She followed him out to the barn, and he had her speak to each horse for ten minutes or so, stroking their noses and foreheads. For today, he focused on his two recent rescues. Chief, a chestnut Thoroughbred, was skittish, but Shallie fell instantly for Annie, the shaggy little black-and-white mare. And it was obvious that Cord felt the same way. He explained their histories, or what he knew of them; Annie had been neglected and abandoned, while Chief had been mistreated by an impatient employee at a racing stable. Cord had now adopted both of them.

Shallie was appalled by what these horses had endured, but so grateful that they’d found a better life. Cord emphasized the need to bond with them, to convey a sense of calm and of love. A sense that the horses could trust her, that they could afford to feel secure. He guided Annie outside, into the paddock, talking to her all the while, and then Shallie took over as he watched.

She crooned to the little mare in a soothing voice, clasped her halter, led her through the field, stopping now and then to move back and forth in rhythm with her. Cord stood against the fence, smiling.

“I just adore her,” Shallie said as they brought Annie back to her stall.

“And she adores you. I think we’ve made a good start for today. Now, what would you like to do while I meet with my foreman, Mitch?” He pointed at a gray-haired man obviously waiting for him. As they approached, Cord said, “Shallie Fletcher, this is Mitch Robbins, Tina’s husband.”

They shook hands and Shallie told him how much she’d enjoyed meeting Tina. “I look forward to spending more time with both of you,” she said truthfully.

“You will be, and you’ll meet our family, too. Maybe at the music night on Sunday. Our son-in-law, one of them, is with The GateCrashers, a popular band around here, and they’ll be performing.”

“Sounds good!”

She went into the house, thinking maybe she could help Tina begin preparing their supper, but found Carly in the kitchen alone, arranging a platter of raw vegetables. “This is for us. You and me,” she explained. “There’s ranch dip in the fridge.”

“Of course. What other kind would there be?” she said, and was gratified by Carly’s laughter. “Where’s Tina? And the dogs?”

“Dinner’s not till about six. She’s gone to get a few groceries. Cheese and stuff for us, chicken or whatever for Cord and the guys. And the dogs are lounging on the back deck.”

Shallie nodded. She leaned against the counter, watching Carly’s careful positioning of carrots, small celery sticks, radishes and raw green beans. “So,” she finally began. “Tell me about yourself.”