"I'm from L.A. It's like this is a different planet."

Kyle grinned. Lindsay swallowed. Sandy ruffled Nichole's red curls and knew exactly how her daughter felt.

"You'll like it here," he promised. "Life's going to seem a little slower, but there's lots of fun stuff for kids to do. There's softball and soccer." He glanced at Nichole. "There's a team for girls just your age. And my brother Travis has a daughter who's eight."

"That's fine for the children," Lindsay said, her tone pointing out how much more mature she was than the other two. "But what about me?"

"We'll find something," Kyle promised.

"It's really not your problem," Sandy said. "I appreciate the welcome and all that, but we've got work to do. Children, say goodbye to Mr. Haynes."

Blake muttered something under his breath, while Nichole just smiled winningly. Lindsay gave her mother the hate stare, then said, "Goodbye, Kyle. I'm sure we'll run into each other again."

"I'm sure."

He turned and started toward his motorcycle. Lindsay noticed the bike for the first time. "Way cool," she said and started after him. Sandy grabbed the girl's arm. "Another time."

"But Mom-"

"We've got to get the house ready."

Kyle picked up his jacket, then turned toward her. "Have you been in the place yet?"

She glanced at the house. "No. We've just arrived."

He hesitated. "Maybe I should take a look around first."

"Why?"

"The house has been closed up for a while. You don't know what could be inside."

If she hadn't been afraid he would think she was as immature as Lindsay, she would have rolled her eyes. Couldn't he come up with a better line than that? "The roof and plumbing have just been replaced. We're not afraid of a little dirt or a few spiderwebs."

"I hate spiders," Nichole said.

"I know, honey. I'll take care of any we find." She returned her attention to Kyle. "We'll be fine. I promise."