The pounding of the hammer striking nail heads into the new wooden boards echoed through the open air. The only other sound was the country music that played from Billy’s radio. He’d stopped by early this morning to repair the steps and replace some of the other shoddy boards on the porch. Once he was done, I planned to help him refinish and stain the whole thing this afternoon.

I made us a pitcher of iced tea and joined him outside to keep him company while he labored away. I couldn’t deny the view of him shirtless and sweaty wasn’t half bad as I worked from my perch on the porch swing. After checking my email and ignoring another plea from David, I surfed through various fashion blogs on my laptop. I was grateful for the occasional breeze blowing across my skin that was slathered with a bottle of sunscreen. Being a redhead, I was already prone to sunburns. But having lived in Seattle the last twelve years had only made my skin even more sensitive to the hot Texas sun.

I’d switched from fashion blogs to Pinterest when I heard a truck coming up the dirt road. The white farm truck slowed to a stop behind Billy’s. Wes Monroe sat behind the steering wheel with Grams seated on the passenger side.

Billy and I both stood from our spots. I took a few steps toward the front edge of the porch as Grams climbed out of the large truck. Billy, being the gentleman that he was, jogged over to help her.

“Thank you, Billy.” She smiled, taking his hand. Once her feet were firmly on the ground she released it with a squeeze.

“Lottie, I hope you don’t mind me stopping by.”

“Not at all, Grams. You’re always welcome.”

“Sorry I haven’t really had a chance to visit with you since you got back to town. I was hoping to rectify that by inviting you for Sunday dinner this evening at my house.”

Grams still lived in the original farmhouse on the Monroe homestead while Beau, her eldest son, lived in what was now considered the main house. Wes and Tucker had both moved into one of the ranch hand cabins when they first graduated from school. I assumed Wes, unlike Tucker, was still working the farm and living there.

“There’s no need to apologize. I should have come by to see you sooner myself.” As in years ago.

Grams was another one of those bystanders, like Leighton, who I hated to lose contact with but was a necessary evil. Had I contacted Grams, it would have just made it harder for Tucker and me to let each other go.

“Well then, it’s settled. Dinner is at seven. You can bring a cobbler.”

“Uh…o-okay,” I stuttered. I hadn’t even made up my mind whether I wanted to go.

“You remember how to cook, don’t you, dear?”

“Yes. Of course, Grams.”

“All right then. See you tonight.” Her cheek twitched with her roguish grin. “Billy, make sure to tell your parents hello for me,” she added as she turned to leave.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a nod.

As she climbed back in the truck, Wes saluted me with a tip of his hat. Then they were gone, disappearing back down the dirt road.

Billy shook his head, chuckling while picking his hammer back up to work. “I guess age hasn’t made her any less scary.”

“Who? Grams?” I grinned. Grams had never been scary to me. She was one of the only adults I could depend on growing up.

“Yep. I’ve been scared of that woman since the day she caught Jamie and me messing around in the garden shed behind her house. I was pretty sure she was gonna shoot me with that shotgun of hers.”

I laughed, taking a seat on the top step. “You and Jamie? I never knew.”

A grin played on his lips. “Yeah. It was nothing serious. Just a summer fling after she graduated. I think she was just trying to piss off her daddy by hooking up with me. Not too long after, she and Lyle started dating.”

“Sounds like I missed a lot over the years.”

“Nah. For the most part nothing’s changed ’round here. Same faces, same gossip. You did the right thing leaving, experiencing new things, meeting new people.”

“You’re probably the only one who thinks that.” I looked down at the painted toenails on my feet.

“No, I’m not… Look, Lottie”—his tone took a firmness, causing my eyes to flick to his face—“I know you have this crazy idea in that pretty head of yours that you should feel guilty about not being here for your mama, but you shouldn’t. I know she didn’t tell you. I also know had she, you would’ve been on the first flight home to take care of her.”

