Driving home from Bristol, Nora reached over and rubbed Davey’s thigh. “I had fun last night.”

“Yeah, me too.” He gave her an adoring look, making her sigh dreamily.

She was in a particularly happy mood, on a high from two days—and two beautiful nights—away with Davey. As they made their way into the Tennessee countryside, she breathed in the majestic beauty of dark peaks jutting into a baby blue sky.

He reached over and put his hand on top of hers. Soaking in the familiar intimacy, she drifted back. Over the last two nights, they had reached for each other over and over again, hot and passionate, sweet and romantic. Warmth filled her insides as she reveled in the tender memories. Davey had been more affectionate than ever before. Thinking about his loving words and adoring caresses, unease unfurled in her gut.

Something had shifted between the two of them. They had deepened their relationship in spite of her efforts to keep it casual. It had happened naturally, like a flower turning toward the sun.

She glanced out the window looking for answers, but none came. She’d tried not to get in too deep with Davey because she didn’t want Ben to get hurt when she and Davey inevitably parted ways. She’d come to know him well enough to know that he wouldn’t leave Ben. Even so, when they broke up, Ben would see less of Davey and that would hurt her little guy. But last night she had crossed the line, lulled in by Davey’s sweet words and his even sweeter actions.

She’d been trying to focus in the moment, like Pap, Steph, and the cows had suggested. But it was difficult. Davey’s world was rich, sophisticated, and in the limelight. Hers was modest and down-to-earth, and she preferred a quiet and peaceful life away from the limelight. She tried not to worry about where their relationship was going—or more accurately, not going—but at times she couldn’t help it.

“Let’s call Ben,” Davey suggested, pulling her out of her negative thoughts.

“Good idea.” Talking with Ben always cheered her up. She hit the Bluetooth option on the center menu and entered Jamie’s number.

She and Jamie greeted one another, then Davey and Jamie talked about yesterday’s race. Davey hadn’t won the race but he’d picked up a lot of points.

“You’re killin’ it this season,” Jamie said, making Davey grin.

Nora was proud of Davey. Only eight races into the season and he and AJ were neck and neck for first place.

“Thanks, man,” Davey said. “It’s still early, but if we keep it up, I like our chances this season.” He glanced over and winked at her. “How’s the project coming?”

Jamie grunted. Uh-oh, that didn’t sound good. “I’ll let Ben fill you in,” Jamie said. “He’s grabbing for the phone.”

“He-loo,” Ben greeted.

“Hi, Ben,” Nora and Davey said in unison.

“I talked to Grandma and Grandpa Cruz,” Ben said, his voice bubbly with excitement. “And we video’ed too. Vegas looks so cool. The buildings are huge. We should go there.”

Nora laughed. “Maybe one day.”

“How’s the project?” Davey asked.

“Well,” Ben drawled out the word, sounding a lot like AJ. “It was great till this morning. We built a volcano and an earthquake. The earthquake was sort of okay,” he said, talking a mile a minute. “The volcano not so much.”

Davey laughed.

“What happened, sweetie?” Nora asked.

“It exploded!” Ben said, his voice high-pitched. “It was epic. Until it fell on the chair, then on the floor and it hit Chipper.”

She shook her head. Poor kitty. Chipper was ancient—twenty or twenty-one—and probably hadn’t even heard the explosion. “Is Chipper okay?”

“Uh-huh. We took him to the vet. They put a bandage on his paw but the doctor lady said he’s okay now.” Relieved, she opened her mouth to ask if the earthquake was ready for tomorrow, but Ben apparently wasn’t finished. “Are you guys gonna get married like Grandma and Grandpa Cruz?”

Davey let out a low chuckle.

Nora gasped, then glared at Davey. This was exactly what had had her concerned—she didn’t want Ben to get the wrong impression about their relationship.

“And maybe a little brother too,” Ben said. “Not a sister. I don’t think that would be as good. Can you pick which kind you get? ‘Cause I’d really like a brother.” Nora sighed. She wanted to cut in but Ben was doing his usual speed-talk. Not that it mattered because she had no idea what she would say anyway. “Lucas’ Aunt Maureen says boys are easier. You should think about that too, ‘cause we have a lot going on. ‘Specially now that I’m playing ball. Hey Dad, are you ever gonna come to one of my games?”

