Mending Places Read online

  MENDING

  PLACES

  DENISE HUNTER

  HOWARD BOOKS

  A DIVISION OF SIMON & SCHUSTER

  New York London Toronto Sydney

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of five novels and three novellas. A voracious reader, she began writing a Christian romance novel in 1996, and it was published two years later. Her husband, Kevin, claims he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too. She and Kevin live in Indiana with their three sons, where they are very active in a new church.

  You can visit Denise’s Web site at www.denisehunterbooks.com.

  BOOKS BY DENISE HUNTER

  Kansas Brides

  Stranger’s Bride

  Never a Bride

  Bittersweet Bride

  His Brother’s Bride

  NOVELLAS

  Reunions “Truth or Dare”

  Aloha “Game of Love”

  Blind Dates “The Perfect Match”

  Our purpose at Howard Books is to:

  Increase faith in the hearts of growing Christians

  Inspire holiness in the lives of believers

  Instill hope in the hearts of struggling people everywhere

  Because He’s coming again!

  Published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster

  1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

  www.SimonandSchuster.com

  Mending Places © 2004 by Denise Hunter

  www.howardpublishing.com

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

  For information, address Howard Books, 3117 North 7th Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291-2227.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Hunter, Denise, 1968-

  Mending places : a novel / Denise Hunter.

  p. cm.—(The new heights series)

  ISBN 1-58229-358-9

  ISBN 978-1-451-60519-8

  1. Teton Range (Wyo. and Idaho)—Fiction. 2. Mountaineering guides (Persons)—Fiction. 3. Family-owned business enterprises—Fiction. 4. Mountain resorts—Fiction. I. Title.

  PS3608.U5935M46 2004

  813′.6—dc22

  2003067766

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4

  HOWARD is a registered trademark of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  Manufactured in the United States of America

  For information regarding special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-800-456-6798 or [email protected]

  Excerpts from Natalie’s study guide are from A Woman’s Heart, by Beth Moore. Copyright © 1995 Life Way Press. Tenth reprint, January 2000. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

  All Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

  Edited by Ramona Richards

  Interior design by John Mark Luke Designs

  Cover design by David Carlson Design

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  “Write what you know” is usually the first piece of advice new writers receive. It’s a good general rule, but at some point a writer like me finds herself up to her chin in something she knows little about. That’s where research comes in, and usually it involves begging the help of friends, family, and complete strangers.

  I was blessed to have the help of several people during the course of writing this novel, and a hearty thank-you goes out to each of them! Any errors in this work of fiction are completely mine.

  Roxanne and Lorren Henke for taking me through the ins and outs of banking.

  Beth Moore for writing wonderful words in her study guides that draw me closer to God.

  Kim Peterson for sharing her expertise in divorce procedures.

  Donna Prewitt for providing details in the area of social work.

  Tyler Sinclair for explanations on the game of chess.

  Dan Tressler for offering firsthand information on climbing Mount Moran (so I didn’t have to climb it myself!).

  Also, a huge thank-you to my agent, Pamela Hardy; my editors, Philis Boultinghouse and Ramona Richards; and my critique partners, Colleen Coble and Kristin Billerbeck.

  Finally, thanks to my husband, Kevin, who amazes me more each day with his love for Christ and devotion to our family.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Hanna Landin maneuvered her 4x4 through Jackson, Wyoming, sighing when the upcoming light turned red. She hated being late. Not only was it rude but it smacked of irresponsibility, an attribute she did not wish to demonstrate, today of all days. Her stomach twisted in knots. What if Keith said no? She suppressed the thought. Failure was not an option.

  She drummed her bare, blunt-cut nails on the steering wheel, willing the light to change. Suddenly church bells pealed in the distance, invading her vehicle with their liquid notes. She choked down the bile in her throat. Jamming the radio volume up, she drowned out the bitter reminder of her tardiness with gospel music. Still, revulsion burned like acid in her stomach. She mustn’t think about it now. Had to concentrate on her meeting with Keith. A horn blared behind her, and she accelerated through the green light, shoving down the old memory that threatened to surface once again.

  When she finally reached the bank, she spotted her brother-in-law at his desk and hurried on shaky legs across the highly polished floor. “Good morning, Keith. Sorry I’m late.”

  He clasped her extended hand. “That’s okay, Hanna, have a seat.” He gestured to a vinyl chair opposite his cluttered desk. “Natalie said you’re thinking of refinancing the lodge and taking out an equity loan. Is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s right.” She placed her folders on the desk, catching one as it slid off the mound. She wondered if Natalie had told Keith the extent of their financial problems.

  Hanna cleared her throat, hoping to eliminate the quiver in her voice. “I’d like to initiate an advertising campaign and provide additional services for our guests. Business has been down the last few years, especially with all the improvements on the Majestic.”

  Keith reached for a folder. “May I?”

