Carly smiled at Russ and made a few cursory remarks; he seemed to be in shock, and Cord felt sure that was because of her unmistakable resemblance to Reba. He did manage to stammer, “I… I knew your mother. Way back.”

She nodded abruptly and left to go pick flowers for a centerpiece, the dogs trailing behind her, while Shallie set the large and rarely used dining room table and Tina put the finishing touches on the meal. J.P. was just arriving with Trooper, and Cord noticed that he and Carly talked for a few minutes as the dogs greeted each other.

J.P. shook hands with Russ as Cord passed drinks around. Their conversation seemed almost animated, and Russ paid constant attention to Trooper. Nothing like a dog to ease social interactions, Cord thought.

Carly obviously understood and appreciated that—no surprise, based on what he already knew about her. Yes, he and this girl had significant things in common, whether or not they were father and daughter.

She returned with a selection of wildflowers. He recognized buttercups, daisies and bluebells and reached into an upper cupboard for a green glass vase that had belonged to his grandmother. Carly arranged the flowers, very artfully in his opinion, then set them in the middle of the table.

Cord announced that dinner was ready and ushered everyone into the dining room. People chose their own seats—Cord didn’t consider himself a social dictator. He did wonder how the inclusion of Russell would go. So far, everyone had been friendly, sharing anecdotes and laughing together, and Mr. Hermit seemed to fit in comfortably. Cord thought that boded well for the evening, but you never knew.

ELI FOUND THE evening lively and festive, fun—not a word he used very often. There was music, The GateCrashers’ latest album, played at a nonintrusive volume. He enjoyed their songs and not simply because of the social connection. This album, called The Lone Stranger, featured all their strengths. Great playing, great voices, great harmonizing, plus an element of the traditional in their lyrics as well as their sound. Eli could tell how much Carly, swaying back and forth, delighted in the music—reminding him of her participation in that Classic Country Night at Bailey’s.

He sat on one side of Russ, with Cord on the other, and they continued their conversation, which included general gossip about the town, complaints and news about local politics and, finally, made its way to Reba. At that point, Cord asked for silence and raised his glass. “To Reba, who in so many ways brought us all together as friends.” Everyone echoed, “To Reba.”