Tessa stared at her dad lying in his hospital bed the next morning, studying him as he slept just as she had since they first rolled him out from surgery. She and three of her five brothers, Finn, Declan, and Rowan, had all taken turns sitting with him through most of the morning, anxious to see him awake and feeling better, before Rowan had to take off for his classes at the culinary institute and Finn and Declan headed home to shower and change.

Restless, she got up to rearrange the small bouquet of flowers she’d snipped from her mom’s flower garden. Tessa knew that the flowers her mom had once proudly pruned and tended were long gone and the flowers before her had been planted and cared for by Dylan’s aunt Daphne as her own gesture toward the memory of her best friend, something Tessa was grateful for.

She sat down again, willing herself to close her eyes for a few minutes since God knew she hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, not with Dylan Jamison just down the hall from her. To say it had been a shock to see him standing across from her after all these years was an understatement. She’d been relieved that she’d managed to form sentences and hadn’t resorted to name-calling or throwing things at his head as she’d imagined doing over the years. She had to congratulate herself in staying calm and level-headed and appearing completely unaffected by his visit, even if inside she’d felt anything but.

She closed her eyes against the old pain of loss and disappointment when she thought about Dylan and how he’d disappeared from her life as quickly as he’d reappeared then, just as now.

The difference was that she was no longer a lovelorn, naive young girl who still clung to the possibility that one day he would wake up and see she wasn’t just his best friend’s little sister, but a young woman who had been in love with him since he first appeared at the farm as an angry, sullen twelve-year-old boy. Back then he’d just lost his mom to the ravages of drugs and wasn’t willing to accept that he could have a clean start in Blossom Falls with a loving aunt who would care for and nurture him, as well as a close-knit community who would watch out for him as they had for all of them. How could she not fall in love with the kid who’d pretended he didn’t need anyone? It was part of Tessa’s DNA to want to fix things.

But over time, it had evolved into more than puppy love, and she’d waited, hoping for something more. Even that dark day her mom died and Dylan had arrived home again to pay his respects, she still had hope. She hadn’t had any expectations when he walked into that church and took his place in a pew next to his aunt, meeting her gaze for the barest of seconds and taking a little of her pain away in that moment. She certainly hadn’t thought he would stick around one week, let alone two weeks, cheering her up by trying to cook for her, playing games and making jokes, and taking long walks around the farm. He’d been the one who forced her to go back to the art studio, where she’d turned to the only medium she knew where she could put all her pain and create something positive.

It was on that last night, sitting under the stars on the old jumping rock out by the pond, that he’d finally kissed her. And for a moment, she saw a future filled with something other than the sadness that had overtaken her. But the hope had been brief when, the next morning, before she’d even stirred from bed, Dylan had left. Gone back on the road with his band to try and get his name out there. And he had been successful, even if he’d crushed her heart in the process. A week later, she’d tucked away all her foolish childhood dreams, including her art and a future with Dylan Jamison.

From the bed, there was a slight rustling, and she glanced over to see her dad’s hand moving, then his eyes opening. “Hi, Daddy,” Tessa said and went over to stand at his side.

“Hey, pumpkin,” he said, his words spoken with half the strength he usually projected. “Sorry I gave you all such a scare yesterday. Taking you away from your work.”

“You didn’t take me away from anything. Nothing is more important than your health.” She studied him. He appeared tired, his eyes heavy and his still-handsome face drawn downward, weighed down by pain and drugs. But other than a bruise on his forehead, a few scratches on his cheek, and his arm resting in a sling, he seemed to be okay. “How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”

“Not too bad, all things considered. I’ll be doing a lot better once I get out of this place and into my own bed.”

She nodded, not exactly sure if that was going to be as soon as he thought. The doctor who performed his surgery had told them it was going to be a slow healing process that would include daily exercise with the help of a therapist and a lot of bed rest. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay with me heading back to the city? I could stay a few more days, be home with you when you get out of the hospital. I don’t mind,” she tried again even though he’d been clear last night and this morning right before surgery that she should get back to the city as he’d be just fine.

“But I would mind,” he countered. “You didn’t work so hard over the years to get where you are only to risk everything to play nursemaid for me. That’s why your brothers are getting me that home nurse to babysit me.”

She laughed. “A home nurse can hardly be called a babysitter, and it beats having to go to a care facility, doesn’t it? You know that with your limited mobility, it’s going to be an effort to get in and out of bed for a few days, which means you’re going to need someone to be there to take care of you—wanted or not. Just until you’re a little further along.”

He snorted. “A babysitter. Like I said.”

She did not envy the people who were going to be in earshot of her dad for the next week. He hated relying on other people. Poor Dylan.

That thought cheered her up immensely.

“Glad to see you’re awake, Dad,” Finn said, appearing in the doorway with two coffees. “I thought you might need a little wake me up from some decent coffee,” he said and handed a cup to Tessa along with three sugars.

