Page 57 of A Rancher's Vow
“It's hard to forget when that boy constantly talks back."
Charity laughed. She simply couldn’t help herself. “That boy is a man who put in a whole lot of hard days of labour on your land, by your side, without once complaining. In fact, he probably lasted longer than you, and the entire time he was careful to protect your land and animals and have a positive impact on the people he worked beside. Tell me I’m wrong.”
The furrow between Frank Stone's brow deepened. It was too much to hope she’d gotten through to him, though.
Sure enough, he ignored all the other points of her argument and returned to the same old tune. “He's polite to everyone else but sasses me. That's not helping your case, young lady.”
Good grief. It was worse than talking to distracted eight-year-olds when she taught dance. “Okay, yes, he sasses you. Ever noticewhenthat happens? Repeat your conversations in your head sometime, and you'll discover that not once has he ever been rude to you without you being rude first. Or if you're dismissive of someone in his family, especially Caleb.”
Frank glared. “Caleb. That—”
“I should warn you,” Charity interrupted. “I'm pretty in awe of Caleb myself, all things considered, so if you're about to bad-mouth him to me,I'llbe the one sassing you, PDQ.”
For a moment, Frank went silent. Whether because he’d finally gotten the message or was too shocked to continue, she wasn’t sure.
It was past time to leave. Charity grabbed her paperwork. “I’ve said enough.”
“More than enough.”
She laughed again, because it was that or hit him over the head with her file folder. “It’s sad, you know. You could be enjoying the respect of some of the best people I know. You have the love of most of them because you’re family, despite how you act. The respect, you’d need to earn.”
She picked up the chair along with the file folder and headed out the door. If the man wanted something to sit on, he could find his own damn chair.
With Beach loadedinto a borrowed trailer, Dustin said goodbye to Adam then glanced around. Charity was busy offering and receiving farewell hugs from the hands they’d spent time with over the past days. “Know where my uncle is?”
“Office, last I heard.” Adam patted Dustin on the shoulder. “I need to tell Tucker to get tired of you more often so you can come help me out. And bring Charity. She’s a breath of fresh air.”
“She is. Thanks.” Dustin tipped his head toward the office. “I’ll just let him know I’m leaving.”
“Keep it short and to the point.” Adam winked.
“I’ll try.” Dustin always tried.
Patchwork Annie marched happily at his heels as they crossed the short distance to the office. Dustin took a deep breath before pushing open the door. “Uncle Frank? Just wanted to let you know Charity and I are heading out.”
Frank was behind the desk. He glanced up, opened his mouth, then paused. It almost looked as if he’d forgotten what he wanted to say because he swallowed hard then stood and thrust out his hand. “Thanks for your help.”
Dustin blinked in surprise. Um, no cutting remark or disparaging comment? He hurried forward and accepted the brief, firm handshake. “Thanks for the hospitality. Charity washed the sheets and towels. They’re clean and in the trailer. And Adam loaned us an older trailer to take Son of a Beach north. I’ll be sure Tucker makes a note to return it during our next exchange.”
“Good.” Frank dipped his chin and seemed to struggle for words, then just repeated it. “Good. Now get, I’ve got work to do.”
He dropped back into his chair and instantly dove into the papers on the desk, once again ignoring Dustin.
Dustin wandered out of the office, slightly shocked and a lot confused. Mostly, though, happily surprised.
That just happened. Unexpected, but as Charity would say…okay.
They were on the road shortly after.
Charity told him all about her morning ride. “And I now know how to saddle Beach without feeling as if I’ll break something. Him or me.”
“Glad the girls could help with some hints. You’re welcome to keep riding Beach once he’s settled at Silver Stone. We usually move the retirees out to the farther fields, but not until they’re settled.” He squeezed her fingers. “I’ll talk to Tucker.”
“That could be fun. Thanks.”
Dozens of topics for conversation bounced in Dustin’s brain. They’d always had an easy time chatting. Only he realized he wanted to not just shoot the shit. He wanted to know more about her. As if the sharing during intimacy needed to extend into their daily conversations.
They’d agreed that straight up was the best way to discuss anything, and it was true. So he asked what was on his mind. “I meant to ask earlier. Before we left Silver Stone, you told Caleb it was no use contacting the police over that woman who posted my information.”
