“I like the sound of that.”

He kissed me again. “Or if you feel like roughing it a little, we could borrow my uncle’s cabin up in the Ozarks and bring Muffy with us so you won’t miss her so much.”

I leaned back. “You would do that?”

“Of course. She’s special to you. And I’ve grown pretty fond of her myself.”

Mason always knew just what to say to grow my heart two sizes. “I love you.”

He gave me another gentle kiss before dropping his hold. “I love you too. Now help me eat this pie.”

“I can’t. I need to get goin’. I made an appointment at the Nip and Clip for Neely Kate to get her hair colored with streaks.”

His eyes widened. “Do I want to know?”

I smiled. “She’d been talkin’ about it for weeks and I kept telling her it was a bad idea.” I shook my head. “Why was I so judgmental? That’s not like me.” Then a new fear hit me. “Is it?”

He sighed and rubbed my arm. “Of course not. You’re one of the most accepting people I know. But we both know Neely Kate can be impulsive. You were being a good friend by encouraging her to think it through.”

No, I’d flat out told her not to do it. There was a difference, but pointing it out wouldn’t help anything. “Well, I made the appointment, but she doesn’t know yet. I’m gonna surprise her and hope it cheers her up a little bit.”

“I think it’s great idea. And even if she doesn’t get excited in her usual manner, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. When I talked to Ronnie this morning, he said she’s just as desolate as she was the day they came home from the hospital two weeks ago.”

“You talked to Ronnie?” I asked in surprise.

“Yeah…” He paused. “We’re friends, and I’m as worried about him as I am about Neely Kate. Ronnie’s beside himself.”

“Oh.” Now I really felt awful. I’d never even considered how Ronnie was handling it all. “How’s he doin’?”

“He’s upset about losing the babies, of course. But he’s more worried about his wife.”

“Oh. Poor Ronnie.”

“Maybe you could take Neely Kate on another girls’ trip.”

I lifted my eyebrows and said in a mocking tone, “Because the last one went so well.”

“Neely Kate loved every minute of it. Maybe she needs an adventure.”

“Maybe.” I felt so inadequate to help her, but it didn’t mean I was about to stop trying. “I’ll try to talk her into it.”

“Good.”

I gave him a sly grin. “You seem a little too eager to get rid of me.”

“I’ll miss you every second you’re gone, so my suggestion only proves how much I care about Neely Kate.”

I rested my hands on his chest and reached up to kiss him. “You’re an amazing man, Mason Deveraux.”

He grinned. “I know. I keep telling you that.”

I laughed. “You’re awful.”

“I’m amazing and awful. I’m glad you love me anyway.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “Good thing for you,” I stepped away from him and picked up the bakery bag, “I need to head over to Neely Kate’s. Her appointment is at two, and she probably needs to get dressed.”

Mason reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Here, take this with you.” He handed me several twenties and his credit card.

I reluctantly reached for it, my face burning with shame.

“Rose.”

I looked up into his face.

He placed the money and the card in my hand and curled his fingers around mine. “I know how hard this is for you. But you know I’d do anything for you. And if it helps, consider it this way: this is my gift to Neely Kate.” Then he handed me his car keys. “Why don’t you take my car? It will be easier for Neely Kate to get in and out of it than your truck would be.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now go try to cheer up our friend.”

Chapter Four

As I knocked on Neely Kate’s front door, I suddenly felt unsure about my plan. What if she hated it?

She answered the door wearing a pair of gray yoga pants, a stained white T-shirt, and a pair of white socks. Her face was clean of makeup and her hair was flat and lifeless. She looked like a shadow of her normal self and my heart broke all over again. I forced myself to sound cheerful even though I wanted to cry for her.

“Hey, Neely Kate. What are you up to?”

“Nothin’.”

“I have a couple of surprises for you.” I held up the bakery bag.

She looked down at my feet. “Thanks. I’m not really hungry.”

“Can I come in anyway?”

For a second I thought she might actually refuse me, but she took a step back and let me in.

A soap opera was playing on her television when I followed her into the living room. She sat on her sofa and pulled a red knit afghan over her legs.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked as I sat in the chair next to her, even though the answer was obvious.

“Fine.”

“Have you driven yet?”

“No. I’ve got nowhere to go.”

“Well, you know Bruce Wayne and I are eager for you to come back to work when you feel up to it.”

She remained silent.