“Come on, Dash,” Nikki’s sweet voice called out.

It was then Hannah noticed some new construction going on in the background. It looked like a barn—a much smaller barn than the big red one that already existed. She took the expansion as a good sign that the farm was doing well. Her brother wasn’t one to talk about his business, so she could only ever guess at how things were going for him.

When Hannah’s gaze returned to her niece, she noticed Nikki approaching the baby goat. Hannah waited for him to run away. Instead the baby goat stood still. The next thing Hannah knew, Nikki was holding Dash and fussing over him. Wow! Hannah smiled. Her niece definitely had a way with the animals.

Nikki carried the goat over to Hannah. “Do you want to pet him?”

Hannah smiled and nodded. “Definitely.” She ran her hand over the baby goat’s head. “He likes you.”

Nikki hugged Dash. “I like him too. I wish Auntie Em was here to see him.”

“Me too.” Hannah remembered when they were growing up, how her and her younger sister used to share so many things. Now they were so busy with their careers they didn’t talk that often. That needed to change soon.

Hannah walked with Nikki over to the fence line where the men were still chatting. Nikki handed Hannah the baby goat. After Hannah oohed and aahed over him, she turned to her brother. “So what are you building?”

“Nikki insists the goats need a bigger home than their little houses,” Sam said.

“They do!” Nikki nodded.

“And I’m thinking of expanding the goat business. We can talk more about it over lunch.” Sam’s gaze moved to the goat in her arms. “That is if you’re ready to give up Dash.”

“I suppose.” Hannah fussed over him a little more before setting him down. He took off, scurrying back to his momma.

And then they were off to lunch, just like they all belonged together. Hannah reminded herself not to get too used to this because before long, Ethan would be long gone. But for now she intended to enjoy their time together.

Chapter Eighteen

Weddings were to be avoided at all costs.

And yet somehow Hannah had convinced him to be her date—erm, escort.

A week after having lunch with Hannah and her family, Ethan was wearing a borrowed suit. He tugged at the collar. He glanced around at the other guests. Yep, still too early. A frown pulled at his lips.

With Hannah by his side, they were sitting at one of the long white tables. If he didn’t know better, he’d probably believe the rumors going around Bluestar about them dating. After all, they spent every afternoon and evening together. Granted there was a lot of sanding and painting going on, but there was also a lot of talking and laughter. For the first time in a long time, he was happy.

A wedding guest bumped into him, jarring him from his thoughts. The town’s community center was crammed full of dressed-up people; even the mayor was in attendance. Amelia and Jake were now officially Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. If it made them happy, then Ethan was happy for them. But he didn’t envision marriage in his future.