Abigail gathered up all the remaining pastries in the case, tucked them in an oversized box, and locked up the bakery. To access her apartment, she had to go out the front door and in through the door adjacent to it.

A steep set of stairs took her to the second floor. Hers was the largest apartment, with windows facing on the street. Ingrid and Roxanne’s apartments both looked out on a back alley, but they also had a view of the mountains.

She texted her friends that she’d brought dessert from downstairs. When Roxanne ordered take-out, like she had tonight, they all shared the cost. They took turns providing wine.

Roxanne had initiated their first get-together a couple of weeks after she’d moved in. She claimed to enjoy the added energy in her apartment since she worked alone so much. Consequently, it had become their gathering place.

Before she changed into her sweats and long-sleeved T-shirt, Abigail put together a list on her computer of all the bakery goods they’d sell in the morning. She’d keep the list behind the counter and ask Yolanda and Doug to take a count before the bakery opened for business. Abigail would keep track of any items she or Ingrid added during the day and note which items were left when they closed.

Yolanda had a knack for detail and would think this was fun. She was taking online classes toward a pharmacy degree. Doug was a nice kid who was only twenty and still figuring out what he wanted from life. He wasn’t a self-starter, but he always did what she asked him to do.

By the time Abigail changed clothes and started out the door with the box of bakery goodies, she was starving. She might have missed lunch. She couldn’t remember eating anything so she probably hadn’t. A short walk down the hall brought her to Roxanne’s door. She gave it a quick couple of taps.

Typical Roxanne, she flung it open and pulled Abigail inside without bothering to close it again. “You have to see the new logo I made for Zane McGavin’s raptor rescue!” Roxanne had dark, curly hair that turned wild and crazy unless she secured it with a clip or a scrunchie. “I asked him if he wanted a redo and he was all over it. See what you think.”

Abigail studied the oval image on the computer screen. Roxanne had chosen to use a pair of eagles in flight above snow-covered mountains. “Beautiful.”

“His other logo only had one eagle on it, but a mated pair appealed to me.”

“Me, too. Have you shown it to him?”

“Yep! He loved it. And today I also got a commission from an excursion outfit in Antarctica and another one from an upscale hotel in Madrid. The internet is a beautiful thing.”

“It sure is for you.” Abigail handed her the box of goodies. “Where’s Ingrid?”

“Talking to that long-distance boyfriend of hers. I don’t get it. Either be together or don’t, but carrying on between Eagles Nest and Boston makes no sense to me. What happened with your appointment?”

“He wants me to keep track of everything I sell for the rest of the week.”

“You don’t normally?”

“I haven’t been. I figured all that mattered was what we made at the end of the day.”

“But if you don’t know how much inventory it took to get there…”

Abigail sighed. “Exactly. Luke is right about that.” And great to look at. “I just need to develop some new habits.”

“Never a fun process.”

“Nope. The thing is, I tend to concentrate on what I like doing—the baking—and forget the stuff I don’t—like paperwork.”

“Ugh, paperwork. I’d rather create ten designs than spend an hour entering data on a spreadsheet, but it’s gotta be done.”

Spreadsheet. Now there was a word to strike terror into her heart. She’d never met one she hadn’t loathed on sight, but evidently Roxanne was on speaking terms with the beast. Instead of admitting her aversion to her friend, she nodded. “Absolutely.”

Embarrassment had kept her from confiding her financial problems to either Roxanne or Ingrid, although Ingrid might suspect something wasn’t quite right. “Luke has a good grasp of how to run a business. I’m going to do my best to follow his recommendations.” If he’d create spreadsheets for her, she’d supply him with cookies for life.

“Is he cute?”

Abigail smiled, happy to focus on Luke instead of her sorry finances. “Yes.”

“That helps.”

“Hey, you guys!” Ingrid came through the open door. “I brought the one-and-a-half-liter bottle of wine this time.”

“Party, party!” Roxanne grinned. “Set it on the coffee table, girlfriend. I’ll get the opener and the glasses.” She hurried into her small kitchen.

Ingrid glanced at Abigail. “How did it go?”

“He wants us to keep track of everything we sell for the next four days. He needs data.”

“Probably a good idea. Did he flirt with you? Ask you out?”

“No, he did not.”

“Well, damn. Did you flirt?”

“No! This is about business.”

“What is?” Roxanne came back and started uncorking the wine.

“My meeting with Luke today. Ingrid’s trying to turn it into a hot date.”

“Well, you said he was cute.” Roxanne pulled the cork out with a loud pop.

“Is that all she said?” Ingrid rolled her eyes. “She didn’t mention the pecs, the abs or the ass on that cowboy?”

“A cowboy?” Roxanne poured wine into three glasses. “You didn’t say anything about that, girl.”

