Page 122 of A Rancher's Vow
It was the crown jewels based on Harper’s expression.
Walker was working on something in the kitchen, Emma beside him. Tamara was visiting with Kelli, speaking quietly at the island. Kelli and Luke had announced her pregnancy the previous week. Luke’s ear-to-ear grin hadn’t faded one bit since.
Luke and Caleb chatted outside the open door while holding Carter and Tyler upside down by their ankles. The boys were screeching with laughter as they swayed like monkeys.
Chloe and Sasha sat on the floor in the laundry room, playing jacks.
“Everyone seems happy.” Charity tucked her fingers into Dustin’s beltloop. “I think I’ll just stay here by you for a bit.”
He nuzzled his nose against her neck. “Good by me.”
Eventually the party slipped forward, triggered by Harper. She stood on her chair, finger bouncing as she counted everyone in the room. Her lips moved silently, but she nodded firmly when she reached the end then pointed at herself. “Daddy,” she called loud enough to get Walker’s attention. “All the Stones are here.”
“Damn right they are,” Dustin murmured in Charity’s ear.
Walker flashed him a warning glance but laughed. “Yes, sweet pea. All the Stones are here.”
She thrust her hands in the air. “Then it’s time for my birfday.”
Food, games, singing, and presents all followed. A happy mix of moments of contentment and wild flashes of energy.
They were walking out to the barn for the riding portion of the party when Dustin found himself next to Tucker.
Ginny wore Demi in a baby carrier on her chest. She was talking with Charity, who held Carter’s hand in hers. The four of them were half a pace behind Dustin and Tucker, but Tucker’s gaze kept darting back to his wife and child as if he couldn't help himself.
“You’re going to trip,” Dustin warned, amused as all get-out.
“Wait until you’re in my boots. Then you’ll get it.”
Dustin nearly stumbled over his own feet before he realized he was staring at Charity. He snickered then elbowed Tucker. “I’ve already got the mooning over the woman I love part down pat.”
Tucker laughed. “You two make a good couple.”
“Thanks for hiring Charity when you did,” Dustin returned. “Made for the perfect timing.”
Tucker shook his head. “Can’t take the credit for that one. I mean, I had it in mind to ask for help, but Caleb basically told me to get my act in gear. I think he called her in for the first interview.”
“Not you?”
The man shrugged. “I can’t remember the details, but I can say Caleb is the main reason Charity got hired.”
Son of a gun. Dustin glanced over at his oldest brother. Had he really organized that? Hell of a good thing in the end, but…
Now ahead of him, Charity was held fast in Carter’s grasp. It wasn’t until they’d reached the arena that he let her go. Carter skipped up to Walker’s side, tugging on his dad’s sleeve frantically.
Walker lifted his son beside Chloe who was already balanced on the railing, and the two of themoohedandaahedas Ashton led a horse into the arena that held his beaming great-granddaughter, Harper, on its back.
Dustin clapped along with the others, but his gaze went right back to his oldest brother.
Charity curled her hand around Dustin’s arm. “Why are you staring at Caleb as if he might explode at any moment?”
“I think Caleb might have set us up.”
She paused, blinked, then smiled brightly. “If so, I’m very, very grateful. Also impressed. How on earth?”
“I have no idea. Wait—” Dustin ticked off the things he knew for certain. “He sent you to Crooked Creek with me. He agreed we should go to the bachelor auction together. When I brought you home to the cottage, he said he’d go to bat for me.”
“He called in early June and asked if I was still looking for an office job.” Charity considered hard, trying to remember. “The next call was from Tucker, but now that I think back on it, yeah. Caleb was the one who contacted me first and told me he thought I’d be perfect for the…” She stalled out. “Oh my God.”
