Risk of Falling

Grief doesn’t come with a deadline…

She’s got thirty days to clean up her mother’s neglected home or she’ll lose it. That’s all city code inspector Will Stone has given her. And it’s not nearly long enough for Suzy Bylin to sort through the lifetime of old treasures and broken keepsakes she’s inherited.

Desperate to keep the place, Suzy must steel herself against the feeling that every time she throws something away, she’s getting rid of a memory of her mom. When she can no longer do it on her own, she has nobody to turn to but Will. And if she can help him through his own family crisis, maybe together they can find more than mutual support and friendship….

“So just do it. Post the sign.”

“Suzy, I never meant for this to happen.”

Her dad had never meant to leave her. Mama had never meant to die. To leave her this mess to deal with. She knew all about people letting her down. Why should Will be any different? “I know. Just put the sign up.”

He walked to his car and returned with a bright yellow sign. Used a marker to date it and put her address on it. Then he taped it to the front door.

No entry.

He sighed as he placed the last piece of scotch tape on the corner of the sign and stepped back. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Why do you care?”

He dropped his hands to his sides. “Because you matter. You mean more to me than some job.”

“But the job came first today, didn’t it?” Suzy shook her head. “Just forget it.”

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Lake Mildred! The grandmother that I named this fictional town after recently passed away, but before she did I was able to give her a copy of my first book and share with her how I used names in the family in my story. Her eyes lit up when I mentioned ones that were familiar to her. I’ve continued that tradition with using names of family and friends in this book, but the characters are not like their real counterparts. Well, not all of them anyways….

There are reasons for why we keep people from getting too close to us. It could be the fear of getting hurt, being rejected or left behind—to name a few. Some folks use things or rules to build barriers around themselves. Suzy and Will each grew up with parents who fell into these categories, and now they’re struggling with the reality of trying not to follow in those footsteps. Ultimately, patterns can be broken and love found.

I hope you enjoy our return to Lake Mildred. I’d love to connect with you on Facebook (facebook.com/syndipowellauthor) or Twitter (@syndipowell).

Syndi Powell

Risk of Falling

Syndi Powell

www.millsandboon.co.uk

SYNDI POWELL

started writing stories when she was young, eager to find out what happened after the happily-ever-after in her favorite books, and has made it a lifelong pursuit. She’s been reading Mills & Boon romance novels since she was in her teens and is thrilled to join the Mills & Boon team. She lives near Detroit with her husband, stepson and a cat and dog who believe they run the household. She loves to connect with readers on Twitter, @syndipowell, or on her Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/syndipowellauthor.

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This book is dedicated with much love to my husband, Jim, who encouraged me to send the first book in to Mills & Boon. You’ve believed in me, cleaned house and put up with fast food dinners while I was on deadline, and celebrated every step in this journey. There have been those who have doubted our love story, but the proof is in the partnership we’ve created. Each day we get closer to our dreams.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

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

EPILOGUE

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

SUZY BYLIN PROPPED herself up on one elbow on the couch and registered the sun flooding through the top right corner of the living room window. Had she missed her alarm? She found her cell phone on the floor next to her and checked the time. Not even noon. She peered closer. It wasn’t even in the double digits yet. What had woken her up?

The pounding on the front door continued.

Oh yes, that was it. She groaned as she rose to her feet, grabbed her jacket that she’d thrown over the recliner after work, pulled it on like a robe and stumbled to the front door. “All right, I’m coming.”

With another pull on the jacket, she took a deep breath and peeked through the peephole. Ding dong. Who was the hottie on her front porch? Tall. Dark blond. Definitely handsome. Maybe she was still dreaming? She opened the door an inch or two and stepped into the crack in case he was a hot psycho. Well, a professional psycho if the gray suit and tie were any indication. “Yes?”

“Ms. Bylin?”

