“Hey, bud. That pie looks good.” Dallas is turning the attractive dial all the way to eleven today.

Mason nods but doesn’t smile. And that seems unusual from the stories I’ve heard.

“Is something bothering you?” I ask.

He shrugs, then nods. “My friend moved away. I didn’t even get to say goodbye, and she doesn’t have a phone. So I can’t call her.”

I lean closer, resting my weight on the arm of the chair. “I’m sorry.”

“Clementine moved?” Dallas trails his hand up and down my back.

“Yep.” Mason sighs. “And the worst part is that I never told her that I thought she was pretty. Now, I might never see her again.”

I’m feeling choked up. “But maybe you will.” I wish I could guarantee the kid that he’ll get another chance to share his feelings, but I can’t. “Has your mom tried calling her mom? Maybe y’all can get in touch that way.”

“Mom tried. But Clementine’s mom said that she lived with her dad now in a different place, and she wouldn’t give out the number.” He stabs his slice of pie. “I really miss her.”

“I imagine so. And I’m sorry, bud. I know you really liked Clementine.” Dallas is using that same calming voice that he does with me when I’m upset.

Mason points a chocolate-cream-covered fork at Dallas. “If you think she’s pretty, tell her. Because you might not get another chance later.”

Now I’m emotional. How is this kid only eleven? “You’re a smart young man, Mason. And I hope one day, you’ll see your friend again.”

His head bounces in agreement, and then he grins. “And when I do, I’ll tell her that she’s beautiful. Maybe even before I say hello. But that might be weird.”

“She’ll love it.”

Mason gives me a thumbs-up, then digs into his pie. When he finishes, he jumps up. “I see Fred. He moved here with Mr.Carson, the new ranch hand. I like him. He’s cool. I’m gonna go see if he wants to play video games. Because I don’t care who wins the football game.”

“You and me both.” I give Mason a high-five. “Have fun!”

“He seems in a better mood now. You must’ve said the right thing.” Dallas brushes the tip of his nose on my cheek as he whispers in my ear. “Want me to grab us some pie?”

I stand. “I’ll get it. Don’t let anyone steal my seat.” I point at Dallas’s lap.

“Wouldn’t think of it.”

I return, a plate in each hand, and Dallas takes the desserts and holds them out to the sides as I sit on his lap. Once I’m settled, he hands over my plate.

When my first bite is halfway to my mouth, Dallas whispers in my ear. “I think you’re beautiful, Rose.”

Crying in a room full of cowboys watching football would be embarrassing, so I blink away my tears and choke back what I want to say. Am I imagining a shift? Are we still pretending? There has been no talk of changing the deal, so I can’t tell Dallas that I love him. He’d probably freak.

Instead, I say, “Thank you.” And I smile and offer him the bite of pie that’s on my fork. Gaze fixed on mine, he opens his mouth, and I feed him dessert.

Feeding a man pie is almost like saying I love you, right? And it’s pecan, so I feel like that’s an I love you a whole lot. I mean, I gave up a bite of pecan pie for him.

CHAPTER 20

DALLAS

I’ve seen very little of Rose the last couple of weeks. Between the construction at the new location and the upcoming charity gala, she’s been busier than normal. I pop over to Rose’s house to feed Floofy when she’s working late, and I leave her plates of dinner she can warm up when she gets home long after I’m typically asleep. She graciously texts me every night when she gets home, and blurry-eyed, I check my phone when it beeps and then sleep a bit more soundly once I know she’s home safe.

But I miss her, so tonight, I have a bag packed.

I tap out a text to my favorite lady.

Me:Mind if I sleep on your couch tonight? I’ll have a hot dinner waiting for you at home and maybe offer you a foot massage.