One single dad plus twin toddlers

A formula for her new family?

Since his wife left, fireman Shay Campbell has focused on work and his twin toddlers. But the lovely Natalie McDowell is making him rethink that decision. She’s great with his boys, and they adore her. But he can’t go through losing someone again. Will a dream job offer win Natalie’s heart, or does it belong to Shay and the twins?

HEIDI McCAHAN is a Pacific Northwest girl at heart, but now resides in North Carolina with her husband and three boys. When she isn’t writing inspirational romance novels, Heidi can usually be found reading a book, enjoying a cup of coffee and avoiding the laundry pile. She’s also a huge fan of dark chocolate and her adorable goldendoodle, Finn. She enjoys connecting with readers, so please visit her website, heidimccahan.com.

Also By Heidi McCahan

Love Inspired

The Firefighter’s Twins

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

The Firefighter’s Twins

Heidi McCahan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08432-1

THE FIREFIGHTER’S TWINS

© 2018 Heidi Blankenship

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.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

“Maybe our duck could race your dad and brother’s duck?”

Shay’s small son studied Natalie as if he couldn’t quite decide what to make of her offer. Then he took her hand and walked with her.

“Oh, good. I’m so glad you’re here to help me.” Natalie gave Shay a smile that made his insides do crazy things.

“Are you guys ready?”

“Oh, right.” Shay forced himself to focus on the duck and not Natalie’s playful smile.

“Okay, on my count. One, two, three. Go!” she yelled.

At the last second, Natalie and Liam’s duck surged ahead and toppled off the trough and into the bin at the other end.

“Great job, buddy.” She scooped Liam up and twirled him around. “We did it.”

Liam tipped his face to the sky, giggling as he clutched the sleeves of her sweater.

Shay’s heart expanded at the sheer joy on Liam’s face and Natalie’s willingness to jump in and play.

Didn’t she know how much she meant to them already?

How much she meant to him?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading The Firefighter’s Twins. It was inspired by a field trip I took with my kids to a former tobacco farm that was transformed into an outdoor playground and pumpkin patch. When we drove past a beautiful restored livery that had become a wedding venue, goose bumps shot down my arms, and suddenly a new plot was germinating. Little did I know all the ways God would challenge me and help me grow as a writer through the creative process. I spontaneously entered this story in Harlequin’s Blurb to Book contest, and while I didn’t win, the decision to boldly submit my work ultimately led me to becoming a Harlequin Love Inspired author, which is a dream come true.

I think my experience writing this novel is reflected in Natalie’s journey as a character. She longs to chase her dreams, yet struggles to trust God’s sovereign plan for her life, especially when obstacles arise. I hope Shay and Natalie’s story inspires you to step out in faith and chase those big dreams God has planted in your heawrt, as well as cling to the knowledge that God is good and He is always for us.

I love hearing from readers, and you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at HeidiMcCahan.com. All subscribers to my e-newsletter receive a free novella that isn’t available anywhere else. By the way, if you enjoyed The Firefighter’s Twins and would post an honest review online, I’d be grateful.

Blessings,

Heidi McCahan

To Davis, Leland, Jonah, Micah, Eli and Luke, who inspired the twin boys in this novel. Thank you. May you continue to spread joy and laughter wherever you go.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Bible Verse

Dear Reader

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

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Natalie McDowell paced the courtyard in front of the white clapboard barn, her stomach twisted in knots. As the silver BMW convertible turned down the magnolia-lined drive, she swiped her clammy palms against the skirt of her navy blue sundress. You’ve got this. Treat her like any other potential client. Only that was the problem. This wasn’t just any client. Karen Thomas owned Forever Love, North Carolina’s premier event planning firm. She’d asked to schedule a consultation and a walk-through. What did she want with Magnolia Lane?

Determined to be prepared for any possible scenario, Natalie had stayed up well past midnight, ensuring every inch of the restored livery was fit for royalty.

Easing to a stop, the woman behind the wheel flashed a bright smile and offered a casual wave. Natalie waved back, silently praying her legs would stop quaking before Karen stepped out of her car.

“Hello,” the petite blonde called as she emerged, tanned and flawless in her white slacks and silky red blouse. She thrust out a French-manicured hand. “Karen Thomas, from Forever Love. You must be Natalie.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Karen.” Natalie shook her hand. “Welcome to Magnolia Lane.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. I’m sure you’re quite busy with fall weddings.” Karen pivoted, scanning her surroundings. “This is stunning.”

Natalie struggled to maintain her neutral expression. Karen Thomas just called her little old barn stunning. She drew a deep breath and gestured toward the building and adjacent courtyard. “We’re very proud of it. Brides and grooms alike find it’s the perfect blend of modern yet rustic.”

“I agree.” Karen strode toward the entrance. “There’s nothing else like it nearby, correct?”

The walkie-talkie resting on top of Natalie’s iPad nearby squawked to life. “Natalie, we’ve got a code stork. I repeat, code stork near the corn maze.”

No. Adrenaline pulsed through her veins. “Karen, excuse me. I’m so sorry. I’ve got to go. A woman’s about to give birth in the corn maze.”

Karen’s perfect brow knitted together. “But I—”

“I’m sorry. Truly, I am. Feel free to walk through and see if this might be a good fit. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.” She scooped up the iPad and walkie-talkie, and then she jogged toward her golf cart parked beside the barn, her cowboy boots clicking against the cobblestones.

“Nat, where are you? Her water broke.” Shelby, the college student supervising the birthday party, had more than enough experience to manage a crisis, but this was uncharted territory. Not even Rex, their most seasoned employee, could deliver a human in a corn maze.

“Call an ambulance.” Natalie slid behind the wheel. “I’ll be there in two minutes.”

“Copy that. Please hurry.” Shelby’s panicked voice crackled through the speaker.

She set the iPad and the walkie-talkie on the cushioned seat next to her, put the cart in gear and stomped on the pedal. While she careened down the gravel path, her mind raced. Several of the off-duty firefighters from the station down the road were attending a birthday party at the farm today. Surely they were qualified to handle emergency childbirth.

“Oh, dear Lord, please don’t let her give birth in front of a bunch of three-year-olds. Make a way for the ambulance to get through the crowd.” Her prayers were like that these days—flung up in tense moments, desperate submissions shot heavenward, while her plans unraveled like a loose thread. God heard her, but He hadn’t responded like she’d anticipated. Still she longed for a sign, a clear indication it was time to chase her dreams. Would she ever get a chance to focus exclusively on wedding planning, instead of dealing with the relentless flood of issues facing Glenview Farms?

She’d thrown herself into managing the farm and launching Magnolia Lane, desperate for an avenue to both channel her grief and help her forget about Spencer. His sudden death on duty at the fire department two years ago had leveled her. And cured her of any desire to ever date another firefighter. Her work might’ve saved her, but it also meant Mama and Daddy depended on her to keep things running. Especially now that Daddy’s health was declining.

A bead of sweat trickled down Natalie’s spine as she steered the cart around a group of guests snapping selfies by the old tobacco barn, their faces flushed from the heat. For the third Saturday in September, summer hadn’t shown any interest in giving up and making way for fall.

Near the entrance to the corn maze, a very pregnant woman clutched her lower back and paced in a small circle. Shelby hovered near her elbow, a cell phone to her ear, while a crowd of onlookers gathered around. Natalie stopped the cart and hopped out, side-stepping identical twin boys fighting over a pinwheel. They couldn’t have been more than two, judging by the pacifiers wedged securely in their mouths.

“Shelby, I’m here. What can I do?” Natalie joined them, wincing as the pregnant woman stopped pacing and squeezed her eyes shut.

“I—I don’t know.” Shelby’s voice wobbled, and she cast a furtive glance toward the woman. “This is Maria. She’s expecting her second baby any minute now. I’m staying on the line with the dispatcher until the ambulance gets here.”

“Perfect. I’ll redirect the kids to the inflatables. Maybe if they’re bouncing, the siren won’t scare them.” She whirled around and walked straight into a firm, defined chest clad in a navy University of Virginia T-shirt. Her gaze traveled up to an angular jaw, tan skin and moss green eyes staring down from beneath the brim of a well-loved ball cap. A warm hand on her bare forearm steadied her.

“Ma’am? Is there anything I can do to help?”

His deep voice made her insides dip and swerve. She moistened her dry-as-sandpaper mouth. “Are you a doctor?”

“No. A firefighter. My kids are guests at the birthday party.” He cut his gaze toward the expectant mother. “Do you have a place where she can lie down?”

“Lie down? I was hoping the ambulance would—”

“Oh, my—” Maria’s voice trailed off, and Natalie sneaked a peek over her shoulder. Maria grimaced, her fingers splayed across her protruding abdomen.

The man let go of Natalie’s arm and stepped away, pressing his thumb and index finger to his lips. He released a shrill whistle that stopped all conversation. “Hey, folks. Let me have your attention, please.”

The wail of a siren grew louder, but all eyes remained fixed on him.

“Wait,” Natalie hissed. “What are you doing?”

“Taking charge.”

