“We got off to a pretty bad start, didn’t we?” Kate asked.

Tucker smiled. “I imagine you had a life back in the city. Gave it up to come take care of your father. Couldn’t have been easy.”

Kate lifted her gaze and he saw her eyes deepen. He also saw a fleeting vulnerability along with pain. “My family’s everything to me—small as it is. When you shake that down, it wasn’t hard to know what I had to do…what I wanted to do. I suppose I didn’t think anything else was important.”

“Not even a ticket from a small-town sheriff?” he teased gently.

Her laugh was soft. “I’m not going to live that one down, am I?”

“Doubtful.”

She looked up at the star-filled sky. “Never realized how inspiring small towns can be.”

He looked at the slim column of her neck, the curve of her throat as it arched. Inspiring. It had been a lifetime since he’d stood in the moonlight next to a woman. A lifetime forever unwound.

BONNIE K. WINN

is a hopeless romantic who has written incessantly since the third grade. So it seemed only natural that she turned to romance writing. A seasoned author of historical and contemporary romance, Bonnie has won numerous awards for her bestselling books. Affaire de Coeur chose her as one of the Top Ten Romance Writers in America.

Bonnie loves writing contemporary romance because she can set her stories in the modern cities close to her heart and explore the endlessly fascinating strengths of today’s women.

Living in the foothills of the Rockies gives her plenty of inspiration and a touch of whimsy, as well. She shares her life with her husband, son and a spunky Norwich terrier who lends his characteristics to many pets in her stories. Bonnie’s keeping mum about anyone else’s characteristics she may have borrowed.

Lone Star Blessings
Bonnie K. Winn

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

And why art thou disquieted within me?

Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him who is

the health of my countenance, and my God.

—Psalms 43:5

In memory of my parents.

Always loved.

Forever missed.

Deepest thanks to my agent, Danielle Egan-Miller,

for your unwavering support, understanding,

belief, encouragement and friendship.

And, to Melissa Endlich,

for making my return so good.

Contents

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

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

One mile to Rosewood. Kaitlyn would have done a somersault if she weren’t crammed into her small VW Jetta with all her clothes, the entire contents of her bathroom, books, laptop, work supplies and her cat, Noodle, who had been screeching nonstop for the last thirty minutes. Leaving the highway, she pulled on to Main Street. Usually, when she visited her father, she took time to dally down the Victorian, tree-lined avenue. Now, feeling as though she were covered in road film, all she could think of was getting to her father’s house, then out of the car.

And she was more tired than she could ever remember being. The exhaustion was both physical and emotional. A few weeks earlier, when Kate had received the news about her father’s fall, she’d been concerned, but she hadn’t expected anything quite so serious. He’d broken his hip, then as a result, suffered an embolism that could have been fatal. That ruled out staying home on his own. Knowing he didn’t want to go to a long-term recovery facility, she’d offered to stay until he could live by himself again. And that would be quite a while. If he had another fall, a second embolism might not be detected until it was too late.

So in the last few days, she’d listed her condo with a Realtor, emptied what mattered into her car, arranged to have the rest moved to storage, and broken her engagement.

She hadn’t expected Derek to be wild about her decision to remain with her father until he could live on his own again. But she hadn’t anticipated his total lack of understanding. She’d always known his career was terribly important to him, that he had never shown any interest in her family, but…He’d always had an excuse when she invited him to visit her father. And she rationalized his absences to herself. Too much so, she now realized.

She lifted her left hand, now absent her large diamond engagement ring. Derek had been shocked when she returned it. Almost more shocked than hearing she was breaking their engagement.

Kate returned her grip on the steering wheel. Taking pity on Noodle, who was still screeching, she reached over to his crate and unfastened the latch. Poor baby, he hated driving as far as the vet’s when they were home in Houston. Three hours on the road had been torture. Smiling, she pulled open the door of his crate.

White fur erupted. Claws extended, Noodle flipped back on to the top of his crate, bolted up on the car seat and landed on Kaitlyn’s shoulders. Hair standing on end, he dug in his claws. She swerved over the white stripe in the middle of the road, trying to pull him off. Noodle just dug in deeper. Jerking the wheel in the opposite direction, she tried to reach her terrified pet. A few swerves later, she peeled his paws from her shoulders and he clutched on to the headrest.

She exhaled, then sucked in her breath when a siren suddenly shrilled behind her. Noodle screeched as well, jumping on top of her head.

Kate came to a stop somewhere near the side of the road. It was hard to tell, with Noodle obscuring her vision. Sweaty, exhausted and frustrated, she tried to unfasten his claws, but Noodle was having none of it.

Someone knocked on her window and she jumped, bumping Noodle into the headliner. Seeing it was a policeman, she rolled down the window.

His gaze roamed over her cat and the crammed car, but his critical expression didn’t change. “Nice hat.”

Closing her eyes, she counted silently to ten. “Don’t tell me you pulled me over for a fashion commentary, officer.”

“Nope. Left taillight’s out. And, it’s Sheriff Grey.”

Taillight? Taillight! She hadn’t slept for two days, she was worried sick about her father and now…this…. “I know Rosewood’s a sleepy town, but surely you have better things to do than patrol for sinister taillight outages.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty backward here, but we still don’t allow cars to zigzag all over Main Street. You may not have noticed, but people are walking on the sidewalks and the kids are out of school for the day.”

She sighed. “I didn’t think Noodle would go nuts when I opened his crate. I’m normally a very safe driver.”

His Stetson shaded his eyes. “Hmm. License and proof of insurance, please.”

Kate couldn’t help it. She gaped at him. “I told you—”

“License?”

Muttering under her breath, she dug in her purse and pulled out her driver’s license and insurance card from her wallet. Still fuming, she didn’t speak as she handed them over.

He gave them a cursory glance. Then he walked back to his patrol car. Well, technically his patrol SUV. She watched him from her side mirror. He was tall, and he slid right into the driver’s side without having to step up. She could tell he’d entered her info and was waiting to see if she was a modern-day Ma Barker. As he did, she gently disengaged Noodle’s claws and got him back in his crate. She glanced in the rearview mirror, trying to see what the sheriff was doing. Instead, she caught sight of herself.

Egad. Her auburn hair was twisted up on top of her head in a Pebbles ponytail. Wisps had escaped and poked out everywhere. She hadn’t bothered with makeup, which meant her light-colored eyebrows and eyelashes were barely visible. Worried about her father, she hadn’t paid a bit of attention to her appearance. Her mismatched T-shirt and cotton pants were testament to that fact.

Groaning, she plopped her head back against the seat. Imagine what that sheriff must be thinking. Couldn’t have been a balding, paunchy middle-aged officer. No, it had to be a hunky guy about her own age. Despite his Stetson, she glimpsed the thick, dark hair that grew just past his neckline. His eyes were equally dark, surprisingly intense. Well over six feet of lean, muscled man.

Still seething, she could see in the mirror that he was writing something. Emerging from the SUV, clipboard in hand, he strolled back to her car.

“I’m citing you for a malfunctioning taillight, Ms. Lambert.” He handed her the clipboard. “Sign on the bottom.”

Kate gritted her teeth as she signed, then almost jabbed him when she shoved the clipboard back out the window. “Nothing better to do than harass innocent citizens, Sheriff?”

“I could have written you up for weaving all over the road—that’s a moving violation. This is a fix-it ticket. Send in proof you’ve had it repaired and the ticket will be dismissed.”

Still mad, she accepted the ticket, staring straight ahead. She pushed a button, starting to roll up her window.

“Your license,” he reminded her.

She let go of the button, but didn’t lower the window, making him reach into the narrow space to return her driver’s license and insurance card. When she had them in hand, she finished rolling up the window, then jerked the car in gear.

Although she accelerated as fast as legally possible, she also looked again in the rearview mirror. In all her visits to Rosewood, how had she managed to miss this guy?

