Page 20

I parked behind Lane’s truck and sat there for a moment, trying to calm my racing heart.

This was happening. I was doing this.

I grabbed the wine and flowers and headed up the walkway.

Before I could even knock, the door flew open and Remy launched herself at me.

“Miss Jo! You came!”

I barely managed to keep hold of the wine as Remy wrapped her arms around my waist. “Of course I came.”

“I helped Grandma make the lasagna, and I set the table all by myself and I can’t wait to show you my room!”

“Remy, let Miss Jo come inside before you talk her ear off,” Lane’s voice came from behind her, amused and warm.

I looked up and nearly forgot how to breathe.

He was wearing dark jeans and a blue button-down that made his eyes look impossibly warm. His hair was slightly damp, and he was looking at me with a smile I’d never seen before. It was more relaxed.

“Hi,” I managed.

“Hi.” His smile was soft, genuine. “You look beautiful.”

My face heated. “Thank you. You look... really good too.”

Remy giggled. “You guys are being silly.”

“Remy Grace, let the poor woman in the door,” a new voice called—Julia, emerging from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

She was petite and silver-haired, with Lane’s warm blue eyes and a smile that was both welcoming and assessing.

“You must be Jo,” Julia said, pulling me into a hug before I could offer a handshake. “We’re so glad you could join us.”

My heart melted at her kindness. “Thank you for having me. I brought wine and flowers—I didn’t know what you might need.”

“You didn’t need to bring anything but yourself, but these are lovely.” Julia took the flowers. “Lane, be useful and put these in water. Jo, come in, come in.”

I stepped inside and Remy immediately grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the living room. “Come see! I cleaned everything!”

The house was warm and inviting—comfortable furniture, family photos on the walls, toys neatly organized in baskets. It smelled like garlic and tomatoes and home.

Lane appeared beside me with a glass of wine. “Escape while you can,” he murmured. “Once Remy starts the tour, you’re committed for at least an hour.”

“I don’t mind.”

He lifted a brow at me. “You say that now.”

Remy tugged on my hand. “Miss Jo, look! That’s my mommy.”

She pointed to a photo on the mantel—a beautiful blonde woman holding a tiny baby Remy, her face radiant with joy. My chest tightened. I had seen her picture before, but not this one.

“She was beautiful,” I said softly.

“She was the best mommy,” Remy said matter-of-factly. “But she had an accident and had to go to heaven. That’s why I was sad for a long time.”

It was common knowledge in the town of Eagleheart that Lane had found his own wife, crashed on one of the mountain roads. My heart ached for their little family.

“I know. Losing someone we love is very hard.”