Megan had always loved her mother’s whimsical watercolors of flowers, children, and animals. Several years ago, her mom had acquired a good agent. Now prints of Dorcas Carson’s work were sold in galleries and boutiques all over the country. She’d also illustrated a number of children’s books. Her work hadn’t made her wealthy, but Megan knew how satisfying it was, and how essential it was to her mother’s well-being.

“I’ve been doing a book about butterflies. What do you think of these?” She pointed out several finished paintings that lay scattered on the table.

“They’re lovely. I especially like this blue one.” Megan glanced at her watch. It was 8:45.

“You keep checking the time,” Dorcas said. “Do you need to be somewhere?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? The man who brought me home last night said he’d come by at nine to help get my car out of the ditch. It’s early yet, but I want to be ready when he gets here.”

“Oh, that’s right. I remember Daniel saying that he’d been a champion bull rider.” Dorcas raised an eyebrow. “Is he good-looking?”

“He has nice eyes, but what does that matter? He’s only helping me with my car.”

“Well, you never know. But you’re almost thirty. I’d like to see you happy.”

Megan had been down this road before with her parents. “I’m happy now. I have a good job, and I’m starting to get more gigs as a singer. Life is good.”

“What about Derek, the man you said you’d been dating?”

“He’s all right. But I’m not sure he’s the one, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Megan knew better than to mention that Derek was already talking marriage. She’d always wanted a family. But the fact that Derek wasn’t too keen on her singing career was enough to make her hesitate.

“Your father and I would be delighted if you found someone from Branding Iron,” Dorcas said. “Then you could be close to your family.”

“Mom, if I want to make it as a singer, I need to be in Nashville. So don’t get your hopes up. Okay?”

Dorcas sighed. “Okay. Go put your lipstick on. If he’s a man of his word, he’ll be here soon.”

* * *

At 9:00 on the dot, Conner stopped the truck in front of the modest blue stucco house. He’d meant to knock on the door like a gentleman, but as soon as he pulled up, Megan stepped outside and came down the walk to meet him. Was she sending some kind of hidden message, leaving him to figure it out? Like maybe she wasn’t interested in anything that even resembled a date?