No One Like You by Kate Angell Page B

stool.”
    “A stool is fine,” Sophie said as she entered the house. “I’ll have a good view of my husband and the yard.”
    “Are you all moved in?” Shaye asked Beth as they passed through the living room. “Do you need anything?”
    “I’m in and settled. I’m comfortable,” Beth assured her. Her wants were few. She could survive most anything for eight weeks.
    The women reached the kitchen. Atlas continued to stick to Beth’s side, bumping her as they walked. The other dogs had returned to the back porch. All three were awake and actively watching the lawn work and the construction of the volleyball court.
    Shaye stood at the door. “Halo set the croquet box near the banyan tree,” she noted. “Should I set it up for you? I know the spacing and dimensions. I have a free hour.”
    Beth liked Shaye. Her assistance was appreciated. “That would be great. I can check croquet off my list.”
    “Is your list long?” Shaye asked. “You seem to be going all out. Rylan’s previous picnics were eat and run. He grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and we stood and ate. There was small talk, but no activities.”
    Beth questioned herself. “Am I doing too much?”
    “You’re putting together the perfect picnic.” Shaye sounded confident. “Volleyball is a big sport in our family. I kick butt in croquet.”
    Beth was relieved. She didn’t want to overdo it.
    Shaye tilted her head, looked out the kitchen window. “Halo and Landon like to play; they’re not usually so helpful. Makes me wonder why.”
    “They haven’t said. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.”
    “Rylan is an actual grown-up in a sport of overgrown boys. He and Brody Jones are the most stable players. Ry’s the oldest team member and Brody’s married. All the players get serious on game day, but trouble always follows Halo and Landon from the ball park.”
    Beth smiled. “I can believe that.”
    “How are you doing with the dogs?” Shaye next asked.
    Atlas looked up at Beth as if he understood Shaye’s question.
    Beth scratched his ear. “We’re slow to reach an understanding. I’m trying to fit in.”
    Shaye stared at her then, a curious, yet evaluating look in her eyes. “You’ll be fine. Rylan wouldn’t have hired you if he didn’t believe you could do the job.”
    “I hope you’re right,” Beth said softly.
    “I am.” Shaye turned to her sister-in-law. “Sophie, do you need anything before we head outside?”
    Sophie’s lips twitched. “I’m capable of getting a glass of water on my own.”
    “Yes, you are,” Shaye agreed. “However, take advantage of family. We want to pamper you.”
    Shaye motioned Beth onto the porch. Atlas went, too. He gently latched his mouth onto Beth’s wrist and tugged her forward.
    “What?” Beth asked. The dog’s teeth grazed her skin, but he didn’t bite down.
    “Follow him.” Shaye recognized the dog’s request. “He won’t let go until you do.”
    Down the steps they went.
    Atlas led her to where Dune was digging holes for the metal volleyball posts. The Dane stopped and eyed the small pile of dirt. He released Beth’s hand and began to dig his own hole. He was an earth-mover.
    “A little wide and way too deep,” Dune said when the dog’s shoulders could barely be seen. “We’re not tunneling to China.”
    “Atlas, over here.” Beth encouraged him across the court to the X that Dune had marked with mulch. To where the second pole would be set. “Let’s try a smaller hole here.”
    Everything Atlas did, he did in big way. There was nothing small about the next hole either. He dug faster than a backhoe. Dirt flew, and Beth watched as Rylan’s lawn took a beating. She was about to call Atlas off, when he suddenly retreated from the hole on his own.
    He looked around as if he sensed someone or something that Beth didn’t.
    That someone was Rylan Cates. He stood at the corner of the cottage, partially obscured by an overgrown gardenia bush. His stance was wide;