This couldn’t be the house Trey had been talking about. The place was a fairy-tale cottage. It was painted dark brown with cream trim surrounding all the windows and doors. The front door was half glass, and there was a light on inside, making the place feel welcoming.

“This is it?” She turned slightly to Trey, who was watching her closely.

“Yup,”

“For the rent you mentioned?” She turned and looked at the house again. A small covered porch ran from the front door around to the left side of the house. A cobblestone driveway led to the back of the place.

“Yup,” Trey said again, slowly letting the truck roll down the driveway. He stopped at another set of stairs on the side of the house.

“There’s a side entrance here that enters into a mud room. I used that in the winter. The garage is back there.” He pointed to a separate building that was as cute as the house. “There’s a makeshift apartment above the garage. Basically a room with a bathroom, a small kitchen area. If your brother pisses you off, you can shove him up there.” He chuckled. “There are two bedrooms, two baths in the main house. Small, but I’d wager bigger than the hotel room.”

He helped her out and, since the snow was falling again, they rushed to the covered wraparound porch. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket.

“You have the keys?” she asked, watching him open the door.

“Yeah, the owner dropped them off while you were at lunch.” He opened the door and she tried not to sigh at how wonderful the house was. He leaned in and flipped on the light. “I texted the owner about you. He is willing to work with you to get you in here. He doesn’t like it sitting empty for security reasons.”

“It’s furnished,” she said, stepping into the stone-tiled mud room. On the left wall was a long bench with spots for shoes and jackets next to it. The washer and dryer sat across from the space. There wall of white box containers with wicker baskets as you made your way out of the room with enough storage for hats, gloves, or whatever other winter wear one would want to store.

They walked into the kitchen and she instantly could see herself here. She’d really missed cooking. An L-shaped black granite countertop stretched along the right side of the kitchen. There were white paneled appliances that matched the cabinets and a wood chop-block island with a small sink in the middle. There were red bar stools on the other side for seating.

Over the island hung pans of every size and color. She turned to Trey.

“Fully furnished?” she asked.

“Yeah, it’s one of the perks.” He smiled. “I lived here when I came back into town, before I moved into my current place.” He chuckled. “I had to buy everything myself. Actually, I’m still buying stuff.”

She walked past the kitchen into the dining room. It appeared that at one point the space had been a back patio area, since there were windows on all three sides, with large French doors leading out to the backyard. An oval table with six chairs sat in the space. She could just imagine sitting in here having dinner on a warm summer night with all the windows and doors open to the cool breeze.

Her heels clicked on the gleaming oak floors, only silenced by the thick rugs in several areas.

Turning back around, she turned the corner and walked into the living room. There was a beautiful stone fireplace with an oak mantel on the side wall. Huge reclaimed wood ceiling beams hung overhead, making the entire place feel warm. Comfortable-looking dark brown chairs and sofa and sturdy wood furniture made the space cozy with huge windows that overlooked the front yard and street.

“It’s a real wood fireplace. There are several places in town that can deliver firewood by the week, if you want,” Trey said as he walked over to the fireplace. “I’ll get a fire started since it’s chilly in here. Go on and take a look around. I hope it’s okay, but I ordered pizza.” He smiled. “It’s one thing I miss at my place. They won’t deliver since my driveway hasn’t been graded yet.”

She nodded as she continued to scan the space. There was a narrow hallway with what appeared to be a sliding barn door. She moved into what she figured would become her favorite room in the house.

The space was small, but there were bookcases on every wall. The small library was tucked behind the living room fireplace, and she imagined its warmth would spread there first. Instead of another sofa, the end wall was a wide window seat with more than a dozen thick throw pillows.

Turning back, she passed through the living room and headed towards the front door. The staircase was across from the massive wood doorway with its long windows on either side. Down a small hallway sat a powder bathroom and another coat closet.

She climbed the stairs and found a small loft area with another window seat at the top. The bedrooms sat on opposite sides of the house. The room and bathroom to the back of the house instantly piqued her attention. The comforter was a pale blue, while the bathroom walls were a brighter blue, making it very cheerful.

Each of the bathrooms had sunken bathtubs with wood ledges, giving plenty of space to sit along the outside of the tub.

The bedroom windows overlooked the back yard, where she could see fresh snow falling on what she assumed was a grassy area. There were flower beds and several benches outside.

Before heading downstairs, she took several deep breaths. She wanted the place. Really wanted it. But she had to be reasonable. She couldn’t afford it. Not now. Not until after she’d paid for the towing and for updating the tags on her brother’s truck.

She didn’t know what next month held for her, but she was pretty sure Brent would do something else to use up the deposit and rent she’d need for the beautiful home.

