Page 108 of A Rancher's Vow

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Dustin’s first shift back started so early on Friday that he said goodbye to Chelsea and Suz before hitting the sack. Kissing Charity and leaving her all warm and cozy in bed at five the next morning sucked.

“I’ll message you when I’m on break,” he whispered.

“’kay,” she whispered sleepily. “’nub ya.”

His feet were glued to the floor as he tried to figure out the whispered gibberish. “Tee?”

But she was asleep again, fingers curled around his pillow as she cuddled it to her body.

He'd never been more jealous of an inanimate object before in his life.

He went through the motions that morning, most of his brain still pondering her words. Another part was rehashing the revelation that all the social media bullshit and his phone number getting out were from a past bachelor auction date.

A sharp jab in his arm made him jerk upright. “Ouch.”

He glared at Shim, who still held the shovel he’d tagged Dustin with in his hands.

“You were sleepwalking. I hear it’s dangerous to wake people like that.” His friend nodded toward his pocket. “You’re buzzing.”

Shit. Dustin pulled out his phone to find a message from his brother.

Walker:You and Charity still on for supper tonight?

Dustin:Umm, maybe?Did I know about this?

Walker:Ivy said you did. Does it work?

Dustin:Good by me. I’ll double-check with Charity and get back to you.

Walker:Perfect. The kids are over the moon at the idea of seeing you two, but we can always rebook if she’s busy.

Dustin checked his watch, considering if it was too early to message Tee. She’d be spending her last bit of time with her family before they left. Still, she could answer when it worked.

He sent off a quick note then put his back into the job at hand, helping Shim dig a new trench to install power to an outbuilding.

“Everything okay?” Shim asked.

“Just Walker checking in.” Dustin shook his head. “Sorry. I’ve had my head up my ass all morning. Thanks for your help in figuring out who posted my info.”

“No problem. I liked the challenge, although it sucks who it turned out to be.” Shim cleared his throat. “Not that you have to share, but since I’m now imagining all the terrible things that might happen after my bachelor auction date…”

“Oh God, no. You should be fine.” Dustin paused. “And I’m not saying that to be reassuring. Looking back on it, Patty was off from the get-go. I was eighteen, and she was in her late twenties. I took her for lunch at Buns and Roses for our date, and all she wanted to talk about was how she knew she was destined to be a rodeo princess.”

“Good rider?”

Dustin shook his head. “Nope. She figured marrying the right rancher meant she’d have all the horses and land and adoration she deserved without needing the skills.”

Shim made a face. “I’m sure eighteen-year-old you was thrilled at the discussion of marriage.”

“She talked in circles. I have to admit I wasn’t smart enough to figure out what she was hinting at until years later. The flowers she sent me daily for a week after the date were strange enough to make me gun-shy.”

His friend stomped on the head of his shovel then tossed another load of dirt to the side. “I’m glad she won’t be an issue in the future.”

“Caleb said he talked to the RCMP again this morning to make sure his complaint from last night is being dealt with. That should be the end of it.” Thank God.

The rest of the shift was ordinary. Charity confirmed their dinner plans. Dustin enjoyed working with Shim, who admitted he really should be in the office but had switched stuff up.