And yet all she could think about was sitting on that platform overlooking the river, clinking a glass of wine with this hunky southern man.

"So, where we going next?"

"It's just down the road a ways. I know you mentioned a gazebo, so I'd like to show you one that I built." She tried to refrain from looking over at him, but it was hard. The smell of his cologne had recently caught her attention, and she had a sudden urge to nuzzle her nose into his neck while he drove.

What was happening to her?

Chapter Ten

Mia was enjoying herself more than she had since before her mother got sick. When Kate had agreed to spend some time cooking with her and Evie in the kitchen, she thought she was hearing things.

Over the last couple of weeks, they had really forged a bond that she didn't expect when they first met. There was a part of her that half expected to wake up one day and her sister and niece be gone. She didn't think they would be able to have such a great relationship, but it was growing day by day. For the first time since her mother had passed away, she felt like she had family again, like there were people who had her back. People who shared her blood. People who would be her forever family.

As they stood in the kitchen, Mia pointed out everything they needed for the peach cobbler. That had been the one request Kate had. She definitely wanted to learn how to make that peach cobbler, which gave Mia hope that she might have some southern roots in there after all.

"Are you sure we’re supposed to use this much sugar?" Kate said, laughing as she held up the bowl.

“You don't question the recipe. That is the first rule of cooking Momma’s peach cobbler."

Evie laughed. "I think you could stick a spoon in there and it would stand up by itself," she said.

"Good. Then we know we're on the right track!"

The three of them laughed, occasionally threw a little flour at each other and chatted about life. It was one of the rare days that there were no guests at the B&B. Although Mia loved having people there, if for no other reason than more income, she relished those moments where she got to be alone in the big house. And now, she really enjoyed the moments when it was just the three of them.

Sometimes, she closed her eyes while she sat in her bed at night and tried to imagine what it would've been like to grow up with her sister. Would they have gotten along? Would they have fought over boys, make up and the blow dryer? What would Christmas have been like? Easter egg hunts? Skipping school with friends just to swing from the rope over the local lake?