Besides,” she added, smiling wider, suddenly sounding mischievous. “It’s Tuesday.”

“This is good because…?”

“Tuesday means homemade beef barley soup at the diner.”

“Soup?” he laughed.

She grinned. “What can I say? I like soup. But don’t worry, I’ll order a salad, too.”

Chapter Five

‡‡

They cut through Crawford Park, towards the courthouse before crossing Front Street for the Main Street Diner.

Marietta had been so pretty with all the Christmas lights and decorations up. Now it just looked empty and a little dirty with white and gray snow heaped in the gutter and on all the street corners.

Taylor was glad to reach the diner to get out of the biting wind. Fortunately, at almost nine, the restaurant was virtually empty. The waitress told them they could sit anywhere and Troy left the choice to Taylor.

Taylor selected one of the big leather booths along the brick wall and once seated, she peeled off her coat and scarf and hat, piling them next to her. Suddenly she thought of McKenna, and how McKenna had avoided looking at Troy, and how Troy had gone after McKenna but she’d left without speaking to him.

“I didn’t realize until tonight that your brother Trey was the father of McKenna’s son,” Taylor said.

Troy gave her a wary glance. “You and McKenna aren’t close?”

“No, but I like her. I’ve always wanted to get to know her better, and tomorrow night we’re supposed to go look at dresses. Well, she’s trying on gowns. McKenna wants me there for moral support and maybe my advice.”

“Have you met Lawrence, her fiancé?”

“Briefly, but I do see him around. His office is on Main Street. He and McKenna both work in the same building, down by the Mercantile.”

“I don’t know him.”

“He seems nice, and very devoted to McKenna. He’s watched TJ a couple times when McKenna attends the Wedding Giveaway committee meetings. He and TJ will hang out in the children’s book section while we meet in the Crawford Room.”

“So McKenna is excited about the wedding?”

“I would think so. I imagine I’ll learn some details tomorrow night.”

“I hope she’ll be happy,” he said, picking up the menu. He studied it for a minute before setting it aside. “She deserves to be happy. McKenna is amazing, and a great mom to TJ.”

Taylor lifted a brow. “But..?”

His big shoulders shifted. “But nothing. Trey had the best girl—the best thing—and he screwed it up.”

“Did you love McKenna, too?”

“Of course I love her. Everybody loves McKenna. She’s just… that… special, but if you’re asking if I was in love with her, that’s a no. She was always Trey’s girl. Always. I would never, ever go there. Trey’s my twin.”

“Can’t imagine two of you,” Taylor answered. “Does Trey really look just like you?”

“We’re identical, but we’ve never dressed alike, or played the twins card.