Harley got home late and checked on her dad. Her parents were snoring, each with their own pattern, it made her smile. She tried to lay down but couldn’t sleep. She pulled out her second suitcase, which was loaded with all her jewelry-making supplies, and got to work filling some orders. It was a good release and therapy to be creative. Sometimes she let herself picture giving up her dreams of being a CEO or marketing director for a large corporation and imagine she’d gone into drafting and home design instead. She loved homes and would give anything to be the one drafting the plans, maybe even dabbling in interior design. She could continue designing her jewelry on the side. It was so fulfilling to create her pieces and see women rave about them. But her path was set and she needed to focus on graduating, getting a job with a Fortune 500 company and traveling the world. She wasn’t in any hurry to settle down; she could wait until she found the perfect debonair man. Crew’s smile entered her mind’s eye, and she couldn’t force it out. She imagined him holding her in his arms before he dipped her ponytail in the cold river. As her mind wandered, she worked until after four a.m.

“Harley! Harley!” Ryker was pushing at her shoulder. “Get up, girl. You’re going to be late for church.”

Harley sat upright, her brother swimming in and out of her vision. She sank back down into her pillows. “I can’t. Too tired.”

“Get a move on. Dad wants his family together at church.” The seriousness of Ryker’s tone tugged at her. How many more Sundays would her dad be able to make it to church?

“What time is it?” she mumbled, pushing the covers back.

“9:30. Hurry or I’ll leave your butt.” He winked at her and strode from the room.

Harley sprang out of bed. Church started at ten a.m. and was ten minutes away. She showered in record time, not washing her hair. Putting on minimal makeup, she swept her hair into a messy bun and slipped into a long, dusty blue sundress, adding a chunky deep green necklace and bracelet to bring in more color. She eyed herself critically in the mirror, but there just wasn’t time. It was more important to get there for her dad, but oh, she hated the thought of not looking good for Crew. She shook her head. What Crew thought shouldn’t matter, and it wasn’t fair of her to want him to want her when she couldn’t return the sentiment.

Running down the stairs, Harley noted that the house was empty, confirming that everyone was waiting in the garage for her. She slipped into some sandals and ran to the Cherokee. Ryker was in the driver’s seat and her dad sat in the passenger seat. She climbed in back with her mom. “Sorry. I was up late,” she rushed out.

Her dad looked pretty good today. He hadn’t shaven, but he wore a gray button-down shirt and tie and had more color in his face. It’d been a hard adjustment this week, seeing him mostly sit in his chair and tease her mom. All her life, he’d worked nonstop and only teased them at mealtimes and bedtime.

“Up late smooching some guy from England?” her dad asked as Ryker pulled out of the garage.

Harley laughed. “No. I got home about ten and worked until four.”

“Ooh.” Her mom grabbed her hand. “I can’t wait to see what you created. All the church ladies have been hoping you’ll fill their orders now that you’re home.”

“Sure, Mama, but don’t they know they can order online and I’ll ship everything right to their door?”

She waved a hand. “They don’t take to that online business.”

Harley had to smile. Only in Wyoming did elderly ladies still distrust computers and the Internet.

“How was the hot date?” Ryker asked.

“Not so hot.” She shrugged. “Maybe I just need to give him another chance. Elizabeth didn’t like Mr. Darcy at first.”

Ryker groaned, and her dad rolled his eyes but smiled. Her mom nodded. “That’s right. You should never go with first impressions. Did he ask you out again?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you’d better go for it, love. You’ll never regret shooting for the stars.”

Harley nodded, but she wasn’t sure if James was a shining star or a Vegas imitation. He sure hadn’t been too impressive last night.

“So where’s your dream place to work after you get your master’s?” her dad asked.

They discussed several of the twenty-five Fortune 500 companies located in England, and she really appreciated their interest and excitement about her prospects. It seemed maybe her family finally understood that she was going to stay in England after school. The ten-minute drive passed quickly and they arrived at the church in the center of Alpine.

