Date: 2021-10-26 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Christmas

Mistletoe Detour

KATE PEARCE

ZEBRA BOOKS
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
www.kensingtonbooks.com

All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

ZEBRA BOOKS are published by

Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018

“Mistletoe Detour” © copyright 2020 by Catherine Duggan

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

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ISBN-13: 978-1-4201-5349-1 (eBook)
ISBN-10: 1-4201-5349-8 (eBook)

Table of Contents

Title Page
Copyright Page

Mistletoe Detour

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight

Christmas Peanut Clusters for Ted

Books by Kate Pearce

The House of Pleasure Series
SIMPLY SEXUAL
SIMPLY SINFUL
SIMPLY SHAMELESS
SIMPLY WICKED
SIMPLY INSATIABLE
SIMPLY FORBIDDEN
SIMPLY CARNAL
SIMPLY VORACIOUS
SIMPLY SCANDALOUS
SIMPLY PLEASURE (e-novella)
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE (e-novella)

The Sinners Club Series
THE SINNERS CLUB
TEMPTING A SINNER
MASTERING A SINNER
THE FIRST SINNERS (e-novella)

Single Titles
RAW DESIRE

The Morgan Brothers Ranch
THE RELUCTANT COWBOY
THE MAVERICK COWBOY
THE LAST GOOD COWBOY
THE BAD BOY COWBOY
THE BILLIONAIRE BULL RIDER
THE RANCHER

The Millers of Morgantown
THE SECOND CHANCE RANCHER
THE RANCHER’S REDEMPTION
THE REBELLIOUS RANCHER
THE RANCHER MEETS HIS MATCH
SWEET TALKING RANCHER

Anthologies
SOME LIKE IT ROUGH
LORDS OF PASSION
HAPPY IS THE BRIDE
A SEASON TO CELEBRATE
MARRYING MY COWBOY
CHRISTMAS KISSES WITH MY COWBOY
LONE WOLF

Published by Kensington Publishing Corp.

Thanks to Maddy Barone for pet pig help, and Jerri Drennen for reading the novella through for me. I hope you all enjoy this little bit of holiday magic!

Chapter One

Morgantown, California

When his cell rang, Ted jerked upright, and almost knocked his beer over as he leaned across to find his phone. It was late, it was snowing, and he’d settled in to watch a rerun of his favorite baseball team’s memorable moments from last season. From the drool on his chin he might have been napping....

Even as he swiped frantically at the chips on his chest, he answered the phone in a professional manner. His father and grandfather had instilled that in him from birth.

“Baker’s. How may I help you?”

“Hey, Ted, it’s Nate, your friendly neighborhood sheriff. I passed a broken-down vehicle on my way out of Morgantown, and stopped to tell the driver to expect a tow truck in the next fifteen minutes. Sorry to pass the buck, but I’m on my way to a multi-vehicle pileup near Bridgeport because some idiots don’t know how to drive in ice and snow.”

“It’s not a problem, Nate. I’ll go out there right now.” Ted stood and a veritable shower of orange crumbs peppered the floor. “Where’s the vehicle?”

“It’s a small, white rental. Hazard lights are working fine. It’s pulled over just before the entrance to Morgan Ranch. Should be easy to spot unless we get more snow.”

“Okay, no problem,” Ted said. “I’ll get out there right now.”

“Thanks, Ted. I’d prefer it if the car was taken off the road so no one can drive into the back of it. Let me know if you have any problems, okay?”

“Will do. Drive safe, Nate.”

Ted ended the call and glanced guiltily at the collection of empty packets on his side table. Chips, peanuts, and a protein bar counted as dinner, right? With his father being away, he hadn’t bothered to cook. There didn’t seem much point when he lived right opposite a pizza parlor.

He set his untouched beer back in the refrigerator and put on his heaviest jacket and boots. Whenever he was called out, he always tried to start the car and get people moving before deciding to take it into the shop. At this time of year, that usually involved standing in the snow and ice while he froze his nuts off, so he’d learned to be prepared. As the sole mechanic, with the only garage and gas station in Morgan Valley, he was called out to all kinds of situations.

He went down the stairs into the garage below his apartment, and spent a few minutes making sure he had everything he needed stashed in his tow truck before opening the doors and heading out into the inky blackness. Once he got out of the town proper, and into the sparsely populated Morgan Valley, there weren’t many streetlights.

Not that it worried him. He’d lived in Morgan Valley his whole life, and knew the roads like the back of his hand. It took him less than fifteen minutes to locate the broken-down vehicle. He carefully backed up on the side of the road behind it and set his hazard lights flashing.

As he approached, the driver’s door flew open, and a woman scrambled out and rushed toward him.

“Oh, thank goodness! Nate said someone would be along, but I was beginning to wonder whether he’d forgotten about me, and worrying about ax murderers, and—” She paused for breath, and a huge smile broke out on her face. “Oh, it’s you! Ted Baker! How cool is that!”

She pointed at her chest. “Veronica Hernandez. We went to school together, remember?”

Still reeling from the force and brilliance of her smile, Ted nodded like a dumbass. “Yeah, I mean, hey, what’s up?”

She pointed at her car. “It’s embarrassing, but I ran out of gas. I thought I had enough to get me to Uncle Victor’s, but I obviously miscalculated, and now I’m stuck.” She gazed hopefully up at him. “Can you give me a ride into town so I can call him to come get me?”

Ted cleared his throat. “Yeah, of course, but—”

She interrupted him. “Shall I get my stuff and put it in your truck?”

“Sure, but I’ll need to hitch up the car and take it with us, okay?” He surveyed the narrow, unlit road. “It’s not safe to leave it out here in this weather, and on this bend. It won’t take long. Do you have the keys?”

She handed them over and followed him back to the car. “Are you sure it will be quick?”

“I can’t see why not.” Ted opened the trunk, took out her bags, and walked them over to his tow truck. “There’s no damage so it should load up easily.”

Ted returned to the car and paused by the open door, peering into the murky interior, which smelled odd. A weird snuffling noise made him back up a step.

Veronica eased past him. “Oh, my little darling, are you okay? I’m coming right now.”

Ted retreated farther as she emerged with a bundle of blankets and held them tenderly to her chest. It was stupid the way his heart immediately plummeted to his boots. Of course she was married and had a family. She’d always been way out of his league, and he was an idiot to think otherwise.

But if that was her kid, it had one hell of a breathing problem....

She tenderly drew the blanket away and stepped close to him.

“This is Bacon, my pet pig. Isn’t he the sweetest thing ever?”

* * *

Veronica waited as Ted stared down at Bacon; his mouth was working, but no sounds came out. From what she could see in the flickering lights, he hadn’t changed much since school. His brown hair and eyes were as cute as ever, he definitely needed a shave, and he’d filled out his gangly frame quite nicely.

“I thought”—he paused and looked directly at her—“that was your kid.”

“Gosh, no!” She gave a snort of laughter, which sounded remarkably like one of Bacon’s. “He is pretty special to me, though.”

“So I can see.” He stepped back. “Why don’t you and . . . Bacon take a seat in my truck while I get this car loaded up? There’s a flask of coffee in there if you need it.”

True to his word, it didn’t take long for them to be heading toward Morgantown. As they drove down the deserted main street, Veronica gazed eagerly at the town she’d called home for the first eighteen years of her life.

“It looks good.” She half turned to Ted who hadn’t said much since they’d gotten under way. “I was worried it might have gone downhill like a lot of small towns.”

“Is this the first time you’ve been back?” Ted asked as he drove the tow truck into a vast garage, which easily swallowed her car as well. He closed the doors, leaving them in relative silence.

Her smile dimmed. “Yeah, not that I haven’t wanted to come back, but things got . . . complicated.”

“I know how that goes.” He grimaced. “I didn’t think I’d still be here when I was pushing thirty. I thought I’d be living in a big city doing something with the motor sport industry.”

Impulsively, she reached over and patted his denim-clad knee. “You could still do it. You’re not that old.”

“Thanks.” His smile was wry as he turned off the engine and opened his door. “I feel about ninety some days.”

He came around to her door and offered her his hand. “Don’t want to wake the pig.”

She let him help her down, her hand firmly grasping the front of his open jacket, her face momentarily buried against his chest. He smelled like motor oil, leather, and coffee, which was surprisingly comforting.

“Thanks for this.” She followed him to the far corner where there was a door. “How much do I owe you?”

He unlocked the door and went up a flight of stairs into a large open-plan apartment that faced right down onto Main Street. The town was festooned with Christmas lights and looked like something out of a history book, with its raised walkways and false-fronted buildings. Ted took off his baseball cap and heavy jacket, and stepped out of his boots before turning back to her.

“No charge.” His swift smile was disarmingly sweet. “Consider it a welcome-home gift.”

“That’s really nice of you.” Veronica answered his smile with one of her own. But Ted was nice, he always had been, and it seemed nothing had changed. “Now where can I put the pig?”

He gestured at one of the doors. “How about my dad’s bathroom? It’s got a tiled floor.”

Veronica bit her lip. “Won’t he mind?”

“He’s not here. He’s gone on a Christmas cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.” Ted went down the hallway and opened the door. “If he sends me one more picture of him drinking mai tais and basking in the sun I’ll send him one of the pig.”

Veronica studied the pristine tiled space. “I think this would do nicely.” She gently placed Bacon on the floor still wrapped in his blankie, but he didn’t stir. “I’ve got his food and the rest of his stuff in my luggage.”

“I’ll go and get that for you.”

Ted was already halfway out the door before she could offer to get it herself. Considering how badly she’d disrupted his evening, he was being very kind.

After using the facilities and making sure the bathroom door was firmly closed, she wandered back down the hallway to the kitchen and family room. Although the space looked relatively new, there was very little furniture in it. If Ted and his father were the only people living there, maybe they didn’t care about décor.

There was a small kitchen table with two chairs, a black leather couch, a huge TV, and an ancient recliner that desperately needed recovering. There were blinds, but no drapes, cushions, or photographs.

Ted came back with her bags and stacked them behind the couch.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Veronica turned a slow circle. “Did you guys just move in?”

“We’ve been here about two years. Why?” He went into the kitchen and started making coffee.

“No reason,” she said, trying not to make eye contact.

He grinned at her. “It’s okay. My sister, Beth, thinks we look like squatters, too.” He held up the coffeepot. “Would you like some?”

“Yes, please.” She leaned against the countertop that separated the two spaces and watched him move efficiently around the kitchen. “It’s been a very long day.”

“Where did you drive from?” Ted asked as he scooped coffee into the filter paper.

“L.A.”

“Today?”

“It’s taken me a lot longer than that.” She tried to relax her shoulders. “You wouldn’t believe how many hotels wouldn’t let me bring Bacon in with me.”

“I think I would.”

“And I was trying to avoid the freeways because who knew that pigs get carsick?”

“Not me.” Ted opened the fridge. “Do you take cream in your coffee?”

“Yes, please.” She turned back to her bags. “I’ll just get Bacon settled in, and I’ll be right back.”

* * *

Ted fussed around with the coffee and wondered whether he should offer Veronica something to eat. Not that he had much to tempt her with, but Beth had left some meals in the freezer, and he was perfectly capable of reading a set of cooking instructions. Luckily, Beth was an excellent cook and even her frozen food turned out great.

Having Veronica in his apartment made Ted painfully aware of how he and his dad were still living out of boxes like two people who weren’t sure they were really home. When he’d rebuilt the mechanics shop and gas station, he hadn’t intended to live in one of the apartments. One was for renting out, and the other was for his dad. But after everything that had happened with his father’s health, he couldn’t leave the old guy to fend for himself, so he’d moved in with him—just for a while.

Two years later, he was still here, and his dad had gone off on a cruise to Hawaii....

“He’s still sleeping.” Veronica came back into the kitchen. “I left out some food and water just in case he wakes up.”

She wore a thick, knitted blue sweater over jeans and her long, dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her earrings were large gold hoops that swung as she talked and her lipstick was bright red. There was more color in her than in his entire apartment or life—and far more warmth.

She glanced over at the phone on the kitchen wall. “Is it okay if I call Victor? My cell phone battery died somewhere around Bridgeport.”

Ted paused as he set out two mugs. “Is he expecting you?”

“No, but I don’t think he’ll mind. Do you?”

He caught the hint of uncertainty in her voice and looked up. “Seeing as he’s always talking about you, I doubt it, but . . . he’s not there right now.”

“He’s out for the whole day?”

“Nope, he’s gone for the next two weeks.”

She went still. “But he’s always there.”

“Not this Christmas. He’s gone on a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands with my dad.”

She gulped. “What?”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Ted poured out the coffee and slid a mug across to her. “Apparently, they both had the same crazy idea and decided to go for it together.”

He’d tried to be pleased that his dad felt well enough to travel, but he was worried about him. Victor had reassured him that he’d keep an eye on his old friend, and yet it still hadn’t felt right.

“Is there anyone out there at the ranch?” Veronica asked, breaking into his thoughts.

“No one’s living there while Vic’s away, if that’s what you mean.” Ted hesitated. “If you’re contemplating heading out that way, I don’t think your rental would make it through the snowdrifts. I wouldn’t recommend you trying to go out there without four-wheel drive.” Ted took a sip of his coffee. “I know your uncle asked the Garcia family to deal with any produce or stock issues. It’s the end of his growing season, so he doesn’t have a lot left in the ground.”

Vic ran a small organic farm that provided produce and free-range eggs to many of the local towns, businesses, and farmers’ markets. He also kept a few horses, which meant that Ted and his father got to keep up their riding skills so they could cowboy up and help out on the ranches during branding and herding operations.

Veronica stared down at her coffee as if it held the key to the universe.

“Is the Hayes Hotel still open?”

“Yeah, but it’s full to bursting right now seeing as Ry Morgan is getting married to Avery Hayes this weekend, and the wedding is being held there.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “Is there another hotel nearby?”

“You’d have to go back to Bridgeport, and I’m not sure they’d take a pig,” Ted said tactfully.

She swallowed hard and worried at her lip.

“You okay?” Ted asked. He sure was out of practice dealing with other people’s feelings.

“Not really.” Veronica slowly raised her head, and to his horror there were tears in her eyes. “I was kind of hoping . . . I mean I was depending on Victor being there so I could stay with him.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I don’t know what to do.”

Ted stared at her in fascination as another perfect tear followed the first, and then another.

“You could stay here with me,” he blurted out.

She gazed at him for a long moment. “What?”

“Until Victor gets back,” Ted hastened to explain. “It will only be a couple of weeks, and then you can talk to him and sort things out.”

“But I’d be taking advantage of you.”

“How?” Ted shrugged. “I’m here all by myself. We could keep each other company over the holidays while our relatives float around the Pacific without a care in the world.”

“What about Bacon?”

“What about him?” Ted raised an eyebrow. “As long as he doesn’t get out and crap all over my apartment I’m good with him being here, too.”

Veronica grabbed his hand and held it fast. “You are so kind, I can’t—”

He returned the pressure of her grip. “Yeah, you can. In fact, you’d be doing me a favor.”

“Won’t your girlfriend mind me being here with you?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” Ted held her gaze. “And even if I did, how could she object to me helping out an old friend? You can sleep in Dad’s room and use his bathroom so you won’t even have to see much of me if you don’t want to.”

“Thank you.” She brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Stay here, and let’s make this a Christmas to remember.”

Chapter Two

After she’d unpacked, checked on Bacon, and taken a quick shower, Veronica went back into the family room and found Ted with his head in the refrigerator. He was muttering something, so she waited politely until he straightened up and slammed the door.

Even though she felt a little guilty, it was no hardship looking at his rather fine Wrangler-covered ass as he bent forward, or the dip of his spine where his T-shirt had ridden up. He was a big, strong, solid guy, and she was so grateful she’d found him again. His offer to give her a roof over her head until her uncle returned was a lifesaver. No one would think to look for her here, or ever make a connection between her and Ted.

