Sherry hoped that eventually Cody would understand all of this. His mother had asked her to be patient, and Ellie had given her the same advice. It was difficult at times, but she held on to the promise of a future together.

Sherry left early the next morning. Norah walked out to the car with her, dressed in her robe, her eyes sleepy. “I wish you could stay longer.”

“I do, too.”

“If you ever want to get away for a weekend, let me know, and I’ll have Rowdy send a plane for you.”

“I will. And thank you.”

The flight back to Pepper seemed to take only half the time the trip into Houston had. She glanced at her watch as she walked to her car, pleased to see she had plenty of time before she went on duty at the clinic.

Driving down Main Street, Sherry was struck once more by the welcome she felt in Pepper. It was as if this was her home and always would be. The sight of Cody’s pickup in front of the clinic came as a surprise. She pulled around to the back of the building, parking in her appointed slot, and hurried inside.

Cody wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Mrs. Colson,” she asked, walking out to the reception area. “Have you seen Cody?”

“No, I was wondering that myself. His truck’s here, but he doesn’t seem to be around.”

Stepping onto the porch, Sherry glanced around. A movement, ever so slight, from Cody’s truck caught her eye. She ran down the walkway to discover Cody fast asleep in the cab.

“Cody,” she called softly through the open window, not wanting to startle him. “What are you doing here?”

“Sherry?” He bolted upright, banging his head on the steering wheel. “Damn!” he muttered, rubbing the injured spot. He opened the door and nearly fell onto the street in his eagerness.

“Have you been drinking?” she demanded.

“No,” he returned angrily. “Where the hell have you been all night?”

“With my friend in Houston,” she told him, “although where I was or who I was with is none of your business.”

“Some hotshot with a Learjet, from what I heard.”

“Yes. As I understand it, Rowdy’s a legend in the corporate world.”

“I see.” Cody slammed his hat onto his head. “What are you trying to do? Make me jealous?”

“Oh, for crying out loud, that’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said to me, Cody Bailman, and you’ve said some real doozies. Rowdy’s married.”

“So you’re flying off with married men now?”

“Rowdy’s married to my best friend, Norah. It was her birthday yesterday, and on his way home from Abilene, he decided to surprise Norah by bringing me back with him.”

Cody frowned as if he didn’t believe her. “That’s not the story Heather gave me. She said I had to do something quick, because you were seeing another man.” Cody paced the sidewalk in front of her. “This is it, Sherry. I’m not willing to play any more games with you. I’ve done everything I can to prove to you I’m sincere, so if you want to run off with a married man at this point—”