Darn it.

  The thought saddened her. Tess loved her job, loved living in L.A., loved her friends, her house, her car, her yoga class. She lived a full, busy life. Still, though she hated to admit it, at the end of that full, busy day, Tess was often lonely. She wanted a man in her life. One who mattered. A man who could be her family.

  "Oh, stop it." Restless now, she took a look at her calendar for the rest of the afternoon. She knew just how to cure blue thoughts like these. She could squeeze in half an hour. It wouldn't hurt for her next appointment to wait on her a few minutes.

  Standing, she grabbed her purse from its usual space on the credenza, blew out her lavender candle, and headed for the door. "Lena, I'm going out."

  Her secretary glanced up in surprise. Her gaze quickly shifted to the wall clock. "You have Mr. Holbrook scheduled for two."

  "I know. I'll be back in time." It seldom took her a full thirty minutes to buy a pair of shoes. With a wave, she exited the office and headed for the elevator.

  Shoes were Tess's vice. She couldn't resist them. The owner of the boutique down the block kept a generous supply in her size, and as soon as Tess walked in the door, Linda started bringing them out. Flats, heels, sandals, sneakers—Tess had them by the dozens. She'd considered seeing a shrink about her compulsive shoe shopping, but decided that as far as neuroses go, in Los Angeles, a shoe habit was too tame for therapy.

  Tess loved shoes. Buying them made her feel good, so she indulged herself. She knew plenty of people in the entertainment business in L.A. who had habits much more destructive than buying shoes. "So sue me," she muttered, then promptly bit her tongue.

  Since that nuisance suit a disgruntled wannabe actor had filed against her last fall—the lawsuit that put lawyers on her Do Not Date list—she'd tried to quit using that expression. No sense borrowing trouble.

  Just as the elevator bell rang to signal the car's arrival, Lena rushed out of the office. "Tess, thank God I caught you. You've a phone call. It's your sister. She says it's an emergency."

  Tess hesitated. Chloe's emergencies ran the gamut from split ends to broken engagements to civil disobedience arrests. Four years younger than Tess at twenty-eight, Chloe was beautiful, vain, willful, stubborn, and more than a little selfish. She went through phases as often as the moon, and each time she changed men. In the past ten years she'd been a Buddhist, a vegetarian, an evangelical Catholic, an environmentalist, a candle maker, a Southern Baptist, and a singer in a mosh band—and those were just the ones Tess knew about. But Chloe was Tess's only sister, and Tess loved her.

  "Tell her I'll be right there."

  Back in her office, Tess kicked off her shoes, poured herself a glass of sweet tea—that southern habit that persisted much longer than had her Texas drawl—lifted the telephone receiver, and punched the flashing light. "Hello, Chloe."

  "Tess!" Chloe sobbed. "Oh, Tess, I'm in trouble."

  Tess's stomach took a roll. Something in her sister's voice said it wasn't split ends this time. "What's wrong?"

  "He had somewhere to go, Tess. Now, of all times. He's gone, and I'm all alone."

  Hmm... a man had left Chloe instead of her leaving him? That was unusual. No wonder the histrionics. "I'm sorry, honey. It's hard when a man lets you down, but just give it a little time. It's a cliché, but true, that time heals all wounds."

  "I don't have time. I have two weeks, tops. I'm alone, Tess, and I can't do this alone. You have to come help me. You have to come to Texas." She burst into sobs.

  Texas? Chloe was back in Texas? What happened to Oregon and the hot-blooded tree hugger? She hadn't mentioned breaking up with him, although that shouldn't surprise Tess. Ever since she'd criticized the conservationist for getting Chloe arrested that last time, they'd avoided the topic of men in their phone conversations. "Hush, Chloe. Get hold of yourself. Come on out to L.A., and we'll work through this together. I'll buy you a ticket. You can probably get a flight out tonight. Where in Texas are you? Which airport is closest?"

  "No! I can't go anywhere. You're not listening. You have to come to Cedar Dell. My OB won't let me travel, and besides, I must be here when Snake comes home!"

  Oh-Bee? Oh-Bees and snakes? What had she gotten herself involved in now?

