tornado, leaving destruction in her wake, at least as far as he was concerned. Bonnie broke his heart so suddenly, forever tainting what should've been a night of merriment, celebrating their graduation from Lake George Senior High.

He wasn't sure why he thought about Bonnie out of the blue like this, but it wasn't the first time. And Blake blamed it on social media. His daughter, Jade, was obsessed with Bonnie Parker after reading a few of her novels. After following her new favorite author on social media, all Jade could talk about was Bonnie's new series, where she was going, what she was doing, and even what she was reading.

Each time Jade brought Bonnie's name up, another piece of his already-damaged heart became charred. He just didn't have it in him to ask his daughter to stop talking to him about her interests. Blake feared that once he closed that door, it would never be opened again, and as a single parent, he couldn't risk that, not with Jade going off to college in another year. So, he listened to everything she wanted to share with him, even if that meant listening to anecdotes about Bonnie Parker and feigning interest. Jade already pushed to find out why Blake never talked about Bonnie if they grew up together, and he had to tell her that they ran in different circles and were never friends.

It was the first lie Blake ever told his daughter—not the fact that they ran in different circles, that much was true. He was athletic and she was bookish, but they were always friends, since Kindergarten, and when they started dating in junior high they became inseparable, best friends.

Jarring Blake from his trip down memory lane, Sarah pulled up next to Blake and pulled down her window. Thanks for waiting for me!

He shook his head to clear the fog. Sure.

Walking to the front door, she talked about what a win it was to have Robert Parker cooking for the town's Thanksgiving feast. We were lucky he wasn't going out of town, Sarah said. When Blake didn't respond, still too fixated on that third car, she elbowed him. What's wrong with you?

Oh, nothing.

Sarah had a knowing look in her eye, but didn't push, for which he was grateful.

Robby answered the door and led them into the old house. Dad's in the kitchen putting the coffee on. You can head on in, Madam Mayor.

Thank you.

Blake