Making up her mind, she straightened her shoulders and made her way back down the stairs. Trey was at the front door, talking to the pizza delivery person about football when they both spotted her coming down the stairs.

“I’ll see you later, Kenny.” Trey nudged the kid out the door when he gave out a low whistle.

“Yeah, sure,” the boy said as Trey shut the door in his face.

“Did you at least tip the kid?” she asked.

Trey chuckled. “Yeah,” He followed her into the kitchen area.

“It’s kind of strange, eating dinner in someone else’s house.” She glanced around again and, for a split second, dreamed.

“It’s not someone else’s. You’ll be moving in Saturday.” He opened the cupboard and pulled out two plates like he lived there. Then she remembered he had.

“Trey, I can’t. I just can’t make the numbers work.” She sat down at the bar area and rested her chin in her hands. “No matter how much I want it…”

“It’s all set, then.” Trey set the plate down in front of her and poured her some soda. “The deposit and rent will come out of your paychecks—both of yours, not just you—so you can move in.” He sat next to her and clinked his glass against hers. “Welcome home.”

She set her glass down and stood up. “Trey, I appreciate everything, really I do—”

“I didn’t want to have to bring out the big guns, but”—he took a deep breath—“your landlord is my mother. She’s actually on her way over here right now to meet you again, officially. But rest assured, everything is already set in stone. She agreed to rent it to you, with your brother as a side occupant. And tomorrow we’ll arrange it so that rent will be taken out of your paychecks, equally.”

She felt her stomach roll and suddenly was more nervous than she’d been in a long time.

“Your mother owns this place?” She looked around.

“Yeah. When I moved back into town, I was renting the place. The owner and my mom were best friends in school. She happened to mention to my mother she was thinking of selling. When my father died, my mom had come into some money she didn’t know what to do with, so she jumped on the house as an investment.” He smiled.

Just then, the side door opened.

“Wow, it’s really coming down out there,” a woman called from the mud room. “I hope you saved me some of that pizza.”

When Gail McGowan walked into the kitchen, Dylan couldn’t instantly see a resemblance. She’d met her at the diner that first day on the job, but she’d been so overwhelmed, she hadn’t paid much attention to her. However, after spending half an hour watching Trey with his mother, she noticed how much alike they were in personality.

She was surprised at how much Trent had taken after their mother in looks. From the painting in the main lobby, it appeared Trey was the only one who resembled his father.

“Trey tells me you and your brother have started working for him,” Gail said over pizza. They had moved into the dining room and Dylan sat with her back to the fire, watching the snow fall outside in the floodlights.

“Yes, although my brother, Brent, doesn’t officially start until this Monday. His medical forms were just turned in this afternoon.”

“That’s good. Trey tells me you’ve got a science background,” she said, sipping some coffee Trey had made for her.

“Um, well, I was top of my science class in high school. I had wanted to go on to college, but after my parents died, there just wasn’t enough money.”

“Have you thought of online classes? My late husband was a firm believer in higher education. He even implemented a benefit program where the company would pay if the classes have anything to do with the job.”

“Yeah,” Trey jumped in. “I’m sure we can make something work for you. Not that any of the classes you’d be interested in have anything to do with being an office manager. But I’m sure we can work something out.”

For the first time in almost four years, happiness felt within her reach. Could she really have it all? Living in a beautiful home, having a wonderful job, the possibility of college? Not to mention working for some of the sexiest, rugged men in all of Montana.

She was just waiting for the moment when everything came crashing down on her again.

Gail glanced down at her watch and stood up. “Well, I’m sorry to bug out on you two, but it’s game night and I’m hosting. I still have to swing by the store for some more bean dip.” She took her plate to the sink and rinsed, dried it, and put it away.

Then she walked back over to Dylan and held out her hand. “I’m happy that this place was available for you and your brother. I look forward to seeing someone back in it.” Her eyes traveled to Trey. “Now if he’d just get some of his junk out of our garage, I’d be a lot happier.” She smiled as Dylan shook her hand. “If you need anything, let Trey know. He knows this place inside and out and can arrange for anything that needs to be done.” Gail shocked Dylan by pulling her in for a hug. It felt good, the contact from a mother figure. It had been years, ages really, since she’d been embraced by someone she trusted and looked up to. Her mind flashed to all the lost moments with her own mother, moments that couldn’t be made up.

She didn’t realize tears were sliding down her cheek as she watched the woman leave the house until Trey walked over and gently pulled her into his arms.

* * *

He didn’t know where Dylan’s tears were coming from, but he knew how to handle them. Years of being the youngest in a nearly all-male family had taught him to let his mother lean on him when she needed. He didn’t know why she’d picked him out of the tree boys, but he always seemed to be the one who was around when his mother’s eyes turned wet.

