“Maybe we should talk about something else so Wes can enjoy his dinner,” Missy said, giving Levi a pleading look.
“Babe, you don’t understand.The Shepherds are like our sworn enemies.”
“That’s not true.Zeke has never been anything other than kind,” Gran said.“It’s really just his two sons that were terrible.It’s no wonder Shelby has stayed gone.I don’t think she’s anything like them.”
“What’s that mean?”Wes asked.
“She’s the black sheep, the outcast.Her mom would say she was a disappointment, always into her books, wearing all black, the family rebel.And her father would say she had no mind for the family business,” Gran said, shaking her head.
“I bet she’ll inherit millions from Old Man Shepherd,” Levi said.
“There does seem to be a question about the line of succession.I just assumed her dad would inherit everything,” Wes said.
“I think her father had a falling-out with Zeke, but when their mother died his boys both inherited large sums they used to start their own businesses.Throwing it around like they’re rock stars,” Gran said.
“So they don’t have anything to do with the fishing business?Zeke still runs all that?”Wes asked.
“Zeke never let them near his business—always said he couldn’t trust them to not mess it up or sell it out from under him.He hired a manager years ago, but as far as I know he still overseas it all,” Gran said.
No wonder, Wes thought as he recalled how vicious Samuel Shepherd had been toward Shelby.
When he looked up three sets of eyes were focused on him, expecting to hear more details.
“Samuel Shepherd showed up at the hospital when Shelby brought Zeke in and was giving Shelby a hard time about suddenly trying to help Old Man Shepherd.Dalton called me in case it got out of hand.”
“Defending her honor, helping her in a family crisis, rescuing her in a storm,” Levi said, as he sat back and let both his hands hit the table.“You, brother, are done for, on a collision course with love.I never thought I’d see the day.You better hope Shelby is ready to move back to town, or she’s gonna break your heart.”
“I hardly know the woman.No one is in love,” Wes said, feeling uncomfortable with the idea he may actually have a problem.And she was five seven, with big brown eyes, dark hair, and curves he was craving to touch again.
*
The next morningWes made sure he arrived at Mr.Shepherd’s house fifteen minutes early so he could beat Levi there.He’d gone to bed disappointed he hadn’t heard from Shelby and wanted to try to get a moment alone with her.He’d texted her this morning to let her know he and his brother would be there today to fix the railing.
She’d just responded with a short “okay thanks.”
Now as he walked up the path with the pie his gran had made, he wondered what was the best approach to take with Shelby.Ignore what happened or see how they could spend more time together while she was in town?He knew what he wanted to do but was unsure how to broach the subject with her.
The front door popped open, and Shelby stood in jeans, a chunky gray sweater, and oversized snow boots.
“Still haven’t found the right gear I see,” Wes said.
Shelby looked down as she held the screen door open for him.“I haven’t had a chance to do much shopping since I arrived.”
“No, you’ve had a busy homecoming.”
He stopped just inside the doorway and looked down at her fresh face, tinged with a faint blush, but she met his eyes.
“Good morning.”He wanted to lean down and kiss her, but he wasn’t sure where her grandfather was or if she’d welcome it.
The air between them seemed to crackle.What was it about this woman that stirred these feelings deep inside him?It was more than just an attraction and he wasn’t sure what to do about it.
“You’re my second visitor this morning,” she said, closing the door behind him.
Then he heard Levi’s voice.
“I’m sorry.I was hoping to beat him here.”
Shelby laughed, as she walked in front of him to lead him back to the kitchen.“It’s okay—Pops loves having a famous baseball player visiting.Do you want any breakfast?”
