Stealing Her Best Friend's Heart Read online

  In the bright light, his eyes were the same deep shade as his shirt...

  Reid looked so good, so solid, so...Reid. Heidi stumbled and the tote slipped down her arm, landing on the floor.

  Reid tilted his head. “Are you okay?”

  “Of course. I’m always good.”

  He sent her a knowing look.

  “I just have a lot on my plate. No big deal.”

  “Maybe you should slow down.”

  So she would have more time to spend with her ridiculous romantic thoughts? No, thank you.

  “I’ll be fine. Thanks for being concerned.”

  “That’s what friends do.”

  Ah, the final nail in the coffin. It was official. Reid did not have romantic feelings for her.

  This is good, she told herself. Now she could move on. Get back on track. Look at Reid as her ol’ buddy, not the hunky contractor who’d been causing her to daydream way too often. “You’re right,” she confirmed. “We are friends.”

  There. She’d made a public declaration...one she wouldn’t take back.

  Dear Reader,

  I couldn’t be more excited about my new series, The Golden Matchmakers Club. There’s nothing more fun—or frustrating, depending on your point of view—than dealing with a group of busybodies who’re sure they have all the answers to solve the love lives of the young people in town. You know laughter and high jinks are about to ensue!

  Another reason I love starting a new series is because we get to meet new characters and, in this case, catch up with couples from previous books. There were so many wonderful secondary characters who needed their own stories told, so I’m thrilled that I get to make their happily-ever-afters come true.

  Golden has been the backdrop for two books and will now star as the focal point of each story. My most favorite place on earth is the North Georgia mountains, the inspiration for the new books. To me, Golden is a very real place. I hope, after reading the books, you feel the same way, too.

  As always, happy reading!

  Tara

  Stealing Her Best Friend’s Heart

  Tara Randel

  Tara Randel is an award-winning USA TODAY bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the west coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. This is her tenth book for Harlequin Heartwarming. Visit Tara at tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.

  Books by Tara Randel

  Harlequin Heartwarming

  Meet Me at the Altar

  Always the One

  Trusting Her Heart

  His Honor, Her Family

  The Lawman’s Secret Vow

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

  To all the wonderful Harlequin Heartwarming readers. Thank you so much for reading our books every month. We couldn’t do this without you!

  Contents

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  EXCERPT FROM A COWBOY’S HOMECOMING BY LEIGH RIKER

  PROLOGUE

  PERCHED IN A high-back armchair located in the formal living room of Masterson House, Gayle Ann Masterson crossed her legs. The comforting scents of lemon furniture polish and peach pie filled the air, along with the creaks and groans that came with the century-old dwelling.

  Gayle Ann loved this house. Loved the stories encompassing the generations of Mastersons who had lived in the large two-story Greek revival-style home. She’d become a wife and mother under this roof, learning about love, sharing happiness and mourning loss. Grew into a strong woman, who knew her mind but never compromised her compassion for others. This was the homestead of her family, even if she had married into the lot. If the walls could talk, she wondered what they’d say. Especially once she finished with the upcoming conversation.

  She smoothed a wrinkle from her pink suit skirt, and said, “Welcome to the first meeting of the Golden Matchmakers Club.”

  The only other person in the room snorted.

  “Really, Alveda. Is that necessary?”

  Alveda Richards sent Gayle Ann a dubious glance. “It’s just the two of us in here.”

  “We have to start somewhere, don’t we? Besides, I’m sure I can get Bunny Wright to join us for the next meeting. She’s running out of patience with her nephews for taking their sweet time to settle down.”

  “Next meeting? Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?”

  “No. And you should be looking for others to recruit if we want to get this club up and running.”

  Alveda crossed thin, aged arms over her chest. “I’m not even sure I’m in.”

  Gayle Ann’s voice softened. “Remember, we’re doing this for Heidi. She’s such a lovely young lady, but she’s so hesitant to get involved with anyone. I hate to see her living life all alone.”

  “So do I.” Alveda pulled a tissue from the pocket of her worn apron and worried it in her fingers. “We’ve had plenty of conversations about this, but she’s as stubborn as they come.”

  “But not opposed?”

  Alveda tilted her head, thinking through her answer before speaking. “No. Deep down, I believe she wants a lasting relationship and a family of her own.”

  “She did have a chaotic childhood. It wasn’t until after you took her in that she finally found a place where she was safe.”

  “She’s got moxie for sure.” Pride shone in Alveda’s eyes. “The way she grew up has a hold on her no matter how much she’s overcome. But she’s an amazing young woman.”

  “And,” Gayle Ann said, unable to contain a grin, “I think she’d make a certain young man a wonderful partner.”

  Alveda rolled her eyes. “Your younger grandson?”

  “Reid should be with someone too, even if he steadfastly insists on remaining single.”

