The last thing Becky needed was Sean standing in her workroom. Any ounce of concentration she might have had wouldn’t last long. “Laura and I will be all right. Mary’s enjoying feeding the animals.”
“She is. Even Frank and Mildred were happy to eat the kibble.”
Becky had no idea who they were, but it didn’t matter.
“Uncle Sean!” Toby ran into the barn, throwing himself into his uncle’s arms.
“How are you doing, squirt?” Sean lifted the dark-haired five-year-old into the air.
“We made pancakes. What are you doing?”
“I’m showing Becky and Mary our animals. Can you find one of the cats?”
Toby’s face lifted to the loft.
“Not up there. I saw Mr. Claws behind the calves we brought here this morning.” Sean lowered him to the floor. “If he’s not there, we’ll look in the other pens.”
Becky smiled as Toby ran to the back of the barn. “He’s adorable.”
“He reminds me of his dad.” Sean glanced over Becky’s shoulder and smiled. “Catherine’s here, too.”
After sending Sean a quick wave, she raced across to Mary. It didn’t take long for both girls to start giggling.
Family, friends, and a whole lot of love brought tears to Becky’s eyes. If Jamie and Sophia could see their little girl now, they’d be incredibly proud.
Sean gently placed his arm around her shoulders. “If you won’t tell me what’s wrong, come with me. There’s nothing like feeding a calf to put your life into perspective.”
“I wish it was as easy as that.”
“It can be. Come on. Mary will love it.”
With the weight of his arm giving her comfort, she followed him to the back of the barn. As they stood watching the sweet calves with their big brown eyes, she sighed. Sean made her feel cherished and safe, and able to tackle almost anything.
Except Mary’s grandmother.
Sean wasglad Becky had brought Mary to the ranch. After they’d fed the calves, Mary had spent time with the llamas and hamsters. Even Henrietta had warmed to the two giggling girls visiting her. Instead of nibbling their fingers, the contrary goat ate the kibble out of their hands as if she was the perfect family pet.
By the time they returned from a tour of the ranch, Amy had coffee and a batch of apple and cinnamon muffins waiting for them. Before too long, Nathan and Matthew walked through the door and convinced Becky she needed to stay for dinner.
Sean was surprised by how much Nathan seemed to enjoy talking to Becky. Usually, he was the quiet one of the family, taking everything in and happy to let someone else lead a conversation. But not today.
He didn’t blame his brother for being curious about her. He’d kept what they were doing mostly to himself, only discussing the bare essentials with Matthew when a decision had to be made. Looking at the way Becky and Mary fitted into their family, he shouldn’t have been worried.
Becky was charming, funny, and intelligent. When she talked about her business, her face lit up. She’d worked hard for what she had and it showed.
Amy refilled their coffee cups. “Everyone can keep themselves amused while Nathan and I tidy up the dishes.”
“Don’t be daft,” Becky said with a smile. “I’ll make sure everything is clean and tidy while you enjoy a drink.”
Before anyone objected, Sean picked up his brother’s dessert bowl. “I’ll show Becky where everything goes.”
“You don’t need to do that,” Amy said quickly to Becky. “You’re our guest.”
“Mary and I didn’t expect to stay for dinner, so this is my way of saying thank you. Besides, you spent the morning working at the hospital. You must be tired.”
Amy gave Becky a quick hug. “I am, so thank you. I don’t think I’ve seen so many patients on a Saturday before. Just make sure Sean doesn’t break too many plates.”
“It was only six and it was weeks ago.”
