“No, every child deserves to know they have two parents who loved them enough to at least try to give them the home they deserved. That’s why I told Trey to marry Megan. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it won’t, but they won’t know unless they try.”

  “What about you? What are you gonna do, honey?”

  “About the job offer...”

  “You’re not gonna stay, are you?”

  She tried to blink the tears away. “I can’t, Edna. Is that going to be a problem for you and Jimmy?”

  She smiled, patting her head. “Don’t you worry about us; we’ll be fine. You just do what you need to do.”

  She propped her elbows on the bar, chin in her hands. “That’s just it, Edna. I don’t know what to do. I ended things with Eric.”

  “Can’t say that I’m sorry to hear that, if you wanna know the truth.”

  Sierra chuckled. “Now you sound like my sister.”

  “Smart girl, that one.”

  “Yeah, well, now I have to figure out where to go from here.”

  “Nashville has always been your home, honey. Why don’t you stay?”

  “I can’t, Edna. It’ll be hard enough to see Trey’s picture splashed all over the newsstands. Living here, we’d be bound to run into each other. I don’t think I could deal with that.”

  “So you’re going back to Oklahoma?”

  “For now, at least. Lexi is living in Arkansas; I might go out there and stay with her for a while, see if I like it. I’ve got a lot going on with the foundation, which should help to keep my mind off things.”

  “You’re gonna find your place, girl. I know it.”

  “I thought I had, Edna. I thought my place was here, with all of you, but I guess that wasn’t meant to be.”

  “Hey, I don’t want to hear you talk like that. We’ll always be here for you, darlin’. As far as Jim and I are concerned, you’re family.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot.”

  “You’re gonna find that man. The one who wants what you want: a simple life, a house full of babies, and...”

  Sierra started to cry in earnest. She dropped her head into her hands, ashamed of her outburst.

  Edna came around the bar and drew her into her arms. “Hey, what did I say, sugar?”

  “I can’t have any more babies.” She allowed the tears to fall unchecked. Eric was the only other person she had ever told. Given his age and condition, it was a given they would never have children. Sierra suspected that was the reason she had agreed to marry him when he asked. She would have the support of a life partner without having to feel as though she were cheating someone else out of their dreams of having a family.

  Edna stroked her hair. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. When did you find out?”

  “I found out after Callie died.” She sniffled. “Trey was on the road and by the time he got back, I knew our marriage was over, so I didn’t see any point telling him.”

  Edna held her at arm’s length. “He was still your husband, Sierra. You should have told him.” She looked at her carefully. “Did that figure into your decision to divorce him?”

  Sierra looked away. “I knew how much he wanted a baby. Our marriage was already falling apart. If he had learned about my condition, he would have stayed because he felt guilty, but eventually he would have come to resent the fact that I couldn’t give him the family he wanted.” She eased out of Edna’s arms, settling back on the stool. “Now, he’s getting what he’s always wanted, a baby and a family of his own.”

  Edna sat on the stool beside her, grabbing her hands. “Trey loves you, girl. Don’t ever doubt that. You’re the one he wants, the one he’s always wanted. If you hadn’t been able to have a baby the old-fashioned way, you would have found a way to make it happen another way. That was no reason to give up on your marriage.”

  She suddenly felt bone tired. It had been a grueling few days and she just wanted to fall into bed and sleep for a week. “Is that why you lured me back here? You thought Trey and I might be able to work out our differences?”

  Edna sighed, not looking the least bit contrite about being ousted. “I knew his family was worried sick about him and I knew you weren’t happy, no matter how hard you tried to pretend you were.”

  “I’m glad I came back. Thank you, Edna.”

  She snorted. “Hell, I don’t know why you’re thankin’ me. I’m surprised you’re still speakin’ to me.”

  Sierra leaned over and gave her friend a quick hug. “I know you were meddling because you care.”

  “I love you both,” she said, seizing Sierra’s chin in her hand. “I just want you kids to be happy.”

  “We will find a way to be happy, just not together.”

  Trey walked in the door and the familiar scent of cinnamon rolls assailed him, Sierra’s favorite. He followed the scent toward the kitchen and saw Val with her back turned to him, looking out the kitchen window. “You haven’t made those in years. What’s the occasion?”

  She turned to face him, tears in her eyes. “Sierra was here to say good-bye.”

  He felt the news physically, like a fist to the gut. “So she really is leaving? I was hoping she’d reconsider.”

  Val pulled out a chair at the kitchen table. “Sit down, Trey. We need to talk.”

  He knew Val well and could always tell when something was wrong. He straddled the chair next to her so he could look her directly in the eye. “What is it? What’s wrong? You’re not sick, are you?”

  She smiled and touched his cheek. “No, I’m fine. Better than fine.”

  He frowned, puzzled. She didn’t look fine. She looked distraught. “Are you sure?”

  She withdrew a tissue from the pocket of her apron and dabbed at her nose. “Trey, I’ve made a decision.”

  He braced his hands against the chair, trying to prepare himself for the news. “Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to be happy about this?”