“I told you to go on home and get some rest,” their dad said.

“I did. Long enough to catch some sleep, shower, and give the crew some direction for the day. My only priority now is to make sure you’re okay.”

Tessa ripped the sugar open and poured it in. She knew she could certainly use this considering she hadn’t slept the night before, waking in the early hours, determined to avoid seeing Dylan again. Speaking of which… “So, Finn. I had a bit of a scare last night, coming home to what I thought was an empty house. Did you guys forget to mention our new guest?”

“Oh, hell. That’s right,” Finn said, taking a drink of his coffee. “It completely slipped my mind you didn’t know Dylan was bunking with us.”

“How long exactly is he sticking around?” she asked, blowing on the top of her coffee, trying to sound casual.

“Not sure exactly. You don’t mind, do you?” he asked, looking puzzled.

“Of course not. I just would have appreciated a little heads-up, is all. I hear you guys are going into business together as well?”

“Still can’t believe it myself, but yes we are. Figure if the boys over in Sutter Falls can make a go of it with that weak-assed shi—crap,” he corrected as he glanced at his dad, “then why can’t we? I have a lot more experience on the subject and hands down the best apples to work with on the West Coast.”

For the next few minutes, her dad and Finn discussed the potential diseases they might find in some of the older sections of the orchard while Tessa studied them. It was good to see Finn looking so excited about something again. Of all the siblings, he seemed to have taken on the most responsibilities on the farm, working side by side with her dad and assuming the burden of figuring out how to keep the farm viable, all while he also attended the university, attaining his horticultural degree.

Declan and Rowan were around, too, of course, but with Declan often working consecutive days and nights at the firehouse and Rowan’s days at the culinary school followed by long shifts working at the bottom of the totem pole at one of the high-end restaurants over in Napa, the place was practically empty. And with Aidan in Seattle working some IT tech job, and Liam, returning two years ago from his last tour in Afghanistan, doing top-secret security work around the country, Finn and their Dad were the only regular occupants in the large, rambling farmhouse. Leaving everything on Finn, which was why seeing his face light up with excitement at a project of his own was rewarding in itself.

Even if it did bring Dylan Jamison back into their lives.

The conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door, and Daphne Jamison peeked her head in, her concern etched in the lines of her face. “Hello. I hope I’m not interrupting anything…” Daphne said, and slowly eased into the room.

“Of course not,” her dad said from the bed. “Come on in. The more the merrier.”

Daphne had become as much a part of the Montenegro family as her nephew had over the years. Hired as a farm hand and working her way up to a management position, she’d become indispensable. When Tessa’s mom had died, they knew that in those initial months while her dad processed his grief, the farm would be safe in her capable hands. Over the ten years since then, Tessa had witnessed a sort of friendship evolve between Daphne and her dad, something that had given her a sense of relief in knowing he had someone to rely on. Sometimes Tessa got inklings that Daphne’s feelings might have grown past pure platonic emotions, but her dad would never be able to return those feelings having lost the love of his life in his wife. He’d said as much himself multiple times over the years.

“Well, you definitely seem to have improved since yesterday,” Daphne said and walked over to the vase of flowers Tessa had brought. She was still wearing her work overalls. Her blond hair, woven in gold just like her nephew’s, was pulled back into a simple and practical bun. “These are lovely. From your mom’s garden?”

Tessa nodded. “Although I think it’s probably more yours now. You’ve done such a great job with it over the years.” Tessa would have hated to see the garden turn to weeds.

“Thanks, sweetie. And how are you doing? I’m afraid things were so stressful yesterday I didn’t really get a chance to catch up. You enjoying your job?”

Enjoying? That was maybe a stretch. “It definitely keeps me busy,” she said instead. “I saw Dylan at the house last night. I hadn’t realized he was staying in town. That must be nice for you, after having him away for so long.”

“Absolutely. If I hadn’t transitioned his old room into my workshop, I’d have loved to have him stay with me. Fortunately, your dad and brothers were generous enough to put him up at the house.”

“The boy is always welcome. He’s family, just like you,” her dad said fondly.

“Looks like I made it in time for the party,” Declan said from the doorway. He was a little shorter than Finn—not that she needed to remind him of that—but just as handsome with the same strong features, same rich dark brown hair, but with green eyes like hers instead of Finn’s blue.

“I’m glad you made it, as I was just getting ready to head out,” Tessa said.

“What’s the rush?” Finn asked. “It’s Wednesday. Might as well just call it a week and hang out with your old bros. With Dylan in town, it will be just like old times. You pestering us while we completely ignore you.”

Sad but true. “As tempting as that sounds, I actually do have to get back this afternoon. I’m sure I already have a mountain of work waiting for me as it is. You guys will have to keep me updated if anything changes. I’m curious to see how having this home nurse works out.”

