The M.D.'s Unexpected Family. Cindy Kirk

      As far as Tim knew no one ever figured out what that was all about. Some blamed the incident on her crazy mother, who wasn’t exactly a stellar influence. Others said it was a need to stand out, brought on by an absentee father.

      “Tim.”

      He blinked and saw Cassidy approaching him, holding two cones of rainbow cotton candy. “I got one for each of us.”

      He took the spun sugar, deciding it wouldn’t hurt to ignore proper nutrition for one evening. “I have something for you, too.”

      Reaching into his pocket, Tim pulled out a tin star and pressed it into her hand.

      She stared at it then up at him, her expression questioning.

      “Better late than never,” he quipped when she remained silent. “Perhaps you’ll finally get those superpowers.”

      Her fingers curled around the star and she slipped it into her purse. She cleared her throat before speaking. “Thanks.”

      “Thank you for the cotton candy.” He took a bite and had to admit the fluff tasted as good as he remembered. Plucking off another piece, he held it between his thumb and forefinger for a second before popping it into his mouth. “What’s next on the agenda?”

      “Do you like rodeos?” She gazed up at him, a hopeful gleam in her eyes, a faint smear of sugar on her full lips.

      Tim forced his gaze from the lips that reminded him of delicious pink strawberries.

      Rodeos, he reminded himself. They were talking about bulls, broncs and roping. Despite growing up in Wyoming, Tim had little exposure to the sport. His parents had never taken him or his sisters to the rodeo. Caro had never expressed an interest and he hadn’t cared enough to press the issue.

      Tim saw the look in Cassidy’s eyes. She wanted to go and he’d made it clear from the start he would go along with whatever she wanted.

      Besides, so far he’d enjoyed everything about the evening she’d orchestrated, including riding the bull at Wally’s place. “Sounds like fun.”

      She flashed a bright smile and took his arm.

      An easy breeze ruffled her hair but Cassidy made no move to push it back into place. He liked that about her, too. Unlike those women who needed to be perfectly groomed at all times, Cassidy gave herself permission to revel in the moment.

      Tonight, he’d gone with the flow and as a result felt more like the kid he’d once been than a widowed father of two with heavy responsibilities. As they started down the street in the direction of his car, his gaze kept returning to her mouth.

      All too soon the evening would draw to a close. Though it had been a long time since he’d dated, from everything he’d heard and read, a good-night kiss was practically expected in today’s dating world.

      Although this wasn’t really a date, not in the true sense of the word, he was determined to savor every moment and fulfill all her expectations. If that meant a good-night kiss, so be it.

      He only hoped he could stop at one.