Raymond removed his cowboy hat and scratched his bald head. “You’re really good, Miz O’Dell.”

“Just Stevie,” she said, “and thank you. I love animals, and I think they should be treated with respect and love.”

“Pretty good way to look at things,” Raymond said. “What do I owe you?”

“I’ll bring a bill when we check her in three days, or if you like, I can bill you at the end of each month for whatever services I render,” Stevie told him.

“Fair enough. I’ll be calling on you, so billing me will make it easier for both of us.” Raymond hooked a thumb in Buttercup’s halter and gave a gentle tug. “Come on, baby girl. We’ll get you in a nice clean stall, and I’ll be out tomorrow morning to walk you around the corral.”

“See you soon.” Stevie gathered up her things and headed toward the pickup.

“That was amazing!” Mia said. “Were you serious about treating all animals with love?”

“Yep, I was,” Stevie said.

Mia slid behind the steering wheel and asked, “Even the two-legged kind like Uncle Cody?”

“Only if he doesn’t kick and eats the apple all in one bite like Buttercup.” Stevie put her bag on the wide bench seat and got into the passenger side of the truck.

“I’m going to love working with you,” Mia giggled.

“Right back atcha, kiddo,” Stevie said.

*  *  *

Cody flopped down on the sofa that evening and said, “Dad got a hold of Bubba, the guy who owns the tire shop and wrecker service in Honey Grove. He can’t get out here until Monday, but he’ll bring four new tires out and put them on your van then.”

Stevie brought two cups of coffee from the kitchen area and set them on the coffee table. “That was sweet of him to do that for me.”

“He likes you,” Cody said. “The whole family does.”

“Well, I like them right back.” Stevie sunk down in her spot on the sofa. “Where’s Tex tonight?”

“He went home with Mama and Dad. He migrates between the three places, and we all spoil him,” Cody answered. “Mia tells me that we’re both going to be having Sunday dinner at the ranch house. What happened to our date? You afraid to be alone with me?”

Stevie kicked off her boots and drew her legs up onto the sofa. “I’m alone with you now.”

“But now, we’re roommates or friends, not a couple on a date,” he argued.

“How about we go out the next Friday night?” she asked. “It’s important to Mia that we all be there when Beau comes to dinner.”

“It’s true. I do want to meet the kid. But how about tomorrow night instead of waiting a week?” Cody asked.