I gave him a weak smile. “Thanks, Billy.”

He nodded, returning my smile. “It’s the truth, Lottie. There’s no need to thank me.”

“Billy…did you know the whole time?”

“No.” He rubbed his neck. “I didn’t find out until a few weeks before. I’d already been helping her ’round the place when I figured it out. She’d been keeping it quiet. Seeing a doctor from another town to avoid gossip from spreading.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “I don’t really know, Lottie. Maybe after what your dad put her through all those years, she was tired of being the talk of the town—people always whispering behind her back.”

I could understand her not wanting everyone in town to know. But why not tell me? It didn’t make sense. I knew I likely had the answer in my hands, hidden away in the bottom of my suitcase. But I wasn’t quite ready to read it. Afraid of what it would say.

As Billy went back to work on the porch, I slipped into the house in search of a cobbler recipe.

* * *

I held the glass pan of peach cobbler in my hands as I followed the old, overgrown path from my house to Grams’. I’d decided to walk in lieu of driving. I’d found my old pair of cowboy boots in my childhood closet and slipped them on with my blue sleeveless minidress. I’d left my big, natural curls falling down my shoulders. The farther I walked, the more I regretted all my decisions for the evening. The cobbler grew heavy, the boots rubbed—fitting tighter than I remembered—and the curls started to stick to my sweaty skin. I really hoped it wasn’t a sign for what was to become of the evening. I’d contemplated backing out, but then decided against it. I needed the distraction and it would be good to catch up with Grams.

The woman had been my first mentor. The first one to encourage me and my love of fashion. She bought me a sewing machine, teaching me how to use it, so I could try to make some of the clothes I saw in the magazines. I wasn’t much good at it, but she never made me feel bad about my lack of skills as a seamstress.

Abby Taylor, on the other hand, had no problem pointing it out to all our classmates in the halls of Billingsley High. She’d always made sure there was an audience for her ridicule. I’d cried silent tears the whole way home on the bus that day, stripping my body of the shirt I’d worked so hard on and throwing it in the trash as soon as I crossed the threshold of my home. I was humiliated. Her squad of evil minions had surrounded Leighton and me at my locker, sneering and criticizing everything about my shirt. The more onlookers who neared, the meaner she got and the harder it was to control the tears welling in my eyes.

“Are you crying?” Abby mocked some more.

I clenched my teeth and forced the tears back.

“Cut it out, Abby. We all know you’re just jealous.” Leighton came to my defense.

Abby’s eyes narrowed on Leighton as she opened her mouth to start in on my friend when Tucker pushed his way through the crowd.

“What the hell is going on?” His eyes scanned my face before turning to stand beside me. Tucker took my hand, pulling me closer to him.

“Nothing, Tuck.” Abby’s voice immediately sweetened as she roamed her evil eyes over Tucker. “We were just messing around. It’s not my fault Lottie Dottie can’t take a joke.”

Her minions snickered beside her as she spun on her heels, flinging her long, blond hair as she went. She smiled over her shoulder, giving Tucker one final glance before whispering something to her friends as they all walked away, their laughter echoing down the halls at whatever she’d said.

I shook the memory from my mind as Grams’ house came into view. When I was ten feet from the steps of the porch, a blur of brown curls came spiraling at me. My legs were suddenly restricted by tiny arms, nearly causing me to stumble and drop the cobbler.

“You’re here!” a little voice squealed from below.

I looked down at Lily, who had me in a tight grip. Wes strolled out behind her, taking the cobbler from my hands with a toothy grin. I patted the little ball of energy on the top of her head, not sure how to react to her overly affectionate greeting.

I’d never really been good with kids. They always made me feel awkward and nervous. I often imagined they could see into my soul simply by looking into my eyes. And I was terrified of what they’d discover. I swore the tiny humans were like dogs with the instinct to know good from evil.

“I am. I didn’t expect you to be here, though.” I smiled awkwardly, telling her the truth as I pried my legs from her tiny clutches.

