Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15) by Rhonda Laurel Page A

host upscale shops, a movie theater, and restaurants. It promised to be a premier shopping experience and was scheduled to open in six months. The building she was interested in would be located on the main strip, so there would be plenty of foot traffic. A chic clothing outlet and a costume jewelry emporium would occupy the spaces on either side.
    She took her time inspecting the commercial space, hoping some inspiration would come to her. The plan was to keep the same charming atmosphere as the bookstore in Philadelphia. By all accounts it would be the perfect location, but she didn’t want to admit to Michelle that her heart wasn’t in it. Starting up a new business would take a lot of time, and the way she’d been feeling lately, she wasn’t up to the challenge right now. But it wasn’t fair that Michelle’s life should be put on hold because of Morgan’s chronic tiredness. She’d pepped up lately so Seth would think she was feeling better, but deep down she was worried. She was in her thirties, hardly an old woman, but some days she felt like one. There were times when she wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep for a couple of days. She didn’t have time for that. The kids were involved in million different activities, and Mackenzie required a watchful eye since she got into everything now that she was walking and bustling around the house with curious eyes and hands.
    Sam and Isabelle’s chatter brought her out of her thoughts.
    “What do you think?” Sam said as she used her phone to take photos. “There are tons of things you can do in this space. But Jared did design this unit with your bookstore in mind.”
    “He did?”
    “He took measurements at Reed Bradley and asked Michelle about any extras you guys would want in a bigger space. Of course there will be a state-of-the-art security system, and Regency’s commercial security will patrol the entire perimeter of the square.”
    Thank goodness for Michelle. She was always on top of things.
    “You could set up the café a little closer to the front door this time.” Isabelle pointed to the space in the corner. “And there’s definitely enough room for a lecture area. This could be your new home away from home.”
    “I think it’s great.” Morgan sighed. “No, it’s perfect.”
    Sam took more pictures. “Good. You and Michelle just have to sign the lease.”
    “Maybe my kid will give me a break on the rent,” she said.
    The ladies had lunch after they finished inspecting the property. Sam and Isabelle were going on about John Jacob’s grand gestures to his grandkids while Morgan tuned in and out, still lost in her own thoughts much of the time.
    When they returned to the ranch, Morgan decided to pay her generous father-in-law a visit. She dropped off Sam and Isabelle and headed to John Jacob and Teri-Lyn’s house. The aroma of fresh lemons hit her as soon as she opened the door, so she followed the pleasing aroma into the kitchen. Teri-Lyn always had a pitcher of fresh squeezed lemonade on hand.
    “How’s the world’s greatest mother-in-law?” Morgan kissed her on the cheek then poured herself a glass. Whether it was iced tea at her grandma’s house or lemonade at Teri-Lyn’s, it reminded her of when people took the time to make something homemade. It just felt like a little more love was in there when someone made it themselves. There was enough to quench the thirst of an army.
    “I’m fine, sugar. Did you like the space?”
    Morgan gave her a knowing look. “I loved the space.”
    “Six months isn’t a whole lot of time. But I’m sure the family can help you pull it together.”
    “Did you know about Mackenzie Square?”
    “I sure did. Isn’t it cute?”
    “Yes, it is.” She rolled her eyes. “Speaking of my new landlady. Is Her Cuteness taking a nap?”
    “She’s having a tea party with her grandpa.” Teri-Lyn handed her a tray of sandwiches. “Can you take these goodies into the playroom for them? I’m going to