Page 88 of A Rancher's Vow

Charity snickered. “I love you.”

“Of course you do. And we love you because you’re very lovable.”

Which was a warm affirmation until the reason they were chatting right then kicked back into focus. “Someone doesn’t love me. Aka,hashtag home trasher.”

Fern’s expression tightened. “Yeah. Which is why you’ll stay at Silver Stone where you’ll be safe. If you need to come to town, one of us will come with you.”

Charity wanted to complain. Wanted to protest that being on lockdown wasn’t on the table and being even more of a burden to the Stones and her friends was the last thing she wanted.

Then she remembered the look on Dustin’s face. Serious and determined. So caring.

“Okay.”

Her friend raised a brow. “I figured it would take wrestling and duct tape to get you to agree.”

Charity shrugged. “I was willing to put myself out there to keep Kelli and the kids and the rest of them out of the spotlight. If I’m safe, and the light’s still on me, I can take it.”

She wouldn’t like it, but that was a separate matter.

“I don’t know what time we’ll be done, but this is no longer your worry,” Fern informed her. “It’s your day off. Kelli will be over this morning to take you riding and on a picnic lunch. This afternoon, you are being taken kitten hunting by Tyler with Sasha Stone supervising. For supper, I’m bringing over taco fixings, and Shim is bringing some board game that he insists we’ll all love. That’s dinner and your evening’s entertainment all arranged.”

“So glad it’smyday off,” Charity teased.

“Right? You have excellent taste in activities.” Fern blew a kiss. “Gotta run. Try to relax a little. We got this.”

Charity blew her a kiss back then disconnected the line.

Another whirlwind. This time of an entirely different sort. A warm wind wrapping around her made of friends and caring people. Charity stood in place, closed her eyes, and took a minute to silently appreciate the gift she’d been given.

When she opened them again, the bright sunshine pouring in the living room window beckoned. Charity grabbed her warm breakfast treats from the microwave, topped up her coffee, and headed out the front door to the small table and comfy chairs she’d seen the night before.

She’d taken one step onto the porch when Patchwork Annie scared the hell out of her with a welcomingwoof.

Charity snapped her head to the right to discover the dog resting belly down on the edge of the porch, tail wagging madly. “Hey, girl. Where’s your boss?”

A moment’s glance around the area revealed no sign of Dustin, which was beyond strange. A closer check revealed the dog lay stretched out with one paw on either side of Charity’s borrowed cowboy boots.

“What the heck are you up to, Dustin Stone?” she wondered, standing over his dog.

Her tummy rumbled at that moment, though, so she sat down to her breakfast to try to puzzle it out. As she ate, she attempted to get Annie to join her. But no matter what enticements she offered, Charity couldn’t get the dog to budge. Not even for a piece of bacon, although the pup’s nose did twitch frantically.

Charity rose and crossed the distance between them and gave Annie the treat before ruffling her furry head. “I don’t know what Dustin said to you, but damn, you’re a good girl. Thanks for keeping me company.”

Fortified in the belly, Charity pulled out her phone and prepared for the not so pleasant task of informing her sister of current events.

Charity:Got something to tell you that would be easier over the phone. (I know—ugh) Call me when you’re free. Don’t worry, everything’s fine.

It wasn’t a complete lie. Things were fine…ish. At the moment.

Her phone rang almost immediately. “Baby sis. How’s it going this fine and sunny day?”

Chelsea’s cheery greeting was echoed in the background by Suz’s happy call of, “And how’s your fake boyfriend?”

“Today, things are going great. Wonderfully, even, but I need you to put me on speaker so you and Suz can listen for a minute.”

She got through the description of the auction and the follow up discovery of her apartment without too many interruptions. When she paused, finally, it was to silence at the other end of the line.

“Cee? Suz?”