Page 27 of A Rancher's Vow

“You have a great family.” Charity leaned on the headrest. “You’re doing a sweet thing by leaving for a while. No matter how long it ends up taking.”

“They’ve done so much for me,” Dustin explained. “It’s not a chore to return the favour.”

She laid her hand on his arm and squeezed. “Still, good for you. And I’ll do what I can to help make the time easier.”

“Thanks.”

They both ate another sandwich then broke open a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Charity checked out the window. “You’re not driving south.”

“Fastest way to Crooked Creek ranch is off Highway 1. We go east before turning south. We’ll stop for gas first and see if we have anyone on our tail. If we do, Caleb told me to drive north.” Dustin shrugged. “I figure we’ll head south no matter what.”

Charity shook her head. “You don’t like your uncle much, do you?”

“He’s made it tough to like him.” Dustin reached into the back seat and patted Annie lazily. “I’d prefer not to talk about him.”

“I’ll have to work with him,” Charity pointed out. “Forewarned and all that.”

“He’ll be fine with you. I personally piss him off.” Dustin offered her a wink. “It’s my sparkling personality.”

“You are shiny and bright like the sun.” Charity leaned forward. “Best way to get around him?”

“You mean over? With a bulldozer.” Dustin held up a hand. “Kidding. Okay, like I said, you’ll probably be fine, but the best way is to mostly ignore him. Just do what you need to do. Figure out what’s right and do it. He’ll still probably make noise, but he won’t be able to argue with the results.”

“I can do that. Being right is always my plan.”

They chatted about nothing important for the next hour while finishing most of the food in the basket. Grateful for the easy company, Dustin was in a better mood than usual as they arrived at the turn onto the Crooked Creek ranch.

The setting was pretty, he supposed. With the Waterton mountain range to the south, the land stretched out like a slightly wrinkled blanket. The few dips and rises were nothing compared to the rolling foothills of Silver Stone territory.

Charity leaned forward in her seat, peering around with interest. “It’s not as big or impressive as Silver Stone.”

“You’re a wonderful person. Also, very observant.”

She stuck out her tongue. “Be nice.”

“I’m always nice,” he insisted even as he glanced down the lane and wondered where he could park that would piss his uncle off the most.

A sharp tug on his sleeve made him glance at Charity. “What?”

“You look evil. What are you plotting?”

He slowed his truck so he could gape at her. “Are you reading my mind now?”

“Apparently, if you were thinking evil thoughts.” She pointed to the open space outside the main barn. “Park there. Your brother texted to say your uncle is expecting us, and he’ll meet us by the office.”

“When did you get a text? And from who?” Dustin demanded.

“Fifteen minutes ago. And Caleb told me not to tell you because, and I quote…” She pulled out her phone and clicked to her message screen. “Dustin will probably try to piss off Uncle Frank six ways to Sunday, including stupid shit like parking so he blocks Frank’s truck.”

“Well, damn, I never even thought of that one. It’s brilliant.”

“It’s also off the list. Park in the spot labeledGuestand behave,” Charity ordered again.

“Yes, ma’am,” he teased. “Even though you’re taking all the fun out of my evening.”

“I know. I’m mean.” She squeezed his arm and smiled. “But I’m also appreciating the fact there seems to be no extra media hounds in the area. That makes it worthwhile, right?”