Suzy shook her head and felt the curls hit the sides of her face. Great. She must look a fright. She reached up a hand to calm the frenzied chaos atop her head. Maybe she should have brushed her hair before answering the door, especially if she was going to be confronted by such attractive strangers. And yet, there was something familiar about his eyes. “Did you go to Lake Mildred High? Football team, right?”

“Why? Were you a cheerleader?”

She had been, but that was maybe five years after he had graduated. “Are you looking for my mom?”

He frowned and glanced down at his notebook. “No, she’s dead.” He looked up and his cheeks colored. “I mean, I attended her funeral. I saw you there...I mean, you must be her daughter. I’m sorry for your loss.”

With effort, Suzy gave him a smile. She longed to assure him it was okay. But losing her mom wasn’t okay. Never would be. It had been six months, and she still woke up expecting her mom to be there. Still reached for her phone when on break at work to call and check on her. A half year had passed, but the hole in her chest hadn’t healed. “Is there something I can help you with?”

He seemed to take a moment, as if summoning his strength. The steel in his spine straightened him several inches. “I’m sure you’re aware of the problems your mom had with the town.”

Um, no. This was the first she’d heard. But then Mama had liked to keep her secrets even after Suzy had moved in to care for her in the last year. She frowned. “Problems such as...”

“Such as the neighbors’ complaints about all the clutter and trash on her property.” He marked something off on his notebook. “Or the notices from the town that she needed to get the yard cleaned up.” Another check. “And if she couldn’t get it cleaned up, the town would clean it for her at her expense or evict her.”

Suzy paled at each accusation. Okay. So her mom hadn’t been Mrs. Clean. Or Mrs. Organized. But to threaten to take her home? Things couldn’t be that bad.

Could they?

She grimaced and tried to recall his name. Rivers? Meadow? “Listen, Mr.—”

“Stone. Will Stone.”

“Oh, that’s right.” She clutched her hands into fists at her sides. “My mom was sick for the last few years. She couldn’t get out of bed for most of those, much less go outside and clean up her yard. And she never told me about any notices.”

“My file says she received six.”

Six? Crud. What had you been thinking, Mama? She glanced behind her and knew if Mr. Stone could see inside the living room and to the rest of the house, he’d have more of a problem than with the backyard. “Okay. Six notices. Well, I’m in charge now. And it will get taken care of.”

“Miss Bylin, I knew of your mom’s illness, so I didn’t pursue any legal action. But time, just like my patience, has grown thin.” He removed a yellow letter from his pocket. “You have two weeks. Or the town will bring its own crew to clear everything out. And we don’t come cheap.”

She nodded and accepted the letter. Opened it. Read it. Then clutched it in her hand, wrinkling the page. “Understood.” She waited for him to leave, but he continued to stare down at her with those ice blue eyes of his. She glanced at her painted hot pink toenails. “Was there something else?”

“Are those scarecrows on your pants?”

Suzy grinned and pulled on the leg of the cotton scrubs she’d worn to work last night. “Aren’t they a hoot? My seniors love them.”

“I’m sure they do.” He almost smiled, and it gave Suzy a glimpse of how more good looking he could be. The frown quickly returned, shattering her hopes. “I’m going to assess the backyard before I leave.”

“Sure thing. Good night.”

He looked at her as if she’d sprung a second head. “It’s daytime. Are you always this flighty?”

She shut the door behind her and locked the bottom lock. Flighty? Okay, so maybe her life was upside down with working nights, but she was capable. Competent. And more than able to tidy up a backyard.

She yawned as she dropped the letter next to her car keys on the coffee table and returned to the couch to settle under the blankets. She’d deal with the notice later. But first, sleep.

Maybe even a dream about hot strangers showing up on her doorstep.

* * *

WILL FROWNED AT the closed door. Miss Bylin certainly resembled her mother in personality, but not looks. While Mrs. Bylin had been large and imposing, her daughter was tiny. Petite. Reddish blonde curls framing her face. And brown eyes that held laughter.

