Eliza’s trip to the floral shop was a big waste of time. The owner informed her she’d given Lindsay the day off to prepare for tomorrow. It figured the single time Shirley decided to be considerate, it’d bite Eliza in the butt.

She stopped at Lindsay’s apartment and—no surprise—didn’t find her there, either. As she stepped out of the complex, Eliza briefly considered stopping by the Greasy Wrench. Only the realization that she wouldn’t have a clue what to say if she found Lindsay there made her hesitate.

She texted Lindsay again on the way home. When she started up the porch steps at home, Eliza still hadn’t received a reply.

“I didn’t believe it when Ethan told me you were still living here. Yet, here you are.”

Eliza stilled. Lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed her father looming at the top of the steps. The man made an imposing figure in his dark, hand-tailored suit and burgundy tie. His hair, once as sleek and black as hers, was peppered with gray, a fact that only made him more striking.

He was tall—nearly six feet, two inches—with broad shoulders and a firm, take-no-prisoners jaw. Instead of gray, his eyes were a steely blue. Donald Shaw might be Ivy League-educated, but he had a way of looking at his adversaries as if he were a back-street brawler capable of pinning them to the floor.

“Dad.” Even as her heart clenched, Eliza forced her lips into a cool smile. “I wasn’t sure you were still coming. Where’s Mom?”

“She and Katherine are off somewhere.” Donald waved a dismissive hand. His shark eyes followed her as she reached the porch and moved to the railing.

Though strung as tight as a piano wire, Eliza rested her back against the rail in what she hoped was a pose conveying casual disregard.

His lips tightened and his eyes were so cold she felt the chill. “You’re still living here despite not owning this house anymore.”

“Only because you sold it out from under me.” Her own tone dropped a good twenty degrees. “Blatantly ignoring the solemn vow you made to your mother.”

“We can discuss that later.”

“I prefer to discuss it now.”

“There’s no reason.” Satisfaction blanketed his handsome features. “It’s done. All that’s left is for you to get on with your life.”

“I’m buying the house back.” She spoke calmly and with the authority of a woman prepared to go to the mat to achieve her goal. “You’ll never be able to take it from me again.”

Donald offered up a laugh. “You don’t have the resources to buy a home this expensive.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Her tone was more confident than she felt. The loan broker she’d spoken with had indicated that if Eliza put more in savings, she might be able to find a lender willing to take a chance. Eliza hoped her additional Ready, Set, Wed income would bolster her bottom line enough to qualify for a loan. If not, Ethan might come through. “I’ve got it covered.”

Donald gave a derisive snort. “By sleeping with the new owner?”

Knowing it would propel his temper into the stratosphere, Eliza let a slow smile lift her lips. “Whatever gets the job done. Oh, wait, that’s your motto.”

He gave a hiss of protest. “We raised you better, Eliza Jane. You’re a Shaw. It’s time you started acting like one.”

“If you’re suggesting I start cheating my family out of what was meant for them, no, thanks. Not interested.”

“So we’re back to this old relic.” He slapped a hand against the hardboard siding. “I did you a favor.”

“How do you figure?” She knew she shouldn’t ask, but the way his mind worked had always been a puzzle.

“You’re thirty-one years old with no marriage prospects. You manage a general store that sells fishing lures.” He gave a mirthless laugh. “It’s a pathetic life.”

Eliza absorbed the impact and reminded herself it wasn’t anything she hadn’t heard before. Gazing at her father with the cool indifference of a stranger, she spoke without emotion. “Good thing what I do and how I live my life is none of your concern.”

“If only that were true.” Donald shook his head in disgust. “As a Shaw, everything you do reflects on all who carry the name.”

Eliza’s entire body churned with raw emotion. Though she and her dad had never been close, they’d usually been civil. She wondered when exactly this man—whom she should love—had become someone she didn’t even like.

“And I don’t appreciate you turning Ethan against me.”

“You did that all on your own.” Eliza let her gaze drop. One flick of her wrist told her she was nearly out of time.

“I have a meeting with the film crew in twenty minutes.” Her tone was as dismissive as his had been moments earlier. “I stopped home to freshen my makeup. Excuse me.”

Brushing past him, she unlocked the door and stepped inside.

She heard him repeat something about this not being her house.

