As I’m taking the turnoff to skirt past downtown Paradise Springs, my phone jingles. I answer on speaker because it’s Carmel.
“My daughter had a little girl, Mr. Fox.”
“Congratulations! Everything okay?”
“It’s more than okay here. But Angelita and I are shifting the schedule around so someone can be with your mom at all times until you find one more lady to fill in when there’s an emergency. Angelita said her daughter, Bella, can cover tonight, if you’re okay with that. Bella’s good, Mr. Fox. She’s young. But she’s patient, and she’ll be good at diverting your mom when she’s getting her mind set on something.” She pauses. “But neither one of them can come in for the day shift tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about it. Mom and I did fine last night. I’ll bring her to the ranch tomorrow, if she’s up to it, or we’ll stay at her place. You go spend time with your new granddaughter. I’ll call the other lady you recommended. We’ll miss you here, but stay in Atlanta for as long as you need.”
I hear the smile in her voice when she says, “Thank you, Mr. Fox.”
I park in front of Boots and Bikinis, my first stop. After I purchase what I need, I get back in my pickup and drive downtown.
Wren’s sitting on the bench on the edge of the town square, coffee in hand, wearing her sunhat and enormous sunglasses. She’s leaning back, her legs stretched out in front of her, and I’m surprised she isn’t stopping traffic with those legs. I pull into a parking spot nearest to the bench and hop out.
“I hope you don’t think I’m stalking you.” I sit down on the bench next to her, my heart thumping in my chest because she could think that I’m coming on too fast and too hard and maybe she really does consider me an ass now after how I acted yesterday.
“How was your date last night?” she says, her eyes roaming my face. “That good, huh? You look exhausted.”
“I have another date right now.”
“Oh.”
I’m not going to lie—seeing the disappointment in her eyes makes me feel a spark of relief and happiness.
“You want to come with me?”
“That’s not really my thing,” she says.
I slide the hat box from Boots and Bikinis onto her lap.
“What’s this?”
“A hat box.”
“You want me to hold your new hat on my lap for you while you go on your date?”
“That hat doesn’t fit me.”
“So… you’re returning it?”
“Instead of asking me a bunch of annoying questions, you could open the box and look inside. It’s for you. It’s an apology hat… for last night. I should have explained where I was going, and I didn’t.”
“It’s none of my business,” she says, her voice tight.
“I was with my mom last night, Wren. That’s why I had to cancel dinner with you. My mom’s caregiver’s daughter was in labor and had to leave. I should have explained where I was going. My mom can’t be safely left alone.”
She looks up at me, her eyes filled with compassion. “I’m sorry, John.”
“Thank you,” I say gruffly, and she slides a hand over mine.
“Also—” I meet her eyes, so she can see the sincerity on my face. “About your profession… you know, dancing.”
“John—”
“No, let me explain. I like you, Wren. I want to get to know you. I want to spend as much time with you as I can until you leave. I’m hoping I didn’t blow it last night.”
“John—”
