That evening, Ruby called.I answered on the second ring and put her on speaker so I could keep chopping vegetables for dinner.
"Lilah, darling, how are you settling in?"
"Good.Really good."
"And Dawson's been treating you well?"
I smiled, grateful she couldn’t see my face."He's been...helpful."
Ruby let out a knowing laugh."I'm sure he has."
I didn't take the bait.
"Wonderful.And the horses are holding up?"
"Better than I expected."
"Good.That man's a miracle worker with horses."Her tone shifted, just slightly."I’m sure Dawson mentioned the Valentine’s event we’re hosting at the community center this weekend?"
"He did."I’d been surprised when he extended an invitation for me to join him.Showing up together in public felt like a big step, one I wasn’t sure either of us was ready to take yet.
“Did he tell you it’s formal?”
“What?”My pulse spiked, and I almost dropped the knife.“He said it was casual.”
Ruby clucked her tongue.“Typical man.I figured you might not have anything to wear so I asked Ashley if she’d help.The two of you look like you’re about the same size.”
“Thanks, but I’ll just stay at the ranch.He can go by himself.”And it would serve him right for not telling me I needed to dress up.
“Nonsense.Around here, we help our own.I’ll text you Ashley’s address.She’s expecting you at four on Saturday.”
“Ruby—”
“Everyone will be there, hon.You can try to argue with me, but I’ll come out to the ranch to pick you up myself if you don’t show.”
“Okay.I’ll be there.”I’d been in Mustang Mountain long enough to learn that giving in was easier than getting on Ruby’s bad side.
"He probably just forgot to mention it.I imagine he's been a bit tense lately.All this paperwork, deadlines...and then there's that marker Slade found."
I frowned."What marker?"
"Oh, nothing to worry about, I'm sure.Just some old boundary stone that's got everyone in a tizzy.You know how these ranchers get about property lines."
I didn't, but I made a noncommittal sound that must have satisfied her since she continued without taking a breath.
She chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up, and I stood there, knife in hand, staring at nothing.
Dawson hadn't mentioned a marker.Or property lines.Or anything that might explain the tension I'd been sensing.
But he would eventually.Wouldn't he?
I wanted to think so, but the conversation we’d had earlier resurfaced.He’d offered to connect me with someone looking for riders.Was that his way of telling me it was time for me to move on?
I waited until after dinner when he went out to the barn before I pulled up my contacts.
My thumb hovered over Marcus Webber’s name for a long moment before I pressed it.
Marcus ran exhibitions throughout the Northwest—county fairs, charity rodeos, corporate events.Nothing glamorous, but it was steady work.The kind of gigs that could keep me sharp between major circuits and would pay enough to cover my travel.