Davey’s grin disappeared. “I want to,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. “But I have to be at the track on Saturdays to get ready for Sunday’s race.” His cheeks lost some of their color as he gripped the steering wheel tighter.

“Maybe someday,” Ben said. “I gotta run. Mr. Jamie says we gotta get something to work for tomorrow. Love yah.” With that, Ben hung up.

Glancing out the window, Nora let out a long breath. She and Davey should have corrected Ben. They should have told him that they were not getting married and they were not having a baby. She didn’t want him to have unrealistic expectations, especially since she knew that her and Davey’s relationship would end one day. Despite the smidgeon of hope that Pap and Steph had planted, she had never experienced long-term relationships. Davey didn’t see it now, but he would eventually realize that their lives didn’t mesh. He was all fast cars and rich sophistication, and he lived in the public eye. She thrived in a simple, quiet, and private life. Her chest tightened, and she let out a huff.

“You okay?” Davey asked.

“Sure.” She snapped her head toward him. “Why?”

“It sounds like you’re huffing and puffing over there.”

“I’m fine,” she lied.

She needed to pull herself together and focus on the now. Using a technique that Steph had taught her, she silently listed her gratitudes. Ben, Davey, Steph, Cruz. Cosmo, Concordia, Chance. Ella and Hud. The mountains and open land around them. Her mood lifted and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Her list had barely scratched the surface. With so much to be thankful for, how could she be in a bad mood?

Sliding Davey a smile, she patted their linked hands on the truck’s console. “Now tell me, why did you take the truck to Bristol? Wouldn’t the Charger have been a more fitting vehicle for a big NASCAR star like you?”

“It’s fun to mess with everyone.” He flashed her a playful smile. “You know, make the fancy hotel park my big-ass truck.”

She shook her head, even though it worked for her. “I like your truck better anyway.”

“I know you do.” He brushed a hand up her arm. “That’s another reason why I took it.”

Aw. How was she supposed to resist him when he catered to her like that?

“I’m gonna stop to fuel up,” he said, pulling into a gas station. “You want a drink or….”

Davey’s words drowned out as her attention was diverted to an old Ford pick-up. In the bed of the truck were four cages, each containing a small pig. The pigs were huddled in the back of their cages, looking sad and lonely. Annoyance swept through her. The sweet pigs should be outside playing in a mud puddle, not locked up in a cage going God knew where. She opened her door as soon as Davey put the truck in park and made her way toward the pick-up.

Oink, oink.

The smallest pig called out to her first. She leaned into the bed of the truck to get a closer look. All of the piglets were small but this one was teeny-tiny and adorable—a pale pink body, white hair standing straight up on the top of her head, and a cute nose she had yet to grow into.

“Aren’t you adorable?” Scratching her head through the open wires in the cage, Nora lowered to gaze into her dark eyes. She tried to connect with the pig but couldn’t get through.

“It’s okay, sweat pea,” she cooed. Nora tried again but the piglet couldn’t open herself to communicate because she was overcome with fear.

Nora glanced at the other pigs, all babies, all in turmoil. “Poor babies.”

“I’m here to help,” she said. Closing her eyes, she visualized a blue, calming light. She stayed with it for a few minutes, then attempted to communicate with the pigs again.

The smallest one connected first, allowing Nora inside her head. An image of a large pig formed. An overwhelming sense of maternal love suggested she was the mama pig. The next image was of the mama being ripped away from her babies. Powerful emotions slammed into Nora as she followed the small pig’s journey—loss, separation anxiety, and grief dark as the blackest night. For a long moment, love prevailed, coating the pain. Nora heard the mama pig tell her babies that she wouldn’t be able to see them again physically but that she would always carry them in her heart. Nora’s chest throbbed as she experienced the baby pig’s heartbreak. The next image was of farm hands who had arrived to take the piglets. There was no kindness, no concern over the small pigs’ distress. The two men simply plucked up the crying babies and threw them into wire cages. Overcome with grief that they would never again be with their beloved mama, the pigs were sad, confused, and filled with hopelessness.

Nora hated the helpless feeling that had formed in the pit of her stomach. Pressing a hand to it, she told herself to stay clear-headed and positive so she could find a way to help these sweet animals. But irritation over their cruel treatment bubbled and boiled inside her. Why couldn’t everyone see that these pigs were precious, living souls and that they had families and feelings just like humans?

