324 Hope Road: Ashbrook, Montana Saga

By Merri Maywether

Janine walked into the grocery with a list. A handsome businessman and his three lovable teens weren't on it.

 

Matthias and Janine have bumped into each other at the grocery store for weeks. His attraction to her is unavoidable, but he isn't looking for a relationship. He has his hands full with his three teenage children.

 

When Janine and Matthias meet at a high school community clean-up, she decides avoiding him is the safest option. He sees that she is more than the cute woman who likes to eat steak for dinner, especially after Janine takes his handful of a daughter under her wing.

 

Matthias's three kids collaborate to prove Janine's feistiness is the perfect balance for Matthias's overly serious disposition.

 

And the plan would work if the adults would follow the script.

 

As Janine and Matthias work together to help his kids through their problems, they learn along with them that mistakes are meant to be forgiven; I'm sorry is as powerful as I love you, and second chances are just as fun as new beginnings.

 

324 Hope Road is a small-town, feel-good, love story that will leave you with a smile long after you turn the last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Merri Maywether
• Release date: Dec 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798224635184

Merri Maywether

Twenty years ago, Merri Maywether went on a date with a very sweet man from Montana. Three weeks later they were engaged and they have lived happily ever after. This is Merri taking over the biography section...When I write my romance novels, the characters are the people that I see on a day to day basis. Up here in what I like to call the far, far north, people work hard, live fiercely, and love knowing that they have a community of people behind them. We support each other through the hardships and celebrate the victories. The best part...similar to the characters in my stories, at the end of a long day or a rough week we have stories to share for the years to come.

Book preview

1

Rule Number One

Chicken or steak? The cuts the butcher packaged of either meat were portioned too large for one person. While the choice was simple. It had consequences.

Whatever Janine Darling chose would be her dinner for at least two and possibly three days. She bobbed her head like her ears were the trays of a scale weighing her options. It stopped on steak.

Steak?

Okay.

Time to move on to the next item. What would she have for lunch tomorrow?

Hoping what she had in her cart would help with her decision, Janine took an inventory. She tapped a finger on the cart handle with each item. A six-pack of a microbrew, sanitary napkins that she concealed between a bag of barbecue chips and a package of Oreos. No help there.

Janine’s gaze landed an older couple. The wife gripped the cart handle for balance while the husband showed her the different cuts of meat. After a couple of exchanges, they found something they agreed upon. She shuffled behind the cart, and he walked alongside her.

That’s love. Janine sighed her appreciation for the peek at the precious moment. It was something she had witnessed, but doubted she’d ever experience on her own.

She gripped the red handle of her cart to move on to the frozen food section.

Except she didn’t get too far.

The body of a cute construction worker was in her way. His ironed shirt and neatly pressed Wrangler jeans said that he was possibly the foreman. Janine tensed and pulled on the cart before it collided with his assets.

The measuring tape attached to his belt hook added a cute touch. If I knew what he fixed, I'd go home and break it, so I'd have a reason to call him for help. As quickly as the thought ran through her mind, a flush of heat ran through her cheeks. If the man she dubbed, Fix-It-Bob, had any inclination of what she thought about him, she would die of embarrassment.

Janine recovered, backed away, and circled around the freezer that kept both of them contained to the small area.

Fix-It-Bob glanced up from the package of meat in his hands. Chocolate brown eyes and a polite smile rewarded her for not impaling him with her cart. When Fix-It-Bob directed his attention back to the package of meat in his hands, Janine decided the warm brown eyes with his closely shaved beard were a deadly combination. Move quickly and don't look back.

A gravelly drawl demanded Janine's attention. Excuse me.

Janine halted. She glanced toward the dangerously handsome man and her heart did a little flip-flop. What could he possibly want from her?

The wicked grin on his face betrayed him. Fix-It-Bob was aware of his effect on women and wasn’t afraid to use it to his advantage. He probably broke more hearts than he fixed.

I've never cooked salmon before. Do you have any recommendations on how I should prepare it?

The drawl. Janine's heart whimpered. Ah, well. She cleared her throat. When in doubt, I go for the premade marinades. She could cook salmon using a variety of flavors and methods. She wasn't prepared to go into all the details with the handsome stranger.

The man tilted his head and peered into Janine's cart. It looks like you and your husband are fixing to have a nice meal.

No, it's just me. Janine’s body warmed, the flush of warmth that began a little below her waist, rushed to her chest. It was the second time in less than five minutes. Her better judgment screamed to get away from the man who used his soft, you can trust me, grin to draw her in to the conversation.

Being single was one thing. Admitting it to a stranger opened the door to situations she'd rather not consider.

Oh. He straightened. I have a crazy idea. Do you want to hear it?

Ah, maybe. Janine's chirp gave away her loss of confidence.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Matthias Timmerman. I’ve seen you here for weeks. What’s your name?

I’m Janine. There was something about associating a name with the face that made Matthias seem more approachable. Before she liked him because he was easy on the eyes. Now, Janine found herself liking him because he seemed like an authentic person. Would he like her once he knew she was broken?

