“You heard me. Megan stays with you, or you stay home. Are you willing to go and keep your brother safe, Megan?”

“Of course.” With Daniel gone, Megan had planned to spend time working on the new song she was writing. But that would have to wait. “We’ll have a good time, won’t we, Daniel,” she said.

Dorcas nodded and smiled in her tight-lipped way. “Fine. Then it’s settled. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to work. Thank you again for fixing dinner, Megan. Let me know when it’s ready. Your dad should be home soon.” With that, she turned her chair and vanished into her studio.

Megan cleared up the bowls and utensils from the cookie making and sent Daniel outside to empty the trash before she started on supper. She could still feel the sting of her mother’s rebuke, but she’d long since learned to accept where it came from.

Life had dealt Dorcas Carson a bitter hand, but she made the best of it, taking refuge in her art and her family. Any change, like Daniel’s injury and his wanting to drive, threatened the peace of her home and roused her protective instincts. She could be sharp with those she loved, but that was her way.

Megan fried the meat and onions, added the other ingredients for the sauce, and put the pan on the back burner to simmer. She was just beginning to realize how much her family needed her. Her mother’s health was worsening in small ways. Her father was burdened with responsibility, and Daniel seemed to be constantly testing his limits.

Was it selfish on her part to want a life in Nashville, with her job, her friends, and the singing career that, despite her best efforts, had never really taken off?

Could she give up her dream to make a life in this close-knit little town, where she still felt like a stranger?

Could she live with herself if she refused to make that sacrifice for her family?

No one else, not even Derek, could tell her what to do. She would have to make that decision herself.

As if the thought of Derek could summon him, her cell phone rang. This time, the caller ID confirmed that it was her boyfriend, probably checking up on her. At least he cared about her—and at least he wasn’t in love with Lacy. Two points in his favor.

With a sigh, she picked up the call.

* * *

For Christmas Tree Ranch, that Saturday was expected to be the busiest day of the season. Customers would be coming from as far away as Cottonwood Springs to buy trees, ride in the sleigh, and treat themselves to free cocoa and marshmallows by the fire.