Page 38 of SEAL of Valor

I snort. “I don’t know that that’s in the cards for me. At least, not when it comes to Weston Hayes. Infuriatingly stubborn cowboy that he is.”

Tessa laughs. “Fair enough. Are you planning on coming to the festival tomorrow? Zane and I are going, and it would be great if you’d come along, too.”

“Oh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Weston doesn’t usually come with us. Come on, it’ll be fun. Like old times.”

Except it won’t be. Because the four of us always went together. And now it will be Zane and Tessa…and me.

“I’ll think about it. Thanks for the invite.”

“You’re welcome.” She leans back. “Now, tell me what else has been going on? Catch me up!”

“Catch you up? How about you tell me how Zane saved your life?”

Tessa grins at me. “That is a pretty crazy story.”

I take a sip of coffee. “I’ve got time.”

This is a mistake.

Even as I recognize it, I still make my way down Main Street, a nervous smile on my face as I walk beside Tessa. She showed up at my mom’s house an hour ago, refusing to take no for an answer, even though I was pretty determined to stay home.

The risk of running into Weston is just too great. Then again, given that he lives only a few miles from me on the same ranch, I suppose the risk of running into him there is just as high. Maybe even higher.

My mom wasn’t any help, either, since she was headed out the door to come join a friend of hers in a booth so the two of them could serve cotton candy together. She insisted I come, practically shoving me out the door.

All while I tried to think of an excuse—any excuse—to get me out of coming here tonight.

All around me, people laugh and celebrate as they shop in booths lining the street and play the same games that have been at the fall festival for as long as I can remember. The same guy who runs the duck race is even still here, though his signature handlebar mustache is more salt than pepper these days.

“This way,” Tessa says, a bright smile on her face as she leads me down toward the church. The crowd in front of us parts enough that I can see where we’re headed. Zane Knox sees me first. He smiles kindly, hazel eyes bright and happy as the boy I used to know. Even though the man he is now leaves little room for that reminder.

Both arms are covered in tattoos, and he’s filled out in the muscle department. Not quite to Weston’s caliber, but certainly enough to be considered a dangerous soldier.

What was in the Navy’s water?

“Hey, Reese, it’s good to see you.” He pulls me in for a hug then releases me.

“Reese, it is so good to see you again!” Linda Knox, Zane and Anastasia’s mother, claps her hands together and wraps her arms around me in a quick, hard hug.

I smile at her. “You, too, Mrs. Knox.”

“It’s Momma Knox, and you know that.” She beams at me, then turns her attention to a couple who just stopped in front of her booth, which is full of crocheted animals, plants, and some gorgeous handmade coffee mugs.

“You ready to do some walking?” Tessa asks Zane.

“I am.” He leans in and kisses her quickly, then takes her hand. “Mom, I’m going to go and win my girl a teddy bear.”

She smiles at her son. “Sounds great, honey. Anastasia and Sawyer will be here in a few minutes to help, so you’re off the hook.”

“Call if you need me.”

He and Tessa leave the line of booths, and I follow, hating just how much of a third wheel I feel like. I really should have stayed home.

Ten minutes.

I’ll give it ten minutes, then slip away. No one can fault me for that, right? After all, ten minutes is a good college try when it comes to festivals, ex-husbands, and small towns.