A Best Friend’s Sister for the Grumpy Cowboy

(ROLSTON RANCH BROTHERS)

BOOK SIX

HANNA HART

Copyright(c) 2022 by Hanna Hart - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. 

Cover Design by Cover Couture www.bookcovercouture.com

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

Chapter One

DEEDEE

DeeDee woke early with a knot in her stomach. Any day that was outside her normal routine was bound to cause upset because life on the Double R ranch needed to run smoothly under her long-standing direction. Left untended, life on the massive cattle ranch turned wild quickly. She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves.

“It’s only one day,” she told herself aloud. “Maybe half a day if we’re lucky and everything goes according to schedule.”

She had told everyone it was just a day off, but that was enough to rouse everyone’s worry and suspicion. Diana ‘DeeDee’ Diaz did not take days off. The worst part was she had lied.

It was not just an ordinary, if rare, day off.

As she got ready, DeeDee’s thoughts naturally turned to Dean. He would already be out in the south pasture, breaking in two new cowboys at the same time as separating the smaller herd of Wagyu cattle. The large black cattle were worth a lot at market, and Dean was very particular about how his ranch teams handled the herd. She smiled thinking of what a hard time he was giving the new hires. On a normal day, she would make sure to visit the fence line in order to deliver Dean a fresh thermos of coffee and watch the show.

Instead, she packed up her purse and hurried down to the kitchens to give her assistant, Maisy, her last instructions. DeeDee was nervous about her outing, but her anxiety was nothing compared to the younger woman’s fretting.

“You prepped everything so nicely, and you wrote down the heating instructions, but I lost the slip of paper!” Maisy wailed as soon as she saw DeeDee.

DeeDee sighed to cover her laugh. “That’s why I posted another set of instructions on the wall next to the oven.”

The kitchens at the Double R served three meals a day to the ranch teams, who often worked around the clock, and DeeDee prided herself on a varied menu. Maisy was usually in a panic as she tried to master the new-to-her recipes, but today was the first day she would deal with the large servings on her own.

“You can’t leave,” Maisy exclaimed. “I know you deserve a day off, believe me, I know better than anyone how hard you work, but if you leave this is all going to fall apart!”

“Not with you here,” DeeDee told her assistant. The younger woman was sadly lacking in confidence, and DeeDee had been working hard to build her up. “Remember yesterday when six head of cattle broke off and got tangled in the back fence wire? Nothing ever runs as smoothly as we want, and that’s just a fact of life. All you can do is smile and do the best you can.”

“You can smile, your best is perfect. My best is a pure disaster,” Maisy said.

DeeDee laughed. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, and I bet I see you handling everything just fine. You’ve got this, Maisy. I know it.”

Maisy gave a shuddering sigh but straightened her slender shoulders and nodded. “I’ll do my best to make you proud.”

DeeDee hugged her and left the kitchen, her eyes blurring as she realized how much she loved being there. She hated to leave, even for a day, and she had to reassure herself she would be back as soon as she could.

Apparently, her boss also needed that reassurance because he appeared at the foot of the back porch steps and scowled up at her. “Heading out?” He grumbled.

“Good morning, Dean. Shouldn’t you be overseeing your new hires?” DeeDee asked. She marched down the stairs and smoothed down his collar. “Didn’t Bert bring you an extra thermos of coffee.”

Dean’s scowl deepened. “He did. And my collar’s fine. Stop fussing over me.”

DeeDee gave him a cheeky look and patted his square jaw. “Someone’s got to do it.”

He grumbled under his breath and followed her down the back path to the garages. “Pretty sure this place will stay together in your absence, myself included.”

“I’m certain it will,” DeeDee said over her shoulder. She couldn’t help but smile at the slump of his wide shoulders and the way he shoved his hands in his pockets. Dean Rolston was a well-known grump, but he was still walking her to her car like a gentleman.

In fact, he had already opened the garage door for her, and DeeDee’s breath caught when she saw her little sedan. “You washed it?”

“And got you a full tank of gas,” Dean muttered.

“So, it still runs?” DeeDee joked. She rarely drove it as most of her ranch errands necessitated a truck, usually driven by Dean himself.

“Not well but it’ll get you wherever you’re going.”

DeeDee’s chest tightened as she remembered she had lied by omission. No one at the Double R knew where she was going on her day off, especially not Dean. For all his scowls, he was too polite to ask, but the mystery of it clearly worried him.

“I’ll be fine,” she reassured him, “and back before you know it.”

He did not look convinced, but he opened the car door for her and said, “see you soon.”

Her heart fluttered again as she got into the little sedan. She prided herself on never showing her nerves, but his kind gestures were breaking through her brave facade. Dean had no idea how desperately she wanted her mysterious errand to be completed quickly and the deception was killing her. Despite the unending work and her grumpy boss, DeeDee loved the Double R ranch and would be anxious to return all day.

She wrapped her shaky hands around the steering wheel and drove off down the winding drive. Half a mile down, DeeDee glanced in her rear-view mirror and her breath caught in her throat. Dean still stood outside the garage, watching her go and, as if he knew she was looking, he raised his hand in one more farewell.

DeeDee knew it was just a simple gesture, but it meant the world to her. Dean Rolston was well-known in Isabel, Texas, for being surly, hard-headed, demanding, and gruff. Everyone she met always marveled at her ability to love her job. Most viewed her as odd or even pathetic. How could a woman in the prime of her marriageable years be content taking care of a cantankerous man and his huge cattle empire?

People assumed Dean treated her like a servant because her official title was Housekeeper. Anyone who actually visited the Double R realized just how much of his empire DeeDee ruled for him. Without her the fifteen-room hacienda-style home would never have been remodeled, and it certainly would never stay show-worthy clean. There would be no meals for the almost army-sized ranch crew, plus seven course dinners to impress guests. There would be no art gallery featuring Texas painters, sculptors, and textile artists. There would be no charity events, food and clothing drives, and town outreach programs. And there certainly wouldn’t be an open door for his five brothers and their growing families. Dean was the head of the Rolston clan, one of the richest families in Isabel, but DeeDee was its beating heart.

Dean appreciated everything she did, and that was all that mattered to DeeDee.

The thought made her gulp as she remembered her mysterious errand again. Over the past decade, not only had DeeDee never taken a day off, she had never once lied to Dean. Keeping her outing private wasn’t exactly a lie, but it was bringing her face to face with the secret she had kept for too long.

She was dedicated to the Double R, and to her grumpy boss, but there was another man in her life that no one knew about. In reality, DeeDee knew very little about him as well. They had exchanged letters and kept up with each other from afar, but there was no way that Gus Hernandez knew her like Dean did. The closer DeeDee got to seeing Gus, the more she worried about whether or not she would recognize him.

DeeDee focused on the things she knew for certain in order to calm her nerves: Dean was almost out of the shaving cream he preferred and keeping the house and ranch fully supplied was also her domain. Twenty-two milking cows were expecting calves in the next few days, and they would need extra help to bottle feed them. Dean’s brother August was due to visit soon, and she would need to perfect the recipes she had chosen to impress the vegan chef.

Her biggest worry broke through DeeDee’s to do list: Gus had not agreed to their divorce.

As the long Texan highway stretched out straight, DeeDee allowed her mind to jump back to when she and Gus had met. During her last year of high school, DeeDee’s mother fell gravely ill. She tried to shield her only daughter from her losing battle with cancer, but it came across as pushing her away. DeeDee lost interest in school and spent her time exploring relationships she thought would save her. She dated older boys, ones who already had jobs and stable plans, and that’s when she met Gus.

Gus Hernandez was lively, light-hearted, and determined to find a good career in America. He charmed DeeDee but never seduced her, and they actually became good friends. His mother had also suffered from cancer, and he helped DeeDee deal with the awful transition. For all his platonic love and support, DeeDee thought the favor he asked was a fair exchange.

She married him so Gus could secure a Green Card.

Once married, he encouraged her to attend community college and it went unsaid the marriage would remain unconsummated. They were just friends supporting each other while they found their way in an adult world.

DeeDee pulled into the driveway of the halfway house, turned off her sedan, and tried to collect herself.

Shortly after she married Gus, in name only, DeeDee lost her mother. The funeral was heartbreaking and expensive, and the final straw for her alcoholic father. He left after her mother was buried and never contacted DeeDee again.

Gus was there for her, but he faced problems of his own. He had cousins wrapped up in a Mexican gang and they wanted to use him to traffic drugs. When he resisted their membership offers, they set him up. He was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to prison for 7 years. There further altercations with the gang added to his sentence and, in total, he served a decade behind bars.

The parole board considered his release only because his loyal American wife continued to write to him weekly and insisted he was innocent. DeeDee was his connection to a respectable life, and divorce was not an option. Without her, Gus would also be deported, and DeeDee could not let her friend suffer any more injustice.

“You made it!” Gus hailed her from the front steps of his halfway house. Upon his release, he had gone to live in a home shared by other ex-convicts dedicated to finding jobs and straightening out what was left of their lives. “Are you sure there isn’t a posse behind you? God knows that place can’t run right without you, and they probably need you by now.”

DeeDee smiled, feeling her nerves loosened a bit. Her friend was still the same jovial man she remembered, and he had clearly read every sentence of her letters. “I would never miss a chance to see you a free man.”

He jumped down the steps and embraced her hard. “Thank you.”

DeeDee pushed back, blushing. “For what? A few letters?”

Gus held her by both shoulders and looked her in the eye. “For being my lifeline. I hope your boss knows what your support is worth.”

DeeDee laughed off Gus’s serious tone. “The Double R is not going to fall to ruins just because I took one day off to visit an old friend. If you knew him, you’d give Dean Rolston some credit.”

“I doubt your surly boss wants to meet your ex-con husband,” Gus said. He looped an arm around her shoulders and led her to a picnic table in the shade of the halfway house.

“Haven’t I told you about Maisy yet?” DeeDee asked, desperate to change the subject. “I’m training an assistant and, if she stops being so anxious, I plan to take more actual days off in the future.”

Gus was not fooled by her sudden and lively descriptions of her assistant. He frowned as he sat down across from her. “You still haven’t told him? Have you told anybody? Or are you seriously just letting people think you are the youngest spinster in the history of the world?”

DeeDee’s shoulders slumped. “No one asks why I’m single; they know how busy I am. And I haven’t lied to Dean, I’ve just omitted the truth. Not that he ever asks about my love life either. Can you imagine? Dean Rolston getting involved with peoples’ love lives?”

Gus ignored her nervous laugh. “I never understood why you didn’t tell him the truth from the beginning.”

“You’re lecturing me on honesty? Our marriage, the only thing the parole board seriously considered as commending you for early release, has always been a lie,” DeeDee pointed out.

“From your letters, you make your boss sound grumpy but honorable. Are you telling me this Dean Rolston would not understand the favor you did for a friend?” Gus asked.

DeeDee bit her lip, then tried to explain. “I needed the job. My father was gone, you were gone, I couldn’t pay rent. The ranch job came with housing. I always meant to tell him, but then we couldn’t get divorced. The longer I waited, the harder it got to tell him the truth. Now, at least, it won’t sound as bad.”

“Because I’m out of prison?” Gus asked.

“Yes,” DeeDee told him, “and we’ll be officially divorced.”

Gus reached across the picnic table, took both her hands, then sighed deeply. “DeeDee, we need to talk about that.”

Tears pricked the backs of her eyes, and DeeDee blinked hard. “About what?”

She knew what was coming, it had added to her nervousness all day, but she had held out hope until this moment.

Gus nodded over his shoulder at the halfway house. “I’m living with a parole officer now. My behavior record is good, but they are looking for any reason to send me back. Any reason at all. You know how closely they scrutinized us when we got married.”

DeeDee remembered the validity of their marriage being questioned from the start, and how carefully she and Gus had chosen their words in order to create the facade of a dedicated couple.

He squeezed her hands. “It’s even worse now. I need you, DeeDee. I need you to stay my wife and help me get past all of this.”

DeeDee thought of the divorce papers she had carefully procured in absolute secrecy, and her tears spilled over. Gus was finally free from prison, but it seemed her freedom would take a while longer.

Chapter Two

DEAN

Dean watched the small sedan wind down the long ranch drive and disappear. He was too practical to worry about DeeDee, the woman had always shown a nearly superhuman ability to take care of herself and others, but he didn’t like seeing her go. A deep frown ached his jaw and he rubbed it contemplatively as he turned around to head back inside.

The Double R was his childhood home, the seat of the Rolston family for nearly a century, but the last decade had changed it into something new. Instead of a hodgepodge building that had grown to accommodate six sons and an expanding cattle enterprise, the home was now a showcase. DeeDee had overseen a massive remodel that brought out the large two-story’s hacienda style. Pillars with curved arches created terraces above and below, some leading through French doors to high-ceiling rooms while others created a breezeway through to an inner courtyard. Dean shook his head as his memories did not match the elegance he saw.

He remembered the stucco, now a clean creamy color, hidden under ivy and overgrown bougainvillea. The courtyard existed in his childhood but held equipment in various states of repair along with tables full of tools and the occasional children’s toy. He and his brothers had grown up on the ranch itself and the house was just a stopping point between their many tasks and adventures. Their mother had passed away too soon, and the house had always been more of a shelter than a home.

The ranch itself, the pastures and fences, that was Dean’s home.

Everything he saw in the hacienda, the tastefully trimmed landscaping, inviting nooks of outdoor furniture, and glowing lamps, that was all DeeDee. Inside was no different. His housekeeper had deftly decorated with a mix of oversized masculine furniture and delicate artistic touches. Hand-carved tables held bronze sculptures of horses next to leather armchairs, bull horns hung on the wall above gracefully painted landscapes, and Mexican textiles softened the practical tile floor. Somehow, it spoke to Dean of his life while also reminding him what a treasure of a housekeeper he had hired all those years ago.

Dean rubbed his jaw again and his frown deepened. The antique clock over the wide rough-hewn mantel showed it was mid-morning. Normally he would hear DeeDee singing as she prepared breakfast, and he didn’t like that she was gone. Instead, he found Maisy in a panic. She stood in the middle of the massive chef’s kitchen, flapping her hands over a pot of boiling water.

“What’s the trouble here?” Dean growled.

His presence did nothing to calm the young woman, who cried, “she makes poaching an egg look so easy but it’s impossible! I don’t know how DeeDee does half the things she does.”

Mention of the poached egg almost made Dean smile. He checked his watch, saw there was no time to explain, and started swirling the boiling water. He cracked eggs with one hand as he kept the water gently swirling. He remembered out loud:

“I’m the one that taught DeeDee how to poach eggs. We don’t have fancy gadgets or room to carry extra little doohickeys for cooking when we’re on the range.” Dean used a slotted spoon to capture a poached egg and pull it from the swirling water. “See? Just a pot of boiling water and a spoon.”

Maisy looked relieved and was able to handle the toast, even as her curiosity grew. “DeeDee went on a cattle drive?”

Dean nodded. “When I hired her, I explained she needed to know this business from the ground up so she could support it properly. DeeDee went on a cattle drive and learned my business firsthand. I gave her every challenge I give the new cowboys.”

“And how did she handle it?” Maisy smiled; she already knew.

“Aced everything,” Dean confirmed. “That woman is good at everything she puts her mind to doing.”

Maisy smiled at the compliment, then glanced at the clock. Her expression turned stricken. “That can’t be the time! Oh my goodness! I’m already so far behind!”

Dean finished enough poached eggs to match the dishes he was certain DeeDee had laid out the night before. She was so organized, and here it was only breakfast, and the normal to-do list was starting to fray.

He scowled at Maisy, “the Double R will not fall apart without DeeDee.”

DeeDee’s young assistant shook her head hard. “I’m trying my best. I won’t let Ms. DeeDee down, but this place most certainly needs her.”

Dean headed back out to work with a deep frown on his face. He was the boss of the Double R. The heavy responsibility was something his father had saddled him with at a young age. Dean hardly remembered a time when he didn’t come home from school and go directly to work on the ranch. He had been raising and selling cattle from his own herd by middle school. Now the Double R was a multi-billion dollar enterprise with partners around the nation as well as the world. It was also more than just a Texas ranch; it was the Rolston family legacy.

Did DeeDee balance the far-reaching enterprises of the Double R as well as all the hometown support and connections?

Dean stopped himself. Of course, she did. No one else quite understood how much he handled, except for DeeDee. He knew he could keep the ranch together in her absence, but Dean worried it was him that would fall apart. She was on his mind all day and, for the first time in years, he missed a calf when roping. He also came close to losing his seat during a hard ride behind the herd. With DeeDee gone, Dean just couldn’t quite function right.

“Well, the ranch is still standing but you look about ready to come unsaddled,” Theo called as he parked his pickup and joined his brother.

Dean scowled, annoyed at how close his brother’s joke hit home. “Everything’s fine here. We don’t need checking up on,” he barked.

Theo raised an eyebrow. “A fine day is when DeeDee makes her famous honey biscuits and that gravy that I swear comes straight from the good lord.”

“She’s not here, so take your hunger elsewhere,” Dean grumbled. He hauled a bale of hay off his brother’s truck and wished they could work without talking.

“I heard,” Theo said.

Dean stopped and said a quick prayer to stop his urge for swearing. Living in a small town was a beautiful thing except when it came to how fast news traveled. He forced a deep breath, and told his brother, “she took a day off.”

Theo nodded in empathy. “DeeDee always does play her cards close.”

Dean’s shoulders slumped, and he confessed his biggest worry. “She wouldn’t tell me or anyone if she was feeling ill. What if this day off is really a doctor’s appointment? What if DeeDee is sick?”

Theo clasped his shoulder with a big hand and squeezed. “She’ll come home soon enough, and you’ll see. Never seen you two at odds for more than an hour or two. If there is something to tell, you’ll hear.”

Dean nodded, then shook off Theo’s comfort and got back to hauling bales of hay. “I’m glad for the extra delivery, but is there something else you need?”

Theo chuckled. “Not unless you know how to make DeeDee’s famous gravy.”

“Just get on with it,” Dean growled.

The biggest responsibility their father had saddled Dean with was taking care of his younger brothers. Theo was the next in line, and Dean’s closest friend, but even he came asking for favors and advice at least twice a week. August liked to keep to himself, but that worried Dean even more and he had to make a point to check on him regularly. Topher, on the other hand, popped in and out regularly, always ready to ask a favor and make a deal. Drake also liked to keep his business to himself, but he was a family man now and found himself leaning on his eldest brother’s advice despite Dean still being single. Sutton was busy with his young family, but his hotel was a big undertaking and Dean helped him weekly with sound business discussions.

Theo’s problem was minute, a difference in opinion on how to best handle his smallest herd. Theo’s wife, Hetty, ran the Thirsty River Ranch and was stuck in her ways. Together they had expanded their cattle to include specialty breeds, but now neither could agree on exactly what to do with them.

It came down to Dean heaving a big sigh and pointing out, “doesn’t it seem ridiculous to ask marriage advice from an old bachelor?”

“You’re not that old and this isn’t a question of marriage advice,” Theo said, getting grumpy himself.

“The herd will be fine either way. The real question is whether you and Hetty will ever figure out how to have a discussion without an argument,” Dean told him.

Theo frowned. “Like you’re so good at avoiding arguments.”

Dean tried to avoid the one he could feel brewing at that moment by heading to the barn, but Theo followed him. “I’ve got work to do, Theo. So, unless you’re hauling hay with me, we’re done for the day.”

“Just like a Rolston to focus on work when other things are bothering him,” Theo pointed out. He picked up a bale of hay and followed his brother.

“I don’t really need your help,” Dean grumbled.

Theo laughed. “Oh, I’m not really helping. I’m just hanging around to see how you and August handle things.”

Dean stopped and heaved another sigh. He and August had been estranged for years but, after August returned to their small hometown, they had slowly been reconciling their differences. “August is coming over?”

“He has no idea you’re worried about DeeDee today. Hasn’t tapped into the all-important small-town grapevine yet,” Theo grinned. “I’m just here to see how far he steps in it.”

Dean glanced at the cow pie that Theo indicated and snorted. “It’s not a bad day. Everything’s fine.”

“Sure, brother. Doesn’t the hay go over there?”

Dean scowled as he saw his own mistake. His mood did not improve when Theo was right, and August appeared.

“I heard DeeDee was gone for the day, so I brought over lunch,” August called as he unpacked his pickup truck.

Theo laughed. “Guess everyone knows.”

“I’m not eating seaweed for lunch,” Dean declared. August was a vegan and a chef, whose culinary talents were delicious but far from Dean’s preferred meat and potatoes.

August rolled his eyes. “It’s not seaweed, it’s kale.”

“Even better,” Dean grumbled.

They settled on the front porch, far from Maisy and her midday panic. She was relieved Dean’s meal was taken care of, but she still had the entire ranch team to feed. They always gathered on the back porch, at long tables in the shade, to eat and discuss the day’s work. Dean would have rather joined them, but he could not turn his own brothers away.

“I don’t need you to tell me that sandwich is great, but I do need your help with some overgrown pastures,” August said plainly.

Dean appreciated his brother’s curt, straight-to-the-point style. He also liked the secret sauce that held together a thick-stacked veggie sandwich, but he couldn’t tell August that, especially not in front of Theo. “You should get yourself some goats,” Dean grumbled as he took another big bite.

August watched him eat with a gratified look and almost smiled. “Goats are exactly what Belle suggested.”

It was Theo’s turn to grumble, “when I suggested goats to Hetty, I didn’t hear the last of it for a week.”

“Last time I checked, you have about sixty goats,” Dean said.

Theo shrugged. “It all works out in the end. That’s how marriage goes. You should try it sometime.”

Dean chewed the rest of his delicious sandwich before his jaw got tighter with irritation. “Why don’t you two talk goats. I promised DeeDee I would get August’s recipe for vegan stew.”

He went to the kitchen, reassured Maisy she was doing okay, then grabbed a pen and notepad. On his way back, Dean stopped to fill DeeDee’s favorite candy dish. She always told him that a little bit of chocolate helped her go a long way. Some days DeeDee worked from sunrise until the dark of midnight, and Dean often wondered how she kept going. If chocolate was all it took, then he would make certain she had it.

Dean closed the lid on the full candy dish and took a moment to admit he missed her. By this time, she would have joined the ranch team at the back tables and had the men laughing at their own mishaps. DeeDee had a way of filling everyone’s cup and putting things in perspective. Dean just wished he could find a way to tell her how much that meant to him.

He was still mulling that over long after his brothers had left, and the ranch had gone on working. He laid out the recipe she had long coveted on the kitchen island, then walked through his large house, filling candy dishes wherever he found them. There was always more work to be done, but Dean found he couldn’t leave the hacienda until he saw DeeDee return.

Finally, her car drove up in a small cloud of dust. Dean watched it drive all the way from the far curve up to the garage. He waited around the front door, wondering which way she would enter, but DeeDee didn’t come in right away. Worry got the best of him, and Dean went to find her in the garage.

Her little sedan was off, but DeeDee still sat in the driver’s seat. Dean approached softly and saw her window was still open. DeeDee slumped over the steering wheel and her shoulders hitched softly. She was crying and Dean felt her sadness like a kick to his chest.

“I’m okay. Sorry to worry you,” DeeDee called as soon as she noticed him. She swiped her eyes and got out of the car. “It’s nothing.”

Dean shook his head. “Nothing makes you cry?”

“It’s nothing to worry about,” DeeDee insisted.

“You’d tell me if you were sick, right?” Dean demanded to know.

DeeDee half-smiled and gave a small cry. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Dean. There is no need to worry like that. I’m not sick. I didn’t sneak off to some secret doctor’s appointment. It really just was a day off.”

Dean’s eyebrows gathered together over a stern look. “Just a day off that ended in tears?”

“Yep,” DeeDee said, refusing to tell him anything more even as fresh tears spilled over.

He wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. Dean prided himself on shouldering his responsibilities and helping everyone he could, but DeeDee was the one person who never asked for his help. And she was the one person he wished he could help most of all.

Chapter Three

DEEDEE

DeeDee wished she could hold on to Dean’s embrace, but she had to pull back. She’d lied again about her time away from the ranch being just a day off, and she felt the deception made her even more unworthy of Dean’s sweet concern.

“So, the house is still standing,” she joked softly.

“We did fine,” Dean grumbled. “But, I’m glad you’re back.”

She led the way out of the garage, but waited as Dean flipped off the lights and closed the door. The whole truth was on the tip of her tongue, Dean deserved to know, but the idea of him looking at her differently hurt too much. How could DeeDee stand to see the betrayal on his face? He believed they had always been open and honest with each other, and that was the kind of woman Dean deserved.

He must have seen it on her face because Dean stopped her on the path to the house. “I’m glad you’re not sick and that you had a day off, but I can’t help feeling like there is something else. Am I really so bad that people can’t tell me things?”

DeeDee smiled to cover up the pain of keeping a secret. “You’re not so bad.”

Dean grunted. “You know that if I can take whatever nonsense my brothers drop on me on a daily basis, then I can deal with whatever it is you have to say.”

“Your brothers visited while I was gone?” DeeDee tried to change the subject but the sharp glint in Dean’s blue eyes told her it wasn’t working. She sighed. “There’s nothing to say.”

He studied her face, reaching for her hand. “So, everything’s fine? We’re good?”

The gentle brush of his hand made DeeDee catch her breath. He was right there in front of her: open, honest, hardworking, independent, strong, and only gruff enough to hide a heart the size of Texas. Dean was everything she wanted, and DeeDee treasured her connection to him. She couldn’t jeopardize her job and lose the place she had in his life, but the truth still wanted to come out.

“Ms. DeeDee, thank goodness!” The gardener rounded the corner and called out to her. “The new lawn mowers clipped the edge of the peony beds, and I need to know what you want me to do with the mess they made.”

“We’re good. We’re always good,” DeeDee told Dean quickly as she welcomed the gardener’s interruption.

Dean nodded, looking equally as relieved at the interruption as he was at her words. He pried her purse out of her hands. “I’ll take your things inside while you deal with the peonies.”

DeeDee assured the distraught lawn mower he was not fired, instructed the gardener to extend the garden bed to include a new peony bush that would cover up the chopped side, and took the fallen blooms inside to create an impromptu bouquet. She was glad by the time she finished prepping the vase and walked into the main hall, Dean was already back outside on the ranch. She’d almost blurted out the whole truth about her fake marriage, and she couldn’t risk seeing Dean’s sweet concern for her one more time.

She placed the peony bouquet on an end table and peeked inside the crystal candy dish sitting there. Someone had filled it to the top with her favorite chocolate. DeeDee savored the sweet taste as she surveyed the other rooms and returned to the kitchen. There she found August’s recipe written in Dean’s scrawling hand, propped up on the kitchen island. She plucked it up and held it to her chest for a moment. It was amazing how small things could fill her heart to overflowing.

Maisy arrived minutes later, and the rest of the day was spent in a blur of chatter and housework. DeeDee’s ears were still ringing from her assistant’s bright and unstoppable conversation when she closed the door on her private suite. Only then did the morning’s disappointment come rushing back over her.

DeeDee lay awake in bed for hours, alternately angry and accepting over her meeting with Gus. She was mad that her freedom was delayed yet again. How could DeeDee even have feelings for another when her life was still technically tied to Gus? She couldn’t allow the girlish rush of warmth she felt when she remembered finding the full candy dish and her sought-after recipe. Dean’s kind gestures just hurt when DeeDee thought about how dishonest she had been.

On the other side, DeeDee understood where Gus was coming from. The United States had not given him the fairest run, and she was determined to support him. Gus was a good man and deserved to put the difficulties of his past behind him. DeeDee wasn’t foolish enough to think anything would come up that would require her to be free and marriageable. Her life simply wasn’t that romantic.

Once Gus was settled on the right side of the law and society, DeeDee would be single again and able to indulge in her silly daydreams. Until then she had work.

In the morning, DeeDee was resolute. She tied her hair back into a tight bun and went to face the massive amount of work the ranch demanded every day. She counted herself lucky that her schedule was so full of meals, cleaning, book-keeping, organizing, planning, repairs, and problem-solving. There wasn’t time to sit down, much less moon over her non-existent love life. DeeDee didn’t need love when she had her job at the Double R.

Maisy was a different story. “I bet it was really romantic,” she mused as she whipped eggs and milk together for the breakfast baking.

“What was?” DeeDee had not been listening to her assistant at all.

“Don’t you think getting married at city hall is at all romantic?” Maisy sighed happily over her daydream. “Just the two of you, and a few witnesses, plus the judge. No nerves as a whole crowd strains to hear your vows. The whole focus on just your union, and no worry about ceremony.”

DeeDee frowned as she shook off invading memories of Dean holding her hand. “Why are you thinking about quickie weddings at city hall? Is there something I should know?”

Maisy laughed out loud. “No. Not from me. I was just thinking about how romantic it was that August married Belle to protect her.”

“If I recall right, neither of them enjoyed the deception much,” DeeDee said.

“But they ended up getting to have two weddings!” Maisy exclaimed happily. “And a reception at the greenhouses. Everyone told me you turned it into a total fairy tale with twinkling lights and a few bolts of tulle.”

“Their second wedding was a dusty outdoors affair at August’s old Streamline trailer. You should have heard Dean complain about the grit on the champagne glasses before he gave his toast.” DeeDee chuckled at the memory.

“Dean Rolston, now there is a mystery,” Maisy declared. She poured the egg mixture into a stand mixer, flipped the switch, then leaned on the counter. “Do you think he’s going to be a bachelor his whole life?”

“I think you should be cleaning the measuring cups and that bowl while you wait,” DeeDee pointed out. She was busy prepping huge sheets of bacon.

“The whole town talks about how he was the catch of his high school, varsity quarterback and homecoming king. The whole package. How on earth has he gone this long without getting hitched? “Maisy asked. She absentmindedly put her dirty dishes in the sink and filled them with water.

DeeDee frowned. “Dean has a lot of responsibilities here and he took them on when he was quite young.”

“So, he just never fell in love?” Maisy was skeptical. She dumped a few drops of soap in the sink and started to scrub as she shook her head. “I don’t know. I wonder if maybe Mr. Rolston did fall in love, but it didn’t work out. It makes more sense that he’s spent all these years pining away instead of just never finding the time to fall in love.”

“Not everyone has time for such things,” DeeDee told her.

“Like you?” Maisy asked. “People told me yesterday was your first day off in a decade.”

DeeDee frowned. “People talk too much. Just leave the dishes, you’re not getting them clean anyway. Can you go and ask whoever’s in the stable to saddle up a horse for me?”

Maisy happily dried off her hands. She loved horses and took any opportunity she could to get out to the stables. “You taking Mr. Rolston one of those special cinnamon rolls you made this morning?”

DeeDee was annoyed her normally absentminded assistant had noticed her early morning baking. “I take him his coffee every morning. A good housekeeper checks in often. Days have a way of evolving as soon as the sun comes up.”

“People do too,” Maisy said, her mind still on her previous speculations. “That’s why I hope Mr. Rolston evolves into a married man, not an old bachelor. I really want to help out at another wedding.”

DeeDee almost pointed out that Maisy should think about her own wedding and leave Dean alone, but she didn’t want to encourage her assistant’s romantic notions. The last thing she needed was for Maisy to fall in love and get even more distracted during her daily duties.

It was hard to recollect that Maisy was only a few years younger than DeeDee because her thoughts on love were so fresh and optimistic. DeeDee poured Dean’s Thermos of coffee and wrapped up the cinnamon buns as she wondered if women could become old bachelorettes. She liked to think the world was past the term spinster because DeeDee worried the word might fit her too well.

The troubling thoughts fell behind as DeeDee made her way down to the barn and climbed into the saddle. The stable hand had chosen an athletic brown mare for her, knowing DeeDee to be an accomplished rider. She barely had to tap the mare’s sides to get going in a canter, and soon her thoughts were serene.

DeeDee loved her life just the way it was, and she didn’t need to worry about anyone judging it from the outside. Dean was just fine the way he was too. So, what if people speculated about them growing old without marrying? They would still have their same daily routines, the excitement of the ranch, and the certainty of a hard day’s work behind them when the sun went down. What more did they need?

She found Dean on horseback himself, holding his horse steady on a ridge as he frowned at his phone. It was easy to guess who was bothering him. “Hearing from your brothers so early?”

Dean ground his teeth as he shoved his cell phone away in his front pocket. “I don’t know what more they want from me.”

“At least you know it isn’t money anymore,” DeeDee pointed out. She handed him the Thermos of coffee.

His grumpy gaze softened as he noticed the cinnamon rolls tied in a napkin. For a moment, his handsome face cleared, and he gave a soft smile to the heavens as he closed his eyes and savored the first bite. He smacked his lips, took a long sip of coffee, then sighed happily. Dean repeated the whole process a few times before his surly expression returned.

“Now they want me to celebrate their inheritance,” Dean grumbled.

“A party?” DeeDee laughed. “You’re mad because your brothers have suggested we throw a party?”

“Why do I have to celebrate?” Dean asked, frowning.

DeeDee studied the horizon in front of them. It bothered her that Dean never talked about his own inheritance. The last few years he had been solely focused on his brothers and whether or not they would fulfill the requirements of their father’s will. She understood that as executor of the will, Dean had an important and unfun role to play, but he was also one of the Rolston brothers.

Dean didn’t talk about money any more than he complained about his responsibilities, but it was strange how he talked about his father’s will. His entire focus had been on his brothers inheriting and, now that they each had their share of their father’s billions, he didn’t speak about it at all.

“A party sounds fun,” DeeDee pointed out gently.

Dean frowned. “It’ll be a bother. They think it’s my turn to host.”

DeeDee glanced over her shoulder at the beautiful ranch hacienda in the distance. “You do have a nice spot for a celebration, you know.”

“But if I host, that means you’re hosting. And the last thing I want to do is to add to your stress.”

“Stress?” DeeDee was insulted. “Do I seem like I’ve been stressed? Falling behind? Unable to complete my tasks?”

Dean quickly held his hands up, his horse nervously sidestepping. “No, not at all. I just don’t want to throw party-planning on your plate if it’s full.”

DeeDee drew herself up high in her saddle. “You tell your brothers you are happy to host. They deserve a celebration, and it’s about time we had a party here at the Double R. Maisy will be overjoyed.”

“And you?”

DeeDee shot him a withering look. “I love a party.”

He snorted. “When was the last time you went to a party?”

“August’s wedding,” DeeDee snapped.

Dean chuckled. “That dusty affair? We can do better than that.”

DeeDee softened a little. “Yes, we can.”

“You’ll tell me how I can help?” Dean asked.

“You might want to start with getting that herd heading in the right direction,” DeeDee pointed out.

Dean looked down over the ridge and scowled. “Thanks for the coffee.”

She watched him ride off to join his ranch team and could not hold back a smile. The sun was just barely up in the sky and already Dean Rolston had his hands full. DeeDee could already hear his heavy sighs as he related the rest of the day to her later. They both worked hard, kept their minds on work, and shared their common responsibilities happily.

Why would she ever want anything to change?

Though even DeeDee felt a thrill of excitement as she carried the announcement of the party back to her assistant. It would be a nice change to dress the Double R up, put out their best menu, and take a minute to celebrate. She secretly loved seeing Dean in a tuxedo, and decided it was time for her boss to shine.

Chapter Four

DEAN

Dean was not surprised when he did not get to hear anything about the party planning until Maisy slipped up. He was worried that adding the party to the schedule would increase DeeDee’s stress, just as she worried that bothering him with details would distract from ranch business. Still, it irritated him that he had to hear about party problems through DeeDee’s talkative assistant.

“She’s got flower problems?” Dean asked Maisy to clarify. It was hard to decipher the young woman’s chatter sometimes.

Maisy bit her lip, knowing she talked too much, but had to answer his question. “DeeDee refuses to buy flowers, but she doesn’t have enough from her gardens. It’s not really a problem. She’ll figure it out.”

Dean nodded but interceded anyway. He followed Maisy back to the kitchens and told DeeDee, “I’ll give you a lift over to Topher’s.”

