Elspeth, the middle daughter, was married to Aaron, helped him with his music career and did English tutoring on Skype. “She’s got quite a few students now. And Aaron—Oh, that reminds me. Are you going to the Country Classics thing at Bailey’s on Sunday? Like I told you, Aaron and his band are a big part of that. And there’s going to be an open mic hour.”

“Yeah. Carly and Shallie both want to go. And I always enjoy The GateCrashers.”

Tina walked onto the porch just then, carrying a platter of cheese, ham and crackers in one hand, her glass in another. Cord jumped up to take the tray. “Couldn’t help overhearing. Carly’s really looking forward to it. You’ve probably heard our whole family’s planning to go. Well, except for the little ones.”

Cord nodded. “Eli and J.P. will probably come, too.” The three chatted in a low-key fashion for ten minutes or so, until Shallie emerged from the house. “Sorry,” she told them. “I fell asleep. Um, I was wondering if I could take everyone to dinner tonight? As a thank-you for last night? To Bailey’s? I keep hearing about it but haven’t been there yet.”

“Thank you,” Tina said, “but we’re already going there for the Country Classics show, and two nights so close together is probably one too many, especially since Carly and I had lunch there today. We’re—”

“Okay,” Shallie broke in. “I’ll cover our dinner there on Sunday.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure. In fact, I insist. Meanwhile, what are we having for dinner tonight? I guess we can’t order pizza?”

“Not easily,” Tina said, “but I can fix homemade pizza. Oh—here comes Carly.”

“Pizza! Yay!” Carly jumped up the porch steps, laptop in its shoulder bag. “Hi, everyone! Tina, let me help with the prep.”

Cord had to smile at her enthusiasm and noted again that she was making an effort to cooperate, to become part of the household.

“Thanks, sweetie,” Tina said. “I think we have all the ingredients—including premade crusts. Sorry if that’s cheating.”

“I’ll chop veggies,” Carly offered, following her inside. “That’s kind of my specialty now.”

Shallie waited until after they’d left to speak to Cord. “Thanks for this afternoon. Going riding was exactly what I needed. I know we don’t have horse-related plans for Sunday, but please let me give you a hand with cleaning the stalls.”

“You don’t need to,” Mitch said, as Cord began to say, “It’s not part of the deal—”

“I realize that, but I’d like to. And it’s not as if I’ve never done it before.” She gave them what Cord thought was a rather awkward smile. “Now, I’ll go and do my bit for the pizza-making extravaganza.”