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She smiles. "It's a working farm built around helping veterans find their footing again. Work, community, support. Different people need different things."

I nod.

"And Martinez? He works with the veterans as well as running the growing side?"

"He and Jack built a lot of the program together."

That surprises me.

"Really?"

"Really."

I think about the man who irritated me over tomatoes. Apparently there is considerably more to Javier Martinez than tomatoes.

"How does it all fit together?"

"You should ask him," Emma says. "Or Jack. But Javier can explain how the pieces work better than I can."

I take a sip of coffee. Interesting.

"I think I'd like to see it."

Emma's expression brightens.

"Come with me tomorrow."

"To the farm?"

"Why not?"

"I wouldn't be in the way?"

"I'll put you to work."

"That sounded threatening."

"Can you hold a leash?"

"I'm significantly more qualified with knives."

Betty laughs.

"We'll keep those away from the dogs," Emma says.

"Probably wise."

Then I look down at my hands.

"I might actually like to help. Not just tomorrow. Maybe volunteer a little while I'm here."

The words feel surprisingly right once they're out.

"I spend half my day calling New York looking for things to do. I'm used to being useful."

"You don't have to fill Lily's place," Betty says softly.

"I know."