He was on his way home when he saw Ava getting out of her car and going into the Curl Up and Dye. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that the little girl his mother used to babysit had turned into such an amazing woman—and a beautiful one, at that.

Her smile was genuine. It went all the way to her eyes, but it was her laugh that pulled at his heart. It had been a long, long time since he’d been around a woman who made him curious to know more, who made him want more.

Then he reminded himself he’d come here to fulfill a promise, not get attached to someone he was going to leave behind. As soon as he got home and unloaded supplies, he got to work scraping out the old caulk and got lost in the memories as he worked.

* * *

Ava came out of the Curl Up and Dye with a bounce in her step. Getting split ends trimmed and a shampoo and style did wonders for a woman’s attitude.

She’d called in an order to Granny’s while Ruby was doing her hair, so she headed up Main Street to pick it up. She’d already sent Emma a text letting her know she was bringing food. The feeding of family during their loss of a loved one was a time-honored ritual in the South, and since she’d known all of them on a personal level, she felt like she was straddling the line between friend and family.

The parking lot was nearly full at Granny’s. Ava had to park toward the back and then dodge cars coming and going as she made her way to the door.

Hope Talbot honked, and then stopped and rolled down the window.

“Hey, Ava! Happy New Year, honey!”

Ava grinned. She hadn’t seen Hope since she quit working at the hospital.

“And to you, too, little mama. How’s the baby business going?”

Hope laughed. “Well, I’m getting bigger and the little critter kicks like a mule. I miss seeing everyone, but I’m really glad I decided to quit working for now.”

“I would agree. Those times are precious. I’m twenty-eight and moving into a never-going-to-get-married-let-alone-become-a-mother mode,” Ava said.

“It’ll happen when it’s meant to happen,” Hope said. “I better get home. Jack worries if I’m out of his sight for too long.” And then she drove away.

Ava waved and then sighed. She didn’t have anyone to come home to, or anyone worrying about her, either. But that was mostly her fault for being picky. Still, it didn’t stop her from wanting somebody to love.

She turned around and hurried inside the café.

Lovey’s son, Sully, was at the front desk and smiled at her as she walked in. “Hi, Ava.”

“Hi, Sully. I need to pick up a to-go order.”