“They kept us from starving, but this is amazing,” Stevie said. “It’s just like Mama used to make.”

“See, another good memory,” Cody said. “Wonder what she would think of this situation.”

“She would say that things happen for a reason.” Stevie spooned omelet onto her plate. “I don’t have any idea what the reason for this might be, but that’s what she would say,” she answered. “Yes, having breakfast with Mama is a good memory, and I do need to dwell on more of those, not the pain of her being gone.”

“And me, too, when it comes to Dineo,” Cody said. “The good should outweigh the bad, right, love?”

Stevie eyed him without blinking.

“What’d I say?” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

“You almost sounded British when you said that word, love,” Stevie answered.

“Sometimes a little of what I listened to over there comes out. My only consistent friend for the past five years was Nate Fisher. He was born and raised in a village outside of London,” Cody explained. “We’re both doctors, and after our first six months, we asked if we could be stationed close by each other. They did what they could, so we spent a lot of time together. I picked up on his Queen’s English, and he learned a little of my Texas drawl.”

“I like the Texas drawl better,” Stevie said, and went back to her breakfast.

“Well, then, love, I’ll do my best to talk like a true Texan,” Cody said with an almost flawless British accent.

Stevie poked her fork at him. “Don’t call me love.”

He went back to his normal drawl. “Yes, ma’am, darlin’.”

“Or that either,” she told him.

“Little cranky today, are you?” Cody asked. “I thought you’d be ecstatic we’re in a place with hot food and water.”

“Sorry about the attitude,” Stevie said. “I do appreciate everything your mama has done so much for me. There’s a note in the bedroom from Mia. I met her a couple of times when I was called out here to the ranch. I wasn’t sure if she wanted to learn more by watching me treat the alpacas or if she was making sure I knew what I was doing.”

“Mia is a good kid,” Cody said. “I just wish Addy would have told us that Jesse fathered her before she was nineteen years old. I’ve had a niece all these years and didn’t even know it.”

“But she and Addy have lived here on the ranch for years.” Stevie frowned. “How did you not know? She’s even tall like Jesse and has his dark hair. I’m glad she’s tall and close to my size because she sent flannel pajamas and other clothing for me to borrow while I’m here.”