Page 83

Up Pegasus Lane, Weston, Darrell, and their crew were setting up the afternoon’s gymkhana, a low-key amateur rodeo. Some of the tourists were taking part, along with a few local kids. Toby Cavanagh and Gavin Santoro from across the valley at Rockstead Ranch had been strutting around Sweet River all morning as though blue ribbons were already pinned on the chests of their plaid, snap-front shirts.

“It looks great.”

Paisley turned to see Nadine beside her. “Thanks. It’s been a lot, and I couldn’t have done it without Weston.”

“From what my son says, you practically walk on water. He has no doubt you didn’t need his help.”

“Not true. He saved my job, plus he made sure the loose ends were picked up while I was away.”

“How’s your mom doing?”

Paisley sighed. “Better, I think? Kait says she’s talking about going into rehab.”

“That’s great!”

Why couldn’t Paisley have had an awesome, supportive mother like Weston’s? “Yes. I guess I’ll believe it when I see it. But I’ll probably always be holding my breath waiting for her to trip and fall.”

“That’s no way to live, sweetheart.”

Paisley’s heart warmed at the endearment, and tears threatened to spill out. “Faith is hard.”

“It is. I’m praying for her salvation, because I know God is strong enough to sustain her if she leans on Him. I’m not saying it won’t be challenging, regardless. It will be, but it’s also possible.”

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means.”

Nadine gave Paisley a one-armed squeeze. “Our faith isn’t in rehab. It’s in Jesus.”

“Right.”

An unfamiliar car pulled up to the lodge. Paisley frowned. How had the driver bypassed the blockade set by the parking attendants?

“Oh, there’s my mother now.” Nadine gave a shiver and a smile. “I wasn’t sure my brother could talk her into coming.”

Paisley narrowed her eyes. “Your brother?”

“Yes, my mom married when I was four years old, and they had two boys. My mom lives with Reggie and his wife, Melinda, in Missoula.”

Paisley hadn’t stopped to wonder, though she remembered the stir Eleanor’s arrival had caused when she came here to meet Nadine’s father, Mr. Sullivan, last summer. “Are she and your father an item?”

Nadine shook her head. “Not that I know of. They’ve seen each other a few times, and I know Dad would like more, but my mother is resistant. She’s resistant to a lot of things. Come, let me introduce you.”

“Me?” Paisley pulled back as Nadine tugged her arm.

“You’re Weston’s girlfriend.” Nadine beamed. “His nana will want to meet you.”

Yikes. And Weston was nowhere to be found, and she couldn’t face his grandmother without him. “Maybe later…”

“She won’t bite, I promise. Please?”

“Okay.” Paisley allowed Nadine to lead her across the grass to where a middle-aged man helped a diminutive older woman out of the passenger seat.

“Mom! I’m so glad you made it.” Nadine gave her mother a hug. “Thanks, Reg.” She hugged him, too, before catching Paisley’s eye.

Shoot, she should have made a quick getaway while the woman was distracted.

“Mom, Reg, I’d like you to meet Weston’s girlfriend, Paisley Teele. Weston is busy at the stables right now — you can catch him in a bit — and Paisley is the mastermind behind this entire day’s festivities.” She swept her arm to indicate the whole area.

But Paisley’s gaze was captured by the elegant woman in front of her. Mrs. Evans wore a navy and white blouse with a red bandana and navy slacks. She looked done up for a day on the town more than a picnic.