New in town
A chance encounter could mean a second chance at love for Jen . . .
Normally an enthusiastic baseball mom, Jen Drake was eager for the high school game to end—and not just because the tied game was now in its 13th inning. She sat in the bleachers with her cheerfully meddling cousin, Irene, who was trying to fix Jen up on dates. No, thanks.
It had been three years since Jen’s husband had passed, and well-meaning folks seemed determined to reinvigorate her social life. Irene had gently pointed out, “Ray would have wanted you to be happy.” Jen believed that. Ray always wanted the best for her. But she’d tried dating once or twice, and it had been so awkward. Unnatural and forced. She and Ray had been high school sweethearts. They’d been together half her life and—
He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners
The crowd cheered as Cupid’s Bow High School scored the winning run. Game over! Jen shot to her feet, cheering the boys’ victory. On the field, her son, Nolan, high-fived a teammate. It seemed unreal that Nolan now stood taller than her. One minute, he’d been a chubby- cheeked toddler, then she’d blinked and now he was a sixfoot teen who was always hungry. It was no surprise that his first words to her after the game were, “Can we eat?”
She laughed. “Why did I bother feeding you dinner before the game?”
“That was hours ago.” He made it sound like days.
While she drove, he called in a takeout order to the local barbecue place. It caught her offguard sometimes how deep his voice had gotten. And he looked more like his father every day.
“Your dad would be so proud of you,” she said as they rolled up to the Smoky Pig.
Nolan smiled, but his eyes were serious. “I miss him. But I’m going to college in a few years, Mom, and I don’t want you to be lonely. Do you ever think about dating?”
She almost groaned. Not you, too, kid. “I thought you were starving. Let’s get the food and discuss this later.”
He hopped out of the car, and she followed. The town’s favorite barbecue restaurant had a side entrance for to-go orders, and she drew up short at the stranger standing behind the counter. He looked about half the age of the 65-year- old owner she’d been expecting. “You’re not Heath,” she blurted. He grinned, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners. “Beg to differ, ma’am.” He held out his hand. “Heath Boyd Jr. Just moved back and bought the old Collins Ranch. I’ll be running my large animal vet practice there once I get it all fixed up .” She shook his hand. “Jen Drake. This is my son, Nolan.”
The ever-tactful teen said, “Guess vets don’t make as much money as I thought if you need a part-time job in a barbecue house.”
Heath chuckled. “Just filling in for Dad tonight because it’s my parents’ anniversary. Plus, my 15-year- old suggested I get out of the house. She says I have no life.”
“Ah,” Jen said, “so it isn’t just my teen who lacks tact.”
“Well, Krista may be right about me,” Heath said. “My exwife was in charge of our social calendar and ever since the move . . . I do tend to spend more time with horses than humans.”
“You’re Krista Boyd’s dad?” Nolan asked. To Jen, he explained, “She’s the new girl in my math class. She makes geometry proofs look so easy.” He scowled at the mention of geometry. He’d been worried the class could hurt his scholarship chances.
“Maybe we should invite Krista and her father over for dinner one night,” Jen said impulsively. “To welcome them to town and see if Krista can give you any geometry pointers.” It wasn’t until the words left her mouth that she second-guessed herself. Was it a bad example to invite a near stranger to her house? Plus, she hadn’t cooked for a man since Ray.
Heath’s dimpled smile helped ease her misgivings. “Thank you. Krista will be so impressed I actually have something on my social calendar. I’ll get you my number. Oh, and your food,” he said as if he’d forgotten about their order until now.
So had she. Jen returned his smile, and it didn’t feel forced or unnatural at all. Instead, she felt almost . . . excited. Or at least hopeful. For now, that was more than enough.