  Then another possibility occurred to her, and the breath whooshed from Tess's body. Did she mean OB as in ob-gyn? As in... "Obstetrician? Chloe, did you just tell me you're pregnant?"

  "Yes. Very pregnant. Very, very pregnant. I need you, Tess. Please come."

  Oh, Chloe. Tess's heart pounded. She sank into her chair as questions swirled in her mind. Finally, she asked the scariest. "Who or what is Snake?"

  "He's the father. We hooked up when we were riding with the Devil's Own. We've been together over a year, Tess. He's a really good Harley mechanic."

  A motorcycle gang? And I thought the commune of candle makers was bad.

  A combination of annoyance and hurt stole through Tess. Her sister had been pregnant almost nine months. She might have thought to mention it before now.

  Closing her eyes, she set aside bruised feelings and cut to the chase. "Let me get this straight. You're pregnant with this Snake person's baby, and he's abandoned you in some hellhole in Texas."

  "Cedar Dell is a nice town, and Snake didn't abandon me. He's delivering a car to someone back East. He does that for extra money sometimes. He wasn't supposed to be gone this long, so I'm... well... he'll be back. I know he will. Except maybe not in time. Please come, Tess."

  Chloe was her only sister. Her only living relative. What choice did she have? Tess grabbed a lighter from her desk drawer and relit her lavender aromatherapy candle." I'll be on the next plane."

  Chapter 2

  Sprawled on a sofa in front of the trailer's living room window, Chloe McKinney absently rubbed the huge mound of her belly as she watched Nick Sutherland's Porsche rattle its way up the rutted dirt road. Heat rose in visible waves from the black metal, and for once she didn't envy him his car. Black cars absorbed the summer heat. She wondered why he drove the Porsche today instead of his red Ferrari.

  The undercarriage of the low-slung auto scraped across a rock, and she winced. He'd have been smarter to bring his truck out here rather than one of his sports cars. Chloe appreciated beautiful things, and she hated to see them damaged.

  Once upon a time, she'd been beautiful. Snake once told her she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid. That was before he got her pregnant. Before she'd gained all this weight. Fifty-one pounds at last count. And still counting.

  Emotion clogged her throat, and tears stung her eyes. She turned her face toward the oscillating fan set three feet in front of her and blinked back the tears. Never mind that she felt like one of the whales she'd seen swimming in the Pacific when she volunteered for Save the Whales. She'd be damned if she'd let Nick Sutherland catch her having a pity party.

  Besides, she dared not let him see her soft side. He'd take advantage of it sure as spit. The man was a silver-tongued shark. She'd be damned if she'd let him talk her right out of her home.

  The Porsche rolled to a halt, and the sweet purr of a fine engine went silent. Chloe's gaze returned to the window in time to see the driver's door swing open and the long, tall Texan unfold from the car. She sighed. She did appreciate beautiful things.

  Since he often ate lunch at the same time as Chloe at the soda fountain at Harmon Lanes, she was accustomed to seeing him in everyday work clothes—jeans and a T-shirt. Nick Sutherland certainly filled out a pair of Wranglers. Today, however, his business must have included something other than remodeling work because he wore what Chloe thought of as his "Nicholas" clothes—a designer suit and all the high-dollar trimmings. Today's version included an elegant charcoal gray pin-striped suit with a pale pink shirt and tie and buffed mahogany oxfords. Now, any other man in Cedar Dell would catch hell for wearing a pink shirt. Not Nicholas Sutherland. He'd still ooze masculinity if he wore pink sneakers and socks with purple pompoms.

  Tall, with dark hair and broad shoulders worthy of a Dallas Cowboy, he still caused a stir around town despite having lived here over a year. Not too many gazillionaires moved to Cedar Dell. The women in town especially went nutzo over him. He was a gorgeous, powerful, and wealthy alpha male who every so often betrayed a wounded heart. Females found that combination irresistible. Rumor had it that he'd moved here because he'd suffered some sort of personal heartache and wanted to change his life. Whatever the reason, every single woman in Cedar Dell wished for the chance to soothe his troubled soul.

  Well, not every single woman, since she technically was still a single woman, and she was committed to Snake.

  Now if only Snake would return the favor.