“Clearly you didn’t give Roxanne all the pertinent facts.” Ingrid picked up two glasses and handed one to Abigail.

“I didn’t think it was import—”

“It’s always important,” Roxanne said. “I was picturing him in a boring shirt and tie.”

“Hell, no.” Ingrid glanced at Roxanne. “He strolled in wearing boots, snug jeans, a sheepskin jacket and a Stetson. Six-feet-three inches of muscled yumminess.”

“If I’d known that, I’d have taken a break to wander down there. No wonder you’re not upset about having to count all those pastries.”

Abigail’s cheeks warmed. “It’s strictly business.”

“If you say so.” Roxanne raised her glass. “Here’s to mixing business with pleasure.” She winked at Abigail. “And if you haven’t considered it, you wouldn’t be blushing.”

* * *

Besides retrieving the dog and saying hello to his Appaloosa, Spot On, Luke had arranged to meet Badger, Ryker and Trevor at the ranch. They’d all agreed to help him renovate his house, although Badger had admitted he’d never so much as used a hammer before.

Luke had invited them over for pizza and beer so they could see the place and brainstorm ideas for remodeling it. They’d decided to meet at the barn and go over together.

For someone who’d only been in town a couple of weeks, he’d made rapid progress toward his goals. He could thank Badger, who’d likely be his brother-in-law eventually. Over Christmas Badger and Luke’s sister Hayley had engineered a fake engagement and now were together for real.

Hayley was still wrapping up her obligations in Denver and hadn’t moved to Eagles Nest yet. Badger had, though, and was now a full partner in Badger Air, a commuter airline started by Ryker McGavin.

That friendship between Ryker and Badger, forged when they were both fighter pilots in the Air Force, had provided Luke with a connection to the McGavin family. Because of it he’d had the inside track on a five-acre property adjacent to Wild Creek Ranch.

The house had stood vacant for a couple of years while the heirs had debated whether to sell or renovate. Luke’s offer of cash had convinced them to let it go.

Being neighbors with the McGavins had come with benefits. Kendra had advised him on the purchase of his Appaloosa and was giving him a good deal on boarding. She’d stabled the gelding in the old barn as if knowing Luke would enjoy having Spot On mixed in with the family’s horses. Clearly she considered Luke one of them, now, an honorary McGavin. That touched him.

Badger’s truck was already parked near the barn, so Luke drove through a patch of slush and pulled in next to it. The guy had insisted on a red one. The only child of wealthy parents in Atlanta, he’d owned several sports cars. Although he’d rejected that life when he’d enlisted, he still liked to make a splash now and then.

Luke’s truck was beige. He’d bought a dark blue vintage pickup in high school and he’d scoured the internet until he’d found one almost like it except for the color. He and Faith, Cody McGavin’s sweetheart, had bonded on the subject of classic trucks. She had one, too.

Everywhere he turned, the evidence was mounting that he’d made the right decision by leaving his urban life in Portland. Although he’d never lived in Eagles Nest, it felt like home.

A warm barn on a winter’s night was one of the coziest places he knew. When he walked in and slid the door shut, the fragrance of hay and horses greeted him, along with the dog he’d rescued. She’d been hanging out with Badger at the far end of the barn, but she made a beeline for Luke once she spotted him.

He crouched down to give her a hug and a rub behind the ears. “How’re you doing, pup? Been enjoying ranch life?”

“Kendra’s convinced she was a ranch dog.” Badger approached, his pace leisurely as always. “I showed up at feedin’ time, and she was down here with the dog, who seemed to be right at home.”

“Is that true, girl?” He gazed into the pup’s golden eyes. “Did you live on a ranch?”

The dog stared at him, her brow wrinkled.

“If only she could talk,” Badger said.

“She damn near can. Just now I got a definite yes from her.” Luke stood. “Is Kendra up at the house?”

“Yep. She got a call regardin’ a trail ride booking and had to go check somethin’ on the computer. I asked her to leave the dog with me. I like dogs.”

“Ever have one?”

“No.” Badger leaned down and ruffled the pup’s ears. “I was shipped off to school pretty early on. I wouldn’t mind havin’ one if Hayley’s okay with it. And a couple of horses once we get settled.”

“She should like all that. What do you hear from her?”

“She’s plannin’ on comin’ over in about ten days. Might stay a week this time.”

“Great. It’ll be good to see her. And speaking of horses, I’m gonna pay a visit to mine, if you’d like to walk down there with me.”

“I wouldn’t mind.” Badger fell into step beside him. The pup followed close behind.

“I appreciate that you signed on for this remodeling project.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Southern boys in my neighborhood didn’t build treehouses and such. If we wanted one, our folks hired an architect.”

Luke grinned. “You’re making that up.”

“I’m not sayin’ I had a fancified one, but a kid down the block did. It was a lousy treehouse, too. A bunch of weird angles and a motorized ladder that didn’t work right.”

