Page 103 of A Rancher's Vow

Dustin had taken them in a big circle. Heart Falls cascade and the lake at its base were a landmark in the area, and Charity had been to the overlook dozens of times over the years. Which meant she knew the lake washereand the Silver Stone homestead buildings were only just overthere, no more than a fifteen minute walk away.

But staring at the water from the back of horse, carrying all their camping gear and with plans to stay out for the night, they could have been alone in the wilderness, miles from civilization.

Turning the ordinary moment into something magical.

He led them to the edge of the lake farthest from the mountainside. The water fell from the land above them, bouncing down the rock face in a spray that carried teeny water droplets to mist against her skin. The lake itself was steady, its mirror-like surface reflecting the robin-egg-blue sky overhead.

“That is so pretty.” Suz lifted a hand and traced the shoreline with a finger. “The heart-shape really is visible.”

“It’s amazing.” Chelsea shifted in the saddle. “Not to ruin the moment, but my butt is ready for me to be a walker instead of a rider, ASAP.”

They had tents to pitch, a cook station to set up, and horses to be settled. All of which happened in a sweet, lazy rhythm as Dustin directed them from task to task.

“No rush,” he insisted. He eyed the food stash. “Well, a little rush, since I’d like lunch sooner than later.”

“You and me both.” Suz jumped to attention and offered him a salute. “Show me where to set up, and I’ll get the food ready.”

While Suz focused on lunch, Charity and her sister raised the two tents. Dustin took care of the horses in the small shelter just to the north of their campsite.

He also arranged a bathroom area out of sight from the tents.

When he wandered back from the horse shelter with four folding lawn chairs in his hands, Charity laughed. “You’re not making us rough it.”

“Wait until you see what’s for dinner before you make that type of claim.”

She hurried forward to help him arrange the chairs around their firepit. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was a lot more comfortable than she thought a typical campout might be. “Did you hide those earlier today?”

He nodded. “Shim and I brought out a few things ahead of time. No use in making this too prickly for you greenhorns. It’s supposed to be a holiday.”

Charity slipped in close and stole a kiss. “Thank you. And my butt thanks you.”

He patted her hip affectionately before she could pull away. “Your butt is very welcome. Although now I’m sad I can’t offer to rub any sore spots”

She eyed the distance between the two tents and considered how quiet she could be while being playful with Dustin. “Maybe there can be some rubbing later tonight. Strictly therapeutic, of course.”

“Of course.” He kissed her again then murmured, “Just to remind you you’re very loud when you come.”

“That’s not increasing your chances of rubbing,” she warned, dancing out of reach while she planned her next bit of mischief.

She glanced over to discover Chelsea with a handful of LED lights and a solar panel shaped like a small free-standing lantern. “You remembered.”

“As if I’d forget.” Chelsea eyed the campsite. From where they were, the lake was out of sight, and the steady hum of the waterfall distant white noise. She pointed to the small gathering of trees at the edge of the nearby creek. “There?”

Charity finished rummaging through her day bag and pulled out her own set of solar-powered lights. “Sure. You do the trees, I’ll do the path.”

Chelsea paced forward to get started.

“What’s happening?” Dustin asked Suz as he carried up one final item—a small folding table that he put down beside the woman.

She was relaxing beside the firepit, watching the action. An enormous stack of sandwiches, cookies and fruit were laid out on the flat surface of a nearby rock.

Suz patted the chair next to her. “Come sit, my fine young man. And I’ll tell you the tale of the never-ending lights.”

“Tell her to use the fun voices,” Charity called as she joined her sister.

“Hush, child. Storyteller mode engaged,” Suz scolded.

Dustin nabbed a sandwich and sat. Chelsea and Charity both moved quietly so they could listen while setting up a small oasis on the bank of the creek.