Page 24 of A Rancher's Vow
“To get the press away from his family. Yes. But I need your help because I’m going with him. There’s a job I can help with that makes a great excuse for him to go. It’s complicated, and I need to pack, but I need a favour.”
“Of course. Let me pick my jaw up off the floor first. You’re running away with Dustin Stone?”
“It’s not like that, and you know it. We’re just friends.” Charity was very glad Fern was not in the room to witness how embarrassed she was right then.
Fern laughed. “Okay, I won’t tease since you’re in a hurry. What’s the favour?”
“Swing by my place and make sure nothing rots in the fridge or the garbage? I’m packing and out of here in the next ten minutes.”
“Done. FYI, I also plan to find the cold-hearted creature who started the nonsense. Just because.”
“You do that. Gotta go. I’ll text when I can.”
“Stay safe.”
Two pairs of pants, four shirts, an extra pair of shoes, and a bunch of socks. All of that was shoved into the bag without a second thought. Only when she pulled her underwear drawer open did bad thoughts arrive.
Whirlwind, swirling together images of her best underwear and Dustin’s appreciative stare.
Screw it. She grabbed the top two layers of both bras and undies, and a pair of pyjamas, and refused to consider her choices. This was a job. A way to help a good family out of a tough situation.
It was about helping a friend.
Her stomach rumbled as she locked the door.
Cutting through a series of back alleys, Charity took her usual shortcut to the edge of town, strolling as nonchalantly as possible. While she had rarely visited Walker and Ivy’s home, their house sat next to the cemetery. The quiet setting was one of Charity’s favourite spots to go to reflect and remember.
Of course today, peaceful thoughts were missing entirely as she peeked over her shoulder repetitively. Probably looked more like an owl than a person out for a casual walk with their workout gear.
Still, she made it to Walker and Ivy’s house relatively certain no one had followed her.
Ivy welcomed her in, the dog at her feet barking in delight. “I bet this isn’t what you expected to be doing right now.”
“No, but that’s okay. Life is one big adventure, isn’t it?” Charity greeted Faithful then gestured to the hallway. “May I use the washroom? I packed so fast I forgot the cardinal rule of road trips.”
A gentle nod of permission followed. “Help yourself. I’m putting together a supper for you two. I assume Dustin came in straight off the fields?”
Damn, he was going to be starving. Plus— “I hope he has time for a shower.”
“If not, you get to travel with eau de cowboy for a few hours. It’s pungent, but not deadly.”
They headed in different directions, both laughing.
By the time Charity joined Ivy in the kitchen, the delicately built woman was closing the lid on a large travel cooler. “I put in a few types of pop and three types of sandwiches. You take what you like first, okay? I know Dustin will demolish anything you don’t want, so nothing will be wasted.”
“I appreciate it.”
Surprise struck as Ivy turned to wrap her arms around Charity’s shoulders and hug her briefly. “I’m glad Dustin isn’t leaving on his own but with a friend.”
Charity offered a gentle squeeze in return. “I’m glad that I can help.”
Ivy stepped back, her pale complexion and silver blue eyes making her look otherworldly. “He won’t like me saying this, but Dustin loves his family. Very much.”
“That’s clear, not only now, but before.”
Ivy nodded, but concern slid in. “He doesn’t like his uncle, and from what I’ve heard, he has some valid reasons to feel that way. Which are not mine to share. But I will say this—Dustin needs his people. If he can’t have his family right now, you’ll be his only anchor. I hope you’ll forgive him if he clings a little.”
The idea that big, strong, independent Dustin would cling to anyone nearly made Charity laugh out loud. It was as ridiculous as Kelli calling him a boy.
