With her heart in turmoil, she turned back to her gardening. Hopefully, the hot sun beaming down on her would wash all thought of Caleb Walsh out of her mind.

But thoughts of him wouldn’t go away. That night, he invaded her dreams. Time slipped backward, and she was standing at the altar. Alone. The heartbreak was as painful as it had been then. She fought the dream, its sharp edges cutting into her very soul. She cried out, and her voice startled her awake. She awoke, her forehead drenched in sweat. She climbed out of bed, walked over to the window and threw up the sash.

The night breeze cooled her fevered skin. Nearby, the lonely howl of a coyote sent goose pimples skimming down her arms, and she shivered. She’d never felt more alone than she did right now. Tears misted in her eyes, and she swiped her hand across them. She sat on the bed, fisted her hand and punched the pillow. She hated herself for being weak. She wouldn’t cry anymore—she wouldn’t.

Damn Caleb Walsh. Damn him for leaving her—and damn him for coming back.