The phone rang and Trina picked it up. "Hello?"

"Trina? Hey, this is Buck. Buck Wilmington. Look, is Drew around?"

"No, she's not. She's out with Alley."

"Good. Look I wanted to talk to you. Mind if I come over?" Buck sounded either agitated or excited and Trina couldn't tell which.

"What about?"

"You know she has a birthday coming up, right?"

"Oh! Aye!" Trina said smiling.

"I want to throw a surprise party for her, and I need your help. And Ezra just had a birthday. When's he getting back anyway?"

"Soon," Trina said softly, adding I hope to her thoughts.

"I'll be right over and then we can get this planned out. Oh! And we should go to Ajo or something. Maybe tomorrow. Drew's got another shift tomorrow, right?"

"Aye."

"Good. We'll talk about it today, and then tomorrow morning we'll go to Ajo. I'll be right over."

Buck closed the connection and Trina hung up the phone and went to the kitchen. She made a plate of sandwiches up while waiting for Buck to arrive. Then she got out some paper and cleared off Ezra's dining room table.

"We could have it here, at Ezra's. Then we'd have the pool and I could pick up a keg at-"

"But it would be hard to surprise them," Trina said softy.

"Yeah, but I could take Drew out for the day or something."

"What about Ezra?"

Buck looked at her.

"This should be a party for both of them. Drew and Ezra. If we have it here, he won't be surprised."

Buck nodded. "Yeah. Where?"

"The Grille. They wouldn't be suspicious about going there, and it has everything, and then we wouldn't have to clean up afterwards."

"But it don't have a pool and I wanted to-"

Trina laughed. "So take her swimming that afternoon." She smiled at Buck.

Buck just grinned. "Could do that. So, what do we need?"

Trina smiled. "Decorations. And balloons. And cake. And Drew should really get her own beer mug or daiquiri glass."

Buck nodded. "We can get that stuff at Ajo."

"And a band."

"Gibson's boy has a band-Cactus Thorns."

Trina looked at him.

"Name ain't great, but the band's not that bad."

Trina nodded.

"Who do we invite?" she asked.

"Everyone," Buck said.

Trina raised an eyebrow. "Buck, there are over 300 people in this town-"

"Well, everyone who matters," Buck said with a smile.

She just looked at him.

"I'll get you a list of Ezra's friends. You know most of Drew's."

Trina nodded.

"We need a book of drinking games," Buck said suddenly.

Trina giggled and didn't say anything.

"What?" he asked.

"Ach..Buck I'm sure you dinna need a book of drinking games."

"Naw...but Drew would."

"And Ezra will be so happy you got her one."

"All this stuff, we're gonna have to go to Tucson instead of Ajo. You okay with that?"

Trina nodded.

For the next hour, Buck and Trina discussed various ideas regarding the party. Buck looked at his watch. "Oh shute! Drew will be home any minute now. I better get goin' or she'll get suspicious."

Buck got up and went out the door as Trina put away all the papers and then started to clean up the remains of the sandwich plate.

Drew came in the house with a really confused look on her face. "Trina?"

"In the kitchen."

Drew came in and leaned against the refrigerator. "I thought I just saw Buck. But he didn't wait for me."

Trina looked at her with an innocent look on her face. "Really?"

Drew nodded.'

"Don't you two have a date tonight?" Trina asked, changing the subject before Drew could actually ask her if Buck had been at the house.

"Yeah. We're going to go to some restaurant in Ajo."

Trina smiled. "I really think he's good for you."

Drew smiled. "Yeah."

"When's Ezra getting back?" Trina asked.

Drew shrugged. "You like him don't you?" They had not actually discussed this yet, and Trina was not sure how Drew would take it.

She just nodded very slightly.

"I think he likes you a lot too. Hey! Maybe that will be a way to get him off my back about Buck."

Trina cocked her head to the side.

"Well, how can he be upset with me for dating his friend, if he's dating one of mine?"

"You really think he likes me?" Trina looked to Drew. She liked Drew's brother and believed him to be the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. And he had said something about them having a full day date once he got back from Los Angeles, but they had not had much of a chance.

Drew giggled. "Oh yeah. Sometimes Ezra isn't the easiest man to read, but he really likes you."

"But the same thing, Drew.when you leave for LA, where does that leave Ezra and me? I-I don't know if-"

Drew just looked to her. "That's still a few months away. And you wouldn' t let me use that as a reason to stay away from Buck. Right?"

