With a great sense of satisfaction, Steph booted down her computer. Even though it was only noon, she had already finished her work for the day thanks to Nora. Over the last few months, Nora had helped Steph clean and organize her office. Shortly after Nora had joined OTR, she had automated their payroll and she’d recently finished automating their invoicing and scheduling. Those tasks used to take Steph days to complete, but now she could finish all three in a couple of hours.

Stepping into the restaurant, a burst of pride filled her chest. When she’d been given less than a year to live, she had stayed positive. With Guru Bob’s help, she’d envisioned great health and had visualized the business she would one day create. Taking in the large, open seating, the expansive NASCAR wall, and the long wooden bar, she realized she had created a mirror image of that vision. She’d done exactly what Bob had taught her: Think it, feel it, and it will happen.

Since that time, she’d learned more about the Law of Attraction. The basic premise was that she attracted everything in her life through her thoughts and feelings. She hadn’t believed it at first, but after she had been diagnosed with cancer, she’d figured she had nothing to lose. After turning her life around in large part by following those principles, she’d become a believer. She had been thinking about this concept a lot lately. She’d also been contemplating Pap’s advice to stop using the now as an excuse to avoid the future.

She and Cruz had been spending every spare moment together, but until Nora’s grandfather’s visit, she had been putting Cruz off anytime he mentioned the future. With a little help from beyond, she had finally admitted—at least to herself—that Cruz was nothing like Tuck. She had known Cruz for over thirty years and in that time, he’d been nothing but a gentleman. She couldn’t wait to share her epiphany with him.

She thanked Nora again, then headed home for an afternoon of luxury. She streamed a yoga class, took a long bubble bath, and napped with Taz. Fully relaxed, she took her time getting ready for her date with Cruz. After fixing her hair and make-up, she put on her new gray slacks, a turquoise top with a draped neckline, and silver sandals.

Cruz arrived on her doorstep promptly at six. When she pulled the door open, he gave her the once over.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” His husky voice and the passion behind his words made her feel beautiful.

“Oh, Cruz.” As a stream of warmth rushed through her, she smoothed down her silky shirt.

“I’m a lucky man.” He stepped inside the house, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Feathering his fingers through her hair, he drew her in deeper while keeping the kiss sweet, tender, and adoring. Her knees wobbled, her toes curled, and her heart trembled with joy.

Drawing back, he flashed his white teeth. “I want to show you something.” He linked his hand with hers. “But we’ll have to drive there.” Steph wondered what he wanted to show her. “I hope you’ll like it,” he said as he led her to the door, his voice a little shaky.

Because Cruz was normally solid and steady, his nerves made Steph uneasy. They got into his SUV and headed toward the lake. She pressed a hand to her stomach as they circled around the water to the east side of the lake.

“We’re here,” Cruz announced, pulling into the drive of a gorgeous home. He parked, then rounded the hood to open her door.

Stepping outside, Steph gaped at the house in shock. The rambling rancher was almost identical to the picture she had put on her refrigerator vision board. It had the same burgundy-colored bricks, multi-gable rooflines, and U-shaped style. It was positioned on a large lake lot, just like the picture she’d cut out of Better Homes & Gardens magazine. She gave Cruz a curious look. “Who lives here?”

“It’s for sale.” He took her hand and led her up the walkway. On the front porch, he entered the code into the lock box, then held the door open for her. “I’m thinking of buying it.”

She wondered why Cruz would want such a large place but was distracted the moment she walked inside and took in the open floor plan, large skylights, and high ceilings. An abundance of light filtered into the space from the skylights and double French doors. She made her way through the family room and stepped outside onto a large earth-toned deck that curved around the house. She could envision relaxing in the afternoon sun after a day on the lake or resting on a lounger under a starlit sky. Beyond the deck an expansive, well-manicured lawn gently sloped to the lake.

Cruz stepped over and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Together, they watched as the bright orange sun sank into the dark blue water, scattering globes of sparkling light. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured. The house, the lake, the warmth of Cruz’s embrace.

“Come on.” He took her hand again. “I’ll give you a tour, then you can tell me what you think.”

He walked her down the hall to the master suite which had a tray ceiling and an en suite bathroom that was larger than her entire kitchen. The oversized shower was tiled in tranquil blues. The bathroom also had a corner jacuzzi and above it, a window with stunning views of the lake. She sighed dreamily. “This is amazing.”

Cruz grinned. He showed her the office, the enormous kitchen, and the dining room. After, they toured through three guest rooms and two bathrooms on the other side of the house.

“What do you think?” he asked, leading her back to the living room.

