MONTANA WATCHED AS NEVADA sat across from their mother in Denise’s cheerful kitchen.
“I did it,” Nevada said firmly. “I applied at Janack Construction. They have the last of their permits and have put out the word they’re hiring. I have an interview next week.”
Denise smiled. “You can stop looking worried. I’m not going to tell you this is a bad thing. You have to do what makes you happy.”
“But I’m leaving Ethan.”
“You’re not going to work for him anymore. There’s a difference. As you said, he’s more interested in his windmills, anyway.”
Nevada drew in a breath and smiled. “You’re not mad?”
“Of course not.” Her mother turned to Montana. “How are you doing?”
There was concern in her tone and sympathy in her gaze.
“You heard.”
“That you and Simon aren’t seeing each other anymore? Yes. I heard.” Her mother reached across the table and took her hand. “Anything I can do?”
“No. If I asked you to change Simon, you probably couldn’t. And even if you could, I don’t want him to be different. I love him the way he is.”
“That’s usually best. Women think they can change a man, but they’re often wrong.” Denise straightened. “Do you want me to talk badly about him or ask one of your brothers to beat him up?”
Despite everything, Montana laughed. “I’m good. He can continue life unscarred.” The laughter faded. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. I just want you to know I’m here for you.”
“Me, too,” Nevada told her. “Whatever you want. We can call him a jerk or worse, if you don’t want him beaten up.”
“Maybe next time.”
She couldn’t blame Simon for what had happened. As her mother had said, trying to change someone was a losing proposition. People changed because they wanted to, not because someone made them.
“On a more cheerful subject,” she said, turning to her sister. “I have someone you should meet.”
Nevada rolled her eyes. “You aren’t seriously considering setting me up with someone, are you?”
“Yes. You haven’t had a date in months.”
“Years is more like it,” Nevada grumbled. “I can’t find anybody I’m interested in. Or if I am interested, they’re in love with someone else.”
Montana blinked at her. “You’re interested in someone who’s married?”
“No. Don’t be an idiot. Of course not. I’m just saying that once, maybe, there was a guy…” She sighed. “It doesn’t matter.”
Montana glanced at her mother, who looked equally intrigued. She would have sworn she knew everything about Nevada’s personal life. Apparently she was wrong. Her sister had been keeping secrets.
Nevada leaned toward her. “Fine. Tell me about this guy you want me to meet.”
“His name is Cameron McKenzie. He’s the new vet in town. He’s tall, with dark wavy hair. Very cute. He moved here about a month ago. He took over Dr. Rivera’s practice. Rumor has it he has a daughter. She’s pretty young. Six or seven. Adorable, or so I’ve been told.”
“Where’s the wife?” Denise asked. “Kent has taught us all that the ex-wife is important to the equation. You’ll want to find out about her before you get involved.”
“I’m not involved.” Nevada slapped her hands on the table. “Mom, I haven’t even met the guy.”
“He sounds very nice.”
“Montana said he was cute, with a kid. How does that make him nice?”
“He likes animals.”
“Kill me now,” Nevada moaned. “Just make it quick.” She looked at both of them. “I can get my own guy.”
“I’m sure you can,” her mother said calmly. “The problem is you won’t. I want to see you happy.”
“I am happy.”
“You’re changing jobs and you don’t have anyone special in your life. Sell it somewhere else.”
Nevada turned her gaze on Montana. “Are you in on this?”
“I swear, it wasn’t planned. It just happened spontaneously.”
“Let’s try to keep that from happening again.”
Despite Nevada’s obvious annoyance, Montana grinned. “I’ll do my best.”
OVER THE NEXT WEEK, Simon braced himself for two events that never happened. The first was a final, hard push by the town to convince him to stay. The second was Montana “just happening” to show up in places where he would see her. Because she had to know that every time he looked at her, he wanted her with a desperation that nearly drove him to madness. Neither occurred.