His Texas Sweetheart

Veterinarian Tripp Willoughby returns to his hometown of Juniper Bluff knowing he has no right to ask for forgiveness. He thought keeping his Crohn’s disease a secret was the right thing to do—but he ended up breaking his college girlfriend’s heart. Now Diana Matthews has a new life running a café and working with animals. Reluctantly, she accepts his help with her pet therapy program. And as the furry animals bring them together, Tripp remembers how things used to be with Diana—and is convinced he must find a way to reveal the truth and win her back.

Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSON writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart® Award. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

Also by Myra Johnson

Rancher for the Holidays

Her Hill Country Cowboy

Hill Country Reunion

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Hill Country Reunion

Myra Johnson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08030-9

HILL COUNTRY REUNION

© 2018 Myra Johnson

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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“If I could undo the past, make up for how I hurt you—”

“Don’t say it, Tripp. We’re not going there tonight. And never again, okay?” It was the only way Diana could bear being this close to him. “That was then, this is now and all that matters is the people we are today.”

In the depths of those intense blue eyes, Diana saw something that rocked her to her core. “If you believe that,” he began hesitantly, “then do you think we could start over?”

Her heart stammered. “Start over?”

With a tender smile, Tripp took her hand. “Please. Give me a chance to get it right this time.”

“You’ve got to know how scary this is for me. My heart won’t survive getting broken again.”

A long, slow sigh escaped Tripp’s lips. “As far as it’s in my power, I promise that won’t happen.”

His choice of words struck a subtle warning note in Diana’s brain, but she was too caught up in the moment to care.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed this visit to Juniper Bluff in the Texas Hill Country as much as I did. Not long after Diana Matthews first appeared as a supporting character in Her Hill Country Cowboy, I knew I needed to write her story. A hardworking small-town business owner, still single after all these years? Must have been some heartbreak in her past. That gave me the idea for a reunion story, and into my plot walked Tripp Willoughby.

After Tripp ended their college romance, Diana spent years struggling with doubts, confusion and resentment. Can you relate to her fears of opening her heart again? Can you identify with Tripp’s fears about the future, his need to spare the woman he loves from the possibly life-altering complications of his health condition?

Fear is a powerful motivator, but often the things we’re most afraid of are only vague uncertainties, events that may never come to pass. If we truly trust God, though, those fears don’t have to rule our lives. Scripture tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18a). So if fear is holding you back from something potentially good in your life, try courageously stepping out in the full assurance of God’s perfect love. Even if things don’t turn out as hoped, it doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. We can’t see the bigger picture, but God can. Just keep trusting and praying for His purposes to unfold in your life.

Thank you for joining me for Tripp and Diana’s story. I love to hear from readers, so please contact me through my website, www.MyraJohnson.com, or write to me c/o Love Inspired Books, Harlequin Enterprises, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279.

With blessings and gratitude,

Myra

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

—2 Corinthians 12:9

Remembering all the special pets whose unconditional love has made a difference in my life, and dedicated to the caring veterinarians who have helped to keep our pets healthy.

With thanks once again to my dear friend and Love Inspired Historical author Janet Dean for her insightful advice during the early planning stages of this story. You never fail to get me thinking in new directions!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

Extract

Chapter One

Saturday mornings at Diana’s Donuts typically brought brisk business, but today had gotten just plain ridiculous. Must be the hint of fall in the late-September air, because Diana Matthews couldn’t brew coffee fast enough, and the steady flow of customers had all but cleaned out the bakery case.

“Here you go, Alan, a half caf and a blueberry muffin. Sorry we ran out of crullers.” With a friendly but frazzled smile, Diana handed Juniper Bluff’s local insurance agent his change, then swiveled toward the kitchen. “Kimberly, how are those scones coming?”

“Five more minutes,” came her assistant’s shout.

A crusty farmer, one of Diana’s regulars, plopped his empty coffee mug on the counter. “Di, honey, how about a refill?”

“How many times do I have to tell you, LeRoy? It’s Diana.” Her smile tightened as she poured. She’d never cared much for the nickname—or being called anybody’s “honey”—at least not since the person who’d once used such endearments had vanished from her life.

“But, Di, your doughnuts are to die for. Get it?” LeRoy laughed at his own play on words.

She widened her grin to disguise an annoyed eye roll.

Her apron pocket vibrated with a call on her cell phone. The display showed her dad’s number. “Ethan,” she called to the freckled teenager who bused tables on Saturdays, “cover the register for me. I need to take this call.”

While Ethan scurried around to help the next customer, Diana slipped into her office. “Hey, Dad, how’s it going with Aunt Jennie?”

“All packed and ready to go. We should get to the care center around noon. Any chance you can meet us there?”

Diana’s heart warmed in anticipation. Mom and Dad had driven over to San Antonio yesterday to move Dad’s aunt into an assisted-living facility on the outskirts of Juniper Bluff. “I’ll try, but we’re crazy-busy today. On top of everything else, Nora, my part-time counter girl, called in sick.”

“Uh-oh. Well, get there when you can. Aunt Jennie’s been asking about you, and you know you’re her favorite great-niece.”

“Yeah, right,” Diana said with a chuckle. “Only because I bribe her with cream-filled chocolate doughnuts.” She peeked through the miniblinds to see how Ethan was faring. “Give Aunt Jennie my love, and tell her I’ll see her real soon.”

Clicking off, she hurried out in time to help Ethan fill an order for four lattes to go, along with the last two apple fritters.

“I’ll take over here,” she said. “Looks like some tables need clearing.” As Ethan grabbed a dish tub and cleaning cloth, Diana gave her attention to the next customer.

“Mornin’, Diana.” Doc Ingram, Juniper Bluff’s longtime veterinarian, slid some bills across the counter. “Need two regular coffees and—” he frowned toward the bakery case “—two of whatever you’ve got left.”

“Sorry, we’ve been swamped today. If you can hang on a sec, Kimberly’s about to bring out some fresh-baked cinnamon-raisin scones.” Diana reached behind her for two ceramic mugs bearing the pink Diana’s Donuts logo. “Who’s the other coffee for?” She looked past the doc for a glimpse of his companion.

A familiar face beneath close-cropped brown hair grinned hesitantly back at her. “Hello, Di.”

Both mugs crashed to the tile floor. Diana gasped and skittered backward as hot coffee splashed her bare ankles between her sneakers and jeans cuffs.

Kimberly had just stepped through from the kitchen with a tray of scones. “Diana, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Teeth clenched, eyes lowered, Diana snatched a wet cloth from the workstation and swiped at her legs. No way could she risk another glance at the man standing next to Doc Ingram. It couldn’t be. It simply could not be Tripp Willoughby.

Kimberly shoved the tray of scones into the display case, then grabbed a broom and dustpan. “You take care of the customers. I’ll get this cleaned up.”

Murmuring her thanks, Diana bent over the sink to rinse out the coffee-stained cloth, using those few moments to compose herself. After drying her hands, she squared her shoulders and turned. With studied slowness, she let her gaze drift upward to the face of the man she’d never expected to see again.

Concern etched the hard planes of Tripp’s features. “Sorry for taking you by surprise like that. Sure you’re okay?”

“Of course. My goodness, Tripp, what’s it been—ten years? Twelve?” As if she didn’t recall the exact day, hour and minute he’d told her it was over between them. Flicking at a wayward strand of hair, trimmed to shoulder length now instead of the waist-long braid she’d worn through college, Diana wondered if she looked as different to him as he did to her.

“Been a while, hasn’t it?” At least he had the decency to show a little remorse. Shame-faced guilt would have suited the occasion even better.

One elbow propped on the napkin dispenser, Doc Ingram arched a gray-flecked brow. “What am I missing here? You two know each other?”

“We, um, met in college.” With a shaky laugh, Diana edged away. “Let me try again with those coffees.”

Kimberly had most of the spill mopped up. Their backs to the customers, she nudged Diana. “Lucy, you got some ’splainin’ to do.”

“Cool it, Kim. Go bake more muffins or something.” After filling two new mugs, Diana carefully set them on the front counter. She smiled stiffly at Tripp. “First coffee and pastry is on the house. Care for one of our fresh-baked scones?”