After her panicked exit from L.A., she needed time to think, and make a new plan. What better place to do that than here in her sleepy hometown, which would soon be cut off from civilization by snowstorms, mile-high drifts, and closed mountain passes? As a kid, she’d hated that isolation, but now it might be crucial to her and Bacon’s survival.

“I don’t have a lot of food in.” Ted grimaced. “I wasn’t expecting company.” He rubbed at an orange spot on his T-shirt that looked suspiciously like powdered cheese. “We could order pizza in, or I can check out the meals Beth left in the freezer?”

“There’s pizza in Morgantown?” Veronica advanced toward him. “Since when?”

“About a year ago.” He touched her shoulder, pivoting her toward the windows where she could just see a neon sign opposite. “It’s real close.”

“Perfect.” She checked her pocket for her credit card. “And it’s on me, okay?”

“Sure. Do you want to order off the menu? I’ll call it in, and then I can walk over and pick it up.” He handed her a well-folded piece of paper splattered with tomato. “I usually get the deep crust, the works one, but I have a feeling you might not eat pork.”

Veronica shuddered. “I just can’t do it anymore,” she confessed. “When I look at his sweet little face . . .” She perused the menu and handed it back to Ted. “I’d like a small pineapple and cheese thin-crust pizza and a side salad.”

“Pineapple on pizza?” His revolted expression made her want to smile. “Gross.”

“All the more for me, then.”

He phoned in the order and looked over at her. “Fifteen minutes.”

“Great. Plenty of time to set the table.”

Even as she spoke, he was dumping paper plates and napkins onto the countertop. He obviously wasn’t a great one for formal dining.

“Beer?” he asked.

She finished her coffee, considered how her day had gone, and nodded. “Thanks.”

He clinked his bottle against hers and took a long swallow. “Can I ask you something?”

Veronica immediately tensed. “Sure.”

“Why did you name your pig Bacon?”

“I didn’t.”

He studied her carefully. “Okay.”

“My ex called him Bacon, as a joke, and it kind of stuck.” Her mouth twisted.

“You don’t look like you found that joke particularly funny.” Ted was watching her face.

“I didn’t, but that’s one of the many reasons why that man is now my ex-husband.”

“You’re divorced?”

“Two years ago.” She managed a smile. “Best two years of my life since I left home at eighteen—hardest two years of my life, as well, but I don’t regret anything.”

“My sister, Beth, says the same thing. She came home a few years ago. I don’t think she regrets it.” He fiddled around with the napkins.

“Beth and I were always the smart ones.” Veronica said.

His slow smile made everything inside her go still for a moment before she continued talking.

“I got married too young, and left college to be with Jason. Within a couple of years, I knew I’d made a mistake, but I was too proud to admit it, and too stubborn to come home and ask for help from my family.”

“That’s why you didn’t come back?” Ted asked.

“Yes, because if I had, they would’ve known something was wrong, and tried to help me. At the time, I didn’t think I had any choice but to hang in there, put my head down, and make things work.”

“You really should talk to Beth,” Ted said as he went to wash his hands. “Her ex beat the shit out of her. She didn’t tell us because she was afraid one of us would go after the bastard, kill him, and end up in jail.”

Veronica’s hand flew to her mouth. “Poor Beth.”

“She left when he started in on their son.”

Ted’s normally good-humored expression had disappeared, revealing the strength of the man beneath—a man who valued his family, and wouldn’t put up with anyone hurting someone he loved. He’d been like that in school, defending his sister and her friends from any guy who tried something. He’d even defended Veronica, and she’d never forgotten it.

His cell buzzed, and he took it out of his pocket to check the message.

“Pizza’s ready.”

She went toward the hall door. “Then let’s go and get it.”

* * *

Despite the fact that they hadn’t seen each other for ten years, walking across the street beside Veronica felt like the most natural thing in the world. Her being in his apartment also felt right—as if she’d brought something with her that lit up his life. She’d always been the most positive person he’d known, and, despite her jerk of an ex, she’d obviously retained that quality.

He held the door of the pizza place open and followed her inside. The rich smell of bubbling cheese, garlic, and roasted tomatoes hit him square in the face and he breathed it in like oxygen. In his opinion, pizza made everything better.

“Hey!” His nephew grinned at him. “Back again? You should take shares in this place.”

Ted pretended to frown at his favorite relative. “Don’t tell your mother, okay?”

“I’ll think about it if you give me a decent tip,” Mikey replied, his amused gaze falling on Veronica who was openly laughing up at Ted.

“This is Veronica. She’s staying with me over the holidays.” Ted pointed at his nephew. “This is Beth’s son, Mikey. He’s a pain in the ass, but I still love him.”

“I can tell.” Veronica smiled at Mikey. “It’s good to meet you.”

Mikey nodded, his eyes wide as saucers. Any second now Ted figured he’d be getting a call from his sister about the strange woman in his life and why hadn’t he told her?

“Did you guys meet online?” Mikey asked totally innocently as Veronica handed him her credit card.

“Nope, we went to kindergarten together. I grew up on the Hernandez farm.”

“Victor’s place? We get a lot of our pizza ingredients from him. Gina says his tomatoes are the best.” Mikey eyed Ted speculatively. “Well, I can tell you that my uncle’s a good guy, and that my mom says he needs to stop being so boring, get out there, and live a little.”

“Thanks for the rec, Mikey.” Ted raised his eyebrows. “Maybe you could check on that pizza?”

He braced himself as Mikey went to the back of the store, and Veronica looked up at him, a smile dancing on her lips.

“You need to get out more?”

“Apparently.” Ted tried to keep his cool. “But please don’t listen to my nephew. He’s hardly an unbiased source.”

“He’s charming,” Veronica added as she signed the receipt and placed it back on the counter. “Must run in the family.”

Luckily for Ted, who was definitely starting to blush, the door behind him opened and he turned in relief to greet whoever was coming in.

“Hey.” Tucker Hayes, who was the general manager of his family’s historic hotel and Ted’s best friend, nodded at him. “You ready for the big day? I was just going to knock on your door so you saved me a trip. Avery said to come by and pick up your shirt tomorrow.”

His interested gaze went past Ted and focused on his companion.

“Veronica, right? Vic’s niece.”

“Wow, you have a good memory.” Veronica stepped forward and shook Tucker’s proffered hand.

“It helps in my business.” Tucker shrugged modestly. “Are you here for the holidays?”

“Yes, I was supposed to be staying with my uncle, but he’s gone off on a cruise, so I’m staying with Ted.” She smiled at him. “I hear Avery’s getting married?”

“Yeah, to Ry Morgan. They’ve been engaged for ages. Avery wanted to get through her last set of surgeries, and make sure she felt one hundred percent before she walked down the aisle.”

“I remember her barrel-racing accident,” Veronica said softly. “I also remember how sweet Ry Morgan was on her at school. I’m not surprised they’ve fallen in love.”

“You should pop by with Ted tomorrow and say hi. She’d love to see you,” Tucker said.

She looked hopefully at Ted and he nodded. “We’ll walk over after breakfast.”

As they left with the pizza, Ted realized how nice it was not having to explain everything and everyone in Morgan Valley to his companion. She knew all his friends and most of his family. And they all had a sense of her because she was already part of their community.

“Everyone’s being so nice,” Veronica said as if aware of the direction of his thoughts. “I feel like I’ve never been away.” She sighed, her breath frosting in the frigid air. “I wish I’d come back sooner. Jason, my ex, wouldn’t let me go anywhere without him. If I’d brought him here, my family would’ve seen what a miserable excuse for a human being he was, and defended me.”

Ted tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow as they crossed the street, the snow crunching beneath their booted feet.

“Was he afraid you wouldn’t come back if you went alone?” Ted reached the side door and took off his glove to find the key in his pocket.

“I’m not sure I would’ve gone back.” Veronica followed him inside, wiped her feet on the mat, and took off her knitted hat. “But he didn’t let me have any money or access to the bank account so I couldn’t go far without him.”

“That’s . . .” Ted tried to think of something that wouldn’t come out as a curse and failed miserably. “Awful.”

“Yes, it was.” She unbuttoned her coat and followed him up the stairs, her cheeks red with cold. “He told me his first wife left him for another man, and that he was just being extra careful with me. It didn’t matter how many times I told him I’d never do that, he’d made up his mind.” A wry smile tugged at her lips. “The funny thing is, that in the end, it turned out he was the one who was having an affair, not me.”

“Wow, what a piece of shit.” Ted was done trying to be polite.

“She turned up at our house one day, and told me to set him free so that she could love him properly.” Veronica hung her coat on the hook. “She was so young, and so deadly earnest that it was really hard not to laugh in her face.”

“What did you do?” Ted asked.

“I started making the plans I should’ve made years before. I set up my own bank account, made sure my employer started sending my checks to it, and went out to find an apartment of my own.” She grimaced. “It was hard because I didn’t have much of a credit history, but my employer stood by me, and I lucked out with a rent-controlled apartment in a decent neighborhood close to work.”

She walked into the kitchen, her head held high. “I retained a divorce lawyer, moved out, and served Jason the papers before he even knew what hit him.”

“Good for you,” Ted said, his admiration increasing with every second. He got two more beers out of the refrigerator. “It sounds like you made the right decision.”

Jeez, Ted knew it wasn’t his fight, and that Veronica didn’t need his help, but he wished he could meet her ex in a dark alley and explain a few things to him. . . .

“His new girlfriend, Marissa, moved in with him two days after I left.” Veronica searched the drawers for the pizza cutter and brought it over to the counter where Ted had placed the boxes. “She kind of reminded me of myself when I first met him and was so dazzled by his charm that I wouldn’t have believed anything bad about him.”

“She’ll probably work it out eventually.” Ted passed Veronica a paper plate. “Or, when he meets wife number four.”

“Who will be even younger than Marissa if he stays true to form.” Her smile was sad. “I wasted ten years of my life on that jerk, so in a weird way she did me a favor by turning up on my doorstep.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re rid of him.” Ted held her gaze. “He didn’t deserve you.”

“Totally agree.” She picked up her beer and clinked it against his. “Now, what about you? Why aren’t you married and settled down?”

* * *

Fifteen minutes later, after Ted had done everything possible to avoid answering her original question, Veronica finally had him cornered and sitting opposite her at the table.

“So why aren’t you in a relationship?”

He blew out a breath and slowly shook his head. “You don’t give up, do you?”

“Nope. You’re a good-looking guy, you run a successful family business, and from what I can tell, you’re not afraid of talking to women. So what is it?”

“I live in an apartment with my dad.”

“So you can’t bring anyone back here?” Veronica frowned. “Don’t the women in Morgan Valley have their own homes?”

“Of course they do.” He looked down at his pizza and started on another slice. “I just haven’t met anyone who’s made me want to get serious with them, and in a small town, if I mess up, I still get to see them every day and that could get awkward.”

“You have dated though, right?”

His head came up. “I’m not a complete loser.”

“I didn’t think you were—in fact I’m surprised you haven’t been inundated.” She chewed thoughtfully for a moment. “I seem to remember you were like that at school, totally oblivious to any hints us girls put out to you.”

“Oh, I noticed.” He took a swig of beer. “Hard not to when you come back to your truck after a football game and there are two half-naked cheerleaders in your back seat.”

Veronica’s mouth fell open. “Who was it?”

“The Hardcastle twins. They always did everything together.”

She leaned forward. “Did you—”

“Dude, no!” He looked revolted. “I wasn’t into that. I sent them HW Morgan’s way.” He set his pizza down. “Maybe I wasn’t the only one who didn’t get the hints.”

Veronica wrinkled her nose. “How so?”

“Maybe the girl I wanted to look back at me only saw me as a friend.”

“Who did you like?” Veronica asked. “Because if she’s still in town, and I know her, maybe—”

He suddenly stood up, picked up his plate, and headed for the kitchen. “Do you want any more pizza? Or shall I put on some more coffee?”

She stared at the back of his head as her brain finally caught up with her mouth.

“Ted?”

“What?” He didn’t turn around.

“Were you talking about me?”

“Might have been.” He shrugged, still keeping his back to her. “But it was a long time ago.”

Veronica picked up her plate and joined him in the kitchen. “It never occurred to me that—”

“Of course it didn’t. You were one of the popular kids, and I was just one of the crowd. That’s why I didn’t say anything. You probably would’ve laughed at me.”

Instinctively, she reached out and touched his back. “I wouldn’t have laughed. You were always so kind to me.”

“Kind, yeah, but not boyfriend material.” He finally turned to look at her, and slowly grinned. “I bet you wish you hadn’t started this conversation now. And for the record, I haven’t spent the last ten years pining over you.”

“I would hope not,” Veronica rallied. “Because that would’ve been stupid, and you’re not that kind of guy. And, considering the choices I did make when I was a teenager, you should probably be relieved you weren’t my type.”

He got down two mugs and leaned back against the countertop, his arms crossed, and a thoughtful look on his face.

“What?” Veronica asked.

“I didn’t think I was going to stay in Morgantown. I never looked for a permanent relationship because I guess I didn’t want anyone to tie me down here.” He grimaced. “That’s probably the closest to the truth I’ve ever come to admitting to anyone including myself.”

“Then why did you stay?” Veronica held his gaze.

“All kinds of reasons.” He smiled and turned back to the coffee. “Too many to bore you with right now. Do you want to get some cream out of the refrigerator for your coffee?”

Chapter Three

After taking Bacon out for a short morning stroll on his leash around the rear of the gas station, Veronica went back up to the apartment. She couldn’t stop thinking about her conversation with Ted the night before. Why hadn’t he left town, and why did she care that he seemed to have somehow given up? She hadn’t seen him for ten years; she had no right to pry into his life. But, as her uncle Vic had always told her, sometimes a person appeared in your life for a reason, and maybe her purpose was to get Ted out of his rut.

She walked into a cloud of steam and the sound of whistling and almost dropped Bacon as Ted came out of his bathroom with just a towel around his hips and nothing else.

“Sorry.” He took such a hasty step backward that he collided with the bathroom doorframe. “I forgot you were here.”

“It’s okay.” Veronica waved away the steam, feeling as if she was in one of those dream sequences from a movie when a handsome hunk stepped out of the shower. “It’s not like I’ve never seen a man’s body before.”

Feigning nonchalance, she walked past him and into the second bathroom where she put Bacon on the floor and checked the mirror to make sure her tongue wasn’t actually hanging out.

Jason was short and lean, and Ted . . . was definitely neither of those things. He had actual abs, and those line thingies that she could never remember the name of that angled diagonally down from his hip to his . . . groin.

Veronica fed her pig and then splashed water on her flushed face. The only reason she was reacting so positively to Ted’s body was because she hadn’t had sex with an actual person for three years. It was perfectly understandable and natural and nothing to worry about.

She went back into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door, appreciating the wave of cold air.

“I thought we could get breakfast at Yvonne’s, and then walk over to see Avery at the hotel. I’m one of Ry’s groomsmen so I’ve got to look the part.”

She turned as Ted came up behind her. He was now completely dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, and a thick flannel shirt. He’d also shaved, which was a pity in her opinion.

“Is that a new café?” She took her time closing the refrigerator door.

“It’s been here a while. Yvonne did her culinary training in France so she’s an amazing pastry and bread maker.”

“Sounds awesome.” She smiled brightly at him, mentally picturing those fine abs hidden by his shirt. “I’ll just get my coat.”

* * *

Ted glanced down at his companion as they walked along the street toward Yvonne’s. He could already smell the coffee, but that wasn’t the only reason he was feeling so upbeat and optimistic. There was something about Veronica that just made him wake up and appreciate life more. Sure, she asked him awkward questions, but she also didn’t judge his answers, or make him feel guilty. He liked that, and she was definitely making him think.

The trouble was, the more he thought, the more ashamed he became of how he’d sat back and let life pass him by.

“Hey!” Yvonne approached the table as he and Veronica sat down. “I heard you had someone staying with you. I’m glad you brought her in.”

Veronica held out her hand. “I’m Veronica Hernandez. I’m waiting for my uncle Victor to come home from his cruise because we got our dates mixed up. Ted very kindly let me stay with him.”