Tucker took his time strolling back to the SUV. Once inside he thumped the clipboard back in place. “Nitwit out-of-towners. Wish they’d stay in their cities.”

Yet even as he groused about the woman, he wondered who she was, where she was going. That didn’t happen often. Tourists who wandered into town from the main highway rarely stayed long when they found out Rosewood wasn’t tailored for visitors.

But this one…Looked like she’d filled the car with everything she owned—definitely not the typical visitor. And her unusual green eyes had filled with a fire as unexpected as it was intriguing. He didn’t like passing out tickets indiscriminately, but the safety of his citizens trumped a pretty woman any day. Funny, he hadn’t thought about a woman’s looks since…

He sighed. Not that a day went by that he didn’t think of Shelley. But it shocked him that a stranger could make him forget for even a minute.

After settling Noodle at her father’s house, Kate took time to shower and change before driving to the hospital. She glanced at her watch, realizing it had taken longer to bring in her things than she’d planned. That, and unlatching Noodle from the thick living room drapes, where he’d decided to hide.

Kate waved to the nurse at the unit desk, then entered her father’s room. “Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, yourself. I wasn’t expecting you tonight. Thought you’d be unloading your car.”

“Done.” She put her purse on the bedside table. “Well, a lot of it. I don’t have to get everything in tonight. And since the ambulance is bringing you home in the morning, I didn’t have to empty my little car.”

Marvin shook his silver-haired head. “Who’d have thought one bad step would cause so much bother?”

Kate took his hand. “Hey, none of that. You’re my optimist, remember?”

“Here, you’re having to take time off….” He sighed.

“Not really. I brought the canvas I’m working on.”

“But what about your next project?”

“Clients can find me on my Web site or by cell.” She smiled, determined to lift his spirits. “As long as people have artwork to restore, I can run my business anywhere.”

“Still, I promised myself I’d never become a burden.”

She blinked away the sting of tears. “You’ve always carried me, Dad…through everything…especially when Mom died. I’m old enough now to know how hard that was for you, but you never let on.” Kate squeezed his hand. “And who wouldn’t want a vacation in Rosewood? You picked the perfect place to retire.”

That nudged out a smile. “Yeah, it’s pretty special. Good-hearted people.”

Kate thought of the sheriff, but decided not to pass on that bit of information. “You’re ready to be back home.”

“Nurses and doctors here are okay, but you know how I feel about hospitals.”

Ever since her mother had died, Marvin had a horror of hospitals. It was something she’d strongly factored in when making her decision. He would need months of recuperation. Feeling fiercely protective, she was determined he wouldn’t spend it in a long-term recovery facility that would crush his spirit. She knew many of the places were excellent, but that wasn’t the issue. He didn’t need to mentally return to the worst time in his life. “When you get home in the morning, you can start recuperating with Noodle.”

“Hated the trip?”

“And then some. I expect him to pout for days.”

Marvin laughed. It was good to hear. Always an upbeat, charming, strong man, it had been frightening to see him lying in a hospital bed, connected to so many tubes and machines.

They chatted for a little while, and her father understood when she told him she still had to do some grocery shopping. She needed to replenish the fridge and pantry.

Since it had been evening when she arrived at the hospital, Kate had parked near the emergency room, the best nighttime exit. A lot of employees used the same entrance and she could hear the shuffle of their footsteps, the whoosh of automatic doors.

Head down, she dug in her purse for her keys.

“Whoa.”

Kate heard the voice, just as two strong hands grasped her arms. She jerked her head up, staring into a broad chest. The man stepped back so she could see his face.

That obstinate sheriff! His height, the boots and hat—no doubt about it.

“Don’t you ever watch where you’re going?” The brim of his Stetson shaded his eyes and she couldn’t tell by his voice if he was being sarcastic or teasing.

“This is a hallway, not a racetrack.” Abandoning the search for her keys, she echoed his own words from that afternoon. “Lots of pedestrians, you know.”

She thought she spotted a glimmer of amusement in his expression.

“You didn’t get very far.”

Kate drew her eyebrows together, uncomfortably aware that she still hadn’t put on any makeup and that she looked a mess. “Excuse me?”

“Aren’t you just passing through?”

“What makes you think that?”

“Your car was pretty loaded. Most folks don’t spend more than a few days looking at the wildflowers.”

“I’m not most folks.”

“I sensed that when you let your cat out of his crate. Cats aren’t known for enjoying car rides.”

So now he was an expert on cats. Kate realized she was grumpy. Tired and worried about her father, she was hard-pressed to be polite. More to the point, she hadn’t forgotten the stupid, unnecessary ticket. “Cats are allowed in cars here, aren’t they?”

It was definitely amusement in his dark eyes. “We don’t lock up many drivers for taking their cats along.”

Hysterical. “So, what do you lock people up for? Driving down Main Street?”

“Actually, our cells are empty ninety-nine percent of the time.”

She wasn’t amused. It wasn’t as though she’d intended to swerve all over the road. And he could have been more understanding about the circumstances. Since he was so tall, she had to tilt her head to meet his eyes, but she did, hoping she conveyed her resentment.

He waited another moment, but when she remained silent, he tipped the brim of his hat. “Got business to see about.”

Clutching her purse, she nodded in return.

He walked past her to the ER registration desk.

Don’t look! Don’t look! And she almost didn’t. A foot from the exit, she peeked back. And he wasn’t even a mite less impressive.

Tucker Grey pulled into the driveway of his house. His twelve-year-old daughter, Alyssa, had all the lights in the living room on. And as he parked in front of the detached garage that was set back from the house, he could see that she had the kitchen lights on as well. She did that when she was alone. Had ever since her mother died two years ago. He felt guilty that his daughter had to be on her own, but Alyssa now protested she was too old for a babysitter.

He had insisted—until a few months ago, when the only sitter he could find was barely a year older than Alyssa. The lady next door offered, but she was swamped caring for both ailing parents and a new grandchild. Other neighbors had also offered, but Alyssa didn’t want to stay at anyone’s house—she felt she was always in the way. Still, Rosewood looked after their own; people in town kept an eye out for her, knowing she was a latchkey child and that the Greys didn’t have any other family in the area.

Tucker’s sister, Karen, had moved away years ago, and she continued campaigning for them to join her family in Iowa. But he was a Texas man, down to the heels of his cowboy boots. Besides, Rosewood was good for his daughter. It was all she’d ever known, and he wasn’t about to make her go through any more changes.

Still, it remained difficult for him to open the door and walk into the house, knowing Shelley wasn’t there…wouldn’t ever be there again. She had made their house a home. Now it was just a place where he slept and ate.

Pushing open the back door, he took off his hat and hung it on a peg. An open bag of potato chips sat on the table along with some sort of dip. He hoped Alyssa had eaten something more substantial for dinner. The television blared in the living room, something else that had begun after Shelley’s death.

Stomach down, legs kicking in a crisscross fashion, Alyssa sprawled out on the couch with her homework. He was lucky. She was a good kid, doing what she should without being told. Remembering his own preteen years, he probably would have ditched his homework if his mother hadn’t kept at him.

Alyssa looked up, her dark, blunt-cut hair nearly obscuring her eyes. “Hey, Dad.”

He picked up the remote and lowered the volume. “Tell me you ate something besides chips.”

“Sure.” She turned a page in her math book. “I had pizza.”

He thought of their stock of frozen food: dinners, microwavable pizzas, egg rolls. It had been a while since they’d had anything else. His hours had lengthened and he rarely got home in time to eat with his daughter. “Sorry I’m late. Accident on the highway.”

She sat up, looking at him in genuine concern. “Did anybody get hurt?”

She was so much like her mother. “Not seriously. Mostly scrapes, a broken arm. You have much more homework?”