“But I’m—”

“Trent, line the children up behind your daughter and head over to the inflatables so we can get this ambulance in here. Hamilton, you’re in charge of finding Maria’s husband and daughter. Start at the restrooms.”

“Got it.” Cell phone in hand, Hamilton jogged away.

“One, two, three, eyes on me.” Trent Walker, Natalie’s friend and another local firefighter, held his hand high in the air. “Anyone who wants to go to the bounce house, line up behind Ella.”

The children maneuvered into a disjointed line behind Trent’s daughter. She wore a princess dress and tiara, clearly enjoying her role as the birthday girl. Even the boys tussling over the pinwheel obeyed, bringing up the rear as adults and children moved across the grass toward the inflatables.

“Wow.” Shelby’s eyes widened. “Impressive.”

Natalie was speechless.

Shay turned his attention back to Maria. “I’m Shay Campbell. I work for the fire department. Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?”

“Another girl.” Maria gasped, swiping her forearm across her glistening brow.

“Wonderful. When’s your due date?”

“Yesterday.” Pain rippled across her features. “My first one didn’t come this fast.”

“Hang on. We’re going to help you.” Shay looked from Maria to Natalie. “Bring the golf cart closer. We’ve got to move her.”

“Move her where?”

He pointed toward the parking lot. “We’ll meet the ambulance at the gate.”

She turned around, looking past the rows and rows of cars in the field to the access gate at the far end of their property. A figure wearing Glenview’s signature yellow T-shirt maneuvered the heavy metal bar out of the way, and an ambulance eased through, siren howling as the red lights flashed. Glenview’s staff was following emergency protocol—just like they’d rehearsed half a dozen times.

“Ma’am?” Shay prompted. “I think we’d better act quickly.”

She pivoted back toward him. “Are you sure moving her is the best idea? We’ve trained our staff to guide the ambulance right—”

Ignoring her question, he brushed past her, guiding Maria toward the golf cart. Sweat dampened the back of his snug-fitting T-shirt as he helped her onto the second seat. Natalie’s eyes swept from the expanse of his shoulders to his gray cargo shorts and muscular legs. Most of the firefighters attending the birthday party with their families had come by the farm to eat lunch at The Grille several times, but she’d never seen Shay before.

He whirled around and caught her staring. “C’mon, we don’t have time to argue.”

Heat singed her cheeks. “I’m not arguing. I’m trying to tell you we can get the ambulance over here. We’ve done it before. What about her husband and daughter? You want me to leave without them?”

He silenced her with his fierce gaze. “Just drive, please. Hamilton will figure it out.”

She slid behind the wheel again, her heart pounding. Shay stayed with Maria, coaching her in a calm yet firm voice as Natalie sped across the grass toward the ambulance.

“Breathe, Maria. I know the contractions are coming hard and fast, but you’ve got to try to breathe.”

Maria grunted out a response and then panted.

Natalie cringed when they hit a rut, bouncing over it. “I’m sorry. So sorry.”

“Oh, my—” Maria’s words were lost as she released a guttural moan. “I think I need to push. I really, really need to push.”

“No,” Natalie and Shay said in unison.

“We’re almost there. You do not want to have this baby in a golf cart, right? Everything you need is inside that ambulance.” Shay’s confident voice never wavered, but Natalie’s mind spun out of control with possibilities, making her mash down harder on the accelerator. They’d assisted guests with heat exhaustion, chest pain, sprained ankles...even the occasional broken arm. But a baby delivered in her golf cart? That was ten times worse than the corn maze. She gritted her teeth. Moving Maria was a horrible idea. Why did I listen to him?

They reached the ambulance, and two EMTs jumped out, each securing blue disposable gloves on their hands.

“C’mon, Maria. Let’s get you to the hospital.” Shay helped her from the cart and handed her off to the closest guy in uniform. Natalie got out and hovered behind them, catching pieces of their conversation. Something about the timing of the contractions and when her water broke—all the details she should’ve noted, had she not been so exasperated by this mysterious firefighter who happened upon the scene and took control.

Despite her resistance to lying down or leaving without her family, they had Maria secured on the stretcher and inside the ambulance in a matter of seconds. Once her husband and daughter caught up and were on board, the EMTs slammed the doors and whisked her away, lights flashing but no sirens. Would they even make it off the property before the baby arrived?

Shay watched them go and then turned to face her. His gaze narrowed. “Y’all need to reevaluate your emergency action plan. That could’ve been a disaster.”

A terse response flitted through her brain. She tipped her chin up. “It could’ve been, but it wasn’t. I guess the good Lord was looking out for us. And Maria, too.”

A muscle in his jaw knotted tight. “How many pregnant women visit your farm? You need to be prepared for more scenarios like this one.”

She fixed him with a pointed stare. “We are more than prepared to handle a crisis. If you would’ve listened and let me execute our emergency action plan, we could’ve skipped the golf cart altogether.” Without waiting for his answer, she climbed back in the golf cart and drove away.

“‘Y’all need a better emergency action plan.’” She mimicked his deep Southern drawl as she drove back toward the barn to smooth things over with Karen, if she was even still there. Who did Shay think he was, anyway, jumping in and taking over? So what if he’d helped avert a crisis. Did he have to be so smug about it? She made a mental note to email Chief Murphy later and ask who he’d assigned to serve on the fall festival committee and help with their service project. If it was Shay Campbell, she’d request Trent instead.

This fall marked her family’s tenth season of offering a destination farm experience, complete with hay rides, the corn maze and several other creative opportunities to get kids outside. They took every reasonable precaution to protect their guests. She blew out a long breath. The last thing she needed was some arrogant firefighter telling her how to run her own farm...or her fall festival committee.

* * *

Shay watched her drive off, her honey-brown hair spilling between the skinny straps of her sundress. Despite the medical emergency, the curve of her bronzed, bare shoulders and delicate collarbone hadn’t escaped his notice. He’d always had a thing for sundresses and cowboy boots. Until Monica left. He’d stopped listening to the country radio station for fear he’d hear her latest hit single.

Shoving aside the memory of his ex-wife, he jogged back toward the inflatables. Isn’t that where he instructed the other parents to take the kids? But when he got to the giant multicolored bounce house, the kids seemed older. Bigger. He scanned the faces of the adults hovering on the grassy area nearby. This was only his second week in Meadow Springs, but none of these ladies looked like anybody he’d met at the beginning of the party. Not that he had much time for small talk. He’d left the socializing up to his mother, while he kept a vigilant watch on the boys. If he looked away for an instant, Liam and Aiden toddled off, climbing something, touching things they shouldn’t—making his heart race. He’d lost focus once before, and it had cost his family dearly. He couldn’t afford not to be hypervigilant.

He spun in a circle, searching for towheaded boys wearing denim shorts and blue and green T-shirts. Don’t panic. Mom can handle it. But this was their first birthday party that wasn’t limited to close family members. Would she remember to ask about the ingredients and double-check the labels? And could she deal with the tantrums if she had to tell the boys they couldn’t have any?

“Excuse me.” He spoke to an older woman who appeared to be supervising the inflatables. “Do you know where the little kids from the birthday party went? A bunch of two-and three-year-olds?”

She fluffed her short brown hair with her fingers and smiled, staring at him over the rim of her leopard-print sunglasses. “Shelby’s group?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“They’ve gone on to the gazebo. They were afraid of the siren, so Shelby skipped straight to cake and ice cream.”

“Where’s the gazebo?”

She pointed behind him. “Go toward the pond and past the rubber duck races. You can’t miss it, hon.”

“Thank you.” He weaved around couples with strollers, kids tugging on their parents’ hands and packs of teenagers staring at their phones. Gravel crunched under his tennis shoes as he made his way past the main building. The aroma of fries and hamburgers filled the air, making his stomach rumble. He’d worry about lunch later. His boys’ safety was his first priority.

A line snaked out the door of the café. “Pardon me, please.” He eased between two women chatting in line, while two little girls chased each other in circles around their legs. Once he was past the crowd, a large white gazebo situated next to a pond came into view. A group of older boys cranked the handles on the water pumps nearby, their rubber ducks racing down the water-filled troughs. Aiden and Liam would love that. Maybe if they had time, he’d bring them over to check it out.

Moms and dads mingled with the children in the gazebo, talking and laughing. A few glanced up as he joined the party. Walker and Harrison stood by a cooler with cans of soda in their hands. He’d thank them for their help with Maria in a minute, once he knew Mom had handled the cake situation.

“Shay,” Mom called out from where she sat at the end of a long picnic table, Aiden and Liam across from her.

“Da-da!” Aiden shrieked, his blue eyes gleaming. Frosting coated his fingers and ringed his mouth. The paper plate in front of him held a half-eaten slice of cake and a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream. Liam didn’t even look up, all his attention centered on loading his fork with the sugary treats.

Shay’s stomach lurched. “Mom. The cake—” He raced to the table, reaching for the boys’ plates.

“Sweetie, I scoured the labels and interrogated the poor girls serving it. It’s fine. No peanuts.”

Aiden’s lower lip quivered, and he snatched the plate back, glaring. “Mine.”

“We don’t know if it’s safe for you to eat, buddy. Let me check.”