“Then you’ve never hammered a nail into a board just for the hell of it?”

“It’s not like my father had a workbench and tools. Although now I wish I had more experience so I’d be of better use to your renovation team. I can’t wait to see the place.”

“Meant to get you over there sooner.”

“No worries. You’ve been in there what—a week?”

“About that.” Luke paused next to the Appaloosa’s stall. “Hey, boy.”

The gelding’s ears flicked in recognition but he was busy with his dinner. Luke had hoped to arrive in time to help feed, but his appointment with Abigail had kept him in town longer than he’d anticipated.

“They aren’t much for talkin’ when they’re eatin’.” Badger leaned against the door and watched Spot On munching on a flake of hay.

“I’ve noticed.”

“That’s a handsome animal you have there. I’m partial to Paints since meetin’ Winston down yonder.” He tipped his head toward the far end of the barn. “But I can see the appeal of an Appaloosa. No two look alike.”

“I know. I promised myself if I ever got a horse of my own, this is what I’d want.” He glanced at Badger. “Any estimates on when Hayley will move here?”

“She’s shootin’ for sometime next month, but she’s not plannin’ to live with me once she moves here. At least not at first. She thinks we need more time to get to know each other.”

“That sounds like her.”

“I’m not pushing. I mucked it up before and I don’t want to do it again.”

“You won’t. She’s crazy about you. But I have a recommendation if you want to hear it.”

“I surely do. I need all the help I can get.”

“Don’t start suggesting things the minute she gets here. Wait a bit and she if she comes up with a plan.”

“Thanks, Luke. Appreciate it.”

About that time the barn door slid open and Ryker and Trevor came in. The dog hesitated only a moment before trotting over to accept some attention from both men.

“Nice dog you have,” Ryker said.

“Not my dog.”

“So you say. Are we having a pizza and beer party or what?”

“That’s exactly what we’re having.” He shook hands with Ryker and Trevor. “I’ve already ordered it and we need to get over to my place so we’re there when it’s delivered.”

“Can I come?” Kendra walked into the barn behind them. Slim and athletic, she didn’t look like she could be the mother of five grown boys.

All the guys, including Luke, assured her that she was more than welcome.

“That’s okay.” She laughed. “I was just kidding. It’s nice to be wanted, but Faith and Cody are coming over tonight to sort through the stuff in his closet. They’ve promised to take what they want and pack up the rest for Goodwill.”

Ryker snorted. “The rest of us did that years ago.”

“I know, but Cody’s—”

“The baby!” Ryker and Trevor chorused. They both rolled their eyes.

Folding her arms, Kendra gazed at them with amused tolerance. “Somebody had to be. Aren’t you glad it was him and not either of you?”

Ryker and Trevor exchanged glances. Ryker nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I’m very glad.”

“Me, too,” Trevor said. “Despite the fact he was spoiled rotten.”

“Enough of that.” Ryker angled his head toward the front of the barn. “We need to make tracks.”

“Yeah, we do, but I have something for your mom. Be right back.” He told the pup to stay and she did. Someone had trained her well. He hurried out to the truck and grabbed the brownies.

Kendra was thrilled with them. “They’re my favorite snack. I’ll give her a call tomorrow.”

“If you make it around two in the afternoon, she’ll probably have time to talk.”

“Then I’ll do that.”

“And thank you so much for watching the pup.” He stroked the dog’s head.

“Anytime.”

“Guess we’ll be off, then.” He touched the brim of his hat in farewell before raising his voice. “Okay, everybody follow me.”

The other three gave Kendra a hug before leaving the barn.

A few minutes later, with the dog sitting alert and quivering in the passenger seat, he led the caravan of pickups over to his place. His place. He sure loved thinking of it that way.

The house was dark because he hadn’t bought timers for the lamps yet. He’d do that soon because he liked the visual of a light shining in the window, welcoming him home.

The dog whined as he parked and turned off the engine. She did that every time they came back here, as if she couldn’t wait to get inside.

“Hang on, girl.” Taking her leash out of the console, he walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. “Stay, pup.”

She trembled with eagerness but didn’t move as he clipped the leash to her collar. He used it to make sure she didn’t take a notion to run into the woods after some critter. Maybe she wouldn’t, but he wasn’t taking that chance. She’d ended up on that highway somehow. He picked up the box of cookies from the floor and opened the door wider. “Okay, girl. You can get out.”

She hopped down and walked beside him across the snow-packed ground. What a good dog she was. He couldn’t believe nobody had come looking for her.

The guys piled out of their trucks as Luke climbed the steps, unlocked the front door and flicked on the lights. He led the dog inside and took off her leash. She headed for the kitchen, clearly ready for dinner.

“In a minute, girl.”