  "Stop it," Chloe scolded herself. "He'll be back." Hadn't he thrown away the riding T-shirt, the one that read, "If You Can Read This—The Bitch Fell Off," because she'd asked?

  She watched as Nick reached into the car and removed a large, fluffy teddy bear with a bright yellow bow wrapped around his neck. Her breath caught in delight. Oh, how cute!

  Okay, so the teddy bear was clearly a bribe. But, oh, how she loved to get presents.

  Nicholas crossed the yard and climbed the wooden front steps. Rapping on the screen door, he said, "Chloe? It's Nick Sutherland."

  If she wasn't beached on the sofa, she'd get up and meet him at the door. She didn't want him inside the trailer. The heat was a killer. She only had one fan, and she didn't want to share. Plus, the place was cluttered. Dishes lay piled in the sink. The trash needed emptying. One of her jumbo-sized maternity bras dangled in plain sight on the knob of her bedroom door.

  Oh, well. Too pregnant to worry about good impressions or good manners, Chloe remained seated and called out, "Come in."

  Hinges creaked as the door swung open. "Hello, Chloe. How are you feeling?"

  The kindness in his voice combined with the gentleness in his look and the teddy bear in his arms threatened her composure.

  "I'm feeling divine, thank you for asking." Determined not to cry, Chloe went on the offensive. "Like they say. Feel good, look good. You must be feeling pretty fine yourself, all dressed up in your suit and tie. Did you go to court today, lawyer man? Send somebody to prison five to life?"

  "Actually, I attended a funeral in Dallas for a former neighbor of mine."

  "Oh, bummer." Chloe could be sensitive upon occasion. "He was a friend?"

  "She was a good friend. She loved hockey, big band music, and the color pink. She died of breast cancer at age thirty-two."

  "That's awful. So young. My sister is thirty-two. I can't imagine her... I'm sorry for your loss, Nick." Compassion made her reach out and twist the fan base, sharing her precious air. She motioned toward the chair opposite her. "Here. Have a seat, please, and introduce me to your companion."

  He gave those stupendous shoulders a little shake as if to throw off sad thoughts, then smiled. "A gift for the baby."

  "Thank you," she said, graciously accepting the plush animal. "He's darling. I think I'll name him Honeybear. However, if he's a bribe, you've wasted your time and money. I'm staying put."

  "No bribe. Just a simple gift." He set the bear on the sofa beside her. "Those in the know told me you'll receive mostly practical items at your baby shower tonight, so I thought I'd give you something impractical."

  "That's so nice. I've always loved impractical."

  "You're welcome, and as far as time and money goes, it's mine to waste."

  Chloe snorted, but she couldn't stop her hand from stroking the downy animal. "Your money or the Widow Duncan's? Don't lawyers charge people an hourly rate?"

  "Let's say my practice in Cedar Dell is unusual and leave it at that." He beguiled her with his crooked smile, then changed the subject, catching her by surprise. "Have you heard from Snake?"

  Her stomach took a long, nervous roll. "Why?"

  "He's been gone quite a while now, hasn't he?"

  "So?"

  "Will he be back before the baby's born?"

  Chloe ground her teeth together. She wished he'd just go. Reason reminded her Nick Sutherland wasn't at fault here, but he wasn't helping any by bringing all this up. He had no business asking those questions. Asking Mrs. Duncan's questions. Questions for which Chloe still didn't have answers.

  Quietly, Nick said, "You can't stay here alone, Chloe."

  "I most certainly can," she replied, forcing herself to stay calm. "It's Snake's house, and he told me I could stay here. That nasty old busybody mother of his needs to keep her nose in her own business."

  "Mrs. Duncan owns this land, and thus has a legitimate interest in what is parked on it. However, all legal issues aside"—Nick gazed pointedly around the trailer—"this place isn't healthy for you and your child."

  Chloe bristled. "I keep it clean. Maybe it's been a while since I've been able to get down on my hands and knees, but I can do an okay job with a mop. It's my home, and it's—"

  "Not air-conditioned." Nicholas nodded toward the oscillating fan. "Chloe, it's August in Texas. This trailer is like an oven."

  She lifted her chin. "I like the heat. And you're supposed to keep the house warm for babies."