Trina nodded.

"So go out with Ezra. You like him. He likes you. At least you'll have fun."

Trina smiled. "Ye best get on upstairs and get ready for your date. I'm sure Buck don't want to be spending time with me instead of you." She grinned at Drew's expression and watched her friend run up the stairs to get ready for her date.

Trina smiled as the sun set. She went upstairs and put on her bikini. She had found that she liked swimming in the pool, but still it was too easy for her to burn, so she had taken to swimming at night, since no one was home.

She walked downstairs and went out to the pool. Setting her towel on one of the lounge chairs, she quickly dove into the pool and started to swim laps.

Ezra drove up to the house with a small U-Haul trailer attached to the car. It contained Drew's belongings. Things he had not sold for whatever reason, some because he could not find a buyer and some because he knew that the item would have a sentimental value to his sister. She was going to be angry with him for not bringing everything back, but Ezra was not about to rent a semi and fill it up.

Lord but that girl knew how to accumulate things. She had a large video and CD collection which he'd come very close to taking to a trade-in store and selling, but considering where they were, he knew she'd need the entertainment.

And Ezra had about lost it when he saw her entertainment center. It was nicer than his own. That, Ezra had decided, was going to become his.

He came into the house and determined he'd unload the trailer in the morning, when there was more light. As he set his bag down in the hallway, he noticed the back porch light was on. Ezra walked back and saw that Trina was swimming.

He stood at the window, watching her swim. She'd do a lap freestyle, the switch to breast stroke, then butterfly, then back stroke. Then she would start again. Ezra stood there watching her swim for about five minutes before he walked out side and sat on the lounge chair where she'd laid the towel. He picked it up and watched her continue to swim.

Ezra started to feel that he was intruding on her privacy, so he cleared his throat. Trina stopped cold, then swam to the side. He was amazed at the smile on her face when she saw him.

"Welcome home, Ezra," she said softly.

Ezra smiled. "Thank you, Trina." He stood up and walked over to her. She pulled herself close to the side of the pool, but didn't get out.

Ezra squatted down beside her. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

Trina shrugged. "What time is it?"

Ezra looked at his watch. "10:30. Is Drew upstairs?"

Trina shook her head. "She's with Buck right now. They went to Ajo."

Ezra frowned. "So you're home all alone?"

"Aye. But it's all right. How was Los Angeles?"

He looked to her and held the towel. "Why don't you come out of the pool and join me inside? We can talk about it then." Ezra winked. "I'm feeling a bit overdressed out here."

Trina blushed and looked away. "Aye." She quickly got out of the pool and wrapped the towel around herself.

Ezra found himself staring as he watched the water caress her neck and had to shake a thought clear of his head. He smiled to her and then walked over, opening the door to the house. Trina quickly walked in and then ran up the stairs.

Ezra walked into the kitchen and looked around. He planned to fix a batch of daiquiris, but noticed that the rum was empty. Ezra had thought he had a half a bottle, but he wasn't sure, so he shrugged it off and reached for the tequila. He'd make margaritas instead.

Drew would likely not be home before midnight, and he decided he'd be lucky if it was that early. She was with Buck, and he would have to accept that.

Trina came downstairs wearing a pink fuzzy bathrobe, her long wet hair pulled back. Ezra smiled.

"Hello, my dear."

"You're home late. Was your trip good?"

Ezra offered her a margarita and she took it. "Yes, it was. I hit Tucson and nearly stopped for the night, but I was so close, just decided to finish the trip and come on home."

"You must be verra tired."

Ezra just smiled as Trina took a sip of the margarita. She must be getting tired as well, her accent was beginning to thicken some.

"Yes, but I've been alone for the past couple days, and I'd like to sit and talk with someone for a while."

She looked at him oddly, but didn't say anything.

"Why don't we go sit on the couch?"

"An ye'll tell me all about Los Angeles?" Trina asked excitedly.

Ezra nodded, and frowned slightly. She too was excited about moving, leaving when Drew's probation was up. Ezra took Trina's arm and led her to the sofa, pulling her down against him as he sat down. He was surprised when he smelled heather and vanilla. She'd taken a shower before coming down.

She looked up to him and smiled softly, obviously waiting for him to start.

"It was big, and the traffic alone was enough to drive a man to distraction."

She giggled.

"It isn't funny, Trina. I narrowly avoided at least four accidents a day. It is a miracle I escaped with my vehicle unscathed."

"Did you see any stars?"

