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His back is to me, but I can tell by the way he walks that it’s him. I don’t know what it is about him, but he has a way of making everything he does look good, even directing a truck.

“May I turn your attention to Exhibit A?” Jen gestures to the windows. “Why are you not dating this guy?”

“Shh!” I look over my shoulder, half expecting Diane Carter to be standing there, listening to our conversation. “You know why.”

Tyler bends over and we both tilt our heads, following his movement.

Jen sighs. “Jobs come and go, but love is forever.”

“This moment would really be complete if we had drinks we could slowly stir while watching him.”

“See!” Jen pops up. “I knew you were attracted to him.”

“Everyone’s attracted to him. But that’s where my feelings stop. Things don’t work out like they do in the movies. What if I lose my job over Tyler, and he breaks my heart like Zak did? I can’t take that chance.”

“I guess that’s true. Besides, his last wife sounds amazing. It would be intimidating feeling like you have to keep up with her.”

Intimidatingis definitely the right word.

“So it’s settled.” Jen starts walking again. “We have to find you someone else that’s not Nigel or Tyler.”

It doesn’t feel settled. Sure, Tyler kissed me when he wasn’t supposed to, but he’s also had a lot of redeeming moments—moments I’m trying to downplay. He’s sensitive, a good communicator with his feelings, friendly, a hard worker, a hands-on dad, and thoughtful.

A new thought pops into my head. What if I knew Tylerwouldn’tbreak my heart? Would he be worth losing my job?

The logical part of my brain immediately says no.

But a bigger part of my heart screamsyes.

CHAPTER21

TYLER

It’s Monday night. Time to apologize. I take my phone out of my pocket and form a text to Meg.

Tyler:I thought you might be looking for some new quotes for your Etsy shop…

Tyler:When you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.

Tyler:Your life isn’t yours if you always care what others think.

Tyler:The most important work you will ever do is within the walls of your own home.

Tyler:All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

Meg:I love that last one.

I sigh with relief seeing Meg’s name on my screen.

Tyler:I knew you’d like that last one. I can’t take all the credit. Abraham Lincoln needs to take some of it, since he’s the one that actually said it.

Meg:I didn’t know you collected quotes.

Tyler:It’s a recent hobby. I have a few more…

Tyler:Live. Laugh. Love.

Tyler:I came. I saw. I made it awkward.