“I could work on my book report, but it’s not due for two weeks, and I want to watch my show.”

He smiled. She didn’t ask for much. “Sure, Lissy.”

She frowned. “Did you eat any dinner?”

Tucker had to think. “I grabbed something around two.”

“You have to eat three meals a day,” she lectured. “I told you I could make a casserole.”

His throat tightened. “You’re already doing too much. I don’t want you cooking for me as well.” Reaching out, he tucked her hair behind one ear. “You’re supposed to be a kid. That only comes around once, and I don’t want you to miss it.”

“Cooking won’t make me miss it. I used to help make stuff with Mommy.”

Briefly closing his eyes, he tried to keep the pain from his face. “I know. Listen, I’m going to be better about getting home earlier.” For some reason, after Shelley’s death, he couldn’t get as much done in a regular workday. It was as though he carried a hundred-pound stone around his neck, weighing down his thoughts and actions.

“It’s okay, Dad.” She shrugged. “You can’t just leave, like if you worked in a store or something.”

No. But Shelley was no longer there to make sure Alyssa was properly being taken care of.

She stacked her books and folders on the coffee table. “I’ll make you a sandwich.”

“I can do that.”

She shook her head. “You’ll forget. I’m writing a new shopping list, with stuff that’s not frozen. We’re supposed to be eating vegetables, you know.”

He always made sure they had frozen dinners with vegetables, but he guessed that wouldn’t be a convincing argument. “Even peas?”

She made a face. “Vegetables we like.”

“Ah. Then no broccoli for me.”

“Deal.” Alyssa headed into the kitchen.

He followed, feeling neglectful and guilty. “Lissy, you want to eat dinner at the café?”

“Not really. I’m kinda full. And my show starts in a few minutes.”

“Right.” He had to do better; his child couldn’t raise herself. He just wasn’t sure how he was going to pull it off.

Chapter Two

Kate’s dad, Marvin, had only been home a few days when he started getting restless. He’d had a stream of visitors—neighbors and members of his church. She had met some of them when they visited at the hospital. In fact, that’s how she’d found the contractor, Seth McAllister, who was making the house wheelchair-accessible. He and his wife, Emma, had offered to help. When Kate asked for the name of a good local contractor, Seth had volunteered. Later, another visitor told her how lucky she was to have snagged him, since he usually worked on larger projects.

Emma had helped keep Kate company during some of the many hours she’d spent at the hospital while her father was recuperating. Kate had protested that she was taking too much of Emma’s time, but the other woman waved away her objections. It was a Rosewood thing, she’d insisted.

During those hours, Kate learned that Emma had been a newcomer to Rosewood a few years earlier. Formerly an attorney, she’d been relocated to Rosewood while in the witness protection program. Sadly, her husband and daughter had been killed when a criminal attempted to murder Emma by setting fire to her house.

Once in Rosewood, Emma had opened a costume shop and literally fell in love with the man next door. Seth lived on his own, having lost his son to leukemia, his wife to divorce. Although he’d planned to never open his heart again, Emma had crept past his defenses. Together they adopted Toby, a boy who needed them as much as they needed him. Their family had nearly doubled when their twins, Everitt and Logan, were born. Now, the twins were rambunctious two-year-olds.

And Seth was coming over in a little while to take measurements for widening a few more doorways. He’d already rushed to reconfigure the bathroom before Marvin came home.

“Do you want a snack, Dad? Your friends have brought over everything from cupcakes to lasagna.” Fresh, homemade bread, cakes, pies and casseroles, even a batch of his favorite—fudge.

“Maybe later, Katie.” He petted Noodle. “Just laying around doesn’t work up much of an appetite.”

“Seth should be here soon. He suggested we take down most of the wall that separates the living room from the entry, so you can turn your chair easily.”

Startled, Marvin jerked his attention from the cat. “What do you think of that?”

“Actually, it’ll open up the space. I know it’ll take some getting used to, changes always do.”

Marvin’s eyes darkened.

Kate knew he hadn’t yet adjusted to his limitations. “But the room’ll still be cozy, especially since it has that gorgeous stone fireplace.” She perched on the side of his bed. “I know you’re going batty, Dad. Once you can wheel into the living room, you’ll be able to see what’s going on outside.” The living room had a big picture window that looked out on to the street. And the physical therapist had ordered a wheelchair with special leg rests that would allow Marvin to get out of bed. With luck, it should come soon.

“Just think about it, Dad. If you want to keep the living room like it is, we’ll move the furniture around and make it work.”

The doorbell rang and Kate rose. “That’s probably Seth.”

Kate was delighted to see that it was Seth and he’d brought Emma and Toby along.

Seth held up a television. “Emma thought Marvin might be getting bored. This set isn’t too big, but it has a built-in DVD player.”

“He’ll love it.” She closed the door. “He’s pretty antsy.”

Emma gave a mock shudder. “Drives me nuts when I’m stuck in bed.”

Kate gestured for them to follow her toward Marvin’s bedroom.

Emma rested one hand on her son’s shoulders. “Toby’s a ruthless Monopoly player. Think your dad would like a game?”

“He loves games—any kind. Thanks, Toby.”

The boy shrugged, embarrassed to be the center of attention. “I don’t like being sick, either.”

“Hey, Marvin,” Seth greeted the older man.

“Seth, good to see you!” Marvin sat up a bit straighter, pleased by the company. “And Emma! You look prettier every time I see you.”

She blushed, looking almost too young to be a wife and mother.

“Hey, Toby. Whatcha got there?” Marvin asked.

“Monopoly.” Toby held up the Texas edition. “Mom thought you’d like it.”

“She’s right.” Marvin rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

“We left the twins with a sitter,” Emma told Kate. “You know they get into everything they see.”

“Especially my stuff,” Toby added, as he laid out the game on the hospital-style bed table that Kate had rented. “But they’re okay.” Big brother pride crept through, making them all smile.

Seth placed the television on one end of the dresser. “I’ll run a line for cable,” he mused. “Won’t take a minute. The connection must be close, since the TV in the living room has a satellite converter.”

Kate was overwhelmed by the generosity of her father’s friends. “You all are great.”

Emma waved away the words. “I feel bad that I haven’t been over much since Marvin came home. During the week, it’s harder to get a sitter—and trust me, Everitt and Logan aren’t a good combo with anything that’s not totally indestructible.”

Marvin looked up from the game pieces. “I’m not fragile, you know.”

“Of course not. But the twins are like little tanks. Toby had a science project he’d been working on for weeks. They totaled it in about three minutes. By the time I figured out they’d learned how to get around the baby gate, his project was history.”

“That must have been tough,” Marvin sympathized.

“They didn’t know better,” Toby excused them, as he counted out the Monopoly money.

Kate met Emma’s proud, touched gaze. “That’s quite a boy you have there.”

“That’s for sure,” Emma agreed, her turquoise eyes suspiciously moist. “He’s a gift from the Lord.”

Emma had confided that Toby had been abandoned by his family and it was the boy’s faith in Seth that had broken down her husband’s defenses, allowing him to include Toby and Emma in his heart.

Seth pressed his wife’s shoulder affectionately, then headed outside.

Emma regained her composure. “I didn’t bring over any food, because I figured you’d be deluged with it. Thought I’d wait till next week. Would Saturday be okay? I’d like to bring you something for Sunday dinner.”

“That’s not necessary,” Kate protested.

“Sure isn’t,” Marvin chimed in. “Next week’s the first Sunday of the month, potluck lunch after church services. We can stay, eat there.”

Surprised, Kate stared at her father. “You don’t think you’re going to church that soon?”

He picked the dog for his Monopoly piece and plunked it on the game board. “Don’t see why not.”

Kate had her hands full with him at home. How could she take him to church? “For starters, you don’t have your specialized wheelchair yet.”