  “I hope you’ll be happy for me.” She looked at him, her eyes filling with unshed tears. “I’m getting married.”

  He got up and knelt down at her side, pulling her into his arms. “Congratulations, Val. I’m thrilled for you, really.”

  She hugged him back, hard. “Sit down. There’s more.”

  He reclaimed his chair, waiting for her to continue.

  “Terrance and I are moving to Florida, honey.”

  He felt the room shift almost as though a tremor had moved through and once again rocked his world. “Are you serious? Why Florida? Why not stay here with the people who love you?”

  She smiled, touching his forearm. “I never thought I’d fall in love again after George died. We had twenty-five wonderful years together, and when I lost him, there was a huge void in my life. That’s when I came here to work for you and Sierra. You two became like family to me, the children I never had.” She wiped at the tears sliding down her cheeks. “It was hard to watch you two drift apart, and after Callie died, well, nothing was ever the same, was it?”

  He tried to swallow the lump threatening to choke him. It was hard enough to think about losing Sierra, but it was nearly impossible to think about the baby they’d lost.

  “I’d never seen two people more in love than you and Sierra.” She smiled wistfully. “Reminded me of George and me when we were young.”

  He gripped her shoulder, understanding the pain she must have endured when she lost the love of her life.

  “This house was a home then, Trey. You were both so happy, excited about the future, planning a wonderful life together. Then she left. This home that you two built together became an empty shell, sort of like you.”

  He knew Val was right. He felt empty and hollow inside and his house definitely wasn’t a home anymore. It was a museum, a sad tribute to the life they’d once shared. “You’re right about everything. I’m sorry; I guess I was so wrapped up in my own grief I didn’t think about what that must have been like for you, how difficult it must have been for you to live in a place that didn’t feel like home anymore.”

  “I’d like to make a new home with Terrence, Trey. I hope I have your blessing.”

  He reached over to kiss her tear-stained cheek. “You know you do, but does it have to be in Florida?”

  “He has family there, two children and four grandchildren. He bought a little house there a few years back and that’s where he wants to retire.”

  “What about you? Is that what you want, Val?”

  She shook her head. “It is, honey. I’ve thought about this for a long time. Leaving you will be the hardest part; you’re like family.”

  “I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you,” he admitted, drawing a deep breath. Just when he thought he had nothing else to lose, he learned he did.

  “You have some difficult decisions to make, young man. Have you decided what you’re going to do?”

  “Sierra told you about the baby?”

  “Yes. She thought I would have heard about it already.” She looked at him as though she was trying to gauge his reaction to the news he was going to be a daddy. “How do you feel about this?”

  He let his head fall forward. “I don’t know. Part of me is thrilled that I’m gonna get the chance to be a father again, but I wish things could have been different.”

  “You wish Sierra were the mother of your baby instead of Megan?”

  He shook his head. “I do, more than anything. Is that terrible?”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “No, son, that’s honest. But you have to deal with the situation as it is. So, have you decided how you’re going to handle it?”

  “I want to be a father to this baby, but I don’t know if I can marry her, Val.”

  “Who says you have to marry her?”

  His cell phone buzzed, but he chose to ignore it. “Are you saying you don’t think I should?”

  “It’s not my decision to make, Trey. It’s yours. You have to decide what kind of relationship you intend to have with the baby and his or her mama.”

  “I want to be a good dad, Val. I just don’t know if I’m ready for this. It’s crazy, right? I couldn’t have been more excited when Sierra was pregnant with Callie, yet here I am almost six years older and feeling like I’m totally ill-equipped to be a father.”

  “It’s not crazy. You’re at a different place in your life now.”

  “What I wouldn’t give to go back and do it all again. I would do it so differently. I wouldn’t put anything above my marriage, not my career, my fans, nothing.”

  “You can’t go back, but you can learn from your mistakes so you don’t repeat them.”

  “I know. Listen, enough about me. I want to hear about your plans. When are you and Terrence tying the knot?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll probably just go down to the courthouse and do the deed.” She laughed. “At our age, it seems silly to make a big production of it.”

  He slammed his hand on the table. “Like hell you will. You’re going to have a beautiful wedding right here in this house. We’ll fill it with friends and family, flowers, food, and decorations. For at least one day, it’ll be a home, just like in the old days.” He winked at her. “How does that sound?”

  She linked her hand with his. “It sounds wonderful, Trey. Thank you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sierra was stepping out of the shower when she heard a knock on the entrance door. She thought about ignoring it until it became evident that her visitor did not intend to go away quietly. Cursing, she quickly toweled off and slipped into a terrycloth robe and slippers before making her way across the small condo to the front door. She threw the door open, fully intending to tell her guest she was not in the mood to buy what they were selling when she saw her sister standing on the other side.

  She launched herself at Sierra, nearly knocking her over. “It’s so good to see you.”

  Sierra hugged her back with as much enthusiasm. “I can’t believe you’re here, kiddo. I’ve missed you so much.”

  Lexi pulled back to look at her, rolling her eyes. “We talk, text, or email almost every day, sis.”