“Thanks, but I’ll stick with just coffee.” He scanned the menu board behind Diana’s head. “Unless I could have one of those Greek yogurts instead?”

Pursing her lips, she wondered when the guy who used to inhale junk food like it was going out of style decided to eat healthy. “Sure. Plain, berry or lemon?”

“Plain, thanks. Any chance you have soy milk for the coffee?”

“On the condiments bar to your right.” Diana retrieved a yogurt from the cooler, then turned her attention to Doc Ingram. “How about a warm, buttery scone for you, Doc—or have you gone health-nut on me, too?”

A bemused look in his eye, the vet quirked a grin. “I’ll take two, thanks. Need some carbs to tide me over for my farm calls.”

“Great. Y’all find a table and I’ll bring your scones right out.” Diana took Doc Ingram’s payment and handed him a receipt.

When another customer stepped up to the counter, it was all Diana could do to tear her gaze from Tripp’s retreating back. She hurriedly filled a coffee order, then snatched two scones from the display case.

Kimberly had just returned from disposing of the shattered mugs. “You’re looking a little freaked out. Want me to deliver those?”

“No—actually, yes. I think I’m getting a headache.”

“Hope you didn’t catch Nora’s bug.” Kimberly leaned closer and squinted, then wiggled her brows. “Nope, looks more like a bad case of blast-from-the-past blues. I’m warning you, soon as things slow down around here, you are telling me everything you know about our good-looking newcomer.”

While Kimberly took the scones out to Doc Ingram’s table, Diana made sure the other customers had been served. The steady flow seemed to have tapered off, so she took advantage of the lull to clean up the workstation.

And to eavesdrop. Even with all the other conversations droning around her, she had no trouble homing in on Kimberly’s voice as the perky bakery assistant chatted it up with Doc Ingram and Tripp.

“So you’re new in town?” Kimberly was saying. “Didn’t catch your name.”

“Tripp. Tripp Willoughby.” His rich baritone was still as silky-smooth as Diana remembered. “Just moved here a couple days ago.”

Oh, great. He was living in Juniper Bluff now? Stomach flipping, Diana squeezed her eyes shut.

“Tripp’s taking over the small-animal side of my practice,” Doc Ingram explained. “Now I’ll be able to focus entirely on horses and cattle, like I’ve been hoping to do for a while.”

“So it’s Doctor Willoughby—cool!” Kimberly bubbled. “My little dachshund’s about due for her yearly checkup. I’ll be sure to make an appointment.”

Diana scoured the coffee stains around the sink drain and hoped she hadn’t flirted quite so overtly when her former high school classmate Seth Austin would stop in before he and Christina got engaged last year. Now they were happily married and expecting twins.

While Diana remained depressingly single.

Of your own choosing, she reminded herself. She hadn’t exactly been dateless since things ended with Tripp, but no relationship since had made it past the superficial level.

She dared a glance across the shop. Kimberly had moved on from Tripp’s table to pour coffee refills for other customers. Without other distractions, and without being obvious, Diana could observe the man who’d unceremoniously broken her heart the fall of her senior year in college—and just when she’d been so certain they had something special going on.

Apparently, she’d completely misread Tripp’s signals, and everything she’d imagined about sharing a future with him was just that—all in her imagination.

* * *

Was it only Tripp’s imagination, or was Diana staring a hole through the side of his head? He didn’t dare shift his gaze to find out.

He’d sure gotten an eyeful when he’d stepped through the door earlier. Diana Matthews was every bit as beautiful as he remembered. Yep, even without the waist-length dark brown braid he used to love weaving his fingers through. The fresh herbal scent of the shampoo she’d always used still lingered in his memory.

What had he gone and done, accepting Robert Ingram’s offer of a partnership in his veterinary practice—and when Tripp knew Juniper Bluff was Diana’s hometown?

Okay, so he’d wrongly assumed Diana would be married, with 2.5 kids and living somewhere far, far away from here by now. Hadn’t his sister told him only a few months after the breakup that Diana was seeing someone else?

Besides, he couldn’t pass up this opportunity to get out of the big city and leave behind the pressures of a huge practice where he was one of fourteen vets on staff and rarely got to see the same patient twice in a row.

“Coffee okay?” Robert’s question, laced with friendly concern, interrupted Tripp’s thoughts.

“Yeah. Fine.” Not the coffee fanatic he used to be, he stirred in another splash of soy milk and hoped his stomach would settle quickly.

“Had no idea you knew Diana. Small world, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Robert polished off the last two bites of his scones, then drained his coffee mug. “Need anything else before we head back to the clinic?”

“I’m good, thanks.” Pushing back his chair, Tripp avoided so much as a glance in Diana’s direction, scared to death of what he’d see in her eyes. After how he’d left things, she had every right to despise him.

He’d just hoped, after all these years, she might have forgiven and forgotten.

Like he could ever forget her. Or forgive himself.

Outside, he inhaled a bolstering breath of sun-warmed Texas air and followed Robert to the white dually pickup with Ingram Veterinary Hospital and the clinic phone number emblazoned across both sides.

As they neared the clinic on the south edge of town, Robert broke the silence that had settled between them. “Ready to hold down the fort while I head out on some calls?”

“No problem.” Tripp mentally reviewed the small-animal appointments scheduled for the rest of the morning. It should be a slow and easy first day on the job.

Robert pulled in behind the long, gray-brick clinic building and shut off the engine. He angled Tripp a curious grin. “You always this talkative?”

With a self-conscious chuckle, Tripp shook his head. “Guess I’m still recovering from the shock of running into Diana.”

“I’m getting the impression y’all were way more than just college friends.”

“Yeah.” Tripp sighed. “We were.”

“Well, she’s still single, and so are you, right?” Quirking a grin, Robert shoved open his door. “And Diana’s Donuts is the best place in town to get your morning cup of java.”

Tripp sat in the pickup a moment longer while his new partner’s words sank in. Could it be more than mere coincidence that had landed him in Juniper Bluff? Was this God’s way of fixing the worst mistake Tripp had ever made in his crazy, mixed-up life?

Noticing Robert already had the back door to the clinic unlocked, Tripp scrambled from the pickup. Not a good idea to flake out on his first day. While Robert geared up for his farm calls, Tripp grabbed a lab coat on his way to check in with Yolanda, the salt-and-pepper-haired receptionist.

“Good, you’re back.” Yolanda nodded to the waiting area. “Mrs. Cox just got here for her ten a.m. appointment—Schatzi’s annual checkup and shots. Plus, we’ve got two walk-ins. Sue Ellen Jamison’s cat needs to be dewormed, and Carl Vasquez’s German shepherd tangled with a coyote last night.”

Tripp smiled toward the pet owners. “Bring Mr. Vasquez and his dog to exam room one. Apologize to Mrs. Cox for the delay, and tell Ms. Jamison we’ll work her in as soon as we can.”

Two hectic but gratifying hours later, he scanned the empty waiting area. Yes—all caught up, and none too soon. It was lunchtime, and his stomach was growling louder than Sue Ellen Jamison’s angry cat.

“I heard that,” Yolanda said with a snicker. She made a notation in a patient file, then tucked it into a slot on the shelf behind her. “By the way, Sue Ellen said to tell you nobody’s ever gotten Cleopatra to take her medicine as easily as you did.”

Tripp rubbed the teeth marks on his left thumb. “Then I’d hate to see the last vet who tried.”

“That would be Doc Ingram, and he has the scars to prove it.” Yolanda shut down the computer, scooped up her shoulder bag and started turning off lights. “Truth is, I think Cleopatra had a whole lot to do with convincing the doc it was time to bring a small-animal vet on board.”

“Well, there was no mention of a psychopathic Siamese in the paperwork I signed.” Chuckling, Tripp followed the receptionist out the rear door. They said their goodbyes, and Tripp climbed into his SUV. Time to grab a sandwich and some groceries and head home.

With only a couple of days between his last day at his former practice and coming to Juniper Bluff, Tripp hadn’t had much time to settle in. Robert Ingram had made arrangements for Tripp to stay at a place outside of town called Serenity Hills Guest Ranch. One of their staff cabins was currently vacant, and for a bachelor like Tripp, the single bedroom, small living area and kitchenette would serve him just fine until either the owners kicked him out or he found a place closer to the clinic.

