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everywhere. “What’s the name of that white looking weed?” she asked. “The one blooming on the bank behind the daisies.”
    “Oh, that’s Queen Anne’s Lace. Jake and I used to dye it.”
    “Dye it?”
    “Yeah, we put the flowers in food coloring, and they’d suck it up and turn pretty colors.”
    Her mother would never have allowed such a thing. For one thing it would have messed up her kitchen, and for another, this plant was a weed. Weeds were not welcome in Eleanor’s house any more than honeysuckle was.
    The dirt road led into a highway. “Is it safe to ride on the main road?” Peyton asked as a truck roared past them.
    “We aren’t going on the highway. We’re cutting through this gate.”
    Peyton looked at the emerald green pasture on the other side of the road. “Does this belong to you?”
    “No, but Mr. Banks and I have a nice agreement. As long as I don’t let his cows out we’re free to cut across the pasture.”
    They finished their ride fifteen minutes later at the barn. She looked around for Jake, but she didn’t see him. “I had so much fun I hate for the ride to end,” Peyton enthused as Patrick helped her to dismount.
    “If you feel that way, you can groom Reggie while I do my horse.”
    “I’d love to.”
    Reggie turned and butted Peyton with her head. “I think she’s glad I’m helping.”
    “Yeah, but she probably wants a treat too.” Patrick went to a box on the wall and pulled out a carrot. “She always gets a carrot after a ride.”
    Peyton held out the carrot which Reggie daintily accepted. Her jaws crunched loudly.
    A sense of well-being made Peyton’s heart sing as she loosened the girth on Reggie’s saddle. “It’s been forever since I had such a good time.”
    Patrick took the saddle from her and carried it to a room near the center of the barn. “Want to talk about it? I figured you had a story.”
    “Why would you think that?”
    Patrick laughed. “Just a guess. Something in your expression maybe.”
    Peyton thought for a moment. “I don’t suppose it would hurt to tell you.” As they worked on their horses, she told him about Drew and her escape from the church.
    “Way to go,” Patrick cheered. “Drew’s a jerk who deserved what he got.”
    “Yes, he did. My sister told me he threw my wedding ring across the sanctuary and hit one of the guests in the eye.”
    Patrick roared with laughter. “That’s a good one.”
    “Why, I think so too,” Peyton exclaimed, and she laughed along with him.
    They finished with their horses and took the path back toward the inn. “Would you like to tour the kitchens?” Patrick invited as they reached the back door. “We could grab a snack if you like.”
    “I would like.”
    Patrick opened the door, and a pot sailed through the air, barely missing him. “I hate you!” a feminine voice screamed. Another pot sailed through the door. “I wouldn’t work for you if you paid me a million dollars! I’m sick of your snotty attitude. You got that? I’m sick of you!”
    They heard a clatter in the kitchen after which several ladles flew through the air to join the pots. A moment later, a heavyset blonde stormed out the door. She saw Patrick and threw an apron at him. “I quit!” she yelled. She strode across the yard to a small car, gunned her motor, and tore down the driveway.
    Peyton giggled. “Having trouble with the help?”
    “Evidently.”
    “I guess I’ll forget about a snack. You’d better see what happened.”
    The look of relief on his face made her laugh.
    “Thanks, Peyton. I appreciate it. Lunch is at twelve thirty.” He blinked. “Well, it usually is.”
    “I’m sure you’ll get everything under control. I’ll see you in a little while.”
    Happiness faded when she reached her room. She should call her mother now and get it over with. Nobody knew how much she dreaded it, but she couldn’t avoid Eleanor forever. Dialing her mother’s number, she crossed her fingers for good