Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel

Melody Carlson

Language: English

Pages: 168

ISBN: 1433679302

Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub


With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pretended to be content in her singlehood, but if she could’ve done it again differently, she would have. And she was afraid you were going to make the same mistakes that she made.” “But she seemed truly happy to me. She was in control of her life. She lived it on her own terms.” “Part of her act, I’m sure. And as she got older . . . and she saw you getting older—not that you’re old.” He smiled. “But Dee worried that she’d set you a bad example. Just last Christmas, she confided to me

know what’s true love and what’s not? And what about being true to myself? I know you care about that too. I hope you won’t regret this game you created. And I hope you won’t be disappointed in me.” She turned from the mirror, went over to the window, and opened it up wide to let some fresh air into the stuffy room. Then she shooed Lucy and Ethel back out and closed the door. She smiled to herself as she fingered the pearls around her neck—somehow she knew that the same aunt who had gotten

this without you,” Daphne said as they took a dinner break. “And I don’t know how I can thank you. I wish you’d let me pay you for your services or something.” Olivia waved her hand. “Forget that nonsense. This is like a girls’ night out for me. Besides, Jeff and his brother are watching the NBA finals tonight.” She feigned a yawn. “You could just shoot me if I had to stay home and endure that.” “Well, I appreciate your help.” “I appreciate you letting me help.” Olivia wiped her

the ever-constant pressure of her aunt’s will. Although Daphne had never considered herself a “material girl,” she was thoroughly enjoying Aunt Dee’s house and car and all that went with it. She did not want to lose it. As shallow as it seemed, she did not want to pass up this opportunity with Ryan if it would secure her future here in Appleton. Besides, she had been head over heels in love with him before. And she had definitely felt some electricity when he’d kissed her this morning.

Daphne turned the platter and continued filling. “What about Jake McPheeters? He seems interested in you.” “Jake is a good friend. But I’m not convinced he and Gwen aren’t getting back together.” Daphne had already confided to Olivia about what she’d heard Jenna saying. However, she had not confided about how disappointed she’d been to hear that. “I’d be surprised if that ever happened, Daphne. Those two seemed mismatched right from the start. Besides that, I heard that Gwen has

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