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***
A short time later, Darcy tapped her foot on the pavement. She sat in a portable camping chair beside her father at a strip mall in Mint Hall, scanning the parking lot full of classic cars and auto enthusiasts. Nearby, her father discussed the details of the impressive engine in his 1958 Dodge pickup truck with friends who were gathered around him.
She glanced down at her phone for what felt like the dozenth time in the last thirty minutes, hoping she’d missed a text or call from Carter. She inhaled deeply through her nose and tried to convince herself to calm down.
Carter said he’d come. He’ll be here.
When her phone buzzed, Darcy jumped with a start, sending her phone crashing to the ground.
“You okay over there?” Dad asked with a chuckle.
“Uh-huh.” She retrieved her phone, and her heart gave a kick when she found Carter’s name on her screen. She clicked on the message.
Carter: I’m here. Searching for your dad’s amazing truck.
Darcy jumped up and examined the sea of people browsing the cars, and when she spotted him in the crowd, she couldn’t stop her smile. She jammed her phone in her back pocket and started toward him.
Wearing khaki shorts and a plain black shirt that hugged his wide chest and muscular biceps, Carter waved and picked up his pace. Light-brown stubble lined his jaw again—the jaw that looked as though it had been molded from fine granite. He was just as handsome without the stubble, but the five o’clock shadow gave him a rugged look that stole her breath.
“Darcy!” He jogged toward her. “Sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I was still at the shop when you texted, and I had to run home and shower.”
She tried not to stare at him. “It’s no problem. I’m just glad you’re here.” She reached out her hand, and without any hesitation, he threaded his fingers with hers. “Come meet my dad.”
She led him through the knot of people, and when they came to her father’s Dodge, Carter blew out a breath.
“Wow,” he mumbled.
She grinned up at him. “He’s used to that reaction.”
“It’s stunning.”
Dad joined them by the truck. “Thank you.”
“Dad, this is Carter.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Dad said, and Darcy thought she might pass out from the embarrassment.
He released Darcy’s hand to shake her dad’s. “Nice to meet you, sir. Ah, Mr.—I mean—Dr.Larsen.” As Carter stumbled over his words, a pink tinge rose on his cheeks.
Dad grinned. “Call me Ross.” He patted Carter’s shoulder. “Thank you for rescuing my Darcy when her car broke down.”
“Happy to help.” Carter smiled at Darcy, and her stomach flip-flopped. He pointed at Dad’s truck. “She’s a beauty.” He took a step toward the front end. “What do you have in it?”
“A 1995 twelve-valve Cummins that came from a Dodge Ram 2500.”
Affection billowed through Darcy while she watched Dad and Carter discuss the truck. As she took in their comradery, she imagined Carter accompanying her to her parents’ house on Sunday afternoons, sitting in her parents’ dining room on holidays, and visiting her parents’ beach house with her.
Could Carter fit into her family? Would he want to?
A surge of warmth washed through her at the thought.
Dad beamed at the truck. “It was a labor of love.”
“I can’t imagine how long it took you to restore this.” Carter touched the grill.
“Carter has a project car too,” Darcy said. “Do you have a photo of your Road Runner?”
“I do, but it’s been off the road for a few years.” Carter looked sheepish as he pulled his phone from his pocket and began scrolling through photos.