DeeDee shot Maisy an accusatory look. “I told you not to bother him with party details.”

“Topher’s got plenty of garden space. We’ll find you flowers there,” Dean declared. He held open the back door, not waiting for any excuses.

“I was figuring it out,” DeeDee grumbled as she followed him to his truck.

Dean was glad for the break in his day. It had been nearly a week since they had mentioned the party, much less chatted about anything besides ranch work. Both had been busy every day, but he worried they had even less to say to each other than normal. It still felt as if DeeDee was keeping something from him, and now Dean worried she was disguising her stress over the party as well.

“I’m the one that dumped the hosting duties on you,” Dean growled. “The least I can do is help you get what you need.”

He shut the truck door behind DeeDee and walked around to the driver’s side, not surprised to see her raised eyebrow. She waited until he turned the truck on, then asked, “Topher called you over anyway, didn’t he?”

Dean frowned, hating to be called out. “He wants advice about expanding his ranch house staff. Figure you’re better to talk to than me. But, he does have a large flower garden right there by the driveway.”

“That’s Anna’s garden,” DeeDee pointed out.

“They work on it together.” Dean’s words were gruff, but he couldn’t completely cover up a smile. His wild, jet-setting brother was now content to be at home gardening with his darling daughter, and it made Dean very happy.

He was less happy when actually face to face with Topher who immediately laughed out loud and called, “brought reinforcements, eh?”

Topher met them in the driveway and hugged DeeDee. Dean knew his younger brothers called on his housekeeper for food, advice, and even comfort, and it made him a little jealous at how closely they cared for her. He was her boss, yet they were all free to treat her like a beloved family member.

“It’s no wonder you need a housekeeper at the ranch, you’re a busy father now,” DeeDee pointed out as she returned the affectionate hug. “Speaking of, where is my girl?”

“DeeDee!” Anna came flying down the front steps of the formal ranch house. “Uncle Dean!”

Dean took his greeting second, just happy to be acknowledged. Topher’s daughter had been kept secret for many years, and her and her mother were still wary of Dean. He knew he appeared intimidating and was glad DeeDee was there to soften his edges.

“Your uncle heard I needed flowers for a big party and bragged about your gardening skills,” DeeDee told the young girl.

Anna beamed. “Wanna see the garden, Uncle Dean?”

He let her take his hand and drag him down the driveway. Topher kept the ranch house as a formal reception place for his high-end horse clients, but lived on the other side of the riotous garden in a comfortable cottage with his daughter and wife. The garden itself had helped bring Topher and his ex back together, and it now bloomed from the very real and vibrant love their family shared.

It was impossible to feel annoyed amongst the bright blooms, but overhearing Topher made Dean grumpy. “So, he’s finally opening up the Double R to host? We’ll have to be on our best behavior.”

DeeDee laughed. “Nah, but you will have to wear your best. It’s going to be an all-out formal affair.”

“An expensive one,” Dean griped. “Really, you’re the one that should be hosting, now that you’re a billionaire.”

Topher laughed. “You know me, I’m better at travel-planning.”

“You plan events for your clients all the time,” Dean pointed out.

“Clients are not nearly as demanding as the Rolstons, am I right?” Topher asked DeeDee. She shook her head, refusing to get caught up in the brothers’ squabbling, and went off with Anna to select flowers.

Topher waited until they were out of earshot, then teased Dean. “Keeping a close eye on DeeDee lately, aren’t you?”

Dean tore his gaze off his housekeeper and narrowed it on his brother. “What do you mean?”

“It must be nice to see her outside of the ranch,” Topher said, ignoring his brother’s surly look. “In fact, what do you say to bringing DeeDee on a vacation with Sophia, Anna, and me?”

“A vacation?” DeeDee laughed out loud as she circled back with Topher’s daughter. “I can’t imagine Dean on vacation, can you?”

“He invited you too,” Dean snapped.

DeeDee laughed even louder at that. “I don’t have time to answer that much less take a vacation!”

“But, if you were there, we could make donuts for breakfast, and Uncle Dean could teach me how to play chess,” Anna said.

DeeDee softened. “Your mother is the better baker.”

“She says the same thing about you,” Anna pointed out.

“Well, I’m definitely better at chess than your father, so we’ll think about it,” Dean declared. He was careful never to speak for DeeDee, but this seemed like a good time to overrule her cautious observation of employee/employer relationships. If his niece and sister-in-law wanted DeeDee there, Dean was more than happy to oblige. “After the party,” he added.

DeeDee hugged Anna. “I’ll be back for a few of those roses and those lovely lilies. Thank you!”

Dean walked DeeDee back to the truck and opened the door for her. He ignored his brother’s speculative smile, waved at his niece, and climbed into the driver’s side. Once inside the cab, he turned to DeeDee.

“What’s he thinking asking us to go on vacation? I swear, some people don’t know what real ranch work is like.”

DeeDee ignored his grumbling. “I’ve always wanted to see Galveston Island. That’s where Anna says they are thinking of going.”

Dean glanced over at her. “Topher just wants you along so Sophia doesn’t have to worry about all the details. You’ll end up working there too.”

“After taking care of your ranch, those three will be a dream to look after! And there’s a beach there,” DeeDee said. “Seeing you try to walk around in flip flops would make it all worthwhile.”

Dean frowned. “I’ve been to the beach before.”

DeeDee sighed. “I haven’t been to the beach since. . . Since I don’t know when.”

Her tapered words settled into silence and Dean felt his irritation return. Why was DeeDee always falling so quiet around him? He preferred their stretches of companionable silence to the constant nervous chatter of Maisy, but lately DeeDee’s closed lips were making him worry she was keeping secrets.

How could she keep secrets from him?

Dean thought of how young they both were when he took over the Double R and hired her as his housekeeper. They had practically grown up together, struggling to keep the daily chores of the ranch from overwhelming them. For DeeDee to keep something from him seemed like a betrayal, even if it was just a fleeting memory from her past that she dismissed.

He gritted his teeth and determined not to speak until they returned to the ranch. If she wanted to fall mysteriously silent, then he wouldn’t speak to her either.

Unfortunately, the quiet reminded Dean of the questions he had recently not answered. DeeDee had asked him why he didn’t talk about his inheritance and he had changed the subject multiple times. There were some things that Dean decided no one really needed to know. And the only person he felt bad not sharing the truth with was DeeDee.

Dean gripped the truck steering wheel as he thought about the legacy Rolston Senior had left behind. Of course, his father had insisted on controlling even the smallest details of his fortune. With the help of his friend, the family lawyer Mr. Penn, Rolston Senior had devised a will that required specific things out of his six sons. And it was only natural that the weight of those expectations fell on the eldest.

Dean sighed and shifted in his seat. DeeDee was lost in her own thoughts and didn’t notice as he scowled over his recent experiences as executor of his father’s will. It was a miracle any of them had been eligible to inherit their billions, and Dean was still exhausted from pushing them in the right direction without any of them knowing.

None of his brothers knew the full extent of what requirements they had had to meet before being eligible, and Dean alone was thankful so much had worked out in each and every one of their favors.

Thinking over everything Dean had never told DeeDee about his father’s will lessened his worry about her unsaid words. He too was keeping secrets, but they were still together. As long as DeeDee was at the Double R and they were working together, Dean figured he would be all right in the end.

“Thanks for coming with me,” he muttered as he dropped DeeDee off at his own front door.

“Don’t worry, Dean. The party will be wonderful,” DeeDee assured him. Then she shook her head ruefully, “if you ever get a chance to look forward to it.”

He followed her glance and noticed Drake leaning against a fence post, waiting to chat with him. One of his youngest brothers, Drake often stopped to ask Dean’s advice over market prices and negotiations. As much as their livestock differed, the two often agreed on the best tactics for business.

Dean didn’t mind talking to Drake, but he did regret not finishing whatever was unsaid with DeeDee.

Drake seemed to sense it right away. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you and DeeDee. Lord knows I love that woman like a sister and wouldn’t want to get in her way.”

“She’s fine. I think,” Dean said.

Drake tipped his hat back and studied his brother’s face. “You worried there’s a reason she wouldn’t be fine?”

“Party planning,” Dean told his brother in lieu of an explanation.

Drake chuckled. “You say the word ‘party’ with such distaste, it’s no wonder DeeDee’s worn out trying to plan it all herself.”

“I’m helping,” Dean snapped. “Speaking of helping, what do you want?”

Dean listened with one ear as his brother talked about the price of good horses. It still burned him how Drake, the one Rolston brother that was supposed to make the inheritance requirements easy, had almost ruined his own chances at their father’s money. Dean had never told Drake how close he’d come to failing because it had all worked out in the end.

“How’s Freddie?” Dean asked, interrupting his brother’s work talk.

“Excited about the party,” Drake said. “Why? You want my wife to talk to DeeDee?”

It was Dean’s turn to be taken aback. “Why would I need someone to talk to DeeDee for me?”

Drake scratched his chin. “No reason. How about you just give me your opinion on that price for the roan.”

“Take the lower bid and build yourself a good relationship with the rancher. He’ll be a repeat buyer once he knows you’re fair,” Dean told him.

Drake thanked him but seemed reluctant to leave. “Anything I can help you with?”

Dean scowled. “Nothing’s wrong. DeeDee’s just preoccupied with the party planning and won’t confide in me. And I’m running behind on my chores.”

“You’re mad she won’t confide in you?” Drake looked amused and amazed at the same time.

“Didn’t you hear me on running behind on my chores? Now get,” Dean told him. He ignored his brother’s speculative glances. “I got real work to do.”

Dean turned his back on Drake and his own hacienda, opting to head to the barn. Work was straight-forward, clear-cut, and constant. If Dean concentrated on work, everything else seemed to work out. Work never made him wonder if he was doing or saying the right thing. Work either got done or it needed doing. Dean preferred his life simple that way.

On the Double R, it was easy to find work that needed doing. The only complaint any ranch employee ever made was that Dean worked too hard. He made them all look bad, especially when he was trying to make up for time away. Dean was strong, deft, and seemingly inexhaustible. And once the hard labor was done, he retired to his study to handle the paperwork side of the massive operation.

DeeDee found him there and quietly brought him a tray of his favorite supper: a loaded brisket sandwich, fresh coleslaw, and a cold beer. Dean knew as soon as he put his work aside and ate his food, she would return with a slice of apple pie and a cup of decaf coffee.

“Why do you take such good care of me?” Dean asked her over his cup of decaf.

DeeDee paused in the door, surprised by his question. “Asks the man sitting there taking care of this entire ranch.”

“I’m serious, DeeDee. I’m surly, grouchy, grumpy, and incapable of taking a vacation. Why on earth would you work for me?”

“You’re not so bad,” DeeDee told him with a smile.

“You deserve better,” Dean grumbled.

DeeDee put a fist on her hip and glared at him. “Don’t go telling me what I deserve, Dean Rolston. You’re not the only one who happens to like hard work. So, what if you’re my hard work?”

Dean felt a smile smooth out the day’s rough edges. “So, you like me?”

“What I don’t like is when men start fishing for compliments,” DeeDee told him. She told him goodnight and shut the door to his study behind her.

Behind the closed door, Dean beamed at his housekeeper. DeeDee couldn’t see it, just like she couldn’t see that she was his light and his solace. He’d make her see one day, though, he promised himself. They might be keeping things from each other, but they would never be able to keep that out. The truth would always come out between the two of them, sooner or later.

And Dean wondered just how long it would be before DeeDee realized just how much he loved her.

Chapter Five

DEEDEE

DeeDee knew, despite Dean’s gruff complaints, he wanted to throw the best party possible for his family. Rolston Senior had never been an easy man to deal with, but his sons respected and loved him. His passing was rough on all of them, especially Dean. The bright side was how their father’s death had brought all six of the brothers home and set them on a new path together in their hometown. That was what Dean wanted to celebrate, and DeeDee was determined to make it perfect for him.

She was used to planning family dinners and holidays. Dean’s mother had been gone since the brothers were in grade school and DeeDee was the first one to fulfill any sort of maternal role in the Rolston family. The Double R was the original Rolston ranch, its house was the largest, and with DeeDee caring for the bachelors and renegade brothers alike, it quickly became the family seat. Their door was always open to Dean’s brothers, but this party had to be special.

For one thing, there were more guests. DeeDee smiled as she counted up the newlyweds and children. Luckily the grand hall had three tables that together could seat twenty. She knew for certain there would be other guests not related by blood but just as much a part of the Rolston clan.

“I like Freddie’s dad, and Diego, but Mr. Penn?” Maisy asked, looking over the guest list.

“Everyone likes Fred Dover,” DeeDee pointed out. “And Hetty’s ranch manager is more like a father than anything.”

“And the lawyer.” Maisy shook her head.

DeeDee laughed. “He is Dean’s trusted advisor and friend. Plus, wait until you see how Belle’s aunt Starla makes him smile.”

“We’ll have to seat them next to each other.” Maisy clapped her hands. She was delighting in all the formal touches from appetizers served in the courtyard to place cards at the dining table.

“You’ve confirmed the band?” DeeDee asked, consulting her massive to-do list.

Maisy nodded with a dreamy smile. “While everyone is at the dining table, we’ll reset the front hall for music and dancing. Oh, DeeDee, this is going to be an amazing party!”

“Dessert will be in the library after the dancing. Make sure there is a fire prepared in case there’s a chill that night. Now, let’s walk through the whole plan again and finalize the decorating,” DeeDee said.

Guests would be greeted on the wide portico outside the front door. DeeDee outlined exactly where the drinks table should go and made notes of how to arrange extra seating. She imagined the brothers and their families lingering there until everyone had arrived, and she made sure to set up lawn games for entertainment.

Next the guests would walk through the front hall and into the courtyard for appetizers. The band had been instructed to set up on the second floor gallery so the musicians could be heard but not seen. The music selection was to be light so as not to interfere with conversation.

“Then guests will walk through the French doors to the dining room and find their place cards. Courses will be served formally - you did get references for the wait staff, right?” DeeDee asked Maisy.

“They all come highly recommended,” Maisy assured her.

“Well, I’ll be in the butler’s pantry making certain of it,” DeeDee said.

“You will not,” a gruff voice interrupted. Dean strode into the dining room from the courtyard and frowned at DeeDee. “You will be seated at the table, same as the rest of the guests.”

“I’m not a guest,” DeeDee pointed out.

Dean shook his head. “I’m not letting you plan this whole celebration and leave yourself out. You will be coming as a guest, so plan on it.”

“And a plus one,” Maisy chimed in. She flinched when both Dean and DeeDee narrowed their eyes at her interruption, but bravely explained, “otherwise the numbers will be uneven.”

The corner of DeeDee’s mouth curled mischievously. “That means you need to invite a date as well. For the numbers,” she told Dean.

He grumbled and started to leave but turned around at the door and pointed a commanding finger at DeeDee, “you’re coming to the party as a guest. Plan on it. I won’t have it without you.”

DeeDee sighed as he left and turned an accusatory look on her assistant. “Why did you have to mention a plus one?”

Maisy grinned. “I’m sure you can find a date. It’ll be fun.”

“Fun? I have errands to run.” DeeDee was happy to escape the ranch and her meddling assistant. She headed to the Tack and Feed, the small town’s unofficial general store, where the manager had ordered extra supplies for the party.

Alessa grinned when she saw DeeDee. “I got the invitation and I swear it is the prettiest piece of mail I have ever received.”

“Did you see the part about the plus one?” DeeDee asked, hoping to find a sympathetic ear to complain to about the annoying necessity.

“I did and I have the best plan,” Alessa said. She leaned across the store counter to keep their conversation semi-private. “You know that real estate agent that keeps hounding me about the space next door?”

“The one that’s also after your family’s old farmhouse?” DeeDee asked.

“Exactly.” Alessa rolled her eyes. “He’s relentless, always in here just ‘checking in.’ Well, I’m inviting him to the party. Once the Rolston brothers get wind that he’s trying to buy his way into town, they’ll give him the ninth degree. Maybe that’ll put him off for a while.”

DeeDee laughed. “Yeah, ask him on a date to a fancy party. That’ll be sure to put him off.”

Alessa frowned. “It’s not going to be a date.”

“Are you sure a date isn’t exactly why he’s always ‘checking in?’”

Alessa stood up and shook her head. “No. Not possible. He’s just after prime property in Isabel.”

DeeDee couldn’t resist joking with her friend, “you are prime property. I’ve known at least twelve men the past few years who would have married you on the spot, if only you had given them a second glance.”

“Stop. That’s ridiculous. How about we talk about you? Who’s your date going to be?” Alessa asked.

“No one,” DeeDee said quickly. “Dean is insisting I attend the party, but he has no idea how hosting works. I’ll be in and out all night dealing with the food and the staff and the musicians. There’s no way I’m subjecting a date to that.”

“I know at least a dozen men who would happily put up with that to be your date,” Alessa told her friend.

DeeDee sighed. “I deserved that, but don’t even think about setting me up. I’m not dating, and you know that.”

“You always say that, and I never understand why,” Alessa sighed. “Why not stop by the cafe this evening. It’s open mic and there’s a guitar player I would love for you to meet.”

“You should go.” Dean appeared at the counter, a new pair of work gloves in his hand.

“I’ll add them to your tab,” Alessa told Dean. “I’d even pay for them myself if you could convince DeeDee here to take me up on tonight.”

Dean turned to DeeDee and very solemnly told her. “You should go.”

She laughed in his face. “I should not. You of all people know we have extra hands to feed tonight. Or did you forget the round up crew and the barbecue I promised them?”

“I can take care of them,” Dean insisted.

“Not without my help.” DeeDee waved to Alessa and went out the door that Dean held open.

“You two have a good night together!” Alessa called with a laugh.

“Really, DeeDee. You can take the night off,” Dean insisted on the sidewalk.

She glared at him. “I’m not changing my plans just because everyone wants to see me set up on some ridiculous date. And I’m certainly not bringing a stranger to a party I’ve planned especially for your family.”

“Neither am I,” Dean barked.

DeeDee stopped and almost smiled. “Have your brothers been trying to set you up?”

He nodded. “Along with Alessa and everyone else in this town. I swear, something’s in the water that makes people think they are matchmakers.”

“So, you don’t want to bring a date either?” DeeDee asked.

“No. Absolutely not,” Dean declared.

“Then we can agree to both go solo? That will keep the numbers even.” DeeDee stuck her hand out for Dean to shake.

He shook it immediately, then held her hand for a moment longer. “As long as you promise you’ll come to the party and not just flit in and out dealing with things that your assistant can handle for you.”

DeeDee looked at their joined hands and sighed. “Fine. I’ll try. I can’t promise I won’t leave to check on things if there’s a big problem, but I’ll be at your party.”

“Our party,” Dean insisted, still holding her hand.

DeeDee didn’t know what to say to that and felt her cheeks getting warm. She was relieved to see Sophia over Dean’s shoulder and called out a greeting to his sister-in-law in order to break the awkward spell.

Sophia was equally relieved to see them. “Dean, DeeDee! Just the two I was hoping to run into. Dean, can I please borrow our dear friend here? I have a huge order for the football team’s concession stand. It came in late as part of an impromptu fundraiser and I don’t want to let them down. Unfortunately, I’m overbooked and there is just so much to do. Any chance you can help me, DeeDee?”

“No wonder Topher thinks you need a vacation,” Dean pointed out.

Sophia brightened despite her obvious stress. “Topher mentioned that he asked you both to join us. That would be so wonderful! Anna already has all sorts of plans for us ladies, and she can’t wait to go on adventures with her Uncle Dean.”

“Uncle Dean is definitely going to find the time for a vacation,” DeeDee assured Sophia.

“Only if DeeDee finds the time for both of us to go,” Dean shot back.

Sophia laughed. “I know what you mean about finding the time! Speaking of, do you have an hour or two to spare today?”

Dean kept his grip on DeeDee’s hand as he told Sophia, “I’ve already overloaded her with a barbecue tonight plus this whole family party she is planning.”

DeeDee slipped her hand free and assured her friend, “I can make time. It’s for the family, Dean. Your family. And the football team.”

“Are you sure?” Dean studied DeeDee’s face with a frown.

“A few hours now is fine. I’ll be back in time to handle the barbecue for your round up crew, and everything will work out,” DeeDee assured him.

Dean scowled. “Fine. But I’ll take care of all the party supplies you left at The Tack and Feed.”

“See? All this nonsense about set-ups and plus ones got me distracted,” DeeDee exclaimed. She shoved Dean’s shoulder, who caught her hand and held it again for a few seconds before letting go.

“Is that what distracted you?” Sophia asked with a smile.

DeeDee shot her an exasperated look. “Don’t you start too. Dean and I have already agreed that we are going solo.”

“You’re going solo together?” Sophia inquired, her smile widening.

DeeDee was glad when a message popped up on her phone. “Hang on. Give me a second and then I’ll come to the bakery with you.”

Sophia and Dean started talking about Topher as DeeDee turned away to read the message. She bit her lip as she noticed it was from Gus. He had secured a job interview but needed her to answer possible calls as his reference. He insisted that better companies were interested in him because he was a married man in a longstanding, committed relationship. She couldn’t deny him the help he needed, but DeeDee cringed at the idea of a phone call interrupt her work.

How much longer would she be able to keep Gus a secret?

“Are you sure you aren’t too busy?” Sophia called.

Dean, who was watching her carefully, nodded. “It’s okay to say you’re stretched too thin. Sophia was just lamenting that very same thing.”

“No, no. I can help. It’s for a good cause,” DeeDee assured them. “Besides, we’re not going to turn down helping family. Your family.”

“I’ll get the supplies you ordered and see you at home,” Dean said. He kissed his sister-in-law’s cheek and left the women to walk to the bakery alone.

“I really love how he looks after you,” Sophia remarked.

DeeDee glanced over her shoulder and caught Dean watching them go. She waved and he nodded. “He takes care of everyone.”

“You both do,” Sophia said. “You make a great team.”

“Speaking of teams, what are we making for the football team?” DeeDee asked. They entered Sophia’s bright bakery, waved to the counter workers, and headed straight into the kitchen.

“All the favorites: chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and rice crispy treats,” Sophia said, putting on an apron.

The women got right to work, laughing and chatting as they started mixing ingredients. It wasn’t long before Sophia started asking about DeeDee’s nonexistent love life.

“So, are you going to tell me who these set-ups are that you keep turning down?” She asked.

“No idea. I won’t let anyone get farther than suggesting a date, so there are no names.” DeeDee told her. “I’m just not interested right now.”

“I’m sure you have your reasons. Was one of them messaging you?” Sophia teased.

DeeDee bit her lip again. “No. That was something else.”

Luckily Sophia was too busy with a tray of fresh cookies to notice her friend’s worried expression. “I can’t believe Alessa hasn’t found someone to tempt you. She knows everyone in town.”

Glad for the change in subject, DeeDee told her, “did you know she’s bringing that real estate agent to the party?”

“What? No!” Sophia grinned. “That’s great.”

“Alessa claims she’s going to use the surly Rolston brothers to get that man off her back, but I think she really just wants to see how he does around all her friends,” DeeDee said with a smile.

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m just glad she is bringing someone,” Sophia said. “It’s so fun to watch people find each other and fall in love.”

DeeDee sighed happily. “Yes. Especially watching all of you find your perfect matches. You know I love those Rolston boys, but Dean and I were beginning to despair of them ever finding anyone else to care for them.”

Sophia laughed. “I can’t believe you did it by yourself for so long. You must really love them.”

“I do,” DeeDee admitted quietly. She swallowed hard.

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell her friend everything. There were only two reasons she turned down everyone’s attempt to set her up. One, she was tied up in a fake marriage. And, two, she was already in love with Dean Rolston.

Chapter Six

DEAN

Dean loaded the extra party supplies into the back of his truck. As he lifted the boxes, his eyes would stray down the end of Main Street where DeeDee and Sophia had disappeared. He knew they were just around the corner, in Sophia’s bakery, but the distant sidewalk kept drawing his eye to where he’d last seen DeeDee.

He told himself he was simply worried about her. The tired, distressed look on her face when she went to read her message made Dean concerned again about what DeeDee was not telling him.

“She’s doing too much,” he muttered as he finished loading the truck and headed back to the ranch.

DeeDee was well known for helping everyone, even if it meant she missed meals and sleep. Dean knew because he was the same. He just wished his housekeeper would let him take more of the stress off her. She was too important to him and to the ranch to let her burn out.

As he drove through town, Dean found his thoughts turning jealous.

Alessa was trying to set DeeDee up, as was Sophia. In fact, his sister-in-law was probably still trying her matchmaking skills! Dean imagined them in Sophia’s bright bakery as she described some perfect man for DeeDee. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel as Dean imagined DeeDee saying yes and going on a date. Her shy smile, the brush of her hand, the sweet scent of her favorite perfume, all being enjoyed by a stranger. Dean hated the idea and hoped she’d be home soon.

Home was the Double R for DeeDee as well as himself. It seemed ridiculous that she would think of it as nothing more than a place of employment. It was her home and that’s why Dean was so irritated at DeeDee’s attempts to leave herself out. He ground his teeth as he thought about her trying to plan a party she wouldn’t attend. As if Dean or any of his brothers could imagine a celebration without her.

“Your family,” Dean muttered out loud, mocking her voice.

It also bothered him how DeeDee was forever correcting herself when she talked about the Rolstons. Family became ‘your family,’ and Dean disliked how often she made the distinction. After so many years of trying to take care of his brothers together, Dean was sad she still didn’t consider his family her own.

He pulled up to his lawyer’s office and turned off his truck. In the quiet, Dean had a distressing thought. What if her job, the work she did for him, was the reason DeeDee did not yet have a family of her own? Was he the one holding her back?

Mr. Penn seemed to have similar thoughts on his mind. The older man was a notorious shark of a lawyer, always hitting his opponents hard and without mercy, but he was also a family friend and Dean’s closest advisor. He’d been close with Dean’s father and took his friend’s absence to heart. It was making him softer by the day.

“All these smart investments, all your brothers squared away. When are we going to start talking about your family?” Mr. Penn asked.

“I have enough family, don’t you think?” Dean asked with a snort.

Together, the two men had pushed and shoved Dean’s younger brothers through the requirements of their father’s will so they could each inherit. It was enough to make any man wonder how someone survived having six children.

Dean sighed and tried to convince Mr. Penn to stick to work topics. “All my smart investments mean I don’t have to worry about inheritance. My only trouble with my father’s will now is that everyone thinks we should have a party to celebrate.”

He tossed one of DeeDee’s fancy invitations across the desk to Mr. Penn.

The lawyer frowned as he picked it up. “Wouldn’t it be better to celebrate when it’s all said and done? When you’ve inherited your share as well?”

“I’d rather talk about the party, the menu, the decorations, or anything but the ridiculous requirements my father put on his money. I don’t need the old man’s money and I certainly don’t need his posthumous meddling,” Dean grumbled.

“So, this was just a social call?” Mr. Penn asked, arching an eyebrow.

“DeeDee wanted to make sure I delivered your invitation personally.”

Mr. Penn almost cracked a smile. “Now, DeeDee is someone you could talk to about your ah, dilemma.”

Dean growled. “DeeDee is a busy woman. She has enough going on with running the ranch house, supporting the teams, and planning this infernal party. I’m not about to whine to her about some silly will requirements when I don’t even need the money.”

“You realize we’re talking big money,” Mr. Penn reminded him. “I don’t know anyone who would repeatedly turn down billions.”

“The amount has too many zeros to be taken seriously,” Dean insisted. “I live in the real world, remember?”

Mr. Penn gritted his teeth, getting ready to lecture his friend’s eldest son. “Speaking of the real world, your father’s requirements are not that far-fetched.”

Dean held up a hand. “We already have plenty to celebrate. So, you coming or not?”

The lawyer leaned back in his chair and studied Dean with narrowed eyes. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head at the follies of youth. Then his lips quirked up and he leaned forward again. “You bringing a date to the party?”

Dean threw both hands up in the air. “No. Are you?”

Mr. Penn actually smiled this time. “Did DeeDee invite your newest sister-in-law’s aunt?”

Belle Danson had just become Mrs. August Rolston, much to her aunt Starla’s joy, and everyone had noticed at the wedding reception how she made the lawyer smile. It was Dean’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Yes. Starla Danson will be there.”

“Wonder if she marked a plus one or not,” Mr. Penn said.

“Go ahead and call DeeDee, if you’re curious,” Dean told him, trying not to be curious himself. Could their family friend have fallen in love?

“How about DeeDee? She bringing anyone? It would be awkward for her to have a date and for you to be solo.” Mr. Penn picked up his cell phone. “I have a couple of people I could call if you’d like to meet someone new.”

“Absolutely not.” Dean stood up. “And now I’m certain there is something in the water that turns people in Isabel into matchmakers. Maybe you should look into that and start a class action lawsuit.”

Mr. Penn chuckled. “Tell DeeDee I’m delighted with my invitation and I’ll be there.”

Dean headed back to the ranch and was able to lose himself in work for exactly twenty-four hours before someone else tried to set him up on a date.

Sutton called mid-afternoon, still confused about the actual time after another mostly sleepless night with his infant daughter. “Sorry, thought it was closer to quitting time. You still out?”

“I’m in the barn but I’m still not in a place where I’m going to listen to any set-up nonsense,” Dean bit out gruffly.

Sutton laughed. “I know it sounds awkward, but it won’t be that bad. I promise. Better than that, Bethany promises.”

Sutton’s wife was a well-connected woman from a wealthy family, whose social circle was known to be elite. Why she’d ever settled for Sutton was beyond Dean’s comprehension, though there was no doubt the two had been best friends from grade school. In fact, Dean knew the moment he saw them together at Sutton’s hotel that they would get married. He pinched the bridge of his nose and wondered if that matchmaking bug had gotten to him once or twice too.

“That doesn’t change a thing,” Dean insisted. “I don’t need a date and I don’t want a date and I don’t want to hear anything about it again.”

“Well, get ready for disappointment,” Sutton warned him with a chuckle. “I know for a fact Drake has someone for you too. He was bragging about it this morning and will be mad that I beat him to the punch.”

“I’m not accepting your set-up, and I’m certainly not going to be coerced into it simply because you want to pull one over on Drake,” Dean snapped.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Sutton said.

Dean hung up his phone and refused to look at it the rest of the afternoon. He was still ignoring it when he spotted DeeDee hurrying from the greenhouse to the kitchen door. His first instinct was to go see if she needed help, but DeeDee rarely needed help. She would, of course, smile and find something for him to do while she checked in on all of his work and figured out ways she could help him better. Any time Dean was near DeeDee, she was busy finding ways to make his life easy.

Did he ever do the same for her?

She had thanked him sweetly for getting that recipe from his brother August. And Dean knew she enjoyed the candies because a few days later the dishes were empty and he had to refill them. But, did DeeDee need more?

Dean couldn’t help but remember their hug after her day off. Something was wrong but she refused to lean on anyone. Those few seconds were all he was able to offer DeeDee, and Dean’s heart squeezed, knowing it wasn’t enough. He wanted her to have everything she needed, and something was telling him for certain she was still having a tough time.

“Hear you’re having a heck of a party soon,” a cheerful voice interrupted him. Dean’s ranch manager said everything with a smile, good news or bad news. It was one of the reasons so many men stayed on and worked the Double R. Between Dean’s perpetual gruffness and the ranch manager’s constant sunny smile, the men always knew exactly where they stood.

“Wish you could handle it instead,” Dean grumbled. “Sure we don’t need to be out tending a herd that night?”

His ranch manager laughed. “No, sir. In fact, I already promised Ms. DeeDee that I wouldn’t let you catch wind of any work that day. Wouldn’t want to let her down.”

Dean sighed but almost smiled. The men would do anything for DeeDee, and it was often clear that meant going behind Dean’s back to get things done her way. “So, she’s already decreed I have to attend.”

“It don’t have to sound like you’re walking to the gallows,” his ranch manager teased. “What if I could sweeten the deal for you?”

Dean gritted his teeth. “And how exactly would you do that?”

“Well, my wife’s cousin is in town. She’s sweet as can be and would be happy to accompany you to the party.”

Dean didn’t let his ranch manager get another word out. All it took was one look for the man to realize Dean wouldn’t hear any more. His glare may have been sharp enough to silence the man, but he still smiled.

He called over Dean’s shoulder. “Sorry, Mr. Theo. I may have put him out by trying to set him up on a date.”

Dean immediately whirled around and shot his brother a warning look. Theo was the closest to Dean in age, and the one brother most likely to push Dean beyond his limits. If he had come to attempt to set Dean up as well, it would very likely end in a brawl.

He clenched his fists and told Theo sternly, “if you’ve got matchmaking on your mind, you should just turn around right now.”

Theo laughed long and loud. “Who in their right mind would try to set you up? I, for one, don’t hate any woman in Isabel enough to tie her to that unfortunate fate.”

“Great. Thanks,” Dean said with an eye roll. Then he narrowed his glance. “So exactly why are you here?”

“Hetty’s out of town and I’m here for DeeDee’s home cooking,” Theo said. “Though she insisted I help you before she’ll even think of feeding me.”

The thought of DeeDee scolding his brother and sending him out to do chores was enough to return Dean’s mood to normal. He didn’t smile but he also didn’t begrudge Theo’s help as they hammered together pens for the soon-to-be-born calves. The dairy cows were separated early on so they could be given a fortified diet, and the calves all needed separate pens filled with clean straw.

The work was finished quickly and the two brothers headed eagerly to the ranch house. It was easy to smell DeeDee’s fried chicken from the back porch and they jostled each other to be the first through the door. She saw them coming and grinned, then pointed at the washroom.

Hands washed, fingernails scrubbed, the brothers sat down at the table DeeDee had prepared. There was already a basket of honey biscuits, a fresh salad, and steaming sweet corn on the cob. When she arrived with the chicken, they both sighed with delight.

“This is heaven,” Theo told DeeDee.

Dean looked at the mouth-watering dinner, then back up at his housekeeper. “It’ll taste better if you join us.”

Theo nodded vigorously; his mouth already full of biscuit. “That way we can eat in peace knowing you won’t let us argue.”

DeeDee looked doubtful. “I have to go get the pie out of the oven.”

“You go ahead,” Dean told her. “I’ll set you a place.”

She relented and promised to return as soon as the pie was out of the oven and cooling. Theo happily jumped up to help set her place, all the while watching his brother.

“What would we do without her, eh?” Theo asked.

“Starve. Get off schedule. Lose important items. Forget social niceties.” Dean could easily go on, but he sat back down and tried a bite of biscuit himself.

“You know, it seems a waste for DeeDee to be here at the Double R,” Theo said. “She would be much better off somewhere like the Thirsty River.”

Dean snorted. “You are not stealing her away to cook at your ranch.”

“She likes me better than you,” Theo said. “That’s just a fact.”

Dean glared at him. “You’re the worst liar in the world. I may not be a dream boss, but DeeDee isn’t running off to work for anyone else.”

“You sure?” Theo asked.

“I make sure of it every day,” Dean said. Though his shoulders slumped. Somehow his brother always hit his rawest nerves. “Why? Do you think she’s unhappy here?”

Theo shot Dean a sympathetic grin. “No. Not at all. You two are a great team and I doubt she’d want to work for anyone else.”

“She’s more than just a housekeeper to me,” Dean admitted gruffly.

“Oh?” Theo asked, clearly more interested than his casual tone let on. He leaned forward. “Like how?”

Dean scowled at him. “DeeDee and I have worked together long enough for me to think of her as a close friend. My best friend.”

“Friend?” Theo asked.

“What else?” Dean groaned. “You promised you weren’t coming over here with matchmaker nonsense in mind!”

Theo shrugged. “What’s wrong with suggesting you two would make a good couple?”

Dean gave him a stern look. “We all know that DeeDee means the world to this ranch but to the Rolston family as well. I can’t jeopardize that for something as stupid as peer pressure regarding my love life, now can I?”