“The therapist said I’d have it by Monday,” Marvin replied. He slanted a glance at Emma. “Say, have you found anyone to teach the girls’ Sunday school class? What are they, about ten?”

“Twelve, actually. Preteens. And, no.” Emma shook back her blond hair. “Jennifer Laroy was great with them, but now that she’s moved, well…It’s always hardest to get teachers for the teenagers. Got to have someone with energy.”

“Kate’s got a ton of energy,” Marvin mused. “Do her good to have someone to talk to besides me.”

Gaping at her father, Kate tried to fashion a courteous rebuttal.

“Would you really be interested?” Emma’s voice bloomed with enthusiasm. “The girls would be thrilled. They’re all fascinated with city life, since they’ve only lived in Rosewood.”

“Well, I…I have to be here to take care of my father—”

“Nope. Soon as I have that wheelchair, I’m going to church.” His no-nonsense tone of voice was one she remembered from earlier years.

“We’ll have to clear it with your doctor…” Kate tried to imagine the logistics of getting him out so soon.

“The church has a van that’s equipped with a lift,” Emma informed them. “We use it for the school as well.”

“The church is only three blocks away,” Marvin interrupted. “What do you say, Kate? We can walk that far.”

Roll, you mean.

He looked too hopeful to refuse. “I suppose.”

Emma clapped her hands together. “Wonderful! I’ll send the materials for the lesson over with Seth, so you can have plenty of time to get ready. I’m so pleased!”

She hadn’t meant that she agreed to teach. Kate looked at Emma, then at her father. Their faces were beaming. His was the brightest it had been since his fall.

Fait accompli. She hadn’t attended church in at least five years, and she’d just signed up to teach Sunday school. Sunday school!

Tucker filled a bowl with some of the oatmeal Alyssa had insisted on making for him. Since it was Sunday, he decided he could forego his routine of only black coffee.

These days, he rarely awoke with an appetite. As a kid, he loved Sunday breakfasts. His mother always made something special—French toast or waffles. And Shelley had done much the same.

Alyssa hadn’t forgotten about her expanded shopping list. They’d resupplied the pantry and filled the refrigerator. He still didn’t want his daughter doing so much, but his workdays hadn’t shortened yet.

“Dad?” Alyssa bounced into the kitchen.

“I’m eating the oatmeal.”

“Good.” She stubbed the toes of her shoes against the wooden floor, first one foot, then the other. “Um…I was wondering if you’d go to church with me.”

He pulled his eyebrows together, his forehead wrinkling. “You know I don’t go to church anymore.” Not since Shelley died.

She fiddled with the top rung on one of the chairs. “But today’s special. I’m getting a new Sunday school teacher.”

Tucker released the spoon, allowing it to slide into the warm cereal. “Lissy, I want you to be happy, but…” All the unanswered prayers he’d said for Shelley floated before him, reminding him of the bitter result.

She swallowed, her face downcast. “I just thought, you know, how we have a picnic lunch after…and…it’s families…”

Tucker’s clenched jaw twitched. “You can sit with your friends.”

Alyssa shrugged halfheartedly. “Yeah. I guess.”

He’d never intended to deny her anything. She was the most important thing in his life. But the betrayal he felt was so deep, still so raw…. Initially, he’d wanted to forbid her from attending church. But he could picture Shelley’s disappointed face, and he hadn’t been able to take that final, irreversible step. “Come here, Pop-tart.”

Her feet dragged as she walked around the table toward him.

He hugged her, wishing it could be different, wishing everything hadn’t gone so terribly wrong. “I love you, Lissy.”

Hugging back, she sniffled. “Me, too.”

“Tell you what. I’ll walk with you to church, or drive if you want.”

“Walk,” she decided, still looking unhappy, tearing at his heart.

He shoved the uneaten oatmeal aside. “How ’bout if I come back when church is out, share the picnic with you?”

Her face transformed in an instant, and she grabbed his neck in a fierce hug. “Thanks, Dad.”

His heart constricted as he hugged her back. “Okay, scoot. We have to get ready.” Even though he didn’t intend to enter the church building, his years of being a member mandated he dress appropriately.

It didn’t take him long to change into a suit. Straightening his tie, he stared hard in the mirror, his voice barely audible. “Just so you know, Lord, this is for Lissy, not me.”

The clatter of Alyssa’s shoes on the wood floor made him spin around and walk back into the kitchen. “You ready?”

“Yeah.” She grabbed her bible from the counter. “When Grandma called, she said they’re going to California on vacation, but she’ll call you before they leave.” Shelley’s parents lived in Dallas, but they kept in touch by phone and regular visits, and the Sunday morning phone call had become a ritual.

“Grandpa got his way, huh?” He smiled as the screen door banged closed behind them. “A fishing trip?”

“Grandma didn’t seem to mind.” Alyssa hopped down the front steps.

Their neighborhood was one of the oldest in Rosewood, and Main Street was barely six blocks over. Since Rosewood had been settled in the nineteenth century, many of the houses were Victorian. Not being a planned community, small houses often flanked larger, more ornate ones. The oak and elm trees were old, tall and broad, lining the streets and sidewalks. As they walked the few blocks toward church, the scent of late-blooming roses infused the air. Most of the century-old bushes should have been long dormant, but the mild Hill Country weather allowed a long season.

Tucker and Alyssa weren’t the only ones walking to church. Most of their neighbors chose to leave their cars home on clear Sundays. They’d covered one block when Alyssa tugged on his sleeve. “Look, Dad.”

Some woman was trying to back over the stone curb with a man in a wheelchair. He had only a rear view of them, but he could see they were having trouble. Tucker hastened his gait. “Whoa! Let me give you a hand.”

The woman muttered something that he couldn’t quite make out. When he reached them, she turned her head. It was her.

“I’ll ease the chair over the curb, if you’ll watch the leg rests,” Tucker offered.

“Thank you.” Kate gritted the words out through clenched teeth as she tugged on the handles again, making no progress. “It seems stuck.”

She was as cordial as he remembered. Having seen her at the hospital, he assumed she must be some sort of health worker—which made sense, seeing her now.

Once the chair cleared the curb, Tucker turned it toward the church. “I’m guessing you’re headed this way.”

“Thanks.” The older man sounded greatly relieved. “I’m Marvin Lambert.”

“Tucker Grey.” He extended his hand, surprised by the strong shake from the older man. “And, this is my daughter, Alyssa. I don’t think I’ve met you.”

Alyssa waved at them both.

“I retired here about a year and a half ago.” Marvin gestured to the chair. “And, I’m not getting out as much these days.” He pointed to the woman. “This is my daughter, Kate.”

The name clicked and he made the connection. Nodding to her, Tucker grasped the handles of the chair. “I recommend you stay on the street side instead of the sidewalk, sir.”

“Marvin.”

“Agreed.” Tucker ignored Kate’s startled expression as he took charge of the wheelchair. “We don’t have those updated sidewalks where the curb slopes down at the end of each block. But the street’s safe enough. The kids ride their bikes on this one all the time.”

Kate looked anxious. “I didn’t think about the curbs when we started this adventure.”

“At the church you can roll right up the driveway,” Alyssa added helpfully, falling into step beside Kate.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Kate adjusted her purse strap. “I should have allowed more time to get there. You ought to go on ahead of us, we’ll slow you down.”

Tucker didn’t release the handles. He liked watching the woman fidget. He could tell by the look of her that she didn’t give up control easily. Normally, that was a trait he admired. But she’d been prickly since she’d wheeled into town.

Though his stride was brisk, Kate kept up with him. “Really. I can take over now.”

She was as pretty as he remembered, especially with the stubborn set of her chin. “No problem. We’re going the same way.”

Kate muttered something beneath her breath.

Tucker smiled. The morning was looking up. With Kate on one side, Alyssa next to her, they walked down the street, three abreast. “So, didn’t want to try driving again in town?”

