Page 128 of The Brothers at Horseshoe Ranch

“I think I gave her too many chocolate chips,” Arya said with a guilty smile. “She’s going to be up all night.”

“Where are you staying tonight?” Sadie said. “Are you at one of the hotels?”

Arya’s eyes shifted between the three of us. “Oh, we’re—”

“We’re staying in the car,” Eloise said, and Arya’s face flushed. “It’s okay,” Eloise continued. “It’s not the most comfortable, but Auntie Arya says it’s like camping.”

“You’re sleeping in the car?” Amelia frowned. “You’re more than welcome to stay here tonight, of course. And as long as you need. We have plenty of room.”

Arya shook her head quickly. “I couldn’t intrude. I—”

“My dear, please stay.” Amelia went over to her and touched her hand. “We’ll be more than happy to have you.”

“If you’re sure.” Arya chewed on her lower lip.

I could tell that even though she wanted to stay, she felt guilty about it. I understood because I felt the same way, and at least my best friend was marrying into the family. Arya didn’t even have that connection.

“All right,” Arya finally agreed. “Thank you.”

“It fills my heart with joy to see so many people in the kitchen, and children.” Amelia beamed as she looked around. She placed the kettle on the stovetop and turned it on. “Okay. We’ve got tea coming, and then your cookies will be done soon, I hope.” She smiled at Eloise. “What kind did you make?”

“I made chocolate chip with butterscotch,” Eloise said. “They’re going to be yummy.”

“You can have one,” Arya said.

“I want two,” Eloise said.

“We’ll see.” Arya shook her head, looking guilty. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to say no to her given everything that’s happened.”

“Oh, dear, I understand,” Amelia said. Then we heard noises coming from the back of the kitchen. My heart leaped for joy as Lucy and Austin walked in.

“Lucy, you’re back!” I gave her a big hug.

“Olivia, I’m so glad you’re here,” she replied.

“Where else would I be?” I laughed. “It’s not like I know my way around.”

“I know. Did you miss me?”

“Of course I missed you.”

She lowered her voice so that only I could hear her. “Do you have any updates?”

“Yes,” I whispered back.

“Ooh, tell me!”

“Not here.”

“Okay.” She laughed. “Hi, Amelia. Hi, Sadie.” She smiled at Arya and Eloise. “Hi. I’m Lucy, Austin’s fiancée. I haven’t met you guys yet. Are you cousins?”

“No. This is Arya and this is Eloise,” Amelia said. “They’re guests of ours for as long as they want. They’re making cookies for all of us, so you’re back just in time.”

“Sounds good. I love me some cookies.”

“You love you some everything,” Austin said.

“Really, Austin?” Lucy smirked. “I haven’t heard you complaining about that before.”

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