Theo agreed with another vigorous nod as he ate the rest of his biscuit. Though he grinned widely around the big bite when DeeDee rejoined them and Dean leapt to his feet to pull out her chair for her. It was clear just how much DeeDee meant to the eldest Rolston, and Theo wondered when his brother would see it too.

Chapter Seven

DEEDEE

In the back of her mind, DeeDee was grateful the party was only days away. Her to-do list was ever-growing and changing, and the distraction was just what she needed. Thinking about Gus, her fevered wish for a divorce, and the toll of keeping a secret from Dean bothered her every second her mind wasn’t on something else.

“I can’t find the second set of silver,” Maisy announced. She hefted the first wooden box of silverware onto the kitchen island, lifted the lid, and whistled. “It’s velvet lined. So fancy! I’ve never polished silver before.”

DeeDee glanced over her shoulder as she counted out the serving dishes and matched them with the menu. “The second set of silver is in the butler’s pantry in the bottom corner cupboard. There should be a silver polishing cloth in the drawer above it. It’s sort of a salmon pink colored cloth.”

Maisy tore her eyes off the ornate silverware and headed back to the butler’s pantry. DeeDee glanced at the open box and felt a leap of recognition and nostalgia. The last time she had seen the silverware, with its leaf and wild rose handles, had been a fancy dinner for Rolston Senior. Dean was invited but running late. He’d sneaked into the butler’s pantry and surprised DeeDee. He wanted to know if he’d missed anything important, and they spied like children through the cracked door. It was the first time DeeDee realized she and Dean were more of a team than a boss and employee.

“Don’t mind me. Be out of your way in second,” a gruff voice startled her from her reminiscing.

“Dean!” DeeDee cried, abandoning her task. “I completely lost track of time. Here, let me get you some fresh coffee.”

Dean frowned and shook his head, yanking the mug he’d picked up out of DeeDee’s reach. “I’m perfectly capable of getting my own cup of coffee,” he said.

“I should have brought it to you. I bet you wasted a good fifteen minutes just coming in here,” DeeDee despaired.

“You spoil me, and I don’t need it. If I want hot coffee, I can come in and get it myself,” Dean grumbled. He proved it by pouring an almost-overflowing mug and sipping at it dramatically. “See?”

DeeDee had to smile. “Burn your tongue?”

“No,” Dean said but he blew on the coffee before his next more careful sip.

“I’m sorry I didn’t bring you a Thermos,” DeeDee told him.

He frowned. “Stop apologizing to me. You’re busier than normal and that’s all my fault.”

DeeDee sighed. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I should be able to handle everything plus the party with no problem at all.”

Dean glared at her for being so hard on herself, then glanced at the tray of muffins jumbled into the middle of the serving dishes on the kitchen island. “I’ll forgive you, if you give me one of those muffins.”

“Apple butter. You’re favorite,” said DeeDee, handing him a muffin and a napkin.

He pulled out a stool and sat down at the kitchen island, ignoring the chaos in front of him. Instead, Dean kept his gaze on DeeDee until she raised an eyebrow at him in annoyance.

“What is it?” She demanded, checking her hair for fear there was flour in it.

“Whatever is bothering you, you can tell me,” he reminded her sternly. Then he took a bite of his muffin and shrugged. “Or not. Just know whatever you need is yours. No questions.”

DeeDee turned her back on him to check that the oven was off, and to hide the quick flood of tears in her eyes. Dean was always so quick to forgive her; always so solid in his support. How could she keep lying to him about what was bothering her? By the time she turned back around, Dean had devoured his muffin and was finishing his coffee. He gave her a gruff smile and headed back out to work.

Seconds later Maisy drifted back into the kitchen, clearly having spied on them from the butler’s pantry. “I think he’s got to be the best boss in the world.”

DeeDee snorted. “Dean Rolston? Is that what you’ve heard about him?”

Maisy’s smile widened. “That’s almost the best part! When I got this job everyone in town warned me about Dean Rolston. They said he was the surliest brother of the whole clan! The most hard-headed, grumpy, and sternest taskmaster around. Yet, he’s really so sweet.”

“Coming from my assistant who still prefers me to ask him all the questions instead of going to him directly,” DeeDee teased.

“Well, he can be a bit growly,” Maisy admitted. Then she brightened. “But any time he’s around you, it’s easy to see all his sternness has a soft side.”

DeeDee sighed. “I don’t know why you think I should take the credit for that. Dean Rolston is a good man through and through, and that’s that.”

She turned back to her menu, matching up a pair of crystal bowls with the appropriate salads, and tried to ignore Maisy’s happy mooning. DeeDee needed to concentrate or the party would never be planned well enough for her to attend. Then a soft sound on her phone notified her of another big distraction.

Gus sent a message and DeeDee held her phone under the counter to read it privately. It cheerfully informed her that he had good news and wanted to see her. He wanted to take her out for lunch. In fact, he’d planned a sunny picnic for them whenever she could manage to get away.

“Well,” DeeDee said in her best business-like voice. “I’m going to need to find an, ah, bigger punch bowl. There’s an antique store two towns over and it won’t take me more than an hour or two.”

She responded immediately to Gus, ignoring her assistant’s curious looks, and told him she could only meet that day. He wrote back right away telling her everything would be ready.

“Just make sure to finish polishing the silver and get started on the pie crusts before I get back,” DeeDee told Maisy.

“And I’ll bake potatoes for the ranch crew,” Maisy promised.

DeeDee snatched up her purse, in a hurry to leave before she gave away that anything was out of the ordinary. “And don’t forget to slice the pork loin for lunch.”

She rushed to the garage and was relieved when her car started on the first try. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to help her and for Dean to find out. It was better that she left and returned before he caught wind of her so-called quick errand. Plus, Dean knew there was an enormous punch bowl stashed in the attic.

When DeeDee arrived at the halfway house, Gus had a cardboard box full of their picnic food. He jumped in the passenger seat and pointed the way to a nearby park. As she drove, DeeDee asked, “so, what’s the good news?”

Gus chuckled. “You can’t wait? And here I thought you were the most patient wife in the world.”

DeeDee bit her cheek, then reminded him. “I’m not really your wife, Gus.”

At the park, she eagerly unpacked the lunch, growing impatient as Gus carefully laid out fresh flour tortillas, unwrapped fajita steak from tin foil, and opened a plastic container of carefully chopped and sautéed peppers. It smelled heavenly, but DeeDee was not hungry.

Finally, after having overstuffed a fajita for himself, Gus relented and told her, “I got the job!”

Relief flooded through DeeDee. She took a bite of her modestly rolled fajita and smiled as she chewed. “Congratulations! I really hope this is the start of a good, solid life for you, Gus. You deserve it.”

He grinned and snapped open a can of soda for her, then one for himself. “Here’s to the first day of the rest of our lives,” he toasted.

“Our life?” DeeDee choked a little on some spicy pepper.

“Come on, D. Let’s enjoy the sunshine and an actual chance to be together.” Gus leaned on the table and reached for her hand. “You are the best woman I know and it’s not just because I’ve been incarcerated for so long.”

DeeDee gently pulled her hand away, hoping to deflect his charm. “Give it another month and I’ll bet you will have dates lined up.”

“None as beautiful as you,” Gus said. He sat back and gave her a serious look. “Do you have any idea what a beautiful woman you’ve become?”

“Gus, come on,” DeeDee admonished. “You don’t need to charm me.”

“A man should compliment his wife,” Gus pointed out.

DeeDee stiffened. “I’m not really your wife.”

Gus reached across the table and snagged her hand again. His dark brown eyes were serious and warm as he tugged her closer and admitted, “I’ve been thinking about that since I saw you. I mean, I thought about it in prison too. Why don’t we really try this marriage? We were always friends, and we could easily be more.”

“I’m sorry, Gus, but we’re getting a divorce. A green card marriage plus nearly a decade of incarceration is not a stable basis for marriage,” DeeDee said. She plucked her hand back, feeling bad.

Gus refused to give up so easily. “But you know I’ll work for you, I’d do anything for you. You could stay home and put all your good management skills to work starting a family. Haven’t you always wanted that?”

“If you’d truly do anything for me, Gus, you’d sign divorce papers,” DeeDee reminded him quietly.

Gus would not be deterred. “I don’t have time to find a lawyer. I have a full-time job now. Though, I’d make time to take you out. Maybe a drive-in movie?”

DeeDee gave him a rueful smile. “Like when we were young?”

“Let’s be young again and make up for lost time,” Gus cajoled. “Besides, I can’t possibly get divorced until I’ve been at my new job a few months. I need to look like a stable family man.”

He said it so casually, then brought out dessert, that DeeDee didn’t have a response. Gus pretended not to notice her disappointment and kept up his charming chatter until it was time for her to go. He brought up as many happy memories as he could think of, complimented her every few minutes, and made sure to tell her how much all her support had meant over the years. DeeDee knew he was being sincere, but it just made her feel worse for wishing it would all be over soon.

“I have a lawyer I can talk to about divorce papers,” DeeDee told him quietly as they packed up. “I’m sorry, Gus, but that has to part of your plan. Sooner rather than later.”

He reluctantly nodded. “I don’t want to make you unhappy. Just give me a chance to actually make you happy. Please?”

DeeDee sighed as she started her car. “I’ll give you a few more weeks to settle into your job. That’ll be enough time to prove that you are punctual and hardworking. Your employer won’t care about anything else as long as those things don’t change.”

She dropped Gus off and rushed back to the Double R, knowing full well her employer expected more than that. Honesty, for one thing. DeeDee cringed when she realized she would have to lie about having forgotten the huge punch bowl in the attic. Another deception on top of the secret she had been keeping for too long.

“Only a few more weeks,” DeeDee whispered to herself as she parked in the garage. She vowed to talk to Mr. Penn as soon as possible so the divorce papers would be ready.

Inside there was a flurry of final preparations, and DeeDee was happy to dive right back in. The next few days flew by and she hardly had time to think about Gus, much less worry about pushing for a divorce he did not want.

Then the day of the party arrived.

DeeDee was proud that she and her team had prepared everything perfectly. Maisy was ready to take over, and it was great to see the young woman’s confidence had finally started to grow.

“Thanks to you,” Maisy reminded her.

DeeDee shook her head. “No, I knew from the day I hired you that you’d be able to handle everything. You just needed to learn the ropes a bit. I know you can handle this but now I feel guilty. I just feel bad putting all of this on you.”

Maisy pushed DeeDee backwards out of the kitchen. “I need to prove myself before I’ll believe anything you’ve said. And you need to take a night off and enjoy!”

On her way to her suite, DeeDee considered not going to the party. Unfortunately, she didn’t want to undermine Maisy’s chance to prove herself. Plus, the beautiful dress she was going to wear was a gift from Sutton’s wife, Bethany. The expert tailoring had been a favor from her friend in town, and DeeDee didn’t want either woman’s generosity to go to waste.

Most of all, she couldn’t let down Dean.

DeeDee was breathless by the time she reached her suite and faced the beautiful sky blue dress, and it wasn’t from climbing the stairs. She hadn’t dressed up for a formal event in years. All the Rolston holidays were dressy but in a fun way. This was meant to be more. Dean’s brothers were all now billionaires, and the party was meant to celebrate that significant change. DeeDee took a deep breath and reminded herself she belonged there, even if she didn’t fit in.

Still, she fussed endlessly with her hair, finally braiding it gently back to the nape of her neck and letting the rest hang soft and loose. DeeDee even toyed with light makeup, swiping on a pale eye shadow and touching her long lashes with mascara before putting on lipstick. Then, she slipped into the dress.

Turning to face her mirror, DeeDee gasped. Then laughed at herself. “Kinda old to be playing Cinderella,” she teased her reflection.

Then she slipped on silver heels, straightened her shoulders, and headed out of her suite. A few steps down the hallway and DeeDee realized her fancy shoes would be a problem on the narrow back stairs she normally took. Tonight, she would have to descend the grand staircase in order to avoid twisting her ankle on the way to the party.

Hoping she was early enough to walk down unnoticed, DeeDee arrived at the top of the grand staircase just in time to see Dean greet his family outside on the portico. Servers were at the ready with drinks and even the weather was perfect. DeeDee knew she should be checking for anything else amiss but, for once, she let her gaze go where it wanted.

Dean looked like a dream in his dark suit and polished shoes. He’d even put on the boutonnière she’d chosen for him. DeeDee longed to straighten the classic white rose, but she didn’t want to take him from his hosting duties.

As if hearing her thoughts, Dean suddenly turned and saw her. In an instant he came in the open front door and held out a hand to help her down the final few stairs.

“There you are,” he said gruffly. “Just when I needed you.”

Chapter Eight

DEAN

Dean felt a warmth spread through his chest at the sight of DeeDee. He wanted to frown because she looked so embarrassed at being caught on the main staircase, but the sight of her brought a smile to his lips. It was mostly relief he was feeling, now that she was there to help with hosting duties, but Dean knew there was another emotion there. He buried it beneath a gruff clearing of his throat and held out a hand to help DeeDee.

She tried to wave it away but he caught her fingers anyway. “Thank you,” she said breathlessly.

For a moment, on the last step, she was eye-to-eye with him, and Dean was mesmerized. Then he solemnly stepped back and escorted her outside to meet the rest of their guests.

“Thank you for coming,” he said to DeeDee under his breath as more of his brothers arrived.

“I’ll get you something to drink,” DeeDee murmured and slipped her arm out of his.

Dean wanted to frown, frustrated that she was still going to act like a servant, but he had to clear his expression as their longtime friend, Alessa, came up the steps with a date.

“Thanks for inviting me, Dean. You’re too sweet to include me,” Alessa said, kissing his cheek.

“You’re always welcome,” Dean told her gruffly. “I don’t know where we’d be without The Tack and Feed.”

“This is Mark Gafford,” Alessa said without ceremony.

Dean turned to the tall, Nordic-blond man next to Alessa and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mark.”

“It’s an honor, Mr. Rolston, and a pleasure. Your house is absolutely spectacular. It must appraise like an absolute dream!” Mark said.

Alessa rolled her eyes. “Mark is a real estate agent.”

Dean raised an eyebrow as he looked at Alessa. “The real estate agent that has been hounding you to sell your family farmhouse?”

“The one and the same,” Alessa said.

“I’ve made her an exceptional offer,” Mark interjected. “Perhaps you, being such a respected businessman, could make her see the sense of accepting it.”

Dean snorted. “I think perhaps Alessa invited you here so that we could persuade you to leave her alone. You see, she is one of my family’s dear friends.”

Mark smiled, undeterred. “Either way, I am happy to be her date.”

“You’re not my date. You’re a plus-one,” Alessa told Mark.

“Is that supposed to ruin my mood?” Mark asked her. “Look around. This place is amazing, and I just met Dean Rolston. If you wanted me out of Isabel, I think it was unwise to introduce me to the number one family in town.”

“They’re my friends, Mark.” Alessa warned him.

Mark stuck his chin out. “Am I really so bad that you need back up?”

“You’re insufferable,” Alessa declared. She shoved him aside and spoke to Dean again. “Anyway, thanks for inviting me.”

Dean bit back another smile. The couple continued to bicker as they crossed the portico, but Mark handed Alessa a drink with gentlemanly grace. Dean got the sense the two found themselves drawn together like magnets despite the arguing. He’d seen it happen with his brothers and recognized the signs of kindling love.

Why couldn’t love ever be patient and kind? Wasn’t that how it was supposed to go? Dean wondered.

Belle and her aunt Starla were the next up the front steps. Dean greeted the women graciously, then looked behind them.

Belle gave him an apologetic smile. “August is running late. He needed to get something from the greenhouses.”

“Always late,” Dean sighed. “Let’s at least hope he’s picking up a gift for DeeDee.”

Starla followed Dean’s gaze and spotted DeeDee. “Oh, is that your wife? She’s lovely.”

“No,” Dean said, struggling to take his eyes off DeeDee. “She’s my, ah, she runs the Double R.”

“I see,” Starla said with a wide grin. Then her expression completely changed, her cheeks growing rosy as Mr. Penn joined them.

“Nice suit, my friend,” he told Dean.

“Same. You don’t look at all litigious. I’d almost say dashing,” Dean joked, straight-faced.

Mr. Penn smiled. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies. What were you talking about?”

“That lovely woman over there,” Starla filled him in.

“DeeDee?” Mr. Penn looked happily stunned. “She does look marvelous. Thank goodness she agreed to attend the party. Normally she’s too busy behind the scenes, but we’ll all be better off in such fine company.”

Dean found it difficult to keep his eyes off DeeDee. Normal wear on the ranch was jeans and cotton shirts, cowboy boots, and bandanas hanging out of back pockets. On a normal basis, she looked tidy, crisp, and ready to help with anything. Now she looked as if she may have stepped out of a limousine, or perhaps a fairy godmother had deposited her in Isabel from some more fashionable city.

He grunted an excuse and moved to join her, but Dean’s brothers stepped forward to greet him. They always had terrible timing, he acknowledged while grinding his teeth.

Drake noticed his eldest brother’s tight jaw, but Sutton started up a conversation without the slightest notion he’d gotten in Dean’s way. “Can you believe that Drake and I never wanted to return to Isabel? I mean, we didn’t quite have the luxurious housing option that you have, but now it seems impossible that we wouldn’t all end up here together,” Sutton said.

“Glad you could make it,” Dean muttered.

Drake laughed at his surliness. “I know you somehow made it seem like returning was our idea, but I suspect you pulled some strings.”

Theo joined them. “Just like I suspect Dean here decided he had to have the Thirsty River Ranch just because he wanted to get Hetty on my radar.”

Dean arched an eyebrow, refusing to abate their suspicions. “Hetty was hiding out. You think I knew she was there?”

“You don’t miss much, even when you are preoccupied,” Theo told Dean, noting how his glance strayed back to DeeDee.

“Father’s will required you to return to Isabel,” Dean told Drake and Sutton, then turned to Theo, “and for you to expand your holdings. So, it seems like basic greed must have been the reason for you to return.”

His brothers all snorted. They had all grown up with the sense their family’s money was more of a burden than a blessing, and greed was the last thing that would motivate any of them.

“So, you’re holding off on fulfilling your requirements just to make the rest of us look like greedy monsters?” Theo asked.

“Wait, you haven’t inherited?” Sutton asked.

At the same time, Drake asked, “you have requirements too? I thought getting us all to this point was your only task before you got your share.”

Dean furrowed his brow and glanced around for a lifeline. Luckily, Sutton’s babysitter brought his infant down from the suite they’d set up as a nursery for the night. “Ah, there’s my darling niece. How is May these days?” Dean asked Sutton.

The ploy worked and soon Sutton was gushing about his daughter. Drake interjected with happy memories of his own son at that age, and Theo listened in with curiosity as he would soon be expecting his first child.

“I’m really glad you suggested we bring May and a babysitter along. I’m not sure Bethany could have gotten through dinner without tearing up. Neither of us can bear to be away from her for more than an hour or two,” Sutton said.

Drake nodded. “I remember racking up a ton of miles just driving home from work during the day to see Teddy. It didn’t even matter if he was napping, I just needed to lay my eyes on him.”

“It was DeeDee that suggested it,” Dean confessed, though his brothers already knew as much. “She also somehow found the time to create that cozy little nursery for you.”

“Of course, she did,” Sutton said. “What would we do without her?”

Dean felt a fizzle in his chest as if someone had opened a bottle of soda. All his brothers adored DeeDee. She had become a huge part of the Rolston family. Every holiday was festive because she had a hand in it. Every occasion, even simple lunches, were made special by her touch. It was so obvious that everyone loved her, why couldn’t Dean allow himself the same freedom?

He loved her from the bottom of his boots to the brim of his hat, and it was becoming impossible not to tell everyone the truth.

It was on the tip of his tongue to say something when Mr. Penn joined the conversation. He was welcomed as an old family friend, and instantly ribbed for the rigid part he’d had to play in doling out their father’s money.

“No checklists tonight?” Drake joked.

Sutton chuckled. “The invitation must have fulfilled every legal expectation.”

Mr. Penn didn’t mind the teasing. “DeeDee’s invitations were exquisite. How could I possibly say no?”

“And why would you when a certain vivacious aunt was also invited,” Theo pointed out.

The lawyer’s cheeks actually turned a faint shade of red and the men surrounding him widened their eyes. Mr. Penn was the sharpest man in Isabel. He was renowned for his shark-like legal skills and his supreme attention to detail. The last thing any of the Rolston brothers expected from him was a happy blush.

Dean brought the conversation back to the previous topic. “I don’t know why you blame Penn or I? You knew Rolston Senior would find a way to be demanding, even from beyond the grave.”

His brothers chuckled. Then Theo asked, “so when are you going to tell us exactly what those strict requirements were? You managed to be so vague and only let us know when we’d crossed the invisible finish line.”

“You didn’t know the requirements either?” Drake was stunned, alongside Sutton.

Theo shook his head. “All I knew was, there was more to it than just settling in Isabel and committing to future Rolston endeavors.”

“You know I’m not at liberty to discuss the details,” Mr. Penn said in a practiced tone.

So, they turned on Dean. “But you knew, didn’t you,” Theo said.

Dean shrugged. “I don’t see what’s wrong with our father wanting you all happily married before your bank accounts skyrocketed. Seems like a wise way of going about things.”

Sutton gaped. “Getting us all married was part of the deal?”

“You can’t be serious,” Drake sputtered.

Dean took a step back and again looked around for a lifeline or at least a distraction. After all this time, he’d let the big secret slip! What else would come spilling out of his mouth?

“How about now?” Theo asked, looming over Mr. Penn. “Can you confirm or deny?”

Mr. Penn, not at all intimidated by Theo’s superior height, gave him a cool stare. “Such allegations would point to your brother being some sort of matchmaker.”

Theo hooted. “You’re right! Oh good gracious. He’s been quietly leading our love lives around by the nose and none of us even suspected it.”

“He did push for me to hire Freddie,” Drake remembered.

Sutton still gaped. “And he suggested Bethany help with the hotel’s interior design. He was so casual about pointing out her good taste that I didn’t even suspect he was up to anything.”

Theo slapped Dean on the shoulder. “I knew you knew Hetty was still at the Thirsty River Ranch. You set me up!”

“Wait until Topher and August get wind of this,” Drake said.

Dean cleared his throat. “August and I are finally back on speaking terms, so I would appreciate you not implicating me in this nonsense.”

Theo shook his head, then his jaw dropped. “Does this mean Dean has to fulfill the same requirement before he inherits?”

Mr. Penn looked at his empty glass, took Dean’s as well, and excused himself from the conversation. Dean tried to follow, muttering something about stopping DeeDee from refreshing the ice, but his brothers blocked his way.

“Is this why you keep dropping hints that you won’t inherit?” Drake asked.

Sutton scrubbed the back of his neck in wonderment. “You’ve set yourself on not needing the rest of Father’s money because you think you’re going to stay an old bachelor forever?”

“I’m not that old,” Dean grumbled.

“And I wouldn’t call you a bachelor,” Theo said. He glanced over a DeeDee. “I would say you’re just unavailable to every woman except one.”

Drake chuckled. “Oh, this is too rich. Pun intended! Now that we’ve inherited, we’ve also been gifted the opportunity to play matchmaker for Dean.”

“I don’t need matching,” Dean snapped.

Sutton grinned. “Of course not. We all know who you’re stuck on and why you’ve always overworked instead of dated.”

Dean hated the direction the conversation was headed, but he couldn’t think of a way out now. “And it never occurred to you that between handling Rolston Senior’s death, the Double R, and all your foolishness, I haven’t had a single second to even consider dating?”

“Just all those months to secretly plan how to get us to fall in love and marry the perfect women,” Theo gave his older brother an appraising look. “Seems like you might be the best at spotting real love. Don’t tell me Cupid’s gone blind now.”

“Some fairytale isn’t going to help me,” Dean bit out. “And neither are any of you.”

“First off, Cupid is a myth,” Drake pointed out. “And, secondly, you don’t need our help. You just need to be honest.”

They all glanced over to where DeeDee was insisting on refilling the ice buckets herself. The wait staff struggled to take the task off her hands, but she would not be deterred. She wanted it done right and was showing them what she meant.

He wanted to smile, but there was a sinking feeling in Dean’s chest. It must have shown up on his face, because his brothers’ elation evaporated when they turned back and looked at him.

“There’s no point in honesty now,” Dean told his brothers darkly.

“You can’t say that” Sutton said.

Dean shook his head. “I can’t say anything and that’s the whole point. Now that you all know the will requirements, and soon everyone else will as well, I can’t confess my love to DeeDee.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Drake said.

“No,” Theo sighed heavily. “He’s right. If Dean tells DeeDee he loves her now, how does she know it’s not just to help him gain his portion of the inheritance?”

“Exactly,” Dean said. “Anything I say now will sound insincere, and she won’t believe me, so there’s no use in saying anything at all.”

Chapter Nine

DEEDEE

As strong and steady as Dean’s arm felt escorting her into the dining room, DeeDee’s nerves shook her. She was so used to being behind the guests, in the background, prepping the first course in the butler’s pantry, that she felt everyone’s eyes were on her. Of course, they were watching as Dean led the way. DeeDee just hoped she didn’t look too ridiculous on his arm.

She was too old to be playing Cinderella, and DeeDee wished she could slip back into her more comfortable role. Then she glanced at Dean, stiff in his fancy suit, and had to smile. She was certain he was wishing himself back into a pair of jeans and a normal sunset out on the ranch.

The formal setting was her fault. DeeDee had carefully selected the gleaming white tablecloth, the high tapered candles in silver holders, and the delicate bone China with the gold etched leaves along the rim. She noted that Maisy had polished the silverware perfectly and it lay properly ordered on the golden-thread napkins DeeDee had special ordered. Glimmers of silver and gold were repeated across the long dining table in the hammered water goblets, salt and pepper shakers, and the intricately braided napkin rings.

DeeDee heard the guests behind her breathe in their initial reaction and exhale compliments. She decided it was nice to be close enough to hear some appreciation of her details.

Still, it was hard to shake the feeling she was out of place, especially when Dean graciously led her to the seat right next to him and pulled out her chair for her. She sat down and couldn’t help but fall into a quick fantasy as the other guests found their seats.

From her vantage point, it was not hard to imagine being courted by the head of the Double R. Once married, she would sit opposite him on the far end of the table, but for tonight she would be close enough for whispers and hidden caresses. DeeDee daydreamed just how sweet the squeeze of his hand would feel, giving her the reassurance she needed. And letting her know that she was in the right place.

What if she had a place in his heart, not just his household?

DeeDee imagined daily life would not change except for her proximity to his embracing arms, and her freedom to intersperse their discussions with kisses. She had to shake herself to stop before a warm blush spread over her cheeks.

It was silly, but DeeDee was a guest at the table for one night, and she knew her role as an honored staff person was something to be grateful for, though not too impressed. It was more important to show her boss her work ethic and results, than to show him she enjoyed the finer, more frivolous things of life.

He finally sat down and surprised DeeDee by squeezing the hand she’d left idly on the table’s edge. “Everything looks so elegant. Thank goodness for you,” he told her quietly.

Before DeeDee could blush, Dean jumped back up and raised his glass for a toast. Forcing her thoughts into order, DeeDee was relieved the wait staff had followed her orders to pre-fill the glasses with the guests’ preferred drinks. Everyone raised a glass with Dean and smiled, their smiles far outshining her place settings.

Naturally, DeeDee glanced behind the table to the butler’s pantry and smiled when she spied Maisy’s face peeking out. Her assistant looked pale and nervous, and DeeDee longed to go check in, but she could not interrupt Dean’s toast.

Then, to her horror, DeeDee realized the toast was about her!

“And it goes without saying that the celebration this occasion called for would not have come to be at all if it wasn’t for DeeDee. Thankfully she agreed to join us so we can all thank her properly.”

Dean’s family and friends all cheered their thanks as her jaw dropped. DeeDee was so surprised she almost forgot to lower her own glass and take a sip of the dry champagne she had ordered especially for the party.

All eyes were on her, and DeeDee swallowed hard then took the opportunity to set the party back on the correct path. “Here’s to Rolston Senior and the legacy he left his sons.”

If she thought the response would be solemn, DeeDee didn’t know the Rolstons brothers very well. There were snorts and chuckles all around the table as the brothers complained again about the hoops their father made them jump through even posthumously. She smiled too, remembering the hard but awe-inspiring man who had forged such a wonderful family. Glasses were raised high despite the jokes, their father was honored, and the dinner party went on as planned.

The only thing DeeDee could not account for was the strange, worried looks some of the brothers shot Dean.

Her concern wore off as the courses arrived at the table. DeeDee’s main focus became Dean’s brother, August, who was both a vegan and a chef. When he started to smile and savor his entree, she finally relaxed. She forgot her fancy dress and the formal setting, and conversed with friends she’d known for a long time. There was no awkwardness about her being technically an employee as Dean’s brothers reminisced about her part in almost every holiday celebration they had in the last decade. DeeDee finally had to concede though her job was behind the scenes, she was welcomed at the table as one of the family.

It felt right.

She couldn’t help stealing glances at Dean. Did he feel the same? Was he happy that she was there next to him or was he only honoring her for hard work? His gruff face was hard to read but she saw his sky blue eyes turn her way every few minutes. It was hard to see, but DeeDee knew the signs of a smile around Dean’s set mouth, and her heart warmed at the idea that he liked her at his side.

They all indulged in the abundance of dessert choices, then moved to the library for coffee and games. DeeDee laughed so hard during Charades, she worried about the seams of her dress. The men shed their jackets and rolled up their sleeves, but the women still won the game. Guests drifted in and out the French doors to the courtyard that was lit with twinkle lights, and the party quietly ended in dreamy contentment.

After all the guests were gone, Dean insisted on escorting DeeDee to her suite. “Otherwise, you’ll stay up and start cleaning. I know you,” he said.

“Then you’ll know and forgive the fact that I’m taking these heels off,” DeeDee joked. She held Dean’s arm as she plucked off her tight shoes and sighed with relief.

He laid a work-rough hand over hers and kept her grip on his arm as they ascended the stairs. “Everything was perfect tonight. Thank you,” he told her.

DeeDee shook her head, dismissing the compliment. “Getting your brothers’ settled as your father intended was a major accomplishment. I think everyone was worried about you having a good time.”

Dean studied her face as they reached the landing. “Did they say anything about me?”

“No, no. Just some looks. You know your brothers love you and want you to be happy too, right?” DeeDee studied him right back.

He rolled his eyes. “They just want a shot at telling me what to do for a change. Don’t pay them any attention.”

She laughed. “I only have eyes for you. I mean, I only pay attention to you, your opinion, my job. . .”

DeeDee ended in a stutter and bit her lip. Was it just her imagination or did Dean’s grip on her arm tighten in a sympathetic squeeze? She was relieved when they reached her room and said goodnight. It was quick and stiff, but that didn’t matter because they would see each other again in the morning and everything would be back to normal.

She shut the door behind her, carefully slipped out of the beautiful dress, found her favorite pair of worn jeans and a comfy, slouching sweatshirt. Then DeeDee pushed up the sleeves and headed down the back stairs to the kitchen.

“Caught ya,” Dean said.

She jumped and laughed. Her boss and the dashing host of the party was also in worn jeans and a sweatshirt, leaning on the kitchen island waiting for the tea kettle to whistle.

“Chamomile?” DeeDee asked.

Dean nodded and pulled out the stool next to him for her to sit down. “I had a feeling you’d try to get down here and organize. One cup of tea and then straight to bed,” he told her.

DeeDee arched an eyebrow at him, “who made you boss?”

His lips quirked up in a soft smile. “Only you and only occasionally.”

The spinning, glimmering memory of the party faded next to the cozy cup of tea with Dean. DeeDee reluctantly followed his advice and went to bed right after, remembering only his blue eyes over the steam, their shoulders close and warm as they sat at the kitchen island.

DeeDee tried to hold on to that peace as she descended into the kitchen and found her assistant ready to rehash every detail of the party. Maisy clapped her hands as she recounted all the highlights.

“August loved your vegan menu, Bethany took a picture of the table setting to share with all her fashionable friends, Sophia loved your meringues, and I saw Theo and Hetty dancing in the courtyard. It was so beautiful, so perfect, so magical!” Maisy exclaimed.

“Thanks to you,” DeeDee pointed out, trying to bring Maisy back to reality. “In fact, I think you deserve the day off.”

“My favorite part,” Maisy continued, “was seeing you and Dean talking during dinner. He kept leaning over to whisper to you. It was so romantic.”

“He was checking in with me, reminding me I didn’t need to leave and check on anything,” DeeDee insisted. She checked her phone nervously, then repeated, “Dean also thinks you deserve a day off.”

Maisy stopped, quickly suspecting something. “Today? Of all days? Isn’t there tons to do with cleaning up?”

DeeDee shook her head, trying to look casual. “The wait staff did a lot of cleaning up for us. All I need to do is put away the China and the silver. Resetting the rest of the house can happen all this week.”

“You just want me to leave so you can regain control of your domain, don’t you?” Maisy teased. “I did such a good job that you’re worried I may take over.”

“Yes, yes, I fear the day I can retire and leave all this work to you,” DeeDee joked. She shooed Maisy to the door. “Now, go and enjoy the fact that you did a wonderful job and deserve a day to yourself.”

“You just want me to stop mentioning how great you and Dean, I mean, Mr. Rolston looked together last night,” Maisy told her.

“Out!” DeeDee smiled but shoved her assistant out the kitchen door and shut it firmly behind her.

If only her reasons for needing Maisy gone were so lighthearted. DeeDee peeked out the back window to make sure Maisy was heading to her car, then carefully checked her phone again. The message was real; Gus was on his way to see her.

He was fully aware that no one at the Double R knew she was married, and he promised to keep it that way, but Gus insisted on visiting her. He claimed he had heard so much about the ranch through their correspondence that he needed to see the place for himself. DeeDee feared his visit was another outrageous attempt to court her into making their marriage real.

What was he thinking?

Gus had always considered her like a younger cousin, a friend, a longtime confidante, and a partner, but ever since he had seen her at the halfway house his feelings towards DeeDee had changed. She had tried to convince herself it was just the giddiness of finally being out of jail, but Gus was making it clear he believed he was really in love with her now.

Now. Of all times. Now, when her feelings for Dean were finally coming into focus after years of being dismissed as foolishness and admiration.

DeeDee’s panic drove her thoughts back to the warmth and comfort of her little after party with Dean. His sky blue eyes glancing at her over his cup of tea, their shoulders touching as they sat close in the quiet house. They’d spoken in murmurs, completely understanding each other with easy shared looks.

“There you are!”

DeeDee jumped and clutched her throat. Luckily, she smothered a shriek as she turned and found Gus standing in the back door of the kitchen. She had told him to come in as secretly as possible, not knowing how badly that would surprise her.

She was so shocked that he was able to cross the kitchen and scoop her into a warm embrace before she could stop him. DeeDee pushed him back, “Gus, I’m at work. Please!”

He stepped back with an unrepentant smile, “and you look wonderful. I’m excited to see what you’ve been up to all these years.”

DeeDee did not like the charm of his smile or the way Gus’ hand lingered on her arm. She shook him off. “We can talk about divorce papers while I give you a tour. I was able to speak with a lawyer last night and he’s drawing up the initial forms for us this week.”

Gus’ smile slipped a notch, but he refused to give up. “All I’m hearing is that we’re officially still together.”

“We were never together,” DeeDee pointed out. “In fact, Mr. Penn believes we might be able to get the marriage annulled.”

“Wouldn’t that call my immigration into question?” Gus asked. He snagged DeeDee’s hand and tried to charm her into changing the subject. “You used to tease me with descriptions of all the wonderful things you made in this kitchen. Any chance there’s a muffin, a brownie, a cookie, something sweet for me?”

DeeDee sensed he was angling for a kiss and stepped back with a stern look. “My assistant made muffins this morning. And you need to stop, Gus. We’re getting a divorce and that’s final.”

Gus sat down at the kitchen island with a mischievous grin on his face. “Convince me.”

