in back in what looked like an argument, probably about Emma not wanting to go to music class. Sierra headed out of the lot and turned toward their temporary home, thinking about what kind of life she wanted here with the boys.
Certainly not one filled with so much to do you didn’t have time to really enjoy life. She wanted balance for the boys. And herself.
She thought about her mother and those socials at the country club. She loved that her mom was putting herself out there.
Sierra wondered if she’d ever be ready to try again.
* * *
Sierra stopped at the mailbox, pulling in behind a sleek Mercedes. She stared at the back of the tall blond in a navy suit who got out of the car. She thought he looked familiar, but from behind wasn’t sure it was . . .
Mason turned and smiled at her.
She caught her breath at the sight of him and smiled before she even thought about it. “I’ll just be a second, boys.” She rolled the windows down and got out.
“Hey there, stranger.” Mason stood in front of her before she knew it and put his hand on her shoulder. “I was so sorry to hear about your troubles. If there’s anything you need, I’m happy to help.”
She should ask him about helping her track down the money her husband didn’t tell her about, but all she could do was look up at him and wonder how men got so much better-looking as they aged.
“Sierra? You okay?”
She mentally shook herself out of her head and nodded. “Yes. Fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I took over Mom and Dad’s place about eight or nine months ago when they wanted to downsize. Dad didn’t want to spend all his time tending the land and animals anymore. I didn’t want to let go of the ranch.”
“You must have some really great memories of that place.”
He stared down at her for a long moment. “I do. Sorry to hear you lost your home. You guys doing okay?” He cocked his head toward her boys. “They’re huge.”
She laughed. “They refuse to stop growing up.”
“Kids,” he scoffed. “They never do what they’re told.” Same old Mason. Always good-natured, ready with a warm smile and a joke to make her laugh.
“They’re great boys. And we’re doing okay. In fact, I just got them enrolled in school.”
Mason shook his head. “Ugh. Moms. Always doing what’s best for their kids.”
She found herself chuckling again. “Well, I did let them have a cupcake after breakfast this morning.”
“Mom of the year.” His smile made her heart trip over a couple beats.
“It was a bribe to get them to meet their teachers today. They’ve been out of school for a few weeks now and aren’t anxious to get back to it.”
“New place. New school. You don’t know anyone. Yeah, I get their reluctance.”
“Me, too, but they need to take this first step into their new life.”
Mason tilted his head. “You’re staying, then?”
She nodded, pleased for no reason at all that he seemed happy about it. “I want to be closer to my family. Mom is getting older, I need the help, and though my sisters and I stay in touch, it’s not the same as being here all the time.”
“I know what you mean. My parents and I used to see each other all the time, but with work and their social life, we don’t get together as much.” He got a far-off look. “Of course, I avoid them sometimes because of all the ‘Why aren’t you married yet?’ questions.”
She couldn’t help the quick glance from head to foot and back before she asked, “Why aren’t you married?”
He chuckled. “Lots of reasons, but”—his gaze turned to a hard stare—“I guess I’ve been waiting for the right woman.”
Uneasy under his direct gaze, she went around that statement. “I thought maybe it was because of your job.”
“That’s what a lot of people think. I see couples in the worst possible situation. They’ve lost the love and can’t communicate anymore. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think relationships can work. My parents are great together. I want that.”
“I love your parents. I was jealous of you.”
“Me. Why?”
“You were close with your mom and dad. I sometimes felt like a Ping-Pong ball between mine. They both tried to make everything seem normal and perfect, but when you aren’t with one parent all the time, it feels like they don’t really know you.”