Gritting her teeth, Kate glanced at the girl. “It’s only a few blocks. Not much point in taking the car.”

They passed an older couple strolling slowly down the sidewalk. Tucker bent forward. “Marvin, I bet you like getting out in the air.”

“Yep.”

Tucker glanced at Kate. She refrained from commenting, but her chin jutted out a fraction farther. So he probed a bit more. “You from the city?”

Pursing her lips, she definitely looked irked. “Any particular one? Texas alone has three of the biggest in the country.”

So her temper was still touchy. Matched the deep blaze of her hair. He couldn’t help thinking, if she looked this good angry, she must really be something when she smiled.

Once they arrived at the church, Marvin was surrounded by welcoming members. Many of their faces were familiar to Kate—people who had visited Marvin at the hospital or at home. A man offered to take over the reins, and wheeled Marvin toward the Sunday school building. Her father waved jauntily, clearly happy to be back among friends. As he rolled away, Kate turned to speak with Tucker. Realizing she’d acted grouchy, she intended to thank him for his help…but couldn’t see him anywhere. Even his daughter had disappeared.

Feeling ridiculously bereft, Kate wondered where her class was held. She was usually pretty organized, but she hadn’t thought to ask Emma. The Community Church was a good-size set of buildings. The lovely old chapel stretched upward toward equally aged trees, the sunlight reflecting off the tall, multicolored stained glass panes. She guessed the second structure was the Sunday school building, plenty large enough for her to wander in for a while without finding her class.

“Kate!”

Recognizing Emma’s voice, she turned to see the entire McAllister clan, including the infamous twins, who were as adorable as she’d imagined.

“I just realized I didn’t tell you where your classroom is,” Emma began. “We have a short general meeting in the gym before we break into individual classes.” She turned to her husband. “Honey, can you take Logan and Everitt to the nursery so I can show Kate around?”

“Sure.” Seth glanced at their older son. “As long as I get Toby to help.”

As the guys left, Kate grinned at the image of this strapping man having difficulty wrangling two-year-olds.

“Thanks for steering me in the right direction, Emma. I haven’t told you—but it’s, um…been a while since I’ve been to church. One more reason I’m nervous about teaching this class.”

“The Lord will be with you.” Emma’s expression was encouraging. “Trust me, there won’t be any awkward silences. Twelve-year-old girls never run out of things to talk about.”

“Good.” Kate clasped the teacher’s edition of the Sunday school lesson book. “I studied the materials, and at one time I was a regular at Sunday school, but I’ve never been a teacher.”

“That’s okay. Just be yourself and the girls will love you.”

“The last time I had anything to do with preteens, I was twelve myself.”

Emma laughed. “You are a good sport. Your dad and I kind of bulldozed you into teaching.”

“Agreed,” she replied with a wry smile, “but seeing Dad so happy…well, I’m grateful you and the other members are such good friends to him.”

“Marvin’s great. I’ve always thought he ought to have a passel of grandkids.”

Kate grimaced, remembering the abrupt end of her engagement. “Afraid that’s not going to happen. At least not in the foreseeable future.”

“I didn’t mean to pry—”

“You didn’t.” Kate cleared her throat, remembering how Emma had confided in her, trusting her, treating her as a friend, not an acquaintance. “My fiancé couldn’t cope with me coming here to help out Dad. So…”

Emma linked her elbow with Kate’s. “I’m sorry. Maybe he’ll come around.”

Kate shook her head. “Family’s not important to him—something I was way too late noticing. And it is to me—important, I mean.”

“Marvin’s always talked about you,” Emma confided. “He’s so proud of you.”

“You know I don’t have any siblings, so Dad and I have always been close…I don’t want that to ever change.”

“In my book, you made the right decision. And, honestly, I try not to put my nose in anyone’s business, but maybe Marvin’s break was a lucky one for you. It’s not always easy to learn what a person’s all about before you marry.”

“But you and Seth…”

Emma grinned. “I’m the luckiest woman on the planet. Our marriage gets better every day. Just when I think it couldn’t possibly improve even a fraction, it does.”

“Like I’ve said before, you guys are a living Norman Rockwell portrait.”

“I believe you’re a true romantic, Kate Lambert. I keep hearing we’re a dying breed.”

“Probably for good reason. Talk about embarrassing, I planned to marry the man and never even thought to ask about family.”

Emma squeezed her arm. “When we love someone, we excuse a lot of things we wouldn’t otherwise.”

“How’d you get to be so wise?”

A shadow flickered in Emma’s eyes. “Not wise, observant.”

“Oh, Emma!” Kate was stricken. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up—”

“It’s okay. Really. They’re always in my heart, too. I’ve been so blessed. Not everyone gets a second chance…a second family.”

Incredibly grateful that Emma was her first friend in Rosewood, Kate stayed by her side as they arrived at the general assembly. The opening prayer, announcements and one hymn passed too quickly.

Emma walked with her to the girls’ classroom, then gave her a discreet thumbs up. Even more nervous, Kate gingerly stepped inside and took a chair. She watched the girls enter, bidding them hello. They all looked curious. Rosewood was a small town—one where almost everyone knew each other. And she stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Some of her uneasiness disappeared as she recognized the sheriff’s daughter. When all the chairs were filled, Kate addressed the small group. “Hi. My name’s Kate Lambert. I’m going to be in Rosewood for a while, taking care of my father. And I’ll be teaching your class for however long that is.”

The girls stared at her. Silence.

“Um, why don’t you tell me something about yourselves?” Kate smiled at the curious faces. “Let’s start with Alyssa.”

Each of the girls gave her a few basic facts. They were all in the same grade and had known each other since nursery school days.

“Miss Laroy let us have a slumber party at her house,” Sasha announced.

“And we had our own booth at Harvest Festival,” Amber chimed in.

“Well…” Kate took a deep breath, hoping she looked composed. “Why don’t we wait a bit to discuss activities?” She held up her Sunday school book. “Did everyone read this week’s lesson?”

Various answers tumbled out.

Kate regained most of her footing as the lesson progressed. She wouldn’t compare Sunday school to riding a bike, but everything was coming back to her. Still, she was relieved when the first bell rang, indicating time to finish up. Since Alyssa had remained interested and upbeat, Kate asked her to say the closing prayer.

Bending her head, she listened to the girl’s words. They were about what she expected until almost the end.

“…and bless the ones we love and please make them love You.”

They all chimed in when Alyssa said amen. Opening her eyes, Kate studied the girl, watching as Alyssa unclenched her hands. And wondered what was troubling her so.

Chapter Three

Tucker leaned against the broad trunk of a live oak tree on the north lawn of the church, the heel of one boot braced on the rough bark. He’d had to dust his dress boots, since he hadn’t worn them in a while. It seemed strange to stand in front of the church, a place he’d practically grown up in. When he was a kid, unless blood or loss of limb was imminent, his family was in church every week. His mother used to say that if she missed church, the whole week was off because it didn’t have a beginning.

When he was eighteen, his parents were killed in a car wreck. The pastor had helped Tucker and his older sister through the loss. Karen had married and moved out of state not long afterwards. Although losing his parents had torn him up, Tucker had reconciled the loss by knowing that his parents were together forever, that neither would have been happy without the other.

Then he met Shelley and was certain that his theory was right. They were married in the chapel, and when Alyssa came along, they’d had her blessed in the same spot. And now it was the one place he couldn’t bear to enter.

As he watched, the tall, wide sanctuary doors pushed open, and people spilled out onto the front steps. Strands of conversation and laughter floated in the air like early spring butterflies. He could make out snatches of words; others were muffled by the footsteps of children who rushed out, anxious to be in the fresh air, ready to begin the picnic.

