I gave my head a shake. “How can we not need it now? Did they already foreclose?”

“No. I paid off the loan entirely on Wednesday.”

“But...how…”

Then I knew. And I knew why Joe was there.

My anger surged. “How could you?”

“I was trying to help, Rose,” Violet pleaded. “You have to believe me.”

I tried to catch my breath. “Why didn’t you discuss it with me first? This involves me too, Violet!”

“Rose,” Joe said, leaning over his legs and clasping his hands together. “It’s okay. Violet was trying to save your business, and I’m not sure why you didn’t come to me in the first place. You had to know I’d want to help.”

I shook my head. How had this happened? “I didn’t come to you because we’re not together, Joe! I’m with Mason now! I don’t want you to have a stake in our business!

“Damn it,” Joe said, sitting up straighter. “I put as much effort into getting this place up and running as you both did. You have to know I want it to succeed. Why would you lose your business over your stubborn pride?”

Violet reached a hand toward me, then stopped. “Rose, it’s not as bad as it seems.”

“No, it’s worse!” I stood. “I quit.”

“What do you mean you quit?” she asked, jumping out of her seat. “You can’t quit. You own this place!”

“Apparently, not anymore!” I tried to get control of my anger. “You can’t do this. I’m not even sure it’s legal.”

“Rose.” Joe stood and moved closer to me. “Just look at this calmly and rationally. Your business was in trouble and I had the money to help. Nothing illegal happened. I’m the chief deputy sheriff for God’s sake.”

“When are you going to get it through your head that we’re done?” I asked. “I don’t want to be with you, Joe McAllister!”

“Well, I should hope not,” a woman drawled behind me in a genteel Southern accent. “Especially if you don’t even know his name.”

Joe and Violet stared at the doorway, horror painted on their faces. Even before I turned around to see a beautiful redheaded woman in the doorway, I knew who was standing behind me.

Hilary.

“What the hell are you doing here, Hilary?” Joe barked, walking halfway across the room toward her.

“Joe,” she pouted. “Is that any way to treat me after you haven’t seen me for a couple of weeks?”

Joe cast a glance toward me and I could see the wheels turning in his head. He’d spent the last week trying to convince me they were done, yet here she was.

“I told you we’re done, Hilary,” Joe said, gruffly. “Now will you do us all a favor and just leave? You’re not wanted here.”

She took several steps into the room and gave him a seductive smile. “I think you might change your mind after I tell you our good news.”

He shook his head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Joe, darling.” She closed the distance and placed her well-manicured hand on his chest. “Congratulations are in order. You’re going to be a daddy.”

I sank down in my chair in shock.

Oh, crappy doodles.