“Oh, I’m sure disastrous. You know Dad.”

“I’m still here. Still awake,” her dad said from the bed. “And as long as he or she respects my boundaries, there won’t be a problem.”

They all looked at each other, biting back their laughter.

“I’m sure it will all be just fine,” Daphne jumped in. “Don’t worry about anything.”

Daphne’s phone chirped and she glanced down. “Looks like Dylan’s on his way. Did you need him to bring anything from the house?”

While they consulted, Tessa came to her feet, not needing any more reason to get out of here than another run-in with Dylan Jamison. “I guess I probably should get on the road,” she said, going over to kiss her dad’s cheek. “If you need me, you’ll call, right?”

“Sure, honey. But I’ll be fine. I’m sure with this brood and my new babysitter, I’ll be in good hands.”

That was about as good as she could ask for, she supposed. With a final good-bye, she left the room, relieved to make her escape before Dylan arrived, even if a little sad to leave the cozy room filled with her family.

But that was what growing up was all about, wasn’t it? Moving on? Getting out into the world to try new things, have adventures and experiences that you wouldn’t have if you stayed home?

Once upon a time, the thought of staying in Blossom Falls had felt suffocating and boring. Especially after the day that Dylan Jamison had picked up and left, giving her all the more reason to want to move on, too.

Ironically enough, now he was back. And she was the one leaving.

“I’m really sorry about all this, Eric. I hope you can understand that, right now, with things so busy at work, I just don’t really have the time to have a go at a relationship, which is totally unfair to you,” Tessa explained to her date on Saturday night as they sat in his car outside her place.

It was their fourth date, and she was pretty certain that he had been expecting a lot more than the brush-off tonight. But after the scare with her dad and the run-in with Dylan that left her feeling scared and vulnerable all over again, it reminded her of all the reasons why dating was a bad idea right now.

Eric’s face dropped in disappointment as he sat there, unsure what to say, and she felt a pang of guilt. He was good-looking, kind, and had a steady job, all things that deserved a check in the must-have column.

“You’re really a great guy, though, and I know some lucky woman will snatch you up in no time.”

He met her gaze, confusion in his eyes. “This comes as a bit of a surprise, I’ll admit. I thought we were hitting it off pretty well. But I guess if that’s how you feel…”

Her hand was on the handle of the door and she pulled it, ready to get this part over. “I think so.”

“Maybe we could still grab a coffee sometime?” he asked, his tone hopeful.

“Maybe.” She got out and paused before shutting the door. “Take care, Eric.”

“You, too, Tessa.”

Without wasting any more time, Tessa shut the door and ran up the steps to the three-bedroom duplex she called home. After unlocking the door, she stepped inside and felt a wave of relief that she’d gotten through tonight.

“Hey. You’re home pretty early for a Saturday,” her roommate Quinn said, glancing up from her computer, tucking a strand of brown hair behind an ear.

“What about you?” Tessa asked, dropping her keys and purse on the small hall table. “I thought you and James were heading to Idaho to talk wedding plans with your mom?”

“That was the plan, but James got called away to Chicago last minute and won’t be back until tomorrow.”

“Tessa, good timing,” her other roommate, Anna, said, coming from the kitchen carrying her laptop, her blond hair pulled into a high ponytail. “I need your opinion on this story I’ve been working on. Can you read it for me?”

A full house then, unusual of late, especially for a Saturday night. Usually her two roommates were busy with work or hanging with their significant others, leaving little time for just the three of them to hang out together. Tessa dropped down onto the other side of the L-shaped couch, kicking off her shoes before tucking her feet under her. “Sure. Let me see what you have.”

“Wait. Aren’t you supposed to be on a date?” Anna asked, pulling the laptop back as she glanced over at Quinn, her gaze disapproving as she peered down at Tessa through her tortoise-shell glasses. “What happened?”

“Nothing happened. I just didn’t think it was going to work out between us is all, and I told him as much. Now don’t give me that look. I’m not going to die alone.” Although it sure had been feeling that way of late.

“You will if you don’t put yourself out there,” said Quinn.

“Lectured the pot to the kettle,” Tessa said wryly. “You didn’t find James because you were putting yourself out there. You were worse than me if I remember right. You just got lucky that your boss had the hots for you as much as you did for him.”

“Well, we can’t all be like Anna, fighting them off with a stick only to realize she’d hit the right one over the head back in high school.”

“True,” Anna, who had reconnected with her high school nemesis at her sister’s wedding in June, said good-naturedly. They’d been going strong ever since. “In fact, for all you know, Tessa Montenegro, your Mr. Right isn’t some complete stranger, but someone from your own past. Maybe some little boy whose butt you kicked on the playground.”

