A Family Affair: The Invitation

Book excerpt: Leah Darlington believes in safe and practical. At forty-one, she doesn’t subscribe to taking risks—in life or in love. She did that once years ago and ended up a single mother. Not happening again, and that’s why she’s decided it’s better to be the friend, sister, daughter, and mother who cheers others on, lends a hand or shoulder, and encourages people to never give up. But the whole risk-avoidance strategy she’s employed for herself changes when a stranger ventures into Magdalena. Mitchell Stafford captivates her with his cultured voice, commonsense logic, and love of nature, cooking, and easy conversation. Leah doesn’t want to believe she’s found a kindred spirit, much less a soulmate in Mitch, but what else could it be? Mitch Stafford is in Magdalena to honor his friend’s dying wish, one that includes Leah Darlington. For a no-nonsense architect more comfortable with designs than emotion, he doesn’t expect the spark of attraction when he meets the beautiful, down-to-earth woman with the engaging smile. But it’s there and the longer he’s around her, the more difficult it is to ignore or deny. So how is he going to honor his best friend’s dying wish without betraying the woman who might just own his heart?