What was he going to say to her? How could he ask her to go back to his brother when he wanted her so badly for himself?

He knew his mother was right. She was Bobby Joe’s fiancée. Love was patient, love was kind, love forgave.

But Parr still thought his brother didn’t deserve all that much love. Or her. Still, he had to acknowledge that her strong reaction to his loving had been triggered by the hurt and frustration of sudden betrayal. The angel who’d cried in his arms—and turned sweet devil at his kiss—had no special desire for him. He’d been there at the right time, that was all. Pure coincidence.

It wouldn’t be fair for him to take advantage of the situation. Even if Bobby Joe was emotionally torn between two women, he still had to figure it out on his own, young as he was. Parr had to step back. The fact that Mary Beth might yet become his brother’s wife changed everything.

Maybe she was what his brother needed. Parr couldn’t predict the future. Bobby Joe could shape up into a decent man under the right circumstances.

Trying to make that happen had taken a toll on both his mother and Parr. Ever since they’d been kids, he had watched out for Bobby Joe, helped him, tried to keep him out of trouble. When things had been tight financially, Parr had done without to see that his baby brother had whatever he needed.

And when money was no longer a problem, he’d made up for the hard times by getting Bobby Joe a head start in business, fronting the money for the first foreclosed home his brother had bought, fixed up cheap and sold for a healthy profit.

He’d been taking care of Bobby Joe all his life; why should things be any different now? But they were. He had never wanted one of his brother’s women before. Not even remotely.

Mary Beth’s slender hand briefly cupped the tallest flower in the tulip bed. It swayed on its stalk as if enchanted. She had to be about the only person he knew right now who could walk in a garden and be fully present. She wasn’t staring into a smartphone or catching up on texts. She was there.

But not for him. He felt a pang when she looked up and turned away.

Stay here or go to her? Parr hesitated.

Mary Beth was reluctant to face him. So much depended on him, on what he would say and do. Her desire for him could change her life, and the thought of anyone having that power over her was frightening.