Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My Name is Nicole. I was born and raised right here in Peakview in that big white house across the street from the café.

So you’ve always lived here.

No, I left for college in Fort Collins and then moved to San Francisco. The big city was fun and exciting, and I met a guy who I thought was fun and exciting also. Until he wasn’t. When it all fell apart, I came back to the only place I felt safe.

Why had you stayed away so long?

My mom died from cancer. There were so many memories of her here. I hated coming back to a home without her. Oh, I loved my dad, but it just wasn’t the same.

Had this town changed when you came home?

The town itself not much, but the people. Dad was engaged to Vickie (who I’ve learned to love, by the way) And then there was Rick.

Rick?

My wonderful husband, Rick Brady. I’d known him since kindergarten. He was the skinny, nerdy kid we nicknamed., Scarecrow. I never gave him the time of day. But boy did he fill out nicely! And I discovered what a wonderful person he was. He’s a vet, and we live and work on his ranch. Life couldn’t be better.

Anything you’d care to share that we don’t know about you?

I’m an amateur artist. I love to sit outside our home overlooking the Brady Ranch and paint. Stop by sometime and I’ll show you what I’ve done.