“You’re Victor’s niece? He has the best local produce.” Yvonne winked at Ted. “I do hope you’re going to persuade Veronica to stick around and continue the family business.”

Ted held up his hands. “Nothing to do with me.”

Yvonne gave them both menus. “What can I get you to drink?”

By the time they’d refilled their coffee twice and eaten their food, Ted reckoned that half the town had come by their table to say hi or just ogle his guest. Who would’ve thought him bringing a woman into the café would’ve caused such a stir? Was he really such a loner?

And Veronica had been great with everyone; her interest in their lives was not feigned, but completely genuine, and it showed. A number of people had given him a thumbs-up behind her back or an encouraging wink, which was totally embarrassing. They were all going to be disappointed when they realized he and Veronica were just friends. He stared at her as she finished her coffee. Dammit, he was going to be disappointed if that’s all they ever were.

“What’s wrong?”

Ted started, as she looked him right in the eye.

“Nothing, I was just . . .” He wasn’t stupid enough to share his revolutionary thought. She’d probably go running out the door and back to L.A. before he finished the sentence. “Thinking we should get a move on. I’ve got to take a shift at the gas pumps at lunchtime, so I’ll need to get back.”

“Sure!” She immediately pocketed her phone, and stood up to put on her jacket. “I can’t wait to see Avery.”

He helped her with her coat, and then put on his own before waving good-bye to Yvonne and heading back out onto Main Street. The snow had hardened into a firm crispness that made walking on it far easier than the night before. Veronica looped her arm through his and he slowed his pace to accommodate her shorter strides.

“It’s so beautiful here.” Veronica sighed as she looked around and then out at the towering black peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. “It makes you forget that you’re soon going to be cut off from civilization, and praying every night that the power stays on.”

“I hear you.” Ted chuckled. “I’ve got my own generator, if that makes you feel any better. And I kind of like it—the isolation and the quietness that descends when the gold country tourists can’t get to us. It’s like we’ve stepped back in time.”

“And the hotel is a saloon and the sheriff is gathering a posse to go after some bandits?” Veronica grinned at him. “Who would’ve thought you could be so romantic?”

They reached the hotel, which was four stories high, and much bigger than it looked behind its old, faux western façade. Ted had spent his childhood running in and out of the place so he had no hesitation in taking Veronica through the kitchens.

Keeping hold of Veronica’s hand, he went up the steep backstairs and emerged two stories higher, slightly winded. The sound of laughter reached him from along the narrow corridor and he headed for the open door.

Avery Hayes stood in the middle of the room with a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other. She was talking to January Morgan who had her small son, Chase William, with her.

“I don’t want to throw flowers.” The little boy stuck out his lip. “I want to ride my pony.”

Ted paused in the doorway and kept quiet as he waited to see how the bride-to-be and her new sister-in-law handled the stubborn three-year-old.

“You know, I’d love it if you could do that.” Avery sat down beside him and sighed like she really meant it. “But as it’s winter, we’re holding the wedding inside, and not out at the ranch. I don’t think it would be fair on Muggs. He might get scared with all the noise and the people.”

“I wouldn’t let him be scared,” Chase William insisted.

“I’m sorry, honey, but horses aren’t allowed inside hotels,” January added firmly. “Mr. Hayes said so. Wouldn’t you just like to throw the flowers? I know you’d be really good at it.” She paused. “Unless you’d prefer baby Elizabeth to do it?”

“She’s too small!” Chase William protested.

“But she could do it if Daddy or I carried her, and then you could just sit in the row with Grandpa, and not have to do anything, or have anyone look at you, and think what a big, grown-up boy you are.”

“Masterful,” Veronica whispered in Ted’s ear as a hundred different expressions crossed the little boy’s face. “That’s TC Morgan’s wife?”

“Yup, January. She’s awesome.”

Chase William turned back to Avery who had been waiting patiently despite the fact that she must have a million things to organize.

“I’ll do the flowers.”

“That’s so good of you,” Avery said admiringly. “I can’t think of anyone who could do a better job.” She looked up at January who winked. “Then, that’s settled. We’ll see you here on Saturday at two.”

As she stood, she glanced back at the door and spotted Ted.

“Hey! What’s up? Tucker said you had a surprise for me.” Her gaze slid past him to Veronica.

“Ronnie?”

“I guess I’m the surprise!” Veronica rushed forward to envelop Avery in a giant hug. “It is so good to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Avery turned to Ted. “I didn’t realize you two were long-distance dating.” She grabbed Veronica’s hand. “You did come for the wedding, right? I guess that’s why Ted didn’t reply about his plus one because he wanted it to be a surprise.”

“I—” Veronica looked uncertainly up at him, and he shrugged.

“If you have room for Veronica, I’d love to bring her,” Ted said.

“Of course I do.” Avery grinned at them both. “It will make my wedding even better—if that’s possible.” She glanced back at January who was helping her son into his coat. “Is it okay if I bring Veronica out to the ranch this evening for my party?”

“Sure!” January straightened up, keeping a firm hand on the back of Chase William’s collar. “The more the merrier. Now, I have to get back to feed Elizabeth, but is there anything you need me to take with me, or any messages I can relay?”

“I think I’m good.”

“Then we’ll see you tonight.” January smiled at Ted and Veronica. “Have a great day.”

* * *

Half an hour later, they were walking back to Ted’s apartment, his new blue shirt and cowboy hat tucked securely under his arm. Veronica squeezed his sleeve.

“Are you really okay about me coming to the wedding with you?”

“I can’t think of anything I’d like better.” He unlocked the door and walked ahead of her up into the apartment.

“Because I feel a bit like you were put in an impossible position, and—oomph.”

Veronica, who’d been looking down, concentrating on the steps, walked straight into Ted’s chest as he turned around to talk to her. His arms closed around her, stopping her from falling backward, and she just stayed where she was, enjoying the heat of him and feeling far safer than she had in a long while. She knew somewhere deep in her soul that if Ted Baker gave you his trust and support, you were set for life.

But she’d have to tell him what she’d done, and the thought of him recoiling from her made her attempt to gently push him away.

“Veronica?”

He took a step back, but still reached out a hand to cup her chin so that she had to look up at him.

“What?”

“I—” His smile was crooked. “I just have this crazy idea that I want to kiss you.”

“Definitely crazy.” She tried to smile.

“You wouldn’t want that from me?”

She considered him carefully, the strong line of his jaw, his warm brown eyes and the mixture of confusion and desire behind his stare.

“What are we talking about here exactly?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead.” He sighed. “That’s me all over, right? That’s exactly why I’m stuck here pleading with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met to feel sorry enough for me to kiss me.”

“I don’t feel sorry for you.” Veronica moved past him into the apartment and took off her hat and coat. He thought she was beautiful? “I’m just trying to get my head around this whole thing.” She slowly unwrapped her scarf, took a deep breath, and turned to face him. He surprised her by speaking first.

“I was thinking, that seeing as everyone wants us to be a couple, we could oblige them during the wedding.”

He fixed his gaze on her and he looked so hopeful that she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Or not, if you think that’s a stupid idea,” he added hastily. “I know you’ve only just got here. It’s just that I’m having such a great time hanging out with you, that—”

Veronica held up one finger. She might sound confident, but after a year of crappy dates she wasn’t sure of the right approach to take anymore. And as this might be her last Christmas of freedom, maybe she’d better go all out and enjoy it.

“I don’t have any major objections to that idea.”

“You don’t?” Ted let out his breath. “That’s . . . awesome.”

“But I do have a few questions.” Veronica went into the kitchen and started making coffee purely to have something to do with her hands as her thoughts skidded around like a car on ice.

“Sure.” Ted followed her and leaned up against the countertop, arms folded over his chest. “You get to set the rules.”

“I do?” After having a man running her life for ten years, Veronica couldn’t even tell Ted how much that idea appealed to her.

“Yeah, like what’s okay, and what’s not okay for us to do together.”

A few ideas sprang to life in her head involving him maybe being naked, and Veronica’s cheeks heated. She hurried to get out two mugs and the creamer.

“Maybe we should play that bit by ear?”

“Fine by me.” He nodded. “We could go with the idea that we’ve been dating online for a while, and that one of the reasons you came back for Christmas was to size me up in person.”

“Sounds reasonable.”

Ted’s phone buzzed and he took it out of his pocket and made a face. “I’ve got to relieve Mano at the gas pumps for a couple of hours. Can I take my coffee to go?” He opened one of the cupboards and produced a metal flask. “You can stick mine in there.”

“Don’t you need some lunch?” Veronica called after him as he went down the hallway to his bedroom to change into his work clothes.

“Still full from breakfast!” he shouted back at her. “I’ll need to go grocery shopping at some point if we’re not going to eat pizza every day.”

As Veronica had been in the refrigerator, she knew he had a point. She poured the coffee, added sugar to hers, and waited for him to return to the kitchen, which he did in very short time.

He was wearing a dark blue coverall with the word Baker’s embroidered on the pocket and thick work boots. She instinctively went over, stood on tiptoe, and flattened down his mussed-up hair. He caught her around the waist and held her still until she looked shyly up at him.

“May I kiss you?”

“Yes, please.”

He slowly lowered his head, giving her all the time in the world to say no, and set his mouth over hers. As he angled his head, the subtle scrape of his stubble against her skin made her knees go weak and the polite kiss turned wild. Within seconds, she had her hands in his hair and was demanding more.

He only stepped back when his cell phone buzzed again, his lips slightly parted, which made her want to drag him right back and keep him there until they were naked and horizontal. Who’d have guessed that Ted Baker would be a phenomenal kisser?

“Gotta go.” He cleared his throat and swallowed hard. “Spare key’s by the door if you want to go out and explore.”

“Okay.” She turned to hand him his coffee. “See you in a couple of hours.”

After he’d left, she remained in the kitchen, her gaze fixed on the door, her senses still reeling from the kiss they’d shared—a kiss that had felt both natural and incredibly hot. He tasted right, and his body fitted against hers in all the correct places.

She smiled. Maybe she had been a fool not to notice he was attracted to her in school. She could’ve stayed in Morgantown, built a happy life with him, and never had to deal with the awfulness of Jason. But maybe the experience of a Jason made a woman appreciate the finer things in life such as coming back to her hometown and finding Ted Baker all grown up.

A loud piglet snort from the bathroom reminded her not to get carried away until she’d sorted out the current mess her life was in. She set down her coffee and went to find Bacon, who was extremely pleased to see her. She sat on the floor and let him climb into her lap. His happy little pig snuffles and wet nose made her want to hug him tight and never let go.

At least she hadn’t crossed any state lines and was still in California. Was it actually illegal to transport a single, lovable pet pig into another state? Did Bacon need papers? Did she need a lawyer?

Veronica patted Bacon, set him back on the floor, and got up. There was no point staying inside worrying about everything. She’d wait until Uncle Victor returned, and share all her troubles with the man who’d brought her up after her parents had died in a car accident. If he couldn’t help her, no one could. Until then, she’d keep an eye on the news, enjoy her time with Ted, and make sure he at least had something to eat for dinner before she went out with Avery.

* * *

Ted returned the credit card receipt to his customer and waited until he signed it.

“Thanks. Drive safely now.”

He discreetly made sure the guy hadn’t taken his pen, and checked that the credit card machine was set back in place. He couldn’t wait for the day when everything became paperless. There were still several people in Morgan Valley who insisted on writing him a check, but he never rushed them. They’d known his beloved grandpa and his father and were as much a part of the valley as he was. One day, when he could afford it, he’d upgrade the remaining pumps to take credit card payments right there on the forecourt.

“Hey.”

He looked up to find Tucker grinning at him.

“Hey, yourself. What’s up?” As customers were scarce because of the weather it was nice to see a friendly face. “Aren’t you supposed to be running a hotel or something?”

“It’s a madhouse right now what with Marley telling everyone what to do and Dad countermanding her orders while Mom and I rush around frantically getting in each other’s way.” Tucker let out an aggrieved breath. “If they’d all sit down and stop arguing, we’d be in much better shape.”

“You guys could organize a wedding in your sleep,” Ted reminded him. “You’ve done hundreds of them.”

“But not like this one. Marley’s taken it as a personal challenge to show that the Hayes family can outdo Morgan Ranch, which is stupid when there is plenty of room for both venues. Avery made the right choice to organize the Morgan Ranch end of things and keep out of the way.” Tucker checked his phone and groaned. “And they keep texting me like I have all the answers.”

Ted chuckled. “You usually do. What time do you want us there on Saturday?”

“Two? There’s a big crowd coming and we’ll need to manage them.”

“I’ve herded a few cattle in my time.” Ted shrugged. “I can wrangle a few rowdy cowboys.”

“Once the wedding is over and we’ve had the champagne toast, everything’s moving up to Morgan Ranch for the main reception and dance. We just don’t have the capacity, and seeing as Avery and Ry know every damn family in the valley, and most of the professional rodeo community between them, it’s going to be wild.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Ted confessed. “I can’t think of any couple I’d rather see make it than those two.”

“I wonder why?” Tucker winked at him. “You suddenly hoping these old schoolyard romances always work out well?”

Ted gave him a withering look. “If you’re talking about me and Veronica, we never went out in school.”

“But you always had a thing for her.”

“Yeah, but she always saw me as a friend.” Ted rearranged some of the gum at the front of the counter to avoid looking at Tucker. “And that’s primarily what we still are—friends.”

“Yeah, right.” Tucker wasn’t having any of it. “You’ve been happier than I’ve seen you in years since she arrived.”

“She’s only been here a day, and she’s a very positive person to be with,” Ted said.

“She sure is.” Tucker hesitated. “Is she coming back to live here?”

Knowing he was the worst liar in town, and was currently facing the man who knew him best in the world, Ted desperately tried to think of a reply.

“I’m not sure. I think it depends on a lot of different factors.”

“Like you?”

“No, way more important things than that,” Ted said hastily. “I think Victor would be thrilled if she decided to stay. He definitely could do with some help with the business, and some company.”

“That’s true.” Tucker looked over his shoulder as another customer came into the store and sighed. “I’d better get back before Marley and Dad come to blows. Avery will pick Veronica up around six, okay?”

“I’ll let her know.” Ted smiled at the woman approaching the counter. “Afternoon, ma’am, how can I help you?”

Even as he attended to business, his thoughts were racing. Veronica did make him feel more optimistic about everything, but he still knew very little about her. The fact that she’d turned up in Morgantown without alerting her beloved uncle was definitely suspect, and why had she brought a pig with her? His smile died as the woman left the shop. He wanted Veronica to tell him the truth. He wanted her to trust him, and that meant he was already in way over his head.

Chapter Four

“Did you have a good night?” Ted came into the kitchen to find Veronica sitting at the table eating a bowl of cereal. She looked far too awake and chirpy for him.

“It was awesome. Avery hasn’t changed a bit, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. They’re all really pleased you’ve found yourself a girlfriend, by the way.”

“Funny, I never realized how interested the whole town was in my love life until you turned up.”

He helped himself to coffee and opened the refrigerator to view the now-filled shelves. “Thanks again for getting all this stuff. I really appreciate it. Let me know how much I owe you.”

“It’s on me.” She waved her spoon in his general direction. “You’re saving me a packet on hotel costs, so it’s the least I could do.”

Ted grabbed a bowl, filled it with the granola stuff, which looked way too healthy, added milk, and took the seat opposite his guest. Her hair was coiled in two braids on either side of her head and her sweater was red and fluffy.

He pointed at her head. “Princess Leia, right?”

“Kind of.” She gave him an approving smile. “With a touch of manga realness.”

Ted nodded like he knew what that was, and dove into his cereal.

“Can I ask you something, Ted?”

“Sure.” He wiped milk from his chin and gave her his attention.

“Is there a reason why you haven’t put up any holiday decorations or got a tree?”

He looked blankly around the bare apartment and then back at her. “I guess I just haven’t gotten around to it. Dad usually does that kind of stuff.”

