“Liam’s work brings the shop lots of clients,” Brianna said. “But he’s saving up to start his own business. He lives over the garage where he works, and he doesn’t even own a car. He rides his Harley everywhere. That’s because most of what he makes goes into the bank.”

“And I buy used books to read.” Liam gave Brianna a wink. “That was how we met.”

No, Allison thought, this young man was nothing like Kevin. He had skill, ambition, and common sense. So far, so good.

“But that’s enough about me,” Liam said. “It’s Brianna I’m concerned about. Will she have to drop out of Northwestern?”

“For the semester at least,” Allison said. “Her father’s accident would be enough reason to take time off. But the rest—the DUI charge and the sentencing—will be up to the judge.”

“I’ll have to tell the dean the truth,” Brianna said. “I can’t lie my way back into school. My arrest will be on the public record. It would be too easy for them to check.” Her voice broke, but she managed not to cry. Liam’s arm went around her shoulders in a reassuring hug.

“I’ve learned my share of lessons the hard way,” he said. “But seeing Brianna pay such a high price for one mistake . . .” He shook his head. “It just kills me. I love this girl. I want what’s best for her.”

Looking at the two of them, Allison had no doubt he spoke the truth. But Liam was a mature man. Brianna still had a lot of growing up to do—just as Allison had had to grow up when she’d married Kevin at the same age.

The server brought their meals and they settled into eating and small talk. “Is there a college in Branson?” Liam asked.

“College of the Ozarks,” Allison said. “It’s a good school. The students earn their tuition by working, which gives kids who can’t afford to pay a chance for an education.”

“But it isn’t Northwestern,” Brianna added. “They offer a minor in journalism but not a major. I suppose I could take a few classes and hope to transfer later. But it’s not my plan. It’s not my dream.”

“I know,” Allison said. “I could tell you that you’ll get back what you’ve lost or find another dream. But right now I know better than to say that.”

“Would you mind if I took Brianna for a ride after dinner?” Liam asked. “We’ve got a lot to talk about. I promise to have her back at the motel by ten.”

“Fine.” It would be bending the rules set by the court, but Allison sensed that if she said no, Brianna would slip out anyway. Why create bad feelings over a fight she was bound to lose? “Just be careful,” she said.