He was well aware that theirs was her first significant relationship since she lost her fiancé in the 9/11 attacks on New York City. He’d tried to be respectful of her memories and to give her space to grieve on Toby’s birthday, their anniversary and the date of his death. At the same time, she’d stood by his side as his mother’s condition worsened, her support never wavering no matter how awful it got.

And at the end of every long, trying day, he had her in his bed, and nothing in his life could compare to the sublime pleasure he found in her arms. He couldn’t get enough of her, and until recently, he’d thought the feeling was entirely mutual. Now he wasn’t so sure—and that scared him more than anything ever had.

The crunch of tires on the driveway drew him out of the secret garden in the hedges that had been Mrs. Chesterfield’s pride and joy and was now his special project. Jenny brought her car to a stop in the circular driveway.

Alex put down his rake, wiped his hands on his pants and went to meet her. She wore jeans that did great things for her ass and a denim shirt with the Martinez Lawn & Garden logo embroidered over the breast pocket. She’d turned their retail store into a profitable business and simplified his life and Paul’s with her organizational skills and management abilities.

He’d be lost without her in every corner of his life, which was why he felt such an urgent need to know what was troubling her. More than anything, it frightened him that she was clearly keeping something from him, which was also unlike her. When he reached her car, he opened the door to help her out.

“Hi there,” he said.

“Hey. How’s your day going?”

“It just got a whole lot better.”

She smiled at him, but her eyes were sad.

His heart ached at the thought of her being sad about something and not being able or willing to talk to him about it for whatever reason. “Ready for this?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Everything all right, hon?”

“Sure.” She hooked her hand into the crook of his elbow and let him lead her inside, where Lizzie James waited for them in the foyer. She looked glamorous in a navy suit and three-inch heels.

Lizzie greeted them both with hugs and kisses.

“Don’t get too close,” Alex said. “I’m dirty.”

“You’re fine,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re here. I have so many new things to show you. Come in. Come in. Champagne?”

“Not for me,” Alex said. He’d be asleep by two if he drank at noon.

“I’ll have some,” Jenny said.