Lianne: A Second Chance Romance, #1

SECOND CHANCES SERIES

This Volume includes

The Prequel

plus

Lianne

by

Mona Ingram

COVER DESIGN:

Elizabeth Mackey Graphic Design

About this series:

The series comprises five complete stories... one for each woman.

Each book describes one woman’s journey as she arrives at this point in her life, and includes the love story that develops as she works to save the town of Chance.

Copyright © 2017 Mona Ingram

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locations is entirely coincidental.

The town of Chance California is completely fictional, and the author has taken liberties in describing Looe, Cornwall.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PREQUEL

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

LIANNE

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

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

THE PREQUEL

Chapter One

HERE. GABBY REACHED for the mirror. Let me show you the back.

Lianne met the hairdresser’s gaze in the mirror and smiled her approval. Looks great, as usual. Thanks, Gabby.

I’m glad you came in. Gabby took her time returning the mirror to the hook. I haven’t seen you since you came back from England. How was the trip?

England. Lianne had been home for slightly over two weeks, but there were times – like late at night when she couldn’t sleep – when she could still smell the fresh, tangy scent of the ocean and feel the warmth of James’ hand as they walked along the beach. And on those long, desperate nights as the moon sent pale streaks of light through her curtains, she wondered if her heart would ever recover from the pain of realizing how foolish she’d been to think that she and James would ever have anything more than a fleeting holiday encounter.

Lianne dragged herself back to the present. She’d been keeping to herself, afraid that her heartbreak might be written across her face for everyone to see. She had known Gabby since attending high school here in Chance, and true to her nickname, Gabrielle was the town gossip. Confide in her in the morning and the whole town would be buzzing by suppertime.

The trip was great. Lianne forced herself to look into the other woman’s eyes. Thanks for asking.

Gabby got the unspoken message: no more questions. Lianne had never known her to take offense, which was why she continued to come back to Gabby’s Clip and Curl. That plus the fact that there was nowhere else within fifty miles.

Gabby rang up the charges and accepted Lianne’s card. Everybody’s talking about that terrible television program. Is it true that Madison is coming home?

Lianne nodded. Yes, she’s arriving sometime tomorrow as far as I know.

Gabby shook her head. I can’t imagine what it was like for her, finding out that her marriage was over on national television. That sort of thing usually happens only in the movies. Like that movie with Sandra Bullock and that sexy singer. What’s his name?

Harry Connick.

Yeah, him. I’d absolutely die if that happened to me.

Me, too. Lianne tucked her credit card into her purse. How did you find out that Madison is coming? I just spoke with her a few hours ago.

Gabby glanced back into the salon as though checking for other customers. Lianne didn’t have the heart to point out that it had been empty when she arrived and that nothing had changed. Why her poor Momma stopped in this morning. I guess Madison told her she was coming, but that she’d be staying with you. Madge was hoping Madison would stay with her.

Lianne was quick to defend her friend. Madison needs the peace and quiet of the ranch. Besides, Madge and Norm just don’t have the space.

Gabby nodded vigorously. I know, but I didn’t want to argue with her. She’s so proud that Maddie made something of herself.

I know, and it’s sweet. Lianne sighed. People are good about not bothering Maddie when she comes home but this time it’s more important than ever. If anyone asks, you might just say that she wants her privacy. She gave Gabby an encouraging smile. I know she’d appreciate your help with that.

I will. I will. She may not be a major movie star, but everyone knows who she is. Gabby walked outside with Lianne and looked up and down the main street. Chance, California could have passed for a Wild West town. Not that long ago, a movie had been shot here, and the production company had transformed the main street with the understanding that they would leave the improvements and false storefronts in place when they left. The result was so authentic that Lianne wouldn’t have been surprised to see Wyatt and Doc push through the swinging doors of the Saloon across the street.

You know, said Gabby. I was one of the locals who believed that the town would come back to life after they finished shooting The Argonauts. Boy, was I wrong. She glanced back into her hair salon. I’m barely making enough to keep this place open, and I’m not the only one struggling.

Lianne nodded. I’ve heard that, and it saddens me. I love this town, and I hate to see people move out. I hear that the old Matheson place out by Dry Gulch finally sold for a fraction of the initial asking price. The family reduced the price several times and even then the lawyer handling the estate said they were lucky to unload it.

Gabby brightened. Maybe they’ll come to town for their haircuts.

I understand it’s just one man. But hey, you do men’s haircuts, don’t you?

Since Harry closed the barbershop and left town. Some of the men don’t want to come in to a hairdressing salon. She made air quotes around salon. But a few of them were willing to give me a chance and they were satisfied, so I’m hopeful that more will come around.

They will. Well, I suppose I should pick up some groceries and get home. See you soon, okay?

’Bye, Lianne. And thanks for the visit.

Lianne climbed into her SUV and headed toward the grocery store on the outskirts of town. Not a single car had come down the main street while she and Gabby were standing there talking, a grim indication of a dying town.

