After lunch Eli invited himself over to Cord’s; fortunately, it was a Saturday. Cord had more clients coming in, although not until Monday. Late afternoon, the two of them went riding—Eli hadn’t done that in ages—and stopped to sit on a rock outcropping, inhaling the scent of fall, reveling in the beauty of the early-setting sun.

“So, on the topic of who’s going to be your best man…”

Cord seemed confused. “What about it? Up to you guys. Does it really matter?”

“Sure does, and you should get that.”

Sigh. “I’m fine with either of you. Do whatever you want.”

“No,” he protested firmly. “It has to be what you and Shallie want.” He stared into the trees for a moment. “Like we discussed, how about if J.P. and I both do it—and Shallie has a second maid of honor?”

“I’ll ask her.”

That was the end of that particular subject for now. They were soon distracted by a host of other problems, questions—and a few jokes.

ON HER LATE-AFTERNOON return from Seattle, Cord met Shallie in baggage claim at the Billings airport. She’d brought two suitcases from the apartment, filled with the clothes, memorabilia and gifts she was keeping. After a long welcome-home kiss, he hauled her suitcases to the car. The small package from Julie was tucked in her purse. She’d have to find the right time to give it to him—perhaps over dinner.

Once in the car, they kissed again. “I missed you so much,” he murmured. “I can’t wait to hear more about the trip—and to get you home.”

“I missed you, too. I never want to leave you again.” They’d exchanged regular phone calls and texts while she was away, but that wasn’t the same…

At Shallie’s suggestion they stopped to visit a restaurant with an attractive dining room, lavishly decorated with flowering plants.

After a few minutes of conversation about her time in Seattle and how things were in Painted Pony Creek, she said, “I think we could use a glass of champagne, don’t you?”

“Sure! To celebrate your homecoming.” He raised his hand to attract the waiter’s attention. Once their drinks arrived, they raised their glasses. “To us,” he proclaimed.

“And to celebrate…this.” She reached into her purse and pulled out the packet, then opened it to reveal a velvet box. “Julie gave me this for you. It’s her wedding ring from your dad.”

“Yeah, she told me.” Cord actually felt tears well up, spill over—and they were nothing he was ashamed of. Shallie gently brushed his cheeks with one hand.

A minute later, he said, “Why don’t we invite Carly to be our ring bearer at the wedding?”

“Yes!” She nodded vigorously. “I love that idea!”