Season of Hope. Virginia Carmichael

wasn’t a nine-to-five job, either.

      But mostly, if she was truly honest, it was the knowledge that in every relationship there would be the moment where she would have to be honest. Honest about her past and the person she had once been. That was enough to give her second thoughts about any man, even one as handsome as Gavin Sawyer.

      * * *

      Gavin moved on autopilot down the hallway, Evie just steps ahead. So, the new member of the finance board runs the local paper. Okay. Nothing he couldn’t work around. He took a calming breath. They were here to help the Mission build a healthy financial cushion, not pry into each other’s ugly secrets.

      Jack had mentioned her and something about The Chronicle, but he hadn’t realized she was the editor. And so beautiful. Her smile was infectious, with a quiet confidence that made him want to follow her anywhere. But with his sister on her way to Denver, that would be a recipe for certain disaster.

      Besides, right now he had a lot more to worry about.

      The old fear gripped him and he felt his heart grow cold. He’d promised to do everything he could to save lives, promised on the memory of his best friend. No child should ever die of a preventable disease. No family should ever have to suffer that kind of anguish. He fought back the remnants of old grief and focused on the moment ahead. Finance meeting, then back to work. Nothing else really mattered.

      Evie stepped back in a hurry as Grant Monohan rushed out of the meeting room, cell phone in hand. The usually unflappable director looked a bit worse for wear.

      “There you two are. Go ahead and get settled. I’m just going to call Calista and check on her.” His voice was warm, if just a little anxious.

      “Is she in labor?” Gavin asked. Grant’s wife was due soon, maybe tomorrow.

      “Three days overdue. She told me if she doesn’t have this baby by Monday, she’s going to stage a sit-in at the hospital until they induce her.” He didn’t crack a smile. Gavin didn’t know Calista very well, but he’d definitely gotten the impression the woman liked her schedule nice and tidy. Babies just didn’t work on schedules.

      “Uh-oh. My cousin went overdue and we all tried to stay out of her way until that baby arrived,” Evie said, her tone light.

      “A few more days and I might wish I had that option.” This time Grant laughed outright, his joy shadowing his words. “But for now a lot of foot rubbing seems to be keeping her happy.” He held the door open and motioned them in.

      The drab conference room was nearly empty. Evie chose a seat next to Jack, who promptly slung an arm over the back of her chair.

      Seconds later, the door opened and another board member walked through. Her curly brown hair was pulled back from her narrow face, high arched brows framing bright eyes. She smiled, reaching out a hand. “You must be Evelyn. I’m Nancy Winkoff. I think we’ve met once before.”

      “I think we sat together at the fund-raising dinner for the Denver Children’s Symphony last year,” Evie agreed.

      Nancy passed out papers. “I’m so glad you’ve joined the five of us. Well, four, now that Tom moved to Los Angeles with his company. And I guess we’re three at the moment, without Grant.” She looked up, meeting Gavin’s eyes. “I didn’t expect to see you. I know you’re fighting a real battle over there at the CDC.”

      Gavin nodded, his face tight. “Pray that we can stem the rate of new cases. I’ve never seen numbers like this before.”

      He could feel Evie’s gaze on him and turned to face her. She looked mystified. Could the editor of the biggest paper in town really not know what was happening in her own city?

      “We will,” Nancy said, her brow creased in worry. “So, welcome to the new member. There’s no mystery why we’re having a hard time filling spots. It’s a thankless job. Nobody enjoys pinching pennies in a place where every program is a good one.” She put a few papers in front of Evie. “Some catch-up homework. We’ve already gone over these, but here are the ideas for next month’s fund-raising, a few grants we apply for every year and a list of new corporate donors who have committed to sponsoring the Mission.”

      “I’ll look them over tonight and make sure I’m up to speed.” Evie was all business and Gavin had to smile at the contrast between Jack and his sister. A more laid-back guy would be hard to find, yet his twin was speed and efficiency.

      After a half hour of acquiring signatures and making sure the papers were in order, Nancy laid her pen on the table. “Looks like this meeting has reached its natural conclusion. Next week, same time, same place. And I’m praying that Grant will be showing us some pictures of that new baby.” She stood up, gathering a thick gray sweater from the back of her chair.

      Gavin hoped he would be there to see the pictures, because the way things were going, the CDC would be running night and day. His stomach clenched at the thought of what might be happening by then. More children in critical care, a city in the midst of an epidemic, the Mission Christmas parties canceled. He gathered up his papers and followed Jack’s conversation with half an ear.

      “Here, you guys, have another cookie.” Lana was pushing the cookie platter along the top of the desk as they emerged. The Mission residents were filing out of the cafeteria at the other end of the lobby, and the smell of something delicious reminded Gavin he hadn’t eaten dinner.

      “Oh, Lana, you’re tempting me.” Evie flashed a brilliant smile and did as she was told.

      “How did the meeting go? I saw Grant go by a few minutes ago.”

      “I think he said he needed to check on Calista, didn’t he, Gavin?” Evie asked.

      He nodded, keeping his gaze on Lana. Thinking back to that moment reminded him of Evie’s near accident in the hallway and how warm she felt to his hands. A friend’s sister was the very worst candidate for romance, even if he had the time, which he didn’t. Throw in her profession and she should come with a warning sign.

      “He’s hovering over the poor woman.” Lana’s lips twitched. “At least Evie’s here to help out. I bet she’s got some great plans.”

      Gavin cleared his throat. “Right. Feel free to bring any ideas to the table. Nancy would be the one to ask about specific projects, but the board is fairly informal.”

      “Well, I figured, since Jack is part of it.” She gave her twin an ultra-innocent look. He responded in true Jack fashion by flicking his pen cap at her.

      “Gavin, what sort of watch is that?” Evie asked.

      He glanced down at his wrist, brows lifting in surprise. “My sister had it made for me.” He moved toward her, extending his arm. “She’s got a great sense of humor. See, every number is replaced by a different microbe. Instead of the number one it has Yersinia pestis or the black plague, two is ebola...” His voice trailed off. Every microbe actually looked like a number, wasn’t labeled, was brightly drawn. “Just geek humor, I guess.”

      Evie stared, transfixed. “Okay, your sister should get an award for that.”

      “She should. For a singer, she sure knows her science. I don’t deserve her at all.”

      Reaching out to touch his wrist, she turned his hand to see the watch better. Her fingers were warm, almost hot to the touch. She leaned closer, dark hair falling forward. She smelled wonderful, like Christmas.

      “Gavin’s out to rid the world of disease. If he had his way, no one would ever get sick.” Jack leaned against the desk, his mouth lifted in a grin.

      She brushed back her dark hair and met Gavin’s gaze with those bright blue eyes. “That’s wonderful. Like a modern-day superhero.”

      He felt a tug in his chest, right under his ribs. He’d always found his drive in the memory of Patrick, his best friend. He worked and studied and fought hardest when he thought of children suffering like Patrick had, of families grieving the loss of a child.