But it would be too much of a coincidence for Josh to be Dave Sorenson’s son. Too much. There were dozens of kids Josh’s age who didn’t live with their dads. Besides, Ralph wasn’t sure if Dave had fathered a boy or girl or any kid at all, for that matter. Ralph Sorenson’s grandchild might be just a figment of the old man’s imagination, a pipe dream that he couldn’t yet give up.

Still, the thought that Josh Kinkaid might be Ralph Sorenson’s grandson burned deep in Luke’s brain. Like it or not, he’d have to check out the kid’s birth records. He slid a glance at Katie as the lights of Bittersweet glowed ever closer. She leaned against the window of the passenger door and chewed nervously on a fingernail.

As if sensing him watching her, she dropped her hand and Luke turned all his attention to winding through the tree-lined streets of the small town. From what he understood, she’d lived here all her life. It shouldn’t be too hard to check out the truth. The knot in his gut bothered him; she’d reacted strongly to the news of Dave’s death, with the emotion of someone who was more than just a casual acquaintance.

Was it possible?

Could she and Dave have been high-school sweethearts? Lovers? His fingers tightened over the steering wheel in a death grip as he cruised around the final corner to her house. Hell, what a mess.

He wheeled into the driveway and parked inches from the sagging door of her dilapidated garage. From the open window of Josh’s bedroom, Blue gave out a sharp, no-nonsense bark.

“Guard dog,” Luke observed, switching off the ignition and trying to ignore the tension that seemed to invade the pickup’s dark interior.

“He thinks he is, I guess.” Katie managed a smile that was feeble at best. Nonetheless, that slight twitching of her lips touched Luke in a place he’d long forgotten. “My guess is that if Joe Burglar ever did show up, Blue would turn tail and run. Deep inside he’s a chicken.” She leaned her head against the back of the seat. “But he’s loyal and good-hearted. Always glad to see me.” She nodded slightly, to herself. “I’ve had him longer than I’ve had Josh. Mom gave Blue to me on my sixteenth birthday.” She shoved her hair from her eyes. “Most of the kids were hoping for a car and all I wanted was a puppy to love and . . .” Her voice trailed off as if she’d said too much, as if she’d let a little of her soul slip past her outgoing, breezy, take-the-world-by-storm facade.