Nikki Star never planned to stay in Glen Falls. But between an absent father for her daughter and the loss of a dear friend, coming home feels heavier than she imagined. When her best friend suggests a visit to Heavenly Farm, Nikki reluctantly agrees—if only to distract Daisy from another broken promise.
What she doesn’t expect is how quickly Daisy bonds with a gentle llama named Snazzy. In this scene, Nikki watches her daughter’s joy collide with her own fears, and for the first time wonders if the town she once left behind might still hold a place for them both.
Daisy Meets Snazzy, the Llama.
“Why don’t you let her stay with us?” Onna suggested. “It’d be our pleasure.”
Daisy’s eyes lit up, hands clasped under her chin. “Please, Mommy. Please?”
Nikki looked to Ashley, who nodded, the decision already made.
Think, Nic.
She wasn’t leaving Daisy with strangers. It was Ashley’s family—and her daughter would be safe and happy for half a day—with a llama—with lots of animals.
Mercy, how would she manage raising her tiny human to adulthood?
“You’ll listen to Ms. Isles?” Sane mother answered. Nikki released a steadying breath.
Daisy, the little stinker, drew a cross over her chest. Five years old and she’d already decoded her.
“Best behavior.” Daisy beamed.
Nikki swallowed a groan, knowing she’d lost this one.
“Bring her in old clothes and boots if you’ve got them,” Onna said.
“Mom probably has a dozen pairs in the basement.” Ashley laughed. “She keeps everything.”
Nikki massaged the paralyzing fears from her mind and focused on the conversation.
“I always say, animals are easier than clutter,” Onna said. “At least you know what they need.”
“I’m coming here tomorrow?” Daisy’s braids swung with the rapid turn of her head from Onna to Nikki.
“Best manners,” Nikki warned.
“Yay!” Daisy jumped up and down.
“Remember—” Nikki raised her voice over Daisy’s cheer. “Llamas need homes with a barn and pasture. They can’t live in townhouses. You can visit Snazzy, but we can’t take her home.”
Daisy’s smile disappeared. Although Nikki yearned to hold her, she had to be firm on this point. “But you can visit Snazzy tomorrow. And if it’s okay with Miss Onna, you can come over whenever we visit Gramma.”
Daisy’s brow furrowed. “But we don’t visit Gramma.”
Heat flooded Nikki’s cheeks. Just shoot me.
She pivoted to Ashley. Her friend gave her the oops look, which wasn’t helpful. This weekend was supposed to be about friends and Jessie—not her strained relationship with her mother.
“Yes, we do,” Nikki said, hating the fib. But it wasn’t like they never visited Mom. It was just that they’d been busy and so was her mother. “We’ll talk to Gramma and put a day on the calendar, okay?”
Daisy looked skeptical but thank goodness she remained quiet.
“Tomorrow is water bucket day,” Onna said. “You can scrub Snazzy’s bucket.”
Daisy’s grin returned and she raced for the corral.
“Where are you going?” Nikki called.
“To tell Snazzy!”
Nikki pushed to her feet.
“She’ll be okay,” Onna said, waving her hand. “I hope her attachment isn’t going to be a problem. Children love animals, but few form an instant bond like Daisy to Snazzy. It’s helpful for Snazzy and me. If an animal is socialized, it’s easier to find an adopter.”
Nikki sat back in her chair, the lemonade glass cool in her hand, eyes following Daisy and Snazzy across the grass. The patio buzzed with quiet voices and the distant sound of her daughter’s laughter, light as windchimes.
The Fabulous Four were down to three. Her life was like a car with four bald tires. Every time she fixed one another went flat. But she had friends here, history, and family—even though the bonds had suffered.
Daisy had found a moment of happiness. Maybe she could too.