Mom sighed. “I promise I double—”

Her words were drowned out by the sound of the boys crying. Not a little crying, either. The kind of sobbing that stopped all conversation.

“Hey, fellas.” A young woman approached the table carrying an ice-cream carton and scoop. “Is everything okay?”

“Aiden has a severe peanut allergy, and I don’t let Liam eat peanuts, just to be safe.” Shay felt the curious stares of the other guests as the boys continued wailing. “I was concerned about cross-contamination.”

“My daughter’s the birthday girl. She has a severe allergy, too. Trust me, I can guarantee this cake is completely acceptable.” She set the ice-cream container on the table. “I’m Caroline Walker, by the way. You probably know my husband, Trent, from the station.”

Man, he felt like an idiot. He wished the ground would open and swallow him whole. Shay dropped his gaze to the boys’ plates. “Here you go, boys. I’m sorry. Daddy messed up.” He slid the plates back in front of them. “Go ahead. You can eat it.” He offered his hand to Caroline. “Thanks for clarifying. I’m Shay Campbell, and this is Aiden, Liam and my mother, Belinda Campbell.”

“Nice to meet you.” Caroline shook his hand. “Do you mind if they have more ice cream? We bought way too much.”

Aiden and Liam’s pathetic sniffles disappeared as they shot cautious glances in Shay’s direction. “It’s fine. You may have more.”

The conversation around him ebbed and flowed again, much to his relief.

“See?” Mom patted their little hands. “Everything’s going to be okay. By the time you’re finished with that yummy cake and ice cream, I bet it will be time to watch Ella open presents.”

“We’re glad y’all could come today.” Caroline added a tiny scoop of ice cream to Aiden’s plate, and he grinned up at her.

“Thanks for the invitation. This is quite a treat.” He’d been counting the minutes until the party ended and he could get the boys home for nap time. More ice cream would probably derail their afternoon routine. But a sugar high was a small price to pay for inflicting such pain on his innocent little boys. They’d suffered enough already.

“Are you all getting settled in your new place? Trent said you’re in that neighborhood behind the farm?”

Shay nodded. “Meadow Crossing. Yeah, it’s...great.” He pictured the moving boxes still stacked against the wall in the detached garage. Sometime soon he’d carve out time to tackle those. Getting the boys settled in their new bedroom and unpacking their toys was as far as he’d gotten. Well, that and the kitchen essentials. Even with Mom’s help, establishing a new routine and helping them cope with Monica’s absence was all he could do.

“How about you, Mrs. Campbell? Are you close by?”

“My husband and I live in the new retirement community a little closer to town. But I stay with the boys when Shay’s at the station.”

He grimaced. Did she have to tell everybody about that? It wasn’t a secret that he didn’t have a wife, but the looks of sympathy and awkward silence that usually followed made him uncomfortable.

If Caroline was surprised by the revelation, she hid it well. “That’s wonderful. We have family nearby, too. It’s such a blessing, especially when the guys are on duty. This is a great group of people, Shay. We treat each other like family, so if you need anything, let us know.”

“Thanks. I will.” He forced a smile, ignoring Mom’s triumphant look.

“I better serve some more ice cream. Oh, wait.” Caroline surveyed the gazebo. “Huh. That’s weird. I thought for sure she’d stop by. I wanted to introduce you to Natalie McDowell.”

Shay’s gut clenched. He wasn’t here to make new friends. “That’s okay. I’m not exactly—”

“I heard Chief Murphy assigned you to her fall festival committee. I thought you might want to say hello before the first meeting.” Caroline shrugged. “She manages this farm. I’m sure things are hectic today, with Maria almost giving birth and all. Maybe she’ll stop by later.”

Visions of a sundress, boots and a golf cart raced through his mind. Uh-oh. Based on their previous interaction, she’d be less than thrilled about his assigned role. He wasn’t really crazy about it, either. Working closely with an attractive young woman only put him and his broken heart on a pointless trajectory. Between Monica’s sudden departure, the move from Virginia and caring for two toddlers, there wasn’t space in his life for a new relationship. He couldn’t fathom falling in love again, anyway. Especially not with someone as strong-willed and determined as Natalie.

Chapter Two

After attending the early service at church the next morning, Natalie sat at her kitchen table, eating a sandwich while scrolling through her email on her iPad. There were a hundred things to do today, and all she really wanted was a quiet afternoon at home. And possibly a nap.

A message from Forever Love dropped into her inbox. She stopped chewing and let her finger hover over the screen. Did she even want to read this right now? Her brief meeting with Karen after the Maria debacle had ended on a cryptic note. While Karen had taken several pictures with her phone and asked plenty of questions, she’d driven away after offering a quick handshake and the standard “we’ll be in touch.”

Oh, why not. What did she have to lose? She opened the message.

“‘Dear Natalie,’” she read out loud, “‘it was wonderful to meet with you and see your delightful venue. Magnolia Lane is everything I hoped it would be.’”

Natalie’s pulse sped as she devoured the rest of the message silently. “Forever Love is actively working to expand its reach into the greater Raleigh area. Our research indicates this market has tremendous potential. We have a proposition we believe you’ll find very appealing. Our firm is interested in acquiring your business. Secondly, we’d like to offer you a position as an event planner here in our Charlotte office...”

Natalie gasped. “What in the world?” She read the details again. Sell Magnolia Lane? The thought had never crossed her mind. But working for an elite firm like Forever Love—now that she’d dreamed about often, especially in the lean times when she’d struggled to open Magnolia Lane. Having someone else in her corner to brainstorm strategies for dealing with high-maintenance brides, or share the burden of upkeep and help secure new vendors when the caterer went out of business... Forever Love’s proposition felt like a breath of fresh air.

Easy. Natalie heeded the warning in her head and forced herself to focus on the message’s closing lines. “My business partner and I would like to give you some time to consider our offer. If you’re available, we’d like to discuss this via a video conference call on Thursday, October 2, at 1:00 p.m. Please respond at your convenience and indicate your availability...”

“Yes, yes, I’m available.” Natalie’s fingers trembled as she clicked over to her digital calendar and scrolled to October 2. Even though it was less than two weeks away, thankfully she was still free. She scheduled the call with Forever Love.

A dozen questions flew through her mind, but a quick glance at the clock revealed she had all of five minutes to get out the door and over to The Grille to make sure Nolan, the new manager, was prepared for the after-church lunch rush. If he had everything under control, she’d have just enough time to walk across the highway to the fall festival committee meeting.

After typing a brief response and accepting the meeting request, Natalie pushed back her chair and tucked her iPad inside her handbag. Striding to the sink, she added her plate to the dirty dishes already stacked on the counter. Chores would have to wait. She cast a longing glance toward her bungalow’s cozy living room as she headed for the front door. Sunlight streamed through the wide front window, spilling onto the overstuffed cushions of her favorite chair and a stack of untouched novels she’d intended to read before the hectic fall season started. Those would have to wait, too.

With a heavy sigh, she shifted her focus to the mirror in the entryway, frowning at her reflection. A string of late nights and early mornings hadn’t done her complexion any favors. She fished a tube of lip gloss out from the depths of her bag, and then she dabbed on a quick coat and surveyed the results. Good enough. Natalie readjusted the coral scarf layered over her white T-shirt and navy cardigan and then slipped out the front door.

Outside, her porch swing swayed in the breeze. She drew in a deep breath—crisp, cool air and no humidity. Birds chirped, while the familiar rumble of a tractor echoed across the otherwise empty fields. She shouldered her bag again as she walked down the steps and across the yard.

“Hey, there, sunshine,” her sister Kirsten called out from the parking lot, wearing a stylish, belted denim dress and short, open-toed suede boots. She clasped Daddy’s elbow with one hand, while Mama assisted him on his left side. “We thought we’d have lunch here today.”

“Great.” Natalie pasted on a smile, determined to mask her heartache. Daddy hadn’t made eye contact yet, his focus on the gravel in front of him as he struggled to walk the short distance from the car to the front door.

“Hey, Mama and Daddy.” Natalie held the door open for them. “I bet Nolan has your favorite table ready.”

Daddy met her gaze briefly, a twinkle evident in his blue eyes. “Sure hope so.”

Mama squeezed Natalie’s arm as they passed. “Hey, sugar.”

Natalie followed them inside. The aroma of fried food lingered in the air, even though the restaurant didn’t open until twelve thirty on Sundays. The dining area sat empty, although it wouldn’t stay that way for long. While Mama and Daddy made their way to a corner booth near the windows with a beautiful view of the pond, Natalie tugged on Kirsten’s short sleeve.

“What’s the occasion?”

Kirsten lingered near the door. “What do you mean?”

“Mama and Daddy haven’t been here for lunch in weeks.”

Kirsten sighed. “I wanted Mama to have a break from fixing a meal. They used to love to go out for lunch after church, but Daddy says he gets too worn out. I convinced them to come here, since they’re only two minutes from the house.”

Natalie watched Mama help him maneuver into the booth. “We’re going to have to talk to them about assisted living. Soon.”

“Go for it. I’ve tried bringing it up. Mama shuts me down every time.”