His smile implored her to trust him. I’ve seen you around for weeks. So, I’m not being impulsive.

Janine spoke slowly hoping her effect would add levity to the discussion. It was a conversation in the grocery store. He wasn’t asking her to run off into the sunset–or his cabin in the woods, where he’d keep her until the end of times. Okay, so you’re trying to let me know you’re not a serial killer.

Exactly. My crazy idea−I've been wanting to visit the Hot Shot Grill for quite some time. Would you want to join me?

Janine's mouth fell open. Her heart screamed, yes.

Her head warned her. Your heart makes stupid decisions.

Her taste buds chimed in. Pan-seared steak always tasted better when somebody else was cooking it.

She glanced down at her cart. Then her brain jumped in. There would be fresh vegetables. Steak and fresh vegetables were a better option than steak and barbecue chips.

All of a sudden, her heart wasn’t so stupid.

The air around Janine shifted. She blinked until the gray cloud that obscured her vision cleared. She knew something was a little out of focus. Her head, heart, and soul reached a firm decision.

Later, when people asked her what it was that enticed her to run off with a complete stranger, she'd be candid and say I forgot the first rule my mother taught me. Do not talk to strangers. Who cares how cute they are.

2

Pluses and Minuses

Lee, the owner of the Hot Shot Grill, was at his usual post at the register. Behind him, a stack of vertical wooden shelves held small vases filled with silk flowers. Dome lights filled the empty spaces. He glanced up from the seating chart that was in front of him and straightened to acknowledge whoever it was that entered the tiny alcove leading to the restaurant. The short, slender man dressed in a white dress shirt and black dress pants rounded the counter and greeted Matthias with a hand extended for a shake. Matthias, so good to see you. Lee’s sincere grin added warmth to his greeting. It has been a while. How have you been?

I've been doing well. Matthias shook Lee's hand. How is your family?

I have a teenage daughter. Lee rolled his eyes, but the twinkle said he was proud.

Lee’s daughter, Naomi was one of the first people to befriend Matthias’s daughter, Rebecca, when they first moved to Ashbrook, Montana. Since then, they’d had sleep overs and study sessions.

Matthias heard reports of Naomi's successes over dinnertime conversations with Rebecca. Like her father, Naomi had a drive that brought her success. Naomi was at the top of her class. She also won most of the academic contests she entered.

Sometimes Matthias wished some of Naomi rubbed off on his daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca, who was in her senior year of high school, challenged him. Of his three children, Rebecca questioned Matthias more. She also tested every boundary he set. He still couldn't figure out if it was because she was the only girl, or if it was because she was a miniature version of her mother. In other words, Rebecca was the exact opposite of Naomi.

Your usual table? Lee inquired. His eyes roamed behind Matthias.

Yes, my usual. Matthias cleared his throat. I have a lady friend joining me. She should be here any minute.

Lee wagged his finger. You are a lady magnet. Or is it the other way around.

Something in the way Lee asked the question reminded Matthias to remain detached. He was here to pass the time with another adult. Not get attached. She just happened to be a beautiful one that had taken over his daydreams, and a couple nighttime ones too.

The door opened. With it, a swirl of chilled air filled the small space around Matthias. Lee gave his usual greeting, Welcome to Hot Shot Grill. How can I help you?

Matthias turned around to make room for whoever it was behind him. He was pleased to find that it was Janine. He had noticed her for several weeks but hadn’t had the courage to ask her out until today. Something in his gut told him this woman was different. Maybe it was the way she dismissed him when he asked for help with the salmon. She sent him to the marinade aisle. He chuckled. It would be a story he’d share some time.

A pink knitted headband held back the tendrils of brown wavy hair while covering Janine’s ears. It added a youthful glow to her cheeks. In the store, Matthias guessed she was closer to his age. Now she was there in person, he wondered if she was too young a companion for a single father of three grown children.

Maybe, marriage isn’t something you should pursue, his divorce attorney suggested, not once or twice, but three times. The lesson finally stuck.

That was until Matthias gazed into the softness of Janine’s light brown eyes. They were vibrant and full of life. Her tight smile gave away her nervousness. It said she had taken a risk by meeting him. The tight ball of anticipation that was in his lower abdomen turned into a ball of yarn that was being unwound by a playful kitten. With the gradual loosening, Matthias felt the unmistakable truth his gut had sensed. This woman was special.

For the entire drive to the Hot Shot Grill, Janine talked to herself. Her heart was beating so rapidly she thought it would jump out of her chest. It had been forever since she had been on a date. Worried that she might make a fool of herself weighed heavy on her mind, urging her to turn the car around and go home. Until finally, she remembered something her wise aunt said. Sometimes people had to take risks to reap the rewards. Besides, it wasn’t like Janine had plans to marry the man.

Janine wouldn’t go so far as to say she was sheltered. She was free to come and go as she pleased. Her situation was one where there were too many men keeping a protective vigil over her. Anyone who showed interest never had a chance, especially after Jason. That nightmare of a marriage taught Janine to proceed into relationships with caution. Look for the signs. Dangerous men often presented warning flags.

