“Well, I wouldn’t pass Mason up, if I were you. He loves his kid and is a good man. Last night we had Dee Dee over, you know.” She thought for a minute. “She’s a good kid—a little on the quiet side—but then I’m used to Josh, who’s more than outgoing. But I’d only been around Dee Dee a couple of times before, but I liked her. She made sense. It’s too bad her folks don’t see eye-to-eye.”

“Mason’s crazy about her.”

Katie’s smile was wistful. “I know, and Terri doesn’t realize what a godsend that is. There are so many fathers who are deadbeats or more interested in themselves than their kids.” She sighed, then shook off the wistfulness that had come over her. “Anyway, as I said, Mason’s a catch, Bliss, and now that you’re my sister I guess I have the right to give you some advice. Don’t make the same mistake twice.”

“I’ll try not to,” Bliss replied, a little unnerved at Katie’s boldness. Sure, they were related by blood, but that didn’t give her half-sister the right to try and run her life.

Katie dusted her palms together. “Time to tackle the car again.” She walked back to the worn-out convertible and stuck her head under the still-open hood. Perplexed, she wiggled a few wires, then unscrewed the caps on the battery. “What I wouldn’t give to have taken auto mechanics in high school. Damn.” She replaced the caps and wiped her fingers on her jeans. With a sidelong glance at her half-sister, she said, “So you’re out here all alone for the next few nights.”

“I’ve got Oscar.” At the sound of his name, the dog gave out a yip and wagged his tail, but his head was still craned upward as he focused on the squirrel.

“And Mason, if you want him.”

Bliss stiffened. “Give me a break.”

“Don’t tell me he’s not interested.” Katie closed the hood with a loud clunk. “I may not have ever been married, but Mom’s walked down the aisle enough for the two of us. I’ve seen love and maybe even been there once myself. You, Bliss, have got it bad, and so does Mason.”

“You don’t know—”

“Sure, I do. I’ve known Mason a long time. So have my brothers. He’s in love with you, Bliss, whether you want to know it or not. Well, speak of the devil.” A satisfied smile stole over her face.

Oscar gave a quick little bark as Mason’s truck rolled into the drive.

Katie laughed as she walked toward the driver’s side of her car and Bliss’s pulse, though she was loath to admit it, skyrocketed. “Someone just proved my point.”