Natalie turned away, her stomach clenched in a tight knot. Daddy’s mobility had declined more rapidly than she’d expected. “I don’t understand how they can ignore the facts. He’s getting worse. We can’t pretend his health isn’t going to impact their lifestyle.”

“I know. But Mama thinks she can handle it. Like she handles everything—by sheer force and stubborn determination.”

“What if she’s not able?” Natalie threaded her scarf between her fingers. “Eventually he’ll need care, possibly around-the-clock. Sure, the farm’s doing well, but the liability insurance and property taxes get more expensive every year. What if the cost of his care exceeds their income?”

Kirsten’s eyes glistened with tears. “Believe me, I’ve thought about everything you’ve mentioned. Mama and Daddy simply don’t want to hear it.”

“If Daddy’s diagnosis isn’t...” Natalie swallowed hard. She couldn’t bring herself to say the words. “If the news isn’t what we’d hoped, I think we should be prepared to have that hard conversation. Cami’s in school at Clemson, you’re working on your MBA and I’m practically working two jobs. Tisha’s not here, right—”

“Mama says Tisha’s coming back from Alaska in the next week or so,” Kirsten said.

Natalie sighed. “Tisha’s been away a long time. She can’t exactly make an educated choice about what’s best.” She stopped short of mentioning how their sister’s ridiculous plan to lease some of their land to that solar energy company nearly cost them everything.

“She’s changed a lot since she moved away, Nat.” Kirsten shifted from one foot to the other. “Mama and Daddy are her parents, too. We can’t exclude her from the discussion.”

Natalie clamped her mouth closed. She couldn’t argue with that. Although Tisha’s blind affection for her conniving ex-boyfriend and careless actions almost ruined any future plans for the farm, Natalie couldn’t be too critical. Not with the surprise news from Forever Love sitting in her inbox. If she decided to accept their offer, she’d be moving to Charlotte. What if the sale of Magnolia Lane helped provide professional caregivers? Then they wouldn’t have to worry about financing Daddy’s care. On the other hand, it meant pursuing her dreams at the expense of her family’s heritage. Daddy’s parents had built the barn themselves. Even if they’d deeded the building and the surrounding land to her, the news of the sale would still come as a shock. Could she really live with that?

Kirsten’s gaze flitted from Natalie to Mama and Daddy. “Let’s wait and see what the doctor says before we try to talk to them again. Maybe it’s not as bad as we think.”

“Miss Natalie?”

Natalie glanced over Kirsten’s shoulder to see Nolan, who was hurrying toward her as he tied an apron over faded jeans and an NC State T-shirt.

“I was fixin’ to text you. Justine called in sick. Any chance you could fill in at the register during the lunch rush?”

Oh, brother. What other surprises could land in her path today? “I’ll find somebody to help out, Nolan. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He returned to the kitchen.

Kirsten frowned. “Are you short-handed all day? I’d offer to help, but—”

“Could you? I’ve got my first fall festival committee in a few minutes.” She regretted the request as soon as she said it. Maybe having Kirsten fill in for Justine wasn’t the best idea. Her sisters hadn’t worked the counter in ages. Natalie bit her lip. What if she pushed back the meeting until—

“I guess I can do it. I’ll work on my presentation later...”

Natalie shoved her doubts aside. It would have to do for now. “Perfect. Thank you so much.” Natalie didn’t stick around. If she lingered, she’d be tempted to tell Kirsten everything about Forever Love, and it was too soon for that. She needed more information. More time to weigh her options. She rubbed at the ache in her chest as she hurried toward the door. A solution that appealed to everyone and allowed her to follow her dream felt hopelessly out of reach.

Outside, she offered friendly greetings to the customers coming into The Grille, recognizing several familiar faces. Mama and Daddy would be glad to see some of their friends. A line of at least a dozen cars waited on the two-lane road beside the entrance to the farm, blinkers on, indicating they’d be pulling into the parking lot. Looked like another busy Sunday afternoon. That would make Mama and Daddy happy, too.

Her smile quickly faded once she jogged across the road to the new subdivision where the committee meeting was scheduled to take place.

Shay Campbell was less than twenty feet away, climbing out of a pickup truck.

Natalie’s steps faltered, and she stumbled, wincing more from embarrassment than from the twinge in her ankle. What was he doing here?

Shay waved, a smile lifting one corner of his mouth.

Natalie tried to play it cool while her pulse went all kinds of crazy. Although she hated to admit it, he did look handsome in khaki slacks and a brick red button-down, the sleeves rolled up to reveal his chiseled forearms.

“Hey.” Shay closed the driver’s door. “Is this the fall festival committee meeting?”

She cocked her to head to one side. “It’s supposed to be. The others aren’t here yet.”

“Mind if I join you? I’m not on duty today, but the chief sent me as the liaison from the fire department.”

Rats. Why him? The chief had ignored her email requesting Trent Walker’s help.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “He said we needed to have a presence at major community events.”

“You must’ve drawn the short straw.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Two of our key members and biggest supporters of the festival had to step down unexpectedly. They’re in Chicago caring for their daughter and her family. We’re going to struggle to pull the festival together without them.”

A frown etched his features. “Unless Chief Murphy tells me differently, the fire department is committed to helping. When’s the festival?”

“In about six weeks. The first Saturday in November.”

“One of the guys mentioned a service project. Is this it?” He angled his head toward the lot nearby.

“Yes.” Natalie glanced at the concrete foundation and exposed wood framework for the walls. Mounds of ugly red clay and large rocks dug up by the construction crew surrounded what would eventually be a three-bedroom rambler. Nothing much had changed since the last time she’d stopped by. Had the volunteers run into a problem no one had mentioned to her?

“Is anyone managing the project?”

“That’s where things get complicated. I guess I’m in charge now.” She sighed and met his gaze again. For the second time in one weekend, the luminous color of his eyes—green rimmed with hints of blue—captured her attention.

A girl could get lost in those eyes.

Shay’s brow arched, waiting for her to elaborate.

Warmth heated her skin. “The house is for a wounded veteran and his family. The big reveal happens during the festival. At least, that was the plan, anyway. Now with Maureen, the former committee chairperson, gone—”

The sound of another car approaching interrupted her. Natalie glanced over her shoulder to see her best friend, Erin, parking beside the curb.

“Wait.” Shay held up his hand. “Before the others get here, I have something I need to say.”

“Oh?” Natalie faced him again and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. This should be interesting. “I’m listening.”

“I—I owe you an apology.”

“For?”

“I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you at the farm. I shouldn’t have been so critical.”

“Apology accepted.” She reached into her bag for her iPad. “Have you heard how Maria’s doing?”

“I have.” He offered a sheepish smile. “She had a healthy baby girl in the ambulance, on the way to the hospital.”

“Whoa. That was quick.”

“Very quick. If it weren’t for that stellar emergency plan of yours, she might’ve delivered in the middle of the party.”

“So you recognize my plan wasn’t so flawed, after all?” She couldn’t resist a subtle jab. Or conceal her smile.

“I do. I mean, I recognize that your plan isn’t so flawed. At all. Again, I apologize for being rude and trying to take control of the situation.”

She lifted one shoulder. It was kind of fun to see him stumble over his words. “Don’t worry about it. But thank you for apologizing.”

“You’re welcome.” He studied the lot again. “Any idea what you still need in terms of building supplies? You’ve got walls up, it’s framed...looks like the subflooring was started. What would it take to finish this in time for the festival?”

About fifty more volunteers and an extra three weeks. She bit back her snide reply as Erin strode toward them, a pastry box and a stack of napkins in hand.

“Hey.” Erin’s curious gaze flitted from Natalie to Shay and back. “What’s going on?”

Natalie pretended not to notice Erin’s nonverbal cues. No doubt they’d exchange a flurry of text messages later about the newest member of their committee. “Shay, have you met Erin Taylor? She and her husband own the coffee shop in town.”

He shook Erin’s outstretched hand. “Shay Campbell. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” Erin let go of his hand and then pressed her palm over the napkins on top of the white cardboard box to keep them from blowing away. “Are you building in this neighborhood?”

“Not exactly. I’m a volunteer committee member from the fire department. Natalie was bringing me up to speed on the status of the service project.” Shay’s arm brushed against hers, and the scent of something clean nudged her nose, like laundry soap and fresh air. Natalie’s stomach tightened. Why did he have to smell so good?

“Was she?” Erin asked, an innocent smile tugging at her lips. “She’s served on the fall festival committee for years. If anyone can whip us into shape and get the job done, it’s Natalie.”

It was Natalie’s turn to fire a pointed gaze Erin’s direction. “That’s sweet of you to say, but Maureen had much stronger contacts for building supplies and coordinating volunteers. I’m all about weddings and hay rides. Lumber and windows? Not so much.”

“Oh, please.” Erin playfully nudged Natalie’s hip with her own. “You’re the logical choice to replace her, especially on short notice. She’s only in Chicago while her daughter’s recovering from her car accident. It’s not like you can’t reach her. If I know Maureen, she’ll find a way to get you all the information you need. This festival was her pride and joy.”