So far, Matthias Timmerman, the man formerly known as Fix-It-Bob, seemed okay. Matthias owned a project management company on the outskirts of Ashbrook, Montana. Two points for having a job and two points for being the boss.

The location at the center of the state gave him equal access to all the larger cities while giving him the chance to raise his children in a small-town environment—two more points.

Janine had heard of the Hot Shot Grill. She had meant to visit the teppanyaki restaurant but never followed through with the intention.

The guys at work always went out with their band of friends. Her sister, Marianna, was tied up in family events. It was easier for Janine to join in on their activities than for Marianna to break her mold. Matthias’s invitation to try something Janine wanted was added to the tally in the column for good signs.

Janine noticed that Matthias hadn’t tried to touch her when the restaurant manager led them through the dining area. There was no gentle brush on her back or bumping of arms. The absence of touch had made it clear that he wasn’t expecting anything from her because they shared a meal.

When they passed a couple of tables, he pointed at the light fixtures. Lee, the new lamps are much better. They balance the effect of the black metal plaques. If asked to guess, Janine would say Matthias worked on the finer details of construction projects.

Lee stopped in front of the table and gestured by extending his arm for them to sit. Matthias hurried ahead of Janine to pull the chair out for her. As he scooted her in, Janine decided Matthias was too perfect.

Why he wasn’t married?

Janine sipped on her mug of Belgian Ale. The hints of orange mixed with the soft malt flavor smoothed the back of her throat. I'm glad you're not stranger danger.

She spoke truthfully. The spontaneous change in her routine challenged her inherent mistrust of men.

Can you repeat that for my teenagers? Matthias’s lip quirked into a crooked grin. He kept his hand on the base of his pint glass. They seem to think I'm a close relative to that mother in the movie where the guy killed the lady in the shower.

He glanced toward the ceiling and shook his head. My daughter. I love her. He exhaled. Ooh boy, she's got too much of my personality in her.

Matthias charmed Janine with a smile and a sweet southern drawl. If it weren’t rude, she would have sat with her chin in her hands and listened to him talk all night about whatever he chose.

Janine related Matthias to her uncle Paul. He could be gruff at times but was a softy when it came to his daughter and nieces. That gave him two added points for likability.

Oh, do tell. She clasped her hands and quickly undid them, deciding it would look more natural if she wrapped them around the base of her mug.

The closest she'd ever get to being a parent was playing the role of the cool aunt to her nieces. Having children wasn't in her cards. Life made the decision. It was up to Janine to make the best of it. One way she accomplished this was by living through parents who talked about their children.

You know how teenage girls can get. Anything we, as parents say, is the wrong thing. But let somebody else say the same thing, and they are brilliant. His smile was bittersweet.

It was a tale as old as time. Janine remembered going through a phase where her mother seemed like she was so out of touch with reality. Somewhere around Janine’s twentieth birthday, her mother started making sense again.

But this wasn’t about her. Parents wanted evidence that they were doing the right thing. Luckily, Janine had something to offer Matthias. My sister has said something similar, Janine offered a weak smile to show her sympathy. Her nieces were in an emotional flux until they were nineteen. If it helps, my nieces changed their minds about their mother’s wisdom after a semester of college.

Matthias slowly chewed his food. Janine could tell by the way his brows moved he, like her, had been keeping tally. What had remained to be seen was the positive or negative contribution to the total. Janine’s breath lingered in the space between her chest and throat. Did she pass his test?

You don't have children? Matthias sounded indifferent, but Janine knew better. Her ex-husband taught her. The answer to the children question could negate years of positive points.

No, I wasn't so lucky. She didn’t feel right divulging her sordid backstory with a person she had just met. Telling someone on a first date that she couldn’t have kids because of an early bout of ovarian cancer seemed like oversharing.

Matthias’s face froze, giving away more than he probably intended. Janine lost her points.

Her attraction to Matthias cooled.

Still, all was not lost. She had a nice dinner. Remembering why she was there; Janine took a bite of her food. The smooth texture of a mushroom triggered an automatic reaction. Before she had time to think about what she was doing, Janine popped it out and hid it in her napkin.

I thought I picked them all out. She offered a feeble grin. The best she could do now was hope it was enough to smooth the awkward wall forming brick by brick, minute by minute between them.

You don't like mushrooms? Matthias quirked his left brow.

No, the whole fungus thing is more than my mind can process. It was a quirk Janine tried to straighten in a variety of ways. Every attempt failed. Once her mind processed that a mushroom was in her mouth, her tongue rejected it.

I know someone else who doesn't like mushrooms. Annoyance tinged Matthias’s tone of voice, casting a gray hue over the shimmer it once held.

Janine's insides squirmed under his disapproval. Her heart faltered. Her first impression had set, dried, and been judged, and there was no way of undoing it.

She fumbled out an attempt to try anyway. An ex-girlfriend?

A rebellious daughter.

Janine grimaced at the indictment. She