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in her eyes, and gave a self-conscious laugh. “So, what have you been up to? I see you’re a nurse.”
    “I went to the university and got my degree. When your mom needed me, I took a leave of absence so I could stay with her. She was so kind to George and Hannah and me. This was my chance to repay her.”
    At the mention of Harley’s brother, Jessie felt her back stiffen. She forced a smile. “So how’s big brother George? Where’s he now?”
    “He did his residency at the Foothills Hospital. You heard he graduated, didn’t you?” Harley paused, cocked her head to the side. “He set up his practice in Cochrane. You’ll probably get to see him in the morning. He comes by every day to check on your mom.”
    Not if she could help it. The last time she’d seen him, he’d given her the news that had irrevocably changed her life. Now, she didn’t relish the idea of looking into his eyes and bearing the guilt of his censure.
    “Would you like to come sit with your mom? It’s very peaceful at this time of night.”
    Jessie’s attention shifted to the bed, to the still presence of her mother. It hurt just to look at her. There were so many painful memories. She took a step toward the front door, unable to escape because of Harley’s firm hold.
    “Later, okay? She’s sleeping now and I wouldn’t want to disturb her.” She pulled her fingers free, grabbed an old flannel jacket from the front closet and yanked open the door. “By the way, remember Brenda Mann?”
    “You mean Brenda Brain?”
    “Heavens, you’re as bad as Nate.”
    “Do you blame me? The girl was a genius. She was also the most gorgeous girl in school. So what about her?”
    “She was on the flight into Calgary. Would you like to come visit her with me? She has the sweetest baby.”
    “Who’d she marry?”
    Shrugging, Jessie pulled open the screen door and slipped outside. “Didn’t ask. She’s recently divorced and plans to stay with her parents until she decides what she’s going to do. I thought she might need some moral support while she’s adjusting to small town life again.”
    “Sure, I’d like that.” Harley pressed her pert nose against the screen, her gaze suddenly somber. “What about you? How long are you planning on sticking around?”
    Jessie grinned. “Have I overstayed my welcome already?”
    Harley shot a glance toward the main house and lowered her voice. “It took Nate a long time to accept that you were never coming home. I don’t want to see him hurt when you leave again.”
    “Don’t worry. I intend to stay as far away from him as possible.” She stared past the mesh, momentarily wishing she could tell Harley everything, but knowing full well that the moment she did, Nate would find out the truth. Harley never could keep a secret. “I’m going for a walk. Will I see you later?”
    “I have a house in town, but these days, I don’t go too far from your mom.”
    With a single wave over her shoulder, Jessie cleared the steps and escaped.
    Harley.
    Once, they’d been inseparable, the best of friends.
    Another relationship ruined because Jessie had taken the easy way out.

CHAPTER SIX

    Jessie hurried across the yard, shivering as the chill of the evening air penetrated the jacket. Inside the stable, overhead lights illuminated the stalls. Jessie wandered the length of the aisle, admiring the horses. None appeared finer than the white stallion in the end stall.
    His coat was shiny, the lines of his sleek body well muscled. He paced back and forth, restless and agitated in the small space. When he neighed and thumped his head against the wooden gate as though attempting to break free, Jessie took a quick step back. “Whoa there, big boy.”
    There was a wildness about him that held Jessie spellbound. He reminded her of Nate in his youth — wild and arrogant and beautiful. At one time or another, every girl in the school had vied for Nate Coltrane’s attention.
    And then he’d noticed her, all grown