Page 128

For now.

The horses weren't the end of Ash's discoveries.

I had hoped they might be, but that optimism disappeared when we passed the goat enclosure and Ash stopped dead.

There were seven goats in the field, although I maintained that only four technically belonged to me. The other three came from the neighboring property with such regularity that returning them had become a largely ceremonial exercise.

Ash listened to my explanation before pointing out that I'd apparently found a way to acquire animals without even rescuing them myself.

“I haven't acquired them. They go home.”

“They're here now.”

“They'll leave.”

One of the goats trotted toward me.

Ash's smile became insufferable. “I'm sure they will.”

Things deteriorated from there.

He discovered the dog, chickens, two elderly sheep, and three barn cats, one of whom had only three legs. Marcel technically belonged to Luc and Claire, although the old dog spent enough time sleeping in my kitchen that even I had stopped making the distinction.

By the time Ash realized I knew the names of virtually every animal on the property, he was openly enjoying himself.

“You knew which chicken was missing.”

“Claire mentioned Bernadette was broody.”

“You knew what that meant.”

I gave him my put-upon face. “I own a farm.”

“Ten minutes ago, you were very clear that Luc is the farmer.”

“He is.”

Ash's grin widened. “You're adorable.”

I stopped walking. He made it several steps before realizing I was no longer beside him and turned around with an expression of exaggerated innocence.

“Take that back.”

Ash's expression became positively smug. “No.”

“I am not adorable.”

“You carry carrots for a donkey you claim isn't yours, and you know the names of your chickens. I don't think you get a vote.”

I pointed out that Maurice was a menace, which apparently wasn't the defense I thought it was because Ash immediately brought up the three-legged cat.

“She came with the barn.”

“And Claire told me you paid two thousand dollars for her surgery.”

I made a mental note to have a conversation with Claire about confidentiality, especially when Ash came closer with the triumphant expression of a man who believed he'd assembled an irrefutable case against me.

“You're becoming extremely annoying.”