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previously arranged. “Everything going okay so far?” he asked.
    Shane nodded. “The horse trailers are due to arrive any minute.”
    Emily walked out of the kitchen. Obviously surprised to see Dylan standing there with her dad, she looked from one to the other. “What’s going on?”
    Shane greeted his daughter with a hug.
    â€œThe mustangs are coming in. We decided to meet up here because I thought you might like to take a peek at them before they’re taken to Dylan’s ranch.”
    That swiftly, the light was back in Emily’s eyes. She smiled, her love of horses as apparent as ever. “I would. Thanks, Dad.” She hugged her father, then turned to Dylan awkwardly. She started forward, as if to hug him, too, then reconsidered and made do with a shy nod. “Dylan. This was nice of you.”
    He cleared his throat. “No problem.”
    Emily turned back to her dad. “Tell me about the horses,” she said eagerly.
    â€œTwo of them are less than twelve months old. They’re traveling two to a trailer, as per bureau of land management rules. The three-year-old mare is in a stock trailer by herself.She’s not yet fence-or halter-broken and may be a problem when it comes to unloading her.”
    Dylan figured that was an understatement. “Any of them got names?” he asked Shane.
    The older gentleman shook his head. “Just registration numbers. So feel free to name them whatever you see fit while you’re training them.”
    Simone’s son, Andrew, walked in on the tail end of the conversation. A backpack slung over his shoulder, he appeared ready to assume his duties as part-time dishwasher and kitchen help. He looked at his mom, who’d come out of the restaurant kitchen. “Can I go see the horses? Maybe help the guys unload them?”
    Simone shook her head. “It’s too dangerous, honey.”
    Andrew’s expression fell. “But…”
    â€œAnd you have homework to do, don’t you?” Simone insisted.
    â€œWell, yeah,” the fifteen-year-old admitted with a reluctant shrug, “but…”
    â€œYou’ll have a chance to see the mustangs later,” Simone promised. “When they’re tamed.”
    Andrew sulked. “That’ll be forever.”
    â€œKnowing Dylan and the magic he works, probably not as long as you think.” Simone put her hand on her son’s shoulder. “Right now you and I need to help Bobbie Sue and Billy Ray get the kitchen closed for the day. See you later, everyone.” The two of them went back into the café kitchen.
    Emily glanced out the window at the commotion outside. “Looks like they’re here,” she said, and smiled.
    Shane turned back to Emily. “Do you have plans for this evening? Because if you don’t, your mother and I would like you to come over to the dance hall and have dinner with us. Maybe do a little brainstorming about how you’re going to weather this new competition?”
    Emily bucked at the fatherly interference, even as she started for the door. “Thanks, Dad,” she said over one slender shoulder, “but I’ve got it covered.”
    Shane persisted. “Just dinner, then?”
    Emily pressed her lips together firmly. “I can’t.” Her glance shifted to Dylan’s face. She gave him the look that beseeched him to play along with her. “I’m going out to Dylan’s ranch, to help him get the mustangs settled.”
    Dylan felt for Emily. It couldn’t be fun to be on the end of such constant meddling. But that didn’t mean he wanted to sacrifice his own professional standing with her father—one of the most respected horse-ranchers in the state—just so she did not have to do her parents’ bidding.
    He tamped down his own irritation. “That’s okay, Emily,” Dylan said just as firmly, holding her glance deliberately. “I