As an older man in bib overalls approached, Nora attempted to cage her simmering anger. She had little success because she couldn’t get the sweet pig’s story out of her head. The poor babies had been seized from their mother and were likely being sold to be fattened for slaughter so some schmuck could dine on a plateful of bacon.

He is not evil, she told herself. He just doesn’t know better. She had to repeat the words over and over in her head.

“Howdy, ma’am,” the man said, tipping his ballcap in her direction.

She managed a civil hello. But when she shifted her energy to the baby pigs and picked up on their anxiety, a ball of irritation formed in her throat. Swallowing it down, she reminded herself that this was the farmer’s way of life. He was just doing his job, even though his job sucked. “I guess these are your pigs?”

Grinning, he tugged on his overall straps. His chest puffed out as if he were proud of himself. For what, she thought, as irritation slithered up her spine. For cruelly taking the babies away from their mother? “They sure are.”

She visualized the blue light again, this time to calm herself. After the soothing light slowly washed over her, she lifted her gaze. “I was talking with them,” she said. “They’re afraid.”

The farmer scratched his head and looked at her as if she were bat-shit crazy.

Davey came out of the store with two Cokes and a bottle of water. “Hey, sweetie,” he called out. “Ready to go?”

The man pivoted to look at Davey. “Hey, you’re Davey Johnson!”

“Yep.” Davey grinned. “Last time I checked.” He stepped over and shook the man’s hand.

“Nathan Lambert.” The older man flashed his crooked teeth. “I’m a fan.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You kicked ass….” Nathan stopped mid-sentence and tipped his ball cap in her direction. “Sorry ma’am,” he said, before turning back to Davey. “You should’ve won yesterday. What the he—” he glanced at her again, then modified his language “—heck was Baxter thinking? Two laps down and trying to block you.” He shook his head.

“It happens.” Davey lifted a shoulder. “I still gained points and I’ll kick it in Richmond next week.”

Nathan patted Davey on the back. “I bet you will. Say, would you mind giving me an autograph? My grandson would love it.”

“Not a problem.”

Nora pulled a notepad and pen from her purse and handed it to Davey. She didn’t do it for Nathan—he didn’t deserve an autograph—but she wanted to help Davey.

He rewarded her with a lazy smile. “Thanks, babe.”

As he signed the paper, Nora shifted toward the pigs. I’m trying to help, she told them telepathically.

The four pigs oinked and snorted excitedly, making such a commotion that Nathan stopped talking to Davey to glance over. “Well, I’ll be damned.” He rubbed his chin. “I haven’t heard a peep out of them since we left the farm.”

“What are you doing with them?” she asked.

“Taking them to auction up in Greenback.”

Just as she had expected. The irritation inside her fizzed up her esophagus and formed into a ball of bile. At the same time, an intense, slate-gray sorrow blanketed her chest and blurred her vision. She mourned for these sweet pigs and for all of the other pigs who had the same fate.

As tears blinded her eyes, Davey rushed over. “What’s wrong?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“The pigs are afraid,” she whispered.

“Aw, hon.” His voice was laced with exasperation, but there was affection in it too.

She buried her head in his chest.

Sighing, Davey squeezed her in close. “How much will you get for the pigs at auction?” he asked Nathan.

Nathan named a figure and Davey withdrew the cash from his wallet. Fifteen minutes later, they were back on the road, with four piggies in the bed of Davey’s truck.

“Thanks.” She beamed at him. “Sorry to drag you into this.”

Davey grinned. “They are cute.” At the next stoplight, he glanced over. “Hopefully Concordia and Chance are ready for some friends.”

“They’re gonna love the baby pigs.” Nora had already picked out names. She’d named the tiny pig Cuddles. The next smallest was Pumbaa, because who didn’t love The Lion King? She’d named the last two Ford and Bristol, in honor of this trip.

She glanced out the back window to check on them. All four pigs were resting peacefully. They had settled down after she’d told them that she was taking them to their new home, to a place where they would live happy and free. When she faced forward, she studied Davey’s handsome profile.

