Love & Liberty: Independence Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 6) Read online

  Love & Liberty

  Holidays in Hallbrook, Book 6

  Elsie Davis

  © 2020, Elsie Davis

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Cover Design by RockSolidBookDesign.com

  Edited by Heidi Shoham

  Proofread by Alice Shepherd

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this work may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

  Sweet Promise Press PO Box 72

  Brighton, MI 48116

  Many thanks to all the firefighters in the world who bravely face danger, risking their lives to protect the people and things we love

  and

  many thanks to the Audubon Society and all the contributions of bird watchers and organizations around the world who protect our flying friends, and who keep us educated and thirsting for a better understanding of the habitat in which our fine-feathered friends exist.

  Ecclesiastes 9:11

  I have seen something else under the sun. The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

  Contents

  Publisher’s Note

  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

  Epilogue

  What’s Next?

  You May Also Like

  More from Sweet Promise Press

  More from Elsie Davis

  About the Author

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  Chapter One

  Ashley Stanton took out two teacups and several kinds of tea in anticipation of her guest’s impending arrival. She hadn’t seen Tricia, one of her close friends from high school, in almost ten years. Distance and life had a way of tapering off phone calls and well-meaning promises to find a way to get together again. Ashley was more than a little nervous and not sure what to expect. She hadn’t planned on coming back to Hallbrook, but then again, divorce hadn’t been part of her plan either.

  The china looked out of place against the chipped and yellowed counter. Still, there was nothing she could do to make the outdated kitchen look any better than it did. The flowerpot next to the stove was already serving double duty of covering a burn spot and adding a tiny bit of cheer to the otherwise dismal room.

  When people returned to their hometown, it was reasonable to want to have something to show for the time away. The tiny cottage she was renting had to be more than a hundred years old, judging by the yellow and cracked kitchen tiles, antiquated appliances, and worn wooden floors in the rest of the house. The rental reflected all she hadn’t accomplished over the years, other than some of her own wildlife photography. They were the only thing that brought life to the walls that were in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint.

  Luckily, Hallbrook and this cottage were only a stopping point on her journey to start over in life. Ashley hadn’t been back here since she left after her mother passed away, the town holding far too many broken-hearted memories. One of the benefits of returning however, was that Trent, her older brother and only other family would finally meet his nephew face to face.

  After that, it was her and Cory against the world. Although, as a four-year-old, he was along for the ride. Unfortunately, until she figured out where she was going to work and live, they’d have to make her limited resources stretch. Child support would only go so far, and her savings account wasn’t exactly a picture of wealth.

  Her ex-husband had seen to that. If only she’d paid more attention, then she might have seen the divorce coming and would have monitored their accounts more carefully.

  Turns out, Joe Stanton was as heartless and selfish as they came. Too bad she hadn’t known that when she married him. Instead, she’d been young and naïve and fallen for his good looks, and the attention he showered on her. Life to him was about being a part of the social crowd who flitted from party to party, making deals and contacts. It was all about appearances and a show of wealth. Ashley may have had the title of wife, but in Joe’s world, the term meant nothing more than arm candy.

  “Cory, honey, are you hungry?” She gazed at her son, loving his curly brown hair and blue eyes. He was the spitting image of her, something she’d discovered when she’d gone through her own baby pictures.

  “Yes, Mommy. Look, I’m almost finished my drawing for your friend.” He held up the picture he’d been working on for the past ten minutes.

  “I didn’t realize you were drawing the picture for Tricia. That’s very sweet of you, honey. And I’m sure Tricia will absolutely love it. What a beautiful horsey,” she said, smiling at her son. She overlooked the oversized belly and stick legs and saw the love he’d put into the drawing.

  “I’ll make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Your favorite. Tricia should be here soon, and while you eat lunch, she and I have will have a chance to chat. Mommy hasn’t seen her in almost ten years. We have a lot to catch up on.” That was an understatement. The two had been close in high school, but after Ashley’s mother died, she’d headed west for California and left the past, and Hallbrook, behind. This wasn’t the first time she found herself starting over.

  “Ten years is a long time. That’s more years than I am, ’cause I’m only four.”