Lianne loaded up on fresh produce as well as some chicken to go along with the seafood Madison was bringing. Lianne admired the way her best friend worked at maintaining a healthy diet; she joined in Madison’s eating regime during her visits and always felt better by the time her friend returned to Los Angeles. Living alone, it was too easy to slide into the habit of having a bowl of soup for supper, or a sandwich. Madison might be a high maintenance friend, but Lianne’s food intake improved radically during her visits.

Lianne headed west toward home. In the distance, dark clouds billowed menacingly over the horizon. She noted them absently, estimating that there’d be rain within 24 hours. As the daughter of a rancher, and now a ranch owner herself, watching the weather was something she did as automatically as breathing. Her foreman Carlos Mendoza would welcome the rain, knowing that the land would soon be covered with the pale green blush of new grass. The cattle would graze contentedly and for several weeks Carlos would whistle to himself as he went about his daily routine.

The Bar T Ranch had been established by Lianne’s grandfather, but it was her father who had expanded it, building the herd to just over a thousand head. Lianne’s mother had died of cancer when she was twelve, but after a short period of mourning, Travis Thomson had swallowed his grief, hired a cook who also doubled as a housekeeper, and continued on as before. It wasn’t until Lianne was much older and had witnessed various emotional upheavals in the homes of some of her friends that she appreciated what her father had done to maintain a stable environment for her. She missed her mother – still did as a matter of fact – but she would always be grateful for her father’s determination to give her a happy childhood.

And then, eight years ago on a soft summer evening Travis Thomson had been saddling his horse when he clutched at his heart and died of a heart attack before he hit the ground. His only heir, Lianne now owned the Bar T and all of the responsibilities that went with it. As she turned from the main road onto the dirt road leading to the ranch house she found herself assessing livestock and checking fences. It was several weeks since she’d taken a ride out this way and she made a mental note to do that once Madison was settled.

Chapter Two

CARLOS MENDOZA LOOKED up as Lianne entered the stables the next morning. Your friend arrives today, no?

She nodded. Yes, but I’m not sure what time. Her horse nickered softly and she turned to acknowledge the greeting. She’d never been quite sure what Carlos thought of Madison and she wasn’t about to try to figure that out now. Her friend was often outspoken, but she invariably greeted Carlos and his wife Ramona like old family friends. In spite of that, the foreman had never seemed comfortable in her presence. Maybe it was the fact that he’d known her for as many years as Lianne, and had watched her morph from the skinny child of the town’s left-over hippie couple to the small but elegant actress she was now.

Will she want to go riding, do you think? Carlos didn’t care for novices riding ‘his’ horses, and Madison had never made an effort to improve her equestrian skills.

I don’t know, Carlos, but probably not. She’s coming here to be quiet, you know? She was fairly sure that Ramona would have told him the latest news.

Carlos nodded. You let me know, okay?

There were times when Lianne wondered who was running this ranch, but the truth was, she couldn’t manage without Carlos. His knowledge of the ranch was more extensive than her own and his loyalty was unquestionable. She watched him retreat for a moment then turned back to lead her horse out to the paddock. We’ll go out for a ride tomorrow, okay? The horse looked at her for a moment with soulful eyes, then flicked his tail and trotted off into the morning sunshine.

Lianne walked slowly back to the ranch house. Yesterday’s promised rain had turned out to be little more than a passing shower, but at least it had damped down the dust for a few hours. She climbed the back steps and decided to indulge herself in one more cup of coffee, opting to sit in her favorite spot on the front porch, overlooking the gently undulating land that was bisected by a year-round stream. Once Madison arrived, she would have little time to herself.

She settled into the chair she’d occupied since she was small. After her father died, she’d tried out his chair, but it didn’t feel right. She’d grown accustomed to the precise view from her own spot. From here she watched the seasons change and from here she had made some of the most important decisions of her life.

Her thoughts drifted back to yesterday, to her visit to town. Gabby wasn’t the only one who’d hoped that the town of Chance would benefit from being showcased in a major Hollywood movie. The movie’s storyline had featured Zach Crawford, currently one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, and he’d been generous in his praise of their town.

Sitting here now, Lianne acknowledged that the town had done nothing to take advantage of its moment in the spotlight. They’d expected the world to come to them, recognizing too late that in this digital age most people possessed the attention span of a gnat, and if you didn’t grab their attention with both hands, they’d move on to the next ‘big’ thing in the time it took to click their mouse.

Not my problem, she said aloud, her tone defiant. And yet she loved Chance and everything it stood for. In today’s confrontational society where people disagreed too readily, Chance was a rare oasis where the residents genuinely liked each other. They helped their neighbors when things got rough and were wise enough not to let politics enter into public discussion. She wondered if Madison knew how badly the local businesses were suffering. Maybe when she’d been here for a couple of days they’d wander into town and Maddie could see for herself.

A plume of dust on the road leading into the ranch caught her eye and she recognized her friend’s car. So much for the benefits of yesterday’s rainfall; Madison would complain about the dust on her forest green Jaguar and Lianne would suggest a car of a different color. It was their standard greeting and the friends wouldn’t have it any other way.

