For half a second, I panicked. What if I saw something or heard something I didn’t want to hear? I stopped just outside the door. My heart pounded so loudly in my ears that I was sure Levi and Caroline could hear it, too.

  “You’re not going to sit back and let this woman take him again,” I whispered as I balled my fists and started toward the open bay door.

  I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but what I ultimately saw was Levi, standing with his arms crossed and a frown on his face, and Caroline pacing back and forth. I stepped back a bit, staying out of sight. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself.

  “Levi, we were so good together!”

  “We were not, Caroline, and you know it. You admitted to me that you got pregnant on purpose, just so we’d stay together. Plus, let’s not forget the whole cheating on me situation.”

  “I had to get pregnant! I was going to lose you!”

  “Are we done here? Emeline is waiting for me.”

  I heard Caroline stop walking. “I always knew you had a thing for her! The way you showered her with attention and gifts made me sick. She was a baby!”

  “What? She was a friend.”

  “Are you saying you didn’t have feelings for her?”

  “Of course I did, she was…”

  My brows shot up. She was what? She was what?

  The silence seemed to last forever.

  “I won’t deny that if we hadn’t stayed together, something could have happened. I didn’t have all the feelings for Emeline back then that I do now…but maybe deep down, they were already there. I don’t know. We’ve always had a connection.”

  “And I saw it, Levi. I saw how you looked at her and how she fawned all over you, even if no one else realized.”

  I frowned. I did not fawn over Levi. Ugh, I couldn’t stand this woman.

  “Are you saying Emeline was the reason you got pregnant?” he asked.

  My hand flew up to my mouth as I waited for Caroline to answer.

  “Not the entire reason. But yes, she was part of it. Her and Ensley both. I honestly couldn’t tell which one you liked.”

  “Our entire relationship was built on lies and distrust. Can’t you see that?”

  “You had a nickname for her! You never called me by any nickname. Then I find out you’re actually dating her. Sure didn’t take you long to move on with your new life, did it?”

  “Says the person who cheated during our marriage, which has been over for years. I just didn’t want to admit it. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and being back in River Falls and dating Emeline are the reasons for that happiness. I’m not going to apologize for it.”

  “So this is it? You’re not even going to try?”

  “I did try! For a hell of a lot longer than I should have. Sign the divorce papers so we can both get on with our lives!”

  I heard her heels clicking on the pavement, a car door open, then slam shut. “Here’s your precious freedom if you want it so bad!”

  It sounded like she tossed papers at him. “They’re signed?”

  I peeked to see Levi going through the papers.

  “Yes! I signed it, okay!” Caroline shouted. “That should make you happy.”

  He looked up at her. “We can arrange a meeting with a judge about visitation if you want.”

  “I’m moving.”

  My head started to spin. What in the hell was wrong with her?

  With a humorless laugh, he asked, “Now you’re suddenly moving?”

  I decided I’d done enough snooping. This woman was trying to play games, and I was tired of standing in the shadows. I pushed away from the truck and walked out of the garage.

  Caroline saw me first and shot me a dirty look. When Levi spotted me, he held out his hand, and my heart tripped over itself. We laced our fingers together and both turned to look at his ex.

  She sneered, then rolled her eyes. “I’m moving to Italy, so I won’t be seeking custody of Rhett. Besides, he was always closer to you than to me.”

  I was positive my mouth dropped to the ground. “You’re just going to up and leave your son?” I asked. “Only minutes ago, you wanted to see him.”

  “This has nothing to do with you, Em.”

  “It has everything to do with her. She’s a part of my life; therefore, she’s part of Rhett’s life.”

  Caroline rolled her eyes again.

  This was my chance. I had to know if she was the one sending the pictures to the paper.

  “Why did you send those pictures to Janet?”

  Levi’s head swiveled, and he gaped at me. Before he could say anything, Caroline spoke.

  “How did you know it was me?”

  Now he was staring at Caroline. “Wait—you sent the pictures?”

