Free Written in the Stars by Luann McLane Page A

her ability to sell that made the product take off. She also knew the value of finding the perfect niche in the marketplace, which more often than not meant finding a demographic that was being ignored or neglected. “Elaborate for me.”
    â€œSales and marketing is my thing, which equated to being really good at persuasive speaking.”
    â€œHey, that’s a talent, in my book.”
    â€œThank you. I like your book.” And his book had a very nice cover.
    Mason chuckled. “Okay.” He looked at the selection of cabin keys again and then turned to her. “Danny has you in cabin twenty-­three up by the lake.”
    The tone of Mason’s voice had her asking, “Is that not good?”
    â€œWell, Mattie and Garret’s cabin is right over there.” He pointed to the left. “And the bistro is up on the hill. Danny has you up in the wooded area overlooking the lake. Pretty setting and conveniently located.”
    â€œWhere’s Sophia’s cabin?”
    â€œSophia is actually staying in the only high-­rise in Cricket Creek. It’s just down the road near the baseball stadium. She wanted to be close to town and shopping. Of course, that’s an option for you too, but I can’t help you with that one.”
    â€œOh, now that I think of it, she mentioned that. What are my other options?”
    â€œI do have something that you will think is either cool or a pain in the butt.”
    The tone of his voice captured her interest. “What?”
    â€œI have a cabin over by the covered slips that’s actually built on a slab out on the water. It used to be the main office until we built this bigger one with the shop. You have to walk on the dock to get to it or use a boat, but you might find it fun to be surrounded by water. There’s a back deck with patio furniture and a grill.”
    â€œI’ll take it.”
    Mason grinned. “I kind of thought you would.” He tossed her the keys and she surprised herself by catching them.
    â€œGood catch.”
    â€œLucky catch.”
    â€œLet’s get you settled in and then locate Sophia,” he said. “If she’s not at the bistro, I’ll take you over to her apartment.”
    â€œThanks. Hopefully she’s charged her phone and I can finally get in touch with her.”
    â€œYour phone should be charged now too. We’ll stop back at the brewery, get your phone, and grab your suitcase. I just need to close things up here,” he said, but then his cell phone rang. “Excuse me.” Fishing it out of his pocket, he said, “Oh, it’s Mom, probably wondering if you’re settled in yet.” Mason answered, “Hi, Mom...whoa, wait a minute, slow down...what? Mattie’s in labor? But isn’t it too soon?” He glanced over at Grace, and her eyes widened. “Yeah...I still have Grace with me. No...no, we’ll be right there.”
    â€œOh my God!” Grace grabbed his extended hand. A moment later they were out the door.

4
    The Road Less Traveled
    B ECCA G ORDON DROVE DOWN THE WINDING ROAD A good ten miles per hour over the legal limit, but she didn’t care one bit that she was speeding. She was on a mission. Getting to Cricket Creek in time for the birth of her first grandchild had her taking the next bend like a NASCAR driver. The rear tires of the rented sedan skidded into the gravel off the side of the road, but she gripped the steering wheel tighter and carried on as if she wasn’t terrified to drive so fast.
    The plane ride from London had seemed to take days to land, with the hardest part not being able to use her cell phone to keep up on the progress of Mattie’s labor. Because she was nearly a month early, they had put her on meds to keep the contractions from progressing. Garret was a complete wreck with worry, and although Becca had said words of encouragement to him, she was worried sick too.
    Becca looked at the