Page 138 of Dusty Spur Ranch Cowboys

She says it with the confidence of someone trying to convince herself.

I wash the dirt from my hands while the ranch carries on outside. Willy’s butchering another country classic loudly enough for the horses to file a complaint, Red’s giving one of the pasture gates a lecture about cooperation, and somewhere beyond the kitchen window a rooster decides everybody needs reminding he exists.

Usually, this place settles me. Today, nothing can chase away the anxiety of my little girl looking at the clock every couple of minutes.

I dry my hands and wander over to admire the drawing. Cinnamon’s wearing a crown, sporting a magnificent moustache, and has somehow grown eagle wings overnight.

I tap the edge of the paper. “Your horse rob a costume shop?”

Sadie smiles without looking up. “She’s hiding.”

“Who’s after her?”

“The bad guys.”

I nod thoughtfully. “Well, the moustache’s a bold choice. Criminals usually change the facial hair.”

She giggles. “And guess what?” she says, switching up the subject. “Arizona said every good song needs a secret.”

“Oh yeah?”

Sadie nods. “She’s teaching me a funny one after Mom leaves.”

“What’s funny about it?”

“It has animal noises.”

I grin. “Poor Red.”

Sadie’s laugh fills the kitchen, and I catch myself hoping this afternoon might turn out differently.

My phone rings and Tori’s name lights the screen.

Sadie spots it before I can answer. Her crayon stops moving.

“So much for my dramatic entrance,” Tori says after I answer.

“What happened?”

She lets out a long breath. “Work’s blown up. I’ve been trying to leave, but they need me here.”

“You promised Sadie you’d be here at three.”

“I know, Emmett. I hate this. Tell her I’m sorry and I’ll make it up to her.”

I look across the kitchen.

Sadie’s coloring again, only now she’s pressing the crayon hard enough to bend the paper. “She’s been waiting since lunch.”

“I said I’m sorry.”

I rub the back of my neck. “When are you coming?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Tori.”

“Maybe next week. Look, I’m doing my best.”