As he waited for his to-go order at the supermarket deli, another advantage of living so far out of town occurred to him: a much smaller likelihood of accidentally running into Diana. Despite what Robert had hinted about the possibility of their getting back together, Tripp figured he’d long ago blown his chances.

Anyway, hadn’t he pretty much convinced himself marriage and family weren’t for him? Something much more ominous than hunger pangs could be blamed for the rumblings in his abdomen. Sure, the Crohn’s might be well controlled most of the time, but flare-ups were inevitable. And how, in good conscience, could Tripp ever risk passing on this possibly genetic and sometimes excruciatingly painful disease to any children in his future?

* * *

Business at the doughnut shop generally slowed as lunchtime approached, which meant Diana could turn things over to Kimberly and get away for a while. Still shaken by the unexpected encounter with Tripp, she needed a break before her runaway emotions got the best of her—and before her nosy assistant had a chance to pepper her with more questions.

Figuring her parents would be too busy helping Aunt Jennie move in to think about lunch, she filled a small white bag with her great-aunt’s favorite doughnuts, then texted her mom with an offer to run by the supermarket deli and pick up sandwiches.

At the supermarket, a line of customers waited at the deli counter, so she picked up a sandwich menu and joined the queue.

While she studied the menu, someone paused beside her. “I hear the ham-and-Swiss is really good.”

The page nearly fell from her hand. “Tripp.”

“Yep, it’s still me.” His lopsided grin made her stomach dip. He held up a bulging deli bag. “Guess great minds think alike.”

Or not. Diana forced a smile. “Just moved in and you’re already discovering all the popular eateries in Juniper Bluff. When you’re ready to try Mexican, I recommend Casa Luis.”

An odd look crossed Tripp’s face. “Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Oh, I forgot. You’re on some kind of health kick these days.”

“You could say so.” Tripp glanced away. “Well, don’t let me keep you. Have a good afternoon, Diana.”

“Yeah, you, too.” The line moved, and Diana took a giant step forward. She was so ready to end this conversation.

“Diana?”

She winced, then turned and met Tripp’s steady gaze. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to say how good it is to see you again. Your own business and everything—that’s...really great. I’m happy for you.”

At the pensive look in his eyes, the corner of her heart that had been frozen all these years melted a tiny bit. “Thanks. I’m glad to know you’re doing well, too. I hope you’ll be very happy in Juniper Bluff.”

“I think I will be. The slower pace is already a welcome change.”

“Funny,” Diana mused with a twist to her lips, “I didn’t think anything could lure you from your big-city lifestyle.”

Tripp shrugged. “Maybe that was true...once.”

“Well, I guess a lot can change in twelve years.”

“Yeah, a lot can change.” The words came out on a sigh. After a moment’s pause, he offered a parting smile and strode away.

Lost in trying to figure out what this new Tripp Willoughby was all about, Diana jumped when the deli clerk called her name. “Oh, hi, Stan. Yes, I’d like two Reubens, an egg salad on whole wheat and a ham-and-Swiss on rye, light on the mustard.”

She added a gallon of fresh-brewed iced tea to her order, then selected a large bag of chips. Fifteen minutes later, she was on her way to the assisted-living center.

By the time she arrived, she’d regained a semblance of composure. At the reception desk she asked for directions to Aunt Jennie’s quarters, then followed the signs to apartment 18C. The door stood open, and her great-aunt beamed from the opposite end of a small dinette.

Aunt Jennie stretched out her arms. “Come around here and give me a big ol’ hug!”

Diana dropped the deli and doughnut bags onto the table, then scooped the petite ninety-two-year-old into a gentle but enthusiastic embrace. “I’m so glad you’re finally here!”

Aunt Jennie patted Diana’s cheek as she knelt on the carpet beside her chair. In a conspiratorial whisper, she asked, “Did you remember my favorite doughnuts?”

“Right here.” Diana slid the smallest bag closer. Rising, she swept her gaze around the room. “Oh, good, you brought some of your own things to make it feel more like home.”

“Yes, but it was very sad leaving my comfy little house and garden.” The elderly woman’s lips turned down with remorse. “Even harder to give up my sweet little Ginger-dog.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry.” Diana had known Aunt Jennie wouldn’t be allowed to bring her lovable corgi to the new apartment. Aunt Jennie’s next-door neighbor Mrs. Doudtman had taken Ginger, saying she’d be a great playmate for her two shelties.

“She’ll adjust, honey, just like I will.” Aunt Jennie patted Diana’s arm.

Her great-aunt might be putting up a brave front, but the wistful look in her eyes every time she mentioned Ginger’s name brought a lump to Diana’s throat. She’d have offered to keep Ginger herself, but she already shared her two-bedroom cottage with three cats, a lop-eared rabbit and a parakeet. Besides, her tiny backyard wasn’t fenced, so a dog was out of the question. Ginger was too prissy to last long as a farm dog, which meant Diana’s parents weren’t able to take her, either.

But Diana did have an idea she hoped to implement soon. She’d begun investigating programs where volunteers brought pets to visit shut-ins, and if things worked out, she planned to establish a group right here in Juniper Bluff.

Thinking about pets brought to mind an unexpected complication. Unless Diana wanted to drive the extra miles to a veterinary clinic in a neighboring town, anytime her menagerie needed health care, she’d have no choice but to make an appointment with Tripp.

Chapter Two

Nothing like fresh country air to sweep away the mental cobwebs. A plate of scrambled eggs and toast in one hand, a glass of almond milk in the other, Tripp eased into a red retro-style metal lawn chair and propped one bare foot on the porch rail. He couldn’t ask for a more relaxing start to a Sunday morning.

For now, at least, it remained quiet. Not long after he’d arrived to start moving in on Friday, Serenity Hills Guest Ranch was invaded by a vanload of excited kids. Tripp’s landlord, Seth Austin, had apologized for not giving him a heads-up about Camp Serenity, a program the ranch participated in for disadvantaged children. Turned out this was one of their camping weekends.

The clop-clop of horses’ hooves drew Tripp’s attention to the tree-shaded lane. Moments later Seth Austin ambled into view with his towheaded young son, Joseph, each of them leading a horse.

“Mornin’.” While his son continued on, Seth halted in front of Tripp’s cabin. “Getting settled in okay?”

Tripp swallowed a bite of toast before replying. “Close. Got a few more things to unpack.”

“Any problems, feel free to holler.” Seth patted his horse’s neck. “Just taking horses out to pasture. Didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“Not at all. I grew up in the city, but my grandparents used to have horses. Nice being around them again.”

“Anytime you’re up for a trail ride, I’m happy to oblige. In fact,” Seth said with a nod behind him toward the barn, “we’ll be taking several campers out for one more ride this afternoon before they head back to San Antonio. You’re welcome to come along.”

“Thanks, I’ll think about it.”

“Oh, and my wife and kids are going into town for Sunday school and church this morning. Christina would be happy to introduce you around.”

Tripp chewed his lip. Juniper Bluff was a small town. How likely was it that Diana went to the same church? Nope, not quite ready to risk running into her again. “Maybe next time, after I get a little more organized.”

“Sure thing.” Seth clucked to his horse and continued along the lane. “Let me know if you’re interested in that trail ride.”

“I will. Thanks.”

While Tripp finished breakfast, the nickering of horses, birdcalls from the treetops and the scent of cedar in the air lulled him into the deepest sense of relaxation he’d felt since before he started veterinary school. Man, did he need this! After a couple of debilitating flare-ups within the last several months, his doctor had warned him that if he didn’t significantly reduce his stress level, keeping the Crohn’s under control would be next to impossible.

From beyond the trees came the sounds of doors banging and children’s laughter. The campers must be up and about. Tripp took the commotion as his cue to go inside.

As he set his breakfast dishes in the sink, his cell phone rang. The display showed his little sister, Brooke’s name and number. “Hey, sis.”

“Hey, yourself. All moved in yet?” Much more a morning person than Tripp would ever be, she sounded way too perky for 6 a.m. California time.

“Getting there. How’s it going with Mom?”

Brooke’s long sigh drained all the lightness from her tone. “Not so good, Tripp. She’s trying hard to be positive, but the dialysis routine is wearing her down.”

