“Depends on why Sally invited us to dinner. She’s not trying to off-load another llama is she?”
“Not this time, but she did mention something about having too many cats at the animal shelter.”
“We’re not taking them.”
Sean helped him with the next section of fencing. “That’s what you always say. If Catherine and Toby see them, they’ll be coming home with us.”
“Nathan knows we don’t need any more cats, even if his children have other ideas.” Just like he’d known they didn’t need more animals when they’d brought home a goat named Henry who turned out to be a very pregnant Henrietta.
Even Sally knew the difference between a male and female goat, but she’d kept that little surprise until she’d arrived at the ranch.
He joined the next section of old and new wire together.
“Sally’s making apple pie with whipped cream.”
Matthew grunted. “Our sister is definitely up to something. What time does she want us there?”
“No later than six o’clock.”
“We’d better get a move on, then.”
For the next forty minutes they worked steadily, fixing whatever needed repairing. By the time they’d finished, Matthew was more than ready for a hot shower and a piece of his sister’s apple pie.
With Sean’s help, he threw everything into the back of his truck before heading back to their house.
“I nearly forgot to give you these.” Sean reached into the cab of his truck and pulled out a handful of letters.
“Did you mail the parcel to mom and dad?”
“I did. It should arrive in time for their anniversary.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you at home.” Matthew sorted through the letters as he walked back to his truck. He didn’t expect to see anything other than bills, but one envelope was different.
He opened the flap, pulling out whatever was wrapped inside. A silver ring rolled into the palm of his hand. His heart pounded as he read the address someone had written on a piece of paper. There was no message, no name telling him who the envelope was from. But Matthew didn’t need to know any of those things. There was only one person who could have sent him the ring.
Ashley was in trouble, and he was heading to Buffalo to help her.
***
Matthew threw a pair of jeans into his suitcase.
“You can’t be serious?” Sean leaned against the doorframe of Matthew’s bedroom. “How do you know Ashley sent you the letter?”
“I gave her the ring before she left for New York. I told her to call me if she was ever in trouble.”
“She left Bozeman three years ago. And she didn’t call—she mailed the ring back to you. Maybe she’s getting married and doesn’t want it anymore.”
“Ashley is never stuck for words. If she were returning the ring for any other reason, she would have written more than an address. She must have been in a hurry when she mailed it.”
“She dumped you for her career. Do you think she really wants your help now?”
“I don’t know what she wants.”
“But you’re going to Buffalo anyway?”
“Yep.” Matthew grabbed his razor out of the bathroom. “Have you taken my shaving foam again?”
Sean glared at him. “You’re making a mistake. If you won’t listen to me, call Nathan. He should be back home by now.”