She continued to look up at me with her big, green eyes that reminded me of her uncle Tucker’s. I quickly shifted my eyes to Wes, avoiding her all-knowing stare.

“Wes, how are you?”

“Good. It’s nice to see you again, Lottie.” He gave me a sideways hug. “Sorry I didn’t get out of the truck earlier this morning. Grams said she wanted to keep it quick.”

The screen door opened again. This time Tucker and Grams emerged from inside, and suddenly I knew why Grams had been so insistent on me coming to dinner. The old schemer. Tucker’s expression told me he had no idea I’d be joining.

“Well, come on in, hon,” Grams commanded. “No sense in us all standing out here in this heat. I’ve got some fresh iced tea made up.”

Wes and Grams led the way while Tucker held the door open for all of us. Lily took my hand in hers, determined to stick by my side.

“I like your dress,” she complimented me as we took the steps up to the porch.

“Thank you, Lily. I like your dress, too.”

“You haven’t been ’round many kids, have ya?”

“No. Not really.”

“Why not? Don’t ya like kids? Uncle Tuck says I’m the coolest kid in the whole world. I like your hair too. I wish I had red hair. You’re really pretty, but kinda funny,” she rambled on from one subject to the next as we passed through the front door.

Tucker snickered under his breath, turning his head to the side as he poorly faked a cough to conceal his laughter.

I arched an eyebrow at the little doll of a girl, a spitting image of her mother. “Funny?”

“Yep,” she chirped as if that was all the explanation needed.

“Funny how?”

“You patted my head like I’m a dog…but I’m not a dog.”

“You aren’t?” I widened my eyes, exaggerating my surprise. “I must have gotten confused with all that yapping you’re doing,” I teased, placing my one free hand on my hip. The girl could talk the ears off a mule. “You sure you’re not a miniature schnauzer?”

“No!” She giggled.

“Come on, Lily pad,” Wes swooped in, scooping her up in his arms. “Come help me with the grill and give Lottie here some space.”

Her sweet laughter rang through the room as Wes carried her away, tickling her sides. The room fell silent as they disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Tucker and me alone. The atmosphere was suddenly full of tension.

I faced him, his eyes already on me, scanning my body. I instinctively did the same. He looked like he’d just showered, his hair still damp. He was dressed casually in jeans and a dark blue T-shirt, slightly wrinkled but not enough to look unkempt. More like he’d rushed to get ready for dinner. As he stood there with a charming aloofness, I became more skittish about us being alone together.

“She is pretty cool.” I nervously broke the silence.

He smiled fondly after her. “Yeah. She is…” He pushed a hand through his hair, his eyes falling to the ground. “Look, Lottie, I—”

“Tuck”—I held up a hand, stopping him—“Let’s not do this. Not now. Let’s just try to make it through this one dinner without fighting. Then I’ll stay out of your life. I’m sorry for intruding on your family dinner. I didn’t know you guys would be here or I wouldn’t have come.”

“Lottie…” He took a step toward me, and I retreated.

I couldn’t deal with any more of his hateful words and especially not his touch. Anytime he touched me, a current of tingles shot through me. It made me feel things I refused to feel again. That sensation was dangerous. Especially knowing he was no longer spoken for. He was still off-limits, though.

I whipped around, needing some distance. I walked through the dining room into the kitchen located at the back of the house where Grams was still preparing dinner. Wes and Lily were both out back tending the fire in the grill.

“Do you need any help, Grams?” I offered.

“No, no, dear. I’ve ’bout got it done. You go on and visit with Tucker. I’m sure you two have plenty to catch up on.”

“I think we’ve done about all the catching up that’s needed,” I responded under my breath, more to myself.

Grams turned to look at me, her eyes examining. Her face hardening.

“All right then. I guess if you insist on being here, you might as well make yourself useful. Chop up that head of lettuce for the salad.” She handed me a knife.

