“Do you have any interest in horses?” Archer asked.
“He draws them all the time,” Kylee said.
“He’s good, too,” Fisher said. “If you have any new ones, I’d like to see them.”
Shawn nodded. “Okay.” He pulled his battered sketchbook out and offered it to Fisher. “They’re my favorite animal. I’ve never seen one up close before...” He glanced out the window. “Until now... But I’ve read a lot about them. Did you know the horse has the largest eye out of all land animals? You probably did, since you’re a veterinarian.” Shawn grinned.
“Land mammals,” Archer clarified, but Fisher could tell his brother’s interest was piqued. “Do you want to go?”
“Yes.” Shawn’s answer was almost apologetic.
“Is it far?” Archer asked.
Shawn shook his head. “I don’t know. Is Boone Ranch far?”
Fisher felt Archer’s eyes on him, but didn’t acknowledge it. Archer knew the camp was full, that it was far from free, and there was a waiting list. He could deal with Archer’s interrogation later. Right now, he wanted Shawn to have some fun this summer. He didn’t resist as Archer took the letter from him, reading over it.
But Fisher had a hard time meeting Kylee’s gaze when she asked, “Why Shawn?”
Because he wanted to do something nice for them? He wanted to give the boy a real childhood experience? Somehow he suspected she’d find that an unacceptable answer so he said, “Maybe Cutter nominated him?” and hoped she’d take the bait.
“Cutter?” It was hard to miss the skepticism in her tone.
He nodded, her assessing gaze slightly unnerving.
“This is entirely our sister Renata’s program so I can’t say a word on this scholarship process,” Archer offered. “But Cutter’s involvement does make the most sense.”
Fisher hoped she’d accept his brother’s argument. It did sound logical.
“He’s already done so much for us.” She glanced at Shawn. “Too much.”
“What’s the harm in him going?” Archer handed the letter back to Kylee. “From the sounds of that, it’s all taken care of. My sister works hard on this all year. Kids come from all over to go. Shawn would enjoy it.”
Fisher smiled at his brother, pleased by his support. Archer didn’t smile back. Fisher sighed.
Archer flipped through Shawn’s sketchbook, taking his time with each sketch.
“I won’t go if you say no,” Shawn said to his sister. “If you’re worried that Jesse’s going to find us—”
“Shawn,” she interrupted quickly. Her skin had paled and her hands were shaking. “Let me call them first, okay? Just to make sure.” Her voice was high, pinched.
Who was Jesse? Were they hiding from him? Were they in danger? He thought about what Cutter had told him this morning. One look at Shawn spoke volumes. But getting angry wouldn’t help them and that’s what he wanted to do. “Want me to call my sister?” Fisher offered. “Since she’s the one in charge.”
Archer shot him a look that he pointedly ignored.
> Kylee poked at her cinnamon roll. “I can call.”
“Sure,” he relented, wishing he could say or do something to lighten the mood. Whoever this Jesse was, he’d done enough damage. They were here now, safe—Fisher would make sure of that.
“You should call her,” Archer’s words surprised him. “Get all your questions answered. I don’t blame you for being skeptical.”
Fisher bit back a grin. Archer was right. The best way to ease doubts was to answer questions. And he wanted Kylee to feel good about this. He didn’t need to worry. It was all Renata’s idea. When one of their out-of-state students had canceled at the last minute Renata had been the one to think of Shawn first. Since her “baby brother” was “sweet on Kylee” she wanted to help however she could. Fisher had offered to pay Shawn’s tuition as an anonymous scholarship and Renata had typed up the letter. Now all he had to do was make sure Shawn actually went.
“How’s Chance?” Shawn asked. “We wanted to come see him, but Cutter’s been too busy to drive us.”
“Better every day.” Fisher was considering adopting Chance for himself. The dog was smart, smart enough to learn how to work with cattle—even with his bum leg. Chance would be a good companion...once Archer was back under his own roof. “I’ve got some kittens to feed at the clinic this morning. Kylee, would you and Shawn be free to help out? We’re always in need of volunteers.”
“Kittens?” Shawn asked.