They both seemed relieved that they’d had their discussion, that this step had been taken. “Father or honorary uncle, I’m part of your life. We’re in each other’s lives. And I’m happy about that.”

“I am, too.” And as they got up to leave, she clasped both his hands.

When he drove back to the ranch, Shallie and Cord were sitting on the porch, apparently engaged in a confidential exchange. Eli wanted to bring up the DNA test details, but this didn’t seem to be the time. He’d call later.

He simply waved and took Carly to the trailer.

WHEN CARLY LEFT Eli’s car, she discovered that Tina was waiting for her, sitting in one of the garden chairs.

“How was it?” she asked.

“Good! Nice brunch and we had The Talk. We’re all okay with DNA testing.” She grinned at Tina. “You’re probably thinking it’s about time, huh?”

“Not for me to say. Still… I’m glad it’s happening.” The older woman glanced down at her hands for a moment. “I have something else I need to discuss with you. Susan just found out she’ll need to move out of her apartment for a little while. She told me last night. The management’s doing a major overhaul of the plumbing in her building, and it’s expected to take two or three weeks, maybe longer.”

“You mean she wants to move back here?”

“If possible. She’s aware of your situation, though, and figures she could stay with a friend, maybe alternate between a couple of them, if necessary.”

“You mean couch surf? That’s not fair to her! She needs to be here, with you. Maybe I can sleep on Cord’s downstairs sofa. Or on Shallie’s floor.”

“You’ve already had so many disruptions in your life,” Tina began. “And—”

“I’m doing really well. Loretta, my therapist, says so, too. Don’t worry, okay? Let me talk to Cord and Shallie.”

She did, later that afternoon. First with Shallie, who said of course she’d share her room. Then with Cord, who told her they’d work something out.

CORD CARRIED A glass of wine up to Shallie’s suite, both dogs racing ahead of him. “Hey, don’t make me spill this,” he warned them. The door was open; he saw that she was at the small desk, working on her laptop.

“I’m drafting a possible blog,” she told him. “Emma suggested it. What’s going on?”

“Blog about?”

“The growing use of animals for therapy. Mostly horses and dogs, but others, too. She’ll put me in touch with some of her clients to interview. And I can talk to the Lewises, plus Joey and Karen. When the blog’s done, it’ll go on her site.” She paused. “It could go on yours, too, if you want.”