“Would you mind if I did it?” She must have seen something on his face that made her rush onward. “I’ve always loved the holidays, and this one feels kind of special to me. But I can totally understand if you don’t want to do anything. It’s your place.”

Ted set his spoon down. “The thing is—it doesn’t feel like my place. I built it for Dad, and I still feel like I’m a guest here. I bought land to build my own house just behind the shop and I’ve done nothing with it.” He tried to smile. “I bet you think that’s lame.”

“Not at all.” She shook her head. “Because that’s exactly how I felt living with Jason. He wouldn’t let me make any decisions about the furnishings, or décor, or anything. I always felt like he didn’t trust me, you know?” She looked away. “When I got my own place, I spent a year staring at the bare walls, too terrified to change anything in case I did it wrong. Then I realized that even if I got it wrong, it didn’t matter because there was no one to see it but me. I went out and bought all my holiday decorations, and finally made it feel like home—my home.”

Ted reached over and took her hand. “Maybe we both should decorate this place?”

Her face lit up. “I was thinking I’d ask to borrow your truck, but if you can come with me, that will make it even more special.”

“It’s my day off.” He grinned back at her. “We can go whenever you want.”

Ted helped himself to more coffee and sat back down again. “The tree is the easy part. We just head up to Morgan Ranch, check in with the family, and go and help ourselves.”

“They still do that?”

“Yeah, Billy and Chase have continued the tradition the first William Morgan started back in the eighteen hundreds. The Christmas decorations might take a bit more planning because we’ll need to go to a bigger town.”

“Don’t you have any in storage?” Veronica asked.

“I guess so,” Ted considered. “Dad definitely got some out last Christmas. I’ll check around the apartment.”

“Maybe we should do that before we go shopping so we’ll know what we’re missing.”

“Sure.” Ted resigned himself to a morning investigating the closets and finished his cereal, which hadn’t been too bad after all. “I’ll get on that right now before I have my shower.”

* * *

Veronica fed Bacon and took him out for his morning walk. There had been more snow the previous night, but someone had already been out and cleared a path from the body shop to the gas station. Having grown up with the snow and ice, Veronica wasn’t too worried, but she did put little pig boots on her pet to make sure he didn’t damage his hooves.

She hadn’t lied when she’d said how much she’d enjoyed her evening with Avery. Jason hadn’t encouraged her to have friends and had gradually cut her off from her family and hometown. She’d tried to apologize to Avery for her long silence, but her friend had brushed aside her admission of guilt with a gentle understanding that had almost made Veronica want to weep.

Having friends again—having the support of a local community who watched out for each other—was something she desperately wanted. But would Victor let her stay when he learned what she’d done? He was a man with great respect for the law, and he’d firmly insist that Veronica should tell the truth and accept the consequences for her actions.

She got out her cell and anxiously checked her old local channel, but there was no news. Should she call her boss and just casually inquire if anyone had been asking after her? Like the police? But Leon wasn’t stupid, and he’d definitely want to know what she’d done. And, as she still wasn’t sure exactly what she’d done, she wasn’t going to confess and incriminate herself.

She returned to the apartment, and found Ted standing on one of the chairs in the hallway in front of a closet packed with boxes. He glanced down at her after she’d put Bacon away.

“Can you take these from me? They aren’t heavy at all.”

“Sure.”

Veronica reached up to take the box, which was helpfully marked “Christmas Decorations,” and took it through to the family room. She came back to receive the second box, sneezing as the dust rose to tickle her nose.

She washed her hands and brought a damp cloth to wipe down the two boxes while Ted put away the chair and came to join her on the rug. He carefully opened the first box and peered inside.

“This is definitely the Christmas stuff.”

“Is it okay to just take it out and put it on the floor?” Veronica asked as she cut the tape on the other box.

“Sure. It’s not as if this is a new rug. I think my dad brought it with him from our old place.” Ted started unwrapping newspaper parcels and Veronica took the other box and did the same.

After a while, she glanced over to see Ted staring down at a star-shaped ornament. His smile had disappeared as he gently ran his finger over the metal. He must have sensed her interest because he looked up.

“I’d forgotten about this one. My mom got it for me.” He held it up so Veronica could see it better. “She had it engraved with my name, hers, and the date.” He grimaced. “Shame she didn’t stick around to see me actually open my present that year.”

“She left at Christmas?”

“Two days before.” Ted shrugged. “I don’t think Dad ever got over it. She resurfaced in Fresno a few months later, and asked Dad for a divorce.”

“I remember you getting really quiet at school and Beth crying a lot,” Veronica said carefully. “You know what small towns are like—we all knew your mom had left Morgantown.”

“Yeah, well.” He turned the star over in his capable hands, his head bent low. “I did get to see her again occasionally after things settled down, but it was never the same.”

“Did she remarry?”

“No, which, to be honest, kind of surprised me because I was pretty sure she’d left Dad for another guy, but there never was anyone. I guess she just couldn’t stand living with us anymore.”

Wincing at the echo of pain in his voice, Veronica took the ornament from Ted to read the inscription.

“‘I’ll always love you, Teddy Bear.’” She met his gaze. “Maybe she was trying to leave you with something to remember her by?”

A muscle twitched in his cheek. “I’d rather she’d stuck around to be honest. If she’d loved me, she wouldn’t have left, would she?”

Veronica considered the ornament, the metal warm from Ted’s fingers. “Have you ever asked her about that?”

“Why would I?” He raised an eyebrow. “She went and she didn’t come back. What else is there to say?”

Veronica wanted to tell him that there obviously was a lot that needed to be said, but knew it wasn’t her place.

“She picked out most of these ornaments.” Ted gestured at the box. “I think Dad must’ve only used the ones he’d bought after she left because I haven’t seen these since then. She loved to buy a new one for each of us every Christmas—something special, or a private joke, or nickname.”

“Like Teddy Bear,” Veronica said softly.

“Yeah.” He reached over and took the star from her, wrapped it back up, and started on the rest of the pile he’d already accumulated.

“What are you doing?” Veronica asked.

“Putting them back where they belong—in the closet gathering dust.” He abruptly stood up and went into the kitchen. “I need some tape.”

Veronica waited for him to return, her hands palm down on her crossed knees. How could she have been stupid enough to forget that Ted’s mother walking out on him when he was twelve would have affected him so deeply? She’d been so eager to accept him at face value that she’d forgotten that everyone had hidden scars, and this one was a doozy.

* * *

Eventually, after Ted resealed the box and put it away again, he returned to sit opposite Veronica on the rug.

“I suppose I should apologize.” He made himself meet her gaze. “I didn’t think something as stupid as a tree ornament would bring back so many memories.”

“We’re good.” Veronica reached out to pat his knee. “I’m the one who should be sorry, badgering you to decorate your apartment.”

“It’s fine.” He hastened to continue. “I’m totally over what happened with my mom, so I don’t know why I got so bent out of shape about it.”

“Because feelings aren’t always logical,” Veronica said softly. “Because adults sometimes do shitty, selfish things without thinking about their kids? I lost both my parents when I was four, Ted. I know how it feels to be abandoned.”

“Your parents died in a car crash. That was hardly their fault,” Ted reminded her.

“Why do you think they were driving so fast?” Veronica let out her breath. “They’d decided they didn’t want to stay with Victor because the work was too hard, and they wanted to be free.”

Ted frowned. “But what about you?”

“They just left me there. Two days after they were confirmed dead, Victor got a letter in the mail they must have posted the day they left, explaining it all to him,” Veronica said flatly. “I didn’t know any of this until I was eighteen and Victor told me the truth. I thought it was all a tragic accident.”

Ted reached over, picked her up, and deposited her on his knee. She pressed her face against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m so sorry,” Ted murmured into her hair. “At least I got to see my mom again.”

She placed her palm over his heart. “We both lost something, Ted. We can both grieve that loss.”

Had he ever grieved for his mother? He couldn’t consciously remember doing so. He’d had his dad, his school stuff, and his part-time job at the gas pumps to keep him busy. And he hadn’t wanted to upset his father who was barely hanging on as he struggled to understand why his wife had left him.

Veronica raised her head to look up at him. “I was lucky to have Victor and the rest of the family. I was so young when my parents ran off that I never really felt the lack of them. You were twelve when your mom left. That must’ve been hard.”

“It was.” Ted couldn’t believe he’d actually said the words out loud. “And I still don’t know why.”

“You should ask her.” Veronica looked him right in the eye.

“I’ll think about it.”

Ted kissed her nose and then when he had her attention, her mouth, until she kissed him back. It was way better to show how he felt rather than talk about his feelings, and way more enjoyable.

When she eventually eased away, they were both breathing hard, and she somehow had her hand up the back of his T-shirt while he was cupping her breast.

“You sure you want to stop right now?” he asked softly. “Because I have a real nice comfortable bed where we could get naked.”

She bit her lip and brought her hand up to his jaw. “I think I need to tell you something first.”

“Okay.” He took his hands off her and resisted the impulse to readjust his jeans. “Shoot.”

“I stole Bacon,” she said in a rush.

Ted blinked at her. “As in your pet pig, and not the stuff from the supermarket?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “When I lived with Jason, he had a pig called Perry. Jason didn’t like her when she got big, so I ended up looking after her.”

“How big does a pet pig get?” Ted asked suspiciously.

“About two hundred pounds. And they can be really badly behaved if they aren’t cared for properly.” Veronica shrugged. “Jason lost interest in Perry when she stopped looking cute, but he was too scared to do anything to upset her, and he liked breeding her and selling off her piglets.”

“Okay,” Ted said cautiously. “So where does the pig stealing part come in?”

Veronica looked down at her clasped hands. “I . . . kept an eye on Perry after I left because I was worried Jason wouldn’t treat her right.”

“How exactly did you do that?”

“My old next-door neighbors hated Jason and were quite happy to send me regular updates on Perry whenever they saw her in the backyard. I couldn’t take her with me because my apartment didn’t allow pets.”

“Hard to hide a two-hundred-pound pig.” Ted nodded. “So what happened?”

“Jason kept breeding her and eventually, Perry became ill.” Veronica swallowed hard. “I ended up texting him because I was so worried, which was a terrible mistake because he’s never forgiven me for divorcing him. He said Perry wasn’t worth keeping anymore because only one of her piglets had survived.” Ted winced. “I offered to come over and take Perry to the vet to see if there was anything that could be done for her. I even offered to pay the bill, but Jason wouldn’t let me.”

“So what did you do?” Ted prompted her gently.

She raised her chin. “I went around to the house. There was no sign of Perry, which was bad enough, so I took Bacon.”

Ted considered what to say next. “So basically you stole his pig.”

“That’s what I told you in the beginning!” Veronica held his gaze. “He’s going to be furious! What if he comes after me?”

“I suppose he could do that,” Ted acknowledged. “But do you really think he’s going to come all the way out here just to get his pig back?”

“I don’t know!” Veronica said. “That’s why I came here. I thought Uncle Victor would be able to help me.”

“But Vic’s away.”

“Yes.” Veronica didn’t look very impressed with his impeccable logic or speed of thought. “I know that now. I didn’t at the time.”

“Okay, so what does this have to do with whether or not we go to bed together?”

Veronica scrambled off his lap and paced the worn rug, her arms wrapped around herself before turning back to Ted.

“Are you being deliberately annoying?”

Ted shrugged. “Nope, I guess it just comes naturally to me.”

“I’m trying to be honest with you.”

“I get that.”

“Do you not care that you might be having sex with someone who stole a pig?”

Ted looked from her flushed face down to her pink kitten socks and slowly shook his head. “I can’t say that it bothers me.”

“Uncle Victor will be so disappointed,” Veronica whispered.

Ted held up one hand. “Just clarifying that I’m not related to you, and I didn’t bring you up, so I’m not conflicted about this at all.”

She spun away from him and looked out of the window, her shoulders hunched almost up to her ears.

“Should I tell Nate?”

Ted got up from the floor. “Do you want to?”

“Of course I don’t. I wish I could go back in time and change everything that happened, and—” She sighed. “Well, maybe not all of it because I do have Bacon.”

“What else happened?” Ted asked slowly. “You stole the pig, and you don’t regret that. What do you regret?”

She drew herself up. “The stealing part, Ted? That I should have taken the time to negotiate some deal with Jason and not just . . . taken him. I panicked.”

From the way she was avoiding his gaze, Ted had a strong suspicion that she might have done something else, but seeing as his opinion of Jason couldn’t get any lower, he didn’t have a problem if Veronica had trashed the house a little on her way out.

“Do you want me to talk to Nate for you?”

“No, I’m a big girl. If it comes to that, I’ll talk to him myself.” She blew out a breath. “Thanks for offering, though.”

“You’re welcome.” Ted paused. “Anything else you want to tell me?”

She looked so guilty that he almost wanted to laugh.

“I . . . don’t know yet.”

“Well, at least that’s honest.” He waited again. “Are you sure you don’t want to spill the beans? Because you’ll probably feel much better if you let it all out.”

She reached for his hand. “I just can’t.”

“That bad, eh?”

She squeezed his fingers hard. “Maybe.” She met his gaze. “Would you prefer it if I moved out?”

“Dammit, no!” Ted frowned at her. “Why would you even think that?”

“Because I don’t want to get you into trouble.”

“For harboring a pig stealer?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve ruined everything because I didn’t think things through properly. I should have kept this to myself. I wanted this Christmas with you to be special, and now I’ve made you mad.”

“I’m mad because you’re trying to leave, not because of the stupid pig,” Ted said patiently. “Hell, you could have brought ten pigs with you and I wouldn’t have noticed. I just want to spend Christmas with you, too.”

She bit her lip and eyed him hopefully. “If I promise to tell you the rest of it the moment I can, will that do?”

“I’m not the one putting up barriers here, Veronica,” Ted reminded her. “That’s all you.”

She studied him for a long moment and then slowly nodded. “Okay, then.”

“Okay, what?” Ted wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

“I’ll stay.”

“And consider my offer of my nice big bed? I changed the sheets this morning.”

Her smile made something inside him relax. “How about we start with the Christmas shopping and see how that goes?”

Ted kissed her cheek. “Okay, you win. Let’s get going.”

* * *

She should have told him everything. Veronica couldn’t get that thought out of her mind as they headed to the nearest town with a decent mall. Why had she stopped? He’d been surprisingly calm about the pig stealing and she had an instinctive sense that he’d be okay about the rest of it. But he also reminded her very much of her uncle Victor who, while being totally on her side, would expect her to do the right thing, step up, and accept the consequences of her actions.

She glanced down at her cell phone. Should she text her old neighbor Sharon who’d always kept an eye out for Perry? Or would it be better to talk to Leon who was a little more removed from the neighborhood, but disliked Jason enough to help her out? She’d been gone for over a week now and no one had contacted her about anything—which could be a good or a bad thing....

Ted made the turn into the parking lot and looked over at her.

“You okay?”

She found a smile somewhere. “Yes, sorry, I was just thinking about what we need for the apartment, and I also have to get something to wear for the wedding. It’s not going to be super dressy, is it?”

Ted chuckled. “You know Avery. She doesn’t like a fuss and neither does Ry.” He slotted the truck into a corner parking spot and turned off the engine. “The groomsmen are wearing the same Western shirts, and the bridesmaids are wearing whatever they like as long as it’s green, because that’s Avery’s favorite color.”

“I’ll definitely need something. I haven’t been to a wedding for years.” Veronica glanced down at her jeans and sweater. “I didn’t bring anything formal with me because I knew Victor would have me out there working the moment I arrived.”

“Yeah, he probably would have. I’ve pulled a few carrots out of the ground for him once or twice when I just went up there to deliver his mail.” Ted grabbed his jacket from the back seat and checked if he had his phone and wallet. “You ready to go?”

Veronica got out of the truck and headed toward the mall entrance, Ted by her side. The interior was decked out in red, gold, and green. Christmas music was playing, and judging from the line of excited little kids curving around the corner, Santa was already in residence hopefully handing out presents. Veronica paused to check out the illuminated mall map while Ted swiped a paper copy of the same thing.