  Nick pinned her with a skeptical look.

  "Okay, maybe not this warm, but I'm going to buy a new window unit next time I go to town. Snake left me some money."

  Thirty-seven dollars and twenty-nine whole cents. She'd found it yesterday stuck in the pocket of an old pair of jeans he'd left behind. "Besides, pioneers didn't have air-conditioning, and they made out okay. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here now. All the babies would have died on the prairie."

  "If they'd all been born inside this trailer, you're right." Sighing, Nick continued, "Okay, think about this instead. You're a long way out from town here, Chloe. A long way from the hospital. From doctors. The cops."

  "Cops?" Her muscles tensed. "Why do you say cops?"

  Nick waited a measured beat before saying, "You're a woman alone. Soon, a woman and child alone. What if you need help?"

  "Snake will come back." She folded her arms and propped them on her stomach. "We love each other."

  "He's a lucky man to have your love. Once he comes home, there is nothing to stop y'all from moving back out here."

  "I am not leaving. This is where Snake wants me to be." Besides, she didn't have the money to live anywhere else.

  Nicholas leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees. "The Widow Duncan won't let you stay here, Chloe. She's adamant about it. Snake might own a half-share of this mobile home with his mother, but since she owns the land outright, Snake's share isn't enough. If you won't leave, she's determined to have you evicted."

  "What sort of lady evicts a pregnant woman from a trailer house?"

  "She believes she's protecting her grandchild. She's offering you a place to stay."

  "With her!" Chloe scowled at him. "I'd rather live in an outhouse than live with that woman. And you! I can't believe you're siding with her. What kind of lawyer are you, anyway?"

  "A retired one, last I checked," he muttered. Frustration flashed in his eyes, then he sighed. "Look, Chloe. She has the legal right to force you out of here. Help me help you. Let's figure out a way both you and Widow Duncan can be happy."

  "She doesn't really want me to live with her. She's just being mean."

  "You probably shouldn't have thrown Jell-O at her at the Piccadilly in front of her Sunday school class."

  "She shouldn't have told everyone I'm not good enough for Snake." It was because of the weight gain. Chloe just knew it. How fair was that? "If I hear her say one more time that she only gained twelve pounds carrying Snake, I'm going to have morning sickness all over her orthopedic shoes!"

  "Herbert. Mrs. Duncan always uses his real name." Nick sat back, considered her, then said, "I know of a nice place in town that would be perfect for you and the baby."

  "I won't leave here, Nick. I won't. My sister's flying in from California. She'll take care of me. She always does. I won't be alone, and we'll buy an air conditioner, and everything will be okay."

  Chloe watched the lawyer process this new information, and the subtle change in his expression told her he'd decided to wait and argue his case with Tess. Well, Chloe couldn't wait to see that. Nick might be a hotshot negotiator, he might be the best attorney in Texas, but Chloe would bet those last thirty-odd dollars that once her sister came to town, Nicholas Sutherland would finally meet his match.

  Chapter 3

  "Cedar Dell, Texas," Tess read aloud as she drove her rented Lexus sedan past the green and white city limit sign a little after eight that evening. Deserted streets and blinking traffic lights fulfilled her preconceived notion of the town two hours west of Fort Worth. "Welcome to Mayberry on Valium."

  Chloe's directions took Tess past a charming town square where a gazebo trimmed in white mini-lights sat at the center of a park. With no traffic to interfere, Tess slowed the car and glanced around. Ornate streetlights illuminated the park area. A brick walk meandered past wrought-iron benches and beneath the spreading boughs of huge oak trees. Flowers bloomed in riots of color everywhere she looked. Tess had to give the small town credit. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen a city park this warm and welcoming, especially at night.

  More streetlights and modern spotlights added to the illumination provided by the strings of lights that outlined the buildings surrounding the park. Carved stones set above the doorways dated construction to the 1880s. Striped awnings added a festive air, even in the absence of people.

  At the stop sign, Tess turned right. The bowling alley where Chloe had told her to meet her if she arrived before ten o'clock should be coming up. There it was—a red, white, and blue neon sign shaped like a bowling pin. Harmon Lanes.