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“No?”

“It’s hot there, right? I like snow and mountains better than being hot at the beach. And I looked at loads of pictures of Montana – it looks awesome.”

“It is beautiful.”

“Did you get to ride a horse? Did you see any cowboys?”

Everly had to smile. “I didn’t get to ride a horse, but I saw some. And I met some cowboys. You know my friend, Corinne, who used to live here? She’s married to a cowboy. And the place where I stayed – at the lodge – that’s on her husband’s family ranch. I met some of their friends, too. They own another ranch – and they have lots of horses and cattle.”

As she spoke, she was picturing MacFarland Ranch in her mind. Of course, she couldn’t picture the place without picturing Tanner. Her heart beat a little faster, and she snuck a look at her watch. It was five after nine already.

“Do you think maybe you could take me there one day?”

The question took her by surprise. Before she left, Ashton hadn’t seemed all that interested.

“Maybe. How come you want to go now?”

He shrugged. “I wanted to go before, but I didn’t want to upset Grandma and Uncle Joe.”

She caught his gaze, but he dropped his chin. “Why did you think it would upset them?”

“Because that’s where my grandpa lives now.”

Everly nodded. “He does.”

“So, will you take me to see him one day?”

She sighed. “Maybe one day. I’d like for you to get to know him, but he might need to settle in first.”

“Are you worried that he’ll let me down?”

She sat back. “What makes you think that?”

“That’s what Grandma said.”

“She did?” Everly asked in surprise. Her mom was usually as careful as she was with what she said about her dad.

Ashton gave her a guilty little smile. “She didn’t know I was listening.”

Everly rolled her eyes at him. “Your grandpa…” She didn’t know how to explain it.

“It’s okay, Mom. I’m not a little kid anymore. He used to be an alcoholic. But he’s better now, right?”

Everly just stared at him. She didn’t even know where to begin.

Ashton reached for his book. “We’re eating up my reading time. You can tell me more about him tomorrow.”

“I’ll answer any questions you have right now if you want me to.”

“Nah. I want to read before you make me turn my light off.”

She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Okay, kid. Read while you can. Which book are you reading?”

Her heart leapt into her mouth when he held the book up to show her the cover – it was two cowboys silhouetted against a snowy mountain.

“Not spaceships and astronauts anymore?” she asked.

“No. Cowboys are cooler.”