Tripp sank into the nearest chair and massaged his eye sockets. Fighting kidney disease for the past few years, their mom seemed closer than ever to losing the battle. “How’s Dad handling it?”

“He’s struggling. Yesterday I caught him behind the garage crying his eyes out.”

The image of his father breaking down brought a catch to Tripp’s throat. “I’m glad they moved out there with you, but I feel bad I can’t be of more help.” As the only family member who’d tested close enough to be a potential match for kidney donation, he felt even worse. The Crohn’s made him ineligible. “Maybe I should have transferred to a vet clinic near you in Los Angeles instead of staying here in Texas.”

“No, Tripp, you’d hate it here. I would never have relocated to LA if not for Jeff—and then right when I thought the jerk was about to propose—” A gulp left the rest of her statement unspoken. “Tripp, I’m sorry. Our situations were totally different.”

“It’s okay. I get it.” But he could have done without the reminder of how he’d ended things with Diana. Best to change the subject. “You still like your job, right?”

“Definitely.” A smile had returned to her voice. “Getting promoted to accounts manager for an advertising firm has been my dream since college. So whenever I start fixating on...other things...I remind myself of the story of Joseph in the Bible where he tells his brothers, ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.’” Her tone softened. “You need to believe that, too.”

“Yeah, most days I try.” The thing was, Tripp had never wanted to hurt Diana, not in a million years. His Crohn’s diagnosis had hit him hard, though, and he felt he had to come to grips with it on his own before even considering bringing that kind of baggage into a relationship. During those difficult early months of two steps forward, one step back, as he learned to live with the disease, he’d convinced himself he’d done Diana a kindness by letting her go.

“Hey, bro, I really called to find out how you’re doing. Do you like the new clinic?”

“Nice people, a lot less stress. I think it’ll be a good fit.” Except for one tiny detail. “Uh, Brooke?” Back to the subject he didn’t seem able to avoid. “Did you happen to remember Juniper Bluff is where Diana Matthews is from?”

“Diana—oh, wow! It’s been so long I’d forgotten.” A concerned pause hung between them. “Does she still live there? Have you seen her?”

“Yes, and yes. She runs her own bakery and coffee shop, Diana’s Donuts. My new partner took me there for coffee yesterday.”

“Yikes. Was it ridiculously awkward?”

“You could say so.” Their second encounter at the supermarket deli hadn’t been much easier.

“Maybe this is your chance to clear the air. I still can’t believe you never told her why you ended things. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to keep your secret?”

“I know. It wasn’t fair.” He plowed his fingers through his hair. “But she’s got her own life now. After all this time, what if telling her the truth only hurts her more?”

“Or...what if it gives you two a chance to fall in love all over again?”

Tripp hadn’t so much as hinted that Diana was still single, and now he wasn’t about to. Seemed like the perfect time to end the call, before his sister went any more hopelessly romantic on him. “How about you tend to your own love life and let me tend to mine.” Dismal as it was. “Bye, sis. Give Mom and Dad hugs for me.”

Later, as he arranged socks and T-shirts in the chest of drawers, his hand grazed the small velveteen box he’d never been able to part with, its contents an ever-present reminder of what he’d given up. He opened the lid for one more longing look at the classically elegant diamond ring nestled inside, while his sister’s parting words played through his mind. What if he and Diana really could find their way back to each other?

And how many more regrets would he carry through life if he didn’t try?

* * *

Closing the shop after the early Sunday morning coffee-and-doughnuts rush, Diana almost decided to skip church. Why risk running into Tripp again in case he tagged along with Doc Ingram?

But the past was the past, and she was a big girl now. Anyway, Juniper Bluff was too small a town to avoid Tripp for long—seeing him twice in the same day had proven as much—and she refused to rearrange her life on his account.

Even so, when Doc Ingram and his wife arrived without Tripp in tow, Diana relaxed slightly. She offered a friendly nod but couldn’t help wondering how much Tripp had revealed about their shared history.

Leaving the sanctuary after worship, Diana spotted Christina Austin, pregnant with twins and already showing. Her service dog, Gracie, stood faithfully at her side. The gentle golden retriever, who helped Christina deal with the aftereffects of the traumatic brain injury she’d suffered in a car accident a few years ago, reminded Diana yet again how an animal’s love and devotion could make a positive difference in someone’s life.

She ambled over to say hello. “Hey, lady, how are things at the ranch?”

Christina turned with a cheery smile. She held the hand of her seven-year-old stepdaughter, Eva. “It’s another Camp Serenity weekend. Need I say more?”

“Ah. That explains your handsome hubby’s absence. Did Joseph stay home, too?”

“No, he’s around here somewhere.” Christina’s glance swept the crowded foyer. “He had a question about his pony for Doc Ingram.”

Eva looped one arm around Gracie’s neck. “I have a pony now, too,” she told Diana. “Her name’s Candy.”

“Wow, that’s great!” Diana knelt to tweak Eva’s pale yellow curls. “Can I come see her sometime?”

“Sure. We’re gonna do a trail ride with the campers after lunch. Wanna come with us?”

Diana hadn’t had much time lately to take her own horse out on the trail, and the weather today would be perfect. She pushed to her feet. “What time are y’all heading out?”

“They’ll saddle up around one thirty,” Christina replied. “Seth can always use an extra hand to keep those energetic campers in line.” She patted her pregnant belly. “And I’m not much help these days, especially if it involves getting on a horse.”

“It does sound fun.” Diana checked her watch. She could easily grab a bite for lunch, run out to her parents’ ranch to load Mona in the horse trailer and make it out to Serenity Hills in time for the ride. “Okay, count me in.”

By one o’clock she’d stowed her saddle and other gear in the tack compartment of her dad’s one-horse trailer, already hitched to his pickup. Mona, her copper penny bay mare, looked eager for a change of scenery and pranced into the trailer with her head held high.

“Hope you settle down before we get there,” Diana said as she clipped the trailer tie to Mona’s halter. “I don’t need any extra drama this weekend.” Seeing Tripp Willoughby walk into her doughnut shop yesterday was about all the drama she could handle for the next, oh, fifty years or so.

At Serenity Hills, Seth Austin and his stable hands already had several horses saddled and tied to the corral fence. Waving to him as she passed, Diana pulled into a parking area next to the barn.

As she stepped around to the rear of the horse trailer, Seth ambled over and offered a friendly hug. “Christina said you’d probably join us. Need some help with Mona?”

“I’m fine.” Diana grinned toward the camp counselors struggling to buckle riding helmets onto the heads of several rambunctious campers. “Anyway, looks like you’ve got your hands full over there.”

“That’s the truth. Two more hours and we’ll have peace and quiet again.” Seth exaggerated a look of fatigue, but Diana knew how much he enjoyed the arrangement he and his grandparents, Bryan and Marie Peterson, had made with the San Antonio–based philanthropic organization that sponsored Camp Serenity. Besides saving the family from having to sell the guest ranch, the camp provided fun and adventure for kids who might otherwise never have the chance to get out of the city, much less to learn about horses and riding.

Diana unlatched the trailer door, and Seth gave her a hand lowering the ramp. Sidling into the trailer, Diana clipped a lead rope to Mona’s halter and prepared to back her down the ramp. Apparently, the drive over had only heightened the mare’s excitement. “Easy, girl.”

“She’s lookin’ kind of feisty.” Seth laid a steadying hand on Mona’s rump.

“No kidding.” Diana barely got her toe out of the way in time to keep from getting stomped on. “Maybe I’ll take her over to the round pen and see if I can settle her down some.”

Seth returned to his campers while Diana walked Mona to the round pen. Standing in the center of the fifty-foot-diameter pen, Diana used a lunge whip to send her horse into a trot around the perimeter. When Mona began to settle down after a few circuits, Diana wasn’t quite so concerned about getting tossed on her keister somewhere out on the trail.

At the horse trailer, she buckled on Mona’s saddle and bridle and mounted up as Seth started her way leading his trail riders. Immediately behind him were Joseph on Spot and Eva riding her new palomino pony.

One hand gripping the reins and saddle horn, the little girl grinned and waved. “Hey, Miss Diana! You came!”

“Sure did, hon. Is this Candy? She’s adorable!”

Eva beamed. “You can ride next to me, okay?”

“Love to.” Diana prepared to fall in step.

