City Girl by Lori Wick Page A

without blankets and sheets?” This came from Russell before he realized they’d never been introduced. “I’m Russell, Holly’s husband.”
    â€œI’m Reagan,” that lady told him. “Did you put this little house together?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    Reagan took in the way his head almost touched the ceiling.
    â€œHow did you manage that?”
    â€œIt wasn’t easy,” he replied, smiling in a way that belied the words.
    Reagan and Holly laughed a little just before both of them heard a small voice.
    â€œPapa?”
    It was Elly. Russell opened the door for them, and Reagan smiled as Elly entered with Alisa in her arms and Jonah coming just behind.
    â€œIt looks like the whole family is going to welcome you, Reagan. I hope you don’t mind.”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œThis is Elly, and next to her is Jonah, and the baby is Alisa. Children, this is Miss Sullivan.”
    Holly plucked Alisa from Elly’s arms as the two older children came over to shake Reagan’s hand.
    â€œYou’re the first one to live here,” Jonah informed her. “I wanted to live here, but my room is in the house.”
    â€œWell, you’ll just have to come and visit me. Will you do that?”
    Jonah was only too happy to nod in agreement, and he might have had more to say, but Russell was ready to bring the party to an end.
    â€œAll right, children, let’s give Miss Sullivan a little privacy now. We’ll head back to the house and leave the ladies alone.”
    â€œThank you,” Reagan said when they all turned to tell her goodnight. In just a moment she was alone with Holly.
    â€œReagan, do you have pots or pans or even anything to eat?”
    â€œI don’t, Holly, but I’ll be doing most of my eating at the hotel, so that’s not really much of a concern. I guess it would be nice to have a blanket, but I’ve got plenty of clothes and the stove is going to keep me nice and warm.”
    Holly didn’t comment on that particular remark but did say, “I’ll head back to the house and gather some things for you. We have plenty to spare, so there’s no need for you to be going without.”
    â€œAre you certain, Holly? I mean, you have three children.”
    The other woman was already shaking her head.
    â€œIt’s not a problem.”
    Reagan stood in a mix of emotions when her landlady left, so pleased to have a place to live and a job, but also feeling the effects of a long day. She was tempted to sit down but knew it would be too hard to get back up. It was with relief that she heard Holly returning.
    â€œOkay,” Holly said when she was back inside, a basket overflowing with a pillow, a quilt, one blanket, a set of sheets, and several sizes of towels. “I took you at your word about the food, but you can’t sleep on a bare bed.”
    Reagan smiled at her adamancy.
    â€œOh!” Holly suddenly remembered, her hand going to the pocket of her apron. “Russell sent this out to you.”
    Reagan looked at the money in Holly’s hand but didn’t take it.
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œRuss has lowered the rent, and this is the difference.”
    â€œWhy is he doing that?”
    â€œI told him it was a bit steep for you, and he doesn’t want you to struggle.”
    Reagan didn’t speak, but she was thinking, Could these people be real?
    â€œTake it, Reagan.” Holly pushed the money toward her.
    â€œHe won’t want it back.”
    Reagan took the offered money, not sure what she thought.
    â€œCan I help you with anything, Reagan? We could have this bed done in no time.”
    Reagan looked into her kind face and thought she really had landed on her feet in this town. Almost all the people in Kinkade had been kind, and her landlady was especially so.
    â€œThank you, Holly, but it’s no trouble. You’ve been very kind, and before it’s over