Ryker pulled right up front and jumped out. “Sis, do you mind parking the car while I help Dad in?”

“Not at all.” Sure her dad moved slow, but she hadn’t realized he couldn’t even make it the few steps into church. Man, cancer bit the big one.

Ryker hurried around and Dad put a lot of weight on him, Mom at his other side as they shuffled inside. Harley pushed out a breath and drove the Cherokee around to the parking lot. She shut it off and closed her eyes, murmuring, “Please, Lord, a miracle for my daddy.”

Her door swung open and the crisp morning air rushed in along with a delectable scent she couldn’t help but savor. Opening her eyes, she came face-to-stomach with Crew. Shock filled her as she realized he was wearing a suit, and this was no suit picked up from Goodwill. It had to be tailored to fit his broad shoulders and tapered waist like it did, and it was made of a navy-blue material that looked soft yet crisp at the same time. Her eyes lowered to his feet encased in brown dress shoes and then lifted to meet his amused glance. The air whooshed out of her. Crew in a suit looked a million times better than she could’ve imagined.

His facial hair was neatly trimmed and his golden hair perfectly styled. She wanted to muss up his hair and touch his beard. He looked better than any model because he was real and he was Crew—his delicious smell was the icing on the cake.

“Harley.” His voice was as warm as hot chocolate.

“What, no cowboy boots or hat?” was the only thing she could think to say to him.

He chuckled. “Left ’em home by the tractor,” he drawled out.

Harley couldn’t help but laugh. She stood, expecting him to step back so she could get out of the car, but he didn’t step back, leaving them up close and personal in the small space. His body pressed against her was so delicious she couldn’t think straight, let alone say anything. His cologne was filling her head with daydreams. Her eyes focused on his lips, which quirked up. She forced herself to meet his gaze. His blue eyes were full of warmth, and he released the doorframe and wrapped his hands around her lower back.

“I’m guessing you like a man in a suit,” he murmured, his voice low and husky.

“Very much,” she admitted.

He released one hand from her back and brought it up to cup her face. “You look absolutely beautiful, Harley.”

She blushed, thinking of how quickly she’d gotten ready and loving that he still thought she looked good. “You are beautiful, Crew.” The words were out before she could rein them in. Oh, no! How was she going to keep her distance if he kept touching her and saying nice things and looking so good and being so … Crew?

“Well, I’m glad to hear you finally admit that.” He lowered his head closer to hers. Harley held her breath. She should give him a spicy rebuttal to his overconfidence, but the only words on her tongue were begging him to kiss her.

“Is that my Harley girl?” A shriek from a few cars away broke Crew’s concentration on her. Harley regained her senses and pushed around him. His muscular arms could’ve easily restrained her, but he let her go.

Seconds later she was surrounded by Aunt Vicky’s plump arms. Aunt Vicky was the town gossip, but also the most loving woman in the county. Everybody called her aunt and everybody loved her, even if they were careful what secrets they told when they went to visit. She didn’t share news to hurt anyone, but talking about everyone and everything was what she did. “It is her, Lucas! Get over here and hug this beautiful girl.”

Lucas moved much slower than Aunt Vicky, but he came with a grin on his face and gave her a hug as well. He’d lost several inches off his six feet due to his back gradually stooping, and he was as thin as his wife was plump and as reticent as she was verbose. They were absolutely perfect together.

“Why didn’t your mama tell us you were home?” Aunt Vicky demanded. Then she glanced at Crew still standing next to the Cherokee. “Well, look who we have here. Crew Harrison. You get your handsome self over here and give me a squeeze.”

Crew obliged her, and Harley tried not to stare at him. It melted her heart to see him hugging the older lady so sweetly.

“If he isn’t the most gorgeous man on the planet, next to my Lucas, I am a nun who’s never looked at a perfect specimen,” Aunt Vicky exclaimed to Harley.

Harley agreed wholeheartedly, at least about Crew. It was adorable how Aunt Vicky loved Lucas so desperately and wasn’t shy about voicing it.

