Excitement thrilled through Laurel. “I would enjoy the challenge of remodeling that barn.” While it was approximately ten acres away, there were plenty of trees and terrain to provide privacy. “If I am stationed in Genesis Valley, it’d be the perfect place to live, and if I’m stationed elsewhere, it’d be a peaceful place to stay when I visited.” The barn had been abandoned by the family when the cattle had been moved to another part of their sprawling ranch, and it was starting to crumble, but the structure had been built strong. “The surroundings are very peaceful.”

Deidre’s light eyebrows arched. “Peaceful? You’re looking for peaceful?”

“Who isn’t?” Heat filtered into Laurel’s cheeks. “The farm is lovely.” Both of her uncles lived on the farm, acres away. They farmed cattle, pumpkins, apples, and hay as well as other vegetables. Deidre’s tea factory, if it could be called such, was also located farther down the lane from her home. “In fact, why don’t we go into a partnership? If I am stationed here, I’ll buy you out. If we use it for business, then we’ll split the profits.” She had to make a decision on where she wanted to live and work. Why was it so difficult this time?

“I love that idea.” Deidre patted her hand. “That barn is going to take creativity to make into a home.”

“We did just receive some large dividends,” Laurel mused. Her phone buzzed and she tugged it out of her pocket, glancing at the face. “I need to take this. Excuse me.” She stood and hurried into the living room to answer. “Hi, Huck. What’s going on?” She kept her voice low.

His was lower. Much. “We found the hands.”

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

The morning sky was a startling blue, cold and expansive. A weak sun shone down and sparkled on the icy snow as if too tired to attempt melting the mass.

Laurel readjusted her seatbelt in Huck’s truck after they met in the office parking lot. They’d decided to carpool to the Tempest County ME’s office, where the doctor should have results for them any moment. Huck had placed two coffees in the holders between them, and she paused, staring down.

“The one in front is yours. Chai latte with almond milk,” he said, turning onto Main Street.

She swallowed. He’d remembered her drink. That was nice. “Thank you.” She reached for the cup and then partially turned to see the dog in his crate in the back seat. “Hi, Aeneas.”