“That’s all right with me. My dad is doing extra work at the school, and Mom has a deadline for her artwork. As long as he isn’t in danger, I don’t think either of them will mind having Daniel out of the house.”

“So it’s a yes?”

“Unless my mother objects. What time do you want him?”

“Is nine too early?”

“That should be fine.”

“Thanks, Megan. You’re the best.”

“You’re the best.” Not exactly the line a girl wants to hear, Megan thought as she ended the call. But again, what did she expect? She’d told Conner that she had a boyfriend and wasn’t interested in a serious relationship. If nothing else, he was respecting the boundaries she herself had drawn.

“So, is it all right?” Daniel was beaming. “Do I get to work at the ranch?”

“Maybe. But we’ll need to clear it with Mom.”

“Clear what?” Dorcas Carson had opened one of the sliding doors to her studio.

Megan explained Conner’s offer. Her mother looked worried. “I don’t know. The last time Daniel went to that tree ranch, he came home with his arm in a sling. Who’s going to keep him out of trouble? You can’t expect Conner to do it.”

“Please, Mom,” Daniel begged. “I’ll be careful. Honest.”

Dorcas frowned at Megan as if to say, Now look what you’re getting him into. “All right,” she said. “But on one condition. You go with your brother, Megan, and you stay the whole time to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, my answer is no.”

“Aw, Mom, I don’t need a babysitter,” Daniel argued.

“You heard me. Megan stays with you, or you stay home. Are you willing to go and keep your brother safe, Megan?”

“Of course.” With Daniel gone, Megan had planned to spend time working on the new song she was writing. But that would have to wait. “We’ll have a good time, won’t we, Daniel,” she said.

Dorcas nodded and smiled in her tight-lipped way. “Fine. Then it’s settled. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to work. Thank you again for fixing dinner, Megan. Let me know when it’s ready. Your dad should be home soon.” With that, she turned her chair and vanished into her studio.

Megan cleared up the bowls and utensils from the cookie making and sent Daniel outside to empty the trash before she started on supper. She could still feel the sting of her mother’s rebuke, but she’d long since learned to accept where it came from.

Life had dealt Dorcas Carson a bitter hand, but she made the best of it, taking refuge in her art and her family. Any change, like Daniel’s injury and his wanting to drive, threatened the peace of her home and roused her protective instincts. She could be sharp with those she loved, but that was her way.