“I just wish we could do more.” Natalie frowned. “We could’ve built three new houses for wounded veterans and their families if we had more resources.”

“You only lost Maureen and her husband. There are plenty of other people in Meadow Springs who will gladly help,” Erin reminded her.

“I’m grateful for the little bit of progress we’ve made. I’m just afraid we won’t finish in time.” Natalie’s declaration was punctuated by more car doors slamming. Missy Josephson hurried over, with Pastor Adams not far behind. Thank You, Lord. Natalie straightened, the tense knots in her shoulders loosening. She was beginning to think they’d forgotten. “Hey. I’m so glad you’re both here.”

Missy’s purse slid down her arm as she leaned in and gave Natalie a quick hug. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’m sorry I’m late. It took forever to get the kids out the door and over to my parents’ house.” She looked at Shay speaking with Pastor Adams and shot Natalie a questioning glance.

“Missy, Pastor Adams, this is Shay Campbell. Shay, this is Missy Josephson and Rick Adams, the youth pastor from Meadow Springs Community Church.”

Once introductions were finished, and they’d all gathered in a half-circle, Natalie perused her notes quickly. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure you’ve heard two of our committee members have resigned as a result of recent events in their daughter’s life. But we’ve gained a new member, thanks to Chief Murphy at the fire station. I was updating Shay on the building project before you both got here.”

Pastor Adams smiled. “We’re glad to have you, Shay. The fire department’s presence at the festival is always a big favorite.”

“Oh, the kids love it.” Missy bobbed her head. “My students are already asking if they can squirt the hose and wear those plastic fire hats.”

“Missy’s a preschool teacher,” Natalie said.

Shay smiled. “Little boys love fire engines.”

“That sounds like the voice of experience.” Erin opened the box to reveal an assortment of her legendary cookies. “Do you have kids, Shay?”

Natalie stilled, pretending to stare at her screen. But her racing pulse was a dead giveaway. She was more curious than she cared to admit. Hadn’t he mentioned something about his kids at the birthday party?

“Twin two-year-old boys,” Shay said.

Oh, my. Natalie’s gaze darted to his ring finger. Nothing. Warmth heated her cheeks. She only needed his help with the festival, right? Shay’s family life—particularly his potential single-dad status—was none of her business. The heartache over losing Spencer was enough to last a lifetime. She gave herself a mental shake. Avoiding firefighters, remember?

“How about the other trucks we’ve had in the past?” Pastor Adams chose a chocolate chip cookie from the box. “Kids enjoy climbing all over that stuff.”

Bless him for steering the meeting back on track. “We always have a tractor, riding mower and Dad’s old pickup truck available.” Natalie glanced down and double-checked her notes. “I’ve left a message with a heavy equipment company in Raleigh to see if they’d bring a loader or a dump truck out. They haven’t returned my call.”

“Do you want my husband to follow up on that?” Missy whipped out her phone. “He has quite a few contacts through the department of transportation.”

“That would be fabulous. Thank you.”

“Of course. Let me send him a quick text.” Missy’s fingers flew over her screen.

Shay declined the cookie Erin offered. “Is there any sort of performance or live entertainment?”

“Yes, that’s the best part.” Natalie grinned. “Jayce Philips, the hottest new thing in country music, grew up here, and he promised to be our headlining act. Isn’t that great?”

Missy gasped. “No way.”

“He’s a great kid.” Pastor Adams nodded his approval.

“I still can’t believe it,” Natalie said. “His mom indicated he might give away two tickets and backstage passes to his Raleigh concert, too. Wouldn’t that be amazing?”

Shay’s countenance dimmed.

Natalie studied him. What was wrong? Maybe he didn’t like country music. Or he’d never heard of Jayce Philips. If that was even possible.

“Could we auction those tickets off or hold a raffle?” Missy’s smile widened, and she snapped her fingers. “Oh, how about this. All proceeds benefit the family moving into the new house.”

“Perfect. I’ll follow up with Jayce’s mom.” Natalie typed in a quick note on her to-do list. “Our biggest issue is finishing the house. We’ve had great support from local volunteer groups, including several men from the church, but it looks like we need even more people to step up. I’m a little concerned that we’re running out of time. These next six weeks are crucial.”

“I can’t officially commit until I talk to some of the guys at the station, but this sounds like the kind of thing we could get involved in,” Shay said. “When we aren’t on shift, we’d help with the landscaping or the plumbing, hanging drywall—anything we’re skilled at doing.”

Natalie felt her mouth drop open. “You’d do that? For us?”

“Of course. Like I said, I’d need to ask around. I’m a little new to be volunteering the whole station, but the chief’s made it very clear that you will have our full support.”

“I—I don’t know what to say.”

He grinned, warmth returning to his eyes. “Say ‘thank you.’ Maybe a few cheeseburgers from The Grille would help, too.”

“Done.” Natalie held his gaze, noting the way a crescent-shaped scar on his cheek accompanied that incredible smile of his.

“I’ll schedule some youth group work parties, as well.” Pastor Adams dusted crumbs from his fingers. “Our congregation always pulls together when there’s a need.”

“See? We’ve got you covered,” Missy said. “It’s all going to work out.”

“I hope you’re right.” Natalie typed more detailed notes into the app. She still couldn’t envision this all coming together in the next month. But she’d never forgive herself if the festival and the service project fell through on her watch. Now that Forever Love’s incredible offer had arrived, wooing her with a fantastic opportunity, she’d have to work extra hard to guard against distraction. There was too much on her plate already.

Shay linked his arms across that muscular chest she couldn’t seem to get out of her line of sight.

It was time to add “stop staring at handsome service project volunteer” to the top of the to-do list.

* * *

Shay corralled Aiden in the bathroom and swept him up in his favorite bath towel—the one with a puppy face and floppy ears on the hood and his name embroidered on the front. “What does a puppy say, Aiden?”

“Woof, woof.” Aiden grinned, beads of water from the bath still clinging to his pale eyelashes. That adorable, innocent smile offered a ray of hope—a tender reminder that even in Shay’s exhausted state, he could keep going. In moments like these, weary from the marathon of the evening routine, he found himself wishing for a partner—someone to laugh at the boys’ antics with, as well as share the load. Natalie’s head cocked to one side, her gaze holding his, flitted through his mind.

No.

He gritted his teeth. Who was he kidding? He pushed the mental image aside and shifted his focus back to the boys—where it belonged.

“That’s right.” He quickly dried Aiden and settled him on the bath mat. “Let’s put your jammies on.”

“Books?”

“After we brush your teeth, okay?”

“’Kay.”

He’d already lifted Liam from the tub, dressed him and sent him across the hall to play in the bedroom. Once he had Aiden’s diaper in place, Shay leaned back on his heels and listened.

Silence answered back.

“Liam?” he called over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”

“He play.” Aiden stared up at him, fingering the hem of the bath towel lying nearby.

“It doesn’t sound like he’s playing.” He scooped Aiden up, grabbing the clean pajamas off the counter on his way to the door. “Let’s go check.”

“Yee-um?” Aiden called in a soft voice as they crossed the hallway to the boys’ bedroom.

A line of cars and trucks sat abandoned in the middle of the floor, and puzzle pieces were spilled underneath one of the cribs, but there was no sign of Liam.

“Nope, not here.” Shifting Aiden to his other hip, Shay hurried down the hall of their modest rambler and stopped at the back door. The dead bolt was secure, so he moved on, checking both the washer and dryer in the laundry room. Don’t panic. He’s got to be here somewhere.

“Where go?” Aiden opened his palm heavenward.

“I don’t know. We’ll find him.” He jogged to the front door and double-checked the childproof knob and the lock. A two-year-old couldn’t get past that, right?

He pivoted, raking his hand through his hair as he surveyed the den and breakfast nook. “Liam?” His voice echoed off the empty walls. “Come out, buddy. No more hiding. It’s time to read books.”

Aiden giggled. “Yee-um hide.”

“I’m glad you think it’s funny,” Shay muttered. His heart rate rising, he retraced his steps back down the hall toward the master bedroom. Once or twice since they’d moved in, he’d allowed the boys to snuggle in bed with him and watch a cartoon on TV. It was the only way he could keep them still while he caught a few more precious minutes of sleep.

“Liam?” He yanked back the comforter on his king-size bed. Empty. His chest tightened. “Where is he, Aiden?”

Aiden regarded him with a wide-eyed stare, his thumb tucked securely in his mouth. This was probably just the beginning of the boys taking up for each other. Shay glanced at the clock on his nightstand. Mom would be over in a few minutes. She could keep Aiden occupied while he searched more thoroughly. Maybe he should call her and ask if she was on her way.

“Sweepy.” Aiden mumbled around his thumb, resting his head on Shay’s shoulder.

“I know you are. It’s almost bedtime. As soon as we find your brother.” He patted Aiden’s back while he went to the kitchen to grab his phone. When he reached the tile floor, something hard crunched under his bare foot. He stepped back and glanced down. The remnant of a Cheerio was smashed against the tile. A few more dotted the space between him and the pantry door, which was open a fraction of an inch. Shay nudged it open the rest of the way. Liam sat on the pantry floor, surrounded by the cereal—likely the entire box.

