Inside was a typed letter on matching cream stationery.

The sender had signed his name in a sweeping black script at the bottom.

“Did he say no?” Luke asked from the hallway.

I skimmed the short paragraph.

There was nothing about property lines, no warnings about liability, and no demands to stay away from the farmhouse.

The tone was completely casual.

“He says we’re welcome to take care of the yard,” I said.

I read the exact sentence out loud to Luke.