“Let’s do the dress shopping before we end up with too many bags,” Ted suggested. “According to Beth, there are a couple of decent places here.”

“So I see.” Veronica braced herself. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. You could start on the decoration side of things.”

He looked down at her from his considerable height, his brow creased. “I’m happy to tag along—unless you’d rather be alone?”

“I . . .” Veronica grimaced. “Jason always came shopping with me and basically bought and chose all my clothes, so I guess I’m a bit skittish about it.”

“Understandable.” He nodded. “How about I do the same thing I do when I shop with Beth?”

“What’s that?”

“Keep my mouth shut unless she asks for an opinion.”

Veronica blinked at him. “You’d do that?”

He shrugged. “It’s your body.”

She went up on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his mouth.

“What was that for?”

“For being so nice.” Veronica kissed him again.

“Don’t they say that nice guys finish last?” Ted asked.

“They are completely wrong.” She mock frowned at him. “Trust me on this.”

She took his hand as they went up the escalator to the second floor and held on to it as they went into the big department store that anchored one end of the mall. She still didn’t enjoy shopping for clothes. Years of Jason criticizing her taste and judgment were hard to shake off.

True to his promise, Ted didn’t say a word as he followed her through the racks. He did volunteer to carry the ever-increasing pile of garments she gathered as she went and she was very grateful for that. A salesperson glided up and offered to set her up in a dressing room, which Veronica accepted.

Eventually, she found herself in her own space and quickly set about trying on all the things. Most of them she discarded immediately, but there were three she liked. She glanced doubtfully at the door. Should she go out there and show Ted? Would he really be able to keep his mouth shut?

She reminded herself she’d been a free woman for two years now, and that what she wore was totally up to her. She unlocked the door and went out to where Ted and a couple of other guys were all sitting staring glumly at their phones. He looked up as she approached and smiled.

She did a little twirl. “What do you think?”

“It’s great,” Ted said. “I like the color.”

He continued to smile approvingly while she waited for the but, which never came. Eventually, she went back to try on dress number two. It was a soft pink color with an embroidered skirt and a red sash that complemented her coloring nicely.

This time, he stood up and his smile was definitely hotter. He didn’t need to say anything because she already knew he liked it, but she still asked.

“It looks good on you,” he finally said, his gaze firmly on her face. “How do you like it?”

“I think it’s my favorite,” Veronica confessed and lowered her voice. “You don’t think it’s too revealing, or too juvenile for me, or anything?”

“Nope.”

“That’s it?” She looked up at him.

“Yup. Did you say there was one more contender?” He gently turned her around and pointed her back at the dressing room. “Let’s see it, then.”

Chapter Five

“Hey, Dad.” Ted waved at his phone as his father, Kevin, who had finally conquered FaceTime, appeared on the screen. He looked tanned, relaxed, and way healthier than he had in years. Despite his initial concerns about the trip, Ted was beginning to believe that it had been a good thing for both of them.

“Hi, son! How’s snowy Morgantown?”

“Snowy.” Ted grinned back at him. “How’s Hawaii?”

“We’ve just left Maui and we’re heading to the Big Island overnight. It’s all been great. The food is good, the weather, the company . . .”

“Awesome. Is Victor there?”

His dad looked around. “I can find him if you want me to. What’s up?”

“Maybe you could just give him a message? His niece Veronica turned up, thinking he’d be there.”

“Vic wouldn’t have come if he’d known Veronica was visiting.” Kevin frowned. “He loves that girl.”

“I think it was a sudden decision,” Ted said tactfully. “Anyway, just tell him that she’s staying with me over the holidays, and that he can see her when he gets back, okay?”

“With you?”

Ted shrugged even though his father couldn’t see all of him. “Yeah, everywhere else is all booked up for the Hayes wedding of the year.”

Kevin’s grin widened. “Nice going, son. You always liked her, didn’t you?”

“We were always good friends. What’s your point?”

“No, you really liked her. I remember Vic and I joking that we were going to be in-laws one day.”

“Dad . . .” Ted blushed like a teenager. “Stop. She’s just staying here until Victor gets back.”

“You’re a fool if you don’t take advantage of that, aren’t you? She’s a nice girl and that ex-husband of hers was a dirtbag.”

“So I hear.”

“Then reach out to her! Get off the couch and live a little, okay?”

“That’s hardly fair,” Ted pointed out. “I stayed here for a reason. I’m not the kind of guy who walks away when his family needs him.”

“Beth is doing great now, and so am I. It’s time for you to reach out for what you want.”

“Fine! Great! I’ll do that, okay?” Ted scowled at his father. “Pass my message on to Victor, will you? If he wants to talk to her, he can call my cell or try hers.”

He abruptly ended the call, feeling more unsettled than he should have been. He walked out into the family room where Veronica had set up the ironing board and was carefully pressing the skirt of her dress she’d bought at the mall.

She looked up as he came in and set the iron down. “Everything all right?”

“Dad said he’d tell Victor you were here.” He wandered into the kitchen, looked aimlessly into the refrigerator, and then poured himself some coffee.

“I hope he’s okay with me turning up like this.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Ted stirred his coffee so forcefully, half of it swirled right out of the mug. “I bet he’d leave the cruise right now to get back to you if he had the choice.”

He added more coffee to his mug and mopped up the pool on the countertop.

“Did you and your dad have a disagreement or something?” Veronica had returned to pressing her skirt and had her back to him. “You seem a bit tense.”

“He just . . .” Ted let out an aggrieved breath. “I stuck around because he needed me, and now somehow I’m the one who is at fault for not getting out and doing more with my life.”

“Are you talking about what happened with your mom?”

“Not just that. Three years ago Dad had prostate cancer. It’s gone now, but it took him a couple of years to really get back to his old self, you know?”

He set his mug down and went over to her, taking the iron out of her hand. “You’ve missed a bit.” He angled the skirt and eased the tip of the iron toward the gathered waistband. “Can you fetch my wedding shirt? I left it on my chest of drawers.”

“Sure!” Veronica was looking at him like he was crazy; he wasn’t quite sure why as he turned the fabric and repeated his action.

By the time she returned, he’d finished her dress and put it back on the hanger. He unwrapped his new shirt, placed it on the ironing board, and sprayed it with water.

“Beth was busy looking after Mikey, so I was the one who took Dad to all his appointments—not that I minded doing it—but with that, and running the gas station, and the shop, I didn’t have a lot of free time.”

“I bet you didn’t.” Veronica perched on the arm of the couch and watched him work. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

Ted smoothed a hand over the creases in the arm of his shirt and straightened it out. “I know. I just hate it when I’m suddenly the one at fault for supposedly sitting around when all I’ve tried to do is take care of everyone else.” He tried to smile. “I guess I owe you an apology, for losing my temper over something that isn’t your fault.”

“That’s you losing your temper?” She raised an eyebrow and clutched at her chest. “Ooh, I’m terrified.”

He picked up the bottle and sent a mist of spray right at her head, which made her duck and squeak. His smile turned into a genuine grin as she came off the couch and squared up to him.

“Hey!” He held up his hands. “Let me finish ironing my shirt, and then you can fight me all you like.”

She retreated to the couch. “Seeing as watching you iron is a huge turn-on, I’m happy to wait.”

“Someone had to do it when Mom left.” Ted turned the shirt over and applied steam and firm pressure. “I find it really soothing.”

“I bet you fold your laundry the moment it comes out of the dryer as well,” Veronica commented.

“Doesn’t everyone?” He looked up to find her gazing at him like he was some kind of rock star. “It’s not exactly hard.”

He checked the shirt, decided it looked okay, and threw it over his shoulder before unplugging the iron. “I’m going to wash it and iron it again when it’s dry. Do you have anything to put in the washing machine?”

“You’re going to do it all again?” She followed him out into the hallway.

“Yeah, I find the creases go away more quickly.” He added detergent to the machine as she came back with an armful of her clothes. “As long as they’re not white, stick them in. I don’t think the shirt is going to bleed any color out, but you never know.”

“I don’t have any whites.” She placed everything in the machine and stood back to let him push the right buttons. “Thanks.”

He turned around and bumped right into her, his hands coming automatically to her elbows to hold her steady. She looked up at him, wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, and brought his head down for a kiss.

After letting his dad rile him up, Ted certainly wasn’t in the mood to stop her. He kissed her until he was pressed against her from knee to forehead and she was practically glued to the washing machine. With a groan, he set her on top of the dryer, and she parted her knees to let him even closer. Within seconds, he was hard and undulating his hips in the same rhythm as his kisses.

Her fingers curled around the bottom of his T-shirt and tugged. He shucked off his plaid shirt and bent his head to allow her to pull the cotton undershirt off him. She scraped her nails over his back and he shuddered, wanting more.

“May I?” he breathed against her shoulder, and bit her neck as she sighed his name.

“Do what?”

“Take some of your many layers of clothing off?”

She enthusiastically helped him remove her big sweater and T-shirt, and undid her jeans. He slid his hand past her open zipper and cupped her mound.

“Here?”

“God, yes.” She arched her hips, letting him pull the denim down her legs to expose her plain, cotton panties.

Ted had never seen anything more alluring in his life. He leaned in, breathing the scent of her arousal, and set a wet kiss over her already-damp panties. His fingers followed his questing mouth and soon he was in heaven, his tongue tasting her, his thumb planted firmly on her bud until she was writhing against him. He pushed deeper, and was rewarded with her cry of release and a hand in his hair that demanded everything.

He eased her down, kissing his way along her now-lax thighs until he was able to look up at her. She’d planted one hand behind her and was leaning back like an arched bow, her mouth soft and her eyes still glazed with pleasure. Ted felt a flicker of pride that he’d helped put that particular expression on her face.

She caught his eye. “You iron, do laundry, and put a woman’s needs first? Why hasn’t any sane woman snapped you up?”

He shrugged and kissed his way up over her stomach. “I have no idea.”

She stroked the back of his neck as he gave one hundred percent of his attention to her lush breasts.

“Any chance we can make use of those nice clean sheets on your bed right now?” Veronica breathed.

He picked her up, making her gasp, and planted a smacking kiss on her cheek. “I thought you’d never ask.”

She bit her lip, that sense of uncertainty still there. “That is, if you don’t think we’re moving too fast, or—”

“I don’t.” He laid her in the middle of his big bed and went to shut the door. “I’m totally okay with this as long as you are.”

He climbed onto the bed and settled himself over her, his elbows locked, his hand flat on the mattress. She reached out and ran her fingernail along the waist of his jeans, making him suck in a breath.

“You look kind of uncomfortable. Can I help with that?”

He nodded wordlessly as she dealt with his belt, button, and zipper, and released the aching pressure on his cock. He helped by pushing his jeans down and somehow getting them off, leaving him in just his black boxers.

“Nice.” She breathed against his most precious possession and stroked her finger up the hard thrust of his covered shaft. He gently took her hand in his.

“If you touch me right now, I’ll come, so can we get back to this bit?”

She grinned at him. “If you’re sure.”

“Oh, I am.” He nodded fervently and reached out to the drawer on his nightstand to find protection. “Just give me a minute and I’ll prove it to you.”

* * *

Veronica lay back on the crisp sheets and watched the flex of Ted’s muscles as he loomed over her. She reached behind her to undo the clasp of her bra and freed her breasts. His breath stuttered as he stared down at her. There was no mistaking the absolute adoration and heat in his gaze. For the first time in forever, she felt completely at ease with her body in front of a man.

She hooked a finger in the waistband of her panties and gave him an inquiring glance. He nodded silently, one hand cupping his erection, the other reaching to caress her breast. And then he was all over her, kissing, fondling, and learning every inch of her skin until she was rubbing up against him in unspoken invitation.

“You good?” he managed to ask between kisses. “You want me?”

“Oh, yes,” she breathed back at him. “Please.”

He slowly eased inside her, his gaze intent as he noted every nuance of her expression. She walked her feet up his thighs sending him even deeper, and with a soft growl he moved faster. She closed her eyes and clung to his shoulders as his powerful body took her higher and higher until she climaxed and gasped his name.

He didn’t stop, but drove her on to another high and they came together, which was something Veronica had read about, but never really believed could happen in real life. Ted slumped over her like a plank hit him. She had to give him a polite nudge to make him roll off her.

“Sorry,” he muttered.

“It’s all good.”

Without the heat of his body covering her, Veronica suddenly felt cold, but the feeling didn’t last for long as he gathered her into his arms and pulled the covers over them. She settled against him, her cheek against his chest and her palm over his still-racing heart. She waited for the guilt, or recriminations, or self-doubt to wash over her and felt nothing but a sense of righteousness.

Ted wasn’t Jason. Whatever happened between them next, he would never react like her ex.

He stroked her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

“You okay?”

“I’m good.” She kissed his chest. “You?”

“Also good.” He went quiet for a minute before asking, “You want to stay here tonight?”

“In your bed?”

“Yeah, I wasn’t planning on kicking you out of the apartment.”

She nipped his nipple and he fake-growled.

“I need to go and check in on Bacon, and brush my teeth, but I’ll definitely come back if you’d like me to.”

“I would.”

Neither of them made any effort to move and Veronica’s eyes closed as she drifted toward sleep. The sound of her phone buzzing made her abruptly sit up.

“Where did I leave my cell?”

Ted looked around the clothes-strewn floor. “I have no idea.” He obligingly got out of bed and searched through her clothing. “It’s not here. Your jeans are still in the laundry room, I think.”

She grabbed a T-shirt from his chair and rushed into the hallway, but her phone had already stopped ringing. She paused to investigate her jeans, which didn’t reveal her cell, and then went into the kitchen where her phone sat on the countertop. The unknown number had an L.A. code. She checked for a message, but whoever it was hadn’t left one, which left her imagination running riot. She didn’t recognize the number. Had it been the cops, or one of Jason’s friends?

“Everything okay?”

She jumped when Ted came up behind her, and immediately shut down her phone and clutched it to her chest.

“Great!” she said brightly. “I’ll go and check on Bacon now that I’m up.”

* * *

Ted watched Veronica rush down the hallway, his brow creased. He didn’t want to be that guy, but she’d looked guilty as hell when he’d come up behind her. Who was calling her, and why was she so keen to talk to them that she’d leapt out of bed like a rocket? Was it possible that she still had some other guy in L.A.? He’d told her he didn’t have a girlfriend, but he hadn’t inquired about her relationships....

Ted rubbed a hand over his unshaven jaw and stared unseeingly down the hallway toward his dad’s bathroom. For the first time in his life, he’d jumped in with both feet. Up until about five minutes ago, he’d loved every second of his free fall, but now he was back wishing he’d stayed put. Maybe this was why he was the slow and cautious type—keeping up with Veronica was already giving him heartburn.

He strolled casually toward his own bedroom door, which was past his dad’s. He could hear Veronica talking to the pig, so she wasn’t back on the phone. He paused at his open door and surveyed the rumpled sheets. Should he ask her what was going on, or should he leave things be, and just enjoy being with her? He didn’t want to mess things up, but he also didn’t want to be a complete fool.

The bathroom door opened and he pretended to be busy sorting out the clothes on the floor. He looked up as she came toward him, her cheeks flushed, and her hair falling down around her shoulders. She was wearing his T-shirt, which was too big for her and almost came down to her knees.

Just the glorious sight of her made any questions impossible. He wanted her back in his arms, and if there was trouble coming, maybe he’d just have to deal with it when it exploded in his face, or pray she’d tell him what was going on.

She paused at the side of the bed and looked over at him.

“I’m sorry about that.”

He shrugged. “No worries.”

“I’ve been hoping that Sharon, my neighbor, would let me know if she’d spotted Perry again.”

“Oh, right.” Ted concentrated on sounding neutral. “Did she leave you a message?”

“Unfortunately not.” She sighed and set her phone on the bedside table. “I should just call her, but I’m scared about what she’s going to say.”

Ted felt some of the tension in his shoulders disappear. Whatever was going on, her concern for the momma pig was very like her. Maybe he was overthinking things after all. He set his clothes on the chair and turned to face her, offering her another chance to tell him the rest of it.

