The Whisper in Wind, page 1
Copyright © 2021 by Secret Garden Press
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover design: Ana Grigoriu-Voicu with Books-design
Editing: Beth Attwood
Proofing: Krista Dapkey with KD Proofreading
Series Reading Order
The Clause in Christmas
* * *
The Truth in Tiramisu
* * *
The Secret in Sandcastles
* * *
The Meaning in Mistletoe
* * *
The Faith in Flowers
* * *
The Whisper in Wind
* * *
The Hope in Hot Chocolate
Shorty,
* * *
For continually inspiring me and others to make a difference in the world
Letter From the Author
Dear Friends,
This story came at an interesting time in my life. I hit so many roadblocks trying to publish this novel—both professionally and personally—there were times I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish, even though it was dear to my heart. It took prayer, perseverance, and a whole lot of hope. And in hindsight, I realized I was walking a journey similar in spirit to my characters, Vick and Lucy, which was both humbling and encouraging.
Going through trials or hardship isn’t easy, but there’s always hope. I’m reminded of Isaiah 40:31:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
For anyone struggling, know you’re not alone. If you ever need a listening ear, I love hearing from my readers. You can reach me at hello@rachaelbloome.com
Until then,
Happy Reading!
Rachael Bloome
Contents
Series Reading Order
Letter From the Author
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Sadie’s Spiced Apple Cider
Maggie’s Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Book Club Questions
Chapter 1
Lucy Gardener sat in her shimmering gold convertible, gazing at the palatial inn that had occupied her full attention for the last several months.
Sunlight streamed through bronze and amber leaves, warming the ruddy bricks of the Georgian-style exterior and glinting off tall windows flanked by pristine white shutters.
For the first time in her life, Lucy felt a twinge of pride. Decorating the newly renovated inn from top to bottom, being careful to blend modern comfort with the building’s historic heritage, hadn’t been an easy task.
Especially since she had zero formal training.
Her eldest brother, Jack, who owned the Whispering Winds Inn, had plucked her from a job staging homes for their father’s real estate business. She’d always had an eye for design, but never had any particular career aspirations, acquiescing to join the family business at her parents’ urging.
According to her mother, the position was merely temporary, anyway—a stepping stone until she settled down with a good provider. Which couldn’t happen too soon, if Elaine Gardener had her way.
Lucy shuddered at the thought of melding into her mother’s role of consummate hostess and socialite, but she didn’t have a better plan for her life.
Not that it mattered.
She reached inside her Prada bag and pulled out an ivory business card with a simple black font.
Ashton Neurological Clinic.
Her primary care physician had handed it to her earlier that morning with stoic professionalism, explaining why she needed to see the specialist in Los Angeles. It wasn’t until he began listing the possible results of an MRI that his armor cracked, revealing misty eyes and a faint warble in his voice.
In all the years Dr. Dunlap had been the family physician, she’d never once seen the man get emotional.
That’s what scared her the most.
Stuffing the card in the bottom of her purse, she climbed out of the driver’s seat, her heeled boots crunching a pile of dry, crinkly leaves.
A crisp fall breeze rustled through the sycamore trees, lifting her spirits along with the fringed edges of her scarf.
Squaring her shoulders, she tilted her chin toward the cheerful sun brightening the clear blue sky and summoned a smile.
Lucy Gardener didn’t worry about the future; she lived in the present, savoring everything life had to offer—for however long that may be.
She skipped up the wide steps of the inn, making her way toward the kitchen in the back, following the mouthwatering aroma of fresh coffee and buttery pancakes.
Kat Bennet stood at the state-of-the-art stove, attempting to flip a flapjack without a spatula. She gripped the griddle with a white-knuckled grasp and closed her eyes.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Jack teased. “We all remember what happened to the last one.” His gaze fell to the floor, where Fitz, a handsome husky mix, wagged his tail in anticipation of the next failed attempt.
“Hush,” Kat scolded, widening her stance. “Third time’s the charm.”
“You mean sixteenth,” Jack corrected.
Kat eased open her eyelids just long enough to shoot him a playful scowl.
Lucy watched the exchange with amusement. As soon as she’d met the fiery redhead, she knew her brother had found a woman who could handle his special brand of humor—and dish it back in equal measure.
Although they weren’t an obvious couple to the common observer—her brother’s hulking, six-foot-four frame towered over Kat’s petite five-six figure—they were a perfect match. And Lucy had never seen her brother more in love, or happier.