“It’s gorgeous.” She tipped her head to one side. “But isn’t it a little big for one person?”

He took her hand and held her gaze, his dark eyes jumpy. His nervousness caused a knot of anxiety in her stomach.

He cleared his throat. “I was hoping you might want to live here with me.”

Caught off guard, Steph’s body froze in place. “You want me to live with you?” she asked, her voice incredulous.

Cruz let out a low chuckle. “I really want you to be my wife, but I know you’re not ready. So, I’m hoping you’ll move in with me instead.”

He wanted to marry her? Tears of joy found their way into her eyes, and one slipped down her cheek. “Oh, Cruz.”

He gently brushed away the tear with his thumb. “Or we can keep things the way they are,” he said, obviously misunderstanding her misty eyes.

“No.” She swiped at her tears. “These are happy tears.”

Relief flashed in Cruz’s eyes. “So you’ll move in with me?” He put his hands around her shoulders. “Here, or if you’d prefer we can find another place. Or we can build a house, whatever you want.”

“I love this place,” she said, still soaking in the idea that Cruz wanted her to live with him, that he wanted to marry her. She drew in a breath of courage. “I’ve kind of changed my mind about the other stuff.”

“You’re going to have to be more specific.” His voice was low and steady, but hope flickered in his eyes.

“My head finally caught up to my heart.” She wrapped her hands around his waist. “You’re not Tuck.” She let out a long exhale, feeling a sense of relief after finally saying the words aloud. “And you’ll never be like him.”

“That’s the truth.” Cruz pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I promise you, Steph, I’ll never treat you with anything other than complete respect.”

She smiled. “You already do. I’m ready Cruz….” Unsure of what else to say, her sentence drifted off.

He pressed a hand to his heart. “I’ve been waiting to hear those words for a long time.” Now, it looked as if he were blinking back tears. “I love you, Steph.”

The joy in her heart spilled over, flooding every fiber of her being. “I love you too.”

Gazing into her eyes, he slowly brushed a palm over her cheek as if he were recording every detail. His gaze was so loving, his touch so tender, she didn’t think she’d ever experienced a more romantic moment.

Until Cruz reached into the pocket of his khaki’s and pulled out a gold ring.

Nothing could have surprised her more. Raising a hand to her mouth, she ogled the enormous princess-cut diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller stones and choked out a laugh.

“You carry a ring around in your pocket?”

“I bought it the week after I walked into your bar.” He gave her a slow, sexy smile.

Her heart stuttered to a stop as out-and-out shock pummeled through her.

“I realized my feelings toward you hadn’t changed,” he said. “If anything, my love for you has grown over the years.” He caught her gaze, and his dark sincere eyes made her heart thump. “I bought the ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you. I’ve been carrying it around ever since, waiting until you were ready.”

She practically swooned. “Oh, Cruz.” His words were sweet. More importantly, he was sweet, and considerate and patient too. She couldn’t believe he’d bought a ring and had carried it in his pocket for months waiting until she was ready. Her heart raced with eager anticipation of his proposal. She was ready now—she wanted to marry him, she wanted him in her daily life. They’d been life-long friends, and now that they’d been reunited, she couldn’t imagine her life without him in it.

“I love you, Steph. I always have, I always will.” He extended the ring toward her. “This is a symbol of my eternal love. I want to be with you, live with you, grow old with you.” Another tear fell down her cheek and he gently brushed it away. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes. Oh, yes.” Bliss danced through her body as he slipped the ring on her finger, then lifted her into the air and spun her in circles.

After he lowered her to the ground, he put his hands around her face. “You won’t regret this,” he promised. “I’m going to cherish you each and every day.”

As he leaned in to kiss her, a joyful, light-hearted feeling fluttered in her belly and seeped into her soul. She finally had the man she’d always wanted.

It had been a month since Davey had named Nora his girlfriend. She was growing increasingly fond of him but still hadn’t gotten used to being in the spotlight. No matter where they were—in Serenity, Knoxville, or at one of Davey’s races—reporters always showed up.

Davey took it in stride, but she felt as if she were walking on eggshells around the reporters, always fretting she would say the wrong thing. She couldn’t understand why they wanted to talk with her anyway. Racing was Davey’s gig. She wanted to live her life privately and she wanted the same thing for Ben.

When a knock sounded, she made her way to the front door. She tugged it open and greeted Steph with a tight hug. After Nora released her friend, she gestured toward the living room. “Come in. Davey should be here any minute.”