“Liam Douglas Campbell, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Uh-oh,” Aiden whispered.

“Da-da.” Liam offered up a Cheerio. “Want some?”

“No, I do not. Get up. Right now.” Shay couldn’t keep the exasperation from his voice.

Liam clambered to his feet, Cheerios sticking to his dump truck pajamas.

“Daddy mad.” Aiden patted Shay’s back.

“Daddy is mad. You know better, Liam. You don’t go in the pantry without a grown-up, and you certainly don’t open anything without asking.”

Liam’s lower lip pooched out, and he hung his head.

Oh, here we go.

His little body trembled as he began to cry. Out of sympathy, Aiden sniffled a few times before launching the waterworks, squirming to get down. Shay was happy to comply, releasing Aiden to stand with Liam, perhaps in a declaration of solidarity. They stood together, sobbing in the middle of the kitchen floor.

“How did we get here?” he whispered, massaging his aching forehead with his fingertips.

The doorbell rang, which only meant one thing. Backup.

“Let’s go see who’s here. I sure hope it’s Nana.” They made their way to the front door, the boys’ cries escalating. He was certain that was for Nana’s benefit.

He checked the peephole. Mom stood on the porch, holding a grocery sack and her overnight bag. He turned the lock and then opened the door. “Hey, Nana. We’re glad you’re here.”

“Oh, my.” Her eyes widened. “What’s the matter with my fellas?”

He stepped aside so she could come in. “Someone did some unsupervised exploring in the pantry.”

She slid the groceries onto the table, next to a plate with Liam’s half-finished supper on it, and set her bag next to the chair. She kneeled down and tugged Liam toward her, smoothing his hair with her hand. He melted against her shoulder, sniffling.

Aiden’s tears had slowed, replaced by hiccupy breaths. “Nana. Hugs.”

“Pajamas first, pal.” Shay glanced around. “Where are they?”

Aiden ignored him, toddling over to nuzzle Nana’s other shoulder.

Leaving Mom to soothe the last of their tears, Shay backtracked until he found Aiden’s fire truck pajamas on the floor, in the laundry room.

“Here we go, buddy. Let’s put these on.” Aiden didn’t put up any resistance. Shay helped him pull on the shirt and pants, while Mom took Liam over to the couch.

“Why don’t we read a few books before bed?” She pulled some of their favorites from the stack on the coffee table.

Shay considered protesting that Liam’s misbehavior shouldn’t be rewarded. Books were a privilege. But they looked so adorable, snuggled on either side of her, and he was too tired to fight them.

“I’ll fix their milk.” He trudged to the kitchen, side-stepping the mess on the floor.

Once their sippy cups were full, he returned to the den. Mom was halfway through The Little Blue Truck. Aiden’s eyelids drooped, and Liam had already fallen asleep.

She touched a finger to her lips and then kept reading. When she’d finished, Shay carried first one boy and then the other to their room. Although they had separate cribs, they’d refused to sleep apart. He settled them both in one crib, turned on the monitor, night-light and music box. Tiptoeing out of the room, he closed the door behind him. What a day.

In the kitchen, Mom stood at the counter, ladling beef stew onto a plate. “Have you had supper?”

He shook his head. “No. The boys did, but I didn’t get a chance.”

“I’ll warm this up. Would you like some bread? I brought rolls.”

“You didn’t have to do all that. What’s Dad eating?”

She waved him off. “I’m happy to help. You need to eat, son.”

His mouth watered. In the weeks after Monica’s sudden departure, the anger and confusion were all-consuming. People brought meals, but most of it ended up in the garbage. Now, almost a year later, he craved real food again. He could sit at the table with the boys and not let the empty fourth chair bring him to tears.

Mom slid the plate into the microwave.

“You didn’t answer my question. Where’s Dad tonight?”

While his supper reheated, she took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice and water. He waited. The set of her shoulders indicated she didn’t want to talk about it. But they never talked about it. That was the problem.

“He has plenty to eat. Don’t worry about him.”

“Mom, if you coming here is an issue, I can hire a nanny.”

The microwave beeped. “Don’t be silly. I love coming over.”

“But Dad doesn’t.”

She pressed her lips into a thin line and carried his plate to the table.

He followed, gently placing his hand on her arm. “I’m serious. I hired help in Virginia, and I can do it again here.”

“Nonsense. You don’t need strangers watching the boys. That’s what grandmothers are for.”

“Not when it aggravates the grandpa.”

She offered a sad smile. “Don’t you worry about your father. I trailed him all over creation for years with the military. This is how I want to spend my retirement. He understands.”

“But he doesn’t have any time for his only grandchildren.” Shay bowed his head and silently thanked God for his food. When he opened his eyes, Mom stared at the table, cupping her glass of water with both hands.

“He loves Aiden and Liam in his own way.” Her voice, thick with emotion, gave him pause.

Measuring his words, Shay spread a paper napkin across his lap. “At some point, he’s got to demonstrate that. They’re perceptive. They’ll start asking why Grandpa never wants to hang out with them.”

“Honey, we aren’t going to change your father. The best thing we can do is keep praying and creating opportunities for him to be involved.”

Shay speared a bite of meat with his fork. While her response carried truth and wisdom, it still stung. So far, Dad had avoided almost all interaction with the boys. He’d come by the house once, maybe twice, since they’d moved in. The complex web of hurt and guilt undergirding most of his interactions with his father wasn’t the boys’ fault. He wouldn’t let them carry the heavy burden of disapproval.

“Were you able to join that committee the young lady at the birthday party mentioned?”

Shay dipped his bread in the broth, pooling on his plate, too hungry to protest her deliberate shift to a new topic. “Yes. My first meeting was this afternoon.”

“Oh? How’d it go?”

“Great. Looks like the fire department will play a big role in the festival.”

“Wonderful. I’m sure you’ll be a tremendous help.”

“Hope so.” He also hoped he could find a way to get Natalie’s teasing smile out of his head. His thoughts had turned to her often. Too often. Dating wasn’t even an option. They’d lost so much when Monica left. While the thought of being a single dad forever planted an icy ball in his gut, bringing someone new into the boys’ lives was a risk he wasn’t willing to take.

Chapter Three

By the middle of the week, Natalie’s stomach was twisted in knots over the email from Forever Love, as well as the lack of progress on the service project. She paced the street in front of the unfinished house, her mind racing. Discarded candy wrappers and empty plastic water bottles littered the quiet space. Despite the community’s faithful commitment to help, they were woefully behind. At this rate, they’d have little more than a shelter to offer their chosen family.

She stopped pacing and glanced across the street to her family’s farm. Even though she’d read Karen’s email at least a dozen times, she still couldn’t believe it was real. The thought of telling her parents about the offer had squelched her initial enthusiasm. She’d conveniently avoided the conversation and kept the offer a secret from everyone. Maybe she needed to just get it over with. She fished her phone from the back pocket of her jeans and mentally rehearsed the call.

Hey, Mama. Got a minute? I’m thinking about selling Magnolia Lane and moving to...

Ha. That would not go over well. She sighed and shoved her phone back in her pocket. This was home. All she’d ever known, minus her years spent an hour away in Chapel Hill, at the university. Could she pick up and start over in Charlotte? If she said no, would she always wonder what if?

The uncertainty weighed heavily on her mind. Despite her own personal heartache, orchestrating weddings that exceeded brides’ expectations made her happy. Fulfilled. Their ecstatic smiles, and the groom’s expression when he saw his bride for the first time, made all her efforts behind the scenes worth it. Forever Love’s offer meant an end to juggling Magnolia Lane and the farm. An end to her constant frustration over turning away clients because she felt pulled in two directions. She’d always dreamed of planning weddings full-time. Was this finally her chance to pursue her dream?

Tires crunched on gravel behind her, and she turned around. Three pickup trucks had turned off the highway and approached, easing into a tight line on one side of the street.

Car doors slammed, and she counted six men reaching into truck beds and pulling out toolboxes, power saws and a portable cooler. The guy parked closest to her was the last one to get out of his truck. When his boots hit the ground, he grinned at her through the driver’s-side window.

Her pulse kicked up a notch. Shay?

The guys chatted back and forth while they hauled their tools and supplies toward her. She stared in disbelief.

“Hey, Natalie,” Shay called out, pausing to anchor his tool belt around his waist. “How’s it going?”

“I’m—you—why are y’all here?” Warmth flooded her cheeks as she struggled to form a coherent sentence.

“Campbell rounded us up.” Trent angled his head toward Shay. “He said you needed a little help finishing this house.”

“A little help?” She let out a wan laugh. “That’s an understatement.”

Shay grabbed a large bottle of water from the truck’s cab. “We’re prepared to work hard. Why don’t you give us a quick rundown. What needs to be done first?”

The guys—most of them familiar faces from around town—fanned out around her, waiting expectantly.

“I—I don’t even know where to start. There’s so much to do. Finishing the plumbing and electrical work, hanging the drywall...”

“I’m up for a challenge. How about y’all?” Trent shifted his toolbox to his other hand and motioned for the guys to follow him.

