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I could give my love to these horses, care for those who were in need. They didn’t know or care about my identity.

“I need to get to work.” I walked from the house, fleeing from the wave of sorrow that washed over me. Besides, Warren would be here any moment.

When I turned into the barn, the wisps of morning sun began to shine upon the rotted wood siding. The warmth did little to soothe the chill on my skin.

Keith followed. “We belong together, Eva. It just makes so much sense—and you know how much I care about you.”

I grabbed a bucket, lifted the pump handle, and sighed. Nothing emerged.

“I can’t talk about this right now,” I said with a weary sigh. “If you want to help, do you know how to fix this pump?”

He shook his head. “I can send our new handyman, Jeffrey, over if you want.”

“Don’t bother,” I said with a wave. “I’ll figure something out.”

What choice did I have? I was alone here, left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life.

Warren

When I pulled into Birkstrom, there was an extra vehicle in the driveway, and my pulse raced.

Eva’s neighbor. Again.

And so early? It was hardly six a.m.

My mind snapped into combat mode, into sneaking through the buildings unnoticed and cornering the opposing forces. But before I’d even left my truck, a tall blond man came walking out of the barn, brushing his hair back. This wasn’t the same man as the day before.

I stepped in front of his path, and he drew to a stop. He looked up at me in surprise. “Who are you?”

“I might ask the same question,” I growled. I stood several inches taller than him, and I channeled my best General Patton look of intimidation.

He turned back to the barn. “Oh, are you with the new set of hooves?”

“Captain Warren Hayes.” I offered a hand in forced cordiality.

My rank seemed to have the desired effect. He went somber and his jaw flexed.

“Keith Merrick,” he said, shaking my hand hesitantly. “I own the stables down the road.”

I nodded. “I gave another man by the name of Merrick a very clear directive that there were to be no more friendly neighbor visits.”

“That was my father.” Keith rolled his shoulders back. “Eva and I are a bit more than neighbors, Captain.”

The implication surprised me, but I covered any outward revelation. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. He and Eva were around the same age, so it was possible.

“How do you know her?” he asked.

“I was stationed with Lieutenant Bryant in Germany.”

Keith nodded and shrank back a tiny bit.

“Did you serve?” I sensed I already knew the answer from the new tension in his shoulders and how he avoided my gaze.

“I was needed to run the ranch—cattle, you know.” He lifted his chin. “Food production and all.”

The man I’d seen yesterday was fit and able enough to run a ranch. But Father had gotten William out of active duty through his connections, so I couldn’t judge too harshly.

“Germany?” Keith eyed me testily. “I thought Eva was assigned to the Pacific Theatre.”