Then, as she glanced back toward the other riders in the lineup, a familiar pair of crystal-blue eyes locked gazes with her—Tripp.

She froze, her jaw going slack, while Tripp Willoughby drew closer and closer.

“Miss Diana,” Eva called, “hurry and catch up.”

She snapped her mouth shut. Nudging Mona with her boot heels, she reined the horse around and trotted up next to Eva. When she could find her voice, she said, “Hey, Seth, what’s with the, um, new volunteer?”

Straining to look past her over his shoulder, Seth grinned. “Oh, you mean Doc Ingram’s new partner? He’s just along for the ride. We’re renting him one of the staff cabins.”

“So he’s...he’s living here?” Her voice climbed an octave. “On your ranch?”

“Yep. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce you. Remind me when we get back later.”

Diana grimaced. “That’s okay. We’ve already met.”

* * *

Diana was riding with them? Great. And Tripp assumed living out at Serenity Hills would mean fewer unexpected encounters with the woman he’d never gotten out of his heart.

Could this move to Juniper Bluff get any more complicated?

Maybe if he made sure to stay at the rear of the line, he could spare them both more discomfort.

And yet...man, she looked good on the back of a horse! He’d seen Diana in boots and jeans plenty of times, even gone riding with her when they used to spend weekends now and then at his grandparents’ place outside Austin. The passage of time had only made her more beautiful, and though he did miss the long hair, her shorter, perkier ponytail poking out beneath a tan felt Stetson added a certain amount of sass.

Not that she didn’t have plenty already. The look she’d shot him a few moments ago was one hundred percent sass. Although in that split second of recognition, Tripp had definitely glimpsed something else in her expression, and it looked a whole lot like panic. Considering he’d had the same reaction to their third unplanned meeting in less than two days, he ought to know.

Noticing his poky old cow horse was falling behind, he gave the beast a gentle kick. “Git up, Tex. No backing out now. Might as well see this through.”

The trail meandered past a small lake and picnic area, then up a rocky slope shaded by cedars and live oaks. The hills should have been teeming with birds and animals, but with the campers laughing and howling like wild animals themselves, any expectations Tripp had about observing wildlife soon vanished.

He was too busy watching Diana anyway. And making sure to keep a nice, safe distance between them. Once or twice on the way up the hillside, she scrunched up her shoulders as if she could feel his eyes on her, but she never looked back.

Soon the trail opened into a meadow tufted with brown grass. Up ahead, Seth angled right, leading the riders in a wide circle as they changed directions for the return to the barn. In another few strides, Diana would be riding directly toward Tripp. His pulse ratcheted up a good twenty beats per minute. Would she say anything? Would she even look at him?

“Hi, Tripp.” She spoke. Even smiled. At least he thought so. With her face shaded by the hat and a pair of sporty sunglasses, it was hard to be sure. “Enjoying the ride?”

He had about three seconds before their paths would diverge. “Yeah, can’t beat this weather.”

“Mmm-hmm.” The quirk of her mouth told him exactly how lame his reply had sounded.

When she rode on by and he was once again bringing up the rear, he let out a frustrated sigh. Brooke was right—eventually he needed to be honest with Diana about why he’d broken things off. Maybe if she knew the truth, she’d forgive him.

If only he could count on forgiveness being her only response. The whole point of not telling her in the first place was so she wouldn’t stick by him out of pity or obligation. If they did have any chance of starting over—if Diana would even give him the time of day after how he’d hurt her—he wasn’t about to risk a “sympathy relationship” by playing the Crohn’s card.

Up ahead, a flicker of motion caught Tripp’s eye—a startled deer bounding into the woods. In the same instant, Diana’s horse shied and skittered sideways. Tripp swallowed a gasp as Diana landed hard in a clump of dry grass.

“Hold up, everyone,” Seth shouted as he wheeled his horse around. He instructed those nearest Diana to move their horses a safe distance away.

Tripp wasn’t waiting. He urged Tex forward, swinging out of the saddle the moment he drew even with Diana. He knelt beside her, resisting the impulse to physically check her for broken bones. “You okay?”

“Stupid horse. I knew she was way too full of herself.” Diana sat up and rubbed her hip, then groaned as she snatched up her mangled sunglasses. “There goes fifty bucks down the drain.”

Tripp couldn’t care less about the glasses. “Take it slow. You might be hurt worse than you think.”

“Stop looking at me like I’m one of your patients.” Diana’s hat lay an arm’s reach away. She slapped it onto her head, then cautiously pushed to her feet. Brushing dead grass off her jeans, she scowled at Tripp. “I’m fine, I promise. The worst damage is to my ego.”

Seth rode over, leading Diana’s horse. “Here you go.” He snickered as he handed her the reins. “Guess y’all should have taken a little longer in the round pen.”

“Guess you should keep your opinions to yourself, cowboy.” Diana’s sharp tone didn’t match the teasing twinkle in her eye, which reassured Tripp she really was unhurt.

Her horse still looked a little skittish, so Tripp kept a firm grip on the mare’s bridle while Diana climbed into the saddle. Once she’d settled, he looked around for his own mount. Tex hadn’t wandered far, seeming content to munch on grass and ignore the commotion. Back in the saddle, Tripp decided he’d risk Diana’s scorn and ride next to her in case her horse acted up again.

By then, the other riders had continued on, leaving Tripp and Diana at the back of the line. Exhaling loudly, she glanced over. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

He cocked his head and grinned. “Yeah, it brought back memories.”

“Oh, please. Don’t you dare bring up the time at your grandparents’ when my horse threw me into the water trough.”

At least she was smiling—a good sign. “That had to be a softer landing than today.”

“No kidding. My hip’s going to be a zillion shades of purple by this time tomorrow.” Diana sat straighter and cleared her throat. “We should catch up with the others. I still need to go visit my aunt this afternoon.”

“Aunt Jennie’s in town?”

She looked surprised he’d remembered the great-aunt she’d always been so fond of. “Yes, as of yesterday.” Briefly, Diana told him about moving Aunt Jennie into the assisted-living center. “I’m just sorry she had to give up her dog. Juniper Bluff really needs a therapy pets program.”

“If you need help starting one—”

“Got it covered.” Diana clucked to her horse. “Let’s go, Mona. We’re getting left behind.”

Then Tripp was the one left behind, since the old trail horse was content to plod along at a snail’s pace. Just when he thought things were relaxing between him and Diana, she’d shut him down. Was there any hope at all they could come through this as friends?

Was he crazy to hope for more?

Chapter Three

Returning to the barn after the ride, Tripp clipped Tex to the cross ties at the far end of the barn aisle and loosened the saddle cinch.

Seth moved down the line to check on the campers, then stopped next to Tripp. “So you and Diana know each other?”

“Small world, huh?” Tripp managed a quick laugh. “She and my sister were college roomies.” It was the truth. Just not all of it.

Hiking a brow, Seth tipped back his Stetson. “Yeah, that totally explains why you two are walking on eggshells around each other.”

“This goes in the tack room, right?” Tripp hefted the heavy saddle off Tex’s back.

“I’ll take care of it.” With a nod toward the barn door, Seth cast Tripp a knowing grin. “She’s limping a bit after that fall, so I’m sure she’d appreciate some help with her horse.”

Shoulders slumping, Tripp handed over the saddle. The sooner he and Diana could put this awkward phase behind them, the better. Squinting against the afternoon sun, he traipsed out of the barn, hauled in a deep breath and headed for Diana’s trailer.

She’d just gotten the horse loaded and grimaced as she stepped off the ramp, clearly favoring her bruised hip.

Tripp hurried over. “Here, let me give you a hand.”

“That’s okay, I’ve got it.” Turning, she bent to lift the ramp, then groaned beneath the weight.

“Sure you do.” Ignoring her refusal, Tripp donated his muscles to the cause. Together they hoisted the ramp into position and secured the latches.

Diana stepped back, dusting off her hands. “Thanks. Again.”

“My pleasure.” Tripp shifted his stance. “Look, Di—”

“I prefer Diana, if you don’t mind.”

“Sorry. Diana.” She wasn’t about to make this any easier. “It’s pretty clear my being here is making you uncomfortable, and I just wanted to say I’m sorry. If I’d known you were still in Juniper Bluff—”

“What? You’d have turned down Doc Ingram’s partnership?” Her withering stare made him flinch. “Yes, this is a small town, but it’s plenty big for both of us.”

