I whistle to the tune of a song on the radio while Haley sits stiffly in the passenger seat. It’s hard to keep from grinning every time I look over at her. It’s probably driving her crazy that I didn’t immediately go along with her decision that this thing between us isn’t going to happen. She doesn’t realize that she threw gasoline on the fire of my attraction to her. I found her oddly intriguing when I first saw her, but now that I’m getting to know more about her, she’s definitely piqued my interest. And that’s probably putting it lightly.

She makes it to within an hour of the ranch before her curiosity gets the better of her. “So how long have you worked for my father?”

“I’ve known him for a while, but I’ve only been at the ranch for a couple of months now.”

She nods slowly, digesting. “What did you do before?”

“I was at another ranch. I’m sure you know the type.” She probably thinks I’m a ranch hand, and that’s fine. She can think that as long as she wants. It’ll be easier for everyone if she does.

“Yeah, I definitely know the type.” There’s a hint of disdain in her tone.

“Bad experience?”

She turns to look out the window. “You could say that.”

She falls silent and doesn’t speak again until we reach the ranch. She sighs heavily when we drive under the stone archway that boasts the Circle B emblem. Her expression is even heavier.

“I don’t know if I should say ‘welcome home’ or give you my condolences.”

“I don’t either,” she replies quietly.

Two minutes later, the house comes into view. It’s an impressive place with its stone façade and sweeping arches. It looks as old as the land. Even Haley’s face seems to soften at the sight.

“Were you born here?”

“Born and raised.”

“Been a while since you’ve been back, though, right?”

She whips her head to look at me. “I thought you didn’t know who I was.”

“I didn’t. But I know that John’s oldest daughter, Piper hasn’t been home in a while.”

“I hate that name,” she murmurs.

“Another bad experience?”

She turns away again, not answering my question. I guess her reaction speaks for itself. “Then you probably heard the gory details. Around here, everyone knows your business. Everybody thinks they know you. But they don’t. They don’t know anything.” The last she adds in a whisper that practically bleeds emotion.

I pull through the circular drive and stop in front of the main house. John is sitting in a wicker rocker on the front porch.

Haley gets out when I do. Her father rises from his seat and awaits her. I get her luggage from the back seat.

“Look what the cat dragged in,” John teases with a big smile. “Come here and give your old man a hug.”

Haley steps into arms that wrap quickly around her. “Hi, Daddy,” she greets softly.

“Missed you so much, Piper.”

“Please don’t call me that.” Her tone isn’t sharp or insolent, just pleading.

“Just once, for old time’s sake.” He leans back to look at her. “Don’t you look all grown up? Last time I saw you, your hair was bright blue, I think.”

“Last time I saw you, yours had color, too.” She plucks at the gray patches of hair at his temples.

“Old men have gray hair. Four daughters and a few years will do that to a guy.”

“Especially when the oldest daughter is as rebellious as I was.”

“You got that from your mother. Made me love you even more. That and your pigtails.”

He grins and tugs her hair. It isn’t hard to imagine he did the same thing when she was younger.

The silly gesture seems to break something in Haley. Her chin trembles, and her hazel eyes fill with tears. I should feel like an ass for intruding on such a tender scene between father and daughter, but I can’t bring myself to look away from her. It’s like watching the delicate petals of a beautiful flower open up for the first time.

“I…I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been home.”

John’s expression softens, and he cups her cheek with one hand. “I knew you needed to go, that you needed to be away from here for a while.”

“But I should’ve come back.”

“You did. Here you are.”

“But before now.”

“I knew you’d come when you were ready.”

“I swore I’d never set foot on this ranch again, but you didn’t deserve that, Daddy.”

John folds Haley into a sweet hug, petting her hair as he looks up and meets my eyes. “I’m just glad you’re home.”

Not at all spoken like the man who’s getting ready to lose everything.