“Feel better?” he asked as he gently rubbed his hands over her hair.

“I’m sorry.” She pulled back and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “I haven’t done that in years.”

“What?” He frowned. “Cry?”

When she nodded, he shook his head. “That’s not normal. People should get their frustrations out regularly.”

“Do you?” Suddenly, her sadness was replaced with interest.

“Men get their frustration out differently than women.”

When she laughed, he couldn’t help but smile. “What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You. I didn’t take you for the kind of guy to believe in stereotypes.” She moved closer to the fire and stood with her hands reached towards the flames. He moved closer to her.

“I’m not. But living with three brothers in a house ruled by the woman who just left, I learned quickly.” He chuckled.

“How do you get your… frustrations out?” She glanced over her shoulder at him.

He shrugged. “Lots of different ways. Running, working, chopping wood, sex.” He smiled. “Haven’t used that one in a while though.”

Her eyebrows arched slightly. “Sex can be a great outlet, if done right.”

Damn, was she teasing him? Whether she was or not, his body was responding just the same.

He moved slightly closer. “Oh, I’ve never had any complaints.”

She turned towards him, her eyes raking over him. “No, you wouldn’t.”

This time, it was his eyebrows that shot up. “Doubt me?”

She shook her head as she chuckled and held up her hands. “I know when to back down from a challenge.” She turned back to the fire.

“Why the tears?” he asked after a moment of silence.

She took a deep breath before answering him.

“I guess it just really hit me that I never felt comfortable hugging my mother.”

“She wasn’t a hugger?” he asked. He’d always gotten affection from his parents. They hadn’t been a perfect family, but when it mattered, they had always been there for one another.

“No, none of us are.” He noticed the face she was making and closed the space between them.

“Now what?” he asked softly.

Her eyes traveled up to his. “I was just wondering how awkward it would be to get a hug from Brent.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, Tyler, Trent, and I don’t hug one another much, either.”

She smiled and once again, the sadness was replaced with humor. “Thanks.”

“For?” His hands had moved up to her shoulders and her softness was intoxicating.

Her eyes moved past him. “All this.” She shrugged. “The job, the car, the house, listening to me. Need I go on?” She chuckled.

“A man’s ego is something to be stroked, and often.” He smiled. “You’re welcome. I did have some selfish motives, though.”

“Oh?” It came out as a whisper as her smile fell away.

Instead of answering her, he leaned in and placed his lips softly over hers. He couldn’t have expected how that simple first touch would rock him. Instantly, his fingers tightened as he pulled her closer. Once again, she was in his arms, only this time, he wasn’t thinking of comforting her.

Dylan melted against him, causing his body to react even more.

“I didn’t plan this,” he said after nibbling on her bottom lip.

“Course you did.” She chuckled. She pulled back slightly. “We both did from the moment we saw each other.”

“Okay, true, but not this, here, tonight.” He glanced around and realized that from an outsider’s perspective, the place was set up for a romantic evening.

Running his hands through his hair, he wondered why he hadn’t thought he’d planned it. Just then, his cell phone rang. Seeing Tony’s number, he knew he couldn’t miss the call.

“Hold that thought.” He took a step away from her and answered the phone. “Yo?” It was a stupid way of answering, but it was a tradition with his friends.

“Trey, you’d better get to your new site.”

Trey’s stomach sunk. “What?”

“It’s not bad, but I called your other brothers first. Sorry, you’re low man on the totem pole.”

“Be there”—he glanced at his watch and calculated—“in fifteen.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for you.” Tony hung up and he turned back to Dylan.

“Care to go for a ride?” He walked over and stifled the fire, shutting the glass doors to the fireplace so no embers would break out.

“What’s happened?” She rinsded their plates off quickly and set them in the drying rack.

“I’m not sure, but they called in the big guns. Both my brothers are already on their way up to our new site.”

“New…” She looked confused.

“The land we purchased for the school.” His stomach sunk at the thought of something happening, but then he remembered they didn’t even have a generator up there yet.

“Oh.” she pulled on her gloves and when she reached for her coat, he beat her to it and helped her slip it on.

“Not how I wanted the evening to end, but…”

She turned around, leaned up and, to his surprise, kissed him again.

“Thank you, again.”

He wished he could go on for the rest of the night, enjoying her next to him, but he knew there was a fifteen minute drive up the hill.

“I could take you home.” He silently hoped she’d say no.

“Why? So, I can watch my brother watch sports on the TV and drink beer he bought with the money he stole from my purse?” She rolled her eyes. “No, thank you. You’d be saving me, actually.” She took his hand. “Let’s go.”