When It's Time by Ann Silver

Darius Marino comes into his neighborhood store for his smokes and sees the most adorable little blond southern belle that just took his breath away. Something about her made him forget why he was at the store in the first place. He was beyond tired and wanted to get home and just sleep. However, he was alerted to her instantly. For six months, she just fascinated Darius with how she was with other people from all walks of life. So carefree and cheerful to everyone around, a real lady and he could tell she wasn't from around here. He would see hints of sadness in her bright blue eyes that always made him want to hold her. It would disappear so suddenly that it was almost like imagining it. Who was she really? He wanted to now her, and the more he knew, the more he was determined to protect her.