Chapter 1 - A New Beginning
The road ahead curves sharply, but to the right! That road sign said left! I went left!
I react instinctively, slamming my foot on the brakes. Too hard.
My Jeep jerks violently, and my chest hits the seatbelt with a force that knocks the breath from my lungs. We stop short of a tree. I'm shaking.
At least it's a Jeep. I can still back out of the ditch.
"Do it again, Mom." Jake's quivering voice cuts through my thoughts, light and unconcerned. I know I scared him. He grins at me from the passenger seat, earbuds tucked in, likely listening to some band I've never heard of.
I exhale. At least he seems okay. I need a few heartbeats.
Before I pull out of the ditch, someone in a road crew uniform runs up to me. "Y'all okay, Ma'am? You okay?
"Thanks. That sign."
"Yep. That's why we're here. A bolt rusted through and the sign swung down and around. Made a right turn look left. We're fixin' it already. Sure you're okay? Town's that way.
He points.
"We're fine. We're okay. Just a little shaken up. Thanks."
"Ma'am."
He looks at me a moment and then shouts, "They're okay, Isaac."
As I pull back on the road, my mind races to every good and bad decision I've made. Every choice that led me here, to Willow Creek, to a town so small I could probably name every resident within a month.
There was a court ruling in my favor. There was Jake's quiet nod when the judge asked if he wanted to leave with me. I relive the packing, the gut-wrenching mix of relief and the terror as I drove away from Lyle's world for good, him standing in the driveway of our gorgeous house.
I think, "No looking back, Sarah."
But I'm safe.
The road into town is still gravel, and with a big bump, it becomes concrete pavement now. Still, my hands grip the wheel like it's a lifeline.
Welcome to Willo Creek pop 1,728
The city limits sign is old, paint peeling, letters faded. A 'w' is missing from the sign. Seems to fits the town itself. Quiet. Simple. The kind of place where everyone knows everyone and newcomers get the side eye until they prove themselves.
Before driving into Willow Creek, California, I'd wanted to explore some of the roads around the town. Maybe spot Bigfoot.
***
A funny, drama-fiolled, heartwarming, clean romance novel.
by Princess Rey.
This is a grumpy/sunshine romance that will steal your heart away!
Wnen fleeing her ex, practical Sarah meets stubborn Hank, and sparks fly.
Not always the good kind.
But in the charming town of Willow Creek, California, even the most guarded hearts can learn to love again.
He has offered her a job. She brings him back to life.
A clean romance about finding love when and where you least expect it.
Featuring a big hero with a poet's heart, and a determined woman with her teenage son, tho teach him how to smile again.
Perfect for gans of funny, clean, wholesome romances.