He’d done it again; he had catered to her whims. Leaning back in her seat, a sense of deep satisfaction washed over her. While she couldn’t save every animal, she’d saved these four…with a little help from the kindhearted man sitting next to her.

Davey leaned against the wall in his family room shooting the shit with AJ at the wedding party he was hosting for Cruz and his mother.

Even though it was a Wednesday night, a lot of people had flown in to be a part of the celebration. Over half of the people in attendance were tied to NASCAR one way or another. That wasn’t surprising since Cruz was well known and well respected in the racing world. There were a lot of his mother’s friends in attendance too, mostly local people and her team from OTR. His aunt and some guy his mother called Guru Bob had also flown in.

Davey’s eyes tracked Nora as she circulated playing hostess. She was a natural at it—sweet, outgoing, giving. She’d been mingling with the guests all evening and she looked like she was having a good time.

At his side, AJ was bemoaning his race situation. Not that Davey could blame him. His friend had lost his ride after the Bristol race, despite a solid performance and a second-place finish. During the race AJ’s teammate, Ted, had cut him off multiple times. Later when AJ had cut Ted off, Ted had run into the wall, his car damaged beyond quick repair. In response, the owner had fired AJ and put Ted in AJ’s car.

“Are you even listening?” AJ waved a hand in front of Davey’s face. “Get your head out of your pants.” He grabbed a bottle of beer from a passing server.

“Just overseeing the party.” Davey lifted his bottle of O’Doul’s.

“Uh-huh.” AJ nodded at Nora. “You’re overseeing her fine ass.”

“Yeah.” Davey grinned. “That too.”

“I don’t blame you.” AJ elbowed him. “She’s something and it’s not just her looks.”

Davey took another sip of his non-alcoholic beer. “I’m gonna marry her.”

AJ’s mouth dropped to the floor, making Davey laugh even though he understood AJ’s shock. He hadn’t known it either, not until he had spoken the words. Now that he had, the idea took root and nestled in his heart. He wanted to marry Nora more than he’d ever wanted to do anything else, even more than he wanted to win the Cup.

“I can see it,” AJ said. “If I had someone like her, I’d settle down too.” He scratched his chin. “What does she think?”

A rush of panic slammed into Davey harder than he’d hit the wall on the Texas Motor Speedway. Not only did Nora not know, but she didn’t want the same thing. Or at least that’s what she had told him. He summoned up his confidence and forced his anxieties aside. They hadn’t talked about it in a long time. She could have changed her mind, but if not, he would win her over. “I’ll get her there.”

“I’m sure you will.” AJ slapped him on the back. “You’re persistent. Besides, she looks at you the same damn goofy way you look at her.”

AJ’s words further increased Davey’s confidence.

“Nice room,” Cee-Cee said, joining them. “Did you add on another house?”

Davey laughed. “Nah. I just made it a little bigger and caught it up to this century.”

“You’ve got a kick-ass kitchen,” Billy said, approaching their group. “Now my wife is on my ass to renovate ours.”

“Man up,” Davey said, grinning. “Give Roxanne what she wants.”

“What d’you need all that fancy kitchen shit for anyway?” Cee-Cee asked. “You eat out all the time.”

Davey exchanged a knowing look with AJ. “I used to.”

When Nora flitted over, he tugged her close and kissed her in front of the guys. Maybe he was showing off, but he’d wanted to do that since the last time he’d kissed her which had been at least half an hour ago.

“Davey,” she chastised. “People are watching.”

He shrugged. “So?”

“It’s time for the toast.” She brushed a hand up his arm. “You’re on.”

As they made their way toward the front table, Nora paused to talk with the DJ. When they reached his mother and Cruz, the DJ turned off the music.

Nora poured ginger-ale into a champagne glass and handed it to him. “Kick ass,” she whispered.

He took the glass and picked up the microphone. “If I can get everyone’s attention, I’d like to make a toast.” Once everyone had quieted, he turned toward his mom and Cruz.

“Cruz, you’ve been my friend, my confidant, my mentor my entire life.” His chest squeezed thinking about everything Cruz had done for him over the years. As a kid, Cruz had been more of a father to him than his own father had been. When Davey had first learned that he was a father himself, he’d panicked, thinking he knew nothing about good parenting. But that hadn’t been true. Cruz had been a stellar role model, setting an example for the kind of man and the kind of father he wanted to be. Not only had Cruz taught him how to build engines and how to race, he had also taught Davey how to be kind, respectful, and giving. “You’ve been more than a friend,” he said, his voice cracking. “You’ve been like a father to me.” His throat clogged and he swallowed hard. “Now I guess you are.”

