Devlin's Light (52 page)

“Thanks, Zoey, but I think you’ve given away all the merchandise you can afford to for one day.”

“It goes great with that glorious mane of hair, and the purple plays up the green of your eyes.” Zoey hugged her sister in the doorway and straightened the scarf around her neck. “I’ll just take a few minutes to close up here. Then I’ll meet you at the house.”

Zoey watched Georgia dodge the raindrops on the way to her car, then closed the door and locked the deadbolt with the key. On the floor beside the counter she spied the plastic bag that held the brown felt hat that Georgia had left behind. It
had
looked great on her sister, Zoey nodded to herself.

Turning to flick on the switch that would turn off the outside lights on the front of the shop, Zoey paused to peer through the windows at the cars that flew past on their way to the newly reopened shopping center a half-mile down the road, and she sighed. She
grabbed the bag holding her sister’s hat and closed up shop for the night.

Look for
Wonderful You
Wherever Paperback Books Are Sold

Love and thanks to—

Patricia N. Holsten, Esquire, of the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, for cheerfully researching and answering all my questions with her customary thoroughness and good humor.

Dede Frederick, who brought me Swiss chard and monkshood when mine refused to grow, and who understands what
down and dirty
really means.

Helen Egner and Nolia Scott, the real chefs in the family, for graciously contributing their recipes (Darla would be proud of both of you!).

Loretta Barrett, my agent, for taking care of business and for always being there for me.

Kate Collins, my editor, for her hard work and total commitment. Working with you is a complete pleasure—I’m privileged to have you in my corner.

MARIAH STEWART

is the bestselling, award-winning author of
Brown-Eyed Girl, Priceless, Moon Dance, Wonderful You, Devlin’s Light, Carolina Mist, Moments in Time
(winner of the Golden Leaf Award), and
A Different Light
(winner of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence for Best Single Title).