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I’m about to mention the store when my older brother comes through the door. “Smells good in here.”

“Oh!” I step back to the stove, taking the skillet of sizzling meat, potatoes, and vegetables out of the oven. “Supper’s ready when you are.”

We sit down to eat, and Dove splits my steak with me. “Mamma saw a mouse in the old shed and she screamed real loud. Akela tried to eat it!”

Sawyer grins at her warmly then glances up at me. “I’ll set some traps before I go to bed tonight.”

I want to say he doesn’t have to… but I decide to let him this time.

After we’ve eaten, Dove helps Leon clean the dishes and load the dishwasher. Sawyer steps out onto the porch, and I follow him, looking out over the hills of peach trees, our family land.

I know this job is heavy on his mind. It’s going to require a huge initial investment, and establishing a new crop of trees has its own set of risks and problems. Not to mention the need for additional hands.

“Did Deacon find a full-time salary in our books?”

He glances up at me and puts a strong arm around my shoulders. “It’s interesting how things come together, timing and all. Sometimes it feels like providence.”

This surprises me. My brother has never been particularly spiritual. “What do you mean?”

“I found someone who’ll work for room and board.”

My chin pulls back. “Who?”

The screen door opens and my little whirlwind runs out onto the porch. “Mamma! I brushed my teeth—it’s bedtime!”

She grabs my brother’s hand and gives it a tug. He lifts her easily, and she hugs him around the neck. “Night, Uncle Sawyer.”

“Night, baby girl.” Sawyer’s big hand smooths her little back, and warmth fills my chest. His eyes meet mine. “We can talk about it tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

Stepping forward, I kiss his scruffy cheek and take my girl from his arms. She wiggles down and leads me into the house, where we curl up like always with an Angelina Ballerina board book and her stuffed Alice mouse.

Dove snuggles lower into the blankets at my side, and I rest my head on my arm, tracing my finger along a golden curl. As always, I’m amazed by her. She changed my life so much… She saved my life.

When my heart was torn apart, she came and brought me peace. She calmed the storm and brought back the sunshine.

It’s like all the happiness and love we found that summer is enclosed in her little body. Even with those blue-green eyes that twist the ache in my chest at times, she brings me so much joy.

My eyes drift shut and the sounds of her breathing carries us to sleep.

22

Taron

Patton’s office is my last stop before heading out of town this afternoon.

He sits behind his massive mahogany desk in Armani with his dark brow lowered, dark eyes leveled, growing more irritated with my every word. I’ve actually seen men older than me sweat under the intimidating gaze of Patton Fletcher.

I’m not sweating.

I give him the good news first. “The Dubai contract came in overnight. Sandra’s scanning the signed documents into the system.”

Our office manager Sandra already knows what’s coming. She predicted an earthquake, but Patton and I have known each other way too long for that.

“Why do I feel like there’s more coming?” He leans back, crossing an ankle over his knee.

“Because you’re good at what you do.” I shift in the leather chair, trying to keep the mood light. “It’s my last day, Patton. I talked to Sawyer, and I’m resigning as of—”

He’s on his feet. “You’re not going anywhere. I don’t accept your resignation.”