“I’m touched. But it might be better if you just work at keeping Adams alive and let me take care of her.”

“Whatever you say.” He got to his feet. “It’s a girl?”

“I have no idea. Caleb appears to think so. It’s easier not to argue.”

“I’ve found that to be true.” He added, “But I’m glad that you don’t seem to be angry with him any longer.” He gazed at her curiously. “Or are you?”

“I might be. I haven’t had a chance to test the waters lately. We’ve both been busy for the past couple of days.” She was no longer smiling. “Be careful. I’m grateful that you’re doing this for us. But I don’t want it blowing up in your face. I’d much rather you come back and help me find a happy ending to Fiona’s story.”

“I’ve already given you that.”

“No, you haven’t. Not yet. You gave me too many question marks.”

“Then I’ll have to work on answering them.” He was grinning. “Did I tell you that I stopped in at the stable to say hello to Maisie?”

“No. That’s a surprise. I thought you were too busy to waste your time.”

“That wasn’t a waste. It was an investment. I can’t let her forget me. Face it, that horse and I have a history together. When all this is over, we have to come to terms with each other.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I can.” He laughed as he started back up the steps. “But not too long. I’ll call you after Adams has his meeting tomorrow. Don’t worry. It will be fine.”

Then he was gone. But she heard him talking to someone as he reached the stable level.

Caleb.

She tensed and then forced herself to relax. It wasn’t as if she was nervous about seeing him again. But she’d expected that he’d contact her sooner. No, admit it, she’d wanted to see him. It hurt her when things weren’t right with them. Even if she’d been the one who had taken the step back.

“Find anything interesting?” Caleb was coming down the steps toward her. “I ran into Rodland on the way down and he seems to have accomplished what you wanted.”

She nodded. “If that meeting tomorrow works out.” She looked down at the book in her hands. “Not exactly interesting. I’ve gone through most of these books several times and there’s nothing new for me. I’m just verifying everything in case I’ve missed something.”