EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY (copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel)
Beth pressed her hand against the ache in her chest as she stared at the splinters of boards that had once been her café. Her dream of being an independent businesswoman had been literally blown apart in a madman's moment of revenge.
She fought the temptation to slide back into the mindset of the awkward girl she had been in school. Afraid to reach out and make friends. Yearning to join in, but not sure how.
The café had shown her how to join in, even if it was in the little town of Halo. Where did she go from here?
"I want to rebuild." Mayor Audrey Chambers came to stand beside Beth. "How about you?"
Hope flickered in Beth's heart. Perhaps her dream wasn't dead.
"But better than ever," Audrey continued. "In many ways, building new is easier than remodeling. We won't have to worry about dry rot or leaky pipes or electrical wiring that might catch fire. What do you think?"
Once again Beth's dreams took flight. She had longed for the space to expand her restaurant to include decorating cakes and making other gourmet desserts, and maybe even include a gift shop. Perhaps now was the chance to do that. "I think it's a wonderful idea. Count me in."
With a smile, Audrey said, "And congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Collin O'Shea. So many exciting events in your life."
Audrey was right. Beth had much to anticipate. Getting married had been a dream she wasn't sure would ever come true. Yet she had been swept off her feet by handsome Collin O'Shea. When her logical mind argued her engagement couldn't be real, Collin would call and whisper, "I'll always keep you safe."
Her heart beat faster simply thinking about him.
Now Audrey had offered a way for Beth to realize another someday dream. A new building could offer the space to expand into catering and a gift shop.
With joy singing in her heart and her head brimming with ideas, she drove to her parents' house…
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