He bristled. “I’m trying to apologize. We were having a nice conversation for a few minutes there on the trail, and I was hoping—”

“That we could be friends? Let bygones be bygones?” Diana brushed past him and marched around to the driver’s side of the pickup. “Sure, Tripp,” she called over her shoulder. “Don’t even think twice about it. It’s all in the past.”

Catching up, Tripp blocked her from opening the door. “First of all, quit finishing my sentences for me. Second, I get it. I hurt you, and I’ll regret it to my dying day. Third, yes, I would like it very much if we could start over as friends.” He let out a long, slow sigh and hoped his desperate half smile would win her over. “Please.”

Her throat shifted. She crossed her arms. “You’re right,” she murmured, “and I’m sorry. I don’t like this tension between us any better than you do.”

“Thank you.” A part of him really, really wanted to take her in his arms for a hug, but he figured that might be pushing things. Besides, he was afraid once he held her again, he’d never be able to let go.

She didn’t give him the chance anyway. After tossing her hat across to the other seat, she jumped in behind the steering wheel. “Need to get going. See you around.”

“Yeah.” Tripp stepped back as she yanked the door closed. “See you around.”

* * *

Diana could not leave Serenity Hills quickly enough. And there was nothing the least bit serene about her departure. She could see Tripp sincerely felt bad about barging back into her life. But friendship, after she’d thought they were on the verge of making a lifetime commitment? The fact that it still hurt so much only proved the depth of the feelings she once had for him.

Once? All right, still. Every man she’d dated since had the misfortune of being held to the standard set by Tripp Willoughby. Either the guy wasn’t funny, smart, kind or romantic enough, or if he happened to meet all those criteria, there remained the chance he’d dump Diana just like Tripp had. It was a lose-lose proposition any way she looked at it.

Arriving at her dad’s ranch, she returned Mona to the pasture, then backed the horse trailer into its spot next to the garage. Before she could get it unhitched, her dad came out to help.

“Have a good time?” he asked.

“It was fun—until Mona spooked and I hit the ground.”

“Uh-oh. You okay?”

“I’ll live.” Stooped over the trailer hitch, she could pretend her hip was the only thing bothering her.

When they’d moved the trailer tongue onto a cinder block, she thanked her dad and forestalled more questions by saying she needed to get home and change before going over to see Aunt Jennie. She just hoped to have her emotions a little more under control by then.

An hour later, with freshly washed, finger-combed hair and wearing a clean pair of jeans with a purple peasant top, Diana tapped on the door of her great-aunt’s tiny apartment. A soft “Coming, dear” and shuffling feet preceded the click of the doorknob. The door swung open, and Aunt Jennie welcomed Diana with a cheery smile and a warm hug.

Diana stepped into the cozy sitting room. Her great-aunt’s plush blue recliner and favorite antique end table added a homey touch. “Looks like Mom and Dad got you all settled. It’s a lovely apartment.”

“Yes, it’s quite comfortable, and the people here are as nice as can be.” Aunt Jennie sighed as she eased into the recliner. “Only one thing could make it better.”

“I know—you miss Ginger. Tell you what,” Diana said as she plopped onto the love seat. “One day this week I’ll take you over to my house and you can hug on my critters.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful.” A bright smile lit Aunt Jennie’s face. “Do you still have all three of those spoiled-rotten cats? And the rabbit, too?”

“Sure do. Plus a stray parakeet I found fluttering around the bird feeder last spring. He’s made himself right at home, and he knows how to show those cats who’s boss.”

As Diana described her menagerie, she itched to get rolling with her plans for a therapy pets program. Not only would it make Aunt Jennie’s transition a little easier, but pet visits could bring a spark of life and laughter to the other residents, as well.

* * *

The next morning, Diana awoke to a blaring clock radio and an overweight gray-striped tabby sitting on her chest. She slapped the off button on the radio while shoving the cat to one side. “Okay, okay, Tiger, I’m awake.”

Midnight and Lucinda, the tomcat’s partners in crime, paced across Diana’s feet, all apparently near starvation, if their plaintive mews could be believed.

The hardest part of owning a doughnut shop? The 4:00 a.m. wake-up call. And Diana had stayed up entirely too late last night downloading information and application forms for starting a therapy pets program. Tossing back the covers, she stumbled to the bathroom and splashed water on her face, then saw to her pets before sitting down to her own breakfast.

By 4:50 she was out the door. At the shop, she helped Kimberly start batches of doughnuts, muffins, scones and apple fritters, then set up the coffeemakers. At one minute before six, she flipped the Closed sign to Open and unlocked the door.

After the early-morning rush ended, she helped Kimberly get more pastries in the oven, then made herself a café mocha latte and carried it to her office. Logging in to her email account, she hoped to have a response from the therapy pet organization she’d contacted about sponsoring a chapter in Juniper Bluff.

And she did. Agnes Kraus, a representative from Visiting Pet Pals, asked Diana to call at her earliest convenience. Adrenaline pumping, she dialed the number immediately.

“Yes, Diana, it’s good to hear from you,” Mrs. Kraus said. “We’re delighted you want to launch a program in Juniper Bluff.” Papers rustled. “I’m looking at your application right now. I see you want to focus on dog owners initially. How are you doing with potential volunteers?”

Diana chewed her lip. “No commitments yet, but I have some acquaintances in mind. I was planning to get going on that over the next few days.”

“You do understand each dog must have basic obedience certification? Plus, we require a minimum of eight sign-ups before I can make the trip to evaluate the animals and conduct a training session specific to therapy pets.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Diana said, quickly jotting reminders. “I have your list of requirements right here in front of me. Once I have my volunteers, how soon could we be evaluated?”

Mrs. Kraus paused, the sound of clicking computer keys filling the silence. “My fall schedule is filling up, so the earliest date would be the second Saturday of November. That would give you about six weeks to get your team together.”

Diana clicked open her own calendar and counted off the weeks. She’d hoped to hold the first official pet visit at the assisted-living center as a surprise for Aunt Jennie’s birthday, a few days before Thanksgiving. It just might be doable—provided she could come up with eight qualified dog owners.

“Pencil me in,” she told Mrs. Kraus. “I’ll do everything possible to be ready by then.”

She’d just hung up when Kimberly tapped on the door. “Diana, you might want to see this.”

Diana pushed back her chair and stood. “Please don’t tell me the oven conked out again.”

“No, the oven’s working like a champ. It’s...something else.” Kimberly led the way out to the alley and over to the Dumpster. She pointed into the shadows. “See back there by the wall?”

Muted whimpers wrenched Diana’s heart moments before she glimpsed the scrawny mother cat and four newborn kittens nestled inside a crumbling cardboard box. “Oh, dear, you poor things!”

“We can’t leave them back there,” Kimberly said. “This is trash pickup day. They could be crushed.”

Diana edged away, afraid of frightening the cat into running off somewhere even less safe. “Can you keep an eye on things while I run over to the supermarket for some cat food? Maybe I can lure her out and then...” She shrugged. “I’ll figure out something.”

Half an hour later, Tiger’s favorite Shrimp-and-Salmon Delight had the mama cat’s nose working overtime. Within five minutes, Diana had made a new friend. While mama dined, Diana and Kimberly transferred the kittens from their dingy hiding place into a sturdier, towel-lined crate. The mama cat climbed in with her kittens, and Diana carried them to her office.

When she checked on them later, snuggled in their box next to the filing cabinet and emitting soft, rumbling purrs, she realized she was already growing attached.

Kimberly peeked in. “How’s the little family?”

Diana leaned down to scratch the mama cat behind the ears. “Fine for now, but they can’t stay here, and there’s no way I can take them home with me.” She looked hopefully at her assistant. “Any chance—”

“Uh-uh, no way!” Kimberly held up both hands. “Olivia despises cats.”

“Yeah, I forgot.” The little dachshund definitely was not cat-friendly.

“Doc Ingram’s new partner seems really nice. Maybe he could help find them a home.”

