Terra started cutting the next slice. “I’m glad Owen found something he loves. And guess what?” She stuck the next plate into the microwave for fifteen seconds and handed Jack his pie.

“What?” Snatching a fork from the drawer, he set the pie on the kitchen table as he took a seat.

“Coffee’s on, so grab a mug if you like.” Terra explained about Owen’s idea for equine therapy.

She grabbed her pie from the microwave and joined him at the table. She forked a piece of pie, then lifted her gaze to him. They shared a smile. The woman stirred feelings in him, and he found himself thinking of her much too often in unprofessional terms—even in the middle of a murder investigation. They couldn’t possibly go forward, explore a relationship, with all the baggage. Could they?

Jack focused on eating the pie and let the warmth of the moment and the company relax him. Clear his mind.

“How’s your aunt doing?” Terra took a sip from her mug.

He swallowed the last bite and hoped she wouldn’t offer more, because he wouldn’t be able to resist. “She asked about you the other day.”

“Oh, she’s so sweet.” Terra smiled, but her eyes filled with concern. “I should stop by and see her sometime.”

Jack didn’t have the heart to tell her that Aunt Nadine hadn’t remembered Terra’s name. He was almost afraid she might not recognize Terra. “I think she’s doing great one day and then the next day, she can’t remember something. She’s taking medication, and right now she remains independent. But if things get worse, I’m all she’s got.”

“You’re a good man, Jack.” Terra stared at him.

He struggled to believe those words coming from her, of all people. He wanted to be a good man. He tried to be, even as he constantly fought the fear that he had a weakness that would cause him to fail, to let someone down. Like his father had let him down in the worst possible way. Terra knew some of that struggle inside him. Did she know it played the biggest role in his leaving her behind and pursuing the FBI?

“I was sorry to hear about your cousin’s death last year.” Terra frowned at her empty plate, then glanced up at him. “I know it’s hard to talk about. I just wanted you to know. You came back for your aunt to comfort her, didn’t you?”

How much should he tell her? He nodded. “Yes. It was then that I learned about the dementia.”

“And decided to stay.” Terra reached over and pressed her hand over his.

Guilt suffused him. There was so much more to it. He wanted to tell her, but not yet. Maybe not ever.