Lucy held her breath as Kat counted to three, flicked her wrists, and flung the flapjack high above her head.
It tumbled gracefully in the air before floating back to the center of the griddle.
Lucy cheered, and Kat’s eyes flew open, sparkling at her success. “I did it!”
“Congratulations,” Jack said sincerely, kissing her cheek. “But the real test is how it tastes.”
“Thank goodness Lucy is here, since you can’t be trusted as an impartial judge.” Kat welcomed her into the conversation with a wide grin, motioning for her to take a seat at the expansive center island.
As Lucy settled on the barstool, Kat poured a cup of coffee and slid it across the marble countertop.
“Your brother is teaching me how to make his famous flapjacks. I plan to serve them to our first guest, who’s arriving in three days. Three days! Can you believe it?” Kat’s excitement spilled out of her like champagne bubbles fizzing over the edge of a glass.
Lucy smiled, finding her enthusiasm undeniably endearing.
Even though they’d decided to limit bookings to half capacity for the first month in order to ease into things, Lucy knew how long Kat had waited for this moment. She’d been dreaming about opening an inn for years, and the renovations had taken longer than expected.
Lucy couldn’t even imagine Kat’s level of emotion, so close to having her dream become a reality. If she were honest with herself, Lucy had never been that passionate about anything. Even her YouTube channel, Life with Lucy, was purely for kicks. It had started as a means to chronicle the renovation process, and over time, she posted anything and everything that struck her fancy.
But it was hardly a passion project. Not like the inn was for Kat, who’d thrown her entire heart and soul into every detail. She even planned to offer the most luxurious suite to a special guest for free, once a month, as her way of giving back. In fact, their first guest would be one such honoree.
That was just one of the many things Lucy admired about the generous, kindhearted woman, whom she hoped would become an official part of the family one day.
As the youngest sibling with five older brothers, Lucy had always wanted a sister. And Jack couldn’t have chosen better. Now, if only he’d get his act together and propose already.
Not that she was one to give advice. In the romance department, she was as hopeless as her brothers. Although she’d been on plenty of dates in her twenty-five years, no one had grabbed her attention… until recently.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t be any less interested.
As if on cue, the kitchen door swung open.
And in walked the one man who barely acknowledged her existence.
Vick Johnson paused in the doorway, sizing up the situation as al
Kat and Jack greeted him with their usual warmth, but Lucy dropped her gaze to her coffee cup, hiding her face behind a sheet of honey-blond hair.
Just as well.
He didn’t need the distraction of her intense blue eyes or her ever-present smile that put him on edge.
Focus on the mission.
“Hey, Jack. Can we talk for a sec?”
“Sure. But first, we need your opinion.” Jack gestured toward the barstool beside Lucy, and Vick stiffened.
His instincts told him to retreat, but he couldn't leave without giving his official resignation.
Which wouldn’t be easy.
He’d tried to quit his job at the diner months ago, but Jack had asked him to stay on until the inn was up and running. Although he was anxious to get on the road again, Vick agreed, knowing Jack had his hands full with the busy diner and handling the renovations of the inn.
Vick perched on the barstool, accidentally catching Lucy’s eye.
She smiled, and nerves rippled through him like the first day of boot camp, an uncomfortable mix of apprehension and excitement.
Yep. He needed to clear out ASAP.
He’d made it a habit to never stay in one place more than a couple of years, but the urgency to move had never been this strong before. Poppy Creek had a way of tearing down the bunker he’d built around himself.
And Lucy…
Well, that was something else entirely.
“Here. Try this and tell me what you think.” Jack slid a plate of flapjacks in front of him.
Aromatic steam curled from the pillowy crust, and Vick’s stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since his protein shake at 0600. And he’d run eight miles since then.
“Are you trying a new recipe?” He’d had Jack’s famous flapjacks before, so he wasn’t sure why his opinion was needed.
“Something like that.” Jack tossed a playful wink in Kat’s direction.
With an internal shrug, Vick dug his fork into the light, airy dough smothered in melted butter and thick maple syrup. He plopped it in his mouth, unnerved as they watched him chew.
The second he swallowed, Jack slapped his bearlike paw on the counter. “So, what’d you think?”
“It tastes as good as always. Or maybe a little better. Fluffier, I think.”
Jack looked aghast as Kat whooped, throwing her fist in the air. Playful banter ensued, much to Vick’s confusion.
