SUNDAY MORNING, THEY were on their way home. Carly admitted to herself that it was home. At least, Cord’s place was for now, although she was actually living with Tina and Mitch. Whatever happened, however things turned out, Painted Pony Creek was her hometown. And she had only good feelings about that, about her future.

Everything was so different from what her life had been. She wasn’t naive; she knew she’d face difficulties again. Everyone did. Disappointment, grief, regret. But she felt far more prepared to face them.

She didn’t pay as much attention to the unbelievably beautiful landscape, highlighted by the brilliant early-morning sun, on their return trip.

During a too-brief stop in Spokane, she checked her cell. Another text from Lindsey. Yesterday’s visit with Meg’s cats had gone well—and Eric had shown up again. Eli had only dropped him off this time, hadn’t stayed, but had come back an hour later to pick him up. She said her conversation with Eric had been friendly; he’d told her he was interested in continuing with the pet support group, as Lindsey and Carly were now calling it.

She also got a text from Kathleen, who said she was excited to have met her, they’d keep in touch, see each other soon.

One of the things Carly had learned in Painted Pony Creek was that life provided opportunities. You had to recognize and value them. She didn’t want to sound all “positive thinking”—but it was true.

Hmm. Might be a song there…

CHAPTER NINETEEN

TINA’S SIXTY-FIFTH WAS on the twenty-third of August, a Friday. The party and concert were taking place tonight, Saturday evening. As far as Shallie could tell, Tina wasn’t aware of the extent to which this party was in her honor, probably figured it would be a handful of people, a few drinks and appetizers on the porch. One of her daughters, Caroline, was busy keeping her occupied in the trailer.

Carly and The GateCrashers had managed to fit in another couple of rehearsals, and Shallie knew she felt confident about her ability and her contributions. She’d be singing her own creations, the song for Reba, plus the animal one, and she’d do a special version of “Happy Birthday” for Tina. Of course she’d also join in on a number of other songs.

The audience would include Tina’s family and friends, the Lewises with Holly, Russ, and many more. Unfortunately, Julie, Chris and Kathleen couldn’t make it, although Cord had invited them; Chris was on a special deployment to help fight a growing wildfire in the state.

Bailey’s was handling the food, mostly appetizers, and drinks, setting up a small bar. Brynne had obtained the liquor license and also arranged for a quantity of nonalcoholic drinks, finishing up with coffee.