DeeDee opened her mouth to tell Gus off but heard a sharp call before she got a word out. Dean was calling from the barn, his voice urgent, and DeeDee ran to the back door in an instant.

“What? Where are you going?” Gus stood up and glanced out the windows. There were thin wisps of smoke appearing around the nearest barn door. “Doesn’t your boss have a whole crew? You can’t possibly think that’s your job too.”

There was no question in DeeDee’s mind. She knew she should stay and straighten everything out with Gus. He needed to come face to face with the fact their marriage was always a sham and now it was over, but Dean needed her.

She chose Dean and ran from the kitchen to help him.

Chapter Ten

DEAN

Dean was grateful when the party wrapped up because it meant his brothers had made it an entire evening without revealing his business to everyone. He knew the time was limited before one or the other of them gave it away, but Dean was willing to give them credit for their few hours of effort.

Theo was the only one that brought the subject of Dean’s inheritance back up at the end of the party. “You clearly don’t need it,” Theo commented.

“Need what?” Dean walked him eagerly to the door.

“Your portion of the inheritance,” Theo said. He glanced back where DeeDee was saying goodbye to Hetty. “You clearly have everything a man could need.”

Dean followed his brother’s glance and felt his chest tighten, but he agreed. “The ranch runs smoothly, it even makes money, and she keeps the rest of my life in order. There’s no need to change a thing.”

“Bull,” Theo snorted. “But you’ve earned the right to take your time. Not that you gave me or our brothers a chance to do things without a shove.”

“How about I shove you out the door?” Dean asked.

Theo laughed and called goodnight to DeeDee. They were the last couple to leave, and Dean remembered the deep sense of peace he felt when he turned back to DeeDee. The wait staff were all finishing up quietly, and he was determined she would feel as much serenity as he did.

Of course, he caught her in the kitchen, getting ready to work, only minutes after he escorted her to her suite. She laughed and allowed him to put a splash of whiskey in both their teacups. It had been a successful but long party and they were both exhausted.

Dean figured between the party and lingering over a nightcap with DeeDee, that he would fall asleep instantly, but his mind kept racing long after they said goodnight. He lay awake seeing flashes of the party: DeeDee in her gorgeous dress, his smiling family and friends, her blush as they toasted her, the elegance of his home on display, and her glances as they stayed close the entire evening.

He tried to change gears and focus on the day ahead. If he was going to miss out on sleep, he may as well use it preparing for the work that needed doing. Dean lay flat on his back, gritting his teeth as a new thought invaded his mind. Was he doing the Double R a disservice by refusing the inheritance money?

He sat up, punched his pillow, then flopped back down. His comments to Theo were the truth - the ranch actually did make money. Dean had turned the cattle herds into a successful business and the ranch was steadily expanding into other revenue streams and becoming a small empire. Rolston Senior would even approve. So, why did Dean worry that he should strive for the inheritance money just to be certain of the Double R’s future?

Dean forced himself to take a few long, slow breaths. He had his own savings, his own rainy-day fund, and investments. For years now, Dean had focused on nothing but the ranch and the money needed to sustain it. He had sacrificed a love life for it and refused to produce one artificially now just to fulfill his father’s will. He’d rather let all that money forfeit to charity than to compromise what he already had.

His thoughts again turned to DeeDee, and Dean heaved a huge sigh.

When would she find out that falling in love and getting married were the final requirements to him inheriting billions? He knew for a fact his brothers were at home that minute filling in their wives on those very details. It was going to be a matter of days before it circulated through the small town of Isabel and made it back to DeeDee. He cringed thinking of her immediate reaction.

Knowing DeeDee, she would march into town and round up the most eligible bachelorettes for him. She would insist on planning perfect dates, always providing him with just the right things like flowers and chocolates or whatever it was that women like to receive as presents from a possible suitor. DeeDee would work overtime to make him fall in love so that he didn’t miss out on the money his brothers had secured. Or the happiness.

Would she ever consider herself? Dean pinched his eyes shut tighter and envisioned her in all her party finery still ferrying drinks to their guests. She wouldn’t think of herself for a second, and Dean hated that possibility.

He couldn’t sleep a second, wondering when DeeDee would find out. It put him in a terrible mood, tired and distracted, and he struggled through his regular chores the next morning. He avoided DeeDee as she delivered his coffee and kicked himself for screwing up the section of fence he was fixing. He was short with the ranch team and sent them far afield so they wouldn’t notice his singular worry. It was becoming too obvious to everyone that he loved DeeDee and he needed to get a tight lid on his feelings.

Dean was so busy convincing himself of all the reasons he shouldn’t love DeeDee that later that morning he almost drilled his own finger instead of the calf pen he was constructing. He dropped the power tool onto the ground in the barn stall and blew on the digit he almost lost. Then he whipped open the door and stomped outside to get ahold of himself.

Between the hot drill and the sudden draft of wind, the dry straw in the calf stall caught fire. Dean was so busy pacing that he didn’t notice until a full-on fire had broken out in the barn. He called out for help, knowing it was useless as he himself had sent the ranch team far away.

DeeDee came running to help.

She already had a huge pasta pot full of water, but Dean stopped her before the steam concealed the center of the flames. “We need to smother it first,” he cried.

He took the pot of water from her, and DeeDee spun around to find the nearest horse blanket. They both raced for the tack room on the far end of the barn, grabbed saddle blankets and ran back. Together they spread out then tossed the blankets over the growing flames, stomping on the fabric as soon as it was down. Unsure if they would be successful, DeeDee opened the other calf pens and shooed the frightened animals out into the paddock.

Dean stomped until he was certain the flames had been smothered, then he carefully peeled back the first blanket. DeeDee was ready with the hose they used to muck out the stalls and she soaked the singed pens.

Now they were both sweaty, smoky, and muddy. They were also triumphant, and for one moment they celebrated with a tight hug.

“Did you get burned?” Dean asked, suddenly pulling back to check DeeDee’s hands and arms.

“I’m fine. What about you?” She searched him from top to bottom but didn’t find anything more than mud splatter.

“I’m an idiot,” Dean exclaimed. He let go of DeeDee and kicked out his frustration.

“Careful now,” she admonished. “That’s my favorite pasta pot.”

Dean whipped off his hat and tossed it on the ground. “This is all my fault. I wasn’t paying attention. I could have burned down the entire barn!”

“But you didn’t,” DeeDee pointed out, putting soothing hands on his arms.

“Thanks to you,” Dean grumbled.

DeeDee smiled. “You’re welcome.”

He caught her hands and wanted to say more, but swallowed hard and said, “Thank you for coming to my rescue. I’ll clean all of this up. Have to before the ranch team returns and makes fun of me.”

DeeDee gently pulled her hands loose and put them on her hips. “I’m not letting you clean this up on your own. Where’s the wheelbarrow?”

He watched her go, wishing he could catch her back and hug her again. There was no way to thank her enough, just like there was no way to express his love for her without it now coming off as a ploy. As soon as DeeDee heard about the will requirements, she would never believe his feelings were real. Dean realized he had to do it now, he had to tell her everything bit of love he felt for her.

“Here,” DeeDee called. “You get the shovel; I’ll take the rake.”

How was Dean supposed to confess his love for her with a shovelful of cow droppings? He put his head down, using the hard labor as a chance to figure out just what he was going to say.

Dean wondered if she would believe he knew he loved her from the moment he hired her. Probably not. DeeDee was too practical to believe in love at first sight, but he had felt that kind of unfathomable, unexpected love as soon as he took her on a tour of the Double R. It was so strong he hadn’t believed it himself and took a few days to marvel at the overwhelming feeling. Then days turned into weeks, and the first year flew by. They worked so well together, and it was so wildly inappropriate for him to love an employee, that he just got used to loving her in secret.

That sounded insane, Dean decided. He bit his lip and tried to think of another way to convince DeeDee his feelings for her were real.

Was it better to point out his admiration for her grew every day?

DeeDee never hesitated to jump in when an extra hand was needed, and she’d had a hand in every aspect of the ranch from the very start. He relied on her, like he had during that day’s crisis, and DeeDee always came through. Dean wanted to spend a lifetime making sure she felt the same support, and that was the foundation of his love for her.

Dean dismissed that as not romantic enough. DeeDee deserved more.

He was just struggling to think of another way to tell her how much he loved her, when Dean spotted the strange man waving to DeeDee. She gave the stranger the smallest of nods, and Dean quickly pretended he didn’t see. Clearly, she wanted her association with the dark-haired man to be private because she kept her acknowledgment of him so small.

Worried he was holding her back from something important, Dean plucked the rake out of DeeDee’s hands. “That’s enough. I’ve taken up enough of your time. We’ll both have to work double time to catch up on our chores. You go on and salvage what you can of your morning.”

DeeDee looked distressed. “But there’s still a lot to do here.”

“Head back to the house. I got this,” Dean insisted.

She left reluctantly and Dean watched her go. She didn’t rush to catch up with the stranger, but she did watch his car drive off. Who was that man?

Dean threw himself almost violently into clearing out the calf pens and resetting. The calves themselves were heavy and resistant to returning to the barn, and he hefted them himself, hoping the hard work would erase his thoughts.

It didn’t and Dean found himself heading down the driveway to check in with the horsemen that were working the front fences. No one knew who the mysterious visitor was, only that he had come to see DeeDee.

“Must have been a short visit, though,” one of the cowboy’s commented. “We saw her come running out of the house to help you in the barn. Everything okay in there?”

Dean glared at him. “I’ll own up to causing a small ruckus, but it’s all taken care of now.”

“Thanks to DeeDee,” the men accurately assumed.

Dean grumbled at them to get back to work, but he was grateful they had given him a glimmer of hope. Whoever the strange visitor was, DeeDee had chosen Dean and the ranch over him. She had not hesitated to ditch the mysterious man and come running when Dean called. Sure, that was just her good sense and work ethic, but Dean comforted himself with that fact, nonetheless.

The ranch team returned just before lunch and immediately noticed the smoky smell in the calf barn. They teased Dean about being a terrible partygoer and he let them pretend he was distracted with a hangover. Better they assume that then he had been up all-night mooning over the housekeeper.

Dean tried to keep his thoughts in that vein, but it was impossible to think of DeeDee as anything less than his everything. She was more than a housekeeper, and everyone knew it.

He made sure the whole team knew DeeDee was the hero and they cheered for her as she still managed to produce a full and delicious spread for their lunch. Dean stuck around the farm table long enough to take a few more jokes, hear the work report, and make sure the men had everything they needed. Then he slipped into the kitchen to check on her.

“Make yourself anything to eat yet?” He asked.

DeeDee snorted. “I can take care of myself, Dean Rolston.”

“So, that’s a no,” he retorted.

She rolled her eyes at him as she bumped backwards out the kitchen door, holding a large basket of biscuits for the men. “If you don’t want chili and biscuits, there are plenty of party leftovers in the ‘fridge.”

Dean stomped over to the refrigerator and began pulling out things to make a plate for himself and DeeDee. He shoved the overflowing plate at her across the kitchen island as soon as she returned.

“So, anything else happen before I set the barn on fire?” He asked, pushing out a stool for her with an insistent move.”

She refused to sit down but did take a few bites from the plate Dean had made her. “Not really. I mean, I gave Maisy the day off but other than that it was a normal morning. And I wouldn’t call a few flames ‘setting the barn on fire.’”

Dean felt a clutch of sadness in his chest but shook it off. So, what if she wasn’t going to tell him about the mysterious visitor? She was with him, sharing another meal just the two of them, and Dean was determined to be content with that. He would be happy just having DeeDee on the ranch for as long as he could, and Dean vowed that would be enough.

It would have to be.

Chapter Eleven

DEEDEE

The party leftovers only lasted a few more days, and DeeDee took that as the final sign of her triumphant party-planning. Everyone had enjoyed the appetizers and every course of the dinner. There had not been a single dessert left the next day. She searched through the refrigerator one more time and smiled as she realized her menu planning and cooking had pleased the whole crowd of guests.

She found the last of the salmon dip on the top shelf and stopped for a moment. Dean had made certain to put an extra-large dollop on her plate the other day when he forced her to stop and eat. How did he know it was her favorite?

“If you’re debating whether or not to eat that, it’s time to throw it out,” Maisy teased as she ran into the kitchen. She filled up another platter with meatballs and smiled at DeeDee before heading back out to the farm table on the back porch.

“Don’t forget I made my own ketchup,” DeeDee reminded her assistant. She hated to be caught mooning over leftovers and quickly chucked the last of the dip in the garbage. “There’s a few that like it spicy and this batch out to make their tongues sizzle.”

“I’ll let them know,” Maisy promised as she hefted the full platter through the door.

DeeDee moved the dirty pans to the counter near the sink, then rolled up her sleeves. She needed to scrub the pans, check that her estimates on the noon day meal amounts were accurate, and make her grocery list for the upcoming week. Her head was buzzing with details and to-dos when one of the cowboys ducked his head in the back door.

“Mr. Rolston?” He called. “Sir?”

DeeDee dried her hands on her apron and moved away from the sink so the cowboy could see her. “He’s not in here. Can I help you?”

“Sorry, Ms. DeeDee. I just assumed he was eating lunch with you,” the cowboy tipped his hat and ducked out again.

The cowboys assumed Dean ate lunch with her? DeeDee’s jaw dropped a little, then she snapped it shut and frowned. She counted the days in the last few weeks that she and Dean had eaten together, and the number surprised her. So did the fact that she could clearly recall each meal. DeeDee ignored the warm feeling in her stomach and set her shoulders. They couldn’t have the ranch team making assumptions about them.

That incident reminded DeeDee how Sutton had called the kitchen phone the day before. He’d apologized for interrupting her work and asked if he could talk to Dean. Did all of Dean’s brothers assume they were eating together too?

DeeDee blushed when she realized Dean had been in the kitchen that day. He’d pleaded silently with her to give him one quiet moment. DeeDee remembered frowning at him, but finally giving in. How could she resist his begging blue eyes? She had casually lied to Sutton and said he was in the paddock. She remembered how Dean had grinned when she got off the phone.

“I swear I don’t get any peace unless I’m in here with you,” Dean had told her.

That little memory knocked DeeDee right in the chest and she took a moment to catch her breath. The way Dean had said it made her think he had more to say, but they had continued their lunch in the same usual quiet they both savored.

DeeDee wrung her hands. If the ranch team assumed they were always together, as did Dean’s brothers, what did the rest of the town think? Word traveled fast around Isabel and DeeDee wondered if any rumors were flying around about the housekeeper of the Double R getting too friendly with the owner.

She decided quickly that what she needed was another project. The party was finally over and it was time for DeeDee to fill her schedule with some other nearly impossible task. She stopped Dean in his tracks with her next idea as soon as she saw him.

“You want to do what to the attic?”

“Clean it out, renovate it, and make it into a studio and craft space,” DeeDee explained. “Maisy is quite the painter, and it would be great if she could have room to paint more vistas of the Double R. Plus, we’re forever making centerpieces, napkins rings, this and that for the holidays. Or did you think I wasted all your money buying those things from fancy boutiques?”

Dean raised both eyebrows. “How would I know?”

DeeDee was ready to launch into her budget thoughts, anything to keep their conversation on business just in case someone came in, but Dean stopped her with a generous number. She thanked him, forgetting she was trying to appear aloof as she kissed his cheek.

“See?” He grumbled, mostly to himself, “I don’t need to inherit billions.”

Her cheeks still warm from the peck she gave Dean, DeeDee rushed to the kitchen to gather cleaning supplies. She had chosen the attic because it was stuffed full of old stuff, dirty as a tomb, and far away from where Dean would happen to linger. She wanted to make sure their relationship was appropriate and didn’t open Dean up to any untoward rumors.

“Want to hear the rumor I heard in town?” Maisy said as soon as DeeDee entered the kitchen.

DeeDee sighed, running right into the thing she was hoping to avoid. “You know I’m not one for gossip. I just got the go-ahead from Dean on my attic idea, and I won’t have any extra time for the next week or two.”

“Oh, come on,” Maisy tempted her. “It’s a rumor about the Rolstons.”

DeeDee put her fists on her hips. “There will always be rumors about the Rolstons and I will always be the first one to nip them in the bud. I will not tolerate you spreading gossip, Maisy.”

“What gossip?” Dean asked from the kitchen doorway.

“None,” DeeDee assured him. “I was just reminding my assistant we do not pay any attention to rumors.”

Both Dean and Maisy watched as DeeDee quickly threw cleaning supplies and rags into a bucket, grabbed a broom and dustpan, and set off for the attic.

“Want help with the heavy furniture? I think my family left every unwanted piece of junk possible up there,” Dean called after her.

“I can handle it!” DeeDee replied over her shoulder.

She was, of course, overly ambitious and realized she was going to need some help when it came to moving the solid wood headboards, heavy sleeper sofas, old leather armchairs, and full dining room set other Rolstons had left behind. DeeDee sighed and determined to work around them, otherwise her plan to separate herself from Dean would turn into them spending time alone unseen. DeeDee could imagine the rumors that would create!

Her plan was successful in the fact that she barely saw Dean over the next few days. Unfortunately, his absence left her plenty of time to remember sweet and even funny things he had said. Even strenuous furniture moving, sweeping, dusting, and never-ending sorting couldn’t stop her mind from straying back to Dean over and over again.

“Ouch!” DeeDee banged her shin on an old trunk. She was so distracted that she kept bumping into things, despite the attic being a large open lay-out.

Then she discovered the hardest things to work around were the memories. The trunk was full of handmade Christmas decorations she had spent hours crafting her first holiday season at the Double R. It was also Dean’s first Christmas living at the ranch on his own, and he had completely forgotten about decorating. Before DeeDee knew about the treasure trove in the back of the upstairs linen closet, she folded about three hundred paper stars to decorate their first tree.

When Dean found out that she had handmade the stars, he special ordered her a present. Now the set of elaborate crystal stars were the first decorations DeeDee hung up every year, and the last to be packed away.

Trying not to sniffle over the sweet memories, DeeDee sifted through the old paper stars and found another precious piece of ranch memorabilia.

“Are those the roses the ranch team gave you for your first Valentines here?”

DeeDee jumped at the voice behind her, then turned to gently scold Dean. “What are you doing sneaking up on me? Don’t you have business outside?”

Dean raised an eyebrow and nodded, but then sauntered slowly around the attic. “Will you be mad if I say I can’t tell if it looks any different?”

DeeDee laughed. “Yes. I’ve been working up here in between chores for three days straight! Can’t you tell that’s the organized side?”

“Yup,” Dean said. “Those old lamps sure do look organized.”

“That’s the giveaway pile,” DeeDee told him.

Dean frowned and held up a dented spittoon. “You mean you’re not keeping my great uncle’s old spit bucket?”

“Gross,” DeeDee retorted. “Just like your need to spy on me. I won’t get rid of any precious Rolston treasures. You can trust me.”

“I trust you more than anyone,” Dean told her softly.

DeeDee got off the floor near the trunk and impatiently swiped dust from her jeans. “Well, while you’re up here, I may as well get your final opinion on the new furniture placement.”

“New furniture?” Dean asked, pretending to sound shocked.

DeeDee frowned at him. “Storage cabinets and shelves. I’ve decided I can use that old dining room table for a crafting space, and there are a few rugs still decent enough to lay out.”

“What about this beautiful old boar’s head that you made me remove from the dining room?” Dean asked. He hefted the taxidermy trophy up. “What did we nickname him?”

“Mr. Fillmore.” DeeDee couldn’t help but grin. “He used to hang over the bar cart and scare everyone away from refilling their drinks.”

Dean smiled and aimed the boar’s head towards DeeDee. “Don’t tell me you’re kicking out Mr. Fillmore. He likes you too much.”

DeeDee barely smothered a shriek as Dean lunged towards her with the boar. “Watch it! He still has his tusks!”

“So, no goodbye kiss?” Dean joked, lunging for her again.

This time DeeDee did shriek as she skittered away, then she shrieked again as her assistant surprised her at the top of the attic stairs.

Maisy laughed out loud. “Sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you. Or interrupt.”

DeeDee’s cheeks turned flame red, and Dean cleared his throat. He then slowly marched the taxidermy boar to the keep pile and put him down with great ceremony. Still blushing, DeeDee smothered a giggle. This was exactly the sort of overly familiar situation she did not want people catching them in, but Dean’s blue eyes were dancing in an irresistible way.

“Fine. We’ll keep Mr. Fillmore,” she told him. “Now, can I get on with my work, Mr. Rolston?”

“Of course,” Dean said. He looked like he had more to say but nodded at Maisy and descended the stairs without another word.

“Mr. Fillmore?” Maisy asked with a teasing smile.

“Just an inside joke,” DeeDee said briskly. She tried to get back to work but Maisy followed her across the attic.

“I love that you two have inside jokes. It’s part of why you two are meant for each other,” Maisy told her.

DeeDee gave her a stern look. “Stop romanticizing. It’s totally inappropriate to imply there is anything going on between me and my employer.”

“Right,” Maisy said, clearly unrepentant. “Speaking of work, Mr. Penn called and was hoping he could meet with you in the library just before dinner.”

DeeDee caught her breath. Had he drawn up the divorce papers so quickly? She knew the lawyer was the soul of discretion, but still she hoped Maisy didn’t suspect anything. “Fine,” she said as casually as she could. “Did he say anything about the reason for the meeting?”

“No. Should I let him know that time will work for you?” Maisy asked.

“Fine, fine,” DeeDee turned back to sorting work. Her mind was racing, and she needed to stay busy until she found out what the lawyer had to say.

She worked hard up until fifteen minutes before her scheduled meeting, then DeeDee swooped downstairs to her suite and cleaned up as fast as she could. Running a few minutes late, she rushed downstairs and skidded to a halt in front of the library doors.

“What?” DeeDee gaped.

Dean stood at a small table, lifting the lid off a dinner plate. “It looks like a club sandwich and fries,” he said.

“I thought I was supposed to be meeting Mr. Penn,” DeeDee explained. She snapped her mouth shut, hoping Dean would not be curious why she needed a meeting with his lawyer.

Instead, he shrugged. “Me too. I think we’ve been set up.”

“Maisy,” DeeDee muttered under her breath.

“At least she knows my favorite kind of sandwich,” Dean said diplomatically.

“I’m sorry. This is totally inappropriate. I’ll talk to her right away,” DeeDee promised.

Dean waved her over to the table where he pulled out her chair for her. “I think it’s very observant and thoughtful of your assistant. She noticed you’ve been working so hard on your new project that we’ve missed our regular meetings.”

DeeDee sat down, not wanting to be rude. “I haven’t been avoiding you,” she said, realizing too late just how awkward that sounded.

Dean arched an eyebrow. “So, you’ve been avoiding me?”

She jumped back up out of her chair. “I’m sorry, Dean. It’s just everyone was noticing how close we were. I mean, everyone was noting how we ate together all the time and I was worried that would reflect poorly on you.”

“Does it bother you if people think we’re together?” Dean asked.

“Together?” DeeDee’s knees wobbled a bit. “We work together.”

“I love working with you, DeeDee,” Dean confessed quietly.

She reached out for the nearest thing to steady herself and caught Dean’s strong arms. “I love working with you too. That’s why I didn’t want any rumors starting about us.”

Dean frowned. “Let me try that again.”

“Try what?” DeeDee searched his eyes, confused.

“I love working with you DeeDee. I love spending every day with you.” Dean met her quizzical glance and frowned. “I don’t know how to make this sound right. Maybe this is better.”

Then he leaned forward and kissed her lips gently. Just a soft brush and then he pulled back to study her eyes.

“What?” DeeDee whispered, her heart beating too fast for her to comprehend what had just happened.

Dean shook his head. “I’m trying to tell you how I feel, DeeDee. Why is it so hard for me to tell you that I love—“

She kissed him. Directly, decisively, and then in total delight. His arms went around her, and they both gave in to the magnetic pull that had been between them so long.

Chapter Twelve

DEAN

Dean was unable to speak. Had he already said everything he needed to or had DeeDee not heard him at all? Her lips against his felt like an answer, but Dean needed to be sure. He pulled back, regret instantly filling the space between their none-parted lips. He looked down into her eyes, but words failed him. DeeDee’s dark brown gaze was soft and sparkling.

Did he see reasons to be hopeful?

She stepped back but not completely out of his arms. Her cheeks were pink, her lips a darker shade, and Dean felt a dizzying urge to kiss DeeDee again. He stopped himself and held his breath.

DeeDee wasn’t pulling back, she wasn’t scolding him, but she wasn’t asking him to repeat his stuttered confession of love. Dean realized he didn’t need her to say it back, he just needed her to know how he felt. Yet, with his hands still warm on her arms and their eyes still searching each other’s depths, Dean could not help but hope. His chest swelled with an almost painful elation at the idea that she could love him too.

Just as he was working up the courage to ask if his hopes had a foundation in reality; Dean saw a spark of panic in DeeDee’s eyes. Reality came crashing back.

“Maisy’s right, we really should catch up on work. I’m sorry if my project in the attic got in the way of anything you needed. How are the calves? Are they on feed yet or still being bottle fed? I should have made it a point to come out to the barn at feeding time, I know those calves really pull at those bottles,” DeeDee took a breath and stepped out of Dean’s reach.

He knew she was panicking because DeeDee always chattered away when she was nervous. Dean wished it was because their shared kiss had overwhelmed her too, but he suspected her real worry was the inappropriateness of it all.

Dean was the owner of the ranch and DeeDee was the housekeeper. It didn’t matter if they had worked side-by-side for years, she was still his employee. The obstacle was clear as DeeDee continued to apologize for any duties she may have left undone. Then another, heavier thought occurred to Dean.

Could they have work as well as love?

Above all, Dean prized the fact that he had found a partner in DeeDee. She worked every bit as hard as him, and was just as dedicated to the Double R. If forcing their relationship into another realm compromised that work partnership in any way, Dean would never be able to forgive himself.

“Let’s sit down and eat,” he said gruffly.

DeeDee nodded and blinked hard. “I’m sorry the attic project was such a distraction.”

Dean shook his head. “It was the final chaos that needed checking. I love how you put the entire ranch in order. If it wasn’t for you, we’d be overrun with disorganization and messy spaces.”

Their conversation turned stiff as they both kept glancing at the door. It was obvious that Maisy would reappear at any moment to grin over her romantic set-up. They couldn’t let on that it had worked or that it had shone a harsher light on the obstacles between them.

“Have I ever told you how much I appreciate my job here?” DeeDee asked suddenly.

Dean stopped with his sandwich halfway to his mouth and met her eyes. “I know. I watch you work every day. This ranch feels as much yours as mine.”

“Oh, Dean. I—“ Maisy knocked lightly on the door and stopped DeeDee’s words. She ducked in to check if they needed anything and left with a confused look on her face.

Dean understood how the housekeeping assistant felt because he felt confused for the next few days. They had kissed and come so close to talking about how they truly felt about each other, then work got in the way. It was clear that work was the highest priority for them both, but that did not clear up where they were in terms of feelings.

Had DeeDee even heard him use the word love?

The ranch schedule shifted back into complete normalcy and Dean both appreciated it and was irritated by it. He was grumpier than normal and everyone noticed, giving him a wide berth in the barns and on the acres. Inside, he was angry and elated all at once. The memory of the kiss warmed him and jolted a hopeful feeling from him every time his mind strayed to DeeDee’s lips. Then frustration took over as the days passed and it became obvious they were going to pretend as if nothing had happened.

“You didn’t need to ride out to bring me coffee,” Dean snapped at DeeDee one morning.

She notched her chin higher and said, “it never occurred to you that I like riding too?”

Dean blinked. He knew that DeeDee was a great horseback rider and he took that fact for granted in their daily lives. It had never occurred to him that they could ride together. “We should take the front trail sometime. There’d be more privacy for our meetings there than in your kitchen.”

DeeDee nodded but didn’t say anything. Instead, she handed Dean his coffee thermos and gave him a lingering look. He savored that look all day. The words weren’t there, they were likely to never come, but there was still hope.

They worked through the weekend, their partnership stronger than ever. Dean’s bout of surliness had reminded everyone he was not someone to tease, and the ranch team had laid off suggesting he court DeeDee. Even Maisy seemed to have let go of her matchmaking aspirations and kept her chatter focused on work.

“It was a good week,” DeeDee agreed when Dean wandered into the kitchen late Sunday afternoon. She put on the kettle and they enjoyed a cup of tea in comfortable silence.

Dean decided he could be content with that.

The next weekend, Dean was feeling steadier. Work had always been the most important thing in his life and it was the same for DeeDee. In that way, they lived in perfect accord. The kiss was a glowing memory, but he was recommitted to the idea of not disrupting the good life they already had going.

Until he went to Topher’s open house.

It was still a shock that his most adventurous brother had returned to Isabel and settled down. Topher had spent years globetrotting and meeting horse enthusiasts all over the world. Now he was using those contacts to run a world-class horse stable. He insisted all his brothers attend the open houses, despite the fact that many of them felt out of place in the upper crust crowd.

Dean and Theo were cattle ranchers and many of Topher’s rich guests looked at them almost as oddities. August despised having to explain and defend his vegan diet, despite many of the guests appreciating it as a trend. Drake loved horses but raised working breeds meant for cowboys. Sutton was the most comfortable, his wife coming from an elite social circle, but he too had little patience for the snobbery that tended to weave through Topher’s guest list.

It was especially hard now that a few of his brothers knew their father’s will required him to marry in order to inherit. They couldn’t help but point out potential wives in a teasing way.

He wove his way through the party and escaped out to the back porch only to find it occupied. A beautiful woman stood at the far end, taking in the fresh breeze and the beautiful horizon. Dean felt a jolt of attraction.

DeeDee turned around and greeted him with a wide smile. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Dean blinked. Out of context of their ranch, DeeDee took him even more by surprise. Everything about her drew him in, and Dean could not deny how much love he felt for her.

He cleared his throat and tried to smile. “Why are you hiding out?”

“It got too hot in the kitchen. I’m helping Sophia with desserts,” DeeDee said.

“Too hot or is August having one of his tantrums?” Dean asked, joining her at the railing.

DeeDee beamed. “Isn’t it great having him back? And he’s happily married. I’m starting to think you worked a few miracles, Dean Rolston. Maybe our town matchmaker has nothing on you.”

“If I work miracles, then how come neither of us are matched?” He asked.

DeeDee looked up into his eyes and was about to speak, then changed her mind as the porch door opened. “Speak of the devil, there’s Ben Summers.”

Dean glanced over his shoulder and stifled a groan. Ben was an old classmate, a good friend, but also an incurable matchmaker. He strode over to join them with a hearty smile.

“Just my luck to find two eligible singles out here!” Ben clapped them both on the shoulders. “Topher’s party is teaming with good matches, and you all are making Texas tempting to these out-of-towners.”

“We don’t need dates, Ben,” Dean told him sternly.

“Too busy at the Double R. I get it.” Ben glanced between them. “Or do you already have everything you need out at that ranch?”

“Stop your teasing, Ben Summers,” DeeDee laughed, “or I’ll tell your wife.”

“Cheryl? She can’t resist hearing about new romances, or old romances for that matter,” Ben said.

“Not sure I want romance lessons from a man who ditches his wife at a fancy party,” Dean pointed out.

Ben laughed, undeterred. “Come on, either let me set you two up with the best eligible dates I can find, or stop pretending that you aren’t head over heels in love with each other!”

It was August, of all people, that came to Dean’s rescue. His middle brother, who had long been considered the black sheep of the family for going vegan and moving to California, poked his head out of the kitchen and called to Ben. “If you want to try those seaweed wraps before they’re gone, you better get in there!”

“See? Honesty is the best policy. I finally admitted that I love seaweed and all the other weird green things your brother makes, and now I get first dibs.” Ben slapped them on the shoulders again. “Honesty. Try it.”

It was a relief when Ben disappeared through the porch door, but his exit also gave DeeDee an excuse to return to the kitchen. He watched her go and felt a pang of loss. Would he ever know what DeeDee wanted to say?

“Ben’s always been a bit much, but at least now he likes vegan cuisine,” August said.

Dean was surprised and happy that August stayed on the back porch with him. They had been at odds for so many years, that he cherished any time they could make up. “Don’t tell anyone but I like those seaweed wraps too.”

August actually smiled, a rare occurrence. Then his forehead wrinkled. “Speaking of things that your brothers aren’t supposed to tell anyone. . .”

Topher slipped out the porch door at that moment and grinned. “Are you asking him about the will? I’m so glad I caught you too out here.”

Dean groaned. “Let me guess, Theo told you.”

“Drake told me,” August admitted.

Topher chuckled. “Sutton told me, then Theo told me.”

August gave Topher a little shove. “Maybe lay off a bit, Ben’s already been out here trying to set him up.”

Topher held up both hands. “I swear I didn’t tell Ben. In fact, I don’t think anyone in town knows. Yet.”

“Oh, Lord help me.” Dean scrubbed a hand over his face. If people in town found out that he needed to be married in order to inherit, he would be flooded with helpful friends trying to set him up.

“And that’s exactly why the vacation idea is such a good plan,” Topher told him. “We take you and DeeDee to Galveston Island and leave the whole town to gossip their hearts out. They’ll be on to the next juicy story by the time we get back.”

Dean had to admit that leaving town for a few days was tempting. Then he frowned. “Wouldn’t it cause more talk if I take my housekeeper on vacation?”

August sighed in disgust. “What are you doing? Pulling a Drake? You’re getting all hung up on arbitrary titles.”

Topher agreed. “Not a single person in Isabel thinks of DeeDee as anything but your equal. So, what, she’s technically your housekeeper? I think the fact that she can put up with you in that capacity actually makes people hold her in even higher regard.”

“Very true,” August confirmed.

“So, no one would blink an eye if I had romantic feelings for DeeDee?” Dean asked in a half-sarcastic snarl.

Topher and August exchanged looks then told him together, “not at all!”

Dean refused to believe them. “You’re telling me not a single person in Isabel would be shocked if I struck up a relationship with my housekeeper?”

“First off, it’s DeeDee. No one thinks of her as your housekeeper,” Topher insisted. “And secondly, everyone already thinks of you two as a couple anyway!”

“They do?” Dean asked, dazed.

August nodded. “Your names always come up in conversation as a duo. Dean and DeeDee are hosting a party. Dean and DeeDee just made a big contribution to the park charity. Dean and DeeDee—“

Dean held his hand up to stop him. “That’s a nice thought, but it’s a work relationship and I’m pretty sure it’s going to stay that way.”

“Really?” Topher was unconvinced.

“I don’t need the money,” Dean grumbled.

August rolled his eyes. “That’s not the point.”

Dean gave a heavy sigh and tried to explain to them what he had told their other brothers. “When DeeDee finds out that Rolston Senior’s will requires me to be married in order to inherit, she’ll have every reason to doubt my sincerity if I tell her I love her.”

“So, tell her now before your secret gets out,” Topher exclaimed. “Tell her today!”

Dean shook his head. “That would be even worse. If I did that, then DeeDee found out, she’d think I was just using her to get the money. And she would think I tried to trick her!”

“You’re overthinking this,” August pointed out.

“Says the man that under-thought getting married in the first place,” Dean snapped at him.

August scowled and returned the jab. “At least I didn’t wait nearly a decade to do something.”

“What are you going to do?” Topher asked.

“Nothing,” Dean told them. “Father’s will dictates that I have to get married in order to inherit and if I don’t the money will all go to charity—“

All three men realized at the same moment that DeeDee had joined them on the porch just in time to hear Dean’s last statement. Now she knew and Dean was right, no one knew what to say next.

Chapter Thirteen

DEEDEE

DeeDee knew immediately she shouldn’t have heard what Dean said to his brothers. She summoned her best oblivious smile and pretended like she hadn’t overheard a thing.

“Sophia says you’re missing all the best food, and the party is missing its host,” she told Topher.

