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The words had jolted Katherine from her silent reverie.

“How can you keep her out there so long? She needs to be ready for the sitter. You know we have dinner with the entire news team and the Fraser family tonight. Do youwantus to be late?”

Katherine had jumped at the sound of Julia’s voice and jumped again when the screen door slammed shut. Looking at her watch, she saw that it had been over an hour since Matthew brought Libby outside so Julia could finish her phone call.

“Come on, Libby Doll,” Matthew had said. “Let’s get you ready for Mrs. Macomb. Tonight is Mommy’s big night.”

From that Sunday on, Katherine was out of bed as early as possible to avoid any chance encounters with her neighbors. If she detected even a hint of noise coming from the house next door, she’d quickly put away her gardening tools and retreated inside because she didn’t think she could stomach any more of Julia Brandon.

Even now, staring at the TV screen in the diner, Katherine felt the same sting of sadness for Matthew the day Julia was yelling at him for being a kind and loving father. And she wondered how he could have married such a mean-spirited, selfish woman.

Then it hit her.

The realization that flattened her heart like a ton of bricks.

“I’m jealous,” she whispered to herself as the words echoed in her mind. She’d been wanting what Julia had, and now the guilt and shame of it were so painfully heavy.

“God, help me,” she sighed, closing her eyes and lowering her head. She’d been struggling with so many feelings since the day she’d met Matthew Brandon. Feelings she knew she didn’t have the right to feel. “Please help me get over this stupid crush.”

Disappointed yet determined to erase the Brandons from her thoughts, Katherine reached for the television remote and started flipping through channels.

“Good evening, ma’am,” came a familiar voice, causing her to jump. When she looked over, she saw Justin Macomb standing inside the doorway in his uniform. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Justin was a lateral transfer from Glasgow, Kentucky, and the baby brother of Chief Bennett’s childhood friend. To Katherine, he was a protective big brother, verbal sparring partner, occasional pain in the ass, and pretty decent guy all rolled up in one.

“Why areyouout so late?” she asked, shutting off the television. “Callie finally come to her senses and boot you out?”

“Nah, I still got her fooled,” he chuckled, a twinkle in his eye at the mention of his wife. “But I’m surprised to see you burnin’ the midnight oil. Grace still around?”

“No, she left at closing,” Katherine said, checking her watch. “Wow, I didn’t think it was that late. You need something?”

“Need?” he chuckled. “No, ma’am, but I wouldn’t mind a piece of that blackberry pie over there.”

Justin tipped his head toward the row of glass-domed cake stands on the back counter. Eight in all, each alternating between scratch-made pies and frosted layer cakes.

“You always did have a knack for spotting your favorite dessert from a mile away.”

“I’d be happy to take it to go if you’re tryin’ to lock up.”

“No, come on in. I was just going through some receipts,” Katherine said, gesturing to the sales slips on the counter. “I might be a while.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Justin looked over his shoulder to wave someone inside. “My partner and I would be happy to take a couple slices of that pie and some coffee off your hands.”

“Anything for you.” Katherine smiled, turning back to the counter to tidy up. “Grab a seat while I pick up this mess. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Even though Justin Macomb was older than Katherine, out of upbringing and respect for women, he always referred to her as ma’am. Something Katherine found endearing and sometimes annoying.

With her back still turned, she headed to the prehistoric brewer to see if enough coffee was left for two decent-sized servings. “Hope you don’t mind. This pot-a-joe has been on the warmer a while.”

“No problem,” Justin called out with a lighthearted chuckle. “You know me. I ain’t too picky. What about you, Matt?”

“Okay, by me.”

Katherine stopped mid-pour on the second mug of coffee. She knew that voice. In fact, she’d recognize it anywhere.

“Two coffees coming right up!” she called out over her shoulder before murmuring under her breath, “Lord, give me strength.”