It was Ezra's turn to laugh. "No, I didn't."

Her expression was funny. It was a combination of shock and disappointment, as if she expected there to be celebrities standing on any corner.

"Did ye get all of Drew's things?"

"Well, what I didn't sell, I brought back." Ezra tightened his hold on her, and Trina snuggled against him. "But enough about that," he said, smiling.

"What would ye like to talk about?" Trina asked as she sipped her margarita.

"You, and Scotland."

"But I'm no the one who just got home from a trip," Trina protested.

Ezra smiled. "No. But I like listening to you talk." He kissed her cheek. Trina smiled back to him. Encouraged by this, Ezra pulled her onto his lap and kissed her again.

After a few moments, he broke the kiss and smiled to her, happy to see her smiling back. "I've been thinking of doing that since I left," Ezra said softly.

Trina blushed.

"Before I left, we decided we'd spend a day touring the area. Would you still like to do that?"

Trina nodded and smiled.

"This Saturday?"

She shook her head. "We canna. Drew would be-"

"Yes, it is her birthday, isn't it?" Ezra winked.

"Aye. I'm sorry I missed yours."

"It is hardy your fault that I was out of town, my dear."

She hugged him. "But still." She bit her lip and looked down. Then she reached into her pocket and took out a brightly wrapped box and handed it to him.

"I dinna ken if you'll like it or no, but-"

Ezra was surprised. Trina had gotten him something for his birthday, and they had barely known each other for long. "I'm sure I will."

He took the box in his hands and looked at it. Ezra smiled to her. Then he unwrapped the box. Jewelry. She'd given him jewelry.

It was a set of cufflinks, set with rubies. And they didn't look new. Ezra looked to her.

"They were my father's."

"Trina, I-they are beautiful, but I can't take them. It's-"

She looked down and nodded, then she got up off his lap and stood. "I didna mean to offend you."

Ezra could tell she was about to run up the stairs.

"I'm not offended. It's just that these are too valuable."

"But I wanted you to have them. I-"

Ezra quickly stood up and pulled her to him. "I love them. They are the most stunning cufflinks I've ever seen or owned." Ezra held her close for a moment, then looked to her. "Thank you."

Trina smiled shyly up to him, and Ezra kissed her again, leading her back to the sofa and sitting down with her.

"Tell me about your father?" Ezra asked her.

Trina leaned against him then stared at the arm of the sofa. Softly she spoke, telling him about her father and her family. He could hear from the tone of her voice how close her family had been. She stopped a few times and was silent, composing herself and he held her. Ezra was envious. He missed his own father, and the times they shared. But as far as a close-knit family, that was something neither he nor Drew had ever really experienced outside of each other. As he listened, he could tell that something about the story she'd told earlier, the one about the fire, was off. What it was, he wasn't certain.

When Trina finally fell silent, Ezra looked to her.

"Would you like to watch a movie?" Ezra asked.

Trina nodded.

He looked for a moment, deciding that a comedy would be the best choice for the time. He smiled and pulled "Only You" off the rack and placed it in the player before walking back to join Trina on the couch. He draped his arm around her and she smiled up to look at him. Ezra once again kissed her gently. He could easily get used to coming home from work and having Trina there to greet him. Ezra squeezed her gently.

When Drew returned home around 12:30 am, she noticed that Ezra's car was in the driveway, and she saw the size of the trailer he had attached. Drew frowned. Either Ezra was a really good packer, or he had gotten rid of most of her stuff. And she did not see her car.

She entered the house, fully prepared to charge up the stairs and ask Ezra where her stuff was. But the sight she saw stopped her cold.

Ezra was lying on the couch asleep, Trina was snuggled against him. His arm was lightly draped over her. Drew looked over and saw that the movie they'd been watching was just beginning to roll the end credits. Drew picked up the remote and turned off the television.

Ezra immediately woke up.

Drew looked to him. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, sister dear. Where is your shadow?" Ezra asked with a smile.

"On his way home," Drew said as she looked to Trina.

Ezra just smiled and stroked Trina's hair. Drew raised an eyebrow. "Ezra, she's my friend. Don't you hurt her."

"I won't," Ezra whispered. He nudged Trina slightly and she woke up.

"Drew! Did ye have a good time?"

Drew smiled to her. "Yes I did. We played miniature golf."

Ezra chuckled. "Did Mr. Wilmington allow you to win?"

Drew looked at him wide-eyed. "I won fair and square!"

