“I don’t need you to come here. I just wanted to talk.” Donna wasn’t sure calling Sissie was a good idea any longer. She sensed things you wished she didn’t.

“Talking in person is much better, besides it’ll give me a reason to see that sweet baby. I’ll see you in an hour.” Sissie ended the call before Donna could utter another word.

Goodness, you’re pushy. Of course that was also one of the things she loved about Sissie. Being bold and outspoken was what everyone saw in her. But Donna had a glimpse of the softer side of her too. She saw the way Sissie sat by her father’s bed when the doctors weren’t sure he’d live. She was a woman who loved wholeheartedly. Her father was a lucky man to have found her. We both are.

That didn’t mean she wanted Sissie here. Face to face made it hard to lie to her. On the phone, at least she had a chance. She walked over to the window and saw McLean lingering around the horse paddock. She knew there were other places he needed to be. Yet, it didn’t matter what time of night or day she looked out; he was always close by.

She was tempted to open the door and yell at him to get his butt doing some real work before she called Derrick. Donna didn’t want to get him in trouble, but she was getting creeped out. They had shared one kiss, and now he was watching her every move.

She didn’t want him acting like this when Sissie came. If he did, they both would be getting a lecture. She wasn’t sure what it would be, but there was no doubt one would come.

She listened to the baby monitor, and Evie appeared to still be sleeping. That meant Donna could go outside and have a little chat with McLean before Sissie arrived. As soon as she was out the door, McLean crossed the yard toward her.

“You shouldn’t be out here,” McLean stated.

She went down the steps, meeting him halfway. “And why not?” Donna noticed McLean scanned the horizon. He obviously was on edge. At first, she’d thought it had something to do with their brief encounter in her room. Clearly, she’d given herself too much credit for distracting him.

What’s got you worried? Does it have to do with the visitor for Bubba, because you haven’t been the same since? She could spend the entire day trying to guess and still be wrong. All she knew for sure was whatever it was had her stressing now too. Since he didn’t attempt to make eye contact with her, she questioned if coming outside was wise. Before heading in, she wanted a straight answer from him. “I thought you told me the visitor last night was someone looking for Bubba. Is that why you keep looking all around? Is it more than that?”

That caught his attention, and he quickly responded, saying, “You shouldn’t be out here until I know for sure.”

Donna didn’t move. If there was some kind of danger, the best way to protect herself was to be aware of it. “I’m not a child, McLean. And you’re not my bodyguard either. I have a right to know what’s going on.”

Bubba came out of the barn, and Donna noticed he had the same darn look that McLean did. She also noticed the gun strapped to him. McLean didn’t have to tell her anything. She had her answer.

McLean grabbed her by her arm and escorted her inside. “Donna, I can’t protect you out here. I need you to stay in the house with Evie.”

“I will, but I need to know why.”

McLean let out a long frustrated exhale before saying, “I’m not taking any chances with you.”

It was sweet that he wanted to protect her, but his over-protecting was suffocating. “I’m not a prisoner, McLean. I can come and go as I wish. Now if you give me a reason, a good reason, why I shouldn’t, I’ll reconsider my actions. Until then, please refrain from bossing me around. I’m not into that ‘I’m a man, you must obey me’ crap.”

She pulled her arm from his grasp, walked into the house, and slammed the door. Then she recalled why she needed to speak to him. I never told him about Sissie. She grinned and walked toward the stairs to check on Evie. Serves you right if she lays in to your butt for keeping secrets.

Donna was glad Sissie was on her way. If anyone could get information out of either of those two men, it was her. If Bubba didn’t talk, she could always threaten to hit him again.

Once inside the nursery, she looked at Evie. Her words to McLean came back. McLean wasn’t only trying to keep her safe, but Evie too. Donna had no right denying him that. “Darn it. Why can’t I control my temper around him?”

He was the one person who could get her so riled up she could scream, and the next breath, make her so hot for him she practically purred. It was an emotional roller coaster she wasn’t used to. Her life until recently had been so humdrum one would’ve called it boring. Her father had sent her to Honeywell for her so-called safety, and her life had become anything but ordinary. Is that what it would be like if McLean and I had a relationship? An endless swirl of drama? That didn’t appeal to her. Somehow she needed to put normal back in her life.

That was why she’d called Sissie in the first place. Donna needed a friend to bounce all this off of. She was someone who wouldn’t judge her for being thirty years old and not having a clue on how to deal with these newfound emotions. Why would she laugh at me when she found her true love at fifty?