  “Of course.” Noting he’d immediately reached for the profit-and-loss statement, Hanna began her appeal. “Gram and I feel that Higher Grounds isn’t living up to its potential. Other lodges in the area might be more upscale, but we think we can capitalize on Higher Grounds’ rustic appeal.”

  His silence urged her on. “What we’ve lacked in the past is marketing. Grandpop did things the old-fashioned way, relying on word of mouth and fliers for business. But if Higher Grounds is to compete with the Majestic, we need to advertise nationally. Show people another way to vacation in the Tetons.”

  “I’m a little surprised by the loss you’ve shown the last three years. Nat told me things were rough, but I had no idea …”

  Panic swelled in her leaden stomach. “That’s why this campaign is so important. I’ve already listed the lodge in the Christian Bed-and-Breakfast Directory. That alone should draw new customers.”

  She handed him the marketing folder. As he skimmed the pages, she toyed with her grandmas ring, zinging it along the gold chain. She watched the frown lines pucker under his receding hairline and felt another surge of panic. No other bank would loan them the money or even refinance for that matter. Keith was their last chance. She knew it was a lot to ask, even of family. But still, she had to try.

  “Your plans to increase business might work. Then again, they might not.”

  She dropped the ring and opened her mouth to speak. He held her off with a raised hand.


  “When your grandfather built Higher Grounds, it was a risk. But there was no other lodging in the area. Now you’re competing with the Majestic.”

  “They do have more to offer, but you can’t deny our lodge is located on prime property. And with some changes, we can provide activities for our guests too.” She handed him another folder. “I’d like to hire a trekking guide. Tourists from the city want to explore the Tetons, but many are afraid to venture off by themselves. We have a beautiful lake we’re not utilizing, as well. I’d like to purchase some watercraft. Also, a shuttle to and from the airport would be nice.”

  Her breath froze in her lungs while he scrutinized the pages. What would she do if the lodge failed? Her eyes scanned his face, and she thought it seemed thinner, as if he’d lost some weight.

  “Your plans are sound, and you’ve been meticulous with your detail. But you’ve been in the red for three years, Hanna.”

  Stuffing down the anxiety, she rushed on. “If you’ll turn to page 4, you’ll see my projections for increased business, which the advertising is sure to provide. With the income from additional guests, we’ll easily be able to afford the payments.”

  Keith continued reading, flipping through the pages slowly until Hanna thought she’d expire from anticipation. Higher Grounds couldn’t survive another season like the previous three. They’d already made every possible cutback. If she couldn’t find a way to increase profits, the lodge didn’t stand a chance. She resisted the urge to massage her temples.

  Keith cleared his throat and ran a hand through his thinning hair. His expression divulged the dreaded answer. “Given the lack of profit over the last three years, no bank could take this risk. I’m sorry, Hanna, I don’t see how I can do this.” Regret seasoned his words but did little to lessen their impact.

  “Isn’t there something you can do? I know I can increase business if I just had the capital to advertise, but I can’t do that without the loan.”

  “Does your grandmother have anything put away?”

  She’d already jogged down that path. Gram had a pittance for retirement, and the way things were going, she’d need every bit of it. Hanna’s parents were in no shape to contribute either, and neither of her sisters was in a position to help. Paula and her husband, David, were too deeply in debt with that huge house of theirs, and Natalie and Keith had their own bills as well, especially since Natalie had quit work to stay home with their boys. Hanna shook her head, searching his eyes for some sign of concession and not finding it. “Gram’s not doing well.” She winced inwardly. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t resort to this.

  His forehead furrowed again. “Is she sick? Why didn’t you say something, Hanna?”

  Guilt flooded over her. She ducked her head, toying with her leather purse strap. “No. I shouldn’t have said anything. She just hasn’t been herself lately.” A glance at his face revealed skepticism. “Really, it’s nothing to worry about.”

  What would she do now? How could she go home and tell Gram it was over? That Higher Grounds couldn’t pay its bills, that they had no money in reserve, that the business her grandparents had started would go under?

  She couldn’t.

  “We’ve never been late with a payment, Keith; you know we have excellent credit.” She hated to beg, but the thought of facing Gram emboldened her.

  “I know you do, but—” He paused and released a sigh that seemed to come from his toes, then he flipped to another page and studied the numbers.

  Her breathing stopped. Was he reconsidering?

  “Are you sure Gram isn’t willing to sell?” he asked. “The profit would be enough for her to live very comfortably.”

  “No. She wants me to save it. It’s important to her. To me. And she wants the property to be passed on to me and Nat and Paula. As an inheritance.”

  He rubbed his hand over his jaw line. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll give it some thought, talk to my loan committee and see what we can do. But I can’t make any promises, Hanna.”

  Tingles darted through her as oxygen once again pumped through her body in massive doses. She extended her hand across the desk. “Thank you, Keith. I really appreciate this.”

  He stood, returning her handshake. “I should have an answer for you in a few days.”

  “Ill be waiting.”