Keeping her gaze on Topher was easier than seeing Dean’s gruff face. Above his stiff jaw, his eyes had a faraway cloud to them that DeeDee didn’t like at all. Her heart sank as she approached the men and tried to keep her clueless facade in place.

“And Belle was hoping the chef would answer questions about the delicious food, instead of his wife,” DeeDee told August with another smile.

“No problem,” Topher told her. “We can leave you and Dean alone and handle the party.”

DeeDee gulped but kept smiling. “I have to get back to the kitchen and watch the oven. We’ve got lots of desserts so don’t eat too much!”

She spun around and led the way back into the party, making a beeline for the kitchen herself. Her head spun and her breath could barely keep up. One thought circled in her mind and almost brought a whirlpool of tears:

Dean was looking for a wife and she was going to miss her chance.

The next day, DeeDee needed to avoid Dean. She paced the entire time she and Maisy worked on the supply list, then she decided to do the shopping herself. Maisy was concerned about the change in routine but, for once, said nothing. DeeDee took a ranch truck and headed into town, not feeling any relief until she was out from under the Double R sign and on the county road.

She should have known a rumor like that would be on everyone’s lips. All of Isabel was chattering over the fact that Dean Rolston might be seriously looking for a bride. Only a few sensible people, and the ones that knew him well, were discussing just how long it would take for the money to forfeit to local charities. Alessa was thankfully one of those people

“It’s ridiculous for anyone, especially Rolston Senior, to think they could hurry Dean towards something as serious as matrimony,” Alessa told DeeDee. “It once took him three months to decide on a new saddle.”

DeeDee leaned against the counter at The Tack and Feed, and hoped her friend was right. “So, you’re betting Dean won’t give in to the will requirements and all that money will go to charity?”

Alessa looked shocked. “You, of all people, doubt that? Unless there’s something you know that I don’t know.”

DeeDee frowned. “Dean doesn’t discuss his love life with me.”

“I was thinking he would be more obtuse, maybe asking your ring size or something like that,” Alessa suggested.

“What?” DeeDee was genuinely shocked.

Alessa gave a soft, frustrated sigh. “Your name has come up once or twice in all the discussions of Dean Rolston getting married. How could it not?”

DeeDee’s heart fluttered but reality killed its flight quickly. She was still technically married and afraid she was in a long debate with Gus about when he would actually sign for their divorce. Even if she hoped Dean would consider marrying her, DeeDee knew she was out of the running.

She gave Alessa a stern stare. “Dean Rolston is not going to marry his housekeeper. That’s ridiculous.”

“What’s ridiculous is how often you try to downplay what you do at the Double R with that sham of a title,” Alessa pointed out. “Everyone knows what you mean to that ranch and this town.”

“It’s ridiculous how everyone seems to mix up mutual partnerships with romantic love,” DeeDee countered, but she knew her friend saw right through her. Her convictions were mostly for the benefit of other Tack and Feed customers who eavesdropped.

DeeDee gathered up the supplies she needed and promised to join Alessa for one of her evening classes. She then decided to get out of sight as too many Isabel residents were showing a lot of interest in her that day. A few tried to stop her and engage in casual conversation, but DeeDee rushed to her pickup truck. Only one voice was able to stop her.

“Ms. Diaz, do you have a moment?” Mr. Penn called from the entryway of his office.

She shoved the supplies in the pickup truck bed and joined him, grateful the lawyer was always discreet. “I hope you enjoyed yourself at the party the other night,” she said brightly, as a few people passed them on the sidewalk.

“Yes, thank you,” Mr. Penn said as he patiently waited for them to pass. Then he handed DeeDee a large, flat envelope. “Here are the papers you requested. Are you sure you do not want me to seek an annulment?”

DeeDee shook her head. “I was helping out a friend in the first place, and it would be wrong to stop now.”

“A very decent thing to do,” Mr. Penn agreed. “I’ve also drafted a personal recommendation for Mr. Hernandez, confirming his decency and focus on his new career. He should have no problem moving forward as a single man.”

DeeDee sniffled quietly and thanked the lawyer. “Thank you for all of this. I know it is hard since you are so close with Dean.”

“Do not think that for a second,” Mr. Penn insisted. “I am honored that you would trust me with this, and I am elated to be of assistance in any way.”

“But I lied to him for so long,” DeeDee broke down.

The lawyer softened and patted her arm. “It was a private matter and if Dean ever discovers it, he will appreciate your good intentions towards Mr. Hernandez.”

DeeDee sniffled again. “You think I should tell him. But what about all the rumors with his father’s will requirements? Dean will just think I’m angling to get a piece of that inheritance.”

Mr. Penn laughed, a rusty and unexpected sound. “No one would ever think of you as a gold digger! Just tell Dean in your own time and everything will be okay.”

She hugged him, embarrassing them both, then thanked him again. Now all DeeDee had to do was convince Gus to sign the divorce papers and her conscience could begin to clear.

When DeeDee got back to the Double R, it was clear Dean was being a tyrant. A team was spread out in the front paddock cleaning out the water troughs, while another crew worked on a storm-damaged corner of the barn roof. An entire herd was being moved far in the distance, and still another team was unloading a massive trailer of hay. Dean was on horseback, cantering in and already yelling orders.

He worked himself and the ranch team far into the evening, and DeeDee finally found him when she served him a late supper in his study. Maisy had begged for DeeDee to be the one to deliver the tray because news of Dean’s bad mood had thrown a cloud over the entire household.

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry,” he told DeeDee gruffly.

She raised an eyebrow but turned to set the tray down on an antique sideboard, next to a framed picture of Rolston Senior and his wife. Dean’s mother had been gone for far too many years and even the photograph was fading, but the love between the two still shone. DeeDee had heard Dean talked about the reverence and adoration his father had heaped upon his mother. They were a case of love at first sight that had never flickered once.

With an example like that, Dean was sure to want the same thing when it came to love.

“Anything else?” Dean asked, his tone only marginally softer.

DeeDee turned around. She burned to bring up their shared kiss, but uncertainty took hold of her again. He deserved to find a real, effortless and instant love just like his parents had shared, and DeeDee wanted that for him. Who was she to get in the way with something so flimsy and their shared work-related admiration?

“I, uh, ran into Mr. Penn today and he sends his regards,” she told Dean.

He grunted. “Thanks.”

DeeDee caught his piercing glance and decided, though she couldn’t bring up the kiss, she could at least clear the air about the most obvious of things. “There are rumors all over town about you needing to get married in order to inherit.”

Dean scowled, though his forehead did not wrinkle in consternation. Maybe he was relieved she had broached the awkward subject? “The money’s not the point.”

“Then I suppose it’s just an excuse to bring up the same old argument,” DeeDee said.

“That we’re not getting any younger and shouldn’t stay single forever?” Dean asked with a smirk.

DeeDee’s heart clutch. He had no idea how much she longed to be single, to be free to pursue the love she felt. “This town sure has an addiction to matchmaking. I blame you and all the recent marriages you encouraged.”

Dean snorted. “Sure. Blame it on me.”

“I still like how you somehow managed to convince all your wayward brothers into holy matrimony without anyone realizing it was you pushing them together.”

“I just found them good matches and patiently pointed out how well they worked together despite all the misunderstandings and arguments,” Dean said.

“I bet even Ben Summers is jealous of your success rate,” DeeDee joked.

Dean cracked half a smile. “Maybe that’s why he’s so determined to see me matched up and married. Along with the majority of the town.”

They worked so well together, hardly ever had misunderstandings, and never argued more than spirited debates. DeeDee looked at Dean and wondered again why they had never seen the perfect match they made. And now it was the wrong time. He looked back at her steadily and DeeDee could feel the same warmth between them that had drawn them into that kiss.

She had to stall. Without Gus’ signature on the divorce papers, DeeDee was in no position to flirt, much less explore the depth of feeling she had for Dean Rolston. It was just wrong. Worse yet, the best way she had to stall was to bring up the thing that bothered him the most.

DeeDee cleared her throat. “There’s a small group of sensible locals that believe you’ll let all that money go to charity. You’ve never been forced into a decision in your life. Your father knew that and he must have chuckled when he added that final requirement on to your inheritance.”

“You don’t think I should settle down and get married?” Dean asked.

DeeDee felt horrible, telling him something that was the opposite of what she felt, but she had to. She wasn’t free to tell the truth just yet. “As your housekeeper, I much prefer you as a bachelor.”

“You’re not just a housekeeper to me, DeeDee. You never have been,” Dean told her. Their eyes locked and lingered too long.

“Well, that aside, you wouldn’t want me married either,” DeeDee croaked, her emotion fighting to break through.

Dean looked sad but nodded solemnly. “No, I wouldn’t. We work great just the way we are.”

They continued to work well together for another week but Dean’s bad mood persisted and even DeeDee was short with her staff. She blamed it on preparations for the ridiculous vacation Topher insisted they take, but every time she was alone with Dean in a room it was obvious there was more to the resigned mood.

Unable to focus on work because it always circled back to Dean, DeeDee instead concentrated on finding a window to see Gus. He had fired back to her messages with pleas that they continue to try their marriage for real, but DeeDee was firm. They had entered into the marriage as friends doing each other a favor, and that was how they needed to end it. Still, he was going to need her standing over him and insisting before he signed the divorce papers.

Her opportunity came when Dean admitted he didn’t have a decent suitcase. DeeDee confessed neither did she, so he gave her a stipend and sent her to get them outfitted correctly. She drove straight to Gus’ halfway house and was relieved to find him just returned from work.

“So, this is it?” Gus said as he joined her on the front steps.

DeeDee hugged him gently. “It’s not a surprise.”

Gus sat down heavily. “I know. I’m sorry, D. It’s just this has all been a huge adjustment for me.”

“I’m sorry too. You’re not going to be alone out here. I’m still here for you, but I just can’t be your wife.”

“You set me up to start the rest of my life in the U.S., the least I can do is free you to enjoy yours,” Gus said softly. “I’m just wishing you could see how easily we could enjoy our lives together.”

DeeDee took his hand and squeezed. “You’re my oldest friend and your kind words and advice have gotten me through a lot. Don’t think I don’t appreciate that, Gus. I care for you, I really do.”

“You just can’t see me next to you, can you?” Gus asked. “I’d be there for you every day, D. I’d work hard so you wouldn’t have to. I’d make you proud, make you love me.”

“I do love you, Gus, but not as a wife should love a husband.” She let go of his hand. “And you don’t love me the way a husband should love a wife. We need to be honest about that.”

Gus turned to her; his dark eyes washed with unshed tears. “In all honesty, DeeDee, you are the best woman I have ever known. And I honestly want you to have every blessing.”

He reached over and took the large, flat envelope and slipped out the papers. Gus had a pen in his pocket and fumbled it open as he paged through the divorce papers. They were simple and straightforward as they had never had any shared assets or accounts. DeeDee held her breath, but he signed and initialed every marked line and it was all over within a minute.

They were divorced. She was free.

Why didn’t she feel any better?

It was a tearful goodbye, but both promised they would see each other again soon and always keep in touch. DeeDee knew she was leaving behind a big part of her life when she drove away from Gus, but it wasn’t until she was on the road back to the Double R that she realized why she didn’t feel any lighter.

DeeDee still had no idea what future she was heading towards. She had daydreams, wishes, and maybe a few fantasies, but nothing real. Her marriage, and now divorce, were still secrets and the obstacles between her and Dean seemed even higher than before.

She picked up new suitcases with a giddy sense of dread. Now they were heading on vacation together, an awkward and intimate situation, and DeeDee feared the truth would come out along the way.

Then what?

Chapter Fourteen

DEAN

Dean’s bad mood receded into a feeling of shock. He was really going to take a vacation. There were a hundred reasons for him not to leave the ranch, and a hundred excuses he had ready, but he could no longer voice a single one of them. It was too late.

“DeeDee told me to tell you that your new suitcase is waiting in your room,” Maisy announced as Dean wandered through the kitchen. “And I’m betting she already set out some things you should pack.”

He nodded, the gruffness of the week falling away as he cleared his throat and asked, “do you know if she got a suitcase for herself? I insisted she let me pay for it.”

Maisy smiled brightly. “She did, and she’s upstairs right now packing herself.”

It struck Dean all at once: the only reason he’d been so upset all week was he was expecting DeeDee to back out of the vacation at any moment. If he had a hundred reasons to stay, she probably had a thousand, and he wondered if avoiding him was on the top of the list. Now that he knew she was actually accepting the invitation to Galveston Island, Dean felt like smiling.

He kept his expression from Maisy, in the hopes she wouldn’t gossip, and headed upstairs to pack. DeeDee had laid out a selection of clean laundry and a few travel items she had picked up. Dean tossed them into the suitcase and tried to imagine what it would be like to be away from the Double R ranch.

The last time he had traveled freely away from his hometown and all his work responsibilities was a spring break trip in high school. Even then, his father guilted him for the work he left on other people’s shoulders. Dean wondered if his father would approve of Topher spending the first of his inheritance on such a needless trip. Rolston Senior had to anticipate his jet-setting son would use some of his billions to travel, but Dean bet his father never imagined him going along.

Dean was still smiling about that thought when he lugged his suitcase into the hallway. Halfway to the stairs, his phone buzzed, and he had to set everything down to check it again.

“Everything okay?” DeeDee opened her door, saw him checking his phone, and asked.

“Topher keeps texting me every three seconds with packing advice,” Dean grumbled. “I swear, if he texts again, I’m packing duct tape. Let’s see him text me when he’s taped to his seat.”

DeeDee grinned. “That sounds like a pleasant flight.”

Dean helped her pull her suitcase into the hallway next to his, then insisted on carrying them both. He noticed DeeDee hesitate before closing the door to her suite, and he knew exactly how she was feeling.

“The ranch will keep standing, and working, long after we’re gone,” he reminded her.

“It’s just a few days, a long weekend,” she agreed.

“A few days next to the ocean,” Dean said.

DeeDee beamed. “I can’t wait to hear the waves and feel the water.”

Buoyed by her smile and her adventurous attitude, Dean lugged the suitcases downstairs. His phone buzzed again as they reached the bottom steps and he groaned as he dug it out of his pocket.

“Let me guess, Topher’s suggesting sunscreen?” DeeDee teased.

Dean read the message and wrinkled his forehead. “He says not to worry about driving to the airport because he’s arranged transportation.”

DeeDee peeked out the front door and Dean heard her breath catch. Then she opened the door and revealed a long limousine parked at the bottom of the steps. Topher jumped out and grinned at them.

“Let’s get this vacation started!” He called.

“Ridiculous,” Dean muttered.

He was glad when he found Sophia in agreement with him. She and Anna were seated comfortably inside the limousine but she cringed a little as they pulled away and a few cowboys stopped to stare.

“This is a bit much,” DeeDee told Topher, never one to bottle up what everyone was thinking.

Topher snorted. “What? The limo? It was the best way for us all to ride together and have enough room.”

“Dad says we’re conserving fuel by all riding together,” Anna piped up.

DeeDee laughed. “I guess he’s right, but this is definitely a flashy way to do that.”

“What ‘til you see the jet,” Anna said.

Dean frowned at his brother. “Please tell me she doesn’t mean a private jet.”

Topher was unrepentant. “Come on, after Rolston Senior made it hard to inherit, the least I can do is spend a little in a fun way.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow at him. “Coming home, settling down, and marrying me was hard?”

DeeDee laughed and spoke to Anna. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s that your grandfather would have spoiled you, so don’t worry about how much your father is spending.”

“Really?” Dean asked DeeDee as they sat back. “This doesn’t bother you?”

DeeDee shot him a look. “Money or not, there’s a happy family in this vehicle. You best remember that Uncle Dean.”

He tried to remember that as the limousine pulled up next to a private hangar at the airport. Anna was awestruck by the private jet, and he focused on her giddy smile as they walked to the steps. Crew members gathered their luggage, while another offered them each sparkling cider or champagne. The pilot greeted them at the door. It all made Dean cringe inside, but DeeDee was right. Rolston Senior would have paid for it all himself just to see the look on his granddaughter’s face.

The jet was small but luxurious and they all had their pick of comfortable seats. DeeDee automatically headed to the back where she could give the family privacy, and Dean decided to do the same. They ended up sitting across the aisle from each other until a few looks from the flight crew made it apparent how awkward they looked.

“Is this seat taken?” Dean asked.

DeeDee smiled as he took the soft leather reclining seat next to her. A flight attendant quickly appeared and placed snacks on the small table in front of them.

“Are you drinking champagne?” She asked.

Dean nodded and had to admit. “I haven’t flown in a few years and I’m a little nervous. I figure a little bubbly may take the edge off and it couldn’t hurt.”

DeeDee made sure to accept a glass the next time their flight attendant came by. “I’m excited but nervous. Promise not to laugh at me during take-off.”

The private jet began to taxi to the runway, and Dean felt his own stomach tighten with nerves. He never understood why people thought it was more luxurious to ride in a smaller plane. The small craft made every move feel so obvious and he was gripping his seat handles by the time the champagne was whisked away and the pilot was telling him they were next in line.

They picked up speed easily and Dean knew the ride would smooth out once they lifted off the tarmac, but still he felt a rush of panic. He glanced over and saw that DeeDee felt the same, so he reached for her hand. They squeezed each other’s fingers as the plane roared to full speed and then lifted into the air. Then, it didn’t feel right to let go as they climbed to cruising altitude.

He was still holding DeeDee’s hands when the seat belt signs went off and Topher came back to toast them with more champagne. “I’m so glad the two of you could join us,” he said, smiling at their clasped hands.

It was a short flight, made better by the fact that DeeDee was next to him. They snacked together and studied the tourist brochures Anna brought them and rode in easy silence side-by-side. It was so simple and so comfortable, that Dean knew it was ridiculous how happy it made him. But by the end of the flight, he was in an agony of unsaid feelings.

DeeDee simply made everything better and he knew it was because he loved her.

It felt strange to set foot off the jet and onto a whole new vista. Dean longed to take DeeDee’s hand again as they navigated the tarmac to another one of Topher’s fancy rides. He told himself the longing he was feeling was for his home and the work he was used to doing at that hour, but he knew it was more than that.

They were driven to a historic district not far from the beach and everyone’s eyes were out the windows. Tall, narrow Victorian homes with white spindle front porches and colorful paint filled the street. The limousine stopped in front of a buttery yellow mansion with two floors of white-painted porches and bright turquoise trim.

“You said…beach house,” Dean reminded Topher.

Topher laughed. “The beach is barely a mile away and wait until you see inside.”

The front door opened to a soaring foyer with thirteen-foot ceilings and an elegant staircase that went up at a dizzying angle. Dean missed the wide, stucco sweep of his stairs at the Double R, but followed Topher as he assigned the rooms. Topher and Sophia were staying in the master suite on the main floor with Anna in a large guest room across from them. Dean and DeeDee had large bedrooms upstairs with ensuite bathrooms, but their doors opened to the upstairs hall only a few feet apart. Topher pointed out they had their own sitting room and upstairs sun porch.

“Plenty of room and privacy,” Topher pointed out with an embarrassing wink.

Dean grunted at him. “A bunk at a beach house would have been just fine with me.”

“He means thank you,” DeeDee interceded. “This is so beautiful. I’ve never been to Galveston and now I get both the beach and the history.”

“Exactly,” Topher smiled at her. “The best of everything.”

“No wonder you almost ran out of money before you came home and inherited,” Dean grumbled. He wandered into his large, airy bedroom and immediately felt at a loss for what to do.

It quickly became apparent that he had no idea how to relax, much less enjoy a vacation. His first hour in the historic home was spent pacing from room to room. DeeDee tried to dismiss it as Dean admiring the home’s historic details, while Anna turned it into a game and tried to guess where he would go next so she could surprise him. Topher rolled his eyes as he lounged in the front parlor.

Sophia, on the other hand, was almost as bad as Dean and spent her first afternoon meal-planning and writing a grocery list. DeeDee longed to help but forced herself to sit down in the parlor and study a coffee table book about Galveston Island.

Finally, Topher couldn’t stand it any longer and had to call them all together. “Presents,” he bellowed.

Anna skidded into the parlor with a wide grin, while Dean appeared behind her with a frown. Sophia came in from the kitchen with her eyebrows raised, and DeeDee wondered if she should head upstairs and give the family some time alone.

” The first one is for DeeDee,” Topher said, catching her trying to exit. “Because I know she’ll appreciate it the most.”

Her gift was a trio of floral sundresses, and Dean loved how her delight made her speechless.

“We helped pick them out,” Anna declared. “I got to choose the colors and Mom knew your size.”

” Thank you!” DeeDee managed.

Dean was suspicious when the next present came to him. He opened it to discover a wild Hawaiian patterned shirt and two more reasonable short-sleeved linen shirts. Underneath were two pairs of shorts.

“I’m not wearing shorts,” he declared with a hard line to his jaw.

Topher laughed. “You’re welcome.”

“I hope mine’s not clothes,” Anna said as she tore into a large box.

It turned out to be a skateboard, complete with a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads. She hugged Topher and insisted she get to try it out right away. The whole group had to agree it was time for a stroll, and roll, to the beach.

DeeDee looked at every filigree fence, candy-colored paint job, and palm tree along the way. Dean watched DeeDee. He loved how her smile shifted from surprise to joy to awe and back to a quiet happiness like the puffy white clouds sailing across the sky. He only realized they were on the beach when he saw her eyes go wide and reflect the glitter of the ocean.

Anna tossed her skateboard to her father, kicked off her shoes, and ran to splash in the fringe of the waves. The adults couldn’t resist doing the same, except for Topher who was weighed down by the skateboard and the fact that he had spent way too much on his new shoes.

Dean trudged along the line between wet and dry sand, watching the women as they chased the waves out. They searched quickly for seashells, then skittered back up the beach as a new wave came up. When one wave came in frothy and higher than the others, DeeDee ran right into Dean in her attempt to evade it.

They both ended up with soaked feet and wide smiles on their faces.

The wet sand shifted underneath them as the wave pulled out and Dean reached to steady DeeDee. Somehow her hand found his and stayed there as they strolled along the beautiful stretch of beach.

It was so easy to walk with DeeDee, not talking about anything, miles from work, and Dean rejoiced that her smile stayed on her lips. He imagined this was how life would be if they were married. Just the two of them walking quietly together while the others ran around, and the real world seemed unable to interrupt them.

Topher was calling out shells he could see from the dry sand while Sophia was trying to convince Anna not to swim until she was actually in a bathing suit. The ocean air was fresh and the walk energizing, so soon they were all starting to mention ideas for dinner.

“Let’s head to that little bistro up the way,” Topher called.

DeeDee shook her head, her hand still in Dean’s. She told him, “I know we’re not on the ranch anymore, but I still like to clean up before dinner.”

Dean agreed and the whole party headed back to the Victorian where he noticed more of how his daily habits overlapped with DeeDee’s. They both had to change before dinner, take a walk right after they ate, and sit with a cup of tea when they returned. Instead of the paperwork they both normally reviewed, they shared the local vacation brochures. After everyone had finally gone to bed, Dean found DeeDee in the upstairs sitting room, flipping channels on the television the same as he did every night. They watched bits of half a dozen shows together and he walked her to her bedroom door.

There was too much to say, so all Dean told her was, “goodnight.”

He went to bed knowing he’d have to dream up a way to tell her everything in the morning or drive himself crazy keeping all his feelings to himself.

Chapter Fifteen

DEEDEE

When DeeDee woke up in the morning, she could still feel the sand beneath her feet and Dean’s hand in hers. The dream persisted and DeeDee relived the walk along the beach in warm, sunny detail. She had stumbled into him, laughing, and Dean’s solid arms caught her easily. Then, he steadied her with his strong sure grip, and somehow, he never let go. DeeDee blushed, remembering how she hoped he wouldn’t notice their hands still intertwined because the simple act of holding his hand made her heart soar.

Shaking off such girlish silliness, DeeDee sat up in bed and her breath caught in a gasp. She had almost forgotten the beautiful room with its impossibly tall windows, crown molding in the shape of palm leaves, and sunny view of the historic street. It was like opening her eyes from one dream to another.

DeeDee couldn’t resist a giddy jump from the comfortable, four-poster bed. Her seashell bathroom was a smaller ensuite but still looked like something clipped from a fancy home magazine. And hanging on the back of the bathroom door was the floaty and floral sundress Anna had proclaimed her favorite. DeeDee slipped it on and marveled at herself in the shell-framed mirror.

Most days, DeeDee gave herself a quick glance and nothing more. She was still young enough to not fuss over crow’s feet or wrinkles, but old enough to know her responsibilities far outweighed her pretty face. Still, she was blessed with clear, creamy skin, and nearly effortless hair. With the added ease of the sundress and a pair of slip-on sandals, DeeDee was done getting ready for the day in record time.

It was still very early, so she slipped from her guest room and tiptoed down the stairs to the kitchen where a friendly smile greeted her.

“Coffee’s already on. I bet Dean would be up before you, but he must be hiding in his room, avoiding putting on that loud patterned shirt Topher bought him.” Sophia chuckled and handed DeeDee a mug of hot coffee.

“Thanks, but aren’t you supposed to be on vacation too?” DeeDee asked. “I was going to fix breakfast for everyone.”

“You’re not here as a housekeeper, you know that, right?” Sophia fixed her with a stern look.

DeeDee gestured to her sundress, “would a housekeeper dress like this?”

“I know you, DeeDee. You’re thinking you were invited along so you could cook and tidy up and make everything easier on Topher and I.” Sophia shook her head. “That’s not going to happen.”

Thinking of her long, handholding stroll with Dean, DeeDee struggled to get back into her normal role before someone mentioned it. “I’m here to make Dean more comfortable and diplomatically keep him away from work long enough to enjoy time with his family.”

Sophia waved a wooden spoon at DeeDee. “And I invited you here as my friend! The good lord knows I need a friend when I’m stuck in a house with more than one Rolston.”

DeeDee reluctantly sat down on the stool Sophia gestured to and watched as her friend dug through the fully stocked refrigerator. She couldn’t help but tease her friend and asked, “aren’t you a Rolston too?”

Sophia’s smile was instantaneous, she couldn’t hide it even though she heaved a big sigh. “Yes, I suppose I am now.”

“It can’t be that bad,” DeeDee said as she sipped her coffee.

“It’s not bad at all. I used to dream that Topher and I would get back together but it always seemed so impossible. Now I wake up and still have to pinch myself,” Sophia said, pulling out a carton of eggs.

DeeDee shifted on her stool, avoiding how close her friend’s feelings were to her own. Sophia and Topher had been in love since high school; they were meant to be. “I’m so happy for you,” DeeDee told her, and meant it.

Sophia found flour and sugar in a cupboard and lined them up on the kitchen island. “In some ways I feel like nothing has changed and we’re still those happy teenagers. Then I realize we have an amazing daughter. And now all this money.”

“It hasn’t changed things, has it?” DeeDee asked.

She knew the idea of inheriting had been weighing heavily on Dean’s mind. Her hope was that he would let the money go to charity and their life would stay the same. The alternative - him marrying and becoming a billionaire - broke her heart to contemplate.

“Except for extravagant vacations, it hasn’t changed a thing,” Sophia assured her. “The Rolston brothers all seem determined to prove they can make their own fortunes. Rolston Senior left them a lot to live up to.”

“That’s what I love about Dean,” DeeDee admitted. “He’s more about doing the right thing than he is about chasing money.”

“Love?” Sophia called her out immediately.

DeeDee blushed. “You know what I mean. And you know I can’t just sit here while you start baking. What are we making? How can I help?”

The rest of the vacationers appeared when the scent of homemade cinnamon buns lured them to the kitchen. There were also fluffy egg-white omelets, extra-crispy home fries, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“Did you hire a personal chef while I was sleeping?” Topher asked.

Sophia swatted his arm. “No. You’re just lucky to have DeeDee and I along.”

Dean frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation too?”

“I find baking and cooking relaxing. Is that a problem?” DeeDee asked.

He almost smiled, caught himself, and grumbled, “the only problem is that I don’t see any bacon.”

“I read in one of those brochures there is a premiere butcher just a few blocks from here. One of those gems that has been around for nearly a hundred years,” DeeDee told him.

“Ooh, maybe we should add flank steaks to our menu tonight,” Sophia chimed in.

“I’ll head there after breakfast,” Dean agreed.

Topher sliced his hands through the air, cutting everyone off. “Whoa, no. No! People go to restaurants, they pick up pizzas, and they eat junk food straight from the bag when they’re on vacation. They don’t spend the whole day baking, cooking, meal-planning, and shopping!”

“Again, all things I like to do,” DeeDee reminded him. She saw her chance to get back a sense of normalcy. “I don’t mind doing all of that while you all go and enjoy the island.”

“I’ll let you three have family time while I head to the butcher and we can meet up at one of Topher’s restaurants for lunch,” Dean said.

“Unbelievable and no!” Topher barked. “I’d rather rent a yacht and a crew including a chef. There are tours to take, souvenirs to buy, and fun to be had.”

“More like money to be spent,” Sophia teased.

Topher scowled at her and everyone else as well. “How about we get one of those fishing boats where they take you all around then cook the fresh catch on some perfect stretch of sand.”

“I don’t want to go fishing,” Anna said quietly. “What’s wrong with skateboarding to the beach and hanging out here?”

“You mean watching your uncle pace, and these two work so hard in the kitchen?” Topher asked. “No, thank you.”

“Sounds good to me,” Dean said.

Topher turned on him. “I suppose as soon as I turn my back, you’ll be video chatting with your ranch team. You’re supposed to be enjoying a vacation for once in your life. Can’t you just concede that I know what I’m doing?”

“Arguing with your family and not listening to what anyone else wants to do? That’s what you’re doing,” Dean pointed out.

Sophia sighed and put an end to the bickering. “Topher, hun, no one cares if you want to go to the country club, find a card game, and spend all day like you used to. You’re allowed to enjoy your time off, the same as the rest of us. Even if you want to do it differently.”

Sensing their conversation was far from over, DeeDee jumped up to save Anna, but Dean interceded before her.

“I want to see my niece on that skateboard again. What do you say, Anna? Should we cruise down the sidewalk to the beach again?” Dean asked her.

“Yes!” The young girl jumped up, then looked regretfully at her full plate.

“Finish up, I’ll be back in a minute,” Dean told her.

DeeDee waved Sophia and Topher off into the other room and started to clean up the breakfast dishes as Anna wolfed down her food. When Dean returned wearing the wildest shirt Topher had given him, both DeeDee and Anna broke out in laughter.

“Your father can’t complain if I’m wearing this and pacing down to the beach, now can he,” Dean told Anna.

She grinned. “You look great, Uncle Dean. Let’s go!”

“Are you coming?” Dean asked DeeDee. He frowned at the dishes in her hands.

DeeDee held her chin up. “We all get to enjoy our vacation the way we want, right?”

He couldn’t argue with that and headed out the door with his niece. Once he was gone, DeeDee let out the huge breath she had been holding. How could she not love that man?

DeeDee had to remind herself she really didn’t know what love was at all. Her parents’ marriage had pulled apart when she was young, and Gus’ friendship was the next major relationship she had. Outside of those two examples, DeeDee knew the movie version of love. Not that she expected any part of her life to fit right into a mold, but she had thought maybe the biggest rumors about love would show themselves to be true: love at first sight, just knowing, getting swept away, and happily ever after.

No. There was hard work and recommitting day to day. That’s all DeeDee knew for certain. Was that enough or was she just fooling herself that love had been with her all along?

She scrubbed the dishes and tried not to see Sophia and Topher in the front parlor. They argued in whispers that soon changed to soft smiles and then they kissed. It was clear they still disagreed but there was something stronger that kept them from pulling apart.

Embarrassed to be peeping like a curious teenager, DeeDee scribbled a quick note and took off for the grocery store. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she enjoyed keeping a comfortable home for those around her. She found satisfaction and joy in providing good people with everything they needed. Dean deserved someone to care for him, make sure he had clean clothes and home-cooked meals. And it was the least she could do for his brother and sister-in-law who treated her like family. Sophia was a good friend too, and for that DeeDee happily set about getting everything on their list.

She checked her phone and followed the route it outlined, walking down the colorful avenue of Victorian homes. Galveston was a wonderful mix of historic charm and relaxed beach attitude, and DeeDee found herself smiling as she strolled. She was glad that Topher had splurged on such an outrageous vacation stay just so she could admire the scenery. DeeDee was certain each of the homes had support staff too and she found herself peering at attic windows and rooms above the old carriage houses, wondering what life would have been like for her back when.

Would she have been so foolish as to have fallen for her boss back then? DeeDee comforted herself with the fact her historic self would have been too busy with work for such thoughts. All her modern-self needed to do was focus on work and everything would keep on the way it was in the present. Her life was too good to upset with unnecessary feelings and fantasies.

She couldn’t love Dean because she was too committed to the job she loved. Or at least that is what she told herself as she walked down the avenue.

Then, her breath caught, and her heart leapt.

Dean’s laugh, a rare but unmistakable sound, pulled her gaze down a side street. DeeDee saw him clapping as Anna rolled down a smooth driveway and managed to turn onto the sidewalk without falling. Her uncle applauded then ran to catch up with her before she stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk.

DeeDee’s heart felt like a door swinging open and letting the sunshine in. Was that love at first sight? Was that just knowing Dean was the one?

She forced her feet to continue on the same avenue and not turn his way. DeeDee could not get swept away. The only happily ever after she imagined was a steady job and the respect of her co-workers, and she would be content with that. Anything else was foolish and she was not about to let the vacation go to her head.

Her resolve was rock steady until she returned from the grocery store to find Dean waiting on the Victorian’s high front porch. He marched down the steps with a fierce frown and insisted on carrying the groceries for her.

“You should have joined us at the beach,” he told her.

DeeDee sniffed. “I thought we were all free to enjoy our vacations in the ways we like best?”

“Shopping and lugging packages cannot possibly be something you enjoy,” Dean snapped. He juggled the bags to hold the front door open for her.

“I enjoy having all the ingredients that I need for a delicious meal with my friends,” DeeDee told him.

“You do enjoy cooking, don’t you,” he said, his tone growing softer.

“Yes, haven’t you noticed?” DeeDee was still annoyed with him for scolding her.

Dean set the groceries on the kitchen island and turned to face her fully. “I notice every day. Why do you think I’m always hanging around before meals? I like watching you cook. You look happy in the kitchen.”

DeeDee took a careful breath before replying. “Then have a seat,” she said.

Dean smiled and settled onto a stool just like he always did in the kitchen at the Double R. DeeDee noticed his hair was lighter from not wearing a cowboy hat to the beach. A new golden shade of tan set off the sparkle in his sky-blue eyes, and the starry-white of his smile. She felt a little off-balance and realized why people called it ‘falling in love.’

She took another cautious breath, trying to hold down the balloon she felt inside her. DeeDee was divorced now, free of the commitment that had kept them apart, but she still wasn’t ready to tell Dean the truth. Her past was no longer between them, but there was still a chasm of fear.

DeeDee was afraid of falling.

Chapter Sixteen

DEAN

Dean was not surprised to find DeeDee awake early the next morning. She was quietly brewing coffee at the small kitchenette counter in the upstairs sitting room. Sunlight was just beginning to turn the window frames behind her a rosy pink, and he could have sworn she glowed.

Something was different about DeeDee. Maybe it was seeing her away from the ranch for the first time in years. Maybe it was the open schedule, sea air, or good influence of Anna’s constant joy. Maybe it was the new compatibility they were discovering went deeper and deeper every day.

Whatever it was, it made Dean even more determined to share his feelings with DeeDee. He knew he had to do it in a way that didn’t feel inappropriate or scare her off. He just had to show her how well their lives worked when they were together.

“Knew I’d see you at sunrise,” DeeDee told him with a smile. She turned around with his mug of coffee already poured.

“Have we always been on the exact same schedule?” Dean asked.

DeeDee laughed. “The ranch sets the schedule and the pace; you and I just happen to enjoy it.”

” Do you really?” Dean stepped closer to DeeDee than he meant too. “You really don’t mind living at the Double R?”

