“He didn’t come to church this morning. He had Slim drive me to town because he said his head hurt.”

Served him right, thought Sherry.

“School starts the day after tomorrow,” Heather announced. “Do you want to know what I’m going to wear for the first day? My new jeans, that black T-shirt and my new shoes.”

“Sounds perfect,” Sherry said.

“I’ve got to go.” Heather glanced across the parking lot. “Slim’s waiting for me in the pickup. When are you going to come to the house again? I was kind of hoping you would last week. I was thinking of having my hair cut and I found this really cool style in my friend Carrie’s magazine. I wanted to show it to you.”

“Ask your father if you can stay after school one afternoon this week, and I’ll drive you home,” Sherry suggested. “But tell him—” she hesitated “—I won’t be able to stay. Make sure he knows that. I’ll just drop you off.”

“Okay,” Heather said, walking backward. “That’d be great. Do you mind if Carrie comes along? She wants to meet you, too, and her place isn’t that far from mine.”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.” Heather’s smile lit up her whole face. “I’ll call and let you know which day is good.”

Sherry waved and the girl turned and raced over to the pickup. Sighing, Sherry started toward her own car. She hadn’t gone more than a few steps when she heard Ellie Johnson call her.

“Sherry,” Ellie said, walking in her direction. “Have you got a minute?”

“Sure.”

“I’ve been meaning to call you all week, but with the baby and everything, it slipped my mind. I know it’s short notice, but I’d love for you to come to the house for dinner. I’ve got a roast in the slow cooker. Drop by in a little while and we can visit for a few hours. Luke’s so busy these days I’m starved for companionship.”

“I’d love to.”

“That’s wonderful.” Ellie seemed genuinely pleased. “You won’t have any problems finding your way, will you?”

Sherry told her she wouldn’t. As it happened, she was eager for a bit of female companionship, too. With Ellie, Sherry could be herself. She didn’t worry that she’d have to endure an inquisition or make explanations about Cody and her.

When Sherry arrived at the ranch an hour or so later, Ellie came out onto the porch to greet her. One-year-old Christina Lynn was thrilled to have company, and she tottered excitedly over to Sherry, who scooped her up and carried her into the kitchen.

After giving Ellie’s daughter the proper attention, Sherry asked about Philip. “He’s sleeping,” she was assured. “I fed him and put him down. Christina Lynn’s due for her nap, too, but I promised she could visit with you first.” Sherry sat down at the kitchen table, and the toddler climbed into her lap and investigated, with small probing fingers, the jeweled pin she wore.

It had been several weeks since Sherry had spent time with Norah and her kids, and she missed being with young children. Christina Lynn seemed equally infatuated with her.