The entire situation was ironic. She only knew Sissie because her father wanted her out of danger. Sissie ended up being right smack in the middle of it with everyone else. And to top it off, they ended up not only becoming best friends, but Sissie was going to be her stepmother. Maybe my life isn’t the only one that feels like it’s in a tailspin.

Donna wasn’t about to make light of the tragedy that affected more than the small town of Honeywell. She’d only heard bits and pieces, but from what she’d gathered, those were men and women who, over the course of years, had sacrificed their lives to keep the world safe.

McLean survived, but he had both physical and mental scars that would always be with him. She should’ve been more tolerant of him barking his orders. She had no doubt it was generated from a mix of fear and anger . . . and the need for control. He wasn’t a soldier trained for battle. From what she knew, he was a loner and peaceful until pushed. Here she was, pushing him for no good reason except her own insecurities.

I’m lucky he didn’t chew my head off. McLean wasn’t only healing from the gunshot. He’d lost his best friend that day. I can’t believe I’m acting exactly like what I’ve tried so hard not to be: a spoiled rich girl whining because I didn’t get my way. Donna laughed at herself. She didn’t need Sissie or anyone else to tell her to pull her head out of her butt. This behavior stops now.

Somehow she was going to find a way to apologize to McLean. It was time to be the woman she knew she was, and pushing someone’s buttons just because she could wasn’t it. She tried thinking of what to say, but nothing came to mind. Pulling him into her arms and kissing him until he forgave her sounded good. Although the outcome might be sweet, the words still needed to be voiced. Talk first then maybe kiss.

With Evie still sleeping she went downstairs to see if McLean was still close by. Instead of opening the door and getting him riled up again, she moved the curtain and peeked out the window. He was there and so was Sissie. From the look on her face, she wasn’t pleased with what they were discussing. Why do I have a feeling the topic is me?

She was tempted to knock on the window to get Sissie’s attention, but that wasn’t going to help her. The best thing she could do was ride it out and wait for whatever lecture was to come. Then I can tell my side of the story. That was one good thing about Sissie. She was a great listener. That’s probably why she knows so much. We keep rambling, and she soaks it all in.

Donna told herself she would ask the questions and not the other way around. It sounded good, but pulling that off was going to be nearly impossible. There was a running joke that Sissie could work for the government in interrogations. Sometimes I think she already does.

She didn’t have to wait long before both Sissie and McLean entered. She wasn’t sure which one looked more upset. Oh boy.

“Forget to tell me you were expecting someone?” McLean asked gruffly.

Forcing a smile, she remembered her promise to herself. Be nice no matter what. He’s just doing his job. “I was going to, but somehow I was . . . distracted.” That was the truth.

“Do I have to remind y’all that you’re on the same side?” Sissie asked as she hooked her arm with McLean’s and dragged him to sit near Donna. Once he sat, Sissie continued, “I don’t know about y’all, but I could cut the tension in the air with a knife.”

Donna and McLean exchanged a look that said neither wanted to correct her. Whoever spoke was going to be in Sissie’s line of fire. And that ain’t going to be me. Sissie stood there waiting for one of them to break the silence. Thankfully Evie’s soft cry sounded on the monitor, giving Donna the out she needed.

“Excuse me, I’m being summoned,” Donna said.

Sissie shook her head. “Not so fast, young lady. I think y’all need to talk. I’ll get Evie.”

Sissie went upstairs, leaving Donna and McLean together on the couch. She’d wanted to talk to him but on her own terms. Glancing at McLean, he didn’t seem thrilled at this either.

Someone needed to start, so she decided it should be her. “Sorry. I really should’ve told you she was coming.”

“Ya think?” McLean snapped. Her eyes widened at his coldness. Then he softened his tone and added, “I’m sorry too. Yelling at you wasn’t my intention earlier. I was just trying to—”

“I know. And I wasn’t making it easy for you,” Donna said quickly, so he didn’t have to open up that old wound again. She was about to continue when Sissie’s voice came through on the baby monitor, still on the coffee table in front of them.

“I know, Evie. Those two are plum stubborn. They are so busy arguing over dumb stuff they can’t see what’s right in front of them. I’m telling you, I don’t think I’ve seen two people work so hard to hide the fact that they’re crazy about each other. If either of them would open their eyes, I wouldn’t need to be here right now. What do you think, Evie? Is little ole Sissie gonna have to help things along?” Sissie’s laughter boomed on the monitor. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Maybe I should’ve brought some of that peach moonshine with me. That’d loosen those two up for sure. Sometimes people are afraid to take the first step and say how they feel ’cause they’re afraid of rejection. You know, instead of telling the other person they’ve been acting like a jerk, ’cause they don’t know how to deal with all the feelings building up inside. They get scared and run. Who knows, if they actually do talk things out, maybe you’ll have a little playmate in a year.”

