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can be done. All we can do now is wait.”
    “I hope he feels better soon,” Carlota said, vocalizing Ella’s thoughts.
    “We’re all hoping the same thing, especially Johnny.” Tony rubbed the back of his neck. “I wish he wasn’t so attached to the pup.”
    Ella caught Carlota’s gaze shifting from her to her son and back again. Intrigue twinkled in the woman’s eyes. Surely Carlota wasn’t thinking that she and her son might hit it off, because that was never ever going to happen. Wasn’t their incompatibility obvious?
    “Before I forget, I have something you’re gonna want to see.” Carlota slowly rose to her feet. She winced as if her joints were bothering her.
    “Don’t get up,” Tony said. “Show me later.”
    “Nonsense.” The woman lumbered over to the counter and picked up a legal-sized envelope. “I found this on the floor in Johnny’s room. It must have fallen out of his backpack. Thought it might be important.”
    “Thanks.” Tony glanced at the envelope, but he didn’t bother opening it. He stuffed the thing in his pocket. “I didn’t know we were having company.”
    Carlota filled him a mug of coffee and handed it to him. “Here. Take this and go sit down.” She spoke in a don’t-give-me-any-back-talk voice. “Our guest is going to think I haven’t taught you any manners.”
    Ella couldn’t help but notice his reluctant obedience as he moved toward the table. How could a guy who respected his mother be all bad? Perhaps she should give him a second chance.
    Tony took the seat across from her. Instead of looking at him, she added yet another spoonful of sugar to her already sweetened brew and made a point of stirring thoroughly.
    Seconds of strained silence ticked by before Carlota joined them at the table and jump-started the conversation with glowing compliments about the improvements Tony had made to the ranch. Ella noticed how he stiffened when his mother sang his praises. He definitely didn’t come across as vain, even though he sounded quite accomplished at keeping the ranch afloat.
    “He’s even a member of the volunteer fire department. They’re sponsoring the dance competition. It made for a great title. I mean, who could resist Dancing with the Firefighters? Some of the proceeds will go toward revitalizing the town square and the train depot, but I already told you that.” His mother snapped her fingers. “Darn memory keeps failing me today. What are you guys planning to do with the fire department’s portion of the proceeds?”
    Tony leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms. “I’m sure Ella isn’t interested in the new equipment needed at the fire station.”
    “Don’t mind him.” Carlota waved her hand as though to shush her son. “Besides being a worthy fundraiser, the dance will be the biggest social event to hit the county in years. We’re fashioning it after that dancing show on television.”
    “The contest was all my mother’s idea,” Tony chimed in, the pride evident in his voice. “She’s gone above and beyond the call of duty to not only help the fire station, but also to find a way for the entire community to pull together to help the town. She’s even lined up a panel of three qualified judges to entertain the audience with their commentary.” Carlota’s face beamed as her son continued to brag about her accomplishments. “And if that isn’t enough, she somehow finagled a car dealership into sponsoring the whole event. There’s even going to be a dinner for the audience before the show, and the audience gets to take part in the contest by voting for their favorite couple.”
    “That’s so impressive.” Ella turned to Carlota, truly awed by her organizational skills. “You’ve done an amazing job.”
    The woman waved her hand in a nervous gesture. “I can’t take the credit. An entire committee worked hard to pull this event together. I only did my part. Everyone in Whistle Stop is excited about revitalizing the town and