  Hanna tried to be patient, but the next couple of days were agonizing. She stayed busy, though. The chores around the lodge kept her hopping. She cleared away the layer of dead aspen leaves and raked flotsam from the beach area. She was toting a basket of sheets through the main room when the phone rang. She picked it up at the front desk.

  “Higher Grounds. May I help you?”

  “Yes, this is Meg Dodier from Star One Realty. I was wondering if I might speak with the owner of the lodge, please.”

  “This is Hanna Landin. My grandmother is the owner, but I’m the manager. How can I help you?”

  “Well, I’ve recently acquired a client who’s expressed an interest in your property. I was wondering if you’d ever considered selling.”

  “Well, no, not really.”

  “I see. Well my client is prepared to offer quite a bit for the property, Ms. Landin.” The woman named an amount that pushed Hanna’s eyebrows up a notch. “Would you at least consider the idea?”

  “I don’t think so, but thanks for calling.”

  “I’d appreciate it if you’d run the offer past the owner. She might feel differently.”

  “She doesn’t. I do wish you the best of luck with your client, though.”

  She hung up the phone, but before she could even retrieve the laundry basket, the phone rang again. This time it was her sister.

  “Hey,” Nat said. “Just wanted to let you know I talked to Keith last night about the loan thing.”

  “What’d he say? I’ve been dying over here.”

  “He’s been quiet the last couple of days, and I couldn’t get much out of him. Doesn’t like to talk about work with me anyway, so … anyhow, last night he seemed really pessimistic when I brought up the lodge. Said things didn’t look good as far as profits and all that.”

  Hanna’s mood took a dive. “Oh no. It doesn’t sound like he’s going to do it.”

  “Well, wait a minute. After that, I started talking all about your plan for the lodge, the advertising and trekker and everything. I told him about how good you are at that stuff, about how you were always in charge of planning activities and fund-raisers in high school. Remember that mega-garage sale fund-raiser? Anyway, I told him how successful you were and how you always achieved everything you put your mind to.”

  “What’d he say?”

  “Well, mostly he just kept reading the newspaper, but I think he heard some of it. He seemed more optimistic about it when I turned in for the night.”

  “Oh, I hope so. Hey, would you believe a Realtor just called? Someone is interested in buying this property.”

  “Really? I wonder why someone would want an old lodge that’s in the red. No offense.”

  “Thanks. No, I think they just wanted the property. They’d probably rip the building right down.” She told Nat the offer.

  Nat gasped. “Wow, Hanna, are you sure you don’t want to at least consider that?”

  “I can’t believe you’d even say that.”

  A click sounded on the phone.

  “Oh, I have another call,” Nat said. “You know I didn’t mean anything by that, right?”

  “I know. I’m just stressing.”

  They said good-bye, then Hanna grabbed the laundry basket and started toward the laundry room.

  A glossy brochure on the edge of the dining room table caught her attention. The words Majestic Mountain Retreat stopped her. Hanna dropped the basket and reached for the pamphlet. She flipped through the pages, absently counting them as she went. Color photos and graphics of the Tetons and Jenny Lake arranged in eye-appealing order lay flat on the page, interspersed with recommendations of former guests. It was
wonderful. It was awful.

  “Mrs. Eddlestein?” Hanna called absently into the kitchen, then began reading the introductory paragraph on page 2. Founded in 1982 … privately owned …

  She raised her voice a notch. “Mrs. Eddlestein?” The housekeeper was kneading a lump of dough, a denim apron hugging her Aunt Bee figure.

  “Mrs. Eddlestein!”

  The woman turned with a surprised smile. “No need to shout, dear.”

  Hannas emotions teetered between aggravation and amusement. She bellowed her question. “Where did this brochure come from?”

  The housekeeper swept a knuckle across her cheek, leaving a trail of flour. “The Wilmingtons left it behind.”

  Great, they’ll probably stay there next trip. And why not? The ad was impressive. Four pages, full-color, the works.

  She breathed a prayer that her plan for increasing business this summer would work. “Maybe we should have a new brochure done up.”

  “We have a brochure?”

  Hanna sighed. “The one on green paper.”

  “That’s not a brochure, dear; that’s a flier.”

  She scanned the list of amenities and services on the back cover. Two restaurants and a lounge, an indoor and outdoor pool, laundry facilities, a children’s program, horseback riding, planned activities. No wonder everyone visiting the Tetons stayed there. She wanted to stay there.

  “Any word on the loan, dear?”

  Hanna shook her head. “I’m starting to get worried.”

  The woman shook her head and turned back to her dough.

  “What’s wrong?” Hanna asked.

  Mrs. Eddlestein’s eyes skittered to the Majestic brochure in Hannas hands, then she sighed. “Honey, do you really think it’s worth it? Taking out that big loan? The Majestic is so popular, and I just worry that you and your Gram have taken on too much.”

  “You know how much this lodge means to us. It’s worth everything we’re risking and more.”