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Sadie reached for Gran’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, then sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to upset Gran’s tray. “To be honest, Gran, the thought of dealing with SEO, keywords, meta data, and content creation for the rest of my life digs a pit in my stomach.”

“You used to love being a copywriter. You have such a lovely way with words.”

Sadie released her grandmother’s hand and dropped her chin to her chest. “Yeah, well, that was before the fiasco at Sternwood.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry you got caught up in that mess. Garrett was a cheating snake who had no business getting involved with you. He had all of us fooled.”

“Especially his wife. When she stormed into the office and, in front of everyone, accused me of sleeping with her husband…well, I just wanted to die.” Sadie’s face heated as the memory from six months ago surfaced.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t. I know it hurt at the time, but you’re moving through the pain, and you will be that much stronger for it.”

“Strong enough not to give my heart away again.”

“With the right man, you’ll find it’s easier than you think.”

“Yeah, well, that’s not going to happen. I learned my lesson.”

Gran reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind Sadie’s ear. “I heard you singing in the kitchen. It’s been a while. I’ve missed it. Remember the concerts you and your sister used to do on the front porch for Gramps and me when you were little?”

“Lauren had the voice. I just gave her the words to sing.” Her heart squeezed as more memories flooded her mind. Sadie blinked back the sudden rush of tears as she edged off the bed and moved toward the door. “I’ll leave you to eat in peace. I’m going to tidy the kitchen before Dani and Lily arrive.”

“Dani Sullivan and Lily Hart? They’re coming here?”

“Yes, I ran into them at Martha’s last night when I picked up dinner. They asked if we could get together today because Dani has an idea she wants to discuss, so I suggested breakfast here. You don’t remember me mentioning it when I came back last night?”

Gran waved a hand as she picked up her fork. “Right, right. I remember now. These pain pills Doc has me on give me foggy thinking.”

“You just had your hip replaced, Gran. Healing takes time. Isn’t that what you just told me?” Sadie left the door open, then returned to the kitchen.

She wiped spilled milk off the counter, put the cobalt blue mixing bowl in the dishwasher, and slid a tray of French toast and sausage in the oven to stay warm. As she set the skillet in the sink of soapy water, she heard a nickering from somewhere close by.

She peered through the blue and white checked curtains and found a gray horse staring at her through Gran’s open kitchen window. The skillet slipped from her hands and splashed into the water, soaking the front of her tank top.

“Uh, Gran.” Sadie grabbed a dish towel as she backed away from the sink, then hurried down the hall. “There’s a horse in the window.”

Gran looked up from the devotional book in one hand, her teacup in the other. She set it back on the tray. “A horse? Gray, dappled coat with a black muzzle?”

“I didn’t get a great look, but that sounds about right.”

“That’s probably Gus. He’s an escape artist who lives next door. He likes my apple trees. I’ll give Asher a call to come and get him.”

“Who?”

“Asher Quinn, Terry and Angie Quinn’s nephew who’s managing their ranch while they’re RVing around the country.”

“Right—the one who rang the doorbell at three this morning.” The image of the soaked guy with dark hair, dark beard, and even darker eyes swam into focus. In her sleep-fogged brain, the details were a little fuzzy.

“He’s always looking out for me.” Gran patted the white top sheet with lavender flowers rumpled around her. “My phone’s around here somewhere.”

Sadie lifted the quilted lavender bedspread. The phone tumbled from the folds. She caught it and handed it to Gran.

“Thanks, love.” Gran scrolled down her screen, found the number, and called. When he didn’t answer, she left a message and set her phone on the tray. “Maybe you should take Gus back to the barn.”

Stepping back, Sadie pressed a hand to her chest. “Me? I don’t know anything about horses. And that thing was huge.”

Gran waved away her words. “Aww, he’s a gentle giant. Grab an apple from the kitchen, talk softly as you approach, then hold out your hand. Direct him across the lawn to the Quinn property.”

She made it sound so simple. As if an apple was going to lure the horse home.