He’d had every intention of coming back when he’d left Bailey’s Fork for Paris. Somewhere in that six-month period of pastry school, he’d started believing that he couldn’t reach those goals without the skills he could only get in Paris under those experts’ tutelage. He’d never know if that was true or not. It was done now, and there was no changing it.

Leaving her this time would be harder, because he’d have to face her to do it. He wouldn’t be 4000 miles away over a telephone. For a fleeting moment he pictured himself going to say goodbye to Kelly, and her asking him to stay. A warm rush flowed through him at the thought. Would it matter if I stayed? She had his whole heart and mind in a state of confusion.

He took his phone out of his pocket and scrolled through the contacts. He still had her in the list, although he hadn’t dialed that number in seven years. He brought up her number. Maybe he could call to thank her again for last night.

But as he stood there with his finger over the CALL button, he just couldn’t do it. It was selfish when in just a couple of days he’d be gone again.

His phone rang and buzzed in his hand. He nearly dropped it trying to answer it. “Hey, sis.”

Dawn’s chipper voice came over the line. “I’ll meet you down at the barn in about an hour?”

“Text me when you’re on your way. You’re never on time.”

“I’ll be on time. Trust me.” She disconnected the call.

He shoved his phone into his pocket and walked back inside into the kitchen. Mom looked up from the table where she was drinking a cup of coffee and reading a magazine.

“I didn’t hear you get back,” he said.

“I figured you were still in bed asleep.”

“No. I made Dawn breakfast this morning, and she’s going to come back over and we’re taking the horses out.”

“That’s a great idea.” The color rose in her cheeks.

Seeing her so happy made him feel the same way. “You should come with us.”

“Not today. I’ve got some errands to run.”

“I’d say you’d have time to do them later, but you know Dawn. No telling when she’ll actually show up.”

“Dawn-time,” Mom said. “That’s one thing that’ll never change.”

“Do you mind if I rummage through the cabinets and freezer? I thought I’d make lunch to take with us.”