Greer walked alongside Silas, while Matthew and her walked behind them.

Greer gave her a cautionary glare. “Make sure you stay within my sight. You aren’t going to escape on my watch.”

Alanna couldn’t take it anymore. She raised her hand to—

Matthew caught her hand. “It’s not worth it.”

“Not to you, but it would be to me.”

“Be the bigger person.”

“Okay.”

She decided to pretend Greer wasn’t there and not let him ruin her day.

“Where are we heading first?” Matthew called out to Silas.

“The barn. I need to place an order.”

“They don’t have goats, do they?” she whispered aside to Matthew.

“No. They have cows, lambs, and pigs.”

“Do you think I could be allergic to them?”

“Just don’t touch any of them, and you should be good.”

The barn was a pretty good walk. They had to pass the apple orchard and what seemed like a produce stand attached to a building where people were coming in and out, carrying bags.

“It’s a longer walk than I expected.”

Matthew nodded. “To keep the customers from smelling the animals.

Her nose told her when they were getting near before she spotted the big red barn.

As they walked inside, a stocky man, who was talking to another, excused himself to greet Silas.

“Hey, Silas. Haven’t seen you around in a while. I was beginning to think you went vegan.”

“Jimbo.” Silas took the hand held out to him. “Brought some company with me today. You know Greer and my brother, and this is a friend of ours, Alanna.”

“Nice to meet you.” Alanna took the hand extended to her, quickly pulling back after a second. The man might be friendly, but she recognized a familiar meanness in his eyes.

Shivering, she edged closer to Matthew, who wrapped his arm around her waist and gave a brief glance in her direction.

The friendly façade began to fade when Jimbo’s ruddy face turned in Greer’s direction. “I thought I told you not to come here anymore.”

“He’s here with me,” Silas interjected smoothly. “I’m paying for his order today.”

Alanna looked at Matthew. Now she understood how Silas had gained permission to leave the Colemans’ property.

“In that case, let’s get your orders written up.” He pulled up what looked like a handheld computer dangling from his jeans. “I have several you can look over. I have a real beauty over here.”

Jimbo started walking to a stall that had a metal gate, and they all followed him

“I hoped she would be a prize-winning milking cow. She’s been dry as a bone, so I’ve been fattening her up.”

Alanna instinctively stepped forward, unable to resist the big soulful eyes.

“Aw … She’s so sweet.” She reached out to touch the nose that was trying to get through the gate.