But he had a feeling that the sprite could sweet-talk him into giving her more time, exactly like her mother had on numerous occasions.

He walked around the house to the backyard and unlatched the wooden gate and went through. Nothing had changed, except he counted more trash bags that hadn’t made it roadside for collection. Instead they leaned against the closest wall of the garage. He couldn’t understand why such a simple thing was so hard to do. It wasn’t difficult to remember trash day if you had a system. A way of remembering. He made a note in his book and moved on.

The abandoned car still took up space toward the back. The tires had long ago gone flat, and Will doubted that the engine would start. Two clothes line poles listed to the side. A rusted swing set missing the swings. A slide that a younger Miss Bylin may have played on, but now laid on its side, abandoned.

Elbow grease and some muscles. That’s what Miss Bylin needed. That and a plan to conquer the yard methodically. Inch by inch. And he could scratch this eyesore off his to-do list.

Finally.

Maybe then he could prove to the town council they needed him. And his job would be off their chopping block.

He made some more notes in his book. Took a few pictures on his cell phone. Until it started ringing.”Will Stone.”

“Will, it’s Toby at the bank.”

Why would his mom’s boss be phoning him? “Is my mom okay?”

“That’s why I’m calling. She passed out and fell. We can’t wake her.” He paused on the other end. “I’ve called an ambulance, and they’re on their way. But you might want to get here too.”

Oh, Ma. What is going on? “I’m on my way.”

Any other business could wait. This was his mom.

* * *

WILL QUICKLY PARKED his pickup truck, turned off the engine and removed his keys. Got out and slammed the door shut.

Winced at the ambulance with its lights flashing, waiting near the entrance.

He ran across the lot to the red brick building and pushed open the front door. Inside the lobby, the branch manager, Toby, waited for him. “She’s back here in the break room.”

Will followed him as the manager ushered him to where he found his mom sitting in a chair and hooked up to an oxygen tank. She looked up at him and removed the mask.

“I’m fine. Tell them.”

He noted her pale appearance. The fine sheen of moisture at her hairline. The pain as well as the panic in her eyes. He knelt down beside her and put his hand on her knee. “What happened?”

His mom shrugged and frowned as the paramedic replaced the mask on her face. Will turned to the paramedic for answers. “Mrs. Stone passed out and was unresponsive when we arrived. Her pulse and breathing are abnormal. She’s been given oxygen and chewable aspirin. We’d like to take her to the hospital for treatment.”

They thought she’d had a heart attack? He tried to remember what the doctor had said at his mom’s last visit, but her heart hadn’t been discussed. They’d discussed her cholesterol and how she could lose a few pounds. But nothing about her heart having problems. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get her checked out. Will nodded. “Good.”

Ma removed her oxygen mask. “Not good. I’m not going.”

“Oh, yes you are.” Will turned to the paramedic. “I’ll follow you guys to the hospital.”

“I told you I’m not going. I got a little dizzy. That’s all.”

Will closed his eyes and looked to the heavens. “Ma.”

“I’m fine, honey.” She tried to stand, but was urged back down by the paramedic. She swatted at her hands. “I’m not an invalid.”

“Not saying you are. But you need to go to the hospital.” Will stood and removed the cell phone from his suit pocket. He needed reinforcements. “I’ll call Tori and ask her to meet us there.”

“Don’t you dare.”

Toby stepped forward and held up his hands in surrender. “I already did, Eva. Called her right after I called Will.”

Thank goodness. Will appreciated the manager’s quick thinking even if his mom groaned and sat back down in the chair as if defeated.

The paramedic put the oxygen mask back over Eva’s mouth and spoke into the walkie talkie attached to her shoulder. “Bring in the gurney, Pete.”

Ma furiously shook her head while Will nodded. “You will get on that gurney if I have to strap you on it myself.”