  I cleared my throat. “I didn’t know it was you until I saw your car. I remembered seeing it on two of the occasions the pictures were snapped.”

  “Fucking hell, Caroline. What is wrong with you?” Levi asked.

  She shrugged. “I thought if I kept you both in the papers, you’d eventually realize that being with someone so much younger than you wasn’t worth it. It would be that much easier for me to come back.”

  Levi removed his hand from mine and wrapped his arm around my waist. “You need to leave now.”

  She shrugged again. “I had to at least try before I left.”

  A part of me felt sorry for the woman standing before me. She’d lied to get Levi to marry her, lost her daughter in an accident, and was now going to cut her only living child out of her life. And for what reason?

  Moving her gaze from Levi to me, Caroline lifted her chin. “Have fun with my sloppy seconds.”

  I didn’t even bother acknowledging that comment. Just smiled contentedly.

  When Caroline realized I wasn’t going to engage, she started her car and drove slowly down the driveway. I’d half expected her to peel out.

  I watched until I could no longer see the red taillights.

  Levi turned and scrubbed both hands over his face and let out a frustrated growl. “I cannot believe she’s going to just walk away from Rhett. What the fuck is wrong with her? I thought she just needed some time to work things out in her head.”

  My heart hurt for both Levi and Rhett.

  Looking back down the driveway, he said, “But this is good. It’s better that she just leaves and Rhett never sees her again.”

  I placed my hand on his arm and gave it a light squeeze. “I’m sorry, Levi.”

  He looked at me, and his somber expression slowly eased, a soft smile appearing. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” I asked.

  “Standing by my side just now. You could have taken one look at Caroline and left, or…I don’t know. You didn’t. And I appreciate that more than you know.”

  I reached up and kissed him. “I know you’re acting like you’re glad she’s gone, and I’m sure a part of you is. I also know another part of you is hurting for Rhett…and for Brooke and all that you have lost.”

  He closed his eyes and nodded. “Thank God Rhett wasn’t here tonight.”

  “I’m glad he wasn’t as well. He would have been very confused.”

  Levi exhaled.

  “Let’s go inside—we have ice cream sundaes to make.”

  He took my hand, and we headed through the garage and into the house. He shut both doors and locked up.

  He seemed a million miles away, so I quickly got to work making sundaes. We’d bought paper bowls and plastic spoons at the store, since Levi didn’t have any dishes.

  “I can’t believe you figured out it was Caroline taking the photos.”

  “When I saw her car, I realized I’d seen it before. I simply put two and two together. I’m just surprised she admitted it.”

  He looked tired. I slid the bowl over to him, and he took it absentmindedly, starting to eat.

  I set my spoon down and walked around the kitchen island, putting my finger on Levi’s chin and forcing him to look at me.

  “You know what I think we should do?”

  “Finish our ice cream?”

  “No,” I whispered as I shook my head. “I think we should blow up that fancy mattress, take a shower, and get some sleep.”

  He closed his eyes. “That sounds like heaven.”

  I took his bowl, along with mine, and tossed them in the trash. Levi stood, took my hand, and led us to his bedroom, which was on the other side of the house. While he blew up the mattress, I unpacked some towels and soap that Levi’s mother, Sam, bought. By the time I walked back into the bedroom—I stopped when I saw Levi passed out sleeping on the blowup. He’d managed to get a sheet on it, and that was it.

  I kicked off my sneakers, pulled off my jeans, and grabbed a blanket. Crawling onto the bed, I snuggled in next to him. He didn’t even wake up.

  I covered us up and watched Levi’s chest rise and fall until my eyes slowly began to close, and I drifted off to sleep.

  Levi

  Rhett opened the door to my truck and climbed up into the back seat, tossing his backpack to the side.

  “Well? How was your first day of first grade?”

  Giving me the biggest smile I’d ever seen, Rhett replied, “It was the bestest day ever, Daddy!”

  “I’m so glad it was. Buckle up, buddy.”