“Well, let’s get ourselves into church now,” Aunt Vicky continued. “Can’t be late. Crew, you take Harley’s arm and escort her in.” She shoved Crew at Harley.

Crew gave her a secretive grin as he offered his elbow. Harley put her hand through the crook of it, steeling herself to not be affected by his smell, but it was horribly tough. She gripped the rounded muscle of his nicely defined bicep. My, oh, my, Aunt Vicky was a scheming old lady.

The older couple dropped behind them a couple of steps, but it was impossible not to hear Aunt Vicky say, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the likes of those two together. Made for each other, they were. Whoo-ee, that Crew can heat a body up, can’t he?”

“Sure makes me hot,” Lucas muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm that was completely lost on Aunt Vicky.

“Yessirree, I bet Harley’s as taken with the boy as I am. Of course no one compares to you, lover lips.”

“Thank you, dear.”

Harley was just wishing they could get inside the church so Aunt Vicky would have to stop talking. Taken with the boy? She was very much not taken with the boy!

“It’s okay, pretty girl,” Crew leaned close to murmur. “You can tell me how hot I am later.”

There was no denying he was hot in that suit, but Harley had already fed his ego plenty for today. “Beauty is as beauty does,” she said, stealing from her dad and whoever had coined the phrase in the first place.

“So I’m pretty inside and out?” Crew winked at her.

“No! Beauty doesn’t dunk someone’s ponytail in the river.”

Crew laughed unrepentantly and opened the church door, escorting her through and waiting for Aunt Vicky and Lucas. Aunt Vicky patted his cheek. “Mmm. Such a good boy.”

They slowly made their way into the meeting. Harley hurried to her family’s pew, grateful to be away from Crew. He sat a few rows behind her and to the right of the aisle, next to his parents and sisters, and she had to fight to keep her gaze focused on the preacher. Aunt Vicky was right, he definitely heated a body up, but church was no place to be thinking or talking like that.

She tried to concentrate on the preacher and being here with her dad. Grateful to join her family this Sunday, she tried to put thoughts of Crew as far away as she could push them. Sadly, her brain seemed to lack the strength to do much pushing.

* * *

Crew had spent a miserable night last night wanting to text or call Harley, wondering how her date had gone. He’d worked on a new vanity until two in the morning, then finally forced himself to go to bed.

He’d been lucky to see Harley pull into a parking space and be able to get her door. When she stood and her body pressed into his as she looked up at him so sweetly and told him he was beautiful, Crew was sure he’d won the lottery. The woman he’d loved since teenage years was finally returning those feelings.

Dang Aunt Vicky for ruining the moment. He needed to get Harley alone, somewhere far away from any interruptions. Nobody had the right to interrupt the kiss he needed to bestow on Harley. Maybe she’d finally recognize that she loved him back. He glanced her way once more, loving the way that dusty blue dress contrasted with her dark curls and smooth skin.

“Sheesh, stare a little harder. Half the church hasn’t noticed yet,” his little sister Jessie whispered much too loudly.

Crew grabbed her knee. She squealed as expected, and that earned her a death glare from both of their parents. Of course they didn’t notice him eliciting the squeal. Jessie was always in trouble, but she deserved it most of the time.

Jessie stuck her tongue out at him but didn’t make any more comments, and Crew went back to staring at Harley. He didn’t care who noticed. He might not have a chance with her, but he was going to enjoy every moment she was here. Could she truly leave them all for England? His lips tightened. She could, and she most likely would.

The final song and prayer ended and Crew stood quickly, stretching his legs and his back. Sitting through church on the hard benches was torturous, but he’d been blessed beyond measure with a great family, a healthy body, a successful business, and good friends. He could sit through church and donate generously to show his gratitude.

“What are you waiting for?” Jessie pushed at his side. “Go ooh and ahh over your girl.” She pressed her lips into an obnoxious kissing expression. He pitied the poor boy who fell for her.

“She’s not my girl,” he muttered back.

