As the truck backed down the driveway, Ed ushered her inside and closed the door. The house was warm and cheerful, with a small Christmas tree with twinkling lights in a corner of the living room. Megan’s mother, Dorcas, painfully thin but still a pretty woman, held out her arms for a hug. Daniel, all smiles, offered Megan a mug of steaming cocoa with a marshmallow melting on its chocolatey surface.

Her parents were getting older, Megan reflected as she took a seat at the table. They both appeared more careworn. But Daniel had never looked happier. Two years ago, he had walked into his first job as a bagger at Shop Mart and met sweet little Katy Parker working behind the bakery counter. Katy, who also had Down syndrome, had become the love of his life. The two were even talking marriage—happy news, but bringing new concerns for both their families.

“What about your car?” her father asked. “Do we need to call a tow truck in the morning?”

“No, Conner’s offered to come back with a chain and help me. He’ll be here at nine.” Megan sipped the chocolate. It was too sweet for her taste, but it warmed her body going down.

“I know the man who helped you,” Daniel said. “That’s Conner Branch. He was a champion bull rider. I even saw him ride on TV. But he had to quit because he got hurt. And now he lives right here in Branding Iron. He even gives me high fives when he comes to Shop Mart.”

As her brother chatted on about Conner, Megan finished her chocolate, licking the sticky marshmallow off her upper lip. So her rescuer really was a local celebrity. Interesting, but not her concern. As she’d reminded herself earlier, a man that attractive was sure to have some woman’s brand on him. Besides, there was Derek, back in Nashville. They’d met when he was hired as principal of the school where she taught. They’d been dating about six months, and things were getting serious. The last thing she needed was another complication in her life.

“You must be exhausted after that long drive,” her mother said. “We should give you a break and let you go to your room.”

“Thanks. I really am tired.” Megan stood, yawning.

“I’ll take your suitcases.” Daniel grabbed both bags and carried them down the hall to the room that was kept ready for Megan. She needed to visit more often, she told herself as she kissed her parents good night, picked up her purse, and followed him. Branding Iron was a long day’s drive from Nashville, but there were holiday and seasonal breaks from school when she’d have time to make the trip. Unfortunately, those were the times when Lacy had the best chance of getting gigs.