“And if he doesn’t, I will.” His sister Tori pushed forward and knelt by their mom’s feet. He noticed that she’d lightened her dark blond hair to a platinum blond like his. Uh oh. Not a good sign. He’d deal with that later.

Tori patted their mom’s knee. “We’ll make sure you get the best care.” She looked up at her brother for confirmation. “Right, Will?”

Of course, they would. He nodded. “The very best.”

The snap and squeak of the gurney’s wheels drew their attention towards the door. They stepped out of the break room to let the paramedics do their jobs. Tori reached out her hand, and Will clasped it in his. They’d seen a similar scene with their father when they’d been just teens. They might be older now, but they weren’t ready to lose their mother too. Not yet.

The paramedics wheeled the gurney out of the break room and down the hall through the bank lobby. Co-workers stopped conversations and turned to watch. Many stepped forward to check on Eva. She held up her hands as if parting the Red Sea. “I’m fine. They’re overreacting. I won’t be gone long. You’ll see.”

The paramedics pushed the gurney as if it was a barge carrying a queen in front of her subjects. She waved and offered assurances she was okay.

Will hoped she was right. Because by the looks of things, it didn’t seem that way. One step at a time, he reminded himself. They only needed to find out what they were dealing with first.

Once the ambulance was off to the hospital, Will turned to Tori. “Why don’t we take my truck over? I’ll bring you back later for your car.”

With their mom gone, Tori nodded but released the tears he knew she’d been holding back the entire time, just like their father had taught them. Will put his arm around her and led her to his car. Helped her in. Found the box of tissues in the middle console and offered it to her. He ran around to the other side and started the truck before he’d shut his door and fastened his seat belt.

He turned the radio volume low and reached out to hold Tori’s hand. She wiped her eyes with the tissue in her other hand. “It’s spooky, you know? Just like we lost dad.”

Will kept his eyes on the road, but squeezed her hand. “Mom’s tough.”

“Dad was Marine tough.”

Will winced. “With a bad heart.”

“You think that’s what this is? A heart attack?” Tori sniffled and wiped her eyes. “I didn’t have enough time to ask Toby for details. I was volunteering at the boys’ school when the call came.”

“I don’t know what this is. Honest.” He hoped it was something simple. Maybe she’d forgotten to eat breakfast this morning, and her blood sugar was low. Maybe she had an inner ear infection that had thrown off her balance. Those were scenarios he could handle more than a heart attack. He took the turn off to the highway, accelerated and glanced behind him as he merged into traffic. “But I can guarantee we will get the best care.”

“Did you call Carol or Joan?”

Their sisters. Who they hadn’t heard from since Christmas, nine months ago. Will looked over at Tori. “Not until we have more answers. You know how they are.”

“Think they’ll come up to visit?”

He doubted it. After their dad died almost twenty years before, the family had splintered. His older sisters had gotten married and moved out of Lake Mildred as soon as they could, as if the small northern Michigan town couldn’t keep them prisoner anymore. They had both moved out of state, Carol to Arizona, Joan to Georgia. It had been mom, Tori and him for all those years since. With the occasional phone call and even more rare visit. “I don’t know.”

“Mom’s not going to want to slow down.” She glanced at him. “She’s still working. Still involved in the garden club. The library literacy club. She watches the boys for me after school at least twice a week.” Fresh tears started at the thought. “What if this is my fault?”

“Before we go assigning blame, let’s find out what we’re dealing with. But no.” He squeezed her hand again. “None of this is your fault.”

He slowed down for their exit and breathed a sigh of relief when the hospital came into view. The sooner the doctors could examine his mom, the sooner they could find out what was wrong.

Then fix it.

CHAPTER TWO

SUZY’S ALARM SOUNDED from her cell phone. She sat up. Stretched. Rubbed her eyes. It had taken a while, but she’d finally fallen asleep. Good thing too. She had to work tonight at the nursing home.

