“They’re not feet, they’re wings,” Cord responded. “And where did you learn such an…effete word?”

“Ha ha.”

“So Shallie and Carly are eating on the porch?” J.P. asked.

“Excellent deduction.” Eli smirked. “Since there are only three plates out here.”

Cord handed out beers. He’d previously told them about Shallie’s arrival—and both were intrigued. Eli asked if he and Shallie had talked about Reba.

“Yeah, some,” Cord replied.

“So, why exactly is she here?” he asked.

“She’s interested in pursuing the horse training and learning more about horse therapy. She has a friend back in Seattle she might go into business with.”

“Is that the only reason she’s here? Does Reba have anything to do with it?” J.P. questioned.

“Not as far as I know, but maybe she will now that Shallie’s met Carly.”

“I’d like to see Shallie,” J.P. said. “Some real memories there.”

Cord nodded but didn’t refer to the night she’d tried to kiss him. He’d never told his friends about that… Out of embarrassment? Or sympathy?

“A sweet girl,” Eli agreed. “Although she kind of disappeared from view—and I mean before she took off from the motel. And who could blame her for leaving that dump?” He took a sip of his beer. “I’d like to see her, too. But we don’t want to barge in on their privacy, hers and Carly’s. Shallie and Reba were best friends, so she and Carly need a chance to connect.”

“Don’t worry,” Cord said. “She’s here for two weeks. We’ll arrange something.”

“I’m sure we will,” Eli said. “Still, it’s quite the coincidence that they both showed up here at the same time.”

“True.” Cord busied himself with the burger patties. “Destiny? Or maybe just chance.”

“Hey!” J.P. chortled. “Your canine corps has expectations.”

Bandit and Smoky leaped up and raced around the house to the front. “I guess they’re both there now, Carly and Shallie,” Cord said. “These guys can smell food—even vegetarian food—a mile away. And they know they’re not getting anything here.”

On the rather flimsy pretext of checking on the dogs, he went over to the porch. Shallie and Carly were indeed there, the adoring dogs at their feet. He didn’t know what they’d been talking about but there was a sudden silence when he appeared. Shallie raised her glass of wine, smiled at him and said, “It’s from Washington State.”

Cord knew that—he was the one who’d bought it, after all. He gave her a thumbs-up. “Oh, Tina told you she and Mitch ended up going to Bailey’s for Friday-night dinner?”

“Yeah,” Shallie said. “And remember, Mitch suggested we go there Sunday night?”

“Sure, we can do that. It’s Country Classics Night.”

“Yes, please!” Carly begged. “I’d love to.”