  “I don’t know.” Alveda shook her head, doubt tingeing her words. “You’re asking a lot by meddling in these two young’uns’ lives, no matter how well-meaning.”

  “If we don’t, who will?”

  A pleading expression crossed Alveda’s lined face. “We could always leave their futures to themselves.”

  This time it was Gayle Ann’s turn to snort. “Since they’ve been doing a bang-up job on their own?”

  Alveda chuckled. “There is that.”

  A montage of images of years past formed in Gayle Ann’s mind. “Remember how Heidi tried to run off every gal I flung in Reid’s way during cotillion season until there was no one left but her? They were supposedly in on besting me together, but maybe subconsciously she wanted Reid for herself.”

  “Sounds like a convoluted excuse for interfering.”

  “Who better than the women who love Heidi and Reid to get them together?”

  “Just because you inadvertently helped match Logan with Serena, don’t let it go to your head.”

  Gayle Ann waved off the compliment, because she did consider her...dating assistance...a personal
victory. After all, her older grandson was engaged.

  “It worked,” she boasted as a gentle breeze drifted into the room. The strong scent of hair spray lifted in the current, tickling her nose. She’d been to the salon this morning for her weekly wash and curl, keeping her white hair from getting out of control. Gayle Ann liked everything in its proper place, from her hair to her grandsons.

  She turned serious. “Alveda, consider it. Heidi and Reid are already friends, which is a solid way to start a relationship. Under the right circumstances, if we get them to see the possibilities in each other, they might want to date. And from there...who knows?” She shrugged her shoulders and hoped she at least sounded innocent.

  Alveda scratched her head. Strands of wavy gray hair escaped her bun. “That’s an idea, all right,” came her dry reply.

  Gayle Ann frowned. “Are you always going to throw the brakes on my ideas?”

  “Woman, if it wasn’t for my firm hand, there’s no telling what kind of hot water you’d get yourself into on a daily basis.”

  True.

  Gayle Ann stared Alveda down. “We’ve known each other going on fifty years. I was an unsure newlywed when I hired you as cook at Masterson House. What did I know about hiring staff? But from the moment we met, we became fast friends.”

  Gayle Ann had appreciated Alveda’s tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Alveda was surprised and pleased by Gayle Ann’s loyalty. They’d been through it all together; from watching the Masterson children and grandchildren grow, to sharing the pain of losing their spouses, to navigating the twilight years with dignity, but never without lots of fun.

  “Say I want in,” Alveda said, a cagey sparkle in her eyes. “What’s my position?”

  “Technically, you’re a cofounder.”

  “From one conversation over coffee when we lamented the fact that our loved ones were still single?”

  “That title is as good as it gets.”

  “Fine,” Alveda huffed.

  The two had sat at the round table in the remodeled kitchen at Masterson House, wondering out loud what would become of Golden, Georgia, if more tourists didn’t visit the area and those who’d been born here didn’t stay. For years the Chamber of Commerce had been working to make this pristine location a premier vacation destination. In the past few years, there had been events, parades, new businesses launched and rental properties updated, all with the intent to draw vacationers and their hard-earned dollars to this beautiful part of the northern Georgia mountains.

  As it happened, in one of their daily conversations, Alveda had mentioned a project Heidi was involved in while Gayle Ann had been worrying over Reid walking away from Masterson Enterprises, the family business. He needed someone to share his life with, she’d said. Someone to give him focus. Direction. Teach him that while life may not be fair, love conquered all. Gayle Ann believed Heidi was that person.

  “Look,” Gayle Ann went on. “If we don’t try, this club will never get going. Besides, you were on board when I first came up with the idea.”

  “I was, but knowing Heidi, she won’t be happy if we interfere in her life. You know how closed off she can be. No child should have to grow up how she did.” Alveda paused. “Heidi has loosened up over the years, but if pushed?” She frowned. “It won’t end well.”

  “Reid won’t be happy either, so we have to be stealthy. We have to—” Gayle Ann waved her hand as she searched for the right explanation “—guide them...without them catching on to what we’re doing.”

  Alveda raised an eyebrow. “Reid’s not going to notice?”

  “Of course, he is.”

  Exasperation crossed Alveda’s face. “Then what’s the point?”

  A smile that always meant trouble ahead curved Gayle Ann’s lips upward. “We just have to be sneaky, that’s all.”

  Silence fell over the stately living room as the two sat contemplating the match. A gust of fresh air ruffled the sheer curtains hanging over the open windows. The scent of colorful flowers blooming so brightly this spring wafted into the room.

  Suddenly, Gayle Ann snapped her fingers. “Logan and Serena’s engagement party is coming up. Since Reid is already suspicious about me trying to marry him off, why don’t I suggest he bring a date? Prepare a list of single women? That won’t seem suspicious because he’ll already expect it.” Her mind turned and she smiled at her next thought. “Heidi has her math tutoring group at the community center and Reid is teaching woodworking there. I heard the groups meet on the same night. All we have to do is nudge him in her direction.”

