Chapter 17

Nora and Charlie collaborate intensely on editorial notes for Dusty’s novel, volleying a document back and forth with praise, cuts, and refinements until they send it off. Dusty responds quickly, embracing the changes, insisting the cat stays, and privately asking Nora to be her coeditor, which makes Nora glow. Charlie emails that they’re good together, heightening their flirtatious, productive rapport.

Nora notices Libby outside on a tense phone call, then receiving a text that Libby has “errands” and will be home late. Worried, Nora messages Brendan, who says he and Libby already caught up, leaving Nora feeling shut out. Back in the quiet shop, Charlie senses Nora’s mood even over text, checking if she’s okay. As Nora prepares to leave, they nearly collide; before they can talk, Shepherd arrives, deepening the palpable history and rivalry between the men.

With no update from Libby and anxious for distraction—and to check off the list—Nora accepts Shepherd’s offer of a tour. They drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Shepherd gently needles Charlie’s reputation while praising his return home. Nora deflects and learns Shepherd works construction with carpentry on the side.

Shepherd brings Nora to his partially built modern ranch perched on a ridge. He reveals he studied structural engineering at Cornell, once lived in Chicago, and moved back for home and landscape. Nora enjoys the calm, tries to spark chemistry, but feels no butterflies, still subconsciously oriented toward Charlie. As sunset falls, Shepherd invites Nora to dance to a slow country song by his truck, and she agrees, choosing the moment’s ease despite her unresolved feelings and worries about Libby.