  “You’re right. That’s an excellent point.” Cory was the light of her life and kept her extremely busy. He was also the reason she was determined to move forw
ard after the divorce and find a way to fix the mess she’d made of her life.

  The call from the National Audubon Society had come as a surprise, but even more so once they explained the reported sighting was in the Hallbrook area of the White Mountain National Forest. Her hometown. And precisely the reason the New Hampshire branch of the Audubon Society wanted her to join the Bald Eagle Project. It had given her a sense of renewed hope and faith in the future, that things were looking up. A positive sign to lead her back to the east coast. It had also given her something to focus on other than Joe and his betrayal.

  Cory picked up another crayon, returning his focus to the drawing. Ashley went into the kitchen and made him a sandwich. She poured him a glass of milk, grabbed a napkin, and delivered lunch to her budding artist. She’d been blessed with a sweet child that rarely gave her trouble. Pure of heart, he was a blessing to all who met him.

  There was a knock at the door, and Ashley took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. What did one say to an old friend you’d been close to, but then ditched? When Ashley had called Tricia, her friend’s enthusiasm had prompted the invitation. It would be nice to have someone in town to talk to other than Trent. Especially, since he was currently out of town on a business trip.

  The last thing Ashley wanted was for people in Hallbrook to know the dirty details of her personal life. She’d learned the hard way it was better to keep her distance from people, that way, they couldn’t hurt her. Better just to say she was divorced and act happy about it. People would ask fewer questions, ones she didn’t want to answer.

  Ashley pulled open the door. Tricia hadn’t changed much in ten years, and she would have recognized her anywhere. “I’m so glad you could come over,” she said, stepping forward to give Tricia a warm embrace, hoping to ease through the awkward first few minutes.

  “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss coming to see you. I couldn’t believe my ears when you called and told me you were coming back to Hallbrook. I wish I could’ve met up with you last week when you arrived and given you a proper welcome. But between work, Harry, and the kids, I’ve been swamped. And with his relatives in town for the annual July 4th reunion, my place is a madhouse.” Tricia’s bubbly non-stop response reminded Ashley of the old times. Her friend was still a happy-go-lucky person who embraced life with all its challenges and even managed to smile.

  “Today’s a good day for a visit. I just finished unpacking the last of the boxes. Not that I brought much with me. I’m traveling light, or as light as one can with a young son.” Ashley rolled her eyes, knowing Tricia would understand since she had two kids of her own. “I can’t wait to meet your family.”

  She led Tricia toward the kitchen table. “This is Cory, my son. He’s four, going on ten.”

  “I’ve got one of those.” Tricia grinned. “Hi, Cory. Aren’t you a cutie?” Her friend ruffled Cory’s hair, something most people couldn’t resist because of the curls.

  “Hi, Miss Tricia. I’m making you a picture.” He held up the drawing, and Ashley prayed her friend would understand the importance. Cory was friendly with people, but Ashley was worried about him making new connections since they’d had to leave behind everyone he knew in California.

  “Awww. I love it. What a great horse picture. It’s very kind of you to do this for me. I’ll be sure to hang it on my refrigerator. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Cory’s eyes twinkled with pleasure under the heavy praise.

  “And I love your manners. You need to come and play with my kids and teach them a thing or two.”

  Ashley’s heart swelled with pride. Cory was a great kid, and she wouldn’t let Joe’s rejection influence her son’s approach to life and people. That final day in the courthouse, Ashley had vowed to never trust anyone again and give them the power to hurt her or Cory. And it was a vow she intended to keep.

  “It looks like the horse is eating peanut butter and jelly for lunch, too.” Tricia grinned, but Cory was lost, his face scrunched up in confusion. “You’ve got peanut butter and jelly all over your face. And look, I can see some, right there,” she said by way of explanation and pointed at the horse’s head.

  Cory giggled. “Guess he did.”

  Sometimes, kids were the best ice breaker. Ashley was already feeling more relaxed. “Can I fix you a cup of tea?”

  “That sounds great. I need to unwind and breathe after the circus at my house.” Tricia followed her into the kitchen. Ashley didn’t miss her friend’s quick glance around and was grateful when she didn’t comment. Tomorrow, she’d change out the putrid curtains that looked as old as the cottage.

