“I suppose you heard?” Cody’s question was directed at Luke and filled with censure. “The next time I need advice about romance—or anything else—you’re the last person I’m gonna see.”

Sherry did her best to concentrate on her meal and ignore both men.

“I assumed because you got Ellie to marry you,” Cody went on, “you’d know the secret of keeping a woman happy.”

“He does!”

Three pairs of eyes moved to Ellie. “He loves me.”

“Love.” Cody spat the word as if the very sound of it was distasteful.

“That could be why a smart woman like Sherry is hesitant to marry you,” Ellie said.

“I don’t suppose she mentioned the fact that I’ve withdrawn my offer. I’ve decided the whole idea of marriage is a mistake. I don’t need a woman to make a fool out of me.”

“Not when you do such a good job of it yourself,” Ellie said dryly.

Sherry’s grip on her fork tightened at the flash of pain that went through her. It hurt her to think she’d come this close to love only to lose it.

“Anyway,” Ellie said, “I’m sorry to hear you’ve changed your mind, Cody.” Then she grinned. “I’ve got apple pan dowdy for dessert. Care for some?”

“Apple pan dowdy?” Cody’s eyes lit up. “I think I could find room for a small serving.”

Sherry wasn’t sure how Ellie arranged it, but within a matter of minutes she was alone in the kitchen with Cody. Philip began to cry and Ellie excused herself. Then Luke made some excuse to leave, taking Christina Lynn with him.

“Would you like more coffee?” Sherry asked.

“Please.”

She refilled his cup, then replaced the pot. Never had she been more conscious of Cody than at that moment.

“Heather said something about visiting you after school one day.” He was holding his mug with both hands and refusing to look at her.

“If you don’t object.”

“No, of course not. You’re the best thing to happen to that girl in years. I never thought anyone could convince her to wear a dress.”

“She just needed a little guidance.” Sherry moved around the kitchen, clearing off the table and stacking dirty dishes in the sink. At last she said, “I hope that whatever happens between you and me won’t affect my relationship with Heather.”

“Don’t see why it should. I hope you two will always be friends.”

“I hope so, too.”

They didn’t seem to have much to say after that.

Sherry was the first to venture into conversation again. “I’m sorry about last night.”

He shrugged. “I’ll get over it—someday.” The beginnings of a smile touched his mouth. He stood and carried his mug to the sink. “I need to get back to the ranch. Give Ellie and Luke my regards, will you?”

Sherry nodded, not wanting him to leave but unable to ask him to stay. She walked him to the door. Cody hesitated on the top step, frowning.

“It’d help a whole lot if you weren’t so pretty,” he muttered before moving rapidly toward his truck.