The first Sunday of the month potluck had been a tradition since he was a boy. On the rare occasions when bad weather clouded the skies, and during the winter months, they met in the Sunday school building. But his mother always said the Lord smiled on Sundays, that’s why it was usually sunny.

Alyssa sprinted toward him, her face one huge smile. “You came!”

Tucker’s gut clenched. Had he been that neglectful? He draped a hand over her shoulders. “Couldn’t keep me away.” His full attention on his daughter, he didn’t notice the approach of several surprised, pleased-looking members.

“Tuck, I thought it was you!” Grinning, Michael Carlson pumped his hand, then clapped the other on Tucker’s shoulder. “It’s been too long.”

Before Tucker could respond, several of the other people zoomed in, all talking at once. He must have shaken two dozen hands within mere minutes.

“So glad to see you!” Emma McAllister hugged him, then drew back with a big smile.

“We’ve missed you,” Matt Whitaker added.

Assorted versions of the same sentiment echoed as people crowded around. Although Tucker had known many of them since he was a kid, he didn’t feel a sense of homecoming. Instead, he felt the distance he’d created since Shelley’s death. He managed to say most of the right words, respond to all the greetings. However, the tie he was no longer accustomed to wearing seemed to tighten.

He glanced at Alyssa, and her expression was one of pure pleasure. Knowing he couldn’t disappoint her, he allowed himself to be swept along as the members strolled toward the back lawn, where round tables and folding chairs had been set up. Some people opted to bring quilts and sit on the lawn, but Tucker had been so caught up in the trauma of coming to the church, he hadn’t thought to bring a blanket or a dish to share. Long, rectangular tables, draped with plain white tablecloths, were filled with casseroles, salads, cakes, fried chicken—just about everything.

Families clustered together. Tucker swallowed, remembering when he was a kid and his parents would bring a quilt, so they could sit beneath the spreading limbs of the tallest oak tree.

Alyssa tugged on his hand. “Miss Emma said it’s okay we didn’t bring anything, ’cause there’s always too much anyway.”

True. He’d never yet been to a potluck that ran short of food. He wasn’t particularly hungry, wishing only that the picnic would end quickly so he could go home. But he walked behind Alyssa, scooping food onto his paper plate, then filling a glass of punch.

“This way, Dad.” Alyssa scooted toward a table.

Trying to balance the plate and glass, he didn’t notice until it was too late that she’d led him to the Lambert woman’s table.

“Miss Lambert’s my new Sunday school teacher,” Alyssa announced, clearly pleased.

That was quick. She’d barely had time to unpack her car.

Marvin greeted him heartily. “Come sit down.”

He couldn’t refuse without being rude. “Sure we won’t be crowding you?”

Marvin shook his head, gesturing to his wheelchair. “I brought my own seating, so we have more than enough room. Right, Kate?”

She met Tucker’s gaze and he was surprised to see a trace of vulnerability in her eyes. It faded quickly as she directed her attention toward Alyssa. “Hey!”

Alyssa scooted into the narrow spot between Marvin and Kate. There wasn’t a chair on the other side of Marvin, but there was one beside Kate. Moving the chair would be awkward, obvious. So he put his plate on the table and sat next to her.

His shoulder brushed hers as he settled in place. She didn’t jerk away, but he could feel her arm stiffen before he shifted over a few inches.

Sipping his punch, he wished he’d thought to choose a bracing cup of coffee instead. He watched his daughter. Her face was lit up, more animated than he’d seen it in…longer than he could calculate.

Marvin cut into his brisket. “Did you get some of this, Tucker? Best brisket I’ve ever eaten. That’s saying something—I eat barbecue at least twice a week.”

Tucker hadn’t paid any particular attention to what he’d piled on his plate. Looking at it, he realized he had about three kinds of potato salad and no meat. “I’ll have to try it another time.”

“I can get you some, Dad.” Alyssa popped up before he could protest.

Marvin looked after her wistfully. “Wish I could bottle some of that energy.”

Tucker guessed Marvin was a man used to doing things on his own. He was probably chafing, being confined to that chair.

“Does she have any brothers or sisters?” Kate asked.

His throat tightened. “No.”

She didn’t press. “I’m an only child myself.”

Marvin looked over at Tucker, then wrinkled his brow. “How is it I’ve never met you? I’ve been coming to this church since I moved here.”

Alyssa arrived with a hearty portion of brisket. “Mr. Carlson said there’s lots.” After placing the plate of meat on the table, she scooted next to Kate again. “And there’s all kinds of cake, too.”

Marvin turned his attention to the girl. “Daisy Ford didn’t make a pie?”

Alyssa shrugged. “Somebody said there weren’t many pies ’cause there’s gonna be a pie sale for the hospital this week. Guess they want to make sure people’ll buy the pies.”

Marvin nodded. “That’s right. Just heard about it this morning. My brain’s starting to act like a sieve.”

“It’s okay to forget stuff,” Alyssa assured him. “I forget things, too.”

Marvin chuckled. “Guess I’ll take your word for it.”

Tucker watched them, remembering the light, easy play they’d shared with Alyssa’s grandparents. But now the visits were one-sided. Shelley’s parents drove down from Dallas, but he and Alyssa hadn’t been out of Rosewood in the last two years.

Kate picked up the plate of brisket, offering it to him. “It really is delicious. Somebody told me that Michael Carlson cooks it over a low fire for hours and hours. I’m not that much of a meat eater, but this just melts in your mouth.”

His gaze dropped to her lips as she spoke. They seemed to be curved in a perpetual smile. Well, at least since they’d sat down to lunch. He easily remembered how well she could frown. Still, he couldn’t miss the tint of some sort of pinkish gloss on her full lips.

At that thought, he straightened up so quickly that he brushed her arm again. His tie felt as though it was made of shrinking elastic, tightening around his neck. “Warm for this time of year, isn’t it?”

Kate tilted her head. “I’ve only visited here before, so I don’t really know, but it seems about right to me.”

“She’s used to the heat and humidity in Houston,” Marvin explained. “It’s like being in a twenty-four hour sauna.”

Tucker glanced back at Kate. “So you are from the city.”

“Born and bred.”

He waited, but she didn’t add any details. Picking at the food on his plate, he hoped they wouldn’t have to stay too long at the lunch. He glanced over at his daughter. Alyssa was all smiles.

And she’d sure taken to Kate.

Something was different about the woman, but he couldn’t put his finger on the change. Same fiery green eyes, pale skin, auburn hair…maybe that was it—she didn’t have her hair scrunched into a ponytail. Instead it was loose, falling past her shoulders in waves.

Pretending interest in his brisket, he snuck another look. With her coloring, he expected a sprinkling of freckles, but he didn’t see any. Maybe she was a hothouse flower who kept inside all the time. She laughed just then at something Alyssa said, throwing back her head, exposing the slim column of her throat. It, too, appeared flawless.

“Tucker, it’s been a month of Sundays!” Old man Carruthers stopped by the table. “Well, more than that, I think. Good to see you back where you belong.”

Tucker stood to shake his hand. Albert Carruthers had been Tucker’s Sunday school teacher when he was in junior high school. Despite his feelings about church now, Tucker knew Mr. Carruthers only meant well.

“You doing all right, sir?”

“Just getting old, Tuck.” He lifted his cane. “But I’m not letting it slow me down.”

Remembering the older man’s endless energy when he was younger, Tucker grinned and lightly touched the cane. “Don’t be vaulting any fences. Mrs. Carruthers’ll have your hide.”

Albert chuckled. “You’re right about that.” Reaching up, he patted Tucker’s shoulder. “Don’t be a stranger. I’ve missed you.”

Tucker would have liked to reassure his old friend, but he couldn’t lie to him.

When Mr. Carruthers left to stroll toward his wife, Tucker sat down.

Kate looked at him curiously. “Sounds like you’re the prodigal son.”