Tessa laughed a little more nervously. There was no chance either of her friends could be referring to Dylan Jamison, because she had never shared with them the pain of what had happened between them, and the whole thing had happened well before she knew them. Tessa’s friendship with the women had only begun after she met Quinn in their first year of law school and she moved in with them to escape from student housing. And even though they’d remained best friends and roommates ever since—something necessary with the skyrocketing costs of living in San Francisco and the abysmal income of two law school graduates and one wannabe reporter—she hadn’t been able to bring herself to share this one personal thing with them.

“You know, you’d think with all that testosterone in your household growing up, they’d have one decent friend they could hook you up with,” Quinn speculated.

“Are you kidding?” Tessa asked, hoping her voice sounded calmer than she felt. “The last thing my brothers would ever want is my hooking up with any of their friends. Which reminds me…” Tessa picked up her phone and scanned the incoming messages. “Finn texted me earlier asking that I call when I had a moment. Let me find out what’s going on and then I’ll read that story for you, Anna,” she said and pressed his number on her phone as she headed to her room.

Finn answered immediately. “Hey. Thanks for calling back. We kind of have a situation. Dad fired the home nurse we had lined up for him. And the replacement who showed up today.”

Her dad had only arrived home from the hospital two days ago. “You’re kidding. Already? What happened?”

“Who knows. Well, actually, scratch that. It’s Dad. You know how he can get. Not helped by the fact that his bedroom has been temporarily relocated to the sitting room.”

“Yeah, I can imagine. How can I help?”

He sighed. “Okay, well, I wouldn’t ask this of you unless I was out of ideas. And if it were any time of the year other than October, I’d be here, no problem. But the Cabernet grapes could be ready any moment, and you know how chaotic things get in the days leading up to that, and combined with the rest of the work on the farm, the apple harvesting, and my needing to get that first batch of cider ready for the Harvest Festival next weekend, I just can’t do it all alone. Daphne’s been doing what she can to help, but she’s as tied up as I am. And with Declan at the fire station and Rowan’s job and class schedule, there’s no one here in the day to take care of him. Even Dylan has been trying to do what he can, but I hate to continue putting him out like that.”

Finn was right. Her dad’s care wasn’t Dylan’s responsibility. The guilt ripped through her. Yes, she had a job that was unforgiving of anyone taking any time off, let alone a full week without notice. But this was her dad. The guy who used to sit patiently for an hour’s time while she drew his likeness for whatever new art project she was working on. Who’d made her a cup of tea the first time she came home heartbroken and in tears when Max Brody dumped her after the eighth-grade dance. Who had been right there to comfort her when a nightmare tore her awake in the middle of the night in those weeks after her mom died and Dylan left. He was always there for her when she needed him—even if she didn’t think she did—and it was time for her to repay the favor.

“You’re right,” she told Finn, “Dylan shouldn’t be dealing with this and you shouldn’t have to bear the weight of this alone. I can be there tomorrow.”

A few minutes later, plans in place, Tessa came out to the front room, where her roommates were watching television.

“Everything okay?” Quinn asked, pausing the stream.

“It will be.” She relayed to them what was going on and how, at least for the next week, she needed to help her dad until he could do more things for himself, even if the prospect of talking to the senior partner about her unplanned absence made her stomach tie up in knots.

“You’re making the right decision, Tessa,” Anna said, without hesitation. “Your dad needs you. Besides, you’ve been busting your butt at that firm for three years without taking one day of vacation. You’re entitled to do so, especially for this.”

“What do you think, Quinn?” Tessa asked, not that her friend’s answer would change her mind, but it might help her feel better about the decision she was going to make, since Quinn, like Tessa, knew all too well the demands and expectations for new associates in large law firms, having been one herself once.

“I agree. You’re doing the right thing for you. That’s not to say that in the short term this might leave some people questioning your dedication, but once you’re back at the office and kicking butt again, this will all be a distant memory.”

Ted Larson, the senior partner on the project she was assigned, was not going to be happy, and she could imagine the judgment and contempt in his eyes at hearing her request to take time off. Heck, just last month, one of the second-year associates had to take time off for a burst appendix, and when he was ready to come back, Ted made him spend a full month with the first-years before reinstating him.

“Yeah. Let’s hope so,” she said not so confidently.

“In the meantime,” Anna said, putting her hand over hers in a reassuring manner, “you’re going to be where you need to be, taking care of your dad. Besides, I’d be curious if, after living with us for the past six years, you can survive being surrounded by all that male testosterone again.”

They only knew the half of it. Sure, it had been easy for Tessa to pretend that having Dylan stay over at the house didn’t bother her when she had no plans of staying in said house. But now that she was heading home, knowing she would run the risk of seeing him and his smug grin every time she stepped foot outside her door was another thing entirely.

“It’s going to be worse than either of you could ever imagine.”