Chapter 1

Lacy

Sitting on the cushioned bench, Lacy tried to forget about the ring box she’d seen in Tanner’s pocket last week. As she curled up with her cup of tea, she gazed out over her garden. She loved this time of morning, with the sun barely rising over the horizon, casting shadows across the trees and flowers. Summer was spreading its warmth and sunshine, but she sensed today was going to be excessively humid with the storm brewing out in the gulf. For now, she would enjoy this moment of peace before her guests started their demands…and try not to think about when Tanner was going to propose to her.

Someone slipped in behind her and kissed the back of her neck. She snuggled into Tanner’s affection.

He came around the wrought-iron bench with wood slats and sat beside her. “You ready to start the day?”

“Not yet.” She took another sip of her tea, noting that he wasn’t wearing his jacket, the one she’d seen the jewelry box in. But then, why would he wear it when it the weather was so hot? Leaning against his shoulder, she let out a breathy sigh. “You’ve worked miracles back here.” From the gazebo to the paths circling around the pool, the landscape, everything about this area brought…

“Peaceful.” Tanner stole the thought right out of her head. As the weeks passed, their love had grown stronger. How long had it been since she first met him coming through the door at Olivia’s café? Three months. While by today’s standards, that was a short time to really get to know someone, she already felt this incredible connection to him.

“You’re here especially early. Are you missing Rosalina and your mom?”

“Yeah. The house is too quiet.” Yesterday, the pair had flown to Denver so Rosalina could meet Evvie’s fiancé, who would eventually become her grandfather.

“Who took over running the bookstore?”

“Heather Hartman.”

Zeke’s daughter. Lacy had met her and found her to be extraordinarily capable. If she ever needed someone to fill in here, Heather would be the first person she’d ask. “I guess she knows books, then?”

“I’ve never met anyone who loves to read as much as she does. Well, except for my mom.” Tanner chuckled.

“But it’s just for the weekend, right?” Lacy set her empty mug on the bench beside her.

Tanner laced his fingers around Lacy’s. “I don’t think I could stand to have Rosalina gone for longer than that.”

“Did you order a paternity kit?”

Tanner shook his head. “I had to honor Maria’s wishes.”

“You need to get one.” Lacy’s insides twisted. “What will you do if the results show she’s not yours?” That thought had been plaguing her ever since Maria’s death. More than anything, Lacy hoped Tanner was the father. They already made the perfect family.

“Nothing. I’ll keep on being her dad.”

Lacy smiled. She prayed no one would come looking for Rosalina, especially now that the little girl was adjusting to a new home life, making friends, and doing well in school. The last thing that child needed was another disruption in her already tumultuous life. Would she even know the person who might claim to be her father?

Tanner squeezed Lacy’s hand. “Well, my sweet, I think I hear people stirring in the lobby.”

She pulled him back to the bench when he started to get up. “Not without my morning kiss.”

Leaning into her, he gave her a peck on the lips. Lacy flung her arm around his neck and pulled him in. “I don’t think so, mister.” She kissed him long and deep, counting to ten in her head. Someone told her that a longer kiss released oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Judging by the way her heart was racing, adrenaline shot through her veins, making it hard to think of anything but him.

From behind them, someone cleared his throat. “Am I interrupting?”

Tanner pulled away from Lacy to turn to the man. Tanner’s face paled and his eyes widened. “Javier…” The name barely left Tanner’s lips.

The Hispanic man was Tanner’s complete opposite. His tattooed neck, the piercing at his lip, and the upside down cross on his cheek, all screamed gang. His deep brown eyes looked almost black. Lacy ducked her head, afraid he’d suck her soul from her. Fear resurfaced at the memory of the man who’d broken into her condo back in L.A. Was it him? How did he find her? What was he planning to do?