Opening her laptop, she began a search, starting with the state government site, breaking it down to the Department of Public Safety, then to the Department of Public Education. Under the disabilities section was a long list of services, none of which involved driver training. The last item on the list was Contact us. Megan selected it, got an e-mail address, and composed a message describing what Daniel needed. By the time she finished and sent it, her free hour was up.

There was no guarantee that she’d get an answer or, even if she did, that it would be useful. But at least she’d made an effort to help Daniel. Given the late hour, there was no point in waiting for a reply. It was time to shut down her computer and start supper.

* * *

Megan had just climbed into bed when her cell phone rang. “Sorry to call so late.” Conner’s voice sent a deliciously warm quiver through her body. She nestled against the pillows, enjoying the intimate feel of their connection. “Did I wake you?” he asked.

“No. I’m just snuggling under the covers in my jammies.”

“Me too.” He chuckled. “Too bad we’re in different houses.”

Megan felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “I think I’m blushing,” she said.

“I’m getting nicely warm myself. And this old house gets cold at night. No central heating.”

“You could always sleep with Bucket.”

“I can think of things I’d rather have in my bed than a smelly, damp dog.” He sighed and changed the subject. “So, how was the bridal shower?”

“Very nice. I think I made some new friends.”

“Good. You’ll want friends if you decide to stay in Branding Iron.”

“I know. But it’s a big decision.” She’d never told him about her singing career and how important it was to her. Maybe this would be a good time—but, no, she wasn’t ready to say anything that might hint at her secret identity.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” he asked, as if offering her an opening.

“No . . . not really. Just that my father brought me an application for that teaching job at the elementary school. I’m going to submit it. But that doesn’t mean I’ve decided to stay.”

“Well, I have something to tell you, in the spirit of honesty,” he said. “Ronda May called me yesterday, needing some friendly advice. It seems her loser boyfriend has apologized for cheating and still wants to marry her—even though the jerk hit her when they broke up. I did my best to discourage her from going back to him, but that was as much as I could do.”

“I suspect she was giving you one last chance to make a counteroffer.” Megan could have bitten her tongue for voicing that thought.