  He quickly buckled into his booster seat as he talked. “Ms. Kennedy said me and Timmy can sit at the same table! And I had three other friends in my class! Jimmy and Katie, and Luke.”

  “Timmy and I.”

  “You? You’re too old to be in first grade!”

  I laughed. “No, the proper way to say that is ‘Timmy and I.’”

  When he scrunched up his nose in confusion, I decided to leave it. “Did you learn anything today?”

  “The rules of the class. And we got to pick our reading spots. Me and Timmy picked the spot by Ms. Kennedy’s desk.”

  “How fun.”

  “It was lots of fun!”

  “Well, the fun isn’t over. I’ve got a surprise for you.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Where’s the surprise?”

  “It’s at home.”

  Rhett clapped. “Hurry home, Daddy! Hurry home!”

  The entire drive from school to home was filled with Rhett talking a mile a minute. He told me what I swore was a play-by-play of his day, from the time he got out of my truck to the moment he got back in.

  “Then, Ms. Kennedy told us that we can have guests come eat with us, but they have to go to the office first to make sure they’re allowed to come see us. Will you come eat lunch with me?”

  Before I had a chance to answer, Rhett added, “I want Ms. Emeline to come to lunch.” Then, after a moment, “Is it bad that I want her to pretend to be my mommy?”

  I looked at Rhett in the rearview mirror. His little innocent face seemed so hopeful. “But Emeline isn’t your mommy, Rhett,” I said gently.

  He looked down. “I know. I just wish she was.”

  Caroline had made good on her word. She moved to Italy, and I hadn’t heard a single thing from her since. I couldn’t have cared less…but I knew Rhett did. He acted as if he didn’t, but she was still his mother. I’d never forgive her for hurting him the way she had.

  I wasn’t sure what to say, so I focused on the road. I’d have to ask my parents for some advice in this particular area of parenting.

  I clicked the gate remote and waited for it to open.

  “I can’t wait to see my surprise! Daddy, can you drive faster?”

  Laughing, I said, “No, I cannot drive faster.”

  We finally pulled up to the house, and I parked outside the garage. Emeline was parked inside, so Rhett wouldn’t know she was here.

  I got out and opened the back door for Rhett. He clambered out as I grabbed his backpack.

  When he headed for the side door that led into the mudroom, I said, “We’re going to the barn.”

  “What about Pip and Bull?”

  Pip was Rhett’s kitten, and Bull was his chocolate lab puppy, who was as crazy as hell. He gave Moose a run for his money. They both shared the same father, and they seemed to understand they were brothers. When they were together, they were two peas in a pod.

  “I just need to check one thing in the barn, then we’ll go see them.”

  Rhett frowned. “Is my surprise in the barn?”

  I laughed. “That’s a silly question. Just this one quick thing, I promise.”

  Kicking at nothing on the ground, he folded his arms and started walking toward the barn.

  “Are you pouting, Rhett?”

  “No, sir. I’m just mad.”

  I bit back a laugh and walked next to him. “That’s okay if you’re mad.”

  “Grammy would tell me to… I can’t think of the word.”

  “To be patient?”

  He looked up at me. “That’s the word.”

  This time, I did chuckle.

  We walked into the main entrance of the barn and turned to go down the aisle with the stalls. Once Rhett saw Emeline, he ran toward her.

  “Emeline!”

  She bent down and caught him right as he launched at her.

  “My goodness! You almost knocked me over!”

  Rhett laughed.

  A warmth spread through my chest as I watched them together. She was so damn good with him, and I knew she’d make a wonderful mother to my son. The thought wasn’t something new. As each day went by, I became increasingly sure that Emeline was the one. The woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

  “How was your first day of school?”

  Rhett jumped for joy when she put him back on the ground. “It was so fun! I got a star for being fast and quiet when Ms. Kennedy told us to get on the rug for story time!”

  Emeline gasped and put her hands to her chest. “You already got a star?”

  He nodded. “Yep! Sure did!”

  She was down on his level, like she always was when she spoke to Rhett. “Well, I think that alone deserves another hug!”