Cruz gave him a single nod along with that look of pride that never failed to make Davey’s chest swell.

He shifted his gaze to his mother. “Mom, I’m sorry I was such a little shit.” He waited until the laughter in the room lessened before continuing. “I’m blessed to have you in my life.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to a future of love and happiness. I’m thrilled for both of you.” His eyes misted. “And I’m grateful to be a part of this family.”

Nora waltzed over, her emerald eyes shimmering. “That was very sweet.”

Ben rushed past Davey and Nora and threw his arms around Cruz’s waist. “Grandpa!” he yelled, making the crowd laugh, and Cruz’s gaze cloud with tears.

A few hours later after their guests had gone, Davey sat on the back deck with Cruz.

“I’m gonna head out shortly,” Cruz said.

Davey nodded. “It’s not the same without you here.”

Daisy wandered outside and plopped down in between them. Cruz rubbed her head. “Daisy tells me you’re not sitting around in this big house all alone.”

Davey grinned. Nora and Ben had been spending a lot more time at his place, which made him happy. Even so, he liked having Cruz around. At least he still had Cruz every weekend at the tracks.

Cruz pulled out two cigars, no doubt Cubans. Davey had no idea where he got them but he always seemed to have a ready supply. He handed one to Davey.

“Thanks.” He lit his cigar and took a long puff. “Cohibas?”

“Of course.” Cruz took a puff, then put it on the ashtray. “We need to talk.”

Shit. That phrase was always the start of something bad. He should know. He’d used those words many times himself. He took a page from Cruz’s book and remained silent, waiting his friend out.

“I’ve made a commitment to your mother that I want to honor.” Cruz picked up his cigar and took a few puffs. “I want to start our new life together here, not on the road.”

Davey’s gut churned. He knew where this was going.

“I’m going to retire.” Even though he had expected the words, even though Cruz had mentioned retirement before, he sunk into his chair, deflated. How would he race without Cruz? Cruz had been the one constant in his racing career, in his life.

“I’ll help out through the rest of this season.”

After Davey sulked for a few beats, he got his shit together. They agreed that Cruz would work some races and Billy would work others, then Cruz would fully retire at the end of the season. Billy was more than capable of handling the job, but with Cruz’s departure, Davey was losing what he enjoyed most about racing—spending time with Cruz.

He blew out a breath. “What are you gonna do with your free time?”

Cruz flashed a grin. “I thought I’d start that engine business you and I have talked about.”

Well, damn. That was something he had wanted to do with Cruz. His expression must have mirrored his disappointment because Cruz reached over and put a hand on his leg. “I’ll just get it started.” He patted Davey’s leg. “You can join me whenever you’re ready.”

Davey managed a nod. He and Cruz had talked about working on engines after they retired, just like they’d done at the garage in Alabama. But this time, they would make race engines for cars and boats. Thinking about it made his stomach clench with excitement. As a kid, he’d loved building engines with Cruz. It had been his passion, even more so than racing. “Deal.” He caught Cruz’s gaze. “In the meantime, don’t go finding another partner.”

“No way.” Cruz shook his head. “This is our thing.”

Davey rolled his shoulders. It was something to look forward to after he retired. What he wasn’t looking forward to was Cruz retiring. “I’m gonna miss you, man.” He picked up his cigar. “More than you’ll know.” While he enjoyed racing, it wasn’t in his blood like it was in AJ’s. Racing had been Davey’s life, but it hadn’t been a career choice he had made. He’d found he was good at it, and he had enjoyed working with Cruz. Without Cruz, he wasn’t sure how he’d feel about the sport that had until recently consumed his life.

“I’ll miss you too.” Cruz reached over and squeezed Davey’s shoulder. “But I’ll still be around. I’ll see you here through the week and your mother and I will come to a lot of races.” Cruz gave him a quick hug. “I’ll always be around when you need me. I hope you know that.”

Davey’s chest tightened; he knew that Cruz meant every word.

He also knew his life would never be the same.