A Summer Romance by Tracey Smith Read Free Book Online

been left behind. This was exactly what she
needed and she was once again glad that she came. She began to
consider the idea of staying in Georgia permanently. Maybe she
could get a job at one of the downtown shops, find a small place to
rent. It was a far cry from the life she’d once planned, but the
idea was very inviting.
    After breakfast she decided to walk around
town and explore some of the shops. The weather was still
pleasantly cool, the sky shrouded with a heavy cloud layer. She
walked downtown and meandered through a few antique stores,
mentally shopping for items she might stock a home with if she were
to move to this town permanently.
    She bought a few summer dresses at a cute
little boutique and some aromatherapy bubble bath at another shop.
She also stocked up on several bags of gourmet coffee. She found
herself nodding to passersby who smiled at her as she walked
through the streets.
    At the farmer’s market she selected some
fresh produce and made small talk with some of the townspeople. She
noticed a young blonde woman sitting at a table with a stack of
homemade cookbooks for sale. She crossed to her stand thinking how
proud Andi would be of her for buying a cookbook. As she approached
the table she also noticed three small children behind it. A blonde
little girl was coloring in a coloring book while her dark haired
brother played with his toy cars in the dirt. A toddler was
sleeping peacefully in a stroller beside them. That’s when she
noticed that the young woman seated behind the table was very
pregnant.
    “Oh, you must be Lacey,” Maggie said,
smiling with recognition. Lacey looked a little taken aback that
she’d known her name and Maggie made a mental note to allow people
to introduce themselves first. But Lacey quickly recovered and
smiled.
    “You must know Andi,” she laughed and Maggie
smiled with relief.
    “Yes,” Maggie admitted sheepishly. “I’m
Maggie,” She added quickly.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Maggie.” Lacey
smiled kindly. “Welcome to Sweetwater.”
    “Thank you. It’s a wonderful little town,”
Maggie enthused. The place was really growing on her.
    “How long will you be staying?” Lacey asked
pleasantly.
    “At least for the summer.” Maybe
longer , Maggie added to herself.
    “Then you’ll definitely need to come back
next week for the Fourth of July barbeque. Everyone gets together
in the park, it’s just a big potluck, everybody brings something
and there will be tons of fireworks,” she told her.
    “That sounds wonderful! I wouldn’t miss it.”
Maggie was really beginning to picture herself living in this town
permanently. “Thank you.”
    “Well, we’re happy to have you. It’s nice to
see crazy old Ms. Devereaux bringing some nice people to
town.” Lacey’s tone was kind, but there was an undertone that was
undeniable and Maggie couldn’t help but wonder if she was referring
to Aaron.
    As Maggie left the farmer’s market the
Sheriff approached her.
    “You must be Maggie.” He smiled as he
politely tipped his hat.
    “There really are no secrets in a small
town, are there?” Maggie laughed nervously as she smiled in his
direction but continued walking toward her bicycle.
    “Not in a town where my niece lives,” the
Sheriff joked as he strolled alongside her. “I’m Paul Rutledge,
Andi is my niece,” he explained kindly.
    “It’s nice to meet you,” Maggie replied as
she reached for her bike.
    “Andi tells me you’re staying at the old
Devereaux place.” Sheriff Rutledge seemed to be getting at
something.
    “Yes, Sir,” she confirmed.
    “Well, for the most part this is a very safe
town,” he assured her “But in recent years we’ve had a few more…
transient residents.” He seemed to be choosing his words carefully
“It’s my understanding that you’re not the only guest on the
Devereaux property, and I just want you to know that I’m only a few
minutes away if you need anything.” He handed Maggie a card with
his