If Lane could resist Noah’s pleading eyes, she was a lot stronger than he’d ever be. A single outing for ice cream and Charlie was already willing to give Noah anything and everything the little boy wanted.

Lane chewed on her bottom lip for a second before answering, “Okay, sure.”

Charlie couldn’t tell who was more excited—Bane or Noah.

“He’s licking my fingers.” Noah giggled.

“I think he likes you.” Charlie watched his dog’s pace slow to match the little boy walking him. Kid’s best friend. Maybe he could convince Lane to let Noah help him walk Bane every day. Or at least play with him. A good excuse to see more of them.

The chirping of crickets serenaded them home and Charlie couldn’t deny the desire burning in his heart for more of this. This is what he longed for. Summer nights walking with a beautiful woman and their kids. And dog. The thought made him smile and he stole a glance at Lane. She was watching Noah and Bane. Charlie would do anything to know what she was thinking, but the walk to his house came to an end too quickly.

Lane took the leash from Noah’s hand. “Thanks for the ice cream.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” Charlie searched her face for any indication that her emotions matched his, but nightfall obscured the answer. “I can walk you to your house—”

“We’ll be alright. Good night, Charlie.”

“Good night, Charlie.” Noah echoed. “Good night, Bane.”

Charlie watched mom and son walk until they rounded the corner heading to their street. Bane barked after them.

“Yeah, I know, Bane.”

What did he know? Lane was a widow. She was protective of Noah. He also knew that ignoring the way his heart pounded in his chest for the woman who still wore a piece of her heart on her finger was going to be impossible.

EIGHT

LANE ICED THE TENTH BATCH of cinnamon rolls. Setting down the spatula dripping with cream cheese frosting, she picked up her third cup of coffee. Sleep had evaded her again last night, but this time it was because of her neighbor whose name she couldn’t seem to get off the tip of her tongue. Charlie.

Ms. Byrdie popped her head around the corner. “Gail Evans just called and asked if it was too late to order a dozen rolls for the PTA meeting.”

“On top of the three she already ordered?”

“Mm-hmm. She said those women practically licked their plates.”

Lane wiped the back of her hand against her brow. “Yeah, I’ll box this batch for her and I’ve got another two dozen in the oven that should hopefully cover us for the rest of the morning.”

“I think you could sell these rolls and nothing else and live happily ever after.”