“Sometimes it’s better to deal with things head-on than worry yourself to death over them.”

“I know.” She managed a smile. “As I said, it’s complicated. Maybe I’ll call her tomorrow.” She hesitated, her hand hovering over her phone. “Are you still okay with me sleeping here?”

Ted smiled and patted the mattress. “I wasn’t thinking we’d be doing much sleeping, but you’re more than welcome to try.”

Chapter Six

The wedding day started with clear skies and weak sunshine, which settled in, wrapping the small town in a cocoon of white snow and soft light that made it feel almost magical. Veronica leaned against the frosted window, her breath condensing on the glass and allowed herself to imagine living in Morgantown again. Leon wouldn’t be happy, but he’d understand, and what else was there to keep her in L.A.? She didn’t want to be bumping into Jason and his new girlfriend every five minutes. He’d keep on rubbing it in her face if she stayed; he was just that kind of guy.

She could live at her uncle’s place, help him out, and maybe find a job locally. She glanced back at the bed where Ted softly snored, one arm flung out over the pillows as if looking for her. They’d spent the last three days together, and she’d never been happier. She could see Ted every day....

The thought of all that—of having a family again, or being with a man who respected her—was so tempting. But she had to be brave and deal with the mess she’d left behind. At some point today, she was going to call Sharon and find out exactly what was going on.

She grabbed Ted’s soft-lined plaid shirt from the chair and put it on, enjoying the scent of him surrounding her, and went out into the kitchen. It was still early, but she knew Ted had to put in a stint at the gas station before the wedding kicked off at the hotel around two. She’d wait until the wedding was over, when they were curled up together in his big warm bed, and tell him everything. It didn’t feel right him not knowing any more because she wanted them to have a future together.

Veronica let out a long breath. There—yes, she’d said it. She wanted more. And if he found what she’d done unacceptable, then that was okay, too. Except it would break her heart....

“Hey.”

Ted’s sleep-roughened voice came from behind her, and she turned to smile at him. He wore nothing but his boxers slung low on his hips and looked so hot she wanted to jump his bones.

“What?” He cocked an eyebrow at her as she advanced toward him.

“When do you have to be at work?”

He glanced over at the kitchen clock. “In about an hour. Why?”

She hooked her finger in the front of his boxers. “Plenty of time then.”

“For what?”

“This.” She eased down onto her knees, bringing his boxers with her.

He made a strangled sound as she cupped his balls and then went gratifyingly quiet.

* * *

Ted checked his reflection in the mirror and fiddled with the top button of his blue shirt. His new, brown cowboy hat sat on the bed along with his thick winter coat. As transport was being provided up to the ranch after the ceremony, he and Veronica had decided to walk over to the hotel. Ted paused to say a quick prayer that no one would need his services today. Mano was standing by, but Ted was the only one around with the expertise to fix anything complicated. He reminded himself that the whole valley would be at the wedding so they were unlikely to be getting up to any other kind of mischief.

His bedroom door opened, and Veronica came in wearing the pink dress she’d bought at the mall. She’d put her hair up on top of her head, allowing soft curls to tumble down and brush her shoulders.

“I think I’ll bring my shoes in my bag and—” She stopped talking and smiled at him so openheartedly that he couldn’t look away. “Wow, you look so good in that color. It really brings out the hazel in your eyes.”

Ted instinctively stood up straighter and sucked in his gut. “Why, thank you, ma’am. You look pretty awesome yourself.”

She smoothed the velvet of her long sleeve with her fingertips. “For once, I’m not going to argue with you about that. I feel beautiful.”

He gently cupped her chin and brought his mouth down to hers. “You are beautiful, inside and out, and I—” He kissed her before he blurted out the L word. Even he knew it was way too early to go down that path, though he was certain to his soul. “And we need to get going. You know I’ve got to do the groomsman thing so I won’t be with you all the time?”

“That’s okay.” She patted his shoulder. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

“I’m sure you’ll be too busy talking to everyone you haven’t seen in Morgan Valley yet to miss me much.” Ted made a sad face as he picked up his hat and coat.

“Oh, I’ll miss you.” Veronica swatted his butt as he went past her. “You can count on that.”

They put on their boots, scarves, and gloves before opening the door and going down to the garage where Ted checked in with Mano who had his cell number for emergencies. The town was quiet, and the snow lay relatively undisturbed, giving the place an old-time vibe. A lot of the shop owners, including Yvonne at the café, Daisy at the florist’s, and Gina at the pizzeria, had closed up for the afternoon to attend the wedding.

Veronica slid her arm into the crook of Ted’s elbow as they crunched through the foot-high ridges of snow, her breath condensing in the freezing air in puffy white clouds.

“It’s beautiful here.” She sighed. “I’d forgotten how much I love this time of year. You don’t get much of a snow season in L.A.”

“Sunshine and heat will sound really good after a couple of months of this,” Ted reminded her. “But by then it’s too late to get out.”

He guided her up onto the planked walkway, which someone had cleared of snow and salted.

“So practical.” She grinned up at him. “Just let me enjoy my little fantasy, okay?”

Ted grimaced. “Sorry, I’m a real Debbie Downer, aren’t I? My dad is always getting at me for it.”

She stopped, turned to face him, and placed her palm on his chest. “It’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with being a realist. I haven’t lived here for years so I have forgotten the bad things. I don’t mind you pointing them out to me.”

“But I don’t want to be that person,” Ted exhaled. “I don’t want to be the grumpy old guy in the corner.”

She met his gaze head-on and raised her eyebrows. “Then stop. That’s on you, okay?”

He nodded and she turned around again, took his hand, and walked forward. He followed as meekly as a besotted calf. Was it really that simple? Was it time he stopped weighing up every issue and exploring every possible outcome before he dared take a step?

“I had to be cautious when I took out the loans for the rebuild.” Ted couldn’t quite believe he was still yapping, but there it was.

“I totally get that.” She nodded, but didn’t slow down. “Financial decisions that affect your whole family and your business deserve a lot of thought.”

“But that’s why I didn’t borrow enough money to build my own house and ended up living with my dad.” Even as he said the words, Ted realized how he’d held himself back. “I didn’t want to take that risk, and I could’ve afforded it.”

“You can always refinance,” she said gently.

“Don’t be nice to me,” he grumbled. “I’m trying to be honest here.”

That earned him a laugh and a squeeze of his hand. “They say confession is good for the soul.”

“I’m so not feeling it.” He paused at the end of the walkway to study the bright lights of the Hayes Hotel. “Here’s where all the action definitely is. The place is lit up like a Christmas tree!”

“Marley’s really going for it,” Veronica said in awed tones. “The whole front is a mass of lights, and there’s literally a red carpet running from the street into the hotel.”

A battered truck pulled up, and a bearded cowboy got out and came around to open the passenger door. He handed his keys off to the valet and paused to chat as he helped his female companion step down.

Beside Ted, Veronica went still. “That’s—”

“Ben Miller’s girlfriend.” Ted gave the couple a casual wave. “They’ve built a new house out on the Gomez Ranch, which Ben is managing.”

Veronica poked him in the side. “That’s Silver Meadows!”

“Yeah, I know.” He frowned down at her. “They probably got here early to avoid any gawkers.”

“She’s one of the biggest film stars in the world!” Veronica squeaked, almost jumping up and down with excitement.

“So what?”

Veronica shook her head and started down the steps, her mouth still open. “This place is nuts. Tech millionaires, rodeo stars, Navy SEALs. . . .”

“Always has been, always will be.” Ted followed her onto the red carpet where they paused to allow a photographer to take their picture. “Now, I feel like a movie star.”

* * *

The inside of the hotel was still relatively quiet because the ceremony wasn’t due to start for almost an hour. A sign directed them to a large room where they could shed their outerwear and change their shoes. Settling his hat under his arm, Ted turned to Veronica. “I’ve got to go upstairs and find Ry. Will you be okay?”

“I’m pretty sure I will,” Veronica kissed his mouth, which was much easier in high heels. “I’ll save you a seat?”

“That would be awesome.”

She watched him leave, aware that in his wedding garb he looked more like a cowboy than a mechanic. She wondered if she’d spot him again in the crowd of ranchers. She had a feeling that she’d be able to find him anywhere now, and that he’d make sure he was there to be found. How could she have come to care for him so deeply in such a short space of time? Was she just not used to a man being a decent human being anymore? She reminded herself that she had dated a few guys since her divorce, and that none of them had made her feel like Ted had.

“Hey, you.”

She was jerked from her thoughts by the appearance of Tucker Hayes looking very smart in a three-piece suit. He bowed and offered her his arm.

“May I escort you through to the wedding venue?”

She found a smile. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

“Ted’s really sweet on you,” Tucker said conversationally as they went back through the lobby and toward the connected rooms that ran the length of the hotel. “I hope you’re going to stick around.”

“I’m definitely thinking about it,” Veronica confessed, and was rewarded by a delighted grin. “And I promise I won’t mess him around.”

“Good to know.” Tucker paused near the row of seats. “He’s a great guy who sometimes needs a kick in the pants to get going. I think you’re just what he needs.”

Veronica sat down and allowed herself to take in the amazing floral arrangements and classic Christmas decorations themed in silver and red that covered the dining room and adjacent drawing room. Even the chairs had garlands of scarlet ribbon with silver bells entwined across their backs. There was a table set at the front of the room next to a large fireplace where Veronica assumed the pastor would stand. Marley really had done the Hayes family proud.

As Veronica sat, taking everything in and just enjoying being back in her hometown, the rows started to fill up with the residents of Morgan Valley in their best formal Western wear. She recognized some of the women she’d met at Avery’s party, and was touched when several came over to speak to her, and make her feel welcome.

As the murmur of conversation grew to a muted roar, a trio of musicians started playing quietly in the corner, and the front seats containing the Morgans and Hayes family were gradually occupied. Veronica received a wave from Ruth Morgan, and a wink from Roy, the ancient ranch manager who accompanied her to her seat.

Eventually, there was a stir at the back, and everyone craned their necks to watch Ry Morgan, the groom, accompanied by his identical twin brother, HW, walk down the aisle. Ry looked his usual, calm self, but HW was grinning and yakking away like he was still trying to wind his brother up. It occurred to Veronica that people didn’t really change that much after all.

Ted was the same kid who’d looked out for his sister and her friends, and worked hard to support his family business, but was Veronica the same girl? Despite everything that had happened in her life so far, she liked herself better now. She was a resilient woman who had been tested and emerged stronger than ever.

The music paused, and then started again, this time with a country tune from a star Veronica knew Avery loved. Everyone stood, and HW Morgan took the opportunity to elbow his twin in the side. There was a very long pause, and then Chase William appeared, a furrow on his brow as he delved into his basket, crouched down, and carefully placed one rose petal on the center of the carpet before moving another six inches forward and doing it again.

January, who was Avery’s matron of honor, bent to whisper in his ear, and made a hurry-up kind of motion, which didn’t go down well with her son. After another consultation, he scowled, shoved his hand in the basket, threw out a whole load of petals, and stomped up the aisle scattering them everywhere. Behind him, January laughed, hoisted her daughter, Elizabeth, higher on her hip, and followed him up to the front where she handed the baby over to her husband, and grabbed hold of the collar of Chase William’s blue-checked Western shirt.

The maids of honor, accompanied by the groomsmen, progressed at a more regular pace. Veronica spotted Ted accompanying Marley Hayes at the back. The blues and greens of the bridal party offered a soothing contrast to the silver and red of the décor, like a promise of spring after a hard winter.

There was another pause, as Ry Morgan stared straight ahead, and then a gentle sigh of appreciation as Avery Hayes and her father came down the aisle. Avery wore a simple, white, high-necked dress that finished just below the tops of her white and red cowboy boots. She also wore a white hat with a vivid silver and red sash that trailed down the back.

Veronica gave a shaky sigh as Ry Morgan spotted his bride. His whole face lit up with such adoration that Veronica knew her friend would never have a moment’s regret in her choice of husband. He worshipped her, and had waited patiently for her to decide when she was ready to marry him without a word of complaint, or expectation of anything. Veronica was truly happy for her friend.

She sniffed and a tissue appeared under her nose. She looked up to discover Ted had slipped into the seat next to hers.

“Here you go,” he whispered. “I knew you’d cry.”

“So did I,” she whispered back, and pointed at her purse. “I have a whole packet of tissues in there.”

“We’ll probably need them before the end of the ceremony,” Ted murmured. “I’m getting a little misty-eyed myself.”

She wiped her eyes and reached for his hand when the pastor asked them all to sit. Whatever happened between her and Ted, she knew that true love did exist; she was watching it happen in real time.

* * *

As the wedding progressed, Ted couldn’t help wondering how it would feel if it was him up there saying vows to Veronica. He’d never imagined finding someone he could stick with for the rest of his life. What was funny was that the idea of it didn’t even scare him. He knew he was getting dangerously ahead of himself, but for once he wasn’t prepared to put the brakes on.

Veronica just fitted right: with the town, with his family and friends, and, most importantly, with him. She was everything he wasn’t, and somehow that worked. And she was beautiful with her dark hair, her olive skin, and that breathtaking smile.

After the ceremony, there was champagne and tiny little sandwiches and cakes that just made Ted hungrier. He stopped himself from downing too many, and focused on re-introducing Veronica to everyone she hadn’t yet met who was attending the wedding. They all knew who she was, so it was mainly a remember-fest, and a hope that she would stick around that Ted could only silently echo.

Eventually, Ry and Avery reappeared looking radiant. Tucker stood at the bottom of the main staircase and cupped his hands.

“Transport up to Morgan Ranch will be arriving shortly out front! I suggest you all wrap up warm if you want to use it!”

Ted glanced out of the window as he heard the faint chiming of bells. He grabbed Veronica’s hand.

“Let’s go see what Tucker’s talking about.”

They hurried through the groups of guests to the front door. It had snowed again, and the sun had come out, bathing the whole town in a bright, white glow. Around the corner came a sleigh drawn by two horses in full Christmas regalia. Three more sleighs arrived, stretching the length of Main Street. Just to complete the picture, all the drivers were dressed as Santa Claus.

“I can see why we need to wrap up warm.” Ted chuckled. “You want to ride in a sleigh with me?”

“Oh, yes,” Veronica said fervently. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”

He guided her back inside where Tucker was directing guests who preferred the speed and convenience of four-wheel drive to the delights of an open sleigh around to the parking lot where they could either pick up their own vehicle or take the Morgan Ranch shuttle.

Ted joined the line for the sleigh ride while Veronica finished getting ready, enduring the good-natured teasing from the locals about his wonderful girlfriend. He wasn’t going to argue about that. He and Veronica might have started their relationship in an unconventional way, but he sure as hell intended to make it a long-term commitment.

If she stayed—and if she finally told him everything that was going on in her life . . . He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. Just for once, he was going to allow himself to appreciate the day without self-sabotaging. Veronica was here, she was happy to be with him, and he was darn well going to enjoy it.

Avery and Ry were escorted into the first sleigh, along with their best man, maid of honor, and Chase William who obviously wasn’t prepared to wait any longer to get home. There was just enough room for Ted and Veronica in the fourth sleigh. Tucker promised the rest of the line that if they didn’t mind a wait, the sleighs would be returning.

Ted lifted Veronica onto the seat and squeezed in next to her, wrapping one arm around her shoulder to keep her steady as the sleigh jolted to a start. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been out on the snow like this. These days he preferred the safety and convenience of his big tow truck.

Beside him, Veronica shivered, and Ted drew her closer against his side before wrapping her scarf securely around her neck. She wore her knitted hat with the big pompom and he squished it down hard until it reached her nose.

“Better?”

“Yes, apart from the fact that I can’t see or speak anymore.” Veronica’s reply was muffled until she pulled the scarf away from her chin. “I’ve forgotten how cold it gets here.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Ted reminded her, bracing his arm against the side of the sled as it turned out of Main, and onto the county road. The sound of the chiming bells and the feathers nodding in the horse’s brow pieces made him feel like he was in some kind of movie.