“I love my work,” she said in a cautious tone.

Dean realized she would always be careful about any conversation that could affect her job. How could he express to her she would always have a place at his ranch, even if she wasn’t an employee?

He cleared his throat. “Topher convinced Sophia to go out for a night cap. I bet they’ll be sleeping in a bit. And our teenager won’t get up until lunch if we let her.”

DeeDee nodded. “We have the morning to ourselves.”

“And I have a plan,” Dean announced.

Fifteen minutes, and a lot of convincing, later, Dean surprised DeeDee at the beach with a pair of beautiful horses. They rode down a strip of beach unfrequented by tourists and, in the early morning air, they had the views all to themselves.

“Well, it’s not ranch land, but I love it,” DeeDee admitted.

Despite the sparkling oceanic vista, they talked about the Double R again. They each furrowed their foreheads as they wondered how everyone was getting along without them. Then they looked forward to their return and the changing of the season. Summer was officially over, and fall would be in full swing when they got back. There was plenty to do, and neither could help their instincts to start planning and organizing the season ahead.

Finally, Dean took a deep breath and said, “we really don’t know how to vacation.”

DeeDee laughed. “We know how to love our work, and who would want to take a break from something they love?”

Dean’s heart warmed like the beach sand under the now rising sun. He was glad they had spent the horseback ride discussing the ranch. It was a relief that DeeDee never mentioned his father’s will or the ridiculous requirement that he had to be married before he inherited. She wasn’t concerned with money or luxury or even a day off. DeeDee loved the ranch and her work, would it be too far a stretch for her to love him too?

They cantered the horses back to their owner, who admired their riding skills. “It’s not every day I see someone who can handle the horses so well,” he complimented them.

“To be honest, I needed the ride just to feel normal again,” Dean told him. “Ranchers make bad vacationers, we’re discovering.”

The man laughed. “Well, you and your sweetheart there make it look good.”

DeeDee gave a little cough of surprise. Dean, instantly worried that she was uncomfortable, corrected the man. “Oh, we’re not a couple.”

“You sure? Could have fooled me,” the man said with a smile. He tipped his hat at them and walked the horses back to their trailer.

They were mistaken for a couple again at the cafe they chose for breakfast. The waiter called Dean her husband, and DeeDee was quick to correct him. Dean felt the fast reply like a door slamming, and he wondered if he’d gone wrong somewhere between the beach and the cafe patio.

It bothered him enough that when they returned to the Victorian he mentioned it to his brother. “She almost scolded the poor man,” Dean told Topher.

“Well, you’d already made it clear to the man on the beach, maybe she was just following your lead,” Topher pointed out. He was devouring the breakfast his brother had brought him from the cafe.

The ladies had taken their food to the front porch and Dean peered at DeeDee’s back all the way from the kitchen. “I mean, is it so bad to be associated with me?”

“When you frown like that, yes,” Topher teased.

“I’m serious,” Dean grumbled. “Does she really hate the suggestion that we’re a couple that much?”

Topher studied him, holding back a smile and a huge bite of scrambled eggs. “What does it matter? It’s the truth. You and DeeDee are just, um, work friends.”

Dean glowered at him. “Work friends? That doesn’t seem to cover it. She makes cranberry sauce every holiday especially for you. She’s practically family.”

“We all think of her as family and everyone in Isabel knows you’re a matched pair, but that doesn’t make you a couple,” Topher said.

“‘Couple’ is a ridiculous word,” Dean declared gruffly.

Topher glanced at him again but was content to eat his breakfast and wait for Dean to say something else. It was clear that Dean could no longer hide his true feelings for DeeDee. He remembered his brothers had always teased him on and off about her being his better half. Now Dean realized what his brothers had spotted right away: he had always been in love with DeeDee.

The party must have made it more obvious, and the conversation about his will requirements brought it to the top of everyone’s mind. He loved DeeDee, so why not marry her and become a billionaire as well?

If only it was that simple.

Dean gritted his teeth and, like normal, pointed his frustration at his brothers. Drake should understand how awkward it felt to fall for an employee. And Sutton should know the subtle dread of wanting a best friend to be more. Why didn’t his brothers sympathize more?

Probably because Dean was also in the habit of keeping his business to himself. He was the eldest brother, the one in charge of the family, and he couldn’t go around asking his baby brothers for advice. Plus, he was the one that got them all happily settled and married, so why should he need their help?

Old habits were hard to break.

That became the theme of his day as Dean noticed DeeDee’s work habits had followed them to Galveston Island. She cleaned up after everybody, washed the dishes, made sure everyone had something to drink, and thought constantly about the next meal and when she should start preparing it.

When they went out to explore, DeeDee was the one that carried beach towels and sunblock. She jumped up from their spot on the beach and jogged over to see how much skim boards cost to rent for Anna. DeeDee found the kiosk that had lemonade when Topher got thirsty. And she was the one who called and set up reservations for them all to have dinner.

“You forgot to include yourself in the head count,” Dean told her as she was on the phone. She gave him a stubborn look, but he insisted. “You’re coming to dinner, change the reservation to five.”

“I wanted you to have family time,” DeeDee protested after she got off the phone. “I can take care of myself for one meal and let you Rolstons have a night.”

“You’re not here to work,” Dean told her. “You’re here as my, ah, guest.”

“Is that what you’re going to tell people at the restaurant?” DeeDee asked, clearly annoyed.

“You’ll be my dinner date,” Dean snapped, surprising them both.

There was no reason for dinner that night to feel awkward besides Dean’s assertion that it was a date. He dressed carefully and noticed his hands trembled slightly as he tightened his Bolo tie. How long had it been since he went on a date?

Dean thought about his past as he went downstairs and waited for everyone in the front parlor. Dating in high school had been easy. He was a star quarterback, a good student, and friends with everyone in the building. Girls had smiled at him up and down the hallways, but that was when dating was just dinner and movie and having good manners. He was a gentleman and maybe that was what had prevented his relationships from getting very serious.

Higher education for him was taking the reins of his own ranch. After that, Dean hardly had time for a solid meal much less a date. He had tried with Vanessa, but only because he thought she understood his work. Vanessa Taylor was a rancher’s daughter from one town over who had run into Dean at a stock auction. She was a light-brown hair, blue-eyed beauty straight from a country song, and Dean fell in love with her easily.

Vanessa was away finishing college the first year of their relationship, so his work was never an issue. Then she returned and wanted to make a real go of it, but small-town life wasn’t enough for her anymore. She encouraged him to travel when his brothers were doing the same, and Dean couldn’t leave his father with his failing health. Dean wanted the life she described but it just wasn’t meant to be, and that was the last time he tried to force something to work.

Love either worked or it didn’t and Dean understood that now.

But could work turn to love that would last?

At dinner, Dean decided that Topher was a terrible example. His younger brother had lived a charmed life where his true love had found him early. Sophia loved Topher enough to send him away traveling because she didn’t want to force him to settle down with their surprise baby daughter. He was also young enough to escape the expectations placed on Dean and Theo, even August, and Topher had enjoyed a jet-setting existence before realizing his heart was in Texas.

Dean considered Topher lucky that Sophia loved him through it all, and even more blessed that he discovered Anna and was able to make his family whole again.

That made Dean contemplative over the dessert tray. All through the meal, DeeDee was as happy and relaxed as she always was around his family, but there was still something keeping them apart. More than the inheritance that she had never again mentioned; Dean wondered if she had a secret too.

After dinner, a rose-seller clearly thought they were both couples and Topher didn’t help by buying two roses. Anna enjoyed it all and ended up on the overstuffed sofa in the family room of the Victorian with stars in her eyes.

Dean, who still felt very awkward around DeeDee after his date declaration, slouched in an armchair across from his niece. “I’m not sure I’d call that a romantic dinner,” he told Anna.

“Dad tells me my grandfather was the real romantic,” Anna said. She sat up and looked at Dean expectantly.

“Rolston Senior?” Dean snorted automatically, then sighed as his memory kicked in. “He sure did love your grandmother. That much I know for sure.”

“Dad says they knew the day they met that they were in love and a week later they were never apart,” Anna prompted him.

“Your grandfather wasn’t much for propriety when he found something he wanted,” Dean remarked. “They moved into the empty foreman’s house a week after they met.”

“And they were married a month after that,” Anna sighed happily.

“Your Dad’s not suggesting you run off and marry the first man you meet,” Dean cautioned his niece.

Anna laughed. “Of course not. Dad just said, ‘when you know you know’ and Grandpa certainly did.”

Dean gritted his teeth. If only it were that easy. He was ready to start brooding when DeeDee walked into the room. She, of course, had a tray of Chamomile tea and Dean was annoyed that she was still trying to serve him.

“I hope one of those mugs is for you,” he grumbled.

DeeDee arched an eyebrow at him and made a show of sitting down and pouring herself a cup of tea first. “Anna, would you like any?”

“No, thanks.” Anna flopped back down on the sofa but watched her uncle and DeeDee curiously. “What I’d like is to hear more about Grandpa in love.”

DeeDee gave a dreamy sigh. “Now there was a man who knew how to love a woman.”

“What?” Dean shot her a sharp glance. “Rolston Senior was tough on you from day one and now you’re mooning over his memory?”

“Work was one thing, but when he talked about your grandmother it was a different story.” DeeDee ignored Dean and talked to Anna. “His eyes would go all soft as if he was still seeing her across the room.”

“Love at first sight that lasts,” Anna sighed romantically.

“He made sure it lasted,” DeeDee said. “Rolston Senior told me that he chose his wife every day, every hour, and he would do it all over again for a lifetime if he could. That just melted my heart and I tried to remember that side of him every time he laid into some sort of complaint about the way I ran the ranch house.”

“I don’t need any sugar with the syrupy way you two are talking, but I do need some milk.” Dean got up and left them to escape to the kitchen. The last thing he wanted to think about was how his father’s memory was once again pushing him to make his choice and include love in his life.

Sophia was still in the kitchen, mixing herself and Topher a night cap, when Dean stomped in. “Is Anna still imagining a romantic date for herself?” She asked.

“Topher should have bought her a rose too and reminded her that fathers are better than boyfriends,” Dean complained.

Sophia smiled. “Everyone loves to talk about love. Except maybe you.”

“And DeeDee?” Dean let his question hang in the air.

“DeeDee’s just cautious,” Sophia said diplomatically.

“So, she hasn’t told you there’s anything keeping her from being in love? There’s no reason she avoids it?” Dean asked.

Sophia gave his hand a soft pat. “Those are questions for her.”

Dean knew his sister-in-law was right, but he was torn. Did he force the conversation with DeeDee and deal with whatever aftermath there may be? Or did he respect her privacy and just let their good life continue on its course?

The question kept him up long after everyone said goodnight.

Chapter Seventeen

DEEDEE

DeeDee could still feel the leap her heart took when Dean insisted she was his date for dinner. They’d gotten dressed up, met at the top of the stairs, and walked down together arm-in-arm. It seemed so natural, and DeeDee walked with Dean to the restaurant filled with the wonder if this was the night that everything changed. She didn’t imagine any big fireworks, just the quiet acknowledgement that their relationship had changed. Wasn’t that what the whole vacation had felt like it was building towards?

So, what went wrong?

Dinner was delicious, too expensive at Topher’s insistence, but enjoyed by all. Dean ate every scrap of food on his plate, but his conversation was stitled. At times he almost acted as if he didn’t know DeeDee at all.

His mind was obviously somewhere else. For DeeDee, it felt as if she’d failed a tryout she didn’t know had happened. Had Dean regretted his word choice as soon as he said it? DeeDee tried to comfort herself with the fact that she didn’t need it to be a date to enjoy it. It was enough to have a good meal with good friends.

That comfort didn’t extend to the quiet of the night when DeeDee wondered over and over again if Dean tried to see them together and his mind just couldn’t make it happen.

In the morning, DeeDee again reminded herself there was nothing wrong with living a good life with a good friend. The feelings she had for Dean could ebb and flow like the ocean and she would hold tight to the pier of their shared work. Everything would go back to normal, and she would forget the surge tide of romantic feelings she had.

It was miserable to admit those emotions flooded over the moment they walked together. Topher, Sophia, and Anna had found a map of historic buildings and they wanted to walk the route before they left Galveston Island. Anna led the way with Topher and Sophia a few steps behind her. Dean and DeeDee lagged and the second his shoulder brushed hers, DeeDee felt herself drowning in feelings for him.

She knew now those feelings for Dean had always been there. DeeDee wouldn’t call it love at first sight, but something about being near Dean was right from the moment she was hired. Even that obstacle, her being officially his employee, seemed now to be more of a connection. Their intimacy had first sprouted from work but it had grown over long, good years together.

There was no going back, even when they returned to the ranch.

DeeDee knew she wasn’t the only one to feel that way. Dean had been out of sorts for more reasons than the foreign feelings of vacationing. She caught his looks, heard the way he caught himself before saying something to her, and the way he held onto her hand when they fell together made her whole body warm with certainty. Why couldn’t she be brave enough to broach the subject for the both of them?

Because Dean had called it a date, then acted as if he immediately regretted it. Because as they walked with his family, he was stiffly polite. Because DeeDee kept catching him on the verge of saying something but he never did.

It was frustrating, and every step DeeDee took made that frustration grind on her even harder. If neither of them took a chance, they would never change. A panicked voice in her head reminded her that change was always hard, never exactly what you hoped for, but her heart insisted it couldn’t hold back any longer.

They fell farther behind their touring group.

DeeDee summoned all her hope, all the scraps of certainty she had felt over the last few weeks and caught Dean’s arm. “Can we stop a minute and talk?” She squeaked.

Dean stopped, nodded, and then his eyes went wide. “Vanessa?”

A slender, brown-haired and blue-eyed woman swung around, her white linen dress flashing in the late summer sun. “Dean Rolston, is that really you?”

DeeDee stumbled away a step as the beautiful woman rushed over and embraced Dean. He hugged people as a greeting? DeeDee’s mind buzzed in horror. Dean certainly did not, and that meant this woman must be someone special. She certainly looked it with her smooth, glossy hair and her peaches-and-cream complexion.

The woman patted Dean’s cheek, marveled at how he’d retained his good looks, and smiled at him brightly. Dean seemed to have forgotten all about DeeDee as he kept his hands casually on the other woman’s hips after their embrace.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, it’s just so good to see you.” The woman glanced over at DeeDee.

Dean didn’t even look around. “It’s been ages. Funny enough, I was just thinking about you yesterday.”

DeeDee’s chest burned. Is that why he was so distracted at dinner? Dean had been remembering past dates, dates he much preferred to her?

“Hello, I’m Vanessa.” The woman finally stepped out of Dean’s light hold and spoke to DeeDee directly.

“Nice to meet you,” DeeDee managed to say.

Dean looked confused to see her there. “Oh, right. This is Diana Diaz, she’s my, ah. . .”

He trailed off but Vanessa covered up his awkwardness with a quick, friendly handshake. “Nice to meet you.”

DeeDee recalled the woman’s perfectly manicured nails later as she related the entire awkward scene to Sophia. They had returned to the Victorian vacation home and escaped to the backyard pergola where they could talk in peace. Anna had gone shell-collecting while Topher and Dean caught up with Theo on a very loud phone call.

“It’s not like Dean to forget his manners,” Sophia commented.

DeeDee groaned. “I know! This woman really spun his head around.”

“And that bothers you?” Sophia asked gently.

“I know it shouldn’t. It doesn’t really.” DeeDee wasn’t convincing herself, much less Sophia, but she continued, “it was just strange how he smiled and told her he’d just been thinking of her. Dean sits around and misses an ex-girlfriend that I knew nothing about?”

Topher arrived with a tray of sweet tea, serving them for a change. “What’s the gossip out here?”

Sophia gave him a pointed look. “Shouldn’t you be inside hearing all the Isabel news from your brother?”

“Theo and Dean are arguing about the next livestock auction, so I decided to slip away. I brought sweet tea; doesn’t that earn me a smile at least?” Topher asked.

DeeDee tried to smile. “Thank you.”

“Whoa, what’s that face about?” Topher asked, pulling up a lawn chair. “What did my idiot brother do now?”

“He ran into someone named Vanessa and totally forgot about DeeDee. He left her just standing there on the sidewalk,” Sophia summed up.

“It wasn’t that bad. There’s no need for pity,” DeeDee tried to say.

Topher interrupted. “I remember Vanessa. Pretty college grad that everyone in Isabel was sure would catch Dean into marriage.”

“Not helping,” Sophia snapped, but her husband didn’t hear or understand.

“She and Dean were such a good fit,” Topher remembered. “I think she had reservations about settling in Isabel and making the ranch her life, but that was understandable.”

“They were going to get married?” DeeDee asked in a small voice. She felt like she was fading away right there under the pergola.

“Dean mucked it up. He always wanted everyone to put the ranch first like him,” Topher mused. Then he sat up and shook his head. “No, wait. I remember she did something. They had a falling out. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m surprised he was happy to see her.”

Somehow, the memory of their falling out made it even worse that Dean had brightened as soon as he saw his ex-girlfriend. DeeDee worried that meant he really was looking for someone to marry and help him inherit. They already had history together, and she certainly was attractive. DeeDee’s heavy chest made it hard to breathe.

Sophia jumped on that tidbit. “Dean was probably just surprised. By now I bet he’s remembered the bad way they parted.”

Topher smirked at Sophia. “You’d like to think that. You don’t want there to be any competition for the match you have lined up.”

“Match?” DeeDee turned to her friend.

Sophia nodded but did not smile. “I heard from a friend the other day that she’ll be visiting Isabel soon, so I thought I might try my hand at matchmaking. Sort of a payback for Dean meddling in my relationship with Topher.”

So, Dean’s family was back to scheming set-ups for him, and Dean was happy to see ex-girlfriends. DeeDee’s breath squeezed smaller as she thought those signs pointed towards Dean really pursuing a marriage. He was looking for suitable matches, and that’s why he had stopped looking her way. Soon, he wouldn’t notice her at all.

Topher, oblivious to the pain showing on DeeDee’s face, continued to tease his wife. “You think you know my brother well enough to find him a good match? What about my connections? I have at least three women that would be perfect for him to date.”

Sophia clearly did not want to talk about matchmaking in front of DeeDee anymore, but she couldn’t let her husband have the last word. “You’re bragging to me about having a string of women available? Not very smart. Besides, Dean isn’t looking to date. He wants someone who will be there for him and the ranch every day.”

Someone at his side, as an equal, as a wife, DeeDee thought. Not an employee whose love for the ranch had gotten inappropriately out of control.

Topher was going to continue outlining his matchmaking plans, but Sophia suddenly found a reason to drag him back into the house. She apologized to DeeDee and promised she’d be back.

DeeDee nodded her understanding and tried to give Sophia a brave smile. The last thing she wanted to be was the wrench in anyone’s plans. They wanted the best for Dean, and who was she to get in the way?

When she was certain she was alone in the backyard, DeeDee tucked her chin down and let it quiver for a minute. She’d been daydreaming for too long and it was time to let those foolish ideas die out. It hurt but the truth was DeeDee knew her place and still loved it. What kind of a friend would she be if she begrudged Dean for moving on and getting married? If DeeDee wanted to stay at the ranch, and in Dean’s life, she would have to accept her role as employee and occasional confidante.

A few weeks ago, that would have made easy and solid sense. Now it hurt.

Her divorce was final, DeeDee was free to face the truth of her feelings, but that truth was her romantic notions about Dean were just daydreams.

“Mind if I join you?” Dean appeared with an armload of firewood. “Anna’s back and I think the ocean breeze gave her a chill because she’s talking about a fire and s’mores.”

“Sounds good,” DeeDee said without meaning it. She suddenly wished she was a million miles away.

“It’s funny,” Dean commented as he started to build the fire, “but I think that billionaire inheritance hasn’t affected Anna at all. She’s still focused on her day to day and that’s what will keep my brother grounded. That, and his marriage to Sophia.”

DeeDee could barely get enough breath for a polite answer. Dean was musing about marriage and family and how those things could keep a man grounded even after inheriting an insane amount of money. “They’re a great family.”

She watched him add kindling and set about lighting the fire for his niece. DeeDee tried to imagine Dean married. Would he come in from the pastures to have breakfast with her? As much as she tried to picture him married and living with his wife, DeeDee just kept seeing her and Dean together.

Dean kept musing as the fire started to crackle. “I know not all marriages are the same. Some are more about friendship, some have more passion and less common interests, and some are complete opposites balancing each other out. At least I learned that much from getting my brothers settled.”

DeeDee suddenly had the urge to tell Dean about her own marriage. Some people marry just to help a friend find a better life. She wanted to tell him how young she had been and how Gus had provided stability for her before she found it for herself. She knew something about entering into marriage for non-romantic reasons, and it felt like Dean could benefit from her experience.

Or maybe she just wanted to throw her own ex in his face and see if he felt the same as she had. The image of Dean embracing Vanessa still crushed the breath from DeeDee’s lungs. Would mention of Gus make Dean struggle too?

“Vanessa seemed nice,” DeeDee blurted out in order to stop her own confession.

Dean stood up and surveyed the fire before shooting her an odd look. “I was shocked to run into her,” he said.

Was that an apology for forgetting to introduce her? DeeDee wondered but instead asked, “Did you make plans to catch up with her before we leave?”

Dean frowned and took the chair Sophia had left. He scrubbed his chin, considered DeeDee again, and then said, “I didn’t even think to ask for her number.”

“Isn’t that what the internet is for?” DeeDee wasn’t sure why she was helping him. Or was she pushing him to see where his thoughts were headed?

Dean slouched back in his lawn chair and scowled at the fire. Finally, he let out a sharp sigh and admitted, “I thought about that all afternoon. I could have looked up Vanessa, seen where she’s been all these years, and reconnect with her. Those thoughts made me remember more of what it was like dating her.”

DeeDee didn’t want to hear any of that. She thought about accidentally lighting her sandal on fire so she could escape.

Dean took her silence for encouragement to continue. “We were a good fit for each other. Everyone said we made the best couple. Our ambitions even had the chance to fit together, if we had tried. Then she accepted a job in Miami. She didn’t tell me for two weeks. I went on making plans and she was already putting miles between us.”

“She decided you’d be long-distance without asking you?” DeeDee asked.

Dean nodded and scowled deeper. “It struck me as more than deceptive. She was dishonest with a purpose, thinking she would force me to accept the change. Vanessa lied for her own benefit and considered me second in her decisions.”

DeeDee felt Dean’s pain. He’d been on the verge of a joined life, then discovered his other half made plans for herself without him.

“She wanted to stay together and work out the long distance,” Dean said. “I should have probably tried, but the dishonesty just ate at me. She kept a secret, and you shouldn’t do that with someone you love.”

A chill swept over DeeDee despite the blazing fire. Dean was right about secrets hurting the love between two people. He still remembered the betrayal of that years later and had not fully forgiven Vanessa. Of all the certainties DeeDee had hoped for, now she knew without a doubt that Dean would not forgive her for hiding her fake marriage and keeping her past a secret.

Chapter Eighteen

DEAN

Dean was sad but not surprised when DeeDee excused herself from the fireside. She claimed to be heading inside to get the s’more supplies, but Anna brought those out herself. He thought DeeDee would appreciate his talk about honesty and hoped she would open up to him. They had precious time left on vacation and Dean wondered if they would miss their chance to clear the air.

Instead, Topher and Sophia came out to join him and their daughter, and the talk soon turned to matchmaking.

“When do you think there’ll be another wedding in Isabel?” Anna asked, her mind drifting again to romantic thoughts.

Topher grinned. “When I set your uncle up with the perfect woman.”

“I thought I was the one who was going to introduce his next date,” Sophia said, swatting at Topher’s knee.

“What makes you think I want a set-up?” Dean grumbled.

“Well, I mean, things would be different if we knew you had your eye on somebody. DeeDee told me you ran into Vanessa today,” Topher said.

Dean scowled at him. “I don’t have my eye on Vanessa.”

“What about DeeDee?” Topher asked.

“Oh, Uncle Dean, what about DeeDee?” Anna jumped right in. “You two are such a great couple.”

“People used to say that about Vanessa and I,” Dean pointed out.

“So, you are interested in Vanessa?” Sophia seemed hurt by the idea.

Dean set her straight immediately. “I’m not interested in Vanessa.”

Topher threw up his hands. “Well, we thought you had feelings for DeeDee, but this trip has shown otherwise.”

“What do you mean?” Dean was hurt. Did he really have such a hard shell that his only family couldn’t see where his affection lay?

“You and DeeDee are always thrown together, by work and by us, but that doesn’t show any effort,” Sophia explained.

More effort, less secrets. Dean took note but refused to discuss his feelings any further. DeeDee finally did return to the firelight, just to be polite, but it was clear she wanted to avoid Dean. Topher and Sophia both caught him glancing in DeeDee’s direction and their expressions seemed to encourage him to do something, but he had no idea what to do.

Whatever obstacle was between him and DeeDee had grown bigger.

In the morning, Dean needed a breather from it all. He grunted when he arrived in the downstairs kitchen, only to run into DeeDee. Dean gritted his teeth and asked her if there was anything he could.

“I can’t stand just lounging around anymore. That’s not me. Please tell me you have some kind of errand for me to run,” Dean said.

DeeDee looked at the list in her hands, the list she was clearly going to use as her own escape from the vacation home, then she handed it over. “Souvenirs for your family, Alessa, and Maisy.”

“Alessa wants a Galveston Island snow-globe?” Dean asked, trying to lighten their tense exchange. “She’ll probably just bash that real estate agent over the head with it.”

DeeDee gave a wane smile. “I think he’s sweet on her. Maybe Alessa will notice one of these days.”

“Not everyone is so silly when they are sweet on someone,” Dean grumbled.

“Feeling sweet only goes so far,” DeeDee responded tightly.

Dean worried about that comment all the way to the beachfront street. He weaved in and out of souvenir shops, picking up trinkets, and thought about DeeDee. He had just determined to march back to the Victorian and talk with her when he ran right into Vanessa.

There was a jolt of attraction and a wave of nostalgia as she smiled at him. “Hello again, Mr. Rolston.”

Vanessa had a dimple in her right cheek and Dean remembered it winking at him when they first sat across from each other on a dinner date. She smiled a lot, he recalled, even when she disagreed with someone or had an opposite opinion. Dean much preferred seeing the thoughts and emotions that flickered across DeeDee’s face like stormy clouds.

Still, his ex-girlfriend was a very appealing woman. Dean couldn’t help but notice her slender-fitting sundress and the fact there was no ring on her finger.

“Out to buy yourself a muumuu and a visor?” Dean joked.

Vanessa looked with horror at the baggy and gaudy dresses hanging on the wall next to them and swatted his shoulder. “Always surly or sarcastic.”

“And you were always so fashionable,” Dean said. He looked at her again. “You still are.”

“Thank you,” Vanessa said with a flirty smile.

Dean couldn’t help it, he had to know, “are you married?”

Vanessa gave a shocked laugh. “Still so blunt, I see. You never minced words. No, I’m not married.”

“Boyfriend?”

She tilted her head at him, curious. “No. Why do you want to know?”

Dean studied her eyes. “I just want to know if you ever found what you were looking for.”

Vanessa returned his gaze, her own face hardening slightly. “Not yet.”

For a moment, Dean forgot where they went wrong. Vanessa shook off the awkward pause and teased him about the armful of souvenirs. He explained about his family, happily shocking her with the news that his brothers were all happily married. She begged to know the details and walked with him from store to store as he shopped and recounted the triumphs of his subtle matchmaking.

“It is so wonderful to know that Sophia and Topher found each other again,” Vanessa said with a soft sigh.

“And you really haven’t found what you wanted yet?” Dean asked again.

“Not yet.” Vanessa took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. “Maybe I’ll run into it again on a beach town sidewalk, have all sorts of happy memories wash up like seashells, then see him again buying snow globes.”

“Sounds like something out of a novel,” Dean snorted.

Vanessa laughed. “What about you? Shouldn’t you be married by now? “

“You remember the ranch, right? It still takes up every second of time that you remember it did,” Dean pointed out.

“If your brothers can find women that fit into their busy lives, there is no reason you can’t too,” Vanessa asserted. “There has to be a Mrs. Rancher just waiting to work by your side.”

Dean glanced over his shoulder back towards the Victorian vacation house. “I wish it was as simple as that.”

“As simple as catching up with an old flame and feeling things rekindle?” Vanessa asked.

Dean realized they were standing too close to each other as they flipped through postcards at a shop stand. “We burned out pretty dramatically, don’t you think?”

He had, of course, said the wrong thing. Vanessa stepped back and crossed her arms across her stomach, ready to set him straight.

“I hesitated, Dean. I didn’t know how to tell you I wanted that job in Miami. It would have broken my heart to hear you talk with such finality about staying at the ranch.” Vanessa swung her silky hair back over her shoulders and straightened them in a determination to have her say. “I thought if everything was set, you would be too shocked to break up with me. My hope was to show you that long-distance could work for us. Eventually we would have found a way to be together.”

“Just like you eventually told me how you made life changing decisions without me,” Dean pointed out.

“It was my life,” Vanessa said.

“Our life.”

She furrowed her brow. “I honestly expected for our life to continue together.”

Dean sighed, remembering it was long ago. “I know you expected it to all work out, but the point is you didn’t work it out with me. You lied about getting the job, then hoped telling me the truth at the last minute would help you get what you wanted.”

“And what about what you wanted? “Vanessa asked sharply. “You wanted me to stay around the ranch, wash your clothes, and serve your meals? I know you went and hired a housekeeper just a few months after I left. In fact, I know that was who I saw you with yesterday.”

“Leave her out of this,” Dean snapped.

Vanessa’s eyebrows flew up. “So, that’s really her?”

His ex-girlfriend admitted how her friends had kept tabs on him for a while. It wasn’t long before everyone in town knew who DeeDee was and how much of an impact she made on the ranch. Dean noticed a flare of jealousy in Vanessa’s eyes, and it put him on edge.

“We’re talking about us and, yes, I wanted you to stay on the ranch and live with me. I wasn’t expecting you to turn into something you weren’t.”

“But you didn’t care how my career couldn’t fit into Isabel,” Vanessa pointed out.

“I cared but I was smart enough to know that was where our break-up started,” Dean told her. “My life was there, at the ranch, and yours was pulling you elsewhere. It would have pulled us apart eventually.”

“I know,” Vanessa admitted. She hugged Dean. “It just hurt, and you could never admit that.”

“I couldn’t?” Dean was thrown off.

Vanessa nodded. “I wasn’t honest about my intentions, and you were unsure about your feelings. That’s where the breakup really happened.”

“Well, I’m sure glad we ran into each other,” Dean said.

“It feels good to get all that out into the open after all these years,” Vanessa admitted.

Dean’s breath caught. He was lucky enough to have cleared the air with her, but she was the wrong woman. What he really wanted was to have the same kind of conversation with DeeDee.

Vanessa must have sensed as much because she smiled and laid a hand on his arm. “You distrusted me after you found out I lied, but now you’ve hung onto that distrust. The only thing you can do, Dean, is be sure of your feelings and then let the other person know.”

Dean stood and stared aimlessly at the postcards long after Vanessa said goodbye. She was right, but it felt impossible for him to sort out his feelings after such a roller coaster run in. Was the way he felt stronger than any secret?

He plucked a pretty, gauzy scarf from a shelf and paid for it quickly. The sunflowers reminded him of DeeDee, as did most strong and beautiful things, and Dean realized he could no longer keep quiet. He headed straight back to the vacation home to have a scary and honest conversation with DeeDee.

They couldn’t return to the ranch the same. Dean wanted to make sure that DeeDee realized just how much she meant to him. When she arrived at the Double R, he had a revelation about love. There were all different kinds, but sometimes there is love that fits into place like something was missing before. DeeDee completed his work at the ranch and filled hollow places in his heart that he had not admitted were there. Dating Vanessa was so different from the complete feeling he had every day around DeeDee, that he was in awe at the comparison.

He loved DeeDee Diaz, and it no longer mattered what secret or hesitation or doubt seemed to stand between. Dean was going to bet his love was stronger.

The first knock to his courage happened when he arrived back at the Victorian to find DeeDee was gone. Anna skipped through the kitchen and casually told him how DeeDee had been surprised by an old friend.

“An old friend?” Dean had to lunge to block his niece from skipping out the door before she answered.

“I only heard her half of the phone call, but she was definitely surprised,” Anna told Dean. She got another one of her dreamy, romantic smiles. “I think it was a man she used to know. Like a long-lost love.”

“Or a childhood friend,” Dean countered.

“Yeah, it could have been” Anna conceded, “but DeeDee blushed when she saw I was in the room.”

“Oh, is that scarf for DeeDee?” Sophia joined them. “She loves sunflowers. They’re her favorite flower.”

Dean gripped the scarf. “Any idea where she went?”

Sophia studied his face, wondering at his intensity. “She went to the beach to meet an old friend. Someone she grew up with, she told me.”

“See?” Dean pointed out to Anna.

“Sutton and Bethany grew up together and they’re in love,” Anna countered.

Dean scowled. “Exactly what did hear on that phone call that makes you think DeeDee’s off on a romantic meeting?”

“DeeDee’s meeting up with a secret love interest?” Topher sauntered into the room and watched his brother carefully. “Why’s that such a shock, Dean? DeeDee’s young, attractive, and absolutely wonderful.”

“I know that” Dean barked. “I know that better than you think. I know that better than you! She’s my. . .”

Everyone waited to hear what Dean was going to say except Anna. The teenager twirled her hair and recalled, “DeeDee told the person on the phone that strawberry ice cream was still her favorite. I don’t know my friends’ favorite flavors, but I bet Dad knows Mom’s.”

“Toffee,” Topher said with a wide grin.

“And DeeDee said no to a picnic,” Anna remembered. “She told the person ‘we don’t do picnics’ anymore, but she agreed to go on a walk and talk.”

Dean loved his niece but could have strangled her.

“Why is this bothering you so much, Dean? “Sophia asked as if she couldn’t guess the reason.

If he couldn’t find the words now, when would he figure out what to say to DeeDee herself? Dean cleared his throat. “She’s my friend, my every day.”

“Oh, Dean,” Sophia’s eyes were shining. “Just say it.”

Topher couldn’t take it anymore. “She’s the one you’ve always loved and we’ve all always known it. For goodness sake, Dean! Just go and tell her.”

“She’s my heart,” Dean croaked.

Anna stopped talking and stopped twirling her hair. Her jaw fell open. Sophia put an arm around her daughter and smiled. “See, Anna? Romance is real.”

“She’s just down the street,” Topher practically yelled.

Dean dropped the bag of souvenirs on the counter, the sunflower scarf still tight in his hand. “I’ll be right back. No, we’ll be right back.”

“Wait,” Topher suddenly reached out to stop him. “What about this friend she’s meeting?”

“Who cares,” Dean said. “I don’t want to be her friend. She obviously has enough friends. I just want to tell her how I feel.”

Unfortunately, Dean’s words died on his lips as he reached the beach and saw DeeDee’s friend lean down and kiss her.

Chapter Nineteen

DEEDEE

DeeDee couldn’t believe her eyes when she got to the beach. She blinked, shaded her face with her hand, and looked again. The man standing down by the water spotted her and waved enthusiastically. She saw a bunch of flowers under his arm, and a wide smile on his face.

Gus had followed her to Galveston Island.

“You shouldn’t have,” DeeDee called as soon as she was close enough for him to hear her over the waves. “What about your job? Your parole officer?”

“I get days off,” Gus told her. “And my parole officer gave me special leave because I told him I needed to get you back.”

DeeDee shook her head. “You spent hard-earned money getting here. What were you thinking? You’re supposed to be saving your money and starting over.”

“I was thinking about you,” Gus said. He reached for her hands, forgot the flowers, and laughed when they fell to the sand. “See? I forget about everything else when you are around.”

“Like you forget that we were always just friends and never in love,” DeeDee pointed out.

