After dinner, I decide to tell my dad that I hired Christian. The last thing I want is for my dad to freak out when this stranger shows up at the house.

"I hired someone today." My dad looks up from the sports section that he's reading. "His name is Christian Trevelyan, and he starts tomorrow."

"Why did you do that Annie? I don't need any help around here."

"Dad, you're sick and can't do a lot of things around here."

"What kind of a guy is he?"

"He seems like he'll be a good worker, but there seems to be a darkness about him." I see a smile creep up on my dad's face as I know what he's about to say.

"You can't judge a book by its cover Annie. Even though this guy may seem off, he may have some good in him. I think we all have a bit of darkness in us. Sometimes we just need someone or something to be our light." Ray Steele always tries to see the good in people. I've always seen it as both a positive and a negative quality.

"Does that quote speak for Mom as well?" From the look on his face, I can tell I hit a nerve. My dad doesn't like to talk about my mom. Even though she has been gone over six years, I still wonder about her. The only communication I've had with her was a card I received when I graduated high school. It was postmarked from California and just had the word "congrats" in it.

"If you're asking if your mother was someone completely different than what I thought, the answer is yes. The Carla that I fell in love with was loving and giving. When you were born, she would stand by your crib for hours watching you sleep. You were her angel, and she loved you more than anything."

"Not enough to stick around.", I mumble.

"She did love you, and I believe she still does, wherever she is. I don't know what happened with her, but she slowly started drifting away. That sparkle in her eye was no longer there. Maybe she always had this part of her that longed to be carefree and independent, and it just slowly came out. I don't know."

"Do you hate her?"

"I hate that she left, and I hate that you don't have a mother. But, I don't hate her. I could never hate her because she gave me you. You are the bright spot in all of it." My dad has never been the type to cry, but I could swear I see what looks like tears in the corners of his eyes. He picks the paper back up and puts it in front of his face, no doubt to keep me from seeing him cry.

When I wake the next morning, I begin thinking about what my dad said about judging people. I know that I need to give Christian a chance before I put a label on him. It's only 6:00, but I always get up early to cook breakfast for my dad and start the daily chores. Once I've showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a red blouse, I make my way to the kitchen where my dad is already sitting.

"Good morning Annie.", he smiles as I make my way to the stove.

"Good morning Dad. How did you sleep?"

"Good.", he responds. I know that he's not telling the truth. Sleep is something that has evaded him ever since my mom left, and it's gotten worse since his diagnosis.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

"Just some toast. I don't have much of an appetite. What time is the guy you hired supposed to be here?" Damn. I only told him to be here today, but I didn't tell him what time. With my luck he probably won't show up until later in the day. What was I thinking?

"Um, he actually..." My words are interrupted by the vehicle pulling into the driveway. I run over to the window and see an old blue pickup truck. Luck appears to be on my side when I see Christian get out of the truck. My breathing hitches as I see he is wearing a blue tee-shirt that accentuates his strong arms and jeans. Those jeans. Oh my. He looks towards the house, and I suddenly feel dirty for staring at him. I open the back door, and he gives me a slight smile.

"Good morning Miss Steele."

"You can call me Ana."

"Ana? That's a lovely name. Is it short for anything?"

"Anastasia, but everyone calls me Ana."

"Anastasia.", he smirks. "You didn't give me a time, but I wanted to be here early."

"I appreciate that. Come in and meet my father." I lead him into the kitchen where my dad looks intrigued. "Ray Steele, this is Christian Trevelyan. Christian, this is my father Ray Steele."

"It's nice to meet you . I appreciate the job and will be a hard worker."

"I hope you enjoy working here. Ana, why don't you show him around."

I motion for Christian to follow me outside as we walk to the stables. For some reason, I feel he's undressing me with his eyes. I shake it off as paranoia.

"We have ten horses at the moment. The five on this side are the ones that we board for people, and the five over there are ours. I walk over to the last stall on the left where my favorite horse, a chestnut American Walking Horse named Bashful is housed.

"This is Bashful. She is my horse. My dad gave me her when I graduated high school."

"Why the name Bashful?" Suddenly I feel bashful as I get ready to answer him.

"It kind of reflects my personality. I've always been shy, even though I wanted to be anything but."

"What do you mean?" His gray eyes stare straight into my blue eyes as he tilts his head.

"I wanted to break out of my shell and become someone else. I wanted to make a name for myself, but things changed."

"It's never too late to change who you are." Why do I feel like he is referring to himself and not me? I see pain and trouble in his face, but I know it's not my place to pry even though he has asked me personal questions.

"Where are you living?", I ask.

"Right now, I'm staying at that motel next to Karen's Cafe, but I hope to find a house soon. Your father seems nice."

"He is. He's an incredible man."

"And your mother? Where is she?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. We can get started if you're ready."

"I'm ready.", he answers.

I have a feeling there is more than meets the eye with Christian Trevelyan.