I took the knife and set to work on my assigned task. Tucker came into the kitchen a few minutes later, making my heart rate increase once again—an instantaneous reaction I had no control over. He opened the fridge without a word, grabbing a beer before heading out back with his brother and niece.

My shoulders relaxed when the screen door shut behind him. Grams released a heavy sigh, muttering something undecipherable under her breath.

“You’ll have to excuse my grandson for his rudeness lately. He’ll come around eventually. He’s still healing from a broken heart,” Grams explained as she took the chopped lettuce from me to put in a salad bowl.

“He must have taken it pretty hard when his fiancée left.” I rinsed the knife and placed it in the sink, then leaned back against the counter. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him to face everyone afterward either.”

“Everybody falls, Lottie. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You just have to hope the one you’re falling for is there to catch you. Besides…I wasn’t talking about her.”

Grams arched an accusatory eyebrow at me as she picked up the dish of raw chicken, disappearing through the back door with the rest of her family. It seemed the whole Monroe crew had the need to give me a piece of their minds.

* * *

Dinner hadn’t gone much better. The only one oblivious to the tension between us was Lily. She jabbered on, filling any voids in conversation. It wasn’t until she had her mouth full of peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream that anyone else was able to get a word in.

“So, Lottie…you seeing anyone?” Grams asked out of nowhere.

I about choked on the bite I’d barely put in my mouth. Talking about my dating history—particularly my recent proposal—was not something I wanted to do with the Monroe family.

“Grams,” Tucker warned, his arms tensing as he gripped his spoon tighter.

“What?” She feigned innocence, trying to conceal her obvious meddling. “I just want to know what our Lottie has been up to these last twelve years. Besides, I don’t see a ring on her finger, so how else am I supposed to know if I don’t ask?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I’m not…I was dating someone, but we ended things recently, not long before I came here.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, dear.” She fought back a smile. She was anything but sorry to hear that. “How long were you dating? Was it serious?”

“That’s enough, Grams.” Tucker’s spoon clattered to his bowl.

Grams waved a hand at him, dismissing his demand but relenting. “Fine. Tell us more about your job in Seattle, Lottie.”

I jumped at the opportunity to talk about my job, relieved that Tucker had put an end to the inquiry of my past relationships.

“It’s great. It can be time-consuming and stressful most days, but I love it. I get to see the world and meet tons of people.”

“Sounds exciting. Where all have you been?” Wes asked.

“Paris, New York—I travel there four times a year and Italy a couple times. I just returned from Milan a few weeks ago.”

“Sounds like you’ve really made a terrific life for yourself, Lottie. I’m happy for you.” Grams gave me a sincere smile, making me feel proud yet humble.

Tucker’s chair scraped against the wood floor as he pushed from the table, abruptly standing and leaving the room without a single word. I watched the opening where he’d disappeared, wondering what I’d said that made him so upset.

Feeling a comforting pat on my hand, I tore my eyes from the empty doorway to look back at Grams. She gave me a limp smile as Lily and Wes chattered jubilantly beside us.

* * *

After helping Grams clear the table and clean the dishes, I thanked her for dinner.

“Anytime, Lottie. You know my home is always open to you, hon.” She rubbed my arm.

“Thank you, Grams. And I’m sorry.”

“For what, dear?”

“For not keeping in touch. I know it may not have seemed like it over the last decade, but you’ve always meant so much to me. And I feel terrible about how I left things.”

She sighed, pulling me into her for a tight hug. The woman may be old, but she was as strong as an ox. I relaxed in her embrace, inhaling her floral scent. She kissed my head before pulling back to look at me.

“Lottie, I’m not going to lie and say it didn’t hurt the way you left without a word. But I never have held that against you. You had your reasons. And you don’t owe me an explanation. I love you the same as I do my grandkids—faults and all. I just hope you know I’m here for you.”

