ME: Yes. September to February. Book me a ticket. I’ll buy some sunscreen.

KENT: Gonna have to ditch the Stetson.

ME: Not wearing a sombrero.

I smiled at that, and I was reassured about my decision. I’d get away from the lovebirds for a while. I stuck my cell back in my pocket, then reached out and snagged a piece of straw from one of the puppies’ mouths. “Sandy needs a little more time with her mommy and brothers and sisters,” I told Claire.

I leaned against the wood wall, my legs out straight. Horses filled the other stalls in the stable and I’d take one of them out later for a ride.

Claire scooped up Sandy and hugged her close. The puppy wriggled, then licked her face, making her giggle.

It was impossible not to smile at a five-year-old with her first dog.

“Did you get her a dog bed?” I asked.

She looked up from Sandy and shook her head. Her blonde hair was in two short braids that swung back and forth. “She’s going to sleep in my bed. And read with me.”

I fake frowned. “I thought you read with me.”

“You’re silly, Uncle Thatch. I also read with Daddy and now Sarah.”

While Sarah had her own house downtown, she’d spent every night since she and Huck worked things out here at the ranch. I’d thought Alice would not be thrilled with the two of them sharing a bedroom, but she hadn’t said a word. In fact, she’d whisked Claire off on errands often enough so the lovebirds could have alone time.

Like now, Alice had dropped Claire off at my house, the converted barn beyond the stable, saying Huck and Sarah were napping and that Claire could visit with me so the house was quiet. Alice had said that with a miraculously straight face, although she’d given me a wink over Claire’s head.

“Daddy loves Sarah.”

They’d dated years ago. He’d loved her then. Still did. I was happy for them and Sarah was going to keep my grumpy older brother on his toes. And satisfied in bed. And most likely a daddy again soon enough if they took enough naps.

“I think you’re right, Sprout.”

“I love Sandy,” she added. “What about you?”

I scratched my head. “I love Sandy, too.”

Claire rolled her eyes. “No. Do you love the lady person who bought you? Daddy loves Sarah and Seesaw loves Miss Kelsey.” Kelsey had been Claire’s preschool teacher for a few months. “So you have to love who bought you.”