“You are one pathetic loser.”

Swiveling dramatically toward her, Crew put her in a headlock.

“Not in church,” their mother admonished.

Crew let Jessie go and she dodged away from him, laughing. “Grow some guts, pretty boy,” she taunted. Crew knew she wasn’t talking about being able to put her in another headlock in church.

His other sister, Tiffany wasn’t nearly as much fun as Jessie, but she was much more pleasant to be around. She smiled at him. “You look really nice today, Crew.”

“Thanks, sweet girl.” He gave Tiffany a hug and tossed Jessie a smug look.

His mom straightened his tie and reached up to kiss his cheek. “So handsome. Are you coming for dinner, love?”

Crew looked around for the Redlands. “Umm, maybe.”

His dad shook his head. “Go wrangle an invitation, son. None of us are blaming you.”

“Thanks, Dad.” He shook his hand and gave his mom and Tiffany each another hug, smacking Jessie on the butt as he walked away.

“Hey!” she called out loudly.

“Not in the church,” her mother admonished.

“Golden Boy started it.”

“Well, I’m finished with it.”

Crew hurried away, chuckling to himself. Some things would never change. He’d tease Jessie and his mom would always defend him.

Clint and Ryker were slowly shuffling out of the church. Harley and her mom had been held up by neighbors and friends wanting to say hello to Harley. Crew followed her dad and brother, knowing she’d get outside eventually. He breathed in the fresh air and descended the church steps, slapping his friend on the back. “How’s it going, bro?”

Ryker looked up with concern in his eyes. “Dad’s really tired.”

Clint held up a hand. “Stop your bellyaching, I’m not dead yet.” But his face was pale and he looked ready to collapse.

“Let me go get the keys from Harley,” Crew offered.

“Thanks,” Ryker said.

Crew ran back into the church. “Harley?” he called out.

Everyone turned in surprise. “Wow,” Aunt Vicky said. “He’s just making his intentions known before the good Lord and all of his disciples in one fell swoop.”

Jessie laughed loudly at that. His mom looked mortified.

Crew gritted his teeth. “I need the keys. Your dad’s not doing good.”

The crowd gasped as one and then parted, letting Harley and her mom go. They both rushed to Crew, and he took Sadie’s arm and escorted her to her husband on the front lawn while Harley broke into a run for the parking lot.

Crew released Sadie, even though she probably needed the support, and reached Clint’s other side. Ryker shot him a look of desperation over his dad’s head. Crew couldn’t imagine how hard this was on all of them. It was eating Crew up, and he wasn’t even blood.

“You all need to stop acting like I got both feet in the grave,” Clint said. “I only got one.” He chuckled even though no one else laughed. “Crew, you coming over for dinner and the game?”

“Sure. Cubs and the Dodgers, how could I miss that?”

“Thanks, son.”

Their eyes caught, and something passed between them. Crew wanted to cry. Clint wasn’t long for this world and they all knew it. Crew felt like a jerk being so absorbed in how to win Harley. She needed to be with her family right now.

He gave the older man a mischievous grin instead. “’Cause you know my Cubs are going to kill your Dodgers tonight.”

“Ha!” Clint roared. “Dodgers are going to shut them out, you mark my words. My boy Marcos is pitching and he isn’t letting in a single run.”

Harley pulled up to them in the Cherokee. Crew and Ryker helped Clint into the seat. Harley stayed in the driver’s seat, looking over at Crew and smiling sadly.

“Go get out of that monkey suit and we’ll see you in a few,” Clint murmured.

“Sounds good, sir.”

Harley’s eyes widened. Crew grinned at her and shut the door. He wouldn’t take her away from her dad, but he couldn’t reject an offer to join the family, now could he? Clint had been ordering him around most of his life, so he’d take this as a direct command.

He rushed to his truck, half-wishing he could leave the monkey suit on. Harley seemed to like him in it. He smiled. It was the first time he’d ever wanted to stay in a suit. His mom would’ve been proud.