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pickup truck. As we drove the short distance to town, I couldn't help closing my eyes. The wind and the sun felt glorious. Ethan didn't seem any keener on being inside than I was because he grabbed us some burgers from a drive up and led us to some benches in the sun.
    “Everyone sure seems to know us,” Aaron marveled as yet another passing driver waved.
    “That's how people are around here, honey. They actually say hello to each other,” I explained as Ethan ducked his head so Aaron wouldn't see his grin.
    “That's nice. I like it,” he decreed. After that, he led the charge in waving at everyone who passed by. I was starting to wonder if he would ever eat his burger with all of the waving going on.
    I shouldn't have worried. Where there was food involved, my son would figure out a way to scarf it down. The burger, fries, and chocolate shake weren't going to do much for reclaiming my size eight jeans, but man it was a good lunch after the morning I'd had.
    “Thank you,” I smiled at Ethan and pulled my phone out to check for service. No dice.
    “Expecting a call?” Ethan wondered.
    “Not really. I just got a complaint from my sister that she couldn't reach me. I guess I don't get cell service on the ranch. I thought I'd see if I had any luck here in town.”
    “If she couldn't reach you, how'd she complain to you?”
    “You won't survive long around my family with logic,” I promised him.
    “Cemetery and airport are about the only places to get good reception around town.”
    “You're kidding.” I stared at him in disbelief.
    “Okay. Sure.”
    We tagged along with Ethan for the rest of his errands. We stopped in at the shoe store where I found a pair of stupidly cute boots I would have given a body part for. Unfortunately the store owner only dealt in cash, check or credit card – no body parts. So, I just bought Aaron a pair of boots because he actually needed them.
    We ambled out of the shoe store, Aaron strutting like a peacock and me walking sideways so he could see that I was properly admiring the sheer coolness of them. Too bad walking sideways isn't entirely conducive to watching where you are going, as evidenced by the fact that I walked smack into Hobbes on the street. His arms instantly wrapped around me, pinning me close when I tried to jump back.
    “Sorry I'm so clumsy.” My words were apologetic but my body language shouted “Let go of me” as I pushed myself forcefully away, resisting the urge to outwardly cringe.
    “Lucky I was here to catch you.” His grin didn't quite reach his eyes. There was something else entirely in them.
    “Yes, lucky.” I shoved more forcefully at him only to find his grip tightened.
    “Hobbes.” Ethan nodded, his voice smooth as silk. The meaning of his hard stare was clear enough for Hobbes to release me with a scowl. I backed away, placing myself between this creature and Aaron.
    Not that I really thought he'd do something to either of us right here on the street, but my instincts didn't seem to agree with the logical part of me at the moment. The whole thing happened pretty quickly, but seemed to drag on forever. Ethan's eyes locked with mine as Hobbes finally moved passed us. He seemed to be making sure I was okay.
    “Did I see a sign for ten-cent ice cream when we passed the drug store?” I asked, my voice intentionally bright.
    “Yep.” His smile set me at ease.
    “Cool,” Aaron declared as we headed to the drug store.
    We both loved the town square – a real live town square. If we hadn't already been in love with our new home, we definitely were after the ice cream. Of course, like somebody from a cell phone commercial, I stopped every few feet to check for coverage. Eventually, reluctantly, sheepishly, I asked Ethan to please take me to the cemetery or to the airport.
    He opted for the cemetery, and I wandered up and down the rows of people who were most likely my deceased ancestors as I checked my phone messages. There was one from my