Page 53 of The Rancher's Heart

“I hear you and Clara are planning to take backpacking lessons,” he said as he opened the driver’s side door with a frown.

Ah, Clara. Well, it wasn’t a secret. “And I’m hearing your feet dragging instead of you telling your family that you made a mistake. Did you tell Clara this morning that we’re not really engaged?”

“Backpacking can be dangerous. Especially with a thirteen-year-old,” he said, ignoring her question.

So, that would be a no.

Sloane wasn’t sure what to tell him except—“It’s just an introductory class for beginners. You’re welcome to join us if you’re brave enough.”

“Being brave has nothing to do with it.”

Who was he kidding? Sloane arched a brow at Jonas.

“Okay. We’ll go to the class together.”

Together? The three of them?

He took the bag containing her change of clothes and walked with Sloane to the main house. Her pulse did that funny little dance it did when she had his complete attention.

“If you find you like backpacking, it could be a nice addition to the services you offer visitors.”

“The cost of insurance would be too high.”

“You sound just like Nathan.” That brought him up short.Got ya.“You could have the participants carry their own insurance and have them sign a waiver when they sign up for the hike. No overnight stays.”

There it was. That spark of cautious interest Sloane was looking for.

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

“You do that, Jonas Lohmen. I’ll check when I get home to see when the next class is scheduled, and I’ll sign us up.” If he wanted to continue this farce of an engagement, they may as well do things together—the three of them.

His brows shot up. She took her bag from him and headed into the house. She changed and put her clothes bag back in her truck. The kids were in the barn, taking turns grooming Duke and Rosie.

Nathan and Izzy were braiding the horses’ manes while Nathan explained what they’d be doing at the rodeo. “Your jobs will be to pass out the flyers Izzy’s making and then rotate and take turns staying with the horses until it’s their turn to race. We rented a table near the ticket booth. An adult will always be with you there and in the stalls, so there will be no wandering off,” he said firmly.

Sloane smiled at his protectiveness. He sounded like the responsible uncle. Her dad could help keep an eye on the kids too.

Nathan caught her eye. “Is that okay with you?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be there to help wherever you need me to.”

Izzy touched his shoulder. “They’ll be okay.”

“I know, but it doesn’t take much for teenagers to find trouble,” he reminded them with a smirk. Shifting his shoulder, he trapped her hand next to his ear.

Izzy laughed. “You don’t have to worry. There are enough adults to keep an eye on them.”

See?This superpower, a close, intimate two-step that couples completely in love shared, was exactly what she was looking for. Her gaze drifted to Jonas. He sat on a hay bale outside his family’s circle while he cleaned halters.

He wasn’t making much of an effort to tell his family the truth. It pulled on her heartstrings, but it didn’t stop Sloane. If he wouldn’t tell them, she would. “Hey, guys. There’s something I want to—”

“Yeah,” Jonas cut in. “We—Sloane, Clara, and I—we’re taking backpacking lessons. If it works out and makes sense, we may recommend adding it as one of the ranch’s activities.”

Sloane gave him the look that should have stopped this craziness. Why was he stalling?

He patted the bale next to him.

Two could play this game. Sweet as sugar, she asked, “Do you want my help?”

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