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The picnic basket was packed with cold-cut sandwiches, chips, and a variety of fruit. He’d put everything together while his daughters were out of the house and hid the basket near the back door.

Now all he had to do was get two horses saddled without anyone paying attention. Thankfully this was the time of day when most of his men were getting their supper. It shouldn’t be too difficult to slip away unnoticed.

Turning the corner to the kitchen, Zeke froze in his place. Eloise stood by the back door hunched over the picnic basket, her brows furrowed. She glanced up, but her expression didn’t change.

He couldn’t move. All his plans were about to crumble to the ground. If Eloise had figured out who he was about to go see, then there was zero chance she’d keep his secret—especially from Shane.

Then that would get back to Agatha and she’d be upset with Zeke about spilling the details of their budding relationship.

It was easy to lose track of time as he stood there. Ten minutes might have passed, or it could have been only thirty seconds. All he knew was that he needed her to say something first so he could figure out what she thought was going on. He shifted, turning his hat over in his hands. “Well?”

“Well?” Eloise lifted a brow. “Well… are you going to tell me what you’re going to be up to today? Or do I have to drag it from you?”

“I’m going on a picnic,” he said simply.

“A picnic.” She glanced down at the contents of the basket. “With wine and grapes and—”

“And sandwiches, yes. Just because a man wants to go on a picnic with wine and sandwiches doesn’t mean nothin’.”

She reached into the basket and pulled out two glasses, giving him a pointed look.

Zeke slapped his hat onto his head and strode forward, taking the glasses from her and putting them back in the basket. “Doesn’t mean nothin’,” he muttered again.

“If you’re going on a date, why didn’t you tell us?”

“It’s not a date.”

“Dad,” she drawled. “It’s a date.”

He avoided looking directly at her. “Whether it is or it isn’t is none of your business. I’m going out on a picnic, and you’d be wise not to tell a soul.”

She smiled as she dragged her finger and thumb in a pinched position across her lips.

“And stop looking at me like that.” He flipped the basket lid shut and straightened. “Nothing is happening.”

“Of course it isn’t.”

“And even if it was, it wouldn’t be any of your business.”

“Except for the fact that you made our relationships your business our entire lives.” She snickered, earning herself a sharp look.

“That’s different. I’m your father.”

She shrugged. “It’ll come out eventually. But you won’t have to worry about it coming out from me. I’ll keep your little secret until you’re ready to share it. Just…” She tilted her head, her smile softening. “Don’t go standing in your own way.”

Zeke frowned. “What is that even supposed to mean?”

“I know how much you loved Mom. Don’t compare anyone to her because you’re never going to find someone who is anything like her. Whoever this is, if you like her, go for it.” She headed out of the kitchen before he had a chance to tell her she was wrong or make up any other excuses.

He stared down at the basket for a moment, then picked it up. If this was the only drawback to tonight’s date, then he’d be lucky. Thank goodness it was Eloise who caught him and not Brielle or Adeline. He had no doubt those two could do some damage with this information.

Zeke sent a quick prayer that he’d get off the property with the picnic basket and not be caught by anyone else who might take note of his behavior. He still wanted some time to himself with Agatha before they let it out in the open.

Thankfully his prayers were answered when he got into the barn and found not a single soul was hanging around. He got his horses, snuck out the back and was quickly on his way. Every step he got closer to seeing Agatha made all his insecurities fall away. There was no telling what the future would look like with her, but for the first time in a long time, he was excited to find out.

Zeke pulled his horse to a stop in front of the cabin and dismounted. The second his boots hit the ground, his heart went into overdrive. They’d spent enough time together that this official first date shouldn’t be affecting him like this.

And yet it was.