Half an hour later, Carly came out to tell them dinner was ready—a variety of homemade pizzas, two vegetarian, two with sausage, all with plenty of cheese.

Additional chairs were brought onto the porch, and everyone gathered there with their slices of pizza and drinks. Cord called the pizza “Better than any takeout,” which made Carly smile.

A lively discussion of favorite country-western songs followed. “What are you hoping The GateCrashers are gonna play tomorrow night?” Mitch asked. He explained that the band was popular throughout Wild Horse County and sometimes performed farther afield. They even had a couple of CDs out.

“Johnny Cash,” Tina replied. “Patsy Cline. Willie Nelson. Hey! Any of you planning to volunteer for open mic?”

“I like listening to music, but I can’t sing worth a damn,” Cord said. “I’d clear the place out in two seconds flat—and I mean flat.”

“I don’t know many of the songs,” Shallie put in. “You, Carly?”

Carly shrugged. “I’ll be there to listen.” She stood up and began collecting dishes from the table.

Cord wondered why the rush, but decided to pitch in. “Thank you, Tina, Carly, Shallie, for an exceptional meal,” he said formally as he stood up and began moving leftovers to the fridge.

Mitch seconded his thanks and suggested he, his wife and Carly head back to the trailer. “Long day tomorrow.”

Cord agreed, and so did Shallie—based on her quick good-nights and her even quicker flight up the stairs.

Damn. He’d hoped to talk with her tonight, just a pleasant How-are-things exchange—and he still had to give her the list of questions for Carly. He’d check the crumpled napkin tonight and transcribe his notes.

He thought about what he’d say to Shallie tomorrow. He’d explain, in more detail, why he felt uncomfortable with the idea of asking Carly himself, even though he might be her father. Or more likely because of it…

I don’t want Carly to think I don’t trust her, he’d tell Shallie. I do, but according to Eli, we need that information. Just to…confirm things. And I can sense she’d rather talk to you than me.

He imagined Shallie’s response. She’d agree, she’d have some suggestions of her own—and then their conversation would become personal. About where they were in life and where they hoped to go.