I nodded, choking back tears of happiness and relief. “I should get going.”

“All right, hon.” She dropped her arms from my body. “Promise me as long as you’re in town you’ll be here every Sunday for dinner.”

“I promise.”

“Good.” She smiled, glancing over my shoulder. “Tucker will drive you home,” she volunteered him as he walked into the kitchen.

He stopped short as I turned, my eyes landing on him.

“Oh, no.” I looked back over at Grams. “That won’t be necessary. I can walk.”

“Walk or drive. I don’t give a hoot. Either way he’ll escort you home. It’s too late for you to venture off alone in the dark.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but was silenced by the warning glare she gave me. I relented, letting my shoulders sag. I knew there was no winning this argument. I gave her one final hug goodbye before brushing past a stone-faced Tucker. After saying bye to Lily and Wes, I walked outside, waiting for my escort to join me. Tucker pushed through the screen door, stopping a few feet from me.

“What’s it gonna be, Lottie?”

Not wanting to prolong our alone time together, I responded immediately, “Drive.”

He nodded, gesturing for me to lead the way to his truck. One hand brushed my back, as his other reached in front of me, opening the passenger door. I sucked in a sharp breath of air at the unexpected touch. I peered over my shoulder at his smirking face. Clenching my jaw, I climbed into the truck, focusing straight ahead as he shut the door for me.

The smell of his masculine cologne filled the cab as he slid into the driver’s seat. His close proximity was as stimulating as it was infuriating. Every molecule within me was drawn to the man. I prayed he’d make it a quick drive home before I exploded with want.

As the truck bumped along the gravel road, I played anxiously with the hem of my dress, keeping my gaze out the side window. I fought to remain neutral, even with my skin heating a little more every time I felt his eyes slip from the road to me.

He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as he turned onto the dirt drive to my house. “About what I said the other day, I—”

“I get it, Tucker. I know I hurt you, and you have every right to be angry with me. You don’t need to apologize for telling me the truth at how you feel.”

“You did hurt me, Lottie. But I shouldn’t have thrown all that in your face.”

“Hate will do that.”

He glanced at me with a dubious expression. “I don’t hate you, Lottie.”

“Right,” I huffed, petulantly crossing my arms.

“I don’t. I could never hate you.”

The truck fell silent once again. He pulled to a stop in front of my house, shifting it into park before turning to me. Our eyes locked and the pain I saw in his, pierced my heart and soul.

“I was hurt and confused. Shit. I still am. But I don’t hate you.”

“Well, you should,” I declared, swinging the heavy truck door open as I hastily escaped.

I picked up my pace, scurrying up the steps when I heard his door slam behind me. I needed to get out of this town. Away from him. Before I told him the one thing that would definitely make him hate me forever. The biggest secret I’d kept from him for all these years. If he didn’t hate me now, he would once he knew.

I rushed to unlock the door, swinging it open and taking a step inside as his hand gripped my elbow. He spun me into the doorframe, trapping me with his strong arms and body, pressing me into the jamb. I held the air in my lungs as he stared down at me, seething with heavy breaths.

“Goddamn it, Lottie. Stop. Running,” he growled, dropping his forehead to mine.

My eyes fell shut with his as our breathing mirrored each other’s.

“Tell me why, Lottie. Why did you leave me?”

I shook my head, releasing a whimper, conflict and desire furiously colliding within me.

“I would’ve gone with you, babe. I would’ve followed you anywhere.”

“Don’t, Tuck. Please,” I begged him to stop saying all the right things.

He lifted his head, his eyes already searching mine as I opened them. He cupped my face with his hands as he held me captive.

“Someday, Lottie, you’ll stop running from me. From what we have. For now, I know you’re still a hopeless heart just passing through.”

He dropped his hands, backing away from me. The loss of his body and the sharpness of his words were a punch to my gut. I slouched against the doorframe as I watched his masculine back walk away from me.

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, Tucker Monroe.