Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past? Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Dinner at Jack's

“You look amazing,” I said as I struggled by her with my grocery bags into the house.


“Thank you!” she cooed. “I just got these at Walmart. You like?” For the first time, I noticed her new clothes—a floral print top with dark leggings, a pair of pumps. I also noticed she had on more jewelry, a chunky gold bracelet and a small cameo around her neck.


“I wasn’t talking about your clothes. You have a glow about you, Maisie.”


She giggled. And instead of sounding high pitched and silly, it made her seem more like a young girl. I was charmed. “You’re a sweet talker, Beau St. Clair. Just like your father.” Her gaze went far away for a moment.


“Oh my God,” I whispered, stunned. “It’s true, then? You two have hit it off?”


Chapter 63