Eliza turned. “Well, since this isn’t my home, I can’t invite you inside.”

She shut the door and flipped the deadbolt before heading upstairs to her bedroom.

* * *

By the time Eliza stepped out of the house again, her father was gone. On the short walk to the gazebo in the town square, Eliza absorbed the energy of Good Hope. Though early May was still considered the off-season, the streets and sidewalks teemed with locals and tourists.

In anticipation of the crew’s arrival, Izzie Deshler had designed a banner for the Cherries with the Ready, Set, Wed logo. Eye-catching in moss green and cherry red, the banner stretched between two white-lacquered posts on the gazebo.

The warm weather enjoyed earlier in the week was projected to last through the weekend. This had allowed the gardeners in the community to add some special touches.

Flowers had been placed in the planters lining the business district sidewalks as well as in the beds around the gazebo.

Like Eliza, the citizens of Good Hope were determined to put their best foot forward. For her interview this afternoon, Eliza had chosen a classic sheath in cobalt blue. All her research indicated solid blue was a good color for television.

Despite being irritated over the incident with her father, Eliza nailed the interview. As she stepped from the gazebo and gave a jaunty wave to the crew and onlookers, satisfaction swept through her.

Everything was proceeding as planned. If all continued on course, by tomorrow night Good Hope would be chosen as the site for the televised June wedding extravaganza. Eliza smiled thinking of all the positive publicity that event would bring to the community.

She was still smiling when her phone buzzed. When Lindsay’s name popped on the screen, she answered immediately.

“I’ve been trying to reach you.” Eliza kept her tone cheery. Despite being irritated by Lindsay being MIA recently, she sympathized with the stress her friend was under. “We need to run through a couple—”

“You and I need to talk.” Lindsay interrupted without apology. “Somewhere private. How about your house?”

“I’m afraid that won’t work.” Eliza picked up her pace, putting distance between her and the crowd and crew. “Katherine is probably home by now. Lolo should be there any minute.”

“We could meet at my apartment, but K.T. and Braxton are spending the night. The baby has the stomach flu, and Cassie didn’t want them to catch it.”

Eliza sincerely hoped Lindsay had been smart enough to steer clear of the sickness. “Is everything okay?”

“No. Yes. No. Oh, I don’t know anymore. Mom and I had a big talk, and I’m really confused. I need to see you, Eliza.”

Eliza rolled her eyes. She should have figured Anita was at the bottom of Lindsay’s recent mood swings. The woman never knew when to shut her mouth. Worse, like Eliza’s dad, she was convinced she had all the answers.

“What did she say?”

After a couple beats of silence, Lindsay answered, “I’ll tell you everything when I see you.”

Eliza nearly groaned aloud. What was Anita up to now? Still, she was happy Lindsay valued her opinion.

She doubted Cassie provided much guidance. For the past fifteen years, Lindsay’s older sister had made what everyone would agree were remarkably poor choices.

With her mind firing on all circuits, Eliza considered and discarded several possible locations. Any other time, most of the places that sprang to mind would be deserted, but the town was bustling.

Eliza tapped a finger against her lips. Whatever was troubling Lindsay was best dealt with in private. Lindsay was the bride-to-be. For the next forty-eight hours, all eyes—and ears—were on her. “Let’s meet at Hill House. I’m not far from there. Will that work for you?”

“Yes.” Lindsay’s sigh of relief was audible. “Thanks.”

Eliza had known Lindsay all her life and considered her to be her best friend. From the instant Lindsay had uttered her first word, Eliza had known something was wrong. Normally, even in times of stress, Lindsay was positive and upbeat. Then again, Anita Fishback could bring anyone down.

“Whatever is bothering you, we’ll work it out,” Eliza reassured her friend. “Trust me. All will be fine.”

“Thanks.” Emotion thickened Lindsay’s voice. “You’re a real friend.”

A warmth coupled with a protectiveness washed over Eliza. If Anita was pressuring Lindsay, she would not only have her daughter to deal with, she’d have Eliza. And she wouldn’t be as nice.

“I’ll see you in fifteen.” Eliza dropped her phone into her bag and continued down the sidewalk.

After leaving the front door of Hill House unlocked, Eliza retrieved two bottles of water from the fridge and brought them to the back parlor.

