Laura Abbot Read Online Free

retreat. Although Laurel was eager to get on with business, she felt let down when he left. That puzzled her. It had been a very long time since any man had interested her.
    Ushering Laurel into her office, Ellen immediately put her at ease. She listened intently to the plans for The Gift Horse, and when Laurel finished, Ellen propped her elbows on the desk and cupped her chin in her hands. “How much are you prepared to spend?”
    Laurel named a figure, then added, “Of course, anything I do is contingent upon getting a loan. However, I do have a tentative financing commitment for that amount.”
    “Good. I have listings on two or three properties that might work, but there’s one in particular I think—”
    “Could we look at it this morning? I have only one more day of vacation left, and if I find the right one—”
    “You’d be prepared to move that quickly?”
    “Yes.” When she uttered the word, Laurel knew that today she would find the perfect location for her store.
    Rising to her feet, Ellen said, “Come on then. It’s vacant, I have the key, and the owners are eager to sell. To be safe, though, you really should look at the other properties, too.”
    While they quickly toured and dispensed with the first two possible sites, Laurel learned that Ellen was a lifelong resident of Belleporte, that she and Ben had been friends practically forever, and that she was single.
    When they approached the center of town, Ellen slowed the car. There it was. A former summer home, now zoned for commercial development, with English country cottage timber-and-stucco construction, peaked gables, multi-paned windows, a wonderful bay window overlooking a side garden and even a chimney. But it was the red door, just like the one Laurel had envisioned for The Gift Horse, that did it. “Oh, Ellen,” she whispered, “I know I’m supposed to act aloof and businesslike, but—”
    “It’s perfect, isn’t it?”
    “I think so. I can’t wait to see the inside.”
    It was going to happen, Laurel thought, hugging her bag to her wildly beating heart. Her dream was coming true.

CHAPTER TWO
    J UST BEFORE NOON , Ellen finished preparing the sale offer. “You’re sure I’m not rushing you into anything?”
    Laurel picked up the pen and signed with a flourish. “Not at all. I’ve done a great deal of looking, and I know this is it.” Then, setting down the pen, she studied her trembling fingers. “You do think the owners will accept, don’t you?”
    Ellen scanned the paperwork. “I can’t promise, but you’ve come close to their asking price and the property’s been on the market awhile.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’ll call them right away, and if I reach them, we should know something by noon tomorrow.”
    Laurel’s mind teemed with plans for The Gift Horse. She’d sell decorative outdoor accessories in the garden area, kitchenware in the charming dining room, and if she knocked out the wall between—
    “Are you planning to live above the shop?”
    Laurel bolted upright in her chair. “Ellen, you’re a genius. I’d just naturally assumed that would be a storage area, but if I used the basement and detached garage for that purpose, then I—”
    “Yes, you could fix up a charming apartment and save yourself rental expense.”
    Immediately Laurel visualized her own cozy space filled with the oak furniture her father had made, handsewn quilts, the dishes she collected… Then reality intruded. “It sounds wonderful, but I’d have to make arrangements now to have the space renovated while I’m finishing up my current job and preparing for the move.”
    “If the owners go along with your offer, I’ll put you in touch with Arlo Bramwell, our local handyman. Since it’s the off-season, he might welcome a project like this.”
    Laurel grinned. “Ellen, you just may be my new best friend. Thanks for the suggestion.” Then, realizing Ellen needed privacy to contact the owners, Laurel stood. “I appreciate