Read Online Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor by Teresa Carpenter - Free Book Online Page B

She found peace in the garden and she loved to see the plants and flowers bloom and grow, knowing she created such beauty. Plus the sun and exercise were good for her and Faith.
    â€œAre we there yet?” a small voice demanded from the backseat.
    â€œYep, but I almost don’t recognize the place.”
    As she pulled in to the parking lot, she saw the commercial lots had nothing on Cole. Complete witha jumping balloon in the shape of a yellow barn, Sullivan’s had been converted into an old-fashioned farm.
    Faith struggled to see out the window. “Wow, Mommy, there’s a jumper. And cows and ponies.” She hopped in her car seat. “Can I go in the jumper? Can I ride a pony?”
    â€œThose aren’t cows, they’re goats.” Dani parked and helped Faith from her seat. “Do you want your stroller?”
    â€œNo, I want to walk. I want to see everything.”
    â€œOkay, let’s go.” Dani took her hand. “It looks like there’s a lot to see. Let’s wander around first, to see what’s here.”
    With Faith skipping at her side, Dani led them inside. It was like walking into a new world. Sawdust and straw littered the walkways. Scarecrows greeted them and pointed the way toward the back of the lot where plants had been replaced by a mini petting zoo and the big yellow bouncing barn. Refreshment booths and autumn and Halloween displays lined the path. Farther along, a hayride took people out to the pumpkin patch.
    Her gaze kept going up and, above the pumpkins, the hill rose another hundred feet to where a large house tucked into the surrounding pines sat at the top. With sprawling decks and a whole wall of windows reflecting the late-morning sun, Dani thought it probably had one of the best views in the whole valley.
    Tugging on her hand, Faith led Dani toward the petting zoo. “Can I pet the goats? Please.”
    â€œOh, really?” Dani hid a grimace. She and goats, not the best of friends and she had the scar to prove it. For Faith, she’d bite the bullet, but maybe the girl could be distracted. “I thought you wanted to ride a pony.”
    â€œI want to do both.”
    Of course she did.
    â€œWell, now, how are two of my favorite ladies?” Cole appeared beside them. He traced a finger down Faith’s cheek. “Don’t you look pretty in pink?”
    â€œCole!” She threw her arms around his knees. “I missed you.”
    With a chiding look at Dani, he bent to pick Faith up and give her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve missed you, too. Are you going to go in and pet the animals? There are bunnies inside.”
    â€œBaby bunnies?” Faith asked in awe.
    He shared a grin with Dani, causing her heart to twist at how wonderful he was with her daughter. His gentleness and patience put Faith at ease. More, he encouraged her to explore her world and expand her mind.
    â€œYep, baby bunnies. Would you like to pet them?”
    â€œYes, please.”
    Her polite response made Dani proud. Her excited giggle made Dani sweat. She rubbed the scar on herleft index finger and eyed the enclosure anxiously. She was going to have to face the goats.
    â€œWhy don’t I take her to see the goats and bunnies while you get us some popcorn and lemonade?” Cole suggested.
    Surprised by the offer, she met his gaze. Understanding blended with an overt awareness and something else she didn’t recognize but warmed her insides. He’d noted her distress and offered an out.
    â€œHi,” he said.
    â€œHi,” she responded softly, feeling the world narrow to just them. Lord help her, she missed him as much as Faith did.
    â€œPurple looks good on you, and I like the skirt.” Holding her gaze, he reached out, fingering a loose strand of hair near her cheek. She felt the pull and wished for his touch. “You make a sexy gypsy.”
    â€œThen I’m right at home.” She made a show of looking