The front parlor was used for Cherries meetings and hosting civic events. While a tan folding chair would work in a pinch, the soft cushiony chairs in the back parlor would be more comfortable for conversation.

“Lindsay?” Eliza called out when she heard the door creak open.

“It’s me.”

“I’m in the back.”

The second Eliza saw her friend’s face, she realized the argument with her mother must have been a doozy. Lindsay’s eyes were red-rimmed, and her face pale and blotchy.

Eliza crossed the room and gave her friend a hug.

From Lindsay’s startled reaction, the action surprised her nearly as much as it did Eliza. Still, it felt right. Thanks to Kyle, she was finding it easier to be spontaneous and show affection.

Lindsay clung to her for several seconds, then stepped back, sniffling. Pulling a wadded-up tissue from her pocket, she dabbed at her runny nose.

Eliza motioned to a chair. When Lindsay sat, she took a seat across from her.

“You look nice.” Obviously stalling, Lindsay gestured with the hand holding the tissue to Eliza’s dress. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you in that color before. It’s very flattering.”

“Thank you. Blue is known to be a good color for television.” Eliza uncapped the bottle of water, took a sip and tried not to let her worry show.

“You’ve invested a lot of time and effort into Ready, Set, Wed.” Lindsay uncapped her own water but set it down without drinking. The blue eyes firmly focused on Eliza’s face were unreadable.

“I don’t mind.” Eliza gestured expansively with her own water bottle. “I love Good Hope. When we win, all the hours spent will be worth it.”

“That’s what I want to discuss.” Lindsay took a breath and clasped her hands tightly in her lap.

“If we don’t win, I don’t want you feeling badly.” Eliza leaned forward, words rushing out in her haste to reassure. “You’ve done everything I’ve asked. That said, I think we’ve got a good shot.”

A shuddering breath escaped Lindsay’s lips. “Things with Dan and I—”

Eliza waited, giving her friend time.

“I had a long talk with my mom.” Lindsay expelled another shaky breath. Tears returned to cloud her eyes. “I told her I made a mistake accepting Dan’s proposal. I want a husband and a family, but I don’t want to be a minister’s wife. I don’t want Dan.”

“You’ve had concerns about him taking calls when he’s with you.” Though she sounded perfectly calm, Eliza’s heart rate galloped.

“That’s not it. Or not all of it.” Lindsay twisted the cap on her bottle on and off, her expression bleak. “I understand why he has this need to always respond. He shared that with me.”

“I don’t care whether he has a good explanation or not. You matter. He should be putting you first.” When Lindsay remained silent, Eliza worried she’d overstepped. Then she decided, since she’d gone this far, she might as well go all the way. “Dan may be a good man, but he’s not your man. He’s not putting you first.”

Eliza thought of Kyle and the dozens of little things he did to make her feel loved and cherished. She wanted that for Lindsay. Her sweet and kind friend deserved better.

If Anita was pushing Lindsay to stay in the competition, she wouldn’t get support from Eliza.

Tears slipped down Lindsay’s cheeks. “I don’t think I can go through with it tomorrow.”

The words were soft and barely above a whisper, but strong enough to shatter Eliza’s dream of a win in the competition.

Doesn’t matter, Eliza told herself. Lindsay’s happiness was more important.

She reached over and took the bottle from Lindsay’s hand, setting it aside. Then she wrapped her fingers around Lindsay’s ice-cold hands and looked her in the eye. “Have you told Dan how you feel?”

A couple more tears fell before Lindsay gave a nod.

“Good.”

Lindsay’s head jerked up, disbelief filling her watery baby blues. “You think I did the right thing?”

“Like I said, I want you with someone who makes you happy, someone who puts you first.” Eliza tightened her hold on Lindsay’s hand. “You deserve that, Lin.”

“I hurt Dan.” Sorrow swept across Lindsay’s face.

“It’s for the best.” Eliza’s voice took on an urgency. “Trust me. I’m speaking from experience. Jeremy choosing Fin was the best thing that could have happened to him and me. Eventually, Dan will feel the same. Especially once he finds the one he’s really meant to be with forever.”

Lindsay’s lips lifted in a trembling smile. “When did you become so wise?”

Since Kyle.