Ezra laughed and nodded. "Of course you did. Don't you have to work tomorrow?"

Drew nodded and then looked to him. "Don't you?"

Trina stood and moved out of the way, Ezra stood and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Yes, I do. I should turn in." He looked to Trina and tilted her face up, then placed a soft kiss upon her lips. "Until tomorrow, my dear," he said with a smile. Then he looked to Drew. "Good night, Drew." Ezra walked up the stairs.

Drew did her best not to laugh at the expression on Trina's face. Trina was obviously just as besotted with Ezra as Drew was with Buck.

"Trina, did You have a good evening?"

Trina smiled. "Aye."

Drew laughed and went upstairs.

Ezra looked out the window of the sheriff's office as he saw a red mustang drive by. He shook his head and looked down. Surely not, he thought to himself. Trina couldn't drive. And Drew was with Alley at the park. Besides, her license had been revoked. No one else in town had a cherry red mustang, but -

He put it down to a hallucination and decided he'd go home for lunch and surprise Trina. She probably would like to get out.

A few hours later, Ezra drove back to his house, and saw Buck's beat up pickup truck sitting in front. Trina's car was not. Relax, Standish, Ezra told himself. Maybe she just loaned him the vehicle. Buck had mentioned to Chris that he had a few errands to run in Tucson. Maybe Buck didn't trust his truck that far.

But when Ezra went inside, he found that Trina wasn't home. He frowned. She had not told him that she was going to go anywhere. Surely Trina wouldn't have gone to Tucson with Buck?

Buck and Trina drove back from Tucson, a trunkload full of supplies.

"We'll be needing to keep this at your place," Trina said.

Buck nodded. "But some of it has to be put together, and I know dang well I can't do that. You can always tell me stuff you need and I can bring it over on my way to work."

"Aye," Trina said, nodding her head.

They drove by the Standish Grille on the way to Buck's apartment. Neither of them saw Drew standing outside, looking at them with great confusion.

After they'd unloaded the trunk at Buck's, they went back to Ezra's where Buck was going to drop Trina off and pick up his truck.

Neither were prepared to see Ezra and Drew standing outside the place, obviously waiting for them.

Trina got out of the car with a smile. "Hey!" She ran over to Drew. "Buck showed me a little how to drive." She was excited about that and wanted to share. Drew looked at her oddly and forced a smile.

"Did he show you anything else?" she asked.

"Aye! We went to Tucson. I needed to get some papers and -"

Drew just nodded and went inside. Trina frowned and looked to Ezra. He looked upset too. Ezra didn't say anything to her, but he turned to Buck. "Since you're here, you can help me unload Drew's belongings." Trina flinched at the ice in his voice, and meekly went inside.

"No need to be like that Ezra. Ain't nothin' goin' on with me and Trina. We just went to Tucson. You know how I feel about your sister."

"Yes, obviously you care enough about her that you thought to inform her you were going out of town with a good friend of hers."

Buck looked to Ezra. "You're.you're Jealous!"

"I most certainly am not! I am merely informing you that I told you you would hurt my sister. And you have."

Buck picked up a box and shook his head. He looked over and saw tears in Drew's eyes. "Sunshine?"

"Don't ever call me that again!" Drew shouted as she flew into the house and upstairs.

Trina followed Drew upstairs. "Are ye mad at me?"

"You went to Tucson with Buck. How do you think I feel?"

"It wasna a date. We both had some errands to run there."

"Right. And neither of you thought to mention it? Trina, what are you hiding?"

Trina frowned. "Nothing. I'm no hiding anything. Please believe me. I know how much you like Buck. Trust him. Please?"

"I can't Trina" she grabbed a towel out of the linen closet then went to the bathroom locking the door behind her.

Trina looked at the door for a few moments, and determined Drew was not going to come back out. She went back downstairs. She walked over to Ezra. He just looked at her with a hurt expression, but offered her a soft smile. Then she looked to Buck, as he passed her. He whispered. "Ezra's jealous, too."

Her eyes lit up and she went over to Ezra. She hugged him. "I missed you today."

He turned to her and smiled. "I missed you too." Ezra held her close and kissed her cheek. "Are you hungry?"

Trina nodded.

Ezra turned to Buck. "Why don't you go ahead and finish unloading Drew's things. Trina and I are going to dinner."

With that, Ezra took Trina's arm and led her out of the house. "Did you say you learned how to drive today?"

"Aye."

"Show me," Ezra said.

.