Damn, Girl. When are you going to get that road paved? Madison stepped out of the Jaguar and ran a finger through the fine coating of dust.

About the same time you buy a car in a sensible color. Lianne put down her coffee cup and stepped to the railing of the porch. What’s that you’re wearing?

Madison rolled her eyes. It’s a dress, darling. She shaded her eyes and looked up at her friend. An article of clothing not seen in this town for many years, I’m sure.

Lianne’s mouth twitched. Not so. I saw Miss Elmira in the produce aisle yesterday and she had on a dress. I think it’s the same one she used to wear when she taught us in school.

I remember that dress. Lace on the collar, right?

That’s the one.

Madison tilted her head to one side, a faint smile on her lips. It’s good to know some things never change. Like this town. I made a short detour and drove through. It looks the same as it did on my last visit. I like that.

Okay, thought Lianne. So we’re not going to talk about it... at least for now. She could deal with that. She walked down the steps. Can I give you a hand unloading?

Madison pointed out the cooler. That’s the seafood. You can take that.

Lianne was surprised at the weight. What have you got in here? There’s just the two of us.

Well... Madison got that look on her face that Lianne knew only too well.

What have you done?

Okay. Madison spoke quickly. I invited Emma and Chloe. She busied herself digging out her suitcase, avoiding Lianne’s eyes. Figured we’re all hurting in one way or another; might as well keep each other company.

And when were you going to tell me about this?

Madison straightened. I’m telling you now. They’re our friends, Li. We grew up here together and if we can’t support each other, then what’s the point? The fiery little actress was holding back tears.

Okay. All right. But how about some notice the next time. Lianne lugged the cooler up the steps and opened the screen door. Actually, this might be fun. She held open the screen. And while we’re at it, Jade’s moving in this weekend.

Jade? The makeup girl from the movie, right? I remember you telling me about her. She came back?

Yes. She’s only been here a few days but I think she might stay this time.

Madison tossed her curls. She’s not one of us.

Maybe so, but believe it or not, she’s hurting too.

But she’s younger than us. She probably still sleeps with her blankie.

Lianne headed for the small room off the kitchen that held the stand-up freezer. I hate to remind you my friend, but everyone’s younger than us.

What did you say?

Lianne chuckled. You heard me. And she’s only a few years younger. Besides, I like her. So there.

Well it’s your house...

Yes, it is. Lianne started to unpack the seafood.

As long as she doesn’t go all fangirl on me.

Lianne tried to suppress a smile. I’m sorry to break this to you Mads, but she’s worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Zach Crawford. And she’s a makeup artist, so she’s seen them at their worst. I don’t think she’ll bother you.

Madison frowned, then gently massaged the space between her brows, an unconscious gesture. That’s right. She and Zach were an item there for a while. Their picture was all over the internet, plus it appeared in a couple of the Hollywood rags.

Lianne held up a hand. I hadn’t heard about that, but even if I had, I don’t know the details. And I’m not about to ask. She shot a meaningful glance at her friend. The same as I’d never ask anyone for details about difficult times in their life. She’ll tell me if she wants me to know.

Madison retrieved a package of frozen sole from the cooler before Lianne could put it away. Message received. And thank you for not asking about Gardner. She looked down at the fish as if it held the key to her heartbreak. I’m not ready to talk about it yet. She forced a smile. Do you have any lemon?

Lianne nodded.

Of course you do. She gave her friend a fierce hug. Thanks for putting up with me, Li. I know I can be uptight and self-centered but I’ll rein it in while I’m here, I promise. The moment I turned off the main road and onto your property I could feel myself starting to unwind. There’s something about coming back here... Her words faded out as she went back into the kitchen.

Chapter Three

LIANNE LOOKED UP WHEN Madison sauntered out onto the front porch the next morning.

Sleep well?

Madison smiled. With no makeup and her guard down, she was the friend Lianne remembered. Can’t remember the last time I slept so well. Thanks, Li.

So, what time are Emma and Chloe arriving?

Maddie sat down and cradled her coffee mug between her hands. I asked them to call when they know the time more closely. She was wearing jeans and a checkered shirt. With her petite figure and pale complexion, she looked like she was still in her twenties, although mid-thirties was closer to the truth.

That will work out fine. Jade is giving Gabby a hand today. Apparently there’s a wedding in town and a group of women from the wedding party are getting the works.

Madison blew on her coffee and stared into the distance. The last time I was here I noticed that Gabby’s having a hard time making ends meet. This may sound counter-intuitive, but what if she expanded her services?

Lianne scooted forward in her chair. Like what?

Nothing major, but the equipment for manicures and pedicures isn’t expensive. She held out a hand and inspected her nails. Every time I visit you, I wish I could use the downtime to indulge myself.

Lianne thought for a moment. That takes special training, doesn’t it?

Yes, but remember back when Gabby first set up shop? She was always in the city taking one course or another. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

You’re right. And maybe Jade would partner up with her if there was enough business. Right now I suspect she doesn’t want to take anything away from Gabby.

Madison sipped her coffee, her eyebrows narrowing. There’s something odd going on there, she