Kissed By The Country Doc. Melinda Curtis

brother dear?” Sophie slung cartoon-decorated backpacks over each shoulder.

      “That’s my business-sense talking, sister dear.” Shane scowled, an expression that might have been amplified by the sudden gust of biting wind.

      “He’s defending his territory.” Ella wrestled Laurel’s huge, heavy suitcase to the ground, narrowly missing her toes. Laurel had also brought a large garment bag full to the seams. Wow. Did all costume designers pack for every contingency? “People get uncomfortable when there’s uncertainty about their home.”

      It was the wrong thing to say. Shane’s scowl deepened. “Remember you’re a Monroe, Ella.”

      Sure, she thought, for now. But these past few days, she hadn’t been proud of it.