“You were so young and on your own,” Gus told her. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

Distrust rose up in DeeDee. “Now you’re telling me you lied about your feelings from the start? I married you to help you, thinking we were just friends, and now you’re suggesting you tricked the woman you loved into marrying you.”

“Love,” Gus said. “As in I still love you.”

DeeDee yanked her hands back and surprised them both with sudden tears. “No. Don’t do this, Gus. Why are you doing this to me?”

She knew it was romantic, standing on the windswept beach with a man confessing his love for her. Locals walking their dogs and tourists alike were looking their way and smiling. The flowers were forgotten on the sand until she pulled back and Gus knelt down to scoop them up.

From his knees, he looked up and held out the flowers. “You can’t tell me we wouldn’t make a good match.”

So romantic but it was the wrong man.

DeeDee clutched her heart as she realized how much clearer the scene with Gus made her feelings about Dean. What would she do if it was Dean kneeling in the sand? Her head spun as DeeDee admitted to herself that if it was Dean at her feet, she would fall to her knees and embrace him.

Gus gave her a pleading look. “I know you don’t believe me, but give me more time. If it wasn’t love at first sight, there was at least friendship between us. Support. Comfort. Love. They all go together.”

He stood up and swiped the sand off his pants.

DeeDee shook her head at the offered flowers, but put a hand on his arm. “All those things do go together, Gus, but not us. I married you so that you could live in the U.S. For all these years I believed you married me for the same reason.”

“I understand you want more, DeeDee. Give me a chance to add the romance to our relationship. We can find the things you want together,” Gus told her.

“I want someone else.”

There. DeeDee had finally said it out loud.

Gus nodded sadly. “I know.”

“What?” DeeDee’s hand fell away from his arm.

“Your letters,” Gus told her. “They talked about your job and the ranch, but they mentioned Dean Rolston over and over. It wasn’t too hard to read between the lines and see how much he meant to you.”

“You mean something to me too,” DeeDee assured him. “You’ll always be the support and comfort of my youth. I’ll always love you.”

“But you love him a different way,” Gus said.

“I do.”

Gus sighed. “I know. And he’s good for you. Trust me, I asked around.”

DeeDee smiled through tears. “Always looking out for me.”

“And I always will.”

“I’m sorry, Gus,” DeeDee said.

He caught both her shoulders and looked her straight in the eye. “I’m not. DeeDee, you are by far the best woman I have ever known, and I would have kicked myself every day if I hadn’t come down here and told you that one more time.”

“I don’t want you to be unhappy,” she told him.

Gus smiled. “And I want you to be happy.”

He brushed a sweet, goodbye kiss across her lips. “Now, go be happy. And call me sometime and tell me about it.”

She walked Gus back to his little motel and insisted on giving him travel money. DeeDee had to remind him of all the meals he prepared when they were young, and all the times he paid for her cab rides just so she would be safe. Gus frowned but took the money and promised he would keep in touch.

It was late in the afternoon when she arrived back at the vacation house. Inside, there was a flurry of packing as Topher, Sophia, and Anna got ready to head home, but DeeDee didn’t see Dean anywhere.

“He’s not with you?” Sophia stopped shoving clothes into a suitcase and stared at DeeDee.

“Why would he be with me?” DeeDee asked.

“He was going down to the beach to tell you. . . I mean, oh dear.” Sophia stopped herself and smoothed her hair back. “How was meeting your friend on the beach?”

DeeDee blinked, hesitating even though she knew she would have to tell her friend sooner rather than later. She took a deep breath and started to explain, “an ex, no, more than an ex, a dear friend came down to Galveston to catch up with me.”

“You’re back!” Topher darted into the room with an armful of clothes to pack. “Did my brother finally talk to you? How did it go? I bet he flubbed the whole thing. Did Dean make any sense at all?”

“Topher don’t—“ Sophia tried to stop him.

” What? I still get tongue-tied around you sometimes, so I’m betting it was ten times worse for Dean,” Topher joked.

“What did Dean want to tell me?” DeeDee asked, frozen in place.

Topher’s jaw fell open, then he pulled it shut into a look of regret. “He didn’t catch up with you?”

“DeeDee was just telling me she was catching up with someone else down at the beach,” Sophia said.

“Who was he?” Anna bounced into the room. “Was I right? An old boyfriend?”

DeeDee blinked again. “Sort of. Did you hear me talking on the phone?”

“Just a bit,” Anna said, not at all sorry. “I told them it sounded like you were meeting someone from your past. Were you in love?”

DeeDee clutched the nearby dresser. “There are different kinds of love.”

“That’s what Uncle Dean says too,” Anna chirped, not noticing the looks shooting around over her head.

Sophia and Topher realized something else was going on, something DeeDee probably wanted to keep private, but their daughter had no clue.

“Anna, did you tell Dean I was meeting someone at the beach?” DeeDee asked.

Topher swallowed hard. “We all did.”

“And what was Dean coming to tell me?” DeeDee asked.

Sophia cleared her throat. “I think all this talk about different kinds of love made Dean realize something. You’ll have to ask him about that.”

DeeDee caught sight of Anna’s face going all dreamy and romantic. “Real life is more complicated than daydreams, you know that, right, Anna?”

Topher gave a nervous laugh and told DeeDee, “you know, I used to daydream about you marrying Dean.”

“What?” All three women whirled around and stared at him.

“I was still young and traveling all the time and when I met you and saw you with my brother it just seemed so right,” Topher explained. “I daydreamed about coming home to find you two had gotten married. Then I’d always have a real home to come back too. And you’d keep him off my back.”

DeeDee had to laugh. “Don’t I do that anyway?”

It broke the tension but there was still a sense of sadness among the adults that Anna didn’t understand. “So, it’s okay for Dad to talk like that but I’m just a silly romantic girl?”

“Not at all,” DeeDee assured her. “I just want you to know that life and love are a lot messier than you think. I’ve certainly made a mess out of it.”

Sophia shook her head. “No, you haven’t. We did. Was everything okay with your friend at the beach?”

“He wanted me to feel something I didn’t. It ends up that we feel different kinds of love for each other,” DeeDee said.

Anna grumbled. “All this is too complicated. I’m glad I’m not in love.”

“I second that!” Topher cried. “I’m not ready to see DeeDee go through this, or Dean for that matter, but when your heart is on the line it’s going to kill me.”

Sophia laughed and squeezed her daughter’s hand. “Just stick with crushes for a while. They are much more fun.”

“Sorry I told Dean about you meeting your friend,” Anna apologized. “I didn’t know that it would, um, complicate things.”

DeeDee hugged her. “Me neither.”

“So, where is Dean?” Topher asked.

No one knew. He returned a while later with take-out from the local hotdog stand they had all loved, and made it seem like he had just taken a stroll around town. DeeDee wanted to believe that, but the quick look he exchanged with his brother and the negative shake of his head worried her.

Had Dean seen her with Gus on the beach?

DeeDee waited for him to ask her, but Dean was determined to enjoy the last moments of their vacation. He took Anna out to skateboard and feed the seagulls and it was almost time to head to the airport when they got back. In the rush and chaos of leaving the vacation home, and making sure nothing was left behind, DeeDee didn’t get a minute to talk to him.

The ride to the airport, another ridiculously long and flashy limo, was quiet as everyone said their own internal goodbyes to the beautiful Galveston Island. Dean avoided DeeDee’s glances, but she couldn’t read too much into that. He always got grumpy when there were goodbyes to be said.

Topher tried to give them a moment when they arrived at the airport, but Dean turned the opportunity down flat. “DeeDee’s probably sick of me, and she needs space before I turn into her boss again.”

Boss? Dean was back to referring to them as boss and employee?

Her heart sank. Despite Sophia’s hints that Dean had feelings for her, DeeDee was seeing none of that. She was used to his surliness, but there was something sour underneath the way he flexed his jaw and made sure not to look her way. Travel irritated a lot of people, but DeeDee was growing certain there was more to Dean’s mood than that.

Then he made a point of sitting next to Anna on the airplane and challenged her to a limitless game of Rummy. DeeDee was left to find a seat in the back of the private jet by herself.

“You mean I bought you that fancy handheld video game system and you just want to play with a cheap deck of cards?” Topher asked his daughter.

Anna laughed. “They have seashells on them.”

“Go on. Play at least one of those video games I spent too much money on,” Topher urged her.

“It’s not my fault you throw your money around,” Anna told him.

Topher laughed then turned his attention to Dean. “And you should go and sit with DeeDee. She could use the company.”

“I thought she looked like she had enough company today,” Dean said.

DeeDee bit her lip. So, he had seen her on the beach with Gus? It was killing her that he hadn’t come right out and asked her about it.

Unfortunately, that was the last that was said about it and about seating changes. The pilot announced they were next for take-off and that was it. The flight was quiet and DeeDee felt like an outsider.

The feeling only grew after they landed. Dean kept to himself on the drive back to the ranch and hardly looked at her as their luggage was deposited at the edge of the driveway. He insisted on carrying DeeDee’s suitcase but didn’t speak a word. She was fed up with it by the time they reached the foyer.

“Just put it down there, Mr. Rolston. I’ll go up the back staircase,” DeeDee snapped.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Dean snarled.

DeeDee grabbed the handle and stopped him. “Put it on my performance review. Ridiculously followed the protocol of a housekeeper by using the back stairs instead of the grand staircase.”

Dean glared at her. “Your performance review? Really? Have I ever treated you like that?”

“It’d be better to see it all out on paper than to endure this silent treatment,” DeeDee pointed out.

“Does this sound silent?” Dean said, his voice rising.

Maisy appeared in the doorway from the kitchen and cleared her throat. “Welcome back?”

“Funny you should say that” DeeDee said, ignoring poor Maisy and glaring at Dean, “because I don’t feel very welcome here.”

“There’s plenty of room,” Dean growled. “We could even find space for your friend, if that’s what you want.”

“Friend?” Maisy asked.

DeeDee’s muscles hardened, her grip still like iron on her suitcase. Dean hadn’t let go either and they locked eyes.

“Why don’t you ask me about him?” DeeDee challenged Dean.

“It’s none of my business,” Dean snapped.

DeeDee felt like her chest was cracking. She wrenched the suitcase away from him. “Fine. We’ll just stick to business. That means I’m going up the back staircase. That one’s not for servants.”

Dean’s eyes blazed at her. “Don’t make me into the bad guy.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, boss,” DeeDee quipped.

Maisy faded back into the kitchen, clearly afraid of their fighting. The foyer was so charged with angry words it felt like the whole room was buzzing. DeeDee hoped they would get the sting out now, but Dean turned away and headed up the stairs without another word.

Her whole body went limp, and she sank down on the bottom step of the grand staircase. Dean had seen her with Gus. Had he witnessed that kiss?

Without giving her a chance to explain it was a goodbye gesture, Dean had gone and made his own assumptions. He’d slammed the door shut on whatever feelings they shared and, knowing his stubbornness, he wouldn’t open it again.

DeeDee should have jumped up, chased after him, and forced him to listen, but she was equally as stubborn. Dean refused to ask for an explanation because that would leave his feelings out in the open. DeeDee would have happily explained but that would leave her vulnerable to Dean’s unbending ways.

He’d only just gotten around to forgiving an ex-girlfriend for hesitating. DeeDee feared that kind of hardness and pushed back with all her might. If he wouldn’t ask, she wouldn’t explain, and they would just have to go on with that rock between them.

Chapter Twenty

DEAN

Dean was so angry, he stayed in his suite pacing back and forth despite the fact it was only half past nine at night. He was used to finishing up paperwork in his study and finding DeeDee for a late-night cup of tea before heading to his rooms and flipping channels between late night shows.

After their vacation, Dean knew that DeeDee did the same and it was funny they spent their hours doing exactly the same thing just doors down from each other.

Only it was funny that night.

DeeDee was just a few doors down, but she had made it clear she felt miles apart from Dean. She wanted to make sure he felt the boundary between them. Why else would she insist on taking the back staircase? Why else would she call him ‘boss?’ Dean felt that DeeDee was pushing him away as hard as she could.

Not only was she pushing him away, but she had lied to him.

True, Dean had never asked her outright if she was dating anyone, but DeeDee had kept an entire part of her life secret from him. He couldn’t bear the thought that she had hidden parts of herself from him. She knew his whole house, his whole routine, his whole life, and suddenly he knew next to nothing about her.

Did the man on the beach know she liked flipping channels between the late-night shows until she was sleepy enough to go to bed?

Dean groaned. He couldn’t think of that man without seeing him kissing DeeDee on the lips.

He spent the night trying to shove that image out of his memory, but it sprang back in full color the moment he saw DeeDee in the morning. She rode up to him in the back pasture and handed over his coffee Thermos, her lips tight. Dean should have recalled their beautiful early morning ride along the beach, but all he could see was that man leaning down to kiss her.

“Maisy told me you ate breakfast in your room, so I didn’t bother to bring you a cinnamon roll,” DeeDee told him in a cold tone.

“I’m not hungry,” Dean retorted.

“Anything else you need?” DeeDee asked as she whirled her horse around and kept her eyes on the ranch house. “Anything you want to ask me?”

Dean refused to ask about the man on the beach. If she kept secrets, he wouldn’t pry, but he couldn’t help but comment, “just let me know if you need a room for a guest here at the ranch.”

DeeDee bit her lip hard, then said, “and you go ahead and let me know when Ms. Vanessa will be visiting. She seemed quite interested in catching up with you and hearing about the ranch.”

“You’re mad about Vanessa?” Dean asked, unable to stop himself.

“What’s to be mad about? Employees don’t go around expecting their bosses to tell them all about their love lives,” DeeDee said primly.

He glowered at her. “I know what you’re doing DeeDee, and it won’t work. I’ve always treated you as more than an employee and you can’t throw that in my face now. Just like you can’t guilt me into asking about who that was on the beach. It’s none of my business!”

“Back to business,” DeeDee pointed out. “Best if we just stick to that then.”

She spurred her horse towards the ranch house and Dean had to fight the urge to follow her. Why was she so upset?

Dean was the one that had his heart ripped out. He’d gone to the beach hoping to excuse himself to her friend and finally tell her how he felt. Then he’d seen her in the arms of another man. It was more than a shock; it was a betrayal. Dean had at least assumed they were close enough for him to have an inkling if she was dating someone. Being blindsided like that made him distrust their friendship as much as it bruised his feelings for her.

His chest burned as he thought about holding DeeDee’s hand, foolishly calling her his dinner date, and the kiss they had shared on his ranch. Had none of it meant anything to her?

It wasn’t hard for the ranch team and household staff to figure out something was wrong. He longed to ask Maisy about DeeDee’s mystery man, but her assistant avoided him like one might keep away from an angry bear. The cowboys weren’t much better. They either mumbled about the pains of the heart in gruff terms or slapped him on the back and didn’t say a word. Either way, daily work ground on awkwardly for a few days before he and DeeDee spoke again.

Dean didn’t want to speak to her, especially not after having caught her on the phone when he came in unexpectedly early for lunch. DeeDee’s eyes had gone wide, and she had cryptically spoken and ended the call as quickly as she could.

They were both too stubborn not to eat side-by-side like they always did, but this time the silence was sharp and uncomfortable. Dean could hardly swallow over a huge lump of jealousy in his throat.

Had he caught her talking to her boyfriend? Was that even the right word?

He choked, wondering if it was worse like ‘lover’ or ‘fiancé.’ Would DeeDee really get married and go off and leave him? Dean put down his sandwich and couldn’t eat another bite.

DeeDee noticed but said nothing.

Maisy came in from the back porch where she was serving the ranch team, and her voice squeaked as she gave DeeDee the report. “Everyone’s glad you’re back because I put too much mayonnaise in the coleslaw, and I overcooked the pork chops. Plus, your apple crumble was sorely missed.”

DeeDee forced a smile. “Thanks. Nice to hear.”

“Any messages?” Dean asked, refusing to be ignored.

Maisy shook her head. “No, sorry. Though DeeDee took a phone call for you just a bit ago.”

The assistant scrambled back outside, and DeeDee stiffened as Dean turned to face her fully. “Who called?”

DeeDee cleared her throat. “Did you think the phone call was for me? Is that why you didn’t ask about it?”

Dean narrowed his eyes, trying to keep it about work. “Did they leave a message?”

“It was a social call from Sutton. You should call him back,” DeeDee said.

Dean ground his teeth. “Just tell me what he had to say, DeeDee. Last time I checked, communicating with my family was part of your job.”

DeeDee glared at him. “He and Bethany have someone they want you to meet. A lovely bachelorette who will join you all for dinner at the steak house this week. There. Is helping you find an eligible wife part of my job now too?”

“Would that bother you?” Dean challenged her.

DeeDee lifted her nose in the air. “I thought Dean Rolston didn’t need his father’s money. I thought you were going to refuse to jump through Rolston Senior’s hoops.”

“You thought I would die a bachelor while everyone else went off and fell in love?” Dean snapped back.

“I’m not in love,” DeeDee said sharply.

Dean stopped, her words hitting him at a hard angle. Was she talking about the man on the beach or Dean himself? It hurt how much Dean still hoped DeeDee thought about him and love in the same sentence.

He decided to change the subject back to work but failed. “Well, forgive me for wanting my phone messages.”

“Like you’ve forgiven me for something you saw but didn’t understand at all?” DeeDee asked. Her eyes were shiny with tears but hard as she met his gaze.

Dean’s words burst out before he could stop them. “How am I supposed to forgive you for keeping your life a secret? I thought we knew each other and could trust each other.”

“You don’t trust me anymore? Without even asking?” DeeDee cried. She jumped off her stool and put the kitchen island between them. “How could you decide I’ve done wrong when all you have to go off are your own assumptions?”

“Like you’re one to talk about trust,” Dean snarled. “This whole time I’ve treated you as more than a housekeeper. You’re my friend, practically a member of my family, and yet you didn’t trust me enough to tell me you had someone else in your life.”

DeeDee’s shoulders slumped. “I know. I should have told you. It’s just it happened so long ago.”

“Long ago?” Dean asked.

DeeDee went pale and nodded. “He was part of my life before I came to work for you.”

Dean held up a hand, not wanting to know any more.

She slapped her palms on the kitchen island. “Why can’t we talk about this? You knew Vanessa before we started working together. How is this any different?”

“It feels different,” Dean said.

DeeDee had to acknowledge he was right, and it killed Dean. So, there really was something different about her relationship with the man on the beach. Were they not exes? Had he waited so long to figure out his feelings for DeeDee that she had fallen back in love with an old boyfriend?

Any explanation would only hurt more, so Dean refused to ask another thing.

He moved to leave the kitchen and get back to work despite it feeling like something inside him was tearing apart. Behind him, DeeDee cried out then caught herself and fell into a painful silence. Dean felt it like a weight that followed him through the rest of the week.

They worked together again, side-by-side, but the weight of their disagreement was growing heavier every day. Desperate for a distraction, Dean checked in with all his brothers, but they somehow knew to stay away. Even Topher told Dean he wanted to give him time after their vacation together.

“What are you not telling me,” Dean demanded over the phone.

Topher snorted. “You want me to tell you something that you refuse to let DeeDee explain?”

Dean gritted his teeth. “She can explain whatever she wants, but I’m not going to pry into her private life if that’s what you are suggesting.”

“Private life?” Topher bit out. “What about the life you two have together?”

“We work together,” Dean said stubbornly.

“Seriously, Dean. You have a decision to make, and you better get all your facts straight before you do,” Topher warned him.

That put Dean in a terrible mood. Who was his younger brother to warn him? What decision? If anyone had a decision to make, it seemed like it was DeeDee. She was the only one juggling two different lives.

The idea of DeeDee making a decision took hold and it haunted Dean.

He thought about it as he watched her direct a new duo in how to tackle the overwhelming job of cleaning the downstairs rooms. Would she decide she wanted to leave the Double R?

The thought occurred to him again as the ranch team began to talk about Thanksgiving. Some wanted to spend it with their families, while some had heard the cooking at the ranch was too good to pass up, even for time off. Dean stayed quiet on the subject as he worried that DeeDee might want to spend the holiday elsewhere.

The sense of a decision hanging over them especially came out when DeeDee asked to give Maisy a raise. It was fair because the young woman had put in an extraordinary amount of work, and she had shown dedication to her job. Dean just feared that paying Maisy more meant DeeDee was planning for her assistant to take over so she could leave.

“How come you never ask for a raise?” Dean asked DeeDee.

She looked at him and Dean noticed the weary shadows around her eyes. Was she up at night like him? There was an ache in his chest and he remembered how closely their daily habits mirrored each other’s. Maybe their habits of overthinking and losing sleep were the same too.

DeeDee replied, “I don’t need a raise. I have everything I want here and enough left over to keep a healthy savings account.”

Dean wanted to concentrate on how DeeDee had said she had everything she wanted, but his mind immediately worried over her mention of savings. She could go anywhere she wanted and start over at any moment. Years of working where room and board were provided must have left her with quite a nest egg. Where did she really want to be?

“So, you don’t want a review?” Dean asked. He meant it as a joke, but they were both too worn for humor.

“You can’t have it both ways, Dean. I mean, Mr. Rolston,” DeeDee said. “Either I’m an employee or I’m not.”

“If you’re not an employee here at the ranch, what would you be?” Dean asked. He was desperate for any hint that DeeDee would choose him over the other man, over work, even over the ranch itself.

Unfortunately, DeeDee only heard a challenge. “I don’t know what I would be but maybe it’s time we find out.”

“What do you mean?” Dean asked.

DeeDee straightened her shoulders and faced him. “I can’t go on in this limbo, Dean. Either you trust me enough to ask what you want to know, or you don’t. Either you think of me as an employee, or you let me know what else I am to you.”

“Shouldn’t you decide as well?” Dean asked.

DeeDee balled her hands into fists. “There’s only one decision I can make. I quit.”

Dean felt as if the floor was buckling beneath him. They’d been pushing each other for over a week, and the worst had finally happened. What else had he expected? They were both the same, hard-headed, guarded, and stubborn. Did he really think DeeDee would break down and tell him everything he hoped to hear?

She had no idea what Dean longed to hear. He knew that now.

Ever since they returned from vacation, Dean had been longing to hear her say she was sorry. Sorry she had kept a secret, sorry he found out about the other man in her life so suddenly, and sorry she had played with his heart.

The trouble with wanting that, was that Dean had never made it clear his heart was on the line. And now, because he had never taken that chance, Dean had to let DeeDee go.

The pain he felt tripled when Dean saw that DeeDee packed only the bags she had arrived with on that first day. None of the furniture they’d picked together for her suite was put in her car, and none of the gifts he had given her over the years had been packed. Not even the new suitcase she had purchased for their ill-fated vacation was used. DeeDee tossed her old suitcase in the back of her little sedan and left as if the Double R had only ever been a rest stop.

Chapter Twenty-One

DEEDEE

DeeDee’s hands shook on the steering wheel and everything behind her seemed like an awful, surreal dream. She looked in the rear-view mirror and saw her old suitcase on the back seat. The Double R was behind her and with it an entire life she had built. Now it didn’t seem to matter that the road rumbled beneath her car, she was ungrounded, her roots torn up and dragging behind her.

Had she and Dean fought?

It seemed impossible. They had disagreed, debated, snapped at each other, and lit short fuses, but they had never really fought with such a painful pointlessness. DeeDee thought back through the words they had exchanged and could not make sense out of two-thirds of what she remembered. She knew what she needed from Dean, he refused to give in. He was hurt and pulling on a hard shell, yet DeeDee let him close it up.

Why did neither of them say the simple words it would have taken to diffuse the whole minefield of a fight?

Fear. DeeDee felt it still coursing through her. She had almost made a fool of herself admitting childish fantasies were in her head and heart. Dean feared the secret she had kept; he hated not knowing.

And jealousy. Had Dean burned at the sight of DeeDee with another man? She knew she had felt the awful heat of it when she saw him with Vanessa.

Strangely it was the jealousy that gave DeeDee a stab of hope. Dean wouldn’t be jealous if he didn’t love her, would he?

“Oh, no,” DeeDee moaned over the buzzing of her car on the road.

Love was the reason she had reacted so badly and fled. If she had any courage at all, any real chance at love, DeeDee needed to go back and face Dean. The thought made her breath catch on a small sob. If she went back now, Dean would be stone-faced. They had both embarrassed themselves with passionate illogic and harsh words. There was still a wall between them, and it would hurt to come up against it again so soon.

She kept driving.

Dean would remain stony, and that fact was like flint to her anger again. How could he be so stubborn? DeeDee knew him well enough to realize that any instance that pushed him out of control would be pushed back, shut down, and coldly ignored until he could get ahold of himself. Only when he had forgiven himself for human behavior, would Dean be able to face the circumstance again.

She was now an awkward circumstance that Dean would rightly want to avoid. That thought broke her heart all over again.

DeeDee had no idea when she had driven into town or how she managed to parallel park on Main Street. She also had no sense of how long she had been sitting behind the steering wheel of her parked car until Alessa ran across the street and rapped on DeeDee’s driver side window.

“What are you doing? Are you okay?” Alessa rattled the door handle. “Unlock the door, DeeDee.”

DeeDee hit the button and dragged herself out of the driver’s seat, feeling her limbs were filled with lead. “I’m fine. I just didn’t know where to go from here.”

“I know, I know. Come on,” Alessa led her across the street and past the doors of The Tack and Feed. The store lights were off after closing time but there were still curious shoppers up and down the street.

“You know? Of course, you know,” DeeDee sighed. “Who told you?”

“Maisy called. She sounded the alarm as soon as she saw you drive off,” Alessa told her as she led her along the sidewalk. “Did you really fight with Dean? Maisy said you quit.”

DeeDee pulled back and pressed both hands to her mouth, then dropped them into a panicked wringing and cried, “oh, poor Maisy! I have to call her and tell her everything is going to be fine. I quit but she’ll take over and she’s good at it. She just needs a little more confidence. Can I borrow your phone? “

“Oh, no you don’t,” Alessa commanded. “You’re not going to immediately start taking care of everyone else and settling all the details. You have to spend a minute taking care of yourself, DeeDee.”

DeeDee shook her head. “I made a mess of things, Alessa. I can’t just leave Maisy like that. Can you imagine going from assistant to lead in one bad evening?”

Alessa shot her a look. “How do you think I went from clerk to store manager? Things happen. How about we focus on what happened with you and Dean first.”

“Nothing,” DeeDee snapped bitterly. “Nothing happened. That’s what.”

Alessa swallowed a laugh. “I imagined as much. Those Rolstons really are a surly, stubborn bunch. Luckily, you are not the first friend I’ve helped through a situation like this.”

DeeDee moaned. “I don’t want to be a situation.”

“All right, it’s time to get you inside. Come on, my loft is just up these stairs.”

Alessa opened a narrow door between the coin laundry and the rarely open art gallery. One flight up, unlocked the only door on the small landing and led DeeDee through a cramped foyer. From there the room opened up to immense proportions and pulled DeeDee from her daze.

“Wow. This is where you live?” DeeDee asked.

The living space ran the whole length of the art gallery and the corner shop with two huge half-moon windows looking out over Main Street. A ten-foot wall separated the main space from two bedrooms and across from those doors the corner had been walled in to create a spacious bathroom. A freestanding fireplace stood in the center of the loft, clad in smooth white stucco. Every inch of the loft was sleek, modern, and surprisingly stylish.

” I know,” Alessa laughed. “No one expects the manager of a rural Texas general store to have a place like this. That’s why I like it.”

She settled her bewildered friend on a glossy black leather sofa and went to the chrome and white kitchen to brew a pot of tea. “You’ll stay in the guest room until you figure out which way you’re headed.”

DeeDee hated to impose on her busy friend. “Thanks, Alessa. This town really needs a bed and breakfast. I don’t want to put you out.”

Alessa snorted. “You’ve never put anyone out in your life. I like having company over. Maybe you can help me dodge that annoying real estate agent.”

“Mark?” DeeDee struggled to concentrate on the conversation so she could steer it away from herself. “You two looked like you were getting along at the party.”

“How can anyone get along with someone who is just trying to get something out of the relationship for themselves?” Alessa asked. “He’s charming but conniving and, trust me, the combination wears on a woman.”

DeeDee wisely changed the subject. “You know, that bed and breakfast idea is not bad. Do you think I would be good at managing one? I bet it would be a lot easier taking care of a few guests than a whole. . .”

Her words trailed off painfully.

Alessa turned off the stove. “Yeah, we’re going to need something stronger than tea. I have some wine in my office. I’ll just run over to the store and grab it.”

DeeDee promised to stay put and sank lower onto Alessa’s couch. Her mind was still stuck on the thought that she had left the ranch behind. She loved taking care of the ranch teams. It was like having a huge extended family to feed every day and she thrived in the chaos of their care. How could she switch from that to a few shy guests at a little bed and breakfast?

Her body felt like lead and her chest ached. DeeDee felt the loss of her job and home like the death of a loved one and she began to mourn. It did not seem possible that she wouldn’t be back there in the morning, mixing up muffin batter and going over the chore lists with Maisy. She was too buried in sorrow to dig out her phone and call her poor assistant. If she heard Maisy’s worry, she would start to cry and not be able to stop.

“Knock, knock, it’s just me!”

“Sophia?” DeeDee struggled to pull herself back up to sitting.

“No, don’t move. Don’t worry. I’m here and I just happen to have a whole tray of warm brownies. Alessa will be right back with the wine.” Sophia bustled in and came right over to perch on the couch next to DeeDee.

“We fought and it was my fault, then I quit,” DeeDee started to blubber.

“I doubt it was your fault and we’ll talk about you quitting tomorrow,” Sophia assured her. “Tonight, your friends are going to cheer you up.”

DeeDee sat up and brushed her hair back from her face. She sniffled then took a big, cleansing breath. “Right. Yes. I don’t have to be such a mess.”

“If only I looked that good when I was a mess,” Alessa commented as she came back in with a bottle of red wine. “No wonder every cowboy from here to San Antonio knows your name.”

“I thought it was my cooking,” DeeDee said seriously.

Both women laughed and Sophia patted her arm. “DeeDee, it kills me how completely oblivious you are. The only reason every eligible man in town hasn’t fallen all over you is that you have been too busy to notice.”

“That can’t be true,” DeeDee grumbled.

Sophia happily accepted a glass of wine from Alessa, then handed another to DeeDee. “So, you didn’t see all those heads turning when you walked down the beach on Galveston Island?”

“Of course, she didn’t,” Alessa teased.

DeeDee bit her lip. She never noticed because her whole focus had been on Dean. His arm brushing hers, how they ended up holding hands after she ran out of the waves, and how he had not let go.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she had to put down her wine untouched as she wiped them away. “I didn’t mean to mess up the end of that wonderful vacation.”

Sophia sighed. “You didn’t. You’re allowed to know other people, other men even, and you’re certainly allowed to take a walk with them on the beach.”

DeeDee moaned. “I can’t believe Dean saw us on the beach. Gus kissed me, the total idiot. What must Dean have thought?”

Alessa shoved onto the couch on the other side of DeeDee. “Some of us weren’t there and would really like to know every single detail.”

Sophia shot her a look. “She can’t have a private life?”

DeeDee shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I waited too long to tell anyone, and I need to get it out now.”

She took a deep breath and explained how young she was when her family fell apart and Gus came into her life. DeeDee skipped over the need for the Green Card in her rush to explain his innocence despite the time he had served. The women were sympathetic to her keeping his incarceration to herself, especially since they were so young and their marriage was not even consummated.

“But you’re divorced now?” Alessa asked.

DeeDee nodded. “I insisted. We were only good friends, but then Gus got it into his head that we should try the whole thing for real. He came down to Galveston Island as a big romantic gesture.”

“The wrong man with the right idea,” Sophia commented.

Tears welled up in DeeDee’s eyes again. “So, I’m not crazy? I didn’t know if I’d made up all those hopeful hints from Dean, or just let my own foolish fantasies get out of control.”

Sophia shook her head vehemently. “There are more than hopeful hints. Dean loves you and I’m sure of it.”

“I know he does too and I didn’t even see you hand in hand on the beach,” Alessa pointed out. “Everyone in town has speculated for years that Dean Rolston is head over heels in love with you.”

DeeDee finally took a sip of her wine and the color returned to her cheeks. She didn’t quite believe her friends, but she was feeling better in their company. “I don’t get it,” DeeDee mused, “how did I go from having a content, almost spinster life to all this chaos with Dean and romantic gestures from Gus?”

Alessa asked, “so, there’s no hope for Gus? I mean, you knew him for so long. He sounds like a good guy. Are you sure you don’t want to really try things with him?”

DeeDee was sure. “He is a good guy, but our marriage wasn’t about passion or love. It was about comfort and helping each other as friends.”

“And you stayed married so that the parole board would look kindly on him. No wonder he has feelings for you,” Sophia said. “It can be easy to mistake gratitude for love.”

“It’s over with Gus. We’re still just friends, but I doubt that’s what Dean saw,” DeeDee lamented.

“He’ll get over it,” Alessa asserted.

DeeDee shook her head and turned to Sophia. “Did you tell her about Dean running into Vanessa?”

“Vanessa?” Alessa tipped her head. “I remember Vanessa.”

“Dean ran into Vanessa on our vacation. At first, I thought he was happy to reunite with her” DeeDee admitted. “I even wondered if she was the perfect way for him to gain his inheritance.”

Alessa interrupted. “Dean doesn’t want that money, especially not that way.”

“I don’t know,” DeeDee said.

Sophia gave a soft moan. “Some of that is my fault. Topher and I thought pushing Dean into a set-up would be a good way to get him to admit how he feels about you.”

“And he doesn’t feel that way about Vanessa,” Alessa added. “I remember when they broke up and he wouldn’t forgive her for taking some job and lying to him about it for weeks.”

DeeDee wrung her hands. “That’s exactly it. Dean ran into Vanessa years later and he still remembered how she had lied to him. He’s completely unbending. I mean, I get it, Dean believes in honesty and integrity. I love that about him, but he doesn’t know how to forgive.”

“And you’re worried he won’t forgive you for keeping your past with Gus a secret?” Sophia guessed.

DeeDee nodded and sank down into the couch cushions, miserable again. “That’s why I can’t go back. I’d have to tell him the whole truth and then he wouldn’t have me anyway.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” Sophia said. “His brothers have managed to change and compromise for the women they love.”

“After a while and not without problems,” Alessa, always the realist, pointed out. “Those Rolston men are a stubborn bunch and grumpy when pushed. No wonder DeeDee drove off and left him to his growling. This is the only way to make him come around.”

DeeDee was too tired and heartbroken for hope. She went to bed cared for and comforted by friends, but more lost than she had ever been before.

Chapter Twenty-Two

DEAN

Dean only felt comfortable in the saddle, and that was only because it was harder for people to see his rigid posture when he was on horseback. These days he was keeping himself carefully contained and it was hard to breathe, much less move.

Work kept him going, but even that was like rubbing against coarse sandpaper. His daily life overlapped with DeeDee’s absence so often the pain was almost constant. Her touch was in the new comforter on his bed, the clean clothes he pulled on, the decor of the hallways, the schedule of the day. DeeDee’s memory was in every inch of the ranch, and her absence even extended outside. Dean felt like he needed armor against the hurt of it, but all he had was his normal routine and a stony expression.

It didn’t help that in her place, Dean ran across the terrified Maisy or his own sullen crew members. Their short vacation - had that actually happened? - had proven that DeeDee’s presence at the ranch was not critical. Everything ran smoothly on the tracks she had long ago perfected, and normalcy continued without her. Still, the loss of her was felt across the ranch. In terms of affection and worry, she was on everyone’s minds.

The rumors were kept from Dean, but he knew what they were saying. He’d been cruel to her on vacation or made inappropriate advances. He’d taken her on the trip to soften the blow of firing her. He’d proposed to her just to get his inheritance and gotten angry when she refused.

That last one hurt the most and Dean wasn’t sure why. Did it bother him that people thought he would blindly pursue his father’s billions? Or did the thought of proposing to DeeDee and being rejected hit too close to his heart?

