highlights. I should have plenty of time after my last client to go home and get ready for my date with Tyler. When I get in my car, I check my phone when it beeps and smile when I see a message from him on the screen.
Tyler: How was your appointment?
I message back quickly after starting my car to warm it up. The temperature has dropped in the last few days, and it’s close to freezing outside. I even had to pull out my big down jacket this morning.
Me: It went good. Let the countdown to no more condoms begin. ;)
Tyler: Looking forward to that baby. I’ll see you in a few hours have a good day.
Me: You too.
I drop my phone into the cup holder and head for work. When I arrive, I greet both Mom and Grams with kisses to their cheeks, then get things ready for my afternoon appointments. Work flies by in a flash, and when it’s done, I head home. I park in my garage and go into the house, where I set down food for Mouse before leaving through the front door and rushing to get Bruce. He and Mouse seem to get along, but I’m not brave enough to leave the two of them alone in my place while I’m at work.
I let myself into Tyler’s house and call out to Bruce as soon as I step inside. He rushes toward me with his tail wagging and body shaking in excitement. “Hey, big guy.” I rub the top of his head while I squat to attach the leash to his collar. The fencing company won’t be able to start work for another week, which means until then, Bruce isn’t allowed to go out without someone with him.
“Leah.” When a woman says my name, I jump in place with my heart lodged in my throat. My head flies up as a woman I don’t know comes toward me. “I’m guessing you’re Leah, since I don’t think my brother would give his key to just anyone. Plus, Bruce seems to know you.”
Oh my God. Tyler’s sister? I didn’t know she was going to be coming to town. Tyler mentioned a few days ago that his sister was divorcing and going through a serious custody battle with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, but he didn’t mention she’d be here.
“Heather?” She’s a prettier version of Tyler, with long dark hair cut into lots of layers, big blue eyes that take up most of her face, and an hourglass figure of which I’m instantly envious. Wearing cowboy boots, wide-leg jeans, and a button-down plaid shirt, she looks like she belongs on a farm in Tennessee.
“I see he’s told you about me as well.” She comes toward me, and I stand just in time for her to wrap her arms around me in a hug.
“I . . .” I pause when she lets me go, then shake my head. “Tyler didn’t tell me you were coming to town.”
“He didn’t know.” She smiles softly, taking a step back. “Kennedy and I needed a little break from Montana, so I thought I’d surprise my little brother with a visit.”
“Kennedy is here?” I ask, looking around for Tyler’s adorable nine-month-old niece I’ve seen pictures and videos of on his phone.
Her face softens. “Yeah, but she’s sleeping. She passed out after we got here. I laid her down in Tyler’s room.”
“He’s going to be so happy to see you both.” I don’t tell her that he’s been worried about them. I don’t think that’s something she needs a reminder of right now. From what Tyler’s said, her divorce has been ugly and the fight for custody even worse.
“Hopefully, that’s true. I know he wasn’t expecting us. I called him earlier, but he didn’t answer. I wanted to give him a little heads-up, but I know he’s working.”
“He won’t care,” I assure her, and then I look down at Bruce, who licks my hand. “I’ll take him out if you haven’t already. Then I’ll come back here and hang with you until your brother gets off work, if that’s okay with you.”
“I didn’t have a chance to take him out, but I’d really like to hang with you when you get back,” she agrees with a grin.
“Cool.” I smile in return, then lead Bruce outside and take him on a short walk to take care of business. On the way back, I stop at my house to get my cell phone and send Tyler a text letting