Page 71 of A Rancher's Vow
Ginny joined in laughing, but her expression matched Kelli’s across the table. As if they suspected the fake girlfriend thing had gone farther than simply pretend public displays of affection.
Don’t go there, Charity. Friends. We’re just friends. That's all we can be.
Fern’s dad, Malachi Fields, waved to the crowd as he paced to the front of the room. On the stage a group of men had gathered, including Shim. Most in their twenties, although there were a few older gentlemen into their fifties. All were neatly dressed in suits or newer jeans. They all looked nervous, and Charity couldn’t blame them.
They weren’t Dustin, after all. They weren’t the #SilverStoneStud.
Ginny caught her sleeve and pulled her close. “You just snorted.”
Charity pressed a hand to her nose. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. That’s embarrassing.”
“Oh, stop that.” Ginny waved a hand in the air then leaned so close the swell of her belly pressed against Charity’s arm. “You have tells, my darling. And that snorttellsme that you just had an evil thought, and rules of the Stone women say entertaining evil thoughts must be shared.”
Being included in the Stone women was enough to make Charity fight for focus. But she nodded slowly, debating what to say that wouldn’t give away things Dustin might not want shared. They never had discussed how much he wanted to tell his family other than knowing he and Charity were “dating.”
She went for simple. “All the social media tags from the viral nonsense are whirling in my brain and doing bad things.”
Ginny considered then grinned, mischief rolling in hard. “Not enough cocky cowboys on the stage? Or not enough studs?”
Oh my God. “Ginny.”
“What?” The other woman winked. “Sorry, I have a bad habit of putting together the clues then blurting out the dirty details.”
“You were clearly reading my mind,” Charity admitted.
Ginny offered a quick wink. “Can’t say I disagree, other than Dustin’s friend is cute. Young, but cute.”
Charity was saved from having to respond by Malachi Fields, master of ceremonies, turning on his microphone and starting up the event.
“It’s time for the annual fund raiser for the Boys and Girls Club and the Hope Foundation. And since we don’t want to keep our volunteers waiting too long, let’s get started.” Malachi waited as a trickle of applause sounded. “The auction will proceed smoother than usual this year—”
“When’s Tansy back in town?” some card in the audience shouted.
Malachi snapped up a finger at the man. “My point exactly. Since my daughter isn’t here to create chaos, I’ve decided we have time for a momentary interlude. First, if I could ask Dustin Stone to please join me.”
The clapping was much louder this time, along with wolf whistles and hoots. Dustin good-naturedly waved at the audience as he made his way to Malachi’s side.
The older man rested a hand on Dustin’s shoulder. “Not that you need introducing, but for the visitors to the community, this is Dustin. He’s been a solid contributor to many Heart Falls fundraisers over the years, including participating in the auction. But this year, while I know some of you in the audience were hoping to bid on this young man, he’s here with his girlfriend, also a well-loved member of the Heart Falls community.”
“Go, Charity.” The shout went up from the back of the room, and laughter bloomed along with applause.
Ginny laid her hand on Charity’s shoulder. Kelli and Luke offered her a thumbs-up. At the head of the table, Caleb glanced over and dipped his chin as if acknowledging her.
Charity’s heart skipped a beat. Oh God. It seemed too real. It was too much what shewantedto be real.
Malachi smiled out at the crowd. “Since Dustin is not participating in the auction today, I just wanted to say a quick thanks for his past endeavors, and the best of luck as he continues his work with Silver Stone—”
“Hey, Dad.” Fern stood and waved her arm in the air. Her prothesis had a Canadian flag sticker with a red flashing maple leaf on the back of her hand. “Forget something?”
Malachi frowned. “Is it a rule that one of my daughters needs to shout at me during every auction?”
“Tansy thinks so.” Fern winked as laughter ensued. “But you did forget something.”
Her father considered then rolled his eyes. “I have a very good memory, only it’s short,” he announced to the crowd. “Yes, thank you, Fern. There is one thing, before I let Dustin go. Charity, could you please join us as well?”
She rose to her feet. Ginny gave her arm one final pat of approval. Applause had started again, plus all the firefighters Charity had volunteered with in the past joined in with a foot stomp like they’d do at the fire hall after training sessions.
She waited for her nerves to kick into gear, but they didn’t. She’d been a performer in the past with her dancing. She knew all these people, and logically there should be no reason to worry.