Davey was on his way home from Las Vegas where he’d won yesterday’s Kobalt 400. Cruz was staying in Vegas for one more day to work with the crew, so she had invited Steph over to congratulate Davey on his win along with her.

She was anxious to see her guy. A gooey warmth spread through her when she thought about him in that way. He’d left on Thursday—only five days ago—but she’d missed him. They had talked and texted every day, but it wasn’t the same as being together.

A sparkle of light flashed, drawing her attention back to the now. She lifted Steph’s right hand. “Let me look at this gorgeous ring again,” she said, grinning at her friend. “It’s stunning.”

Steph wiggled her fingers. As sun shone through the living room windows, her ring glittered dots of light across the hardwood floor. “I couldn’t be happier,” Steph said, and Nora hugged her again.

“Let’s turn on the sports highlights.” Nora picked up the remote. “So we can gloat over Davey’s win.” She clicked on the TV.

The local noon news was on. “No one seems to know why the crazy cow broke out,” the reporter said as cameras flashed to a brown and white cow galloping down a busy street.

As Nora felt the cow’s angst through the TV, sadness tore at her insides. She flopped onto the couch as the remote dropped from her hand to the floor.

“Sweetie.” Steph rushed over. “What’s wrong?”

“The cow,” Nora whispered, nodding at the TV.

“Local authorities continue the cow chase,” the blonde reporter said. “The farmer says he’s never seen anything like this. The cow broke out of his farm by ripping her way through a barbed-wire fence.”

“Something’s wrong.” Nora gaped at the TV following the cow’s every move even as her eyes clouded with tears. “Very, very wrong.”

Steph put her arms around Nora and pulled her in close. But even her friend’s motherly nurturing didn’t ease her distress.

The news broadcast dramatically zoomed in on every speck of blood in the cow’s path. They highlighted the play-by-play chase that included policemen, firemen, and local volunteers. She pressed a hand to her churning belly. Why couldn’t any of them feel the cow’s suffering?

There were two quick taps on the door—Davey’s trademark knock—then he entered with a wide grin.

“Hey—” He cut his sentence short when he glanced at her and Steph on the couch. He rushed over. “Hey there, what’s wrong?” he asked, lowering himself to the sofa next to Nora.

“The cow,” she murmured. The dam of tears she’d attempted to hold in broke. Davey gently stroked her back as she sobbed. “She’s hurt…suffering…something’s wrong,” she managed in between her sniffles.

“I’m here,” he said, putting his arm around her. She appreciated that more than any empty platitude he could have given her.

As Davey gently rubbed her arm, Steph took her hand and squeezed it. With their support, Nora finally pulled herself together. She attempted to connect with the beautiful creature through the TV. But the only emotion that came through was an intense and daunting fear. Feeling helpless, she stared at the broadcast as the chase continued. Finally, the cow was caught.

Davey lifted her chin. “See, sweetie, now the cow can go home.”

“You don’t understand,” she said, as new tears formed and rolled down her cheeks. “She needs help.” While the cow’s fear had blocked Nora from connecting any deeper, the animal had been putting out signals that something was desperately wrong. Something bigger than the cow herself. “I need to rescue the cow.” The words came out of her mouth before she had the opportunity to think.

Davey’s mouth dropped open. Under other circumstances she would have laughed at his deer-in-the-headlights expression. She understood his surprise; she was surprised by her impulse too.

How could she rescue a cow? She didn’t have a place to keep her and she knew nothing about caring for a cow. Her head flooded with doubts until her heart stepped in and took over. She had to help the cow. “I want the cow,” she said, using the firm voice that she used with Ben when she needed his immediate attention.

Davey snapped his head toward Nora. He’d heard her use that tone once or twice with Ben, but she had never used it with him. He had hoped she’d been joking about the cow. But she looked serious. Her hands were carefully folded in her lap, her chin lifted, her jaw set.

Frustration unfurled as he pressed a hand to the back of his neck. Why did she want the cow? She sure as hell wouldn’t eat it, so what would she do with it? The question formed on his lips but before he could ask, his mother reached across Nora and put a hand on his leg. “Go get her the cow.”

Damn it. Now his mother was in on it too. He wanted to make Nora and his mother happy, but a cow? His frustration expanded and kicked him in the gut.

He glanced down at his mother’s hand. “What am I supposed to do with a cow?”

“You have a barn.” She patted his leg. “You’ll figure it out.”

Getting a cow that they weren’t going to milk or eat was ridiculous, nonsensical…crazy. He lifted his gaze to talk some sense into Nora. Only her green eyes had darkened and in them was a caring, hopeful glint that he knew he couldn’t deny.