The Sweetest Gift. Jillian Hart

that he believed in that kind of goodness anymore.

      Goodness? No. God? Yes. Peace? Yes. That’s what he believed in.

      After too many years as a soldier and then as a corporate pilot flying head honchos anywhere in the world they needed to go, he just wanted a home. Peace and quiet. To be content and enjoy his life. Just him and Leo.

      He drove the nail in sure and deep with one whack of the hammer. Pinned his elbow on the board and drove in a second nail. A third.

      “That was my sister.” She came up from behind him, her steps hushed in the soft grass. Ice cubes rattled as she set down glass and pitcher, both topped with sliced lemons.

      Thoughtful.

      “I’ve got to run in and help her with the coffee shop. She’s shorthanded. Do you need anything else? I’ll leave the back door unlocked. Just help yourself.”

      “Sure, okay.” He didn’t look at her as he drove another nail home. “I’ll lock up when I finish.”

      “Okay. Thanks, Sam.”

      “I’ve got to ask you something.” He nailed the next board into place. “This has really been bothering me. I’ve had some neighbor disasters, too.”

      “You’re worried about me?”

      “Are you a partying kind of girl? I’m praying that you’re a quiet sort of woman who doesn’t play music all hours of the night. I need my beauty sleep.”

      “Funny.” She slung her slim black purse over her shoulder. “Give my regards to your biker friends.”

      Her wink made him chuckle, and it warmed him down to his bones. One thing about Kirby—he liked her sense of humor.

      But that was all.

      She swept away from him, like grace and spring and peace all rolled up into one perfect human being. He wasn’t looking for a wife. Not by a long shot. But she was fine.

      Very fine, indeed.