The guys came in raving about his cool hideaway in the pines. The dog reappeared and began to mingle, greeting everybody and allowing herself to be petted.

“It’s like this pup is the welcome committee.” Badger rubbed behind her ears. “Did you train her to do that?”

“Hardly. You’re the first company I’ve had since I found her. She must have done that in her other life.” He smiled as the dog moved on to Ryker.

He crouched down to pet her. “Guess it’s my turn.” He glanced at Luke. “You lucked out on this house, buddy. Knotty pine. Nice.”

“The whole house is paneled in it. Definite selling point for me.”

“It’s the good stuff, too.” Trevor walked over to run his hand down the nearest wall.

“Neither of you’ve been in this house?”

Ryker shook his head. “I haven’t. Trev, did you ever come over here?”

“Nope. I doubt any of us did. I think Mom tried to strike up a friendship with the couple, since they were neighbors and all. But nothing came of it. Happens sometimes.”

Badger surveyed the room. “Great place, though. Makes me think of an old-timey cabin, one you’d rent for the summer.”

“I like it, too,” Trevor said. “The fireplace is awesome. Have you had a fire in it, yet?”

“Several. I bought it partly for the fireplace. It’s all set to go for tonight’s brainstorming session.”

“Speaking of that,” Ryker said, “we need a tour.”

“You bet. Won’t take long.” He started toward the hall. “Two bedrooms, master bath, laundry room, and storage closets down this way.”

The dog abandoned Ryker and trotted ahead of Luke.

“Looks like your pup wants to show us her house,” Badger said.

“Yeah, she acts like she owns the place,” Trevor said, laughing.

She did, at that. As Luke took everyone through the first bedroom, which he’d set up as an office, the dog stood in the middle of the crowd wagging her tail and grinning as if to say isn’t this great?

She repeated the routine in the master bedroom and even nudged her dog bed as if wanting to show it off. Good luck keeping your distance. Abigail’s words came back to him.

While the guys inspected the dining room and the kitchen, Trevor started making notes on his phone. Luke grabbed the opportunity to give the dog her dinner and demonstrate her strange habit of only eating on command.

Ryker shook his head. “I’ve never seen a dog do that before. The ones we had growing up would charge that bowl.”

“Yep,” Trevor said. “That’s one unusual animal you have there, Luke.”

“I don’t know that much about dogs, but I guess she has some quirks.”

“She’s smart, too,” Ryker said. “That’s the border collie in her.” He glanced at Luke. “How come you haven’t given her a name?”

“Because it wouldn’t be the name she’s used to and it might confuse her.”

“I doubt it. Animals get used to being called several names. Besides, if she ends up being your dog, you’ll need a name then.”

“I know, but—”

“Your call. But she has so much personality and…it seems weird to just call her girl and pup all the time.”

It was weird. But once he named her, letting her go would be that much harder. Which meant not naming her was his issue, not hers. She deserved a name, even a temporary one.

He took a deep breath. “Okay, you’re right. She needs a name, but what? I haven’t thought about—” The doorbell rang. “Pizza’s here.” He walked into the living room.

“Perfect timing.” Ryker followed him. “We’ll figure out the dog’s name while we’re eating.”

Luke glanced over his shoulder. “Aren’t we supposed to be brainstorming the renovations?”

“We can do that, too. We’ll multitask.”

Two hours later, they’d discussed upgrading the dated bathroom and potentially knocking out the wall between the two bedrooms to create a master suite. The knotty pine would stay and the carpet would go. Trevor used a pocket knife to rip up a corner of it in the living room and discovered hardwood flooring underneath.

Replacing windows might have to wait until spring. Trevor recommended refinishing the kitchen cabinets and tiling the kitchen floor. They all agreed on replacing the overhead light in the dining room with a rustic chandelier they found online.

But they couldn’t agree on a name for the dog. Several were proposed and shot down.

Badger studied the dog lying on a rug in front of the fireplace gnawing on a chew toy. “Or we can just call her Delilah.”

“Delilah?” Luke stared at him. “Why would we call her that?”

“It was my great-aunt’s name. I loved that woman. Smart, independent, and feisty as hell.”

Ryker took a sip of his beer. “It certainly has a ring to it.”

“It does,” Trevor said. “I’ve never known a dog with that name. It’s unusual.”

“And so is she. I like it, too.” Luke glanced around. “Everybody in favor?”

They all nodded.

“Then Delilah it is.” He lifted his beer bottle. “To Delilah.”

Her head came up and her tail thumped the floor.

“To Delilah!” the guys echoed.

She looked straight at Luke as if she knew something important had happened.

“Hey, Delilah,” he murmured.

She got up and came to him, eyes bright, tail wagging.

The stakes had gone up. If someone claimed her, he wouldn’t be giving up a dog he’d rescued. He’d be giving up Delilah.