The porch overlooked the steepest canyon that Meredith had ever seen in the Hill Country. Late afternoon shadows began their crawl across the craggy landscape. An older woman emerged from the house holding a tray with two glasses of lemonade. “You read my mind, Cara. Thanks,” Dax said, kissing the woman on the cheek. He took the drinks and handed one to Meredith. “And now you get to meet my Aunt Cara, who raised me and still spoils me rotten.” Cara looked like every stereotype of the nurturing aunt. Sturdy but not overweight. Conservatively but not primly dressed. Snow-colored hair swept back into a casual chignon to show off substantial diamond stud earrings. “Nice to meet you, Cara,” Meredith said, standing to take the woman’s free hand in her own. She took a sip. “This is delicious! Just like my grandmother made years ago. It’s a shame that people don’t go to the trouble to hand-squeeze lemons anymore.” “It’s no trouble at all, dear. And it’s a real pleasure to have you with us.