Diana’s lips flattened. She’d already let that idea zip right on past. Too bad it was the only one that made sense. Juniper Bluff wasn’t big enough to have its own animal shelter—the nearest one was over in Fredericksburg—and even so, Diana had no confidence they could find a home for a scrawny mother cat with kittens.

“Okay, Ms. Matthews, no more stalling.” Pulling a side chair closer, Kimberly plopped down directly in front of Diana. “What are you not telling me about our handsome new small-animal vet?”

Breath catching in her throat, Diana tipped forward, head in her hands. She was so not ready to relive the worst day of her life.

Kimberly set her hand on Diana’s shoulder. “Honey, tell me! Did that guy hurt you somehow?”

Heaving a sigh, Diana straightened. “If effectively ripping out my heart, stomping on it with combat boots and dousing it in hydrochloric acid counts, then yes, he hurt me really, really bad.”

Kimberly’s mouth fell open. “When? How?”

Steeling herself, Diana gave her assistant a condensed version of the facts—how her college apartment mate Brooke Willoughby had invited her along on a weekend visit home to Austin. There, she met Brooke’s older brother, Tripp, a veterinary student at Texas A&M. The attraction was immediate, and the more time they spent together, the deeper in love Diana had fallen.

Until the phone call that ended it all. Tripp had caught her between classes—called her cell phone, of all things! The jerk didn’t even have the nerve to break it to her in person.

I’m sorry, Di, but...I need to cancel our plans for this weekend.

Tripp, I’m on my way to an economics test. Can I call you back in an hour?

He’d paused too long, a warning in itself. I need to say this now. About us. This... A pained swallow. It’s just not working.

Not working? Her heart had turned stone-cold with dread. What are you telling me?

I think we need to slow down a bit, maybe take a break. I’m under a lot of pressure with my vet studies and...other things. It’s...complicated.

“I thought he cared for me the same way,” Diana said, brushing a tear from her cheek. “But I guess I was wrong.”

Kimberly scowled. “He really used the ‘it’s complicated’ line? Next time he comes in, I will personally lace his coffee with Tabasco sauce.”

Something between a laugh and a sob burst from Diana’s throat. “Hold that thought. I may still need his help finding homes for these kittens.”

“Are you sure? Because if a guy had treated me like that, I’d have trouble being in the same county with him, let alone the same room.”

Diana thought back to the trail ride yesterday and Tripp’s attempt at an apology. He’d seemed sincere, and really, twelve years had passed. Holding a grudge after all this time certainly didn’t speak well of her as a Christian. Besides, if Tripp had been the right guy for her, wouldn’t God have kept them together somehow? As it was, she’d only hurt herself by letting the fear of having her heart broken again shut down every other relationship she’d had a chance for since then.

Time to put her own words from yesterday into practice and let bygones be bygones. She gathered up her purse and car keys, then hefted the cat box. “The shop’s yours for an hour or two, Kim. I’m headed to the animal clinic.”

Kimberly followed her to the back door, holding it open as Diana stepped into the alley. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Not in the least.”

* * *

On his lunch break at the clinic, Tripp had just set a bowl of chicken-and-rice soup in the microwave when Yolanda peeked in.

“We have a walk-in,” she said. “Stray cat with newborn kittens. Can you take a look?”

“Sure.” His next appointment wasn’t until three o’clock anyway, so plenty of time to warm up his soup later.

Yolanda pointed him to exam room two and handed him a folder. “This client’s a regular—has several pets of her own. If there’s a stray within twenty miles of Juniper Bluff, somehow it finds its way to her.”

“A real animal lover, huh?” Tripp could relate.

Then he read the name on the folder tab, and his heart thudded to the pit of his empty stomach. “Diana?”

“Yes, Diana Matthews. Same gal from Diana’s Donuts.”

“I know.” Oh, boy, did he!

The receptionist hesitated, probably confused by the pained look on Tripp’s face. “You need me to stay, or can I go to lunch?”

“No, go ahead. I’ve got it from here.” Hauling in a breath, he stepped into the exam room. “Hey, Di...ana.”

Her arched brow said she’d caught his near slip of the tongue. “Thanks for working me in. I didn’t have anyplace else I could take these kitties.”

Kitties. Tripp couldn’t help grinning at the tender way she spoke the word. Or the compassionate gleam in her eyes as she stroked the purring mother cat. Laying the folder on the counter, he cast an appraising eye over the scrawny mother cat, a yellow tabby who’d obviously been surviving on her own for a while. The kittens, probably not more than two or three days old, looked healthy enough, but unless their mother got better care so she could feed them, they wouldn’t last long.

“Well?” Diana caressed the mother cat’s ears. “Can you help me with them?”

“First thing we need to do is get the mother started on some vitamins and quality food.” Stethoscope in his ears, Tripp listened to the cat’s heart and lungs, then gently palpated her from neck to tail for any signs of growths or infection. The worst he found was matted fur and a small cut on one shoulder, probably from a fight.

The cat wouldn’t like what he had to do next, but he needed to take her temperature, check for worms and take a blood sample. Turned out she was a lot more cooperative than Sue Ellen Jamison’s Siamese. After setting aside the specimens, Tripp jotted some notes in the file. “The initial results will only take a few minutes. Do you mind waiting?”

“That’s fine.” Diana’s expression remained neutral, but her tone suggested it had taken every ounce of willpower to bring the cats to Tripp.

With a quick smile, he excused himself and slipped down the hall to the lab. When he returned, he found Diana seated on the padded bench with the cat box in her lap.

“You get why I can’t keep you,” she murmured as she tenderly stroked the mother cat. “I would if I could—” Noticing Tripp, she straightened abruptly and cleared her throat. “What did you find?”

“No visible evidence of worms, and no problems I could see from preliminary tests. I’ll have to send samples to our outside lab for a more complete report. That’ll take two or three days.” Tripp came around the exam table and sat down at the other end of the bench. With the tip of one finger, he rubbed a sleeping kitten’s soft, fuzzy belly. “I gather you want help finding homes for these little critters.”

Lips in a twist, Diana nodded. “Guess you’ve seen from my file that I already have a houseful. To borrow a phrase, there’s no more room at the inn.”

“You always had a soft heart for animals. Remember the baby squirrel—”

“It was so tiny.” A tender smile stole across Diana’s face. Just as quickly, it vanished. She cleared her throat. “If you can keep the cat and her babies here, I’ll put up adoption flyers around town. And I’ll cover the vet bill and boarding costs.”

“No problem. Since you’re a regular, I’m sure we can cut you a deal.” Tripp winked. “Or maybe barter vet services for coffee and pastries?”

Diana’s eyebrows shot up. “You’d do that?”

“Considering Doc Ingram’s affinity for your scones, I think we could twist his arm.”

The mother cat was purring loudly now, the sound appearing to have a calming effect on Diana. She glanced up at Tripp. “I appreciate this. More than you know.”

Tripp felt like he could sit there all day, basking in the warmth of Diana’s presence. Man, how he’d missed this woman! All the years apart seemed to melt away like ice cream on a hot sidewalk, along with all the reasons Tripp had used to justify their breakup.

Maybe...maybe they really could start again. He’d been feeling better every day since getting out of the city. Yes, it had only been a few days now, but his health could only go uphill from here, right? Anyway, in the years since his diagnosis he’d heard of lots of people with Crohn’s who went on to live normal, healthy lives, even raised families. Was it possible he’d been too quick to give up on his own chance at happiness?

Diana’s sharp sigh brought him back to the present. “I didn’t realize how late it was. I need to get back to the shop.” She slid the cat box onto the bench between her and Tripp, then stood, her hand lingering on the mother cat’s head. With a tentative glance at Tripp, she said, “You’ll take good care of them, right?”

“Of course, the very best.” He rose as well and picked up the box. “Want to walk back with me and see the kennel where they’ll be staying?”

“No, that’s okay. I should make this a clean break.” She winced, and Tripp could guess exactly where her thoughts had taken her.

“Diana...”

“Gotta run.” Her perky smile was back in place. “Tell Doc Ingram y’all can drop in anytime to collect on your coffee and doughnuts. Bye!”

Her brusque departure left him feeling like he’d just been sideswiped by a semi.

And also shocked him back to reality. He had no business entertaining thoughts of rekindling what he and Diana had once shared. She might give lip service to the possibility of starting over as friends, but the flicker of hurt in her eyes made him wonder if she’d ever fully forgive him.

