Chapter Two

      Matt Durrant turned his back and followed his children into the house, his jaw clenched, his gut in knots.

      Shelby was back.

      He never expected to see her in Dover again. Ever. She’d made her opinion of small-town life abundantly clear the day she gave back his ring. “I don’t want a small-town man with small-town dreams.”

      Shelby Russell had broken his heart and abandoned him when he’d needed her most. He’d counted on her love and support to sustain him through a difficult time in his life. But instead she’d cut and run, giving back his ring, accusing him of breaking his promise. But what about her promise to him? Her own future had been more important than their future together. He’d finally come to terms with her rejection, though he’d never understood her sudden change of heart. Never understood how she could claim to love him one minute and walk away the next. It was only several years later, when he’d met Katie, that he’d been able to put Shelby’s rejection behind him and move forward.

      So why, after all this time, did his heart still sting from Shelby’s rejection? And why had that brief glimpse of her hit him like a lightning bolt, filling his mind with things he thought he’d forgotten? He remembered her brown eyes had small specks of gold in them. He remembered the silken feel of her long brown hair, now worn shoulder-length and soft around her face. He remembered the impish, self-conscious smile that would make his heart skip a beat.

      The girlish figure he remembered had given way to soft, womanly curves. Maturity looked good on her. He hated himself for noticing. He hated more that she could still cause a reaction in him after all this time. After what she’d done.

      “Daddy, she was really nice.” Cassidy’s blue eyes were bright with excitement. “And she’s from New York.”

      Matt frowned. He’d been bombarded with his children’s disjointed conversation from the moment he’d climbed from the van. Something about a lady and cookies. When he glanced over at the house it had all become clear. He rubbed his forehead in irritation. “How did you meet her?”

      “I told you,” Cassidy explained, her tone tinged with irritation. “When Chester ran over to her house. She was sitting on the swing, and Chester was barking. I guess he thought she was a stranger so he was trying to warn us. Only she wasn’t a stranger. She’s Miss Ellen’s granddaughter and then—”

      Matt placed a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Okay. I get the picture.”

      Cassidy smiled. “She’s nice.”

      Matt set his jaw. That’s not how he’d describe Shelby Russell. Self-centered. Insensitive. Career-driven, yes. But nice?

      “She was going to give us sugar cookies, but Cassidy said no ’cause she was a stranger,” Kenny complained.

      “Who’s a stranger?”

      Matt glanced over at his younger sister, Laura Durrant, who had come to stand at the boy’s side. She’d been watching the children after school each day. He had a full schedule of classes this semester, which meant he wouldn’t get home until supper time. But she’d informed him two days ago that he’d have to find someone else. “That was the right thing to do, son.”

      Kenny’s shoulders slacked. “Yes, sir, but Mrs. Bower made them. You always let us have her cookies. How come we couldn’t have any this time?”

      “Because you didn’t know Shelby, that’s why.” Matt struggled to maintain his patience.

      Laura frowned. “Shelby Russell?”

      Matt jammed his hands into his pockets. “She’s back. She’s staying with Ellen Bower.”

      “Oh. I’ll bet Miss Ellen is excited. Shelby hasn’t been home since you two broke up, has she?”

      “I wouldn’t know.” He could see his little sister’s mind digesting the news.

      “Hmm. Wonder what brought her back to Dover after all this time?” She glanced at him sideways, an ornery smirk on her face. “Maybe she came to look up old friends and acquaintances.”

      Matt forced a smile over clenched teeth. “Why don’t you ask her?”

      Laura raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. “I think I might. You know, I heard she’s an editor at some big magazine in New York. Mom ran across her name in an article someplace. Looks like our Shelby has reached the top of the career ladder. Good for her. It’s what she always wanted.”

      “It’s all she ever wanted,” Matt muttered softly.

      Laura winced. “Is that the sound of sour grapes being trampled? You know—” she pointed a finger at her brother “—they say you never forget your first love. Well, kids, I’m out of here.” She gave Cassidy a hug and Kenny a fist bump.

      “You want to stay and eat?” Matt offered the invite as she moved to the door.

      She winked. “Not this time. I’m booked for the evening. Oh.” Laura turned back to her brother. “Have you found someone to watch the kids yet? I hate that I had to bail on you so suddenly, but I couldn’t turn down the restoration job in Mobile. It’ll be a huge boost to my company.”

      “Don’t worry about it. But to answer your question, no, I haven’t found anyone yet.” Matt ran a hand down the back of his neck. “Normally, I’d ask Mom, but since she’s running for city council, she doesn’t have the time.”

      “What about Ellen Bower? Doesn’t she watch them for you sometimes?”

      “Yes, but she’s so busy with her volunteer work I rarely see her. Besides, watching the kids for a short time now and again is different from watching them every day. It might be too much for her.”

      Laura picked up her backpack, fishing out her truck keys. “Well, you could always ask Shelby. She’s right next door.”

      Matt gritted his teeth and followed his sister to the door. “Yeah, but for how long? She’ll probably be gone before you can blink.”

      Laura turned to face him. “What’s bothering you, big brother?”

      “Nothing. Forget it.” Matt smiled at his baby sister. Looking at her, no one would ever guess the slim, petite woman was a skilled and licensed carpenter and builder. Her company specialized in restoring old homes and buildings. Laura couldn’t stand to see anything neglected and ignored.

      Outside on the front porch, they both looked over at Ellen Bower’s house.

      Laura, glanced sideways at her brother. “So. Are you going to go say hello?”

      “Why?”

      Laura shrugged. “She’s right next door. Aren’t you the least bit curious why she came back after all this time?”

      “No.”

      “You’re going to act like she isn’t there?”

      He glared in response. It sounded like a good idea to him.

      Laura hoisted her backpack onto her shoulder. “You’re being childish.” She turned and started down the front steps to her truck.

      Matt stood on the porch after Laura drove off, staring at the Bower house. Why was Shelby back, and how long was she staying? She’d made it clear long ago that she had no interest in small-town dreams. He’d known Ellen was Shelby’s grandmother, but the subject of Shelby had never come up. Besides, the likelihood of her showing up in Dover was not great—or so he’d believed.

      “Daddy, can we have mac and cheese for supper?”

      Matt glanced down at his son’s face, and the eager smile chased away his concerns. “I think your aunt Laura left us some chicken and noodles. How does that sound?”

      “With