Donna couldn’t help but blush. If she thought for one minute Sissie would’ve been talking about her and McLean, she’d have turned off the monitor. She’d lived at the Wild Sass with Sissie for the past few months. She’d never heard Sissie talking to herself. Why now? Oh, you didn’t, did you? Her gut said they were falling right into Sissie’s trap.

Donna reached over and turned off the monitor before they heard anything that really would embarrass them. Thank God I didn’t tell her about that kiss.

“That’s—”

“Awkward?” Donna asked.

McLean didn’t answer. Instead, he reached out and took her hand in his. “Maybe we should talk.”

“We were talking.”

“No. We were avoiding talking,” McLean responded.

Ain’t that the truth? “You’re right. There’s a lot we should talk about. Maybe we can start with why I was upset earlier.”

“Whatever you want to say, I’ll listen.”

She smiled at him and gripped his hand tighter. “When you wouldn’t tell me what was going on, I felt as though you didn’t trust me to be able to handle it. That’s how I’ve been treated my whole life. People, especially my father, have always made choices for me when I’m darn capable of making them for myself. I wanted it to be different with you.” Donna was shocked by how honest and vulnerable she was. She was unsure if it was because she wanted to be or because he needed her to be. Either way, she could see it touched him.

“You’re right. I should’ve been honest with you from the start. The problem is I don’t know exactly what we are dealing with.”

“Even now?” She needed him to open up even if he wasn’t sure what to say, as long as whatever it was, was the truth.

“Sissie is the one who cleared up a few things for me. Let’s just say she laid in to me for treating Bubba’s daughter like some criminal.”

“Bubba’s daughter? He never mentioned one before.” He doesn’t strike me as a father either.

“Yeah. That’s because he doesn’t know. She was our surprise visitor. She told me who she was, and I didn’t believe her. I sent her to Honeywell to stay in the hotel. Guess she went to the Wild Sass for a drink, and in good ole Sissie fashion, she got her to open up.”

Donna knew exactly what McLean meant. It was Sissie’s gift and a curse to anyone in her path. If she told me she was physic, I would believe her. “So what are you going to do about it?”

“Sissie is going to come back with her tomorrow and help with introductions.”

Donna gasped. “Is that a good idea? She gave him a black eye a few days ago. How is she going to explain that?”

McLean laughed. “Sissie has no problem taking care of herself, or haven’t you noticed?”

“It’s hard to miss. Does this mean whatever threat you were concerned about is over?”

McLean nodded. “I may have overreacted but—”

“You were protecting us. I’d rather you do that than let anything happen to us.” McLean shrugged. “I mean it, McLean. I’m not angry, well not anymore. Just promise me something.”

“Anything,” McLean said, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Next time, let me in on what’s happening. I’m not as fragile as you may think.”

He smiled at her. “And how do you know what I think?”

Donna had assumed based on his actions, which really wasn’t fairer to him than he’d been to her. “I guess I don’t.”

“Maybe I should tell you.” He lifted her hand to his lips, placed a kiss on her fingers, then brought her hand to rest on his lap. “Do you know I haven’t stopped thinking of you from the moment I saw you a few months ago?” She shook her head. “I even remember what you were wearing. You had on a pair of jean shorts with what looked like new boots, and a white shirt that came off your shoulders. Your hair was pulled up and tucked under a hat.” He brushed her bangs from her face. “I like it better down.”

This was a side of McLean she’d never encountered before. She wanted to hear more, but at the same time, she wished he’d shut up and kiss her already. I don’t need moonshine to get hot for him. I’ve been hot for months.

“You had just waited on the table next to me and were heading my direction. I was at the bar, and I knew it was only a matter of time before you came for my order. I had it all worked out. Ask for a beer then your number.” McLean grinned.

Donna blushed slightly. “You didn’t do either. Why?”

“One of the guys from the ranch on the other side of town pulled you onto the dance floor. Damn, I hated that guy.” McLean chuckled.

She remembered the guy. He wasn’t much better to look at than Bubba. “That was one dance.”

“No that was the start of many dances to follow. You had every guy in the place chasing you. Hell, I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. That sweet innocent smile of yours lit up the room. If I’d gotten up and walked over to you, I’d probably have spent a month in jail for beating every one of those guys till their eyes were swollen shut.”

