“How’s it going?”

He sat across from her and raised one shoulder. “I lack talent.”

“I know that’s not true.”

He smiled. “If I was really gifted, Dolly Parton would have recorded one of my songs.”

“Have you asked her to?”

He pressed a hand to his chest. “I couldn’t. What if she said no? My heart would be broken forever.”

“I can see that.”

His gaze settled on her face. “I’ve missed hanging out with you.”

What? She blinked, sure she’d misheard what he was saying or that her ears or brain or some other body part was playing a trick on her. No way Micah had said what she’d thought he said.

“I, ah... I—”

She was saved from more stuttering by the appearance of her mother. A circumstance that was both good and oh, so very bad.

“Hello,” Leigh said, looking at Micah. “Who are you?”

He chuckled and rose to his feet, then offered his hand. “Micah Ruiz. I’m a guest here at the B and B.”

“Leigh Somerville.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I’m the mother.”

“Congratulations. You have an amazing daughter.”

Leigh’s gaze turned speculative. “Do I?”

“You already know that, though, don’t you?”

“Yes, but not everyone can see it.”

They both sat down.

“Are you and your wife enjoying your time in Wishing Tree?” Leigh asked.

Dena suddenly wanted to sink under the table. “Mom!”

“What?” Her mother smiled at her. “It’s a genuine question. All your guests should enjoy themselves.”

“I am having a great time in town,” Micah told her. “But there’s no wife. I’m a widower.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. When did you lose her?”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Dena said firmly. “Micah, you should go now. Trust me on this. The Somerville women can be formidable. Seriously, go directly to your room and lock the door. But be back for Snacks and Wine. Ursula made steak tacos, and you don’t want to miss them.”

“I’m torn,” Micah admitted with a lazy grin that had Dena’s heart getting all fluttery.

“You probably should make your escape,” Leigh confided. “If you stay, I’ll ask all kinds of inappropriate questions that will embarrass my daughter.”

“I wouldn’t want Dena to be uncomfortable,” he said with a laugh.

“Isn’t that nice to know?” Leigh leaned toward him. “Do you like children?”

“OMG!” Dena glared at her mother. “Stop right now. I won’t help you with these ornaments if you don’t.”

“Yes, you will. Since when have you ever not helped a child?” Leigh turned back to Micah. “So, children?”

He rose. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Somerville.” He winked at Dena. “I’ll see you for Snacks and Wine.”

They both watched him walk away. Dena’s mom reached for her glass of wine. “That is one good-looking man.”

“Mom, you were terrible.”