Ryan's Return Read Free Page A

reminded herself that Andrew was a good man. As a single father he knew the challenges she faced in raising a daughter on her own. Plus, Andrew was content to live in a small town, to work on the newspaper with his father. He might not be the most passionate man, but she knew she could count on him.
    "We are more than friends," Kara said slowly. "I didn't tell you about Ryan, because I knew what you would say."
    "If you knew what I'd say, why did you do it?"
    Because her desire to restore Serenity Springs to its former glory had superseded Andrew's feelings. Saving Serenity Springs had become synonymous with saving herself. If she could make the centennial a success, if she could revive the town, then she'd be that much closer to having the home she had always wanted.
    Kara lifted her chin, knowing that even though she disliked confrontation, she could no longer avoid this particular showdown. "I'm president of the chamber of commerce, Andrew. It's my job to create interest in Serenity Springs. Harrison Winslow, the developer I told you about, is interested in building an expensive resort in the north woods. If we can show him a nearby town with the charm of the old country and the sophistication of a big city, he'll be completely won over. Think about what that would mean for all of us -- our town featured in premier travel magazines, touted as a popular destination for world-weary travelers."
    "I'm sure it would mean business for the Gatehouse."
    "That's right, it would. And if I don't get more business, I can't stay here, Andrew. Don't you see what's at stake? It's not just me and my home that's in jeopardy. Your newspaper needs news to stay afloat."
    "What does any of this have to do with Ryan?"
    "Ryan is news, Andrew. Some of the people in town have been threatening to boycott the centennial, afraid that we're trying to turn Serenity Springs into New York City. But I think if Ryan comes to the party, they'll be more interested in seeing him than in causing trouble."
    "They won't have to cause trouble; Ryan will."
    "There's another reason, too." Kara paused, hating to rub Ryan's success in Andrew's face, but she didn't seem to have any other choice. "Ryan is a terrific photographer. His work is seen all over the world. If he takes photos of the centennial and sends them off to a national magazine, everyone will see how special this part of the country is. The bottom line is that this celebration, and hopefully Ryan's attendance, will mean more business for everyone, for Aunt Josephine's antiques shop, for Ike's barbershop, for Loretta's bar."
    "Progress could ruin this town."
    "It could also help it. I don't want our kids to grow up and leave. I want them to grow up here and stay, because there are opportunities."
    "Opportunities to destroy what makes this town special -- its smallness."
    Sometimes Andrew could be so damned stubborn. "I don't think this is about progress; it's about your brother. I know there are bad feelings between you and Ryan, but surely after all this time ..."
    "You don't know anything about me and my brother."
    "Then tell me."
    "No."
    Kara sat back in her seat, taken aback by his blunt answer. "How can you expect me to understand if you won't talk to me?"
    "I guess I can't. It's not just me though. A lot of people in this town don't like Ryan. He was always breaking things, always screwing up, always causing trouble."
    "Maybe Ryan has changed."
    "I doubt it. Who else knew about this?"
    "The centennial committee, Loretta, Aunt Josephine, Hannah Davies, Mayor Hewitt, Will Hodgkins, and myself."
    "Loretta's probably still pining after him. Your aunt Josephine would do anything you say, and Mayor Hewitt's new in town." Andrew shook his head. "Old Hannah loves Ryan's photos, practically has a shrine set up at the library, so she wouldn't say no. But I don't understand why Will didn't put a stop to this. He's my friend."
    "Will only had one vote."
    Silence fell between them. "Ryan won't come," Andrew said