* * *

Diana tried hard not to call the clinic every day to check on the mother cat and her babies. Even though Tripp had called a couple of days later to report that mama cat was healthy and her kittens were thriving, Diana couldn’t help being concerned. She’d already prepared adopt-a-kitten flyers to post around town as soon as the kittens were old enough to leave their mother.

In the meantime, she spent most of her spare time working out details for the therapy pets program. She still needed to enlist her volunteers, but working all day at the doughnut shop didn’t leave much time for recruitment efforts. It was the first week of October, and unless Diana had her volunteers lined up and ready by the end of the month, she’d have to postpone Agnes Kraus’s evaluation and training visit. Time to speed things up, and tonight’s service committee meeting at church might be her best chance.

Around midafternoon, a couple of Main Street business owners stopped in for coffee. Diana cheerfully filled their orders, and the customers had barely sat down at a window table when Tripp and Doc Ingram breezed in.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen. What can I get for you?” Diana tried to keep her attention on Doc Ingram, but her eyes kept betraying her with darting glances at Tripp. The last time she’d actually seen him was at church last Sunday, and then only in passing. Seth and Christina had kept him occupied as they introduced him to the pastor and other acquaintances.

“Two coffees, for starters.” Doc palmed his Stetson. “Then I’d like to bend your ear about catering an open house for us at the clinic.”

“Sure. Meet me at the corner table over there and you can tell me all about it.” Diana filled two mugs, then a third one for herself. As she set the mugs on a tray, she remembered Tripp had asked for soy milk on his first visit, so she filled a small ceramic pitcher. Still wearing her pink Diana’s Donuts apron over her T-shirt and jeans, she carried the tray to the table.

As she distributed the mugs and handed Tripp the container of soy milk, his smile conveyed both appreciation and surprise. “Thanks,” he murmured in the mellow tone that once set her heart racing.

And apparently still did, if the heat rising up her cheeks meant anything.

She straightened her apron and took the chair on the other side of Doc Ingram. “So. About your open house. When is it, and what’s the occasion?”

“If it’s not too short notice, I’m thinking next Sunday afternoon, say from two to four,” the doc answered. “It’ll be a welcome party for Tripp here, a chance for the community to drop in and meet him.”

“Sounds fun.” With a smile and nod in Tripp’s direction, Diana pulled a pen and notepad from her apron pocket and jotted down the date. “What would you like to serve?”

“Thought I’d leave the menu in your capable hands.” Doc chuckled. “Consider it part of Tripp’s bartering agreement for seeing to those cats you dropped off last week.”

Tripp caught Diana’s eye and mouthed, Not my idea.

Something she should have guessed. Tripp had never been much of a socializer. If they went out with friends, there would be only one or two other couples. If someone hosted a party, Tripp would steer Diana to the less noisy perimeter, and he was always ready to say their goodbyes long before Diana had run out of conversation.

She gave a mental shrug. One more indication they weren’t right for each other.

“I was teasing about the cat thing,” Doc Ingram said. “Planned on doing this anyway, so I’m more than glad to pay.”

“No, it’s perfectly all right. A deal’s a deal.” Diana tapped the pen against her lips as she considered what to serve. “We can do coffee, doughnuts, minimuffins...and maybe some cranberry punch for the kids.”

“Great. I’ll start getting the word out.” As Doc Ingram took a sip of his coffee, his cell phone chirped. Reading a text, he grimaced. “Horse down with colic at the Hendersons’. Gotta skedaddle. Hate to strand you, Tripp, but the Henderson ranch is clear the opposite direction from the clinic.”

“No problem,” Tripp said. “I’ll find my own way back.”

Halfway to the door, the doc halted and snapped his fingers, a mischievous look curling his lips. “Hey, since your appointment calendar’s clear for the rest of the day, why don’t you hang out here? Y’all can hash out the open house menu together.”

Suddenly nervous, Diana arched a brow. But with only a few customers and Kimberly covering the counter, she didn’t have an obvious reason to excuse herself. She offered Tripp an empathetic smile. “So...an open house, huh?”

He hiked one shoulder. “Like I said, not my idea.”

“It’s a small-town thing. People like to get to know the folks they’re doing business with.”

“That’s one part of this job I already appreciate. People are way more relaxed and friendly than at the Austin clinic I came from.”

Something in Tripp’s tone evoked a pang of concern. “I thought opening your own big-city vet practice had always been your goal.”

“I thought so, too...at first.” His jaw edged sideways. He sat forward as if on the verge of saying more, but then he abruptly stood and picked up his mug. “Think I could trade this for a glass of water?”

“Keep your seat. I’ll get it.” Diana bustled over to the counter and signaled Kimberly.

Handing Diana a glass of ice water, Kimberly wiggled her brows. “Looks like y’all are having a real nice chat over there. Mending some fences?”

Diana hesitated, wondering the same thing herself. Her tone became wistful as she murmured, “Maybe we are.”

* * *

Tripp tried not to stare as Diana sauntered back to the table with his water. Since his first glimpse two Saturdays ago, he couldn’t get enough of looking at her. The way she walked. The way her long, tapered fingers held her horse’s reins or caressed those tiny kittens. The way she flicked a loose strand of hair out of her eyes or tossed her perky ponytail.

She set the glass in front of him, then shifted from foot to foot. “Unless you have more thoughts about Sunday’s menu, I should probably get back to work.”

“Right.” Biting back a smile, Tripp nodded toward the only other two customers in the shop. “I can see you’re super busy right now.”

She rolled her eyes, another endearing gesture he recalled all too well from when they were dating. “Well...I do have a few things to catch up on in the office. I am the owner, after all.”

“Of course, sorry. I’ll just finish up here and be on my way.”

Nodding, Diana started to turn away, then swiveled to face him again. “But how will you get back to the clinic?”

Tripp shrugged. “It’s only a mile or two. I can hoof it.”

Just then, Diana’s blond assistant bustled over. She carried a square white box with a cellophane lid. “Diana, can you run these pastries over to Alan’s insurance office? They’re for his staff meeting in the morning.”

Suspicion clouded Diana’s expression. “But Alan usually comes by early on Wednesday mornings to pick up his order.”

“I know, but he’s always so rushed, and I’ve got this batch fresh out of the oven, so I thought, why not save him the trip?”

Smiling to himself, Tripp watched the play of emotions across Diana’s face—confusion, consternation, then the clear realization that Kimberly was playing her. Arms crossed, Diana glared at her assistant. “And is there some pressing reason you can’t drop them off?”

“I have more muffins in the oven.” Kimberly held the box out to Diana. “You can take Alan his pastries, then give Doc Willoughby a ride to the clinic.”

Talk about obvious! Tripp took another swallow of water and pushed back his chair. “I told you, Diana, I can walk. Don’t put yourself out on my account.”

“Oh, she wouldn’t be,” Kimberly gushed. “This is perfect, Diana. While you’re there, you can visit your kitties.” Winking, she added, “You know you want to.”

Diana chewed her lip. “Well, I would like to see how they’re doing.” Relaxing her stance, she took the box from Kimberly, then glanced uncertainly at Tripp. “You wouldn’t mind?”

He wasn’t particularly happy about being set up, but spending more time with Diana? That he didn’t mind in the least. “You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

Ten minutes later, he waited in Diana’s SUV outside the Alan Glazer Insurance Agency while Diana delivered the pastries.

Returning to the car, she frowned as she climbed in behind the wheel. “That was awkward.”

“Problems?” Tripp asked.

“I had to reassure Alan we weren’t trying to pawn off last weekend’s stale leftovers.” Mouth in a twist, she looked like she blamed Tripp for the awkwardness.

Didn’t she get this was all Kimberly’s doing? Tripp was just an innocent bystander.

Okay, not exactly innocent. Apparently, there was no statute of limitations for breaking someone’s heart. Tripp doubted Diana would have yielded to Kimberly’s ploy if not for the chance of visiting the kittens.

So he’d take what he could get. In the meantime, he’d keep chipping away at the gigantic wall Diana had erected around her heart.

They arrived at the clinic a few minutes later. As Tripp led the way through the rear entrance, the three dogs they were boarding for vacationers started yipping.

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