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“I don’t know how you do that,” she mumbled, gazing up at him.

“Do what?”

“Take away all the stress. You have magic hands, and I needed them so badly.”

“Annie, sit down, you look wiped out.”

“I am,” she muttered, dropping her wig and hat on the table. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired in my life.”

“Not even after one of your concerts?”

“Not even then. When I turned down Main Street and stopped at the hotel, I don’t think I could have driven another mile.”

“Here, you need this,” he said, reaching for the coffee pot and pouring her a cup. “I don’t know if you remember mom’s famous blueberry muffins, but she brought a batch over yesterday. Help yourself.”

“How could I forget, and thanks, I’m starving,” she mumbled, reaching for one and taking a bite, then adding cream and sugar to her coffee she took a long drink and let out a sigh. “That’s so good.”

Still amazed she was sitting at his kitchen table he didn’t know what to say, then suddenly the words spilled from his lips.

“Annie, I don’t know what to make of all this. Maybe I should wait to ask, but—what the hell? Why did you shut me out? I haven’t heard a word from you for over a year, and now—out of nowhere—here you are.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry about so many things. But can we please get into everything later. I’m so tired, and I’m achy. I guess it’s from sitting in the car for so long, though driving through a crazy storm didn’t help. I was really tense.”

“White knuckles?”

“God, yes. There was a tornado warning in the area. I didn’t see anything, but the skies…you know how they get.”

“Unfortunately I do,” he replied with a heavy frown.

“Do you mind if I lie down for a little while?” she asked as she finished her drink. “Being here I can breathe, and hopefully get some sleep.”

“You should, you look worn out. Rest on my bed, or take the guest room if you’d prefer.”

“Where do you want me?”

“Why don’t you take the guest room. That way I won’t disturb you if you’re sleepin’ when I come in.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you have any suitcases?”

“Just an overnight bag. It’s in the back seat.”

“You came all this way with just an overnight bag?”

“I was in a hurry,” she muttered.

“Sorry, just tell me the story when you’re ready. I’ll fetch it for you.”

“Brody, thanks, especially since you’re probably still angry.”

“Yep, I am, but I’d never turn my back on you. No matter what.“

“You’re such a good man,” she whispered, her eyes welling up.

“Maybe that’s why I finished last,” he quipped, and though he instantly regretted the remark it was how he felt.

“You didn’t,” she said earnestly. “But if you want me to leave—”