McKettrick's Pride. Linda Miller Lael

Flipped on the CD player.

       Mozart. That was what she needed. Nice, soothing Mozart.

       So why did everything inside her vibrate to “Boot-Scootin’ Boogie?”

       The ranch house was built of logs and mortar, and stood facing a shimmering creek, dancing in the fading sunlight of a summer evening.

       She pulled the Volkswagen up alongside Rance’s SUV, and smiled when Rianna and Maeve burst out onto a side patio and raced toward her.

       “I’ve got a pink car, too!” Rianna shouted when Echo rolled down her window to greet them.

       Avalon gave a joyous yelp and strained at her seat belt.

       After determining that it was safe to turn the animal loose, Echo got out and went around to the other side of the car to do so.

       Avalon sprang out with a happy woof and ran in ecstatic circles around Rianna and Maeve, who seemed equally delighted.