Her Texas Family. Jill Lynn

story like the one her sister had endured. Lucy had just learned her lessons young. One time she’d attempted that whole falling for someone thing. The results hadn’t been good. One time had been enough for her to realize she much preferred to love and embrace everyone in life without ever getting too serious.

      Lucy had been young—her junior year in high school—the first time she’d been tempted to let her feelings for a guy progress beyond friendship. A senior had asked her to prom, and she’d accepted. He was gorgeous, and she’d let her imagination get the best of her. She’d started daydreaming about him, thinking maybe he was really interested in her, acting like one of the silly girls she usually detested. Then, one day after school, she’d needed someone to give her a ride home. She’d headed to Nate’s locker to see if he could, but realized as she approached that he was talking about her to his friend.

      At first she’d been giddy, thinking he must really like her. But then she’d realized they were discussing a plan regarding her.

      They were talking about how long Nate would date her before passing her on to his friend who wanted a turn with her. Discussing her as if she were a piece of playground equipment.

      She’s already fallen for me. I have no doubt that by prom, I’ll get what I want. After that, she’s all yours.

      If Lucy hadn’t overheard, she’d never have known that all of Nate’s flattery and attention had only been done with one goal in mind.

      Thankfully it had been early enough in the relationship that Lucy had come out of the experience with her heart still intact. In fact, she considered that day, that conversation, one of her biggest blessings because of how it had changed her life.

      From that point on—after telling Nate exactly what she’d thought of his plans—she’d made a few decisions.

      First, she’d started rescuing herself. She hadn’t called her parents or sister for a ride home from school. She hadn’t found one of her girlfriends and bummed a ride. Lucy had walked. Granted, it had been only a few miles to get home, but that had been the beginning for her.

      No more looking for a prince when she could rescue herself.

      And second, she’d tossed out serious (not that she’d ever had an extra supply in that department) and stuck to fun. She hung with groups of friends and even went to prom that year with a bunch of people. Guys. Girls. Everyone knew her. Most loved her. She loved back. Simple. Easy. No mess to clean up when she went through life with the objective of having fun.

      “Ms. Lucy?”

      “Yeah?”

      “This really is the best day ever.”

      The contented sigh that came from the backseat wrapped around Lucy. Good thing she didn’t resist getting involved with people in general, just dating relationships. Because she feared she’d already lost her heart to the adorable five-year-old in the rearview mirror.

       Chapter Five

      He missed his daughter.

      Graham was a big sap, and even one more hour without Mattie felt like a year. Pathetic would be a good word to describe him right now. Even though Mattie was likely having a ton more fun with Lucy at dance and now going to get ice cream, he wanted her here. He wanted to look across his desk and see her at the credenza in the corner where she kept her art supplies and liked to color. He was selfish, that was what he was.

      And he was getting nothing done.

      With time to himself, his workload should be dwindling. But since Lucy and Mattie had left, he’d only dealt with a few charts and organized his pens. Who didn’t want to claim an accomplishment like that for their Saturday?

      He wanted to ask Mattie about class. Sure, he’d got some answers from Lucy, but he wanted to hear from his daughter.

      Graham checked his watch. Lucy had texted only a few minutes ago that they were going for ice cream. He could go meet them. But that would be overprotective of him. Which he wasn’t. He was more...curious. Another good word.

      He grabbed his keys.

      If he happened to be at the same place as them, nobody could fault him for that. And Graham knew just where his daughter would want to go.

      * * *

      Lucy judged the ice cream places in town by the level of excitement coming from the backseat. Clear River, a red storefront that boasted bakery, ice cream and deli signs, garnered the most response, so Lucy found a parking spot, and she and Mattie walked the short distance. If the smell of sugar and cinnamon that greeted them when Lucy opened the door was any indication, Mattie had impeccable taste.

      Red booths with white tables lined the space, and a curved glass display case held mouthwatering treats with the menu hanging behind. When it was their turn to order, Mattie still hadn’t decided which flavor to choose, so Lucy ordered first.

      “I’ll have a double-scoop cone. Chocolate peanut butter cup, strawberry cheesecake and... Let’s make that a triple. One scoop of caramel turtle fudge, too.”

      She felt a tug on her arm. “Can I have that many scoops?”

      Lucy imagined her answer should be no, but she didn’t know why. “Go for it.”