She looked over at Jack and Esther. “Come on, kids. Let’s go inside and see Aunt Lou.”

Ram and Wyatt drank in silence for a while as the sun set in earnest, the evening dew gathered, and the night creatures started to sing. This was Wyatt’s favorite time of day at the ranch. The hard, physical work was usually finished, and the first bourbon of the night was settling comfortably into his bones. For all he cared, everyone could just leave him out here while they feasted on fried chicken and shared the latest Boca gossip.

It was Ram who finally broke the silence. Lifting his long legs from the rail, he set his boots on the porch floor and leaned forward in his chair. When he next gazed at Wyatt, there was a softer look in his eyes. He patted Wyatt on one knee.

“Let’s go inside, son,” he said. “Krista and Danny will be here soon, and then we can start.”

Wyatt closed his eyes for a moment. And there it is, he realized. Part of my father has abandoned him again, leaving us to wonder when—if ever—it will return.

Doing his best to smile, Wyatt looked back at his father. “You go ahead, Dad,” he answered softly. “I’ll wait here for Krista and Danny.”

“Good boy,” Ram said. His gait a bit slower than usual, Ram walked into the house.

Wyatt took another sip of bourbon as he stared at the family cemetery. Aunt Lou had been wrong. Come tomorrow, she would have to describe this evening to Ram after all.

FOUR

REVEREND JACOBSON SAT behind his office desk at St. Andrew’s, trying his best to control his nervousness. There was no doubt that the butterflies in his stomach were the result of his own scheming. Sighing, he silently asked the Lord for strength as he fought back his seemingly never-ending need for a cigarette.

Gabrielle Powers, or “Gabby,” as she was known to friends and family, sat in a guest chair before Jacobson’s desk. At thirty-five she remained a very attractive woman. Her long, dark hair was styled like something from the forties, parted on one side and waving to her shoulders. Arching brows rested above her large hazel eyes, and her chin held just a hint of a cleft. Her figure was still excellent, due in no small part to her lifelong love of swimming. Although her clothes and shoes were not expensive, they were stylish and chosen with care.

Even though Jacobson had invited her here today, she, too, was ill at ease. She knew that Wyatt Blaine was scheduled to arrive soon, supposedly to discuss the final details of his revived program with the reverend. Wyatt knew Gabrielle only by sight, and he was unaware that she would be there. As she looked at the reverend, her face revealed her nervousness about tricking Wyatt in this way.

Two weeks had passed since Wyatt had told Jacobson of his plans. As Wyatt requested, Jacobson made several announcements from the pulpit regarding the revived horse-therapy program. In the meantime, Wyatt visited the local schools.