Lucy leaned in close and whispered, “Uh-oh. You’re in hot water now.”
Her sultry, expensive-smelling perfume wafted toward him, and he resisted the urge to breathe deeply. “Why? What’d I miss?”
“Kat made the flapjacks,” Lucy explained, biting back a laugh. “And I don’t think Jack will ever forgive you for saying hers are better.”
“Does that mean I’m fired?” Vick asked good-naturedly, though he secretly wondered if that would make things easier.
“Not a chance!” Jack bellowed jovially. “In fact, I have a favor to ask you.”
Vick shifted on the barstool, suddenly on guard. Normally, he’d do just about anything for Jack. The guy was as good as they came, generous and big-hearted to a fault. Which was part of the problem. Over the past year, he’d become more than a boss. He’d become a friend. And Vick didn’t have friends, as a general rule.
Vick braced himself, but Jack turned to Lucy instead. “Kat told me your latest YouTube video has over a million views.”
“Over two million,” Kat corrected. “Your little sister is becoming quite the celebrity.”
Vick noticed a subtle blush creep up Lucy’s neck, which surprised him. He assumed she’d be used to compliments.
“Not really.” Lucy took a sip of coffee, deflecting behind the brim of her mug.
“Kat and I were talking,” Jack continued, slinging his arm around Kat’s shoulders. “And we were wondering if you could create a few videos about Poppy Creek, highlighting some of the fall happenings around here.”
“The idea,” Kat clarified, “is that by filming some of our fun events, people can see what makes Poppy Creek so special, and they’ll want to visit and see what else the town has to offer. Which, of course, means they’ll need a place to stay.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” Lucy’s forehead crinkled, and Vick could see her wheels turning. “I could add a link to the reservation portal beneath each video and give a shout-out at the end.”
“That would be perfect!” Kat beamed.
“What events did you have in mind?” Lucy asked.
“Just the main ones,” Jack told her. “The Apple Jubilee, Yarnfest, Pumpkins & Paws….”
“You could finish the video series with the Library Benefit Banquet,” Kat added, her green eyes brightening.
Vick’s pulse quickened, but he kept his composure, not wanting to give anything away. He intended to leave town that night. The fancy party at the inn would be the ideal opportunity to slip away without anyone noticing.
He wasn’t big on goodbyes.
“Sounds like a plan.” Lucy pulled out her phone and began typing notes to herself. “If my memory serves, there are six main events in the fall. I’ll create a miniseries around them, take a couple of videos, intersperse them with a few still shots and descriptive text….”
Jack cleared his throat. “There’s one other thing.”
Vick’s radar went off, sensing danger ahead.
“Going through your channel, we noticed your best performing videos have you in front of the camera, not behind it.”
“That’s true,” Lucy admitted. “But I shoot those indoors with a tripod. If I’m filming events around town, I won’t be able to be in the videos.”
“Unless someone else records them, right?” A mischievous grin spread across Jack’s rugged features.
“Are you volunteering? Because you can’t even take a simple snapshot without cutting people’s heads off,” Lucy teased.
“Not me.” Jack turned his gaze on Vick, whose flight instinct immediately kicked in.
“Me?” He wasn’t exactly Steven Spielberg, either.
“Your résumé says you spent a year as an assistant to a wedding videographer in some small town in Sonoma County. Wasn’t it your first job after you left the Marines?”
Vick suppressed a grimace. His hireability had hit rock bottom after his medical discharge, and an old buddy from basic training set him up with the gig to help him get back on his feet. He never thought it would lead to trouble.
“You know what?” Lucy blurted, her voice an octave higher than normal. “I could try using a GoPro or even a drone. Or maybe one of those selfie sticks?”
Vick cast her a sideways glance. He knew why he didn’t want to work together, but what was her excuse?
“Vick doesn’t mind,” Jack said casually. “Do you, Vick?”
Vick swallowed, feeling backed into a corner and pinned down on all sides. “What about the diner?”
“I hired a new guy. He starts in a few days.”
Vick’s brain worked overtime to formulate a rebuttal, but how could he say no without revealing his cards? He doubted Jack would appreciate the real reason he didn’t want to spend time with his little sister. And all the excuses he could think of didn’t sound much better than the truth.
He could feel everyone staring at him, and he realized he still hadn’t given Jack an answer.
“Sure. I can help, I guess.”
As Jack raved about how great it would be for business, Vick’s stomach spun like the rotor on the Sikorsky Super Stallion helicopter.
