It didn’t take a rocket scientist to work out the same thing could be said for Sally. Sean’s sister was full of energy and never sat still. Todd grounded her. He helped her focus her mind and stay on track. The only thing he hadn’t been able to help her overcome was her obsession with shelter animals.
Volunteering at the shelter wasn’t enough for Sally. Most weeks she brought home an animal that needed somewhere to live. Before their parents moved away from Montana, they’d banned her from bringing any animals onto the family ranch, especially after the llamas arrived.
Max, Todd and Sally’s large Irish Wolfhound, nudged Sean’s pocket. “You won’t find any treats in there,” he told the long-legged dog. Big brown eyes stared reproachfully at him. “I’ll find something for you before I leave.”
Todd joined them. “There are plenty of treats inside.” He shook Sean’s hand and said hello to Becky. “I hear you’re planning a surprise wedding.”
“Sean’s doing most of the work,” Becky told him. “Thanks for letting us look at the barn. We can’t find anything that’s even halfway decent.”
Todd frowned. “Don’t get your hopes up. Nothing has been done to it since the last wedding.” He pointed to two four-wheelers. “It’ll be quicker if we drive.”
Becky glanced at Sean. “I’ll be your passenger. I’ve never driven one of these before.”
“They aren’t difficult.” Sean took the two helmets Todd handed to him. “I could show you what to do.”
Becky shook her head. “Maybe another time, but not today.” Reaching forward, she took one of the helmets and lifted it onto her head. “I’m ready.”
He smiled at the gleam in her eyes. If they were at his family’s ranch, he’d take her for a ride on one of his motorbikes. There was nothing like the feel of the air speeding past you as you tore over the dirt tracks.
“You look to be hatching a mighty plan inside that head of yours,” Becky said with a frown. “We’ll not be racing today.”
Sean almost laughed. “I was thinking about my motorbikes, not this one.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Todd patted Max’s head. “Go home, boy.” The Irish Wolfhound’s head lifted and he looked pleadingly at Todd. “Home.”
With a soft snort that made Sean smile, Max lumbered across the yard and flopped on the veranda.
With Max safely out of the way, Todd climbed onto his four-wheeler. “Are you ready?”
Becky straightened her helmet and sat behind Sean. “Ready.”
When her arms wrapped around his waist, Sean’s smile widened. “You don’t have to hold on so tight. I won’t go fast.”
“Sorry,” Becky mumbled from behind her helmet.
After starting his bike, Todd glanced over his shoulder at Sean. “Follow me.”
With Becky plastered to his back, he followed his brother-in-law across the open pasture. Hopefully, this would be the barn of Ashley and Matthew’s dreams. But, even if it wasn’t, he was enjoying spending time with Becky.
As soon asshe saw the barn, Becky knew it was perfect. It would still need to be cleaned from top to tail, but that was a minor detail. Turning in a slow circle, she absorbed all the small details that would make the barn sparkle for Ashley’s wedding.
“I’m assuming your silence means this could be the one?” Sean asked.
“It is as beautiful as I remember. With flowers and fairy lights, the barn will sprinkle a little magic on Matthew and Ashley’s celebrations.”
Todd ran his hand around the back of his neck. “You sound like Sally. From the moment she stepped inside the barn, she was determined to make another bride’s dream come true. At least you won’t need a forklift to clean it up.”
Molly had warned Becky about the amount of work they’d had to do last time. Thankfully, none of the heavy machinery they’d moved had made its way back into the barn. “What have you been using the barn for?”
“I’ll give you two guesses.”
A rustle of hay in the far corner told Becky all she needed. “How many animals has Sally brought here?”
“I’ve given up counting. When I didn’t want to convert it into a wedding venue, she turned it into a retreat for rescued animals.” Todd walked toward a stall at the back of the barn. “Meet Carlos, the world’s most affectionate goat. He had twelve friends with him last week, but Sally found homes for them. Carlos leaves tomorrow to stay in his forever home. We also adopted another three cats to keep the mouse and rat population under control.”
Sean leaned against the rail separating Carlos from the rest of the barn. “If we’re going to use the barn, we’d better tell Sally. The last time I spoke to her, she had a family of pigs looking for a temporary home.”
