“We’re in a little bit of a waiting pattern right now,” Lyle said.
Quentin nodded, his shrewd gaze volleying between Lyle and Heather. “Well, you know I’m a phone call away.” He dug into his chicken, which was as tender and delicious as if it had been prepared by a five-star Michelin chef.
“Thanks Grampa.” Lyle passed a bowl of potatoes to Heather who was helping Charlotte cut her chicken. “You doing all right? Keeping busy?”
“Yep. You know me. Don’t let no grass grow under my feet. Could do with a little more communication from a couple of my grandsons, though. About the only one who takes the time for me is Joe and your sister.”
“Now that’s not true,” Mike interjected.
Quentin laughed. “Just making sure you’re all on your toes. Heard from Dora today, though. She FaceTimed me so I could see those cute great-grandbabies.”
“How are they?” Lyle asked.
Heather glanced at him, wondering if that was a touch of wistfulness she heard in his voice.
“Doing great. Katie’s about to start some sort of homeschooling type preschool and Ryan’s walking and getting into everything. Kids are keeping Dora and Ethan mighty busy. Dora said Ozzie’s got some matchmaking scheme going with your replacement vet.”
For Heather’s benefit, Lyle turned to her. “Ozzie Peyton is the one I told you about who’s determined to marry off all the single guys in Shotgun Ridge.”
Quentin laughed. “Doing a pretty good job so far. Your sister’s happy enough. Thought I might fire up the jet and take a run out there sometime soon. Have a visit.” He took a sip of his iced sweet tea and looked at Lyle. “Any of you feel like hitching a ride with me?”
Heather watched Lyle closely. She knew he missed his sister and the friends he’d made in Shotgun Ridge. And she knew if it hadn’t been for Charlotte, and the promise he’d made to Jeff and Sherry, he’d still be there today.
Lyle shook his head. “Until this thing with Heather gets cleared up, I’ll be sticking close to home. Maybe we’ll reassess a little later. I do have some loose ends to tie up.”
“Good enough. I’m always looking for an excuse to get that jet in the air.”
Later that evening, after Charlotte had been tucked into bed with Pudge curled at her feet, Heather found herself on the back porch with Lyle. The night was clear, stars scattered across the Texas sky like diamonds on black velvet. The gentle sound of crickets and the occasional distant lowing of cattle created a peaceful backdrop that almost made her forget the day's tense revelations.
"You're awfully quiet," Lyle said, his shoulder brushing against hers as they leaned on the porch railing.
"Just thinking." She turned to face him, moonlight casting shadows across his features. "Are you sure about all this? Getting involved in my mess... it could be dangerous."
"Heather." His voice was soft but firm as he reached for her hand. "I was sure the moment you came barreling into my barn with that bee-stung puppy. Maybe even before that."
She couldn't help but smile at the memory. "That seems like forever ago."
"A lot's happened since then."
"Yes." She glanced through the window where she could see Joe once again working at his laptop. Kenny was cleaning his service weapon at the kitchen table, and Mike was putting away the last of the dishes. "Your family is amazing, you know that?"
"Yeah,” he said, smiling. “They’ll do.”
The genuine words settled around them, but a nagging worry surfaced, a worry she’d been able to ignore for a while but had jumped right back to the forefront at dinner tonight. "What about Montana? Do you still have one foot out the door?"
Lyle was quiet for a moment, his thumb tracing circles on her palm. "I've been thinking about that. A lot, actually."
"And?"
"Maybe I was looking for something out there that I already had right here." He turned to face her fully. "I was running, I think. From expectations, both perceived and real, from putting down roots. But watching you these past weeks, how you've built something here, how you've faced your fears head-on, it's made me realize something."
"What's that?"
"That sometimes the bravest thing isn't running away. It's staying. Fighting for what matters." His free hand came up to cup her cheek. "And you matter, Firefly. You and Charlotte, my brothers, this town. It all matters."
Heather felt tears threatening again. "What about your practice in Shotgun Ridge?"
"I don’t know yet. I could sell it. Or maybe I'll keep a stake in it, consult sometimes. Right now we need to tackle one thing at a time. And first on that list is making sure you’re safe.”
