Heart of Texas Vol. 2 by Debbie Macomber

had unexpectedly sold the family home and moved to Chicago. For the first time in her life Ellie had been utterly alone. That was when she realized how much she’d come to rely on her best friend—and eventually know how much she loved him.
    They walked to the restaurant and managed to get a booth. Both were familiar enough with the menu not to need one. Ellie ordered the barbecue sandwich and a side of potato salad, and Glen chose a slab of the baby back ribs. He also asked for a pitcher of ice-cold beer.
    â€œDovie took me to lunch this afternoon,” Ellie said when the beer arrived.
    â€œAnything going on with her these days?”
    â€œShe wanted to know how the wedding plans were coming along, and…” Ellie hesitated.
    â€œAnd?” he prodded, pouring them each a beer.
    â€œHave you met Dr. Dickinson yet?”
    â€œDoc Cummings’s replacement? Not officially. Why?”
    â€œDovie asked if I’d, you know, take her under my wing.”
    â€œThe doctor?” Glen set his mug down on the table.
    â€œApparently she’s not adjusting to life in Promise.”
    Glen relaxed against the red vinyl upholstery. “How do you mean?”
    â€œShe doesn’t fit in, and Dovie seems to think what she reallyneeds is a friend, someone to introduce her to people, show her the ropes.”
    â€œDo you have time for this?” Glen asked, zeroing in on Ellie’s own concern.
    â€œNot just now.”
    â€œDon’t think you’re going to have a lot of spare time once we’re married, either,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I plan on keeping you occupied myself.”
    â€œOh, really?” Although she enjoyed bantering with him, Ellie could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.
    â€œWhat that doctor really needs is something or someone to occupy her time.”
    â€œI suppose you’re going to suggest a man,” Ellie said.
    â€œYou got something against men?”
    â€œJust a minute.” Ellie put down her mug too quickly, then used her napkin to wipe up the spilled beer. “You just might be on to something here.”
    Glen frowned. “What do you mean?”
    â€œWhy don’t we introduce the new doc to Cal?” An idea was be ginning to take shape in her mind and fast gaining momentum.
    â€œMy brother?” Glen sounded incredulous.
    â€œYes, your brother!” She snorted. “Do you know any other Cal?”
    Glen stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. “You’re not serious, are you?”
    â€œYes, I am. They’re perfect for each other.”
    Glen slapped the side of his head, pretending there was something wrong with his hearing. “Let me get this straight. The woman I love, the very one who couldn’t see the forest for the trees, is about to take on the role of match maker.”
    â€œIt only makes sense.”
    â€œYou haven’t even met the woman.”
    â€œI most certainly have,” Ellie pro tested.
    â€œWhen?”
    â€œThe Cattlemen’s Association Dance,” she informed him primly, neglecting to mention that it had been a ten-second conversation and they’d done nothing more than exchange first names.
    â€œOkay, Ms. Romance Expert, explain to me why you think my brother should meet this Mary.”
    â€œHer name is Jane.”
    â€œJane,” he corrected. “What’s so special about her?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Ellie was forced to admit. “But I do know one thing….”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œCal needs someone.”
    Their meal arrived and Glen reached for a blackened rib and dipped it in the pungent smoky barbecue sauce that was Adam Braunfels’s speciality. “Does Cal know his life is lacking?” he asked.
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œAre you going to tell him, or are you volunteering me for the job?”
    Glen appeared to find her idea highly entertaining, but she