“Will that slow the claim?”
“It gets tricky. And it’ll be delayed until the investigation is finished. I’ll be by tomorrow to go over some details.”
Delayed. “I need to clear the land and start rebuilding.”
“I understand.” Cecily patted Sierra’s arm. “Try not to worry too much. These things have a way of working out.”
Sierra nodded as Cecily walked away.
“What was that about?” Bailey moved closer.
“Insurance issues. The rumor is someone set the fire.”
Bailey’s coffee cup paused halfway to her lips. “Are you serious?”
Before Sierra could answer, Huck’s voice carried across the lawn. “Mom! Come see what Mr. R taught me!”
“Mr. R?” Bailey said.
“Don’t,” Sierra growled and looked up to find both males watching her.
“Coming,” she called back, pasting on a smile.
She and Bailey crossed the lawn, their heels sinking slightly into the soft grass. Huck bounced on his toes, his church shirt already half untucked and his dress pants grass-stained at the knees.
“Watch this!” Huck launched into an elaborate handshake with Rowan, his face scrunched in concentration. “It’s called the Delta Snake. Mr. R learned it in the Army.”
“Very impressive.” Sierra ruffled his hair, warmth spreading through her chest despite everything.
Rowan walked over to them. “Bailey Sinclair?”
“Rowan Wallace, as I live and breathe.”
He grinned at Bailey, who stepped back to assess him. “Still got that crazy Spock ear.”
His mouth opened. Closed. “Clearly you’re still my biggest fan.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just trying to keep my girl out of trouble.” She put an arm around Sierra. “You know what they say—Mama, don’t let your babies fall in love with a cowboy.”
“I’m not sure those are the right words.”
“Oh, they’re the right words.” But she grinned and he grinned back, and Sierra laughed. “Okay, you two. The happy reunion is over. I’m starved.”
“I could eat,” Rowan said.
Bailey finished her coffee. “And I have papers to grade. Stay out of trouble, you two. Huck, see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Miss Sinclair.” Huck took off for the truck.
Rowan fell in beside Sierra as they walked out to the parking lot. “So maybe coming back from the dead wasn’t such a big deal.”
She glanced at him and shook her head.
He frowned, but she ignored it and climbed into his truck.
Huck slid into the back seat. “Can we have roping practice today?” He leaned over the seat.
“Buckle up, Huck,” said Sierra.