“That’s harsh, don’t you think?” Donna could tell he meant it.

“Yup. But it was like a knife twisting in my gut each time you danced with them. You didn’t seem to give a shi—give a hoot, but they took a fancy to you and I . . . didn’t like it.”

Even though Donna knew he wasn’t totally joking, it also hadn’t happened exactly the way he’d seen it either. The guys may have been dragging her to the dance floor, but they were all drunk and probably couldn’t see who they were dancing with. Either way, she found it flattering that he was jealous. “It’s been months, McLean, and you still haven’t asked me to dance.” She was only half teasing.

McLean didn’t miss the offer. He stood up, pulled out his cell phone, and fiddled with it. Within seconds the room was filled with the sound of a country love song. “May I?” McLean asked with his hand out in her direction.

There was nothing she wanted more than to be back in his arms. The last time ended too quickly. This couldn’t end the way she wanted either because they weren’t alone. Any minute Sissie could come barreling down those stairs. Sissie may have put this conversation in motion, but it was now hers to act on. Don’t let this slip by. Who knows if there will be another opportunity?

Placing her hand in his, he pulled her into his arms. She noticed his jaw twitch as he did and realized he’d used his injured arm. “Are you—?”

“I’m fine,” McLean said as her body made contact with his.

She didn’t believe him, but she didn’t want to break the magic moment. As his hands slipped behind her back, she wrapped hers around his neck. Donna had never been pressed up against him like that. There didn’t seem to be a spot on him that wasn’t pure muscle. Even as her thighs brushed against his, she felt their power. She could only imagine what he’d feel like without any barriers.

His hands moved up and down her back; he was igniting a fire, unlike anything she’d felt before. Donna buried her face in his neck and inhaled his musky scent. Without realizing, her lips began placing light kisses on his bare skin.

“Babe, I don’t know if you feel that, but you’re starting something we ain’t gonna be able to finish right now.”

As his hips brushed her, she felt the hard bulge growing larger. I really wish I hadn’t invited Sissie. Although she didn’t want to, Donna knew McLean was right: they needed to dance and nothing more. Pulling her head away from his neck, she said, “Maybe you can come back tonight for dinner?” And dessert.

The song ended, and they stood still, holding each other. McLean looked down at her. “Is she staying the night?”

“God, I hope not.” She loved Sissie and normally would love the company, but not tonight.

“Oh, don’t you two worry. I’m heading out long before you two . . . eat.” Sissie sent a playful wink in their direction.

Donna’s cheeks flushed again. “I didn’t mean—”

“Hush now. I know exactly what you meant. Heck, I’d be worried if you wanted me here.” Sissie took Evie over to Donna and asked, “Guess whose diaper needs changing?” She placed the smiling baby into her arms. Then she turned to McLean and said, “And I believe you and I have a few things to discuss before I leave.”

Donna shot him a look, and he said, “Don’t worry, it’s about me.”

“Darn straight it is. This young lady is gonna be family. So you can either hear it from me or her father.”

Donna rolled her eyes. “Really?”

McLean laughed. “We’re a bit old for a talking to, don’t ya think?”

Sissie shook her head. “Has that ever stopped me before?”

“No ma’am, it hasn’t.” McLean leaned over and kissed Donna briefly on the lips. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Looking forward to it.” Donna watched as he headed to the porch. Sissie lingered. “Aren’t you going with McLean?”

“He’ll wait,” Sissie said smugly. “We also need to talk.”

Donna should’ve anticipated she wasn’t going to get off scot-free. “I thought Evie needed changing.”

Sissie arched a brow. “Ya really think I didn’t take care of that before coming downstairs?” She sat on the couch. “Ya might as well join me, ’cause I ain’t leaving till you do.”

Donna walked over and plopped next to her. “I agree with McLean. We really are too old for this.”

“Too old for people to love ya and want ya to be happy?”

How was Donna going to argue with that? “I guess not.”

“Good, ’cause it wasn’t gonna stop me anyhow.” Sissie became more serious when she spoke next. “I know I’m not your mother, and you don’t need motherly advice, but I’d like to think we’re good enough friends to be there for each other.”

Donna smiled. “I loved my mother, but we never had what you’d consider a normal relationship. We were so different. If she was alive now, I’m not sure we would be as close as you and I are.”

She saw Sissie’s eye glisten briefly. Then as quick as it was there, it vanished.

“I’m glad you feel that way. That’s why I hope you know what I’m about to say is said with love.”