Either way, the discomfort of the whole situation wore on him until he let it fuel his upset with DeeDee herself. She quit! After all the years and respect and affection he had given her? She was the one that left and ripped open a wound that everyone felt entitled to toss salt on. She had kept her secrets and fled before having to tell him the truth.

Dean longed to know the truth, to hear it from her. His mind constantly conjured her in every room, on every acre, and he ached to see her. He imagined horrible confessions that wounded his soul, but they always faded fast and left only her image in front of him. Dean knew his heart was ready to forgive her anything, but his head still had not caught up.

Torn, Dean went about ranch business with his stiff posture and ran off anyone that tried to ask questions or offer advice. Until Topher came over and would not let any of Dean’s threats scare him away.

“You already bullied Drake off the Double R,” Topher reminded him. “He needs your help moving those horses to auction and you hung that fact over his head until he had no choice but to leave you alone.”

“Leave me alone, Topher, or I’ll do the same to you,” Dean muttered. He was holed up in his study for the second night in a row. It was better to stay awake and work than let his mind dream of what was gone.

Topher made himself comfortable in a chair across from Dean’s desk. “And Theo is fed up with you. He told me the next time he feels like being a sympathetic ear to you, he’s going to go find a rattlesnake instead. Practically bit his ear off with your sudden litany of complaints about everything from his paperwork to his riding style. You’ll be lucky if you see him before Christmas.”

“Sounds good,” Dean snapped. “Anything is better than unwanted advice from my little brothers.”

Topher snorted. “You only call us little when you’re in a bad way yourself.”

Dean dragged both hands over his face, then stared at Topher. “What do you want from me?”

“Is it so unbelievable that I want to know if you’re okay?” Topher asked.

“See for yourself,” Dean grumbled. “I’m still alive and talking. And trying to work.”

“That’s good but you know what I mean.”

Dean balled his hands into fists. “Why do I have to read everyone’s minds? Why do I have to ask the right questions? Why can’t people just tell me the truth?”

Topher cleared his throat. “You think DeeDee has been lying to you?”

Dean glared at him. “I’m not getting into this with you, Topher. Or anyone.”

“Why not?” Topher was quickly losing patience with his stubborn brother.

“Because it’s over, Topher. She’s gone,” Dean roared. He barely brought his volume back under control as he said, “you’ll just have to get used to the idea that I’m your old bachelor brother.”

“That’s it?” Topher laughed. “One fumble and you’re taking yourself out of the game? Come on, Dean, where’s your fighting spirit?”

Dean thought seriously about throwing a paperweight at Topher’s head, then crossed his arms tight across his chest to stop himself. “You have enough money now that you don’t have to worry about mine. You shouldn’t have to come here begging for loans like you used to.”

Topher waggled a finger at Dean. “I see what you’re trying to do. It’s what you did to Theo. You’re not going to upset me by bringing up my past faults. I’m here for you, Dean. I’m here to help.”

“So help me God,” Dean grumbled.

“You can’t resign yourself to a life of bachelorhood just because it’s easier,” Topher pointed out. “I bet an hour; no five minutes haven’t gone by without you thinking about DeeDee. You can’t stand that for the rest of your life. You need to go and talk to her.”

“Great, thanks. Good advice. Now get out,” Dean said.

Topher leaned back, refusing to move from his chair. He smiled at Dean and rolled up his sleeves. “All right. I didn’t want to have to do this, but you’re making me. If you weren’t so stubborn, I wouldn’t have to resort to this.”

Dean was irritated but could not help his own curiosity. “Resort to what?”

“I have an ace up my sleeve, big brother. I always do,” Topher teased.

Dean should have ignored him, but he knew Topher was the most tenacious of his brothers. “What could you have that I could possibly need?”

Topher grinned. “Information.”

“I don’t need your gossip, Topher. There’s enough of that flying around here, though no one is stupid enough to share it with me directly. Maybe you should take a cue from everyone else,” Dean suggested.

Topher, undeterred, sat up and leaned forward. “I know the identity of the man on the beach.”

Dean stopped and swallowed. He couldn’t even pretend like he didn’t understand. What beach? What man? There was no feigning ignorance. Somehow, Topher knew who DeeDee had been talking to that day. And he knew that Dean wanted that truth.

“That’s DeeDee’s business. She should be the one to tell me. Spreading rumors chips away at your integrity, brother,” Dean told him.

“Play it cool all you want. You’re dying to know who she was with. Did you blow everything up and ruin your future happiness over nothing and no one? You have to know,” Topher tempted him.

Dean steadied himself. “This is bigger than that, Topher. It’s about trust and honesty.”

“I’m offering you the God’s honest truth,” Topher told him.

“Maybe it’s about DeeDee wanting to be happy and me getting out of the way,” Dean said softly.

Topher stopped. “Ah, come on, Dean. Don’t be like that. You’re the one to make her happy. Stop thinking otherwise.”

Dean shook his head. “Maybe I assumed too much, and now the best thing I can do for DeeDee is step back and let her go after what she wants.”

“She wants you,” Topher insisted.

Dean shook his head again. “She’s never coming back here.”

Topher snorted. “Only because she’s as stubborn as you. Lord, were the rest of us Rolston brothers really this hard to set up?”

“Face it, Topher. You’re only here because you know DeeDee won’t come and talk to me,” Dean pointed out.

“She is stubborn,” Topher admitted. “Though you’re the one that has questions. You want to know about who she met on the beach.”

“So what?” Dean barked. “I’m not going to ask DeeDee that. It’s her private life, one that she kept private from me for years!”

“Fine.” Topher held up both hands and feigned like he’d given up. Then he took his shot. “If you won’t ask DeeDee, at least ask Gus Hernandez. DeeDee’s ex-husband.”

Dean stopped. Maybe his heart stopped too. Time certainly seemed to stop as he stared at his desk and tried to take in the information his brother had dropped on him. Gus Hernandez. DeeDee’s ex-husband.

“He’ll tell you the truth about what you saw on the beach,” Topher said.

A kiss. Not a passionate one, but their lips met. DeeDee didn’t pull away instantly. Was that only from familiarity? Or were there still feelings there?

Dean tried to shake it off. The man’s name and one simple fact had hit open a hornet’s nest of questions inside Dean’s mind.

He cleared his throat. “Lots of people by that name here in Texas.”

Topher agreed but held up a finger. “Except, this particular Gus Hernandez came to the Double R while we were on vacation. He asked after DeeDee and left his address and phone number in exchange for our vacation home information. Maisy still has it in the kitchen.”

“She’s scared of me,” Dean pointed out. “Maisy won’t want to give me that information.”

“She is not scared of you,” Topher rolled his eyes. “Sure, she prefers to be far away from your bad moods, but she is not scared.”

“She’s not?” Dean asked.

Topher stood up and reached for Dean’s phone. “She’s mad at you. Like everyone else here and most everyone in Isabel. You hurt DeeDee.”

“She’s the one that left,” Dean reiterated but the heat had gone out of his voice.

Topher dialed the kitchen. “Hi, Maisy. Would you mind bringing that contact info to Dean’s study? Yes, thank you.”

Maisy arrived and Dean noticed his brother was right. She looked apprehensive but she stood straight and looked Dean right in the eyes. “Here’s Mr. Hernandez’s contact information.”

She set it down on the edge of Dean’s desk and waited.

Dean knew she expected questions and he couldn’t resist anymore. “He came here asking for DeeDee?”

Maisy nodded. “I was cautious, him being a stranger and all. I asked him how he knew DeeDee and he said they were close when she was finishing school.”

“Her ex-husband?” Dean shot Topher a look, hoping his brother had not been exaggerating just to push him.

“He wanted to know where DeeDee was in Galveston, so I asked him why,” Maisy explained. “He told me that he and DeeDee were divorced but he wanted to win her back.”

“Romantic, right?” Topher asked.

Maisy looked at Dean, clearly in agreement with his brother. “I didn’t think he would actually go to Galveston Island. I thought he would just call.”

“Well, apparently he was telling the truth and really wants her back,” Dean said. He bit his back teeth down hard.

DeeDee was gone on bad terms, and now Dean discovered there was another man out there vying for her affections? A desperate urgency buzzed through his veins, but he tried to remain calm.

“Thank you.”

As soon as Maisy left, Dean turned to Topher and tried to dismiss him too. His brother just sat back down and waited expectantly.

“I got his information. I’ll call him when I want to know,” Dean snarled.

Topher sighed and stood up. “You want to know. Now you can ask DeeDee herself or you can call this Gus. Let me know what you decide.”

“I’d rather ride in one of your steeplechases,” Dean told him.

Topher smiled and wished him a goodnight.

Dean’s night was anything but good. He couldn’t sleep and the clock was moving too slow. It was a long agonizing time until the clock registered a decent hour for making phone calls.

“Is this Gus Hernandez?” Dean asked, after having to clear his throat hard.

“Yes. Can I help you?”

Dean’s mind spun. What was he supposed to say? Seeing you with my housekeeper made me insanely jealous and I need to know who you are and how she feels about you?

Dean gulped, then steadied his voice. “DeeDee Diaz recently left my employ and I need to know where to send her severance. I thought perhaps you would know where she is.”

“So, this is Dean Rolston?” Gus asked.

“Yes,” Dean said.

Gus chuckled quietly. “DeeDee quit and you want to talk to me? We better meet in person, eh?”

Dean did not like the amusement he heard in the other man’s voice, but he took down the address Gus gave him and drove to meet him. He was surprised to find Gus coming out of a meeting with his parole officer. He gestured for Dean to walk with him to a nearby coffee shop.

“So, want to ask about my incarceration or my marriage first?” Gus asked.

Dean cleared his throat. “Neither is really my business.”

“DeeDee would never tell you, but I know she wants you to know. So, stubborn that one,” Gus smiled. “Let’s start with my jail time.”

He told Dean how he had been set up by people trying to force him into a gang. His story jumped around from what it was like for him as a young man, to how he had met DeeDee. She had needed help too as her family had fallen apart, and the two had struck up a friendship. Gus repeated how it was just a friendship, then he jumped to marrying DeeDee and back to getting set up.

“No wedding night, no honeymoon, just charges and a conviction,” Gus told Dean. “We were never properly married and then I served my time.”

“Then you got divorced?” Dean asked.

Gus nodded. “DeeDee stuck with me so the parole board would favor my release. She even helped me land a steady job. Then, she asked me for a divorce. What was I supposed to do? Deny that woman the one thing she wanted? No.”

“But you love her and want her back?” Dean looked the man in the eyes.

Gus nodded but there was a sadness in his look. “Who wouldn’t love her?”

Dean had to agree with that. The entire drive back to the Double R, Dean reeled at the fact that DeeDee had hidden a marriage from him. All the while his heart kept beating the same thing over and over again: DeeDee was single now.

Chapter Twenty-Three

DEEDEE

DeeDee was awake at her normal time, well before dawn, but she squeezed her eyes shut and wished she could go back to sleep. The tightness in her chest had spread to an all-over body ache and Alessa was certain she had the flu. She’d fought with Dean, quit her job, stressed herself out and gotten sick. Another day like that was not what DeeDee wanted to see.

She struggled to pull her arms out from under the covers. Alessa’s guest room was quiet and comfortable, but she could hear her friend getting ready for work at The Tack and Feed. DeeDee knew she should force herself upright so she could make Alessa breakfast, coffee at least. She dragged herself to the doorway of the guest room and leaned against the frame.

“Oh, no. Go back to bed. Right now.” Alessa waved her back.

DeeDee shook her head. “I have to work this off. I need to do something.”

Alessa sighed. “Turn on the coffee.”

Her friend had already prepped the drip coffeemaker the night before, so DeeDee flipped the switch on and leaned heavily on the counter. At the Double R, she would be mixing the batter for her first batch of muffins. She missed the radio playing softly in the corner, the warmth of the big oven, and the sounds of the ranch already getting to work. She missed wondering if Dean would walk through on his way out or if she would have to wait and see him later when she delivered hot coffee; the thrill of those thoughts had energized her mornings.

“Please, DeeDee. Go back to bed and take it easy,” Alessa begged. She was dressed and ready for work. “It’s okay to have hit a wall. It happens to everyone.”

DeeDee nodded. “I just need to dust myself off.”

Alessa gave her a quick hug. “It’s okay to be honest too. You’ve had your heart broken, or at least bruised.”

“I thought that only happened to schoolgirls,” DeeDee sniffled.

“Wishful thinking. Though I gotta say, no one around here is making falling in love look advisable,” Alessa joked. “I watched all of Dean’s brothers drag themselves around just like you. I wonder when we’ll see the man himself.”

“Dean Rolston doesn’t fall in love,” DeeDee muttered. Just like he never got sick, never took a day off, never forgave someone for keeping a secret.

“Just rest up,” Alessa told her. “I’ll be back with lunch.”

DeeDee thanked her again and listened as Alessa clattered down the narrow staircase and out onto Main Street. Then DeeDee poured herself a mug of coffee and curled up on the corner of the couch. She promised she would just rest long enough to finish the caffeine, then she would find something good to do to show Alessa her gratitude.

She tried to focus on the sounds outside. Main Street was slowly waking up, pickup trucks starting, hellos being called from sidewalk to sidewalk, and people’s footsteps walking by. DeeDee appreciated the differences from the ranch just as she admired Alessa’s modern loft. Exposed brick and old wood beams contrasted nicely with stainless steel and sparse, sleek furniture. DeeDee tried to imagine how she would decorate her own place, but her mind kept drifting back to the Double R.

The main hall was scheduled for cleaning that day. She could see the tile floor, the polished wood tables, and the carefully selected statues. Dean had approved every piece, but DeeDee had put her heart and soul to making his house a home. She longed to walk through that wonderful room after it was swept and clean, but now she was sure she would ever see it again.

Was that Dean’s voice?

DeeDee peered from her corner on the couch out the window and down to the street below. It was someone else, and her aches returned. Why was it so much easier remembering her job and the things she worked with there than it was remembering him? She wondered if anywhere would feel like home without him.

That sad thought drove DeeDee off the couch and into a hot shower. She couldn’t spend the day looking out the window and wishing for Dean Rolston. What she needed was work, a project, a chore, anything to keep her mind off him. Getting showered and dressed was just the first step, but she was determined.

In the steam and the whoosh of the water, DeeDee admitted Dean was the root of the problem. Even as she railed against his unforgiving nature, she respected his need for honesty and integrity. Dean was a man worth compromising for and she fought the urge to find him and tell him that directly.

DeeDee stepped out of the shower and faced herself in the mirror. No. She had compromised when she got married to help Gus. She had compromised by keeping the union to support him in prison. DeeDee had compromised by staying Dean’s housekeeper so long and never searching for more. She couldn’t keep doing that and feel like she deserved her dreams.

What was her dream?

It seemed all she and Gus had ever talked about were dreams. When they first started hanging out, their conversations were all about starting out in the ‘real world.’ Then they daydreamed about a safe apartment away from the gangs and a savings account that started to add up. When Gus went to prison, the dreaming continued in their shared letters. Would he know what she’d been aiming at all these years?

DeeDee got dressed and reached for her phone, but she couldn’t bring herself to punch the numbers. Gus would be more than happy to dream with her again, but that wasn’t fair to him.

She had to do her dreaming alone.

“Not dreaming, planning,” DeeDee scolded herself. “You’re not a little girl anymore and it’s time to grow up and get going.”

Go where?

DeeDee slumped back onto Alessa’s couch. She had to choose her own way now and the thought overwhelmed her. What direction did she want to go?

Alessa found her on the couch when she rushed home on her lunch break. “Don’t worry, I got your favorite from The Bluebird Cafe. They were busy today!”

DeeDee woke from her daze and forced a smile. “Not too busy to gossip, I hope. What’s happening in Isabel today?”

“Well, there’s a loose steer over in the north neighborhood. I bet it’s Charlie’s.” Alessa unpacked the sandwiches and spread-out napkins on the coffee table. “Old Betsy apparently lied to her daughter about quitting smoking because the fire department had to put out a fire on her back porch. And I ran into that wretched real estate agent again.”

“Is he still after your family’s farmhouse?” DeeDee asked, picking at her sandwich.

Alessa sighed. “Yes. I don’t know why he wants it. All his other listings are commercial. Apparently, he’s a big deal in commercial real estate. He’s a big pain in the you-know-what to me.”

They ate their sandwiches in silence for a moment. DeeDee was dying to ask after news of the Double R, but she didn’t want to seem desperate. Alessa was dying to share what she heard about the ranch, and finally Alessa broke down.

“I heard Maisy is rising to the challenge out at the Double R,” Alessa burst out. “Everyone says Dean is worse than ever, grouchier than a spring bear, but Maisy is getting good meals out on time, so the ranch team is content.”

DeeDee had to smile at that. “I knew she could do the job. Good for Maisy.”

Alessa waited to see if DeeDee asked any questions, admired her stubborn restraint, then decided to change the subject. “Speaking of jobs, everyone around town is asking after you. The Bluebird Cafe would take you in a second, anything from hostess to manager to cook if you want. Theo was in the store bright and early and offered you the run of his ranch.”

“He’s been trying to steal me from Dean for years,” DeeDee said fondly.

“And Hetty would love the help,” Alessa told her. “Not that you want to get tangled up with Rolstons again. Or do you?”

DeeDee shook her head, avoiding the awkward subject area. “So, tell me more about this real estate agent. Mark, right?”

Alessa snorted. “No chance. I’m not giving him the time of day. Though he did ask after you. He really likes your bed and breakfast idea.”

They finished the quick lunch together, then Alessa headed back to work. DeeDee felt buoyed by the thought of the bed and breakfast, at least it was an idea to focus on. She certainly had the qualifications. She used the energy from that to get herself outside for a walk. The quiet loft wasn’t helping.

DeeDee wasn’t outside for more than five minutes when someone on Main Street called hello to her. The little town of Isabel, Texas didn’t have much in the way of commerce, but it was big on charm. Everyone was friendly, nosy but caring, and DeeDee enjoyed the smiles even as she avoided stopping to talk. The first thought on everyone’s lips was obviously her leaving the Double R, and DeeDee was trying hard to look ahead.

Ironically, she was looking back over her shoulder and waving at another passerby when she ran right into Drake Rolston.

“DeeDee! Sorry! Are you all right? How are you?” Drake caught hold of her shoulders to steady her then pulled her into a hug.

She patted his back and tried to pull back. “Hi, Drake. I’m fine. Just taking a walk.”

He blocked her route down the sidewalk. “I tried to talk with Dean, but he ran me off. I’m not letting you do the same.”

DeeDee shot him a look. Drake had always been a little brother to her, but she didn’t appreciate him turning the tables and treating her like family. Her heart needed to stay hard against the Rolstons or she felt she would fall apart.

“You can walk with me,” DeeDee told him, “but you’re not stopping me.”

Drake smiled as he fell into step beside her. “I wouldn’t dream of stopping you. In fact, I think you quitting the Double R is the best news I’ve heard since August’s wedding.”

DeeDee stumbled. “What?”

“Freddie and I met when she came to nanny for Teddy. I was in love with her but too scared to admit it. Our positions as boss and employee became a convenient excuse to avoid those scary feelings. When she quit, I knew for certain I couldn’t let her disappear from my life,” Drake explained.

“I remember,” DeeDee grumbled. “Dean cheered when she quit too. But, this is totally different.”

“Because Dean is the most stubborn out of all of us?” Drake laughed.

DeeDee stopped on the sidewalk and stomped her foot. “What makes you think we’re in love? Just because we worked well together doesn’t mean there was anything more. Stop daydreaming.”

Drake grew serious. “Well, if I stop daydreaming, I may start gossiping and I heard something very interesting just yesterday.”

“I hate gossip, Drake. You know that” DeeDee snapped.

“Then I‘ll just tell you the truth,” Drake decided. “Dean hired Mr. Penn to clear Gus Hernandez’s name. He was wrongly convicted, and Mr. Penn is certain he can have his record wiped clean.”

“Impossible. Really?” DeeDee started to say, then her eyes went wide with horror. “How do you know that name?”

Drake swallowed hard as he realized he’d misstepped. “He came looking for you and left his information at the ranch. Dean went to talk with him—“

“What?!” DeeDee stepped back, horrified. “Dean confronted Gus?”

“Topher said he followed you to Galveston Island. Dean just wanted to know what kind of a guy would do that. If someone was following Freddie, I would want to know,” Drake scrambled to say.

“Instead of coming to talk to me, Dean went to check up on Gus,” DeeDee repeated, her mortification heating her cheeks bright red.

Drake took hold of DeeDee’s shoulders again, trying to make her see the logic in his brother’s decision. “He didn’t want to bother you or pry.”

“Pry? He took information left for me and went to check up on someone from my past. How is that not prying?” DeeDee asked.

Drake started to panic. “I don’t know. Please don’t be mad, DeeDee. Dean cares for you. We all do.”

DeeDee shot him a hard look. “If Dean really cared he would have talked to me first.”

“I know, you’re right. Just listen, DeeDee. He wants to help clear Gus’s name. Dean thinks if he does that, you’ll be able to find happiness whoever you choose.”

“Enough, Drake. You’re the wrong Rolston to be talking to me about this,” DeeDee threw up her hands and walked away.

She went straight back to Alessa’s loft to get some privacy, took out her phone, and punched numbers in hard. “Gus? I heard you had a visitor.”

Gus laughed. “Took you long enough! I can’t believe you didn’t call me when you left that ranch. Are we not good friends? I’m hurt, DeeDee. I am.”

“We are friends, Gus. Just friends,” DeeDee tried to control the emotion in her voice. “That’s why I need you to tell me what you told Dean.”

“I kept it simple. We married young, I went to prison, and we got divorced,” Gus told her. “Now how about you tell me how you are doing? You okay?”

“Was he angry?” DeeDee asked, collapsing on Alessa’s couch.

“No,” Gus recalled. “A little confused, but he kept nodding when I told him what a wonderful woman you are. He knows that DeeDee. He sees what a good person you are.”

“Good enough to lie to him for years about our marriage,” DeeDee groaned.

“Good enough that he put me in touch with a killer lawyer. The man says he’s going to clear my name,” Gus told her. “You know what that means, right?”

DeeDee pulled herself together enough to be happy for Gus. “You’ll have a clean record and really get to start the life you always wanted here. I’m happy for you, Gus.”

Gus snorted. “Thanks, but that’s not what I’m saying, DeeDee. Why would a man like Dean Rolston do that for me?”

“He’s a good man, Gus. He would do the same for anyone. That’s just who he is: honest, noble, and generous,” DeeDee trailed off as her heart ached.

“Oh, DeeDee, you really need to give yourself more credit,” Gus told her. “Dean may be all those things, but what he really is, is in love with you.”

It was DeeDee’s turn to snort. “What makes you say that?”

“He’s clearing the way for us. Dean doesn’t know if I’m the one that will make you happy, but he wants us to have the best chance. He wants your happiness and whatever cost, and if that doesn’t spell out the man loves you then I don’t know what will.”

DeeDee sighed, crushed by hope and dismay. “It’s just three little words.”

Gus sighed. “I have three words for you too, DeeDee. Don’t. Give. Up.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

DEAN

Dean did not want to go into town. He knew everyone would look at him sideways, the way his crew and his employees did at the ranch. Even his brothers were avoiding him, and their wives hadn’t spoken to him all week. He wasn’t sure he could take anymore nosy and accusatory glances, but Mr. Penn insisted they meet at his office.

“People argue and people quit all the time,” Dean grumbled to himself as he parked his truck along Main Street.

He checked the rear-view mirror, hoping people would be absent from the stretch between his truck and his destination. Dean was relieved to see the street empty. Empty except for DeeDee’s old car. He slumped back in his driver’s seat, unable to pull his eyes off a piece of her.

It was an easy jump for his mind back into the memory when that little car first buzzed up his driveway. DeeDee had parked haphazardly in her eagerness to get out and see the ranch firsthand. Dean remembered her enthusiasm, the way it shone from her eyes and her smile, as she first surveyed the Double R. He loved seeing his home through her eyes.

He’d thought of the ranch as her home too.

Now she was staying in Alessa’s off-brand loft. Dean couldn’t imagine how either woman was comfortable in those cool, modern surroundings. Alessa wouldn’t admit it, but they were both happier in the warm tones and old wood of Texas farmhouses. And DeeDee preferred the sunny colors of Mexican tiles and buttery stucco. She couldn’t feel at home in that loft.

Dean realized that was probably the point. Neither woman had roots down and the sterile stainless steel of their surroundings suited that transient feeling just fine. He just wished he knew which way DeeDee would go now.

He fixed his jaw hard and got out of the pickup truck. As forceful as he was pointing his boots in the opposite direction, Dean’s eyes drifted up to the large, half-moon windows of Alessa’s loft. Was DeeDee just inside those panes?

Dean fought the urge to go up and find out. He stomped towards Mr. Penn’s office instead. A few steps onto the sidewalk, he heard a familiar voice and turned to look. Alessa was down the street, having an argument with the real estate agent she’d brought to the Double R during their party. They frowned and snapped at each other, but Dean noticed how close they stood. Both Alessa and Mark leaned into the conversation, instead of pushing back.

However obvious love could be, it was obviously not easy, Dean thought.

He’d learned the signs of attraction and affection when he was pushing his brothers to settle down. It had been an interesting crash course in how contentious real love could be, as Dean struggled to point his brothers towards the wives that would help them be happy and inherit. Now he knew that arguments, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities made up most of the first throes of lasting love. He was proud he’d gotten his brothers through it because the real kind of love smoothed out and was beautiful to see.

Dean gave the two attracted opposites one more glance, then opened the door to his lawyer’s building. He greeted the front desk worker and walked straight upstairs and into Mr. Penn’s office without knocking.

“If this is somehow about my inheritance, I’m walking out,” Dean warned him.

Mr. Penn smiled. “So, I should tell Starla to rule out a double date?”

Dean dropped into a chair across from Mr. Penn and had to smile. “So, you two really are dating? That’s great.”

“Though, I should warn you. Starla only wants to double date with you and DeeDee. She’s been pretty vocal about your current, ah, situation,” Mr. Penn said.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Seems like the whole town can’t stop gossiping.”

Mr. Penn nodded. “Small town. Between that and DeeDee’s big impact around here, you don’t stand a chance of staying out of the rumors.”

“Are we going to talk about something besides rumors, gossip, and dating? Or do you want me to come over there and braid what’s left of your hair?” Dean asked.

Mr. Penn laughed. He opened a folder on his desk and his smile widened. “It was easy to track down Mr. Hernandez’s story. He and DeeDee married young, giving him a U.S. Green Card.”

“And?” Dean asked.

“And don’t you think that corroborates his claim they were only good friends and the marriage never went beyond the paperwork?” Mr. Penn countered.

Dean scowled. “You know I’m not going to assume anything. All we know for certain is that Gus was sent to jail shortly after that.”

“Shortly after what?” Gus joined them in the office, shaking hands with both men before sitting down in the chair next to Dean.

“After DeeDee agreed to a Green Card marriage,” Mr. Penn said.

Gus nodded, oblivious to Dean’s keen interest. “Shows what a generous soul she is, doesn’t it? I would have supported and protected her without it, that’s what friends do, but she wanted me to be able to pursue my dreams here in the U.S.”

“But you wanted more from the marriage?” Dean asked.

Gus shook his head, shifting to face Dean directly. “No. That was years later. I mean, DeeDee sent me letters every other day, she supported me all through my incarceration. She was there when I was released, looking as beautiful as ever. Any man alive would have wanted to prolong a connection with her.”

“But you got divorced,” Mr. Penn noted, gesturing to the paperwork he had found.

“She insisted,” Gus said.

Mr. Penn looked pleased even as he changed the subject. “Well, your divorce doesn’t raise any red flags and your wrongful conviction case is relatively straightforward. I may have even found a police officer willing to testify that the evidence against you seemed staged.”

“Have you talked to her? “Dean interrupted, surprising them all.

Gus smiled. “Funny enough, she just called me. Seemed a little upset that we had met behind her back.”

Dean pressed a hand to his forehead, then had to ask, “is she mad at me?”

“Of course she is!” Gus laughed. “She’s mad you haven’t gone to see her.”

“That’s not it,” Dean said. “She’s mad I went behind her back to get the truth. If she had just told me about all this in the first place, we wouldn’t be here.”

“I, for one, am grateful we are here,” Gus pointed out. “And DeeDee wanted to tell you. Every week for years, she regretted how she hadn’t just told you the truth. Then it seemed like she had waited too long. And there were other complications.”

“What complications?” Dean asked.

Gus looked at Mr. Penn, who shook his head, and both men smiled. Gus answered, “you two fell in love.”

“What?”

Gus laughed. “I mean, if I had to guess, I would say you two fell in love almost immediately but you both seem like the cautious type.”

Mr. Penn laughed at that, then coughed to cover it up. “Dean, I think you know he’s not far off the mark.”

“Really?” Dean snarled at his friend. “Where’s your lawyer’s instinct now? Where’s the evidence to back any of this up? DeeDee quit, she’s gone, and she called Gus instead of me.”

“Just like you came to talk to me instead of her,” Gus pointed out.

Dean ground his teeth. “The point is, you can’t tell me that DeeDee loves me without any proof. I can’t believe that. I think the hope would kill me.”

There was a brief silence as the men all acknowledged Dean’s misery. He wanted DeeDee to love him. He would do anything to know it was true. Except brave admitting his own feelings. The fear of having his heart broken was too much, and the other men understood.

“Proof?” Gus jumped up. “Hold on a second. I think I may have something. I just gotta go dig around in the trunk of my car.”

He ran out of the office and left Dean facing his friend. Mr. Penn leaned across his desk; his eyes fixed on Dean. “Get your courage up, Dean. Everyone may call me a heartless lawyer, but I know you and DeeDee are in love. One of you has to be brave enough to say it first.”

Dean shook his head, miserable. “I can’t tell my housekeeper something like that.”

“She quit, remember?”

“And she lied about being married for all those years,” Dean said. “Doesn’t that make you doubt the truth you think you know?”

“Not for a second,” Mr. Penn insisted. “You’re out of excuses, Dean.”

“I’m making excuses?” Dean asked.

Mr. Penn nodded. “That’s how much she means to you. If you tell DeeDee you love her and she doesn’t say it back, your heart will break. Lots of people use any excuse they can to avoid that pain. Trust me, I’ve been a bachelor for longer than you’ve been alive.”

“Evidence!” Gus burst back into the office, brandishing a bunch of crumpled envelopes. “Letters from DeeDee that prove she was falling in love with you.”

Dean was skeptical, still clinging to the idea that he could avoid heartache by believing DeeDee didn’t feel the same about him. Then, he heard the quotes that Gus started to read. She chronicled their days together, picking out the very same memories he cherished. He heard himself in her words, her loving and loyal words.

“I gotta go.” Dean interrupted Gus and stood up.

“Yes, yes you do,” Mr. Penn said.

Gus gave him a sad smile and said, “I hope you make her happy. DeeDee deserves to be happy.”

Dean rushed out of the office building and straight over to Alessa’s loft. No one was home so he tore down the sidewalk to The Tack and Feed. Alessa beamed the second she saw him, but she didn’t know where DeeDee had gone. Dean ran back out of the general store with a curious crowd following him. He looked up and down Main Street, then spotted her coming out of The Bluebird Cafe.

“DeeDee!”

More curious onlookers stopped to watch as Dean rushed down the sidewalk to join a wide-eyed DeeDee. She clutched a cup of tea and couldn’t seem to move.

“I was too stubborn; I am too stubborn. So stupid!” Dean’s words all came out in a loud rush. “I’m so glad you quit.”

“What?” DeeDee’s eyes narrowed, and she glared at him.

Dean shook his head, trying to make sense. “I used that excuse, you being my employee, for way too long. You quit and now I can tell you.”

“Tell me how stubborn you are?” DeeDee quipped. She noticed the gathering crowd and wanted to move but Dean wouldn’t let her.

“And I was stupid,” Dean reiterated. “Your past is your own, whatever it is. I shouldn’t have distrusted you. I shouldn’t have doubted your integrity. Can you forgive me?”

DeeDee was embarrassed but stammered, “yes, of course.”

Dean took the paper cup, put it on the sidewalk, then took both her hands. “Your past is your own and all I care about is your future, DeeDee. I want your future to be with me. I love you, I always have, and I should have told you.”

“You love me?” She asked in a whisper, noticing the crowd of people on the sidewalk all seemed to be holding their breath.

“I love you,” Dean said.

She kissed him and the crowd erupted into whoops of joy.

Finally, Dean pulled back just enough to ask DeeDee, “can we go home now?”

“In a second,” DeeDee said. “First I have to tell you, I love you too.”

Another round of cheers and applause sent them on their way back to the Double R where the celebrations continued.

Epilogue

DeeDee insisted on keeping her old chores though she no longer had the title of housekeeper. In fact, she didn’t have any title at all because she and Dean seemed far past girlfriend and boyfriend. That was what made her smile. They were just them, together, and no one questioned what that meant.

They were in love.

The joy of that made DeeDee sing as she worked, though her tune trailed off as she noticed the ranch house was peculiarly quiet. Curious, she walked through the courtyard, noticed the landscapers were gone, and then called for the cleaning crew. No one answered. Maisy was gone from the kitchen, and DeeDee couldn’t even hear the voices of the ranch crew when she stuck her head out the back door.

Where was everyone?

“I sent them home,” Dean said.

DeeDee whirled around to find him standing in the kitchen behind her. “You sent everyone home for the night?”

“Yes.” Dean came closer, his smile warming. “It’s just you and I now.”

DeeDee stepped into his arms but still questioned him. “Why?”

Dean kissed her then explained. “I spent too much time worrying about what other people would think about me falling in love with my housekeeper. Then I worried about you and your ex.”

“Then you went and made that big scene in front of the whole town,” DeeDee teased.

“Exactly.” Dean pulled back from their embrace and pulled something from his pocket.

DeeDee stopped breathing as he knelt down on the spotless kitchen floor. “That’s why I wanted this to be just for you and me. DeeDee, will you marry me?”

Her first ‘yes’ was a breathless whisper, so DeeDee repeated it and kept repeating it as Dean slipped a huge diamond on her finger. She was still saying ‘yes’ when he stood up and scooped her into his arms.

He whirled her around, then kissed her again.

The celebrations would come later: a huge engagement party, then a crowded wedding. They both knew it and so savored the quiet. It was so quiet they could hear their hearts beating in sync. The whole house was empty of other people, but at that moment, it was full. Full and bursting with love.

***

Enjoying the Grumpy Rolstons?  Make sure you, too, start from the beginning of this brooding cowboy billionaire series with book 1 “A Nanny for the Grumpy Cowboy.” Drake Rolston is a grumpy single dad with a chip on his shoulder larger than Texas. When his long-time nanny quits, he is in desperate need of a new one. Carefree dreamer Freddie Dover seems like the last girl on earth that he would pick. Will the unlikely pair end up together? Or end in an unhappily ever after? CLICK HERE to get your copy now!

GET YOUR FREE COPY NOW!

Your Exclusive Prequel Bonus

Married To the Billionaire

GET YOUR FREE PERSONAL COPY NOW!!!

About The Author

Hanna Hart is a passionate, sweet clean contemporary romance author who has found a love for writing since the age of 6.

Hanna lives in the beautiful Santa Cruz California, with her loving husband, two children, and dog Milo. Other than dreaming up extremely sweet and romantic stories, Hanna enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, cooking great food, traveling the world, and getting a lot of exercise.

Hanna’s purpose is to deliver very sweet romantic stories to her readers that will touch their hearts in a very meaningful way, taking them to another place that will positively impact their life.

Want her exclusive prequel to the “Crystal Beach Resort Series? Sign up to her newsletter and get it free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6yxpatrnwp

Want to hang out with Hanna?  

Facebook: facebook.com/hannahartbooks

Website: www.hannahartbooks.com

Email: hanna@hannahartbooks.com 