At the ranch, Alex spotted Owen working with a client and waved, though he doubted Terra’s brother had seen him. Maybe he should have called first, but he knew he’d find at least Erin here, and he wanted to get her input. At the porch, he paused when he heard a vehicle pulling in. Terra steered her forest service SUV right behind his rental car.

He waited for her at the door.

She approached, her demeanor telling him she was clearly still in special agent mode. “And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I could ask you the same.” He smiled. “What are you doing here in the middle of the day?”

She arched a brow. “I was working a couple miles away and thought I’d stop in and check on Erin. Actually, Nathan called to ask if I could check on her.”

“Oh? Everything okay?”

She shrugged. “She could be in the middle of her podcast. But she didn’t answer when he called or texted.”

“Well, by all means, let’s go. I’ll follow you.”

Terra headed for the door. “How’s Mackenzie doing?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. I know Erin’s staying here with her mother for the time being. I wanted to ask what she thought about me putting Mackenzie up here too.”

“And you didn’t think to ask me?”

“You already offered use of the cabin, remember? Well, you offered it to me, personally.”

“And you think by extension, Mackenzie.”

He shrugged. “You have a problem with that?”

She smiled. “You know I don’t.”

“I thought to talk to Erin because she’s here more than you are.”

“And you know she won’t have a problem either.” Terra opened the door, and he followed her inside.

Erin stood at the counter sipping from a cup of tea. “Hi, you two.” She put her palm in the air. “Don’t tell me . . .”

Terra lifted both her palms in surrender. “Okay, I won’t tell you.”

“You’re checking up on me for Nathan, aren’t you? Seriously, guys, I’m alright. Of course, I’m good. I’m fine.” Erin shoved her blonde hair behind her ears. “And did he call you too, Alex?”

Alex stared at his cell. “Nope. I can’t imagine why he would.” Oh, he could imagine why. Nathan didn’t want Alex making any moves on Erin, as if he would actually do that. Erin was like a sister to him, but Nathan was protective in a normal male jealous kind of way. Alex didn’t fault him for that. “But I did just talk to him a few minutes ago.”

Erin’s eyes widened.

Alex pursed his lips, then a smile finally broke through. “Not about you, Erin. But really, give the guy a break. You should be glad he’s so protective of you, especially after everything you and your mother just went through.”