Donna nodded and waited.

“You’re too much like me. We overthink things and run if something doesn’t seem to fit. It scares the dickens out of us. It’s how I felt when I met your father. The first time we were introduced, I was stumbling over my words and had no idea what to say. Can you imagine me being tongue-tied?”

Donna grinned. “I’m not sure I believe it now.”

“Well, it’s the truth. It’s the same with you. I’ve been watching you and McLean. You don’t get quiet, but you change around him, as though your confidence vanishes. It’s because you’re with someone who gets your heart racing and your head spinning. But what you need to do is run to it and not from it. You two really belong together. If I didn’t think so, I would’ve told Casey yes when she asked me to babysit Evie instead of sending her your way.”

What? You did this to me? Donna’s eyes were wide in shock. “Are you saying—?”

Sissie laughed. “Darlin’, did you forget who you’re dealing with? I’m the master matchmaker. I thought you’d figured that out by now.”

“I did, I just didn’t realize what level of manipulation you’d go to.”

“I wouldn’t call it manipulation. It’s more like gentle nudges.”

Donna laughed. “Gentle? I’d hate to see what it would be like if you nudged hard.”

“Oh, I’ve had to do that in the past, but trust me, their wedding was amazing.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”

“So I’ve been told. But your father hasn’t figured that out yet, so let’s keep it a secret.”

“My lips are sealed. So if you’re done with me, I believe McLean is waiting for you on the porch. Are you really going to give him a talking to?” Donna almost felt bad for him.

Sissie chuckled. “No way. But it does him good to stew about it for a while. Ya got to keep them on their toes.”

Donna leaned over and gave Sissie a quick hug. “Thank you for everything. Even for the little push earlier.”

“Oh, my. Was the monitor still on?” Sissie asked, laughing. “From what I saw, it worked.”

“That it did.”

As Sissie headed out, Donna leaned back on the couch and looked at Evie. She was the sweetest baby one could ask for.

“Listen here little girl, don’t you be picking up any of Sissie’s habits. I don’t need two of you interfering, you hear?” Evie made a cooing sound as though she already had something to say about that. “Yup. Just what I thought. It’s too late.” Her cell phone rang, and she looked at caller ID. It was Casey trying to Facetime. “Look. It’s Mommy.”

Casey’s face appeared, and Donna held the phone so Evie was in view. “I miss you so much, Evie.” Casey’s eyes watered as she saw her baby.

Donna could only imagine what it was like to leave her two-month-old. “She misses you too, Casey. Don’t worry. She’s doing great. Sissie even came by to spend time with her.”

“Sissie? I thought she said she was going away with Ryan and couldn’t watch her.”

Yeah, about that. “There was a last minute change of plans I guess. But I’m glad, because I’m really enjoying this.” Donna was surprised how true that was. What had scared her at first didn’t any longer. If anything, looking at this sweet baby girl made her wonder what it would be like to be a mother. It had been years since she’d allowed herself to believe it was possible. But being here and being near McLean changed that. She could be who she was inside, and that felt amazing. I’m not afraid of dreaming again.

“Well I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Sadly, it’s about to come to an end. We’re flying back today and should be home by midnight. I really can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me, Donna. I hope you know we love you like family.”

It was Donna’s turn to fight back the tears. “I love you too.”

Casey smiled and said, “I better get off the phone. I need to spend as much time with my father as I can before we leave. Thankfully he’s doing so much better. See you later tonight. Bye, Donna.” In a soft voice she added, “Bye, Evie. Mommy loves you, and I’ll see you soon.”

Before the call ended Donna saw Casey had a difficult time holding it together. Looking at Evie she knew she recognized her mother’s voice. Within seconds Evie’s bottom lip was trembling, and her crying started. Holding her close to her chest, Donna rubbed her back and said, “I know sweetie, but she’ll be home tonight and everything will be back to normal.”

That was good as far as the Nash family was concerned, but Donna didn’t want to go back to her old ways. Her future was waiting for her. Sissie’s visit today reminded her of that. It was time to stop living so cautiously. After dinner she was going to tell McLean how she felt. It was risky, because he was so set in his ways. There was a good chance his life didn’t have room for her. But if she didn’t open herself to him, she knew she’d regret it for the rest of her life.

Donna headed for the kitchen. She had a lot to plan and wanted everything to be perfect. There was one small problem. If he did feel the same way about her, there was only so much celebrating they could do in someone else’s house. I don’t think that’s what Casey meant when she said make yourself at home.