As if her mother could hear her thinking—something Frankie’d been convinced of as a child—her cell rang. She blinked, then remembered that the Hermitage had internet service, and she’d connected her phone.

Yes, it was Mama.

Everyone in the gazebo was watching her. Probably wondering why she didn’t answer it.

With an apologetic smile, she picked up the phone. “Hi, Mama. How’s the company doing?”

As usual, her mother went into how her day had been, what new models had been acquired, the successes she’d had getting her models—especially Birgit and Anja—into choice commercials and events.

The monologue gave Frankie time to limp down to the wooden dock and maybe out of hearing. The Hermitage was awfully quiet.

“Sounds wonderful.” Frankie paused. If she’d been talking to a friend, now was when she’d get questions about how her day had gone. Her month. What Alaska was like.

Frankie frowned, an uncomfortable feeling growing inside her.

No one in her family had ever asked about her trip. Or how she was doing.

In fact, did they…ever?

Her mother’s voice grew louder. “Francesca, did you hear me? I asked what day you’re coming back. When can I expect to see you at your desk?”

That was the only question her mother ever asked on these phone calls. Frankie sighed. “I’m glad to hear everything is going so well.”

“Until it isn’t. We need you back here, Francesca. Birgit has lost two bookings and Anja’s favorite hair stylist said she won’t work with her any longer. I want you back here tomorrow.”

What a great incentive to return. Not. “Actually, I think I might stay in Alaska. I like it here.”

Mama’s gasp was horrified. “You can’t. Absolutely not. Your job is here.”

“I have a job here. One I like better.”

Rather than asking what the job was, her mother gave a flat, “No.” Then a screech came over the phone followed by shouting.

Frankie suppressed a laugh. Mama must still be at work, and from the noise, a model was having a meltdown. The shouting was Jaxson and an outraged female.

Frankie almost laughed. “You better go deal with that.”

The phone went silent.

Frankie considered her cell. Despite the small size, the device felt heavy, weighed down by uncomfortable conversations, expectations. The dark lake water seemed to be issuing an invitation: toss it in and break that connection.

Such an appealing thought, but that connection was to her family.

She looked toward the gazebo and sighed. Did she have the courage to fight her whole family to make a life here?

A life with Bull?

He was watching her, then came down the slope to join her on the dock. Putting her jacket around her shoulders, he settled beside her. As their feet bumped together, dangling over the water, he put an arm around her.