Stars glittered like diamonds God himself had hung in the night sky, and peaceful quiet, save the chirping crickets, combined with a gentle breeze made Dani want to linger.

One glance up at Josh and she knew she was kidding herself. He was the reason why she wanted to stay here. Please, God, I know my feelings are wrong. Take them away.

The man haunting her thoughts peered down at her, perceptive as always. "What's wrong?"

Josh could read her like no one else. "I-I guess I wanted everything to be perfect."

"He doesn't need you to be perfect. Did you see the look on his face when he saw you tonight?"

"Yes, my heart nearly burst with love. I know I can't undo the past, but I want to make it right now." Realizing how he might misread that she added quickly, "With Jacob."

"Right. With Jacob. You're nervous." He said it like he couldn't quite understand why.

"A little," she admitted. "I don't want to blow my second chance."

"He loves you." His voice was warm with reassurance and something else she couldn't name. "He'd love you even if you didn't give him anything."

"I know, Josh. You're an amazing father to have raised him to be that kind of person." She was impressed and a little envious. "He loves me because of who he is, but I want to give him a reason."

Something that looked suspiciously like sympathy flashed in his dark gaze. "He's four Dani, and you've made him the happiest kid in town because you're here."

"You're saying that to make me feel better," she said softly, a smile in her voice.

He tilted his head, studying her with a warm gaze. "Nah, I'd never do that. I'm not that nice of a guy."

Without warning Pastor Wyatt's expression as he announced Josh's engagement flashed in her mind and she winced. Seeing his expression, she realized he'd read her thoughts even before he spoke.

"Dani, I didn't mean for you to find out that way." He shifted, threading long fingers through his short hair. "About the engagement," he needlessly added.

"You said that."

"But you don't believe me."

"I do, not that it matters."

"She found the ring. I'd dropped it and I proposed." He sighed. "I really wish we'd have had a chance to talk before that."

Dani's stomach was hollowed with regret and a sound came from deep within her chest.

Josh didn't seem to notice. He appeared lost in thought, and then he spoke again. "The look on Pastor Wyatt's face when he saw you gave me chills."

She thought of what Mrs. Huckabee had told her. Dani wanted desperately to confide in Josh, but he wasn't her best friend anymore and she needed to speak with her mom first. She wouldn't spread what might turn out to be gossip.

"It's like he regretted giving Meredith and me his blessing."

With a heavy heart, her eyes closed.

"You didn't seem surprised by his reaction."

Her eyes flew open and slammed into his. "It happened so quickly. I didn't know what to think."

His gaze glittered. "Why do I feel like you're keeping something from me?"

He always had read her well. "It's been a long time for us. Maybe you don't know me as well as you did back then."

"Maybe."

He didn't believe her, but he let the subject drop. "How's Jennifer feel about your extended visit?"

"She's not speaking to me. We had an argument about it before I left."

"No doubt you're missing countless movie deals, interviews, and parties. By the time you go back, you'll probably have lost millions." His intent gaze refused to release hers.

Dani stiffened. "A small price to pay for getting to know my son. And I'm not going back. Ever. I don't even like acting."

"Yeah, right," he said with a deep humorless chuckle.

"No, it's true. I liked not having to worry about money, and the fancy things I only dreamed of having were nice at first. But I hated pretending all the time. I didn't like being followed and having my picture taken when I was looking my worst. If you only knew, how many times I wanted to come home." She stopped, realizing he was staring at her. His lips parted and then pressed into a line.

"Why didn't you?"

"It was too late. I'd signed away my rights. Jennifer said I'd regret it for the rest of my life if I gave up a successful career."

He shrugged and glanced off into the sky like they were discussing something mundane like the weather. "It's a lot of money to walk away from."

"What I'll regret for the rest of my life is giving up my son." Her voice shook with emotion.

"Dani...please understand I need to do what's best for Jacob, but one day if everything works out—"

She held up her hand, halting the words she couldn't bear to hear. "You don't have to say it. It's alright. Jacob belongs with you, and I'd never try and take him."

He frowned. "You don't want joint custody?"

"Of course, I want it, but this isn't about me. He's lived with you his whole life, and he's happy." She drew a deep, shaky breath. "One day I'd like to be able to take him places and have him sleep over at my house occasionally. That's all I want."

Their gazes tangled.

The past, powerful and binding, linked them together forever.

Oh, how, she still loved him.

Dani thought she heard him groan.

Josh's hand lifted and his knuckles lightly brushed her cheek. She sucked in a sharp breath and he jerked his hand back. "We need to get back to the game."

Dani was trembling. "Yeah, we do."

Neither of them moved.

Finally, Josh turned away suddenly and walked toward the soccer field.

She followed him, wishing she'd been wise enough to do that years ago.

***

"Mama, why are you wearing Daddy's shirt?" Jacob asked, drawing the attention of several families around them.

Josh watched Dani's cheeks stain a pretty shade of pink. Meredith elbowed him and his gaze swung guiltily to her. He'd been staring at Dani.

"There was an incident. Your cherry slush ended up ruining hers," he said easily, catching Tanner's smirk.

"Sounds like a likely story," Meredith droned, but she was smiling when her eyes slid to Dani. "What was the incident?"

"In-ci-dent. What's that?" Jacob asked.

"Something that just happens," Dani told her son before returning Mer's smile. "I'm clumsy sometimes." She shrugged like it was no big deal.

"She didn't spill it on herself," he heard himself say and caught Dani's frown.

"What happened?" Rachel's gaze flicked from Josh to Dani.

"Someone ran into her." He felt Dani's regard but kept his gaze on Mer.

Meredith gasped. "That's awful."

"Were you mad?" Jacob's small face was very serious.

"Nope," Dani said good-naturedly. "That wouldn't have helped anything. Getting mad never does."

"True. At least it wasn't on purpose." Jacob gave her a big smile and a hug. "I have to say goodbye to Charlie. Be right back!"

Dani watched him run to the field where Lindy and Charlie were.

"It wasn't on purpose, was it?" Meredith asked now that Jacob was gone. She seemed very concerned. It was one of the things he loved about her.

"Possibly," Dani hedged, obviously not wanting to answer. "I am was of the few here without a Warriors jersey, but I have one so it all worked out." Her gaze flew to his. "Temporarily. I will give it back," she promised, flustered as if he would accuse her of stealing his shirt. His heart swelled and he drew a sharp breath.

Mer's expression turned to shock. "Why would anyone do that?"

"They think they're being loyal to us." Josh kept his voice calm, despite his racing heart. He felt protective of Dani, which was understandable since she was Jacob's mother. She didn't deserve to be mistreated or shunned by this town. Not that he expected her to stay, despite what she'd said. Still, he wouldn't stand by while she was abused and do nothing.

"I'll make sure everyone knows that we have no problems with you, Dani," Meredith assured. "We'll be raising Jacob together, and this sort of behavior is the last thing we need."

Dani pushed a rope of flyaway hair behind her ear and looked uncomfortable. "Thanks, I appreciate that, but you really shouldn't go to any trouble."

Meredith stepped forward and gave Dani a hug. "It's what Jesus would do."

Dani's gaze collided with his and longing pierced him. He needed to follow Meredith's example and remember what the Lord Jesus would do.