  “It’s not the same and you know it.” She grabbed her hand and pulled her over the threshold. “Get in here already.”

  Lexi laughed. “Relax. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Sierra paused to look at the sister who was eight years her junior. She looked gorgeous. Her ash-blond hair was tastefully highlighted and cut to her shoulders in bouncy waves. Her complexion was flawless, as always, and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

  “God, just looking at you makes me want to hit the gym,” Sierra groaned. Her sister trained to run at least three marathons every year. She claimed it helped her to relieve stress, though Sierra couldn’t imagine how running over twenty-six miles could qualify as stress relief.

  “Please, you haven’t gained an ounce.” Lexi eyed her critically. “If anything, you’ve lost a few pounds. Have you been following that clean-eating program I emailed you? It’s amazing, trust me. You’ll feel and look better than ever.”

  Sierra didn’t bother to tell her that her appetite in the past weeks had been almost nonexistent, not to mention the bouts with nausea. She was sure she’d caught a nasty virus, but didn’t want to worry her sister. “I’ve been trying, though I’m probably not as committed as you are.”

  Lexi shed her cropped leather jacket and tossed it on the sofa. She looked around the small apartment. “Sierra, it looks like you just moved in. It’s been almost a year, hasn’t it?”

  She shrugged. “More or less.” She hadn’t been able to muster enthusiasm for anything lately, least of all an interior decorating project that would imply she was putting down roots in a place that would never feel like home.

  Lexi wandered around, finally standing in front of the window. “At least you’ve got a good view. Even with market conditions being what they are, I bet the place has gone up at least five percent since you bought it.”

  Sierra settled on the couch, suddenly feeling tired. The past several weeks she hadn’t been herself and she was beginning to consider the possibility she would have to book an appointment with her doctor next week. “You’re probably right; units in this building seem to sell quickly.”

  If there was one thing her sister knew well, it was the real estate market. She had turned a small loan into a multi-million dollar portfolio of residential rental properties in less than seven years.

  Lexi turned to face her. “Hey, are you okay? You look a little pale, honey.”

  Sierra laughed, tugging on her damp waves. “Of course I look pale; I don’t have a lick of make-up on.”

  Lexi claimed the seat next to her. “You still look gorgeous. So, tell me. What’s been happening since you came back from Nashville. It’s been about a month, right?”

  “You know about as much as I do. Trey is going to be a daddy, though I can’t say when. I haven’t heard a word from him, nor have I heard any wedding rumors, so he may be holding off on making the announcement. Unless he’s decided against marrying her.”

  “Speaking of marriage, have you heard from Eric?”

  “He stopped by the day after I got back. He brought flowers, apologized for the things he said. He seemed genuine, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change the fact that I don’t love him. At least, not the way I should.”

  “So if Trey does decide to marry the girlfriend, how are you going to handle that?”

  She leaned her head against the over-stuffed cushions. “I don’t know, Lex. I guess I’ll find a way. What other choice do I have? Hey, maybe I should cancel my Internet and cable subscriptions, cut off all ties to the modern world, and move to a remote region in Tibet where they’ve never even heard of Trey Turner.”

  Lexi looked at her closely. “Tell me what happened between you and Trey when you were in Nashville.”

  Sierra shrugged her shoulders. “There’s not much to tell. Can I get you something to eat or drink?”

  Lexi grabbed her hands. “Why are you trying to change the subject? There’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?”

  “Don’t be silly; you know I don’t keep secrets from you.” Except for the secret about her fertility problems. Not that it was an issue when you didn’t have any potential sperm donors on the horizon. Unless she was to follow through on her plan to adopt a baby on her own.

  “You have that look on your face,” Lexi said, pointing her finger.

  She feigned innocence, knowing her sister would see right through her. “What look is that?”

  “That look you get when you’re busted.” Lexi leaned back against the cushions and tucked her legs under her. “Okay, spill. What is it you haven’t told me?”

  Sierra sighed. The time had come; she had to come clean with her sister. “After Callie died, I got some news that I didn’t share with you or anyone at the time.”

  Lexi grabbed her hand. “What kind of news?”

  She looked down at their joined hands, thankful she wasn’t as alone as she felt. “I found out the chances of me ever being able to conceive naturally again were slim to none. In fact, the doctor said it was surprising I had been able to conceive the first time, though Trey and I hadn’t been using protection for years when we conceived Callie.”

  She leaned forward to hug her, whispering in her ear, “I’m so sorry, honey.” She pulled back and wiped the tears streaming down Sierra’s face. “I know how much you’ve always wanted a family.”

  Sierra nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  “You didn’t even tell Trey about it?”

  She reached for a tissue from the box on the table. She had used so many tissues lately she would have to start buying them in bulk. It seemed the sight of Trey’s face in a magazine or the sound of his voice on the radio was enough to set her off. “I didn’t see any point. It was already over between us.”

  “Is that why you decided to divorce him, Sierra?”

  “It was part of the reason, but there was more to it than that. If I hadn’t found out about my fertility problem, I may have tried harder to make it work with Trey.” She shrugged. “I guess we’ll never know now, will we?”