“Or I’ll buy a thicker coat.”

He smiled down at her. “You thinking about staying then?”

“I’d have to talk to my uncle first.”

“You do that,” he said softly, his gaze lingering on her face. “I’m sure he’d welcome you home with open arms.”

Chapter Seven

Veronica allowed Ted to lift her out of the sled onto the well-packed snow, and took in the amazing scene around her. The circular drive between the ranch house, the old barn, and the new guest center had been transformed into a winter wonderland of decorated pine trees, multicolored fairy lights, and enough tinsel to fill a gift shop.

The sleigh behind her moved off, following the others back to town. Veronica took Ted’s proffered hand and walked over to the all-weather red carpet leading to the reception area and bar. Arches of lit branches entwined over their heads and soft bells chimed in the breeze perfumed by pine, Christmas spices, and apple cider.

“Hey, look up!” Ted stopped at the entrance.

“Why?”

Veronica’s next words were lost in the wonder of Ted’s kiss. When he finally released her, he pointed over her head. “Mistletoe.”

“Oh, now I get it.” Veronica grinned at him and he winked.

“Couldn’t pass that opportunity up.”

In the main lobby they were directed toward a cloakroom to drop off their outer garments and change their shoes. Ted waited for her to join him back in the hall.

“I’ve got to help out in the receiving line. Will you be okay?”

She gave him a mock frown. “As I said already, I’m a big girl. Go off and do what you need to do.”

In fact, she was quite happy to see him occupied with his wedding duties so that she could finally fulfill her promise to call Leon and Sharon. One of them must know something, and she really wanted to set her mind at rest. She had a sense Ted wanted to talk to her about staying permanently in Morgan Valley. She wanted to stay, but she couldn’t make the commitment until she knew everything was all right in L.A.

Ignoring the reception in the big room off the lobby, she turned instead toward a long hallway of what looked like offices, and wandered down there, her phone in her hand as she typed her messages. There was no immediate response from either of her friends, so she pocketed her cell, and walked back toward the receiving line.

She was welcomed by a grinning Ted, hugged, squealed over, and passed along the line like a Christmas parcel until she ended up in Avery’s arms. Her friend wore a red velvet cloak with a hood over her wedding dress and looked like a fairy-tale princess.

“I’m so glad you could come,” Avery whispered. “And I really hope you marry Ted and stick around.”

“You’re getting a bit ahead of yourself, now.” Veronica laughed and hugged her back. “You just want everyone to be as happy as you are.”

“Of course I do!” Avery winked at her. “Now, go and get something to drink, and we’ll send Ted to find you before you know it.”

Veronica went over to the bar and was offered a champagne cocktail, which she happily accepted. She wandered across the crowded room to the large picture window that looked over the snow-covered pastures and toward the towering black heights of the Sierra Nevadas. Even as she sipped her cocktail, she considered what it might be like waking up to such a familiar view every morning—maybe with Ted sleeping by her side.

Her cell buzzed, and she took it out of her pocket to see a message from Leon.

No scandal mentioning your deadbeat ex’s name around to my knowledge. What did you do to him? LOL.

Veronica winced as she typed a reply.

I just wondered if he’d come by the practice, or was looking for me? If he comes near me again, he knows he’d get an earful and a restraining order slapped on his ass.

Do you want me to find out anything I can?

That would be really good of you.

Veronica took a hasty sip of her cocktail.

I’ll be super discreet. X.

Veronica knew that was almost impossible for her boss. He was a talker, and he loved nothing more than a good bit of gossip. Would he march right up to Jason’s front door and demand to know what was going on? He’d probably consider that discreet as opposed to hopping over the back fence and spying through the windows.

Veronica groaned and downed the rest of her drink. She wished she hadn’t sent the text now.

“Everything okay?”

She spluttered as Ted spoke over her shoulder and hastily ditched her glass before she dropped it.

“Yes! I’m great! You?”

He eyed her like a man attempting to defuse a bomb.

“You sure about that?”

She summoned her best smile. “I’m just . . . working on that problem I told you about back in L.A. There’s nothing to worry about.”

For some reason, the concern in his eyes only deepened. “I wish you’d just tell me what’s going on.”

She reached for his hand. “I will! I mean, I will as soon as I’ve sorted it out, which will be very soon, because I’ve got people on it.”

“People?”

She nodded as she squeezed his fingers. “People. I just need a couple of answers to the . . . problem, and then I’ll be fine. I promise.”

His brow creased. “Look, if all this is moving too fast for you—I mean the stuff between us—and you want to step back, it’s okay. I won’t be offended. Maybe I’ve been pushing you too hard, and—”

“Ted, please listen to me.” She met his gaze. “The reason I’m being so careful is that I don’t want to mess this up, and by this, I mean you, and us, and staying here, and all that stuff that I can’t talk about until I’ve tied up some loose ends.”

“So you keep saying.” He gently released his hand from hers. “The thing is, Veronica, I can’t help feeling that if you really trusted me you’d tell me everything anyway.”

She bit her lip at the hurt in his voice. Before she could reply, someone called his name. He looked back over his shoulder and grimaced.

“Sorry, I’ve got to be in some pictures. We can talk about this later, okay?”

There was nothing she could do but nod and let him go. She turned back to the view and struggled to compose herself. Was she being stupid not telling him? But what could she say when she wasn’t even sure what had happened since she’d left? She already knew Ted was wary about relationships; would her refusal to give him a direct answer make him back off completely? It sure was looking that way, and she couldn’t quite blame him.

Her cell buzzed, and she took it out of her pocket to see a message from Sharon.

Hey, neighbor! What’s up?

Veronica sank down onto one of the cushioned benches that framed the window and replied to the message.

Any news from next door? Is Perry still around?

She waited impatiently for the small bubbles in the corner of the text to appear, indicating that Sharon was responding to her.

I haven’t seen her or her piglet since you left. I did wonder if you’d taken them both with you J but couldn’t figure out how you’d get them in your car. LOL

Is Jason still there?

Yeah, and whatshername, Marissa, who is kind of sweet tbh, and always says hi, and asks after the kids.

Veronica gripped the phone tighter as she typed.

But Jason’s okay?

Yeah, why wouldn’t he be? Did you hire an assassin or something?

Ha ha. Is there any way you could ask Marissa what happened to Perry, like asap?

There was a longer pause before Sharon replied.

Sure, her car’s on the drive, so I’m fairly sure she’s home and the dickhead is out. I’ll get back to you when I can, okay?

Thanks so much. I owe you one! Veronica typed even faster. Feel free to give her my cell number if she wants to talk to me directly. She did say she wanted us all to get along.

Like Veronica had believed that for a second, but maybe she had misjudged her ex-husband’s new girlfriend. . . .

* * *

Even though his mind was not on the wedding, Ted smiled like a champ in all the pictures. He sighed in relief when they were finally released back into the dining room for the beginning of the reception, only to find that he was at the top table, and Veronica was way over in the opposite corner.

He tried to get her attention as he sat down beside Marley, but Veronica was looking down at her phone as if it held the secrets of the universe, which he supposed it did. But who was she waiting to hear from, and why did she look so worried? Had he spoken out too strongly? But what else was he supposed to do when his tentative dreams of future happiness might blow up in his face?

Marley elbowed him in the side.

“I know you’ve got a girlfriend and that you’re besotted, Ted, but do you think you could give me your attention for two minutes, and tell me whether the Hayes Hotel decorations were better than these?”

Ted turned to face her. “I’m sorry, Marley. From now on, I promise I’ll be the most attentive wedding partner you’ve ever had. Now, what were you asking me?”

It wasn’t hard to lose himself in two of his oldest friends’ happiness. One look at Ry’s face was enough to remind him that love did exist, and that some people, unlike his mom, were capable of staying together through the storms of life. But even as he contemplated their happiness, it only hardened his resolve to have it out with Veronica. If she wasn’t one hundred percent all in, then he wasn’t going to pretend that was okay with him.

The food was amazing, the company perfect, and the speeches almost made him choke up. By the time he was free to circulate, he was optimistic about his chances to clear the air with Veronica and make things right. He was in love with her—there was no point in pretending otherwise—and he needed her to know that.

He approached her table. She looked up and smiled, and he knew in his heart that everything was going to be all right.

“Hey,” she said softly, and patted the seat next to her. “Want to share some of this amazing dessert?”

He took the vacant chair. “It’s not like you to share the sweet things.”

“I’ve had six different kinds. Even I’m getting full.” She handed over her fork. “Be my guest.”

He ate the creamy cheesecake in three bites while Veronica looked on.

“It’s good. I didn’t get to try everything because I was too busy trying to find tactful ways of assuring Marley that her decorations were just as good as the Morgans’.” Ted wiped his mouth with her napkin.

“Then let me get you some more.” Veronica stood up. “Would you like coffee? I’m going to get myself a cup.”

He touched her arm. “You don’t need to get me food.”

“Since I’m already getting the coffee, it’s hardly a problem, is it?”

He let her go, and she made her way through the tables, stopping to speak to various people, her smile lighting her way.

Something buzzed, and Ted looked down at the table to see Veronica’s cell phone lit up with a text. He wasn’t even aware that he had starting reading it until it was too late.

Hey, babe, drove by but nothing to report, except when are you coming back? The kids and I are missing you!! Xxx

“Here you go.” Veronica set the two coffees on the table along with the plate of desserts. “I hope they’ve got more in the kitchen because with all these hardworking, outdoor-living cowboys, the food’s going down fast.” She glanced over at Ted who was staring at her, his expression unreadable. “What?”

He pointed at her phone. “You got a text.”

She leaned in to read it and turned back to Ted with a grin. “Leon is such an idiot.”

“Is he?”

He definitely wasn’t laughing.

“Did you read it?” Veronica asked. “Because—”

“I didn’t mean to. It just caught my eye.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Anything you need to say to me right now?”

Veronica bristled at his tone.

“I would’ve thought you’d be the one apologizing for reading my private messages.”

“As I said, it was an accident, and I can’t say I’m sorry I read it, because who the hell is texting you, and what’s that about you having kids? Is this the ‘little problem’ you have to deal with back in L.A.?”

Veronica reached over, picked up her phone, and slid it into her pocket, her whole body trembling. “Excuse me.”

She rose to her feet and he stood too, towering over her, one hand reaching for her elbow.

“Veronica . . .”

She flinched away. “Don’t touch me, okay?”

She slammed her chair in, stepped away from him, and headed for the exit. It took her only a minute to reach the cloakroom and start searching for her belongings. She only looked up when the door clicked shut, and she found Ted leaning up against the inside of it. He held up one hand.

“Look, I know what I did was wrong.”

She didn’t reply as she finally found her boots and outerwear.

“I shouldn’t have read your text.”

“No, you shouldn’t have.” She clutched her coat to her chest and glared at him. “I spent ten years with a man who monitored all my calls, texts, and e-mails and I hated it!”

“Shit.” He grimaced. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think about it that way.”

“I don’t want to be with a man who constantly doubts me, okay? It would destroy me.”

“I get that.” He nodded slowly, his whole attention fixed on her face. “But are you really going to lay all of this on me?”

“Maybe.” Veronica stared right back at him.

“Rather than have an honest conversation?” He shrugged. “I’m usually the one running away from those hard truths, but I’m trying here.”

“Trying to accuse me of something I haven’t done, from one text?” Veronica wasn’t quite ready to be reasonable yet.

“You said you’d explain things when you could.” He paused. “Wouldn’t you say this was maybe a good time to do that?”

Veronica slowly released her death grip on her coat. Okay, maybe he had a point. He wasn’t Jason, and she couldn’t blame him for everything that had happened in her previous life.

“Leon’s text doesn’t have anything to do with the other matter I’m concerned about.”

“Okay.” He didn’t look any more relaxed. “Are you saying you’re still not ready to talk to me about what’s going on?”

“I will be by the end of the day,” Veronica offered.

“Got it.” He nodded and opened the door. “If you want someone to take you back to Morgantown early, speak to Tucker. He’ll get you down there.”

“Do you want me to leave?” Veronica asked.

He paused to look back at her. “Honestly? Right now, I don’t know what the heck I want. I get that I invaded your privacy, and I’m sorry as hell about it, but I still hate you for not being honest with me.” He sighed. “It feels like you’re using this as an excuse not to be straight, and that doesn’t make me feel good about anything.”

“That’s not fair,” Veronica whispered.

“Maybe it isn’t, but it’s how I feel, and I can’t help that any more than you can help getting mad at me for reading your texts.”

He abruptly stopped speaking, stepped back, and threw the door open to let some guests come in. After exchanging pleasantries, he looked over at Veronica.

“I’ll check in on you later, okay? I’ve got to help get the groom ready to leave before HW gets up to his tricks.” He hesitated, his voice rough. “The apartment keys are in my pocket if you want them, or just ask Mano for the spare set in the gas station safe.”

Still clutching her coat, she watched him leave, her heart thumping hard as she tried to work out what to do next. He’d read the text and drawn all the wrong conclusions from it—which, considering what Leon had said, wasn’t exactly hard.

Should she leave? Was there any point in staying when she’d already made him doubt they had a future together? He might not believe her even if she did try to explain. Jason never had. Maybe she’d been stupid to think that any man would ever trust her.

“You okay, Veronica?”

She looked over to the door to find Tucker observing her.

“Ted said you might need to leave early because you weren’t feeling too good.” He paused. “I’ve got a fleet of vehicles going back and forth between here and the hotel so if you want to go, it won’t be a problem.”

“Thanks.” Veronica let out a shaky breath. “I think maybe I should go. Ted’s not very . . . happy with me right now.”

“I kind of got that,” Tucker said tactfully. “If I can just say something in his defense, he’s a good guy, and he doesn’t get mad easily. If you can bear to stay and talk this out, he’ll definitely listen to you.”

“I know.” She offered him a smile. “He’s not the problem, it’s me. And I can’t give him the answers he needs right now.”

Chapter Eight

“She said to tell you that she was sorry, and that it was all on her, and that you weren’t to worry about anything,” Tucker said and then hesitated. “But she looked like she was about to burst into tears, and I don’t think she really wanted to leave.”

Ted nodded slowly as he tried to deal with the fact that Veronica had left the wedding. The reception had finished and the evening party with a band and a free bar had commenced, leaving everyone, except him, full of food and happy to dance the night away.

“It wasn’t all on her.”

Tucker grimaced. “It rarely is.”

“I read a text on her phone and got mad about it, forgetting that she’d dealt with an abusive ex who controlled her life, and that she might not take what I did too well.”

“Unfortunate.”

“Yeah, that’s one way of putting it. She asked me to be patient and wait until she could explain everything to me, and I wanted more.” Ted shook his head. “So damn stupid!”

“You’re in love with her—you get to be stupid.” Tucker gently punched his arm. “Now, all you have to do is think of a way to fix this.”

Ted looked over at the dance floor where the happy couple was swaying gently to some romantic song. “I can’t go after her right now. I have duties.”

“Like those two would even notice you’d gone,” Tucker scoffed. “If they ask where you are, and they won’t, I’ll tell them you had to pull someone’s truck out of a snowbank, and you’ll be back when you can.”

“But—”

Tucker punched him again, this time harder, and shoved him toward the door. “Don’t even go there. Veronica needs you, and that’s more important than anything.”

* * *

Veronica let herself into the apartment and gently closed the door behind her. She hadn’t taken Ted’s keys and had borrowed the spare set from Mano, who had told her he’d been up to check on Bacon, whom he’d taken quite a shine to. She went straight to see the piglet, who immediately climbed into her lap. She held him close, burying her face into his neck, and just breathed him in.

She should have stayed and had things out with Ted, but she hadn’t wanted to disrupt the wedding even more than she already had. Ted deserved to enjoy the day with people he loved and trusted, and she wasn’t sure she was one of those people anymore. She took down Bacon’s leash. She wished she could say she’d overreacted to Ted reading her text, but that wasn’t something she could control because it was so tied up with the person she’d been, and had tried to get past.

