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“All right. Did you have one in mind?”
“I think the farm next to Borgaz and Mary would be a good option. It’s still close enough that it won’t take you long to travel back and forth. However, I warn you that the farmhouse will need some work.”
“But we’ll all help,” Ida said cheerfully.
“Based on the survey Borgaz did when we first arrived, the roof is intact and the structure is basically solid.”
“Why do I suspect that you planned to put us there all along?” he asked dryly.
“A good comm - a good leader - tries to plan for all eventualities.”
“Not in my experience.”
The obvious bitterness in his voice made everyone look at him. Lottie patted his tail in what he was sure was intended to be a soothing fashion while Temel studied him gravely.
“Then he was not a good leader. I’m sorry.”
He forced himself to shrug.
“It’s in the past now.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s gone.”
He looked at Temel and saw a familiar look in his eyes - the eyes of a male who has seen too much suffering. He dipped his head in acknowledgment, then rose.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a look at this structurally sound house.”
“Of course.”
“Why don’t we all go?” Ida asked. “Our son Tommy is out on the farm today, and our daughter and her husband have plans.”
“Of course, if that would please you, my sweet.”
As soon as Temel agreed, Ida jumped up and pulled out a large basket. “I’ll just grab a few things so you don’t have to worry about cooking tonight.”
Based on the amount of food with which she stuffed the basket, he didn’t think they’d have to worry about cooking for a week.
“We have plenty of supplies,” he said quietly to Temel who was watching his mate with a smile on his face.
“I assumed you did. But my mate enjoys feeding people. Don’t be surprised if, having given you all this food, she then invites you to come back here for dinner.” Temel grinned at him. “And that is an open invitation, by the way. Most of my males have lunch here if they are nearby, but you and your wife are welcome to join us for as many meals as you wish. Or none at all,” he added. “Although I suspect my mate will keep trying to get you to join us.”
He laughed, and a short time later they set out - he and Lottie in the wagon and Temel and Ida in a horse-drawn carriage. He knew that mode of transportation was common outside the city, but it still served to bring home the difference between the farm and his life in the city.
“Do you think we should get a horse?” Lottie asked, watching the carriage as well, then blushed. “I forgot. It would be silly to get a horse just for six months.”
If they even had six months. His heart squeezed in his chest and his tail tugged her closer.
“If you would like a horse, we’ll get a horse. You could always take it with you.”
He had to force himself to add the last sentence, and she shot him a quick look.
“Why don’t we see how the first few weeks go?”
They followed Temel’s carriage back the way they had come, then continued straight ahead for a short distance before turning to the left. A neat white farmhouse appeared to their right and she gave it an eager look.
“That doesn’t seem too bad.”
“I don’t think that’s the farm he mentioned. You can see that someone is already working on it.”