He clenched his jaw, aware of his daughter’s close proximity. “Do you think you’ve been in town long enough to judge that?”

Kate had the kind of face that didn’t hide what she was thinking. And he saw curiosity turn to puzzled concern. “I just noticed a lot of people surprised to…” She glanced at Alyssa and apparently had a flash of good sense. “This is all new to me. Nice, but new.” Picking up a cup of punch, she averted her face.

Tucker felt the brush of her shoulder as she fidgeted. She put down the plastic cup, fiddled with her fork, then straightened out her paper napkin. “So, anyone ready for dessert?”

Marvin and Alyssa looked down at their nearly full plates.

Tucker studied Kate.

Apparently, he wasn’t the only one who wanted to bolt.

That afternoon, Marvin whistled as he sat in front of the large window in the living room. Since Seth had removed the barrier to the entry, he could maneuver easily without help. As he watched the day dwindle toward its end, couples strolled down the street, some hand in hand. Young parents pushed strollers and children shrieked as they let off the last remnants of energy.

Kate brought him a glass of iced tea. “I’ll have to remember to buy some more lemons.”

“This is one of my favorite things on Sunday.” He pointed out the window. “Reminds me of when I was a kid…when it wasn’t so frantic in Houston. It just got too big too fast.”

“Pace is slower here,” she agreed. “I keep forgetting I don’t have to rush somewhere every day and plan, so that I can avoid traffic and lines.”

“I had enough of both.” Marvin shook his head. “Didn’t like feeling I was always running, never catching up. Pace here suits me better.”

“Are you hungry? It’s getting close to dinner time.”

Marvin shrugged. “A little, maybe. That was a big lunch.”

Kate watched as an older couple strolled by. “Looks like they’ve been together forever.”

“The Hills? About fifty years.”

“Incredible. That’s what? Two-thirds of their lives?”

“Sounds about right. Katie, you haven’t even mentioned Derek.”

She’d dreaded this conversation. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Has he called since you’ve been here?”

“We’ve got lasagna and baked ham left. You choose. When all the good stuff’s gone, you’ll be stuck with my cooking, which you know is terrible. That or sandwiches.” She fluffed the pillows on the couch. “Then again, maybe I’ll just get take-out from the café so I don’t poison you.”

“Did you argue about coming here to take care of me?”

She sighed. “He wasn’t who I thought he was.”

“I assume that’s a figurative reference.”

“Maybe I didn’t want to see the real Derek.”

“This is because of me. Katie, I won’t let you ruin your life—”

“Dad, coming here just opened my eyes. And I’m glad. What if I’d stumbled into marriage, then found out? It hurts, but it’s better to know.”

He sighed. “Confession—ever since I moved here, I’ve hoped that someday you would, too. Now I’ve trapped you.”

“You can’t trap somebody who volunteers. Face it, you couldn’t have kept me away.”

“So much like your mother. Stubborn, kind, seeing the best in people.”

There were days when Kate missed her mother so badly it was as though she’d just barely died, instead of twenty-five years ago. Blinking away the tears, she looked at the floor. “So, lasagna or ham?”

“She’d be proud of you, Katie.”

“We can make sandwiches out of the ham, so let’s have lasagna. I do know how to warm up stuff in the microwave. But no promises about not burning it. I usually make TV dinners because they have the instructions right on the package.”

“Katie?”

“Yes, Dad?”

“Love you.”

“Yeah. Me, too.”

Chapter Four

Kate reached high with the feather duster, passing it over the top of the bureau in her father’s room. A second later she heard knocking. She glanced down at her jeans and mussed shirt. Fortunately, none of their visitors seemed to notice her perpetual state of messiness. Still, she smoothed her hair back as she reached the front door and opened it.

Alyssa Grey stood on the porch, looking somewhat shy.

“Hey! What a pleasant surprise. Come in.”

The girl looked at the duster still in Kate’s hand.

“Are you busy?”

Realizing she’d forgotten to ditch the duster, Kate stuck it behind her back. “You are a very welcome diversion. I don’t mind housework, but I like company better.”

“Is your dad okay, Miss Lambert?”

“Kate. And yes, he’s fine.” She noticed Alyssa had her backpack on. “Did you just get out of school?”

“Uh-huh. I passed your house on the way home, so…”

Kate sensed the girl was feeling uncertain. “I’m glad you have time to stop and visit. How about a snack?” She headed into the kitchen, Alyssa trailing behind. “We’ve got some fruit, um…cheese…yogurt…”

“I’m okay.”

Reaching into the fruit drawer, Kate pulled out two apples. “Want one?”

“Sure.”

They settled at the kitchen table, companionably munching their apples. “So you don’t live far?”

Alyssa pointed north. “About a block that way.”

“Great, we’re neighbors!” She reached for a paper napkin. “Did you let your parents know that you were stopping here?”

She shook her head. “It’s just my dad, and he’s at work.”

“Oh.” Kate cleared her throat. She had wondered on Sunday where the girl’s mother was. “Shouldn’t you still check in?”

“In a few minutes. Dad got me a cell phone after…Anyway, I’m not supposed to use it to talk to friends, just if I need him. So I call from home. But we got out an hour early—it’s Teacher Day or something.”

Kate wasn’t thrilled that this likeable girl belonged to the obstinate sheriff, but she knew how parents worried. “Surely he knows that.”

“He’s got a hard job and he forgets little stuff.”

Like when his daughter was due home? He shot down further in her estimation. Sure, divorce was difficult, but if he had primary custody, he needed to step it up. Not something she wanted to say to this child. “Okay, you have to be completely honest with me. Did I stink at teaching your class?”

Alyssa giggled. “Everybody likes you. Sasha’s worried you won’t let us have as many parties as Miss Laroy, but it’s cool that you lived in Houston and you’re an artist.”

“I restore paintings—so I’m a fixer, not an artist.” She leaned forward. “I haven’t taught a Sunday school class in a really long time. Think everyone will give me time to get my footing?”

“Sure. Miss Laroy moved away.”

Kate laughed aloud. The frankness of youth.

“I thought I heard somebody.” Marvin rolled into the room, then scrunched his brows in concentration. “Alyssa?”

The girl beamed, pleased that he remembered her name. “Uh-huh. How do you feel?”

“Still rolling.”

She giggled.

And Marvin grinned in return.

Kate could see that a dose of Alyssa would be very good for her father. “We’re having a snack. You hungry?”

He shook his head. “I’m still stuffed from lunch. Mrs. Ford makes a killer lasagna, but I overdid.”

“It’s about gone.” Kate sighed. “Then you’re in for my cooking, and it won’t be pretty.”

“I can cook,” Alyssa offered, shy again.

“That makes one of us.” Kate glanced at the nearly bare counters. “I wouldn’t mind if the neighbors started bringing over goodies again. We had almost every kind of cake and pie, and—”

“That reminds me,” Marvin interrupted, “I volunteered you to make a pie for the hospital bake sale tomorrow.”

“A pie?” She stared at her father in disbelief. “You know I can’t cook.”

“Making a pie’s not cooking. It’s just fruit and crust.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “You think so? Um, a little detail. I haven’t the faintest idea how to make crust. For that matter, I don’t know what goes in the filling.”

“I do.” Alyssa’s voice was quiet, but her face looked hopeful.

“Really?” This child was a wonder.

“Some people buy canned filling, but it’s easy with real fruit—and it tastes better. We have some peaches that’d make a good pie.”

“I can’t let you do that!”

“Why not?” Alyssa’s large dark eyes grew rounder in expectation.

“Well…I imagine you want to see your friends…and it’s an imposition.”

“I have to go home and call my dad anyway. I could get the peaches and come back.”

Kate stared helplessly at her father.

True to form, he was a big help. “Sounds good to me. Kate teaches you Sunday school, you teach her how to make a pie.”