Releasing Lindsay’s hands, Eliza sat back. “I’ve always been wise. I can’t believe it took you this long to notice.”

* * *

“The mayor is here,” Sean, Kyle’s foreman, called out from the lower level of the theater.

Though the project was essentially complete, Kyle and Sean were doing one last walk-through. Other than some minor touching up with paint in one hall, everything seemed in order.

Kyle descended the stairs and saw his brother speaking with Sean. He kept his voice casual as he approached the men. “Interested in a tour, Mr. Mayor?”

Jeremy flashed a smile. “I wouldn’t mind one.”

Kyle turned to Sean and handed him the clipboard. “I didn’t find much upstairs.”

“There isn’t much on this level, either.” Sean glanced at the paper and then up at Kyle. “We can do the touch-ups first of next week, well in time for the red-carpet event.”

“I’ll lock up.” Kyle slapped Sean on the back. “Have a good weekend.”

Sean nodded, shifted his focus to Jeremy. “Good to meet you.”

Once his foreman had left, Kyle turned to Jeremy. “Sure you want a tour?”

“Sure. Why not?” Jeremy’s eyes were serious as they started their walk through the building. “How are you holding up?”

“Fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” The lies Kyle had been telling himself since Jeremy had stopped by the job site with the news fell easily from his lips.

“Well, that makes one of us, then.” Jeremy gave a humorless chuckle. “I feel as if I’ve been slammed in the back with a two-by-four.”

Kyle stopped walking. They were at the back of the theater. A plastered wall a little higher than waist-high separated the walkway from the seats on the main level. “Did you think I was lying?”

Jeremy shrugged. “I didn’t know what to believe.”

“Some shared DNA doesn’t change anything between us.”

“Doesn’t it?” Those shrewd blue eyes met his. “You’re my brother.”

“Half,” Kyle corrected automatically.

“Still counts.” Jeremy shoved his hands into his pockets. “Blood is blood.”

The comment hit a little too close to home. A knot formed in the pit of Kyle’s stomach. That was something his father might have said. Or rather, the man Kyle had always thought of as his dad.

“I never had a brother. Or a sister.” Jeremy met his gaze. “Always wanted one. I’d like it if we could get to know each other.”

“Now that this job is done, I’ll be heading back to Kentucky.”

Surprise flickered across Jeremy’s face. “You bought a house here.”

Now it was Kyle’s turn to be surprised. “Did Eliza tell you that?”

“Eliza doesn’t tell me anything. Not anymore.” Jeremy strolled down the long aisle to the orchestra pit, one hand touching the tops of the deeply upholstered seats as he passed. “I work in the courthouse. People talk.”

Anger surged as Kyle thought how Eliza would feel if she knew everyone was gossiping about her. “People need to keep their mouths shut.”

“True. But if you’re going to live in a small town, that’s the first thing you need to learn. Secrets rarely stay hidden.”

“I told you I’m not staying.” They’d reached the end of the aisle. Kyle stared down into the darkness of the orchestra pit. The emptiness he saw there matched the emptiness inside him.

“Why buy a house? Why get involved with Eliza?”

“Temporary insanity.” Kyle paused, caught himself. “The house, not Eliza.”

A slow smile lifted Jeremy’s lips. “You’ve fallen for her.”

Kyle started to deny it, then decided, what was the point? “I’m in love with her.”

Jeremy clapped him on the back. “Good for you.”

“Not good at all.” Kyle whirled, flung out his hands. “I’m leaving. She’s staying.”

That, he knew, was what gnawed at him. Yesterday, when he’d gotten the news about his parentage and felt torn in two, there’d been only one person he’d wanted—needed—to see.

“Life is full of choices.” Jeremy studied him. “You’re a man who can make the difficult ones. You chose to come here, to browbeat me into taking the DNA test.”

“Browbeat.” Kyle gave a halfhearted chuckle. “You took that test because you were as curious as me.”

“Maybe.” His brother’s smile faded. “My dad—our dad—will be in town later tonight. He plans to stay through the weekend. You need to make time to speak with him.”

When Kyle opened his mouth, Jeremy held up a hand. “That was the deal.”

“I’ll make the time.”

“Good. Now show me the rest of this place.” Jeremy glanced around. “What I’ve seen looks amazing.”