When he returned, she’d tell him everything, even though Sharon hadn’t yet gotten back to her. And then they could be friends again, wish each other well, and move on. She swallowed hard. He’d only asked her to be his girlfriend for the wedding after all....

Making sure she had her keys, she took Bacon out for his walk. The town was quieter than usual as almost everyone was still at Morgan Ranch enjoying the wedding. She didn’t see a single soul, which, in her present mood, suited her just fine.

By the time she got back, her face was chilled from the wind and the thought of crawling into bed with a mug of hot chocolate was incredibly appealing. She stomped up the stairs, her boots leaving wet patches of snow on the steps, and unlocked the door to the apartment.

There was a light on in the kitchen she was certain she’d turned off before she’d left. Hugging Bacon to her chest, she eased off her boots and walked through to find Ted sitting at the counter staring right back at her.

“Hey.” He still wasn’t smiling.

“Why aren’t you at the wedding?” Veronica asked.

He shrugged. “This seemed way more important.”

She held Bacon up like an offering. “I’ll just put him into the bathroom and then I’ll be back, okay?”

“I’ll make some coffee.”

She contemplated making a mad dash for the stairs but only for a second. This was Ted, her friend, and whatever else happened between them, Tucker was right. She could rely on him to at least hear her out.

When she got back, he was sitting in one of the chairs and had placed two mugs on the kitchen table in front of him. He gestured at her cup.

“I made you hot chocolate. You always like it when you’re cold.”

“Thank you.” She cradled the cup in her hands as she settled into the chair opposite him, and tried to decide where to begin. “About Leon . . .”

He held up his hand. “You said that didn’t have anything to do with what happened, so why don’t you move on?”

“But—” She took a good look at his face and sighed. “Okay, then I’ll start with Jason. I thought he was dead.”

“What?” He blinked at her.

“As in no longer living, but from what I’ve found out today, that doesn’t appear to be the case.”

“Did you . . . try to kill him?” Ted asked.

Despite the seriousness of the moment, it was such a Ted question that Veronica’s sense of humor surfaced, and she fought a smile.

“What if I did?”

He sat back. “Then you didn’t succeed, and you’re in the clear, right?”

“Doesn’t that worry you at all?”

“Look, I’ve already accepted that you stole his pig, so adding a probably justifiable homicide isn’t that big of a stretch.”

She stared hard at him as his lips twitched.

“You think if I had killed him, he would probably have deserved it?”

He nodded. “I’d still make you turn yourself in, but I suspect you’d get a minimum sentence.”

“You sound like my uncle Victor.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Ted sipped his coffee and then set the mug back down. “What exactly happened to make you think Jason might be dead?”

Veronica let out a relieved breath. Here came the hard part. “As I already told you, I went around to see how Perry and her piglet were doing. I still had my keys so I kind of ended up inside the house.”

“Ended up.” Ted raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“I looked through the back windows. Perry was lying on the floor with the piglet next to her. I thought Perry was dead. I rushed in without thinking or realizing that Jason had taken the day off and was still at home.”

“That explains how Jason comes into the story. Go on.” Ted nodded.

“He grabbed hold of Bacon, and held him up in the air with one of the kitchen knives at his throat.” Veronica shuddered as she recalled the scene. “He said he was going to send both pigs to the slaughterhouse, and that he’d only stayed home to wait for the truck to arrive.

“I . . . lost my temper, lowered my head, and tried to tackle him to the floor. I made a grab for Bacon, who was squealing his head off, but Jason shoved me backward so hard that I fell on my ass next to Perry, who definitely wasn’t dead. She didn’t like Jason much by this point, and seeing him hurting her baby made her mad. She charged him and he went down like a stone.”

Veronica gulped for air. “Luckily, Bacon fell on top of Jason when he hit the ground and Perry was more interested in saving her piglet than finishing Jason off.”

She glanced over at Ted to find his shoulders were shaking, and that he had one hand covering his mouth.

“It wasn’t funny!” She glared at him.

“Sure sounds like it from this side of the room.”

She shot to her feet and marched over to him, hands on her hips. “I was afraid!”

He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his knee, which, she realized, was exactly where she wanted to be.

“I guess you had to be there,” he said.

She punched him hard in the chest and he obligingly grunted.

“I’ll shut up now. You didn’t know whether Jason was okay at that point, so I get that it was stressful.” He smoothed his hand over her back. “I guess this was when you stole Bacon and made a run for it?”

“Yes.” She tangled her fingers in the buttons of his shirt and wouldn’t look up at him. “I did call nine-one-one and left the back door open for the paramedics.”

“Of course you did.” Another tremor rumbled through his frame but this time he kept his voice even. “I suppose, after you left like that, you couldn’t just call his cell and ask him if he was okay?”

“No, which is why I couldn’t tell you everything. Today I asked Sharon to find out what happened to Perry. She’s supposed to be getting back to me anytime now.” Veronica finally looked up at him. “Do you think Jason went through with it, and sent her to be killed?”

“I don’t know, love.” Ted held her gaze. “Do you want to call him and ask?”

“Call him? Ted, I’ve spent the last two years avoiding him like the plague!”

Even as he opened his mouth to reply, her cell rang. She jumped like she’d been shot and yanked it out of her pocket.

“Oh my God, it’s Jason.”

“Well, pick up,” Ted said. “Put him on speakerphone.”

She glared at him, but did as he suggested.

“Hello?”

“You’ve got my pigs, haven’t you?”

“Hi, Jason, how are you? Long time no speak,” Veronica said airily, hoping her ex wouldn’t notice the tremor in her voice.

“I hear you’ve been looking for me. If you don’t return my property, I’m going to the cops. I’m going to tell them how you broke into my house and attacked me. I had a concussion!”

Veronica offered Ted a stricken glance and he wrapped his hand around the one of hers holding the phone, which steadied her.

“I thought you were sending the pigs to be slaughtered.”

“And I will be doing that after you return them,” Jason countered. “Perry’s too dangerous to keep.”

“You’d better keep your stories straight for the cops, Jason. Which is it? Did Perry attack you, or was it me?” Veronica asked. “Maybe that bump on your head really did confuse you.”

“I’m not confused, sweetheart, you just—oh, hi, Marissa, how was your day?”

Veronica glanced over at Ted and raised her eyebrows as Marissa started talking.

“I’ve just been speaking to Sharon, and now I hear you threatening your ex-wife on the phone over a pig? You told me she’d ambushed you and stolen them, and that you wanted them back because you loved them—not that you intended to send them off to be slaughtered! You know how I feel about animal cruelty. How could you do such a thing?”

“Marissa, sweetheart, darling—”

“Don’t you Marissa me. If Veronica did take those pigs, she’s welcome to them!”

“But—I didn’t . . .” Veronica tried to interrupt, but the couple at the other end of the conversation was too busy shouting at each other to hear her. She looked over at Ted and shrugged. “She’s got more guts than I ever had, I’ll give her that.”

“Hello?”

Veronica jumped as Marissa came on the line.

“Er, hey. What’s up?”

“Jason’s stormed out in a huff.”

“Okay . . .” Veronica said cautiously.

“Don’t worry about Perry,” Marissa continued. “She’s safe on my parents’ farm.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’ve got the piglet, right? You’re welcome to keep him—although you do know he’ll get big like his mother?”

Veronica took a firmer grip on her phone. “Can we back up a bit here? Did you just lie to Jason?”

Marissa chuckled. “Who do you think came home and found Jason being attended to by the EMTs while he rambled on about Perry trying to kill him? While we were at the ER I called my folks and asked them to come get Perry and keep her safe. Jason doesn’t remember any of it.”

“How did you know I had Bacon?” Veronica asked.

“I didn’t until I talked to Sharon today and realized you’d been in the house on that fateful day and that you’d probably taken him to safety. I was just glad to hear he was okay. I was worried he’d run away.” Marissa paused. “Thanks for doing that. If he does get too big for you, let me know, and he can come live on my parents’ farm. They kind of collect rescue animals and they already love Perry.”

“Marissa, Jason said he was going to call the cops and say I attacked him if I didn’t bring Bacon back,” Veronica said.

“He won’t be doing that,” Marissa said.

“You sound very confident,” Veronica commented.

“He’d never live it down if I went to the cops with him, and insisted that he’d been brought down by a pig. And I would do that for Perry who doesn’t deserve to suffer because of Jason’s actions.”

Even though Marissa couldn’t see her, Veronica nodded. “Jason sure hates looking stupid.”

“Yeah . . .” Marissa sighed. “Although I think the stupid one is me. I really messed up believing all those lies he told me, and thinking I was the one who’d finally be the woman he needed.”

“Trust me on this.” Veronica snorted. “The women aren’t the problem, Marissa. The common theme is Jason.”

“I realize that now, and I’m truly sorry for all the harm I caused you.”

“You didn’t cause me harm. I was already looking for a way out of the door before you came along. In fact, you helped me realize how relieved I would be to go.” It was the first time Veronica had voiced her feelings on the matter, and they rang true. “I’m sorry you had to find out he’s a rat-tailed ass.”

It was Marissa’s turn to snort. “Look, I’d better go. I have some packing to do before Jason gets back. I’ll get your number from Sharon, and maybe we can keep in touch?”

“I’d like that,” Veronica said sincerely. “And maybe, one day I can come and see Perry in her new home.”

“Awesome. Happy holidays.”

Veronica ended the call and got up to set her phone on the countertop before facing Ted.

“Well, that didn’t go quite how I was expecting it to, but I think everything’s okay now.”

“You do?” Ted asked, his slow smile warming her heart. “Like, everything?”

“Everything that was stopping me from telling you that I want to stay in Morgan Valley—if Uncle Victor will have me.” She met his gaze head-on. “I’m sorry. I should have told you everything up front instead of making you doubt me. But I didn’t want you ending up with a criminal being tried for murder.”

He winced. “A lot of that’s on me, okay? I’m . . . not great at trusting people, and I always look for the worst possible outcome.”

“You do?” She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Really?”

He rose to his feet in one strong motion and hoisted her over his shoulder.

“That’s it.”

“What? Put me down!”

He carried her through to his bedroom and gently dropped her on his bed before straddling her hips and looming over her.

“One question.”

“What is it?” Veronica asked.

“Leon.”

“I thought you didn’t care about that because it didn’t have anything to do with the pig situation.”

“I care now, so give it up.”

“He’s my boss,” Veronica said.

“Go on.”

“We work together.”

Ted flicked her nose with his finger, which made her grin.

“I’m a specialist pediatric nurse. Leon’s a doctor.”

Ted considered her for a very long minute. “So, the ‘kids’ are your patients?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Go to the top of the class.”

“Dr. Tio is desperate to get a pediatric nurse here at the new health center,” Ted mused. “You should go and talk to him after you’ve settled things with Victor.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Veronica pretended to try and sit up. “Now, shouldn’t we be getting back to that wedding?”

Ted shook his head. “Not quite yet.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I need to sort a few things out here, first—with you.”

“I thought we just did that?” Veronica breathed against his lips.

“Other things.” He kissed her again. “More important things, like ‘I think I might be falling in love with you’ kind of things.”

She opened her eyes wide. “Well, that’s good to know because, despite everything, I’ve been kind of feeling that way myself.”

“Yeah?” He ran a finger down her throat to the bodice of her dress. “Like sticking around, and making things work between us?”

“Definitely.” She bit her lip. “If you think you can trust me after all this mess I’ve involved you in.”

“I think I can. Even when I knew you weren’t quite being straight, I never gave up hope that you would change your mind and trust me.” He hesitated. “And I promise I’ll never treat you like Jason did.”

“I know that.” It was her turn to pause. “We’ve both had our reasons not to trust the people who were supposed to love us the most, but I want to move past that—to believe in someone. To believe in you.”

He took her hand and placed it over his heart, his voice hoarse. “I swear I’ll do everything in my power to make you the happiest woman in Morgantown.”

“And I’ll make you the happiest man,” Veronica promised in return. “I’ve learned a lot about myself since I left Jason. I know I can stand alone, but I’m not stupid enough to ignore an upstanding, honest, honorable man like you.”

He swallowed hard. “I need you to keep pushing me, yeah? To share your strength and remind me how lucky I am.”

“You already know all that in your heart,” Veronica said softly. “I’m just here to help you remember it.”

With a groan, he lowered his head, and Veronica stopped thinking about anything other than the delights of their lovemaking for a very long time.

* * *

“Hey, you.”

Ted opened the bathroom door a crack and went in, sitting on the pillow Veronica had left near Bacon’s bed. The little piglet came over and immediately jumped into his lap, making Ted wince as he only had his robe on, and who knew little pig hooves were hard?

He stroked Bacon’s head until he settled down and Ted got used to the unique odor of pig again.

“It’s all going to be okay, little buddy,” Ted murmured to the pig. “We’re going to take you out to your great-uncle Victor’s place. You’ll love it there. I guarantee it.”

Bacon snuffled happily and Ted relaxed against the wall. He’d sent a text to Tucker telling him that everything was okay, but that he and Veronica weren’t going to make it back to the wedding, and to make their excuses to everyone.

Tucker’s reply was short, to the point, and too rude to share with Veronica, who was currently fast asleep in his bed. He owed his friend one, that was for sure. The night had passed without any callouts for his tow truck services, mainly because everyone in the valley, including the deputy sheriff, was up at Morgan Ranch enjoying the wedding.

Glancing out of the small window, Ted noticed snow was falling, meaning they’d be getting their usual white Christmas—the best one he could remember since his mother had left the family. Careful not to disturb Bacon, he slid his phone out of his pocket and sent his dad a text wishing him a Merry Christmas, with a selfie he’d taken with Veronica earlier, which he knew his father would love.

He paused, his smile lingering before scrolling through his contacts with his thumb, and eventually stopping, and typing.

Happy Holidays, Mom. x

To his surprise, she replied immediately.

Same to you, son. Thank you for thinking of me. x

Ted hesitated and then channeled Veronica telling him to be brave.

Am thinking of popping up to see you before Dad gets back from his cruise.Would that be okay?

That would be wonderful. I always miss you most at Christmas.

Ted wondered whether she regretted what she’d done, but knew it wasn’t the right time to bring the subject up. That conversation would have to take place in person.

I might bring Veronica Hernandez with me.

You’re dating?

Yeah. Ted couldn’t help smiling even though he was alone.

That’s wonderful to hear, Ted. I can’t wait to meet her again. I have to go walk my dogs now. Let me know exactly when you think you might be coming, and I’ll clear my calendar. Love you, Mom. x.

Love you, too.

Ted stared down at the exchange, trying to read nuance into his mother’s words and failing. Maybe they’d finally get around to having that all-important conversation when he visited, or maybe he’d just let it go and forgive her. He was older and wiser now, and, he hoped, more willing to listen, understand, and accept her view of what had happened, even though it might still hurt him.

Bacon let out a snore, and Ted laid him gently back in his bed, checked that he had water and food, and let himself out into the hallway. He paused in his doorway to appreciate the sight of Veronica sleeping soundly in his bed. He wasn’t falling in love with her—he was one hundred percent fallen, and he didn’t regret that.

If things stayed like this, he’d no longer be the one dreading Christmas—he’d be celebrating it as the time when all his dreams came true....

Christmas Peanut Clusters for Ted

(You’ll need a 4-quart slow cooker for this recipe.)

Ingredients:

2 lbs white almond bark, broken or chopped up
12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 oz bar German chocolate, chopped
32 oz dry roasted or cocktail peanuts
Christmas sprinkles

Method:

1. Spray slow cooker lightly with oil; add almond bark and both kinds of chocolate. Place a clean, dry kitchen towel over the top of the cooker, place lid on top.

2. Cook on high for one hour, reduce heat to low, and cook for one more hour, stirring every 15 minutes until everything is melted.

3. Carefully remove lid and towel and add peanuts. Stir well.

4. Line baking sheets with waxed/parchment paper. Drop candy mix by spoonful onto sheets and add Christmas sprinkles before it sets.

5. Refrigerate for an hour, then store in an airtight container for a week, or freeze.

Makes 20+ servings.