  Rhett wrapped his arms around her neck, and she stood, lifting him with her. “My goodness, pretty soon I won’t be able to lift you!”

  “Grammy said I’m growing big because I eat all my broccoli.”

  Emeline giggled. “I bet that’s one reason for sure.”

  “Are you ready to see your surprise?” I asked.

  Rhett grinned. “Yes! Come on, Emeline, we need to go back to the house!”

  “The house?” Emeline asked. “But your surprise is right here.”

  Walking down to the next stall, she opened the top door—and a stunning white and chestnut paint gelding poked his head out. A soft nicker came from the horse…and Rhett just stared at him.

  “This is your surprise, Rhett,” Emeline said as I opened the lower stall door and brought the horse out into the aisle.

  Emeline put Rhett down, then ran her hand over the gelding’s neck as she said, “His name is Orion, but you can change his name if you want.”

  Rhett looked from the horse to me, and when I saw the tears build in his eyes, I almost fell to my knees.

  “He’s mine?” he asked, wiping at his tears.

  I nodded, unable to speak.

  He turned to look back at the horse. Emeline reached down and picked him up, placing him on the back of the gelding as I held the reins.

  “Look at you up there.” Her voice cracked, and I watched as she wiped her own tears from her face.

  “Are you sad, Emeline?” Rhett asked. “Is he your horse, and you’re letting me have him?”

  She let out what sounded like a laugh and a sob. “No, baby, these are happy tears, just like yours. He’s your horse, Rhett. Your daddy bought him for you.”

  Rhett looked at me, and my throat still felt like it was packed with cotton. All I could do was smile and nod. My eyes stung with unshed tears.

  “But was he your horse?” Rhett asked again.

  She patted the horse’s neck and kissed him. “He was one of our horses, yes. But don’t tell the other horses—he’s one of my favorites. You’re going to have to take good care of him and feed him. You know how to clean out his stall, right?”

  He nodded. “I sure do! Daddy taught me, and I took care of my other horse. I’ll love him always, I promise!”

  Emeline smiled up at Rhett. “I know you will, bud. I know you will.”

  Rhett looked at me, tears still slowly moving down his cheeks. “I love you, Daddy. Thank you for Orion!”

  “I love you, too, bud, and you’re more than welcome.”

  Then my son looked down at Emeline. “Thank you, Emeline. I love you!”

  Another sob slipped free. “Oh, Rhett, I love you too. So very much.” She took the reins from me and said, “Let’s see how he feels, shall we?”

  “Yes!” Rhett exclaimed.

  I watched as Emeline walked Orion out of the barn and to an enclosed paddock, chatting softly to my son. That was the moment the last part of my broken heart healed.

  My therapist told me after Brooke’s death that she hadn’t died for no reason. That her death would change the journey I was on…and she was right. Not that her loss isn’t at the forefront of my mind every day, Brooke’s death had led me back home and brought Emeline into our lives. I’d never been as happy as I’d been over the last few months. And Rhett was thriving more than ever.

  Glancing back over her shoulder, Emeline asked with a smile, “You coming?”

  Nodding, I replied, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  I leaned over the railing as I watched Emeline ride a stunning thoroughbred filly around the pen. A dusting of snow was on the ground, making the black coloring of the horse stand out that much more.

  Caden walked up and stood next to me. “Gorgeous, isn’t she?”

  “She is. The horse is pretty magnificent, as well.”

  Caden chuckled, then grew serious. “I don’t know how she does it. She gets these crazy-ass horses who won’t let anyone near them, let alone ride them, and she climbs on and makes it look effortless.”

  I watched as Emeline slowed the horse down to a walk. “Where did she come from?”

  “A trainer friend of Gatlin’s was telling him about this horse that he’d saved from the previous owner. The guy wanted to race her, but she couldn’t stand to be loaded into the gates. He was going to shoot her until the trainer told the guy he’d take her. He said trying to get her into a trailer was almost impossible. They had to sedate the poor thing.”