Free Where the Heart Leads by Jillian Hart

my own place. I’m so excited. I don’t have to take advantage of the McPhee sisters anymore—”
    “You aren’t taking advantage,” Iris interrupted her, because no way did she want Dottie to feel like that.
    “But staying with you and your sisters was only temporary. I’ve rented rooms that are close to the bakery. I can walk over, which is good because I don’t have a horse.”
    “I wasn’t talking about that news.” Maebry waggled her eyebrows. “I meant something much more romantic. I saw you spending some time with Lawrence. You two seemed to be getting along.”
    “Oh, yes! We talked for nearly an hour, and then he had to go and take care of his baby lambs.” Dottie set down the pencil and closed the account book. “But I don’t think it was romantic. I mean, Lawrence was just being nice to me. You’ve probably noticed I’m kind of homely, and it’s not like a handsome man like him would be interested.”
    Iris bit her lip at the word
handsome.
Beauty truly was in the eye of the beholder. “So, you like Lawrence?”
    “Who wouldn’t?” Dottie’s dark eyes lit up. “I mean, he’s so thoughtful and courteous. That’s hard to find in a man these days. And I’ve always liked a man with a handlebar mustache.”
    “We’ve all known Lawrence for quite a while.” Maebry smiled, looking genuinely happy for Dottie. “He’s a good, honest and hardworking man and I think he would treat a lady right.”
    “I do too.” Iris was sure about that. Could there be a happy ending in the future for Dottie too? That was something to hope for. “Lawrence comes in now and then for a loaf of bread. Maybe you’ll get a chance to treat him to a cup of coffee and talk with him for a bit.”
    “Really? I mean, I wouldn’t if it were busy or something.” Dottie brightened, giving her lopsided, adorable smile. “Okay, I’ll do it. I mean, not because he likes me or anything, but maybe we could at least be friends.”
    “Dottie, I think he likes you.” Iris studied the younger woman who was so sweet, she felt like a little sister. Someone you would always want to know. “I don’t want to hear you call yourself homely ever again. Got it? You are adorable, and Lawrence would be lucky to have someone like you.”
    “I know you’re just saying that, but thanks.” Dottie’s lower lip trembled. “Thanks a lot.”
    The bell on the door chimed merrily as Magnolia tromped in. Sunshine spilled in the door with her as she bounded to a stop, slammed the door and unbuttoned her spring coat. “Ooh, I’m so mad. Just spitting, hitting mad.”
    “Not again.” Iris rolled her eyes. “What is it this time? Not more wedding stuff?”
    “No, Travis’s mother has stopped talking to me and says she isn’t coming to the wedding, which is actually a relief. That’s not why I’m, ooh, I’m just furious. Just ready to grab my snake stick and just—oh, I don’t know what I’d do with it, but something! You know the building that’s being renovated just down the block and across the street?”
    “Yes, we’ve all been wondering what business is coming to town.” Iris went straight to the window to take a peek. A wagon was parked out front, if she squinted she could just make out a newly hung sign, but the angle was wrong and she was too far away. “I can’t read it.”
    “Dobson’s Bakery!” Magnolia fisted her hands. “That woman, that Fanny Dobson, is opening up a store right here in town to compete with us. Can you believe it?”
    “Oh, I hate her.” Dottie circled the counter and marched up to the window. “She’s coming after your business. What are we going to do?”
    “I’ll never order a cake from there.” Maebry’s chin went up. “I don’t know this Fanny Dobson, but she doesn’t sound like a very nice businesswoman.”
    “She’s not,” Dottie assured everyone. “I know it for a fact. What do you think, Iris? You’re very quiet.”
    “I’m just shocked.” Iris bit her bottom