They made their way up the driveway and onto the crude front steps, their work boots clunking against the plywood.

Shay stepped away, but she reached out and touched his arm. “Wait.”

His gaze traveled slowly from her fingers to her face. When their eyes met, something passed between them—an unmistakable spark that made her mouth dry and tangled her thoughts. Again.

Shay raised an eyebrow. “Something on your mind?”

She dropped her hand to her side before it lingered a second longer. “Thank you. Really. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“You’re welcome.”

“What can I do to help you? Who’s watching your kids? I mean, I’m assuming you’re single and all. Otherwise...” She pressed her lips together, heat climbing up her neck. Just stop talking.

His eyes gleamed, and a smile tugged at his lips. “Why do you ask? Is there childcare included for frequent visitors to the pumpkin patch?”

“Very funny. No, I’m not offering childcare.” She stopped short of mentioning that he probably wouldn’t trust her with his boys, given her limited experience with the toddler crowd.

“The boys are napping. I took a walk on the wild side and hired a babysitter since my mom’s enjoying a day off.”

“Good for you. I hear there are a few reliable ones around.”

He checked his phone. “So far, so good. She hasn’t called me.”

“They’re sleeping, right? How much trouble could they get into?”

Shay chuckled. “You don’t have kids, do you?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Can’t you tell?”

He studied her, as though he was going to say more. Instead, he put his phone away and grabbed his water. “I better get to work.”

“I didn’t bring any tools over, but if you have an extra hammer, I’d be glad to help out for a little bit.”

His eyes widened. “Seriously?”

She fisted her hands on her hips. “What? Girls aren’t allowed to use hammers?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to. Your expression said it all.”

“I’m pretty sure we can round up an extra hammer.”

“Good. Tell the guys supper’s on me. I’ll run and grab something when y’all get hungry.”

A wide smile stretched across his face, rocketing her heart rate into orbit. “Deal.”

* * *

Shay lingered in the driveway, feeling like a teenager with that stupid grin plastered across his face. He needed to get inside and get to work. The jolt of electricity that zinged from Natalie’s fingertips to his arm was hard to ignore. So was a pretty girl with the courage to grab a hammer and help build a house. Annoyed that he found the idea so appealing, his smile faded, and he reached for his tools.

“Shay? Do you have a tape measure on you? I must’ve left mine at home.”

Shay pivoted. Trent stood in the open doorway, one hand braced on the frame. His gaze flitted toward Natalie and then back to Shay. Curiosity flickered in his expression, and Shay willed him not to say a word. Nothing to see here.

“Yep.” Shay unclipped his tape measure from his tool belt and met Trent at the top of the steps. “Where should I start?”

“We’ve got to finish the subflooring first. Natalie, you’re going to have to get somebody else in here to handle the electrical stuff.”

“Yeah, I know.” Gravel crunched under her feet as she strode up behind Shay. “Electricians who are available to wire a whole house are hard to come by around here. Is there something else I can help with?”

Trent’s mouth twitched. “I don’t want to offend you, but we don’t expect you to move sheets of plywood by yourself.”

Natalie laughed, brushing past him and into the house. “I’m not offended. I didn’t want to move plywood, anyway.”

Shay stepped inside and studied the layout. The entry opened to a kitchen and breakfast nook on one side and a living area on the other. What would eventually be a hallway led to the bedrooms. Through the unfinished walls, he counted three more rooms, a bathroom and laundry area.

“How would you feel about operating a glue gun?” Shay asked.

Natalie faced him. “A glue gun? For what?”

“If we glue the subflooring to the joists, it keeps the floors from squeaking.”

Trent shot him a look. “You’ve obviously done this before.”

He shrugged. “Maybe a few times.”

“If you’re not careful, Natalie will appoint you project manager,” Trent said.

“No kidding.” Natalie smiled up at Shay. “If you tell me you were an electrician in a former life, I might hug you.”

Promise? Heat crept up his neck. An awkward pause ensued. “I’m afraid you’ll have to settle for hugging a glue gun instead.”

Trent smothered a laugh with a cough and turned away.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you clever. Show me this glue gun, and we’ll get started.”

“Sweet. Let’s look back here.” He crossed to the hallway and stopped in the opening for the first bedroom. Sheets of plywood leaned against the far wall in a neat stack. A glue gun and several boxes of nails were balanced on top of an overturned bucket.

Natalie came up behind him. “Did you find—”

He held out a hand to keep her from coming any farther. “Watch your step. It looks like whoever started the installation stopped right about here.”

The fragrance of her perfume—sweet and flowery—teased his senses as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and secured it with a band she’d slid from her wrist. There wasn’t anywhere for him to go. She had the only exit blocked, and the exposed floor joists kept him from moving farther into the room. But he didn’t trust himself to stand there, feeling the sleeve of her plaid shirt brush against his arm, while he figured out how to play it cool and put them both to work.

“Trent, why don’t you and I lay down a few boards first? That will give Natalie a surface to stand or kneel on while she adheres the glue.”

“You got it.” Trent lingered behind Natalie, unable to squeeze past her.

“You don’t have to make a place for me to stand.” She looked around the room. “I can balance on the floor thingies—what are they called again?”

“Joists.” Trent and Shay spoke in unison.

Shay walked carefully across the narrow boards, toward the stack of plywood. “Stay where you are until Trent and I get things set up.”

“But what about the glue?” She reached for the gun. “I thought you said this went down first?”

Shay paused. “You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”

She grinned. “Not usually.”

“Fine. Come over here, and I’ll show you how to get started. Trent, if you’ll help me move this plywood, we’ll slide it right in behind her.”

Natalie proved to be a quick learner. He thought he’d spend a lot of extra time coaching her and waiting for her to maneuver in the small space. But she surprised him by working efficiently. It wasn’t long before they had half the room finished.

“Isn’t there a chalk line or something we’re supposed to draw?” She leaned back on her heels, resting on a fresh sheet of plywood.

Shay exchanged glances with Trent. “How did you know that?”

“I googled installing a subfloor last night.”

“Were you planning to do this yourself?”

Natalie brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. “If I had to.”

“I don’t have a chalk line with me.” Shay opened a box of nails, biting back a smile. She was really something. He pretended to fumble around, looking for his hammer—anything to distract him from admiring the way her pink lips quirked to one side as she surveyed their progress.

“That’s one thing I did remember.” Trent stood and rummaged in his toolbox.

Natalie hummed softly while they waited. Shay had forgotten what it was like to have a woman around, singing while she worked. He looked away. Despite his best efforts, memories of married life popped up when he least expected.

“Found it.” Trent held the chalk line in his hand.

“Excellent. If you’ll hold one end, I’ll grab the other and we can snap these lines.” Shay got back to work with a renewed focus. This project mattered. A home for a veteran and his family mattered. He’d help however he could. If it meant working side by side with a certain farmer’s daughter, then he’d have to make sure they never worked alone.

Chapter Four

Natalie massaged her aching back. In her brief history as Magnolia Lane’s owner, she’d glued hundreds of bows on party favors and re-strung dozens of white twinkle lights in the barn, but none of that compared to the fatigue she felt from being hunched over, squirting glue on narrow pieces of wood.

Shay and Trent kept going, though, so she would, too. After she’d finished spreading the glue, she’d taken over snapping the chalk lines so Trent and Shay could nail down the floorboards. She wasn’t a stranger to swinging a hammer, but they definitely worked faster than she did.

Long shadows fell across the wood they’d installed. The reddish-orange glow of late afternoon sunlight reminded her she still had plenty to do today—and it didn’t involve spending quality time next to Shay Campbell. Even though she’d vowed to quit, she’d caught herself staring at him more than once, especially when he tossed his windbreaker aside and revealed yet another snug-fitting T-shirt. Every time he moved another sheet of plywood, her gaze was drawn to his muscles rippling beneath the faded fabric.

She saw Trent look at his watch. “Do you need to go?”

“Yeah, I should. Caroline will want to feed the girls supper pretty soon.”

Natalie palmed her forehead. “I was going to bring you guys something to eat.”

“We’ll be back to help you again.” Trent packed up his tools. “You can feed us some other time.”

“But I offered—”

“I can’t speak for Shay, but I’ll have to take a rain check. Something was already cooking in the Crock-Pot before I left the house. Caroline will not be happy if I’m not there to eat it.” Trent shrugged into the faded plaid button-down he’d discarded earlier.

“I understand.” She sneaked another quick look at Shay. He pressed his lips into a thin line while he cleaned up his work space. He hadn’t declined her offer for a meal, but he wasn’t expressing much interest, either.

She hung back, staying out of the way while they packed up and headed outside to their trucks. The other guys who’d come with them had left already.

“Thank you, Trent.” She gave her friend’s husband a side hug. “Please tell Caroline and the girls how much I appreciate them giving up an afternoon with you.”

Trent grinned, squeezing her shoulder. “No problem. I’ll try to round up some more help, especially an electrician.”

“Yes. I’m desperately seeking an electrician. If he can recommend a great plumber, that would be sweet, too.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Trent climbed into his truck and waved at them through the open window. “See y’all later.”

