LITMIR.BIZ

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in what she hoped was a subtle attempt to learn more. “She’s the official worrier in our family—and it’s a very large family, so we keep her busy all the time.”

      She was guiltily aware that Layla would have hysterics if she knew about Molly’s long, solitary drive to eastern Tennessee. Of course, Layla would have to stand in line behind Molly’s parents, brother and a couple dozen other relatives to yell at her for her reckless trek. And if her aunt Lindsey found out she had driven right through Little Rock without stopping to say hello— well, that didn’t bear thinking about just now. Suffice it to say that Lindsey would not be pleased.

      “Yes, well, Jewel doesn’t have that many people to worry about anymore,” Mack said quietly, giving Kyle a look that spoke volumes, if only she knew how to read it. “Kyle, here, is one of them.”

      Molly glanced at Kyle, who was looking increasingly uncomfortable. “I’m sure he appreciates her concern.”

      Her comment made Mack’s somber expression lighten. “I’m sure he does. Maybe someday he’ll even admit it to himself.”

      “Either of you ever hear that it’s rude to talk about someone as if he weren’t in the room?”

      Both Mack and Molly smiled in response to Kyle’s grumbling—not to mention the faint flush of embarrassment on his cheeks.

      Mack took pity on him. “I didn’t see any damage on the drive up. Still some water on the roads, but no travel problems.”

      Obviously relieved by the change of topic, Kyle nodded. “Good to hear.”

      “Did your roof leak?”

      “No. The guy you recommended did a good job.” Mack grunted in satisfaction and sipped his tea. After a moment, he turned back to Molly. “I think I hear more than a hint of Texas in your voice?”

      She chuckled. “Guilty. I grew up on a ranch outside of Dallas.”

      Mack’s brows rose. “The ranch where you lived for a while, Kyle?”

      Kyle nodded, and once again Molly had to struggle to hide her surprise. So Mack knew at least a little about Kyle’s past. Interesting.

      “I came to invite Kyle to a party—a reunion, of sorts—at the ranch next week.”

      Kyle shot Molly a look of reproval even as Mack said hastily, “Well, that sounds like fun. I’m sure you’ll enjoy—”

      “I’m not going.”

      Mack shook his head in disapproval. “Why not? It would do you good to get away for a few days, see your old friends. You’re getting around real well now, so—”

      “I’ve already informed Molly that I am unable to attend,” Kyle cut in stiffly. His tone made it very clear that the subject was not open to further discussion.

      “Well, that’s a shame,” Mack replied frankly. “I bet you’d have had a good time—if you’d let yourself.”

      “How’s the renovation on the cottage coming along?” Kyle asked, very deliberately changing the subject again. “Made any headway since last week?”

      “All the rain we’ve had the past few days hasn’t helped.” Mack seemed resigned to allowing Kyle to lead the conversation. “I’m hoping the guys can get back to work by midweek.”

      He turned to Molly, making an effort to keep her involved in the conversation. “My wife and I own a motel in Gatlinburg and a few cabins in the mountains. We rent them to tourists in summer and during winter ski season.”

      “Have you lived in this area a long time?”

      “We both grew up in these parts. Bought the motel thirty years ago, and picked up a few rental properties along the way. Our son—well, he was going to take it all over eventually. He loved these mountains, especially in the winter.”

      His use of the past tense twisted Molly’s heart. “Do you have any other children?” she asked softly.

      “No. We just had the one son. We were both in our thirties when Tommy came along. To say he blessed our lives would be an understatement.”

      He had adored his son. It was written in the sudden softness of his face, and the deep sorrow in his eyes. Molly bit her lip, unsure what to say since she knew so few details.

      Mack seemed to mentally shake himself out of his bittersweet memories. He smiled toward Kyle. “It’s been real good for Jewel to have Kyle here to fuss over since we lost Tommy. Kyle was Tommy’s best friend in the Marines, almost like brothers. We came to think of Kyle as a member of the family when he’d come home to visit with our boy. We were sure glad he let us talk him into buying this little cabin and staying close by where we could keep an eye on him while he recuperates.”

      Kyle cleared his throat—hard—and pushed himself to his feet again. “I just remembered that I have a couple of Jewel’s empty casserole dishes in the kitchen. Let me get them for you, and you can be on your way, Mack. I know you’ll have things to do now that the storm’s over.”

      He limped into the kitchen without giving Mack a chance to respond.

       Chapter Four

      After Kyle’s abrupt escape, Mack gave Molly a quizzical look that made her giggle. “Guess Kyle’s ready for me to go. He’s not exactly subtle with his hints.”

      Nodding her head in agreement, she thought ruefully that Kyle would be pushing her out the door as soon as he’d gotten rid of Mack.

      Mack studied her with frank appraisal. “It’s a shame you couldn’t talk him into going to the party. He spends too much time up here by himself. Not that I want you to take him back to Texas permanently, of course,” he added. “I’m too selfish to want to give him up—for my sake, as well as for Jewel’s.”

      “When did you lose your son?” she asked tentatively, wondering if she already knew.

      He confirmed what she had guessed. “Almost nine months now. He was in the same explosion as Kyle. It was tough for all of us,” he said, lowering his voice, “but Kyle’s having a difficult time dealing with the guilt of surviving when Tommy didn’t make it. Jewel and I are doing our best to convince him that we don’t blame him, and that he shouldn’t blame himself, but…well, it’s been hard.”

      Molly reached out impulsively across the distance between the sofa and the recliner to lay a hand on Mack’s arm. “I’m so very sorry.”

      He blinked a couple of times, then cleared his throat, set his tea mug on the coffee table and reached into his shirt pocket. “Want to see a picture of my boy? I always carry it.”

      “I’d love to see it.”

      Even though it had been encased in plastic, the snap shot was battered from much handling. Molly’s throat tightened as she studied it.

      Kyle looked so much younger in the photo, though it probably hadn’t been much more than a year since it had been taken. He was smiling self-consciously for the camera, but he looked happy. Healthy. He stood beside a grinning young man with windblown sandy hair and Mack’s kind gray eyes. The scenery spreading behind them was local, so they must have been on one of those visits home Mack had mentioned.

      Her voice was husky when she returned the photograph. “He was a very handsome man. Like his father.”

      “I like this young lady, Kyle,” Mack said, sliding the much-treasured photo back into his pocket. “A smart man wouldn’t let her get away too easily.”

      Kyle scowled as he entered the room, holding two clean casserole dishes. “Tell Jewel I said thanks for the food, and that I’ll be down to see her in a few days. And thanks for coming by, Mack. It’s always good to see you.”

      Mack stood and held out his hand to Molly, who had risen when he did. “It was real nice to meet you, Miss Molly. Maybe we’ll

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