  “I don’t know.” Alveda didn’t look convinced. “They’ve always been friends. Do you think they’ll fall for each other after all this time?”

  Gayle Ann sat up straight, confident in her answer. “With the right motivation, I believe they will.”

  CHAPTER ONE

  HEIDI WELCH NAVIGATED her practical silver sedan along the picturesque winding road on her way to downtown Golden. The tires hissed over asphalt still wet from the early morning rain. Spring wildflowers dotted the secluded roadside, tender leaves popped out on bare tree branches and parks were calling out to hikers and day visitors to stop and enjoy nature. She opened her window to drink in the cool, clean air. Just one of the many perks of living in such a breathtaking mountain location.

  From the first time Heidi had stopped in Golden with her mother, she’d been entranced. When she’d finally declared herself free from her mother and needed a place to live, the fear and nervousness of hitchhiking to Golden had been tempered by the fact that she could imagine herself here permanently. The constant couch-surfing lifestyle mastered by her carefree and job-averse mother had taken its toll.

  Her phone rang. She activated the Bluetooth.

  “This is Heidi.”

  “And this is Alveda. You forgot your sweater.”

  Nothing like getting right to the point.

  “No problem. I can pick it up another time.”

  Alveda’s voice faded in and out as she talked. “You might need it.”

  “It’s a beautiful day, so stop worrying. Besides, I’m almost at work.”

  In ten minutes she’d start her Monday morning by taking her place behind the counter at Blue Ridge Cottage, a stationery store on Main Street and her part-time job. Once that shift was over, she’d return to her apartment to put forth her efforts into her full-time business, her growing accounting firm. Yes, she worked a lot of hours, and yes, she intended on capitalizing on those hours to make her dreams come true. The future looked rosy, as Alveda loved to tell her, even if Heidi wasn’t completely aboard that bandwagon.

  The older woman spoke again but Heidi couldn’t hear her. “Alveda, hold the phone to your mouth and stand still, for Pete’s sake.”

  “Can you hear me now?” she yelled.

  Heidi cringed. “Loud and clear.”

  “Are you almost at work?”

  “Yep. Just a few minutes away.”

  “Hmm.” A pause. “And have you driven down Hanover Lane?”

  “Why would you ask?”

  “From what you’ve told me, it’s your usual route.”

  “Not today.”

  “Are you sure? You still haven’t put a bid on the house.”

  Heidi bit her lip.

  “Never mind,” Alveda said. “Didn’t mean to push.”

  Sure, she didn’t.

  The sun was just rising over the tree line as she zeroed in on Hanover Lane. Unable to resist Alveda’s suggestion, Heidi made a sudden detour. Darn it, the woman was always right.

  “We never finished talking about the party,” Alveda continued as if their conversation about the house never happened.

  “Serena has it under control so there’s nothing to do.”

  Heidi flipped on her blinker and turned right, tires squealing, to cruise by the house of her dream
s. Cottage was probably a more correct term, but after Alveda’s question, she wanted to make sure the for-sale sign was still posted in the front yard as it had been for the month it had been on the market. She’d been weighing her options about buying the house and property since the sign went up, but finally worked up the nerve to call the listing agent only last week. They kept playing phone tag, but Heidi was sure once they spoke, Lisa would be thrilled by Heidi’s sincere interest.

  “I can’t for the life of me understand why Serena didn’t ask me to provide the food for her engagement party,” Alveda groused, just as she had in the Masterson kitchen this morning when Heidi stopped by for breakfast.

  “You’re a guest.”

  “Don’t think I can just show up and do nothing.”

  “Look at it as a learning experience.”

  Alveda huffed in response.

  When the house came into view, she shivered in anticipation. “Me, a homeowner,” she whispered to the empty car, then chuckled. Her mother would be so disappointed.

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing, Alveda.”

  For a year now, she’d daily checked the local real estate listing app, keeping a lookout for the perfect place to call home. Golden had left a mark on her, even at a young age. She’d been fourteen at the time, but some things you knew deep in your soul, no matter the timing. A house would seal the deal.

  “You are driving by that house again, aren’t you?”

  “What, do you have spies following me?”

  “No. I just know what owning that place would mean to you.”

  Of all the people in her life, Alveda understood how important this commitment was to Heidi.

  At first, she’d hesitated about making an offer. Because her mother had branded into her consciousness the mistake of settling down? Probably. But Alveda had encouraged her, giving Heidi the confidence to go for her dream.

  Heidi blurted her misgivings. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

  “I didn’t teach you to be a quitter,” Alveda said, steel in her tone.