It was a pleasant walk. The air was warm and humid, but the sun stayed hidden behind thick clouds.

The moment they reached the calf pen, Ginny’s foot instinctively found the lower rung of the wooden fence. Climbing the fence as quickly as a monkey, she leaned over the top rail.

Worried that she might fall, Emily caught hold of the ties of her dress, ready to pull her back if necessary.

Ginny held her head in such a way as if to capture every sound and practically beamed from ear to ear.

Emily was just as captivated as Ginny. The calves with their white faces and wobbly legs were adorable. Cookie was right. Already she found herself falling in love.

“What are they doing?” Ginny asked.

“Well, let’s see. Some of the calves are lying down, their brown bodies partially hidden by the tall grass. One little fellow is taking milk from its mother.”

“Why is that one crying?” Ginny asked, pointing in the general direction of a bawling calf. “Is it hurt?”

Chase’s voice floated from behind. “Not hurt. Just lookin’ for his mother.”

Surprised to hear his voice, Emily turned, and her heart jolted at sight of him. Sitting astride his horse, he looked down at them with a grin. Once again, she was reminded what a handsome man he was, and the thought brought a flush to her already heated face.

“How did he lose her?” Ginny asked.

Chase dismounted and, holding the reins in one hand, joined them by the fence. “That little fella is a curious one. The boys call him Tumbleweed.”

Ginny frowned. “Is that cuz he has thorns?”

“No,” Chase said. “It’s because he keeps wanderin’ off.”

“Does he ever got lost?” Ginny asked.

“Sometimes,” Chase said. “But don’t worry. His mother always finds him. Do you know how she does it?”

Ginny thought for a moment. “She keeps looking till she sees him?”

“Nope,” Chase said, flashing a grin. “She smells him. Cows have a keen sense of smell.”

“Kind of like you do, Ginny,” Emily said. “You can smell things that I can’t.”

“Can I touch one?” Ginny asked. “Can I touch Tumbleweed? Pleeeeeeease?”

Resisting the urge to correct Ginny’s grammar, Emily gave Chase a beseeching look.

Chase tugged on the brim of his hat. “Well, it’s like this. Mama cows are real protective of their young. They don’t like strangers touchin’ them.”

“But I’m not a stranger,” Ginny protested.

“Hmm. Okay, I’ll tell you what. I’ll let you touch one of the older cows in the barn. How’s that?”

Ginny looked like she was about to burst with joy. “Oh, I can hardly wait.”

Laughing at her enthusiasm, Chase tethered his horse. Taking Ginny by the hand, he helped her down from the fence. “This way, ladies,” he said and led the way.

Chase spent a lot of time with Ginny, and his patience with her warmed Emily’s heart. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, Emily felt herself becoming more and more attached to him and everything he cared about.