She turned off the alarm and stood. Her eyes fell on the yellow notice. Oh, right. She’d forgotten about that. Two weeks to clean up the backyard shouldn’t be hard, right? Just a matter of getting the trash bags to the curb on pick up day. Straighten a few things. No big deal.

After she made her afternoon cup of coffee and added plenty of cream and sugar, she pried open the sliding door that led to the deck. Stood and observed the yard. Tried to see what Mr. Stone had seen.

Yep, those trash bags were waiting by the garage. Had to be at least a dozen of them. But she worked on collection days, and by the time she got home, she wanted to sleep. Not haul trash to the curb. And that’s if they hadn’t already picked up her neighborhood. She could transport them herself to the dump, and probably would have to, but that meant more time taken out of her already busy, upside down schedule. Four twelve hour days left only three to catch up on everything, and that was if she was lucky enough to have those three days off instead of getting called in at the last minute to cover a shift at the nursing home. Not that she minded. It was easier to keep busy. Less time to think. To remember. To grieve.

Then there was the Camaro that had been parked in the backyard since Suzy had been eight or nine. Shortly before her dad had left her mother and her, he’d driven it there to work on the engine. But he never had. And so it sat, almost twenty years later. She wondered if she could even find the keys for it. Maybe in the glass bowl Mama had kept on her dresser.

She took her coffee with her and approached the rusted heap. It had been her dad’s pride and joy once. The classic car he had wanted to restore. But he couldn’t fix it any more than he could deal with the people in his life. Instead, he’d left it behind for them to deal with along with everything else.

She’d asked Mama why he hadn’t stayed, but answers had been rare. He’d never called, never sent a gift for her birthday or Christmas. As if once he’d gone, they no longer existed to him. Part of her wondered how much of his absence was possibly due to her mom keeping him away. Maybe he’d wanted to see her, but Mama wouldn’t let him. Or maybe he just hadn’t cared. Suzy had tried finding him when Mama got sick, but it was as if he’d disappeared completely that spring morning when he’d said he was leaving for work and never came home.

She shielded her eyes and peered into the passenger side window. Noticed evidence that some animal had made it a temporary home. Shredded paper nested about a foot wide. And, if the soft mewls were any indication, the resident had left her babies behind.

Suzy set the coffee mug on the roof of the car and pulled on the handle to open the door. With much effort, it wrenched free. She popped her head in and wrinkled her nose at the stench. She carefully kneeled on the passenger seat and bent forward. Between the driver’s seat and the control pedals, three gray and white kittens huddled together. They couldn’t have been more than a few days, maybe a week, old. Their eyes still closed. So tiny. So helpless.

Suzy glanced around the car for something to use to carry them inside. Nothing. Despite her mom’s lackluster housecleaning skills, the interior of the car was empty. She’d have to go find something. “Okay, guys. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

She unfolded herself from the car, slammed the door shut and grabbed her coffee mug from the car roof. She ran to the house and once inside, placed the mug in the sink before searching through piles of stuff until she found an old wicker Easter basket that still had plastic green grass inside. Figuring that the grass would act as a cushion, she placed a clean tea towel over the grass and sprinted back to the car.

The driver’s side door took less effort to open. Probably because she’d found her mom sitting in the seat more than once over the years. She stooped down and carefully removed each kitten and placed it in the basket. Took her precious cargo into the house. Found a baby bottle in one of the boxes. Washed the bottle since dust coated the surface and then filled it with milk. On the couch she took turns feeding each kitten and stroking its head.

As she did so, she wondered what had happened to their mom. They were orphans, abandoned just like her, and that connection made her heart break for them. “It’s okay. I’ll make sure that someone takes care of you. Promise.”

They looked little more than skeletons covered in fur, and they would need more care than she could give. Propping the bottle on a pillow so that the last kitten could still eat, she dialed her best girlfriend Presley’s number at the animal rescue. “Hey, Pres. I’ve got some little ones for you. Do you have room?”