When Never Comes

by Barbara Davis

days, and she had her own baggage to carry. “How old are your sons?” “Six and eight. Nathan and Christian. Both monsters and both adorable.” Divorced, a businesswoman, and a single mom. Christy-Lynn was impressed. “How do you do it? Run an inn and raise two little boys on your own?” “Oh, I have help. My parents live close, and I have a great sitter. She’s with them now. I feel bad sometimes, leaving them after working all day, but sometimes it feels like all I do is take care of other people. If I didn’t get out once in a while, I seriously think I’d lose my mind. Oh, look, Marco’s back.” She grinned up at him, all but purring. “That for me, sugar?” He set down Missy’s margarita and a fresh basket of chips, then took Christy-Lynn’s drink order, flashing an Antonio Banderas smile as he turned to leave. “Good grief,” Dar huffed when Marco was safely out of earshot. “I thought you were going to start stuffing dollar bills down his pants.” Missy’s mossy-green eyes gleamed mischievously. “Jealous?” Dar shook her head slowly, like a teacher with an incorrigible student. “Not everyone’s looking for tall, dark, and handsome. Some of us are looking for substance, someone capable of holding a conversation or settling down with a good book.” “Ah, yes. Your soul mate.” Dar picked up her wineglass, glaring petulantly as she sipped. “Go ahead. Make fun. But I’m not the one who married a guy right out of school because I liked the way his jeans fit.” Missy picked up her margarita, chasin...