“Looks good for his family, I reckon.” I wiped my hands on the front of my coat and joined Peg by the door.

“So Vance just takes Boss to the movies or the batting cage and that looks good for his family.” Peg snorted again as we watched the shiny sports car creep closer. If it went any slower, it would be standing still. “Tough life, right?”

“Yep,” I answered, agreeing wholeheartedly. Crossing my arms and turning my back to the chilly January wind, I bumped my shoulder against Peg’s to get his attention. “But watch your mouth when they get up here. No need in ruining this fun for Boss.”

The shiny black car finally came to a stop. It looked like it belonged out on Nolia Farms as much as a sparkling diamond ring belonged in the midst of cow manure. Peg walked over to the car with a good bit of care, almost dragging the prosthetic leg. His limp had grown more pronounced lately since hitting a slight growth spurt, so it was time to make an appointment for another fitting. I added that to my to-do list.

Boss climbed out of the passenger seat and almost plowed Peg over. “Peg! I hit the ball real far this time!”

He looked like a giant compared to Peg. Something else that concerned me. The Fosters were all tall and well-built, except Peg. He was short and frail, tending to pick up colds and bugs easily. It made me wonder if his accident had also stunted his growth somehow.

I heard the driver’s door open but kept my eyes on my two brothers. “Boss, I thought Pa was picking you up.”

“He never showed.” Boss shrugged.

Even as I told myself not to look, my eyes betrayed me. Blond curls came into view before the rest of Vance Cumberland emerged from his side of the car. Green eyes connected with mine and then he slowly blinked as if he’d never seen me before now.

Lips curling into a lopsided grin, producing deep dimples in both cheeks, Vance strutted around the car and joined us. “Boss, you didn’t tell me you were growing beautiful girls out here on the farm.” He winked at me. “Think I need to pluck this one for myself.” Arms stretched, he lunged in my direction.

I dodged his advance and turned around in time to kick him square in the butt. Peg cackled behind me, but I crossed my arms and kept my focus on the flirt who was rubbing his backside. The guy certainly had the weirdest idea of condolences or greetings. Only two times he’d spoken to me, and both times were far from predictable. It was hard not to find that appealing.

“Did you really just kick me?” Vance’s eyes narrowed but a smirk formed on his lips.