  Ashley plugged in the electric tea kettle and switched it on high. “What kind would you like? I’ve got chamomile, vanilla chai, and orange cinnamon and, of course, plain black pekoe.” She pointed at the boxes, taking out an orange cinnamon teabag for herself.

  “I’ll have what you’re having. Orange cinnamon sounds delicious.”

  “It’s my favorite. We can wait in the living room for it to heat.” They moved into the other room and sat across from each other. The house came furnished, and Ashley was embarrassed by the threadbare sofa and scratched coffee table. Judging by the gnawed lower sections of all four legs, a dog had turned the table into his own personal dinner once upon a time. Ashley looked forward to when she could afford her own furniture again.

  “So, tell me what’s going on with you? I’m dying to hear what brought you back to Hallbrook after all these years? And where’s that husband of yours? Did he come with you?” Tricia had no problem jumping right in to find out the reason for the sudden return to town.

  Ashley looked out the front window, past the faded-blue drapes. This is the part where the conversation got tough. She took a deep breath, willing herself to be strong. There was no reason for anyone to know the truth. To know that Joe had walked out on her, moving on to be with a younger woman. A childless younger woman, to be exact, as he’d pointed out repeatedly.

  Too late she realized he’d been serious about not wanting children. The one time they discussed it, she’d been sure he was joking. After all, who didn’t want kids? And when Cory came along by accident, Ashley found out how serious Joe had been. To him, children represented the end of his freedom.

  “Joe and I are divorced.” There’s not much to tell, but trust me, it’s a good thing. Cory and I are excited to be back in Hallbrook, even if it’s only temporary. I want to show my son where I grew up.” Direct and to the point but glossing over the ugly details. For years, she prayed Joe would grow to love his son, but it never happened. Instead, he’d spent that time with another woman and had been systematically draining their accounts in preparation of his new life. One that didn’t include her or their son.

  “What brings you back to Hallbrook? What to do you plan to do?” Tricia asked with genuine interest.

  “As a wildlife photographer, I can take my work anywhere. When I got a call from the Audubon Society about a bald eagle being sighted near here, I jumped at the opportunity to investigate. It would be exciting if there is a nest practically in our backyard. If one considers White Mountain National Forest, our backyard.” Ashley chuckled.

  “That would be awesome if you were the one to find it. Local girl comes home and brings fame and fortune to Hallbrook. I can see the headlines now.” Her friend laughed, even though she was taking it a little far. “Beats me running numbers all day trying to balance books for corporate clients. Capital B-O-R-I-N-G.”

  “I do love my job, but then, being outdoors has been my thing.”

  “Will you stay in Hallbrook after you’re done?”

  “Probably not. I’ve applied for a job in Washington D.C. with the National Geographic Society. I’d love to travel all over the world, taking pictures of animals and landscapes, especially if I can work with the National Geographic Kids publication.” It was the job she’d always dreamed of. The time she’d spent in California had taken her away from pursuing it, but now that she was back
on the east coast, Ashley was ready to try again.

  “What about Cory? Won’t that make it difficult to travel?”

  “Cory will be five soon, and I thought I could homeschool him. He’d get the educational experience of a lifetime as he travels the world with me.” Ashley knew it wouldn’t be easy, but if given the opportunity, she’d find a way to make it work. It was that important.

  “Sounds like you have it all planned out. How long will you be in Hallbrook then?” Tricia asked.

  “I’m not sure. I guess long enough to look for the eagle and wait to see what happens with the National Geographic job opportunity. I’ve got feelers out in a few other places with a couple of smaller magazines, and even an inquiry at a gallery in Boston. However, that one would be a long shot. The timing was perfect to come back to the east coast, which will make it easier if I get an offer.” Ashley shrugged, unsure of a lot of things, including her exit strategy. Searching for the bald eagle was a fantastic opportunity to do something meaningful. Something that would bring a much-needed boost of confidence to her life after Joe had managed to rip several layers away.

  “I envy the freedom you have. I mean, I’m sorry about the divorce and all, but you look like you’ve got it together. Not that I regret any of the choices I made, but still, your life sounds far more exciting than mine.”