Shay gave his friend a casual salute. “Have a good night.”

After Trent drove off, Natalie turned and faced Shay. “Thank you, again. Are you sure I can’t feed you? The boys are welcome to come over to The Grille for cheeseburgers, too. Or...”

His pained expression caused her to trail off.

“What? What did I say? You look like I kicked you in the teeth.”

He lowered his tool belt to the ground and jammed his hands in his back pockets.

“I’m not very good at taking the boys out by myself.” His voice strained, he scuffed the toe of his work boot against the ground.

Her heart climbed into her throat. “Oh.”

“Germs, food allergy issues, the stress of handling two little kids in public... I can’t seem to—”

“Shay, it’s fine. I get it. Not a big deal.”

He held up a hand. “Please, let me finish. Selfishly, I’d like to have supper with you tonight. But it’s chaotic and messy and very little adult conversation will take place.”

Talk about mixed signals. “Is that an invitation? I’m confused.”

Sighing, he scrubbed a hand across the stubble clinging to his jaw.

Her eyes trailed his fingertips, sending her thoughts places they shouldn’t go.

“What I’m trying to say is that evenings with the boys are a struggle. Throw in a meal in a public place and we’re a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Why don’t we order pizza and eat with the boys? If you’re okay with that.” She wanted to clamp her hand over her mouth. Or disappear. Listen to you, inviting yourself to his place.

He mulled it over. “Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“I’m not afraid of two little boys. How bad could it be?”

“Consider yourself warned.” The corners of his mouth twitched.

Sliding her phone from her pocket, she pulled up the number for the only local pizza restaurant. “If I order it now, we could swing by and pick it up on the way.”

Shay hesitated, hovering near the bed of his truck.

She winced. Yep, way too direct. He was probably conjuring up an excuse right this minute.

Shay put his tools away and then circled around to meet her on the passenger side. “I’m going to have to ask you to drive yourself and pick up the pizza. I’ve got to get home. I’m already running late.”

“Right. Absolutely.”

“I wouldn’t be able to drive you home, anyway. The boys will need to go to bed, and I can’t leave them.” He reached over and opened the door for her. “Why don’t I give you a ride to your car?”

“Sure. It’s over at the farm.” She slid into the passenger seat without looking at him, warmth flushing her skin. Could she be any more insensitive to his situation? Of course he couldn’t hang out, lingering around the table and enjoying meaningful conversation. The boys needed him. Depended on him. She only wanted to thank him for helping with the house and giving up precious time with his boys. It wasn’t like she had ulterior motives. A serious relationship with a firefighter wasn’t an option. The agony of Spencer’s passing had taught her to guard her heart. Shay was a teammate, who was striving for a common goal. Nothing more.

* * *

Thirty minutes later, Shay dragged a damp cloth across the kitchen table, scrubbing at some honey or jelly or other mysterious sticky substance that refused to budge. Liam and Aiden toddled around in circles, babbling at one another.

A sea of toys spread from one side of the living room to the other. The babysitter had said they’d only been awake for an hour before he got home. So how had they managed to make such a huge mess? He’d had everything picked up before he left to work on the house.

Satisfied with the condition of the table, he turned and tossed the rag into the sink. Aiden cruised into Shay’s path, his chubby bare feet thumping against the floor.

“Hey, buddy.” Shay patted his head then scooted by, checking the clock on his way to the pantry to grab more napkins. Natalie would probably be here soon. It couldn’t take long to order a pizza in Meadow Springs. Someone’s blanket lay in the middle of the floor. He leaned down and scooped it up, draping it over his shoulder as he opened the pantry door. She’d definitely get to see the realities of life with small children.

Doubt pinged through him. What was he doing letting her come over? Yes, she’d offered. But he could’ve declined. Hadn’t he vowed not to be alone with her? In reality, he didn’t want to be alone with the boys tonight. A wave of guilt rushed in. How messed up was that? Napkins in hand, he closed the pantry door and leaned his forehead against it, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Da-da?” Liam called out. Tiny fingers tugged at Shay’s pant leg, reminding him of his first priority.

Shay opened his eyes and glanced down. Liam’s wide-eyed stare made his heart expand. He looped the blanket around Liam’s neck, earning an adorable belly laugh. He surveyed the kitchen one more time. Breakfast and lunch dishes still sat on the counter, next to an empty casserole pan from last night. With a heavy sigh, he turned away. Welcoming Natalie into his world was a bad idea. The boys weren’t ready. He wasn’t ready. His heart, much like his new home, was still in pieces.

A light knock sounded on the door. Too late. Couldn’t back out now.

Aiden beat him there. Standing on tiptoe, he strained to reach the doorknob.

“Hold on. It’s locked.” Shay tucked the napkins under his arm and then turned the dead bolt and swung the door open.

Natalie stood on the porch, holding a large pizza box, her smile chipping away at his concerns. Two friends sharing a pizza. That’s all.

“What’s going on, fellas?”

“Come on in.” Shay stepped back, and Natalie came inside. “Aiden, Liam, this is Miss Natalie. Can you say hello?”

“Eat? Eat?” Liam’s gaze flitted between Shay, Natalie and the pizza box.

Shay chuckled. “Yes. We’re having pizza. Let’s sit down, please.”

Aiden and Liam turned and scrambled toward their booster seats strapped to the kitchen chairs, dancing impatiently for someone to help them.

Natalie stared after them. “I’ve never seen toddlers move so fast.”

“I think they might be hungry. Here, let me put that on the counter.” He reached for the box, his fingers brushing against hers. Warmth flooded through him as her gaze locked with his.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

He lingered, drinking in the sight of her pink cheeks and tendrils from her ponytail framing her face. How had he not noticed earlier that her shirt made her eyes seem bluer somehow?

“Drinks? Plates?” she prompted him.

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” He dragged his gaze away and angled his head toward the kitchen. “Cups and plates are in the cabinets above the sink. Please excuse the mess.”

“No judgment here. I can’t keep up with my own chores, and there’s only one of me.”

“Daddy, help.”

Shay abandoned the pizza on the counter and crossed to the table, where the boys struggled to get seated.

“Please? Please?” Liam patted his palm against his chest.

“I know, I’m hungry, too. Give us a minute.” Shay clicked Liam’s belt, securing him into his booster seat.

“Are these okay?” Natalie held up two smaller plates with popular cartoon characters painted on them.

“Mine,” Aiden squealed, stretching both arms toward her.

“No, no.” Liam’s eyes filled with tears.

Shay groaned inside. He’d tried to hide those plates at least twice since he unpacked the kitchen. Mom must have brought them back out. For whatever reason, the boys fought like crazy over who used the red instead of the orange. But he didn’t have the heart to correct Natalie. She was only trying to help.

“I guess that’s a yes.” She set both plates on the counter. “How about drinks?”

“The boys will have milk.” Shay filled two glasses with ice from the dispenser on the refrigerator door. “The options for grown-ups are limited, I’m afraid. Water, sweet tea...there might be a diet soda in here somewhere.”

“Water’s fine. Thank you.” Natalie opened the lid and reached for a slice of pizza.

Shay hesitated, tempted to prompt her to wash her hands. He hated to say something. But he couldn’t risk the boys getting sick or—worse—triggering an allergic reaction.

She stepped away. “Mind if I wash my hands first?”

“Not at all. There’s a restroom in the hallway.” He gestured toward the open door and then carried their water to the table. Aiden and Liam were starting to whine. “We’re coming. Hang in there.”

He worked quickly, cutting cheese pizza into smaller bites for the boys, before mutiny erupted.

When Natalie returned, Shay had a plate waiting for her.

She slid into the extra chair at the table. “Can I get the boys their milk?”

“My cup, my cup.” Liam’s face crumpled as he scanned the kitchen, no doubt searching for his preferred sippy cup.

Shay sighed, longing to relax and eat the pizza, which was growing colder by the second.

“Let me.” Natalie stood again. “I can get it, if you’ll—”

“No.” He stood, his chair scraping against the floor and his voice a little too gruff. “It’s easier if I do it.”

She froze. “Oh.”

An awkward silence blanketed the kitchen. He winced, striding toward the refrigerator and mentally kicking himself for being such a control freak. It wasn’t rocket science. She was more than capable of completing the task.

The boys—normally jabbering through the whole meal—were very quiet. They must’ve sensed the tension. He poured milk into the blue sippy cup for Liam and the green for Aiden, twisted the tops on and delivered them to the table.

Natalie sat in her seat, staring at her plate.

Shay sat down and offered his hand. She regarded it tentatively, confusion clouding her features.

“I’m sorry. That was rude. You offered to help and I didn’t let you do anything.”

She pressed her hand against his. “It’s okay. I’m sure you have your own way of doing things.”

“Thank you for being so gracious. I’ve had to apologize a lot lately for my actions.”

Natalie arched an eyebrow.

“Maybe I should say the blessing.” He bowed his head. “Lord, thank You for providing for our needs and for a productive day working on the house. Amen.”

“Amen,” the boys mumbled around mouths full of pizza.

She chuckled. “They’re adorable.”

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