Alyssa grinned, then hopped up. “I’ll be right back.”

After she scooted out the back door, Kate pinned her father in a chiding gaze. “What was that?”

“You can see the child’s hungry for attention.” Marvin’s grin faded. “Reminds me of another little girl a long time ago.”

“Oh, Dad.” Reaching out, she patted his hand. “You’re such a softie. I thought I noticed something on Sunday, too. Hmm. Her parents are divorced, but I imagine her mother’s still part of her life.” Kate pursed her lips. “You get all the gossip. What do you know?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t meet her father until you did. Seems I heard something about him…. Can’t remember just what it was.”

Kate sighed. “Do you know if you have a pie pan?”

Marvin shrugged.

“Great. This may be a square pie.” She stood and began rummaging in the cabinets. “At least you have flour and sugar.” She sniffed the bag of flour, not sure how to tell if it was stale. “Do you know what goes in crust?”

Marvin shrugged. “Nope.”

“Would you do me a favor?”

“Anything, Katie.”

“Don’t volunteer me for anything else.”

He chuckled. “Small towns aren’t like the city. Everybody gets involved.”

“I think I have enough involvement to last for some time.”

Nearly an hour later, a light knock sounded on the back door.

Kate opened it. Seeing that Alyssa’s hands were full, Kate reached out to help unload them.

“I’m sorry I took so long, but I thought you might not have a pie pan or some of the other stuff we’ll need.”

“Good guess.”

“I need to make a second trip. I’ll be right back.”

She popped out the door again and Marvin laughed. “She’s got enough energy for half a dozen people.”

“Youth, Dad.”

“Speaking from your own advanced years?” he retorted.

“I never thought about it much before. But I look around and see other women my age with two or three kids, and…”

“When the time’s right and the man’s right, you’ll know.”

“You sound very sure.”

“Experience, kiddo. I hit the jackpot with your mother.”

Her throat tightened as she thought of Derek. She’d chosen so very poorly. How could she know that she’d ever get it right?

“We start on the crust first,” Alyssa told her, once she’d brought over all the ingredients. “Cause it needs to be cold.”

Kate frowned. “But if we make it first, won’t it get warm?”

“We put the dough in the fridge and let it chill while we make the filling.”

Marvin chuckled.

Alyssa put a rolling pin on the counter. “Do you have butter?”

Now wary, Kate thought for a second. “How much do we need?”

“A stick. But it has to be real cold.”

Kate exhaled. “No problem.”

Marvin turned his chair toward the living room. “You ladies enjoy yourselves.”

“Deserter,” Kate mumbled under her breath, searching through the cabinets for the bowls.

Once everything was assembled, Alyssa patiently showed Kate the steps in making the crust. It took some time, but eventually the dough was patted into a ball, wrapped in plastic and stowed in the refrigerator. Kate was wearing nearly as much flour as they’d used in the crust, but she was impressed with their results. “I didn’t know this could actually be fun.”

Alyssa stared at the peach she was peeling, not meeting Kate’s eyes. “How come you don’t know how to cook?”

She dredged up a smile. “I never learned. When I was seven, my mom died. Dad knew how to grill most everything, so basically, except for cereal and sandwiches, we ate barbecue every day. On the upside, I’ve never wanted fried food.”

Alyssa was suddenly quiet.

Kate knew that death was a difficult concept for children. “Cooking always looks so complicated, on TV shows, I mean.”

“You’re doing really good.” Alyssa handed her a peach. “It’s not important how much you know, but how hard you try.”

What a mature thought for a young girl.

“I brought the spices,” Alyssa continued. “They’re not real fresh, so we’ll have to use extra.”

“Hmm.” Kate picked up the bottle of cinnamon, studying the label. “How do you know?”

“Spices last about six months, the ones that are all ground up don’t last as long as whole ones. And they put dates on the bottom.”

Kate felt about as smart as she had in algebra class. All the other kids got it right away. Not her. “You know a lot for a person your age.”

Alyssa shrugged skinny shoulders.

“So, what you said about the importance of trying hard? Did you just come up with that now?”

She shook her head. “It’s what my dad says.”

Maybe he was a better father than she’d imagined.

Once all the fruit was sliced, the sugar and spices added, Kate felt like they’d run a marathon. She glanced at the clock. “Alyssa, was it all right with your dad to stay so long?”

“I left a message at his office.”

Feeling a flash of uneasiness, Kate paused. “Then you didn’t ask?”

“It’s no big deal. I leave messages all the time. He has to work really long days.”

“All the time?”

Alyssa was instantly defensive. “The sheriff can’t just go home when he wants to. He does important stuff.”

“Of course he does.” Kate recognized the fierce protectiveness. She remembered feeling the same way about her own father. “I’m happy for your company. Works out for both of us.”

A smile edged back on Alyssa’s face. “Now you can learn how to put the crust in the pan.”

“Oh.” Algebra time again.

It took forever to roll out the dough. Alyssa was patient when Kate got dough stuck to the rolling pin and tore it repeatedly.

“Are you sure this is going to be edible?”

Alyssa laughed. At nearly the same moment, the bell at the front door rang steadily, as though someone was leaning on it. Then an equally loud knocking followed.

Marvin hollered through the noise. “Come in!”

Kate reached for a towel, hearing another man’s voice in the living room. Before she could finish wiping her hands, she heard the man stomping through the house toward the kitchen.

Tucker’s scowl was ferocious. He looked around the kitchen, taking in the domestic scene.

Not wanting the child to get in trouble, Kate stepped toward him, resisting the urge to hide Alyssa behind her. “I’m sorry if we’ve taken too much of your daughter’s time. You know, she’s in my Sunday school class. Um…I’m new to it, just started, that is.” She linked her fingers together, trying not to visibly clench her hands. “Anyway, I have to bake a pie and I didn’t know how, so Alyssa rescued me, volunteering to help. Well, actually to make it….”

“Do you know how I’ve spent the last hour?” His voice was a near growl, low but controlled. “Calling all of Alyssa’s friends, knocking on almost every door in the neighborhood, checking the school, calling on my deputies and nearly everyone I know to search the rest of town.”

More intimidated than she wanted to admit, Kate gulped. “She couldn’t reach you at the office, so she left a message.”

“And you think that’s acceptable?”

Kate opened her mouth but couldn’t find the right words without implicating Alyssa. “In hindsight, I suppose not. Trust me, if I’d known it would cause trouble…well, I would have done things differently.”

“Trust you? I don’t even know you.” He turned to Alyssa. “Why didn’t you answer your cell phone?”

“I’m sorry, Dad. I left it in my backpack.” She scrunched her thin shoulders inward. “I didn’t think I needed it.”

“We’ve gone over this. When you’re away from the house, you carry your cell.”

She ducked her head. “I got all excited about the pie….”

Exasperated, his tone lightened a fraction. “How do you even know how to make a pie?”

“Mommy taught me.”

Tucker’s face paled.

Seeing the swift shaft of pain filling his dark eyes, Kate put her arm around Alyssa’s shoulder. “You’ve raised a wonderful child. My father and I have thoroughly enjoyed her company. In fact, Dad hasn’t smiled this much since before the accident.”

“Oh.” He hesitated. “I don’t want Alyssa to be a bother.”

Tightening her grip, Kate gave Alyssa a small hug. “She’s anything but a bother. She’s an absolute joy.” Releasing her, Kate grabbed the notepad and pen by the phone. She scribbled their phone number and handed the scrap of paper to him. “She’s welcome here any time.”

Stiffly, he accepted the number.

“Can I stay, Dad? Kate doesn’t know how to do the crust, and if she doesn’t do the top part right it could explode.”

Tucker didn’t speak for several moments. When he did, his voice was grudging. “Just until the pie’s done. Then call me so I can walk you home.”

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