“Go,” he said to me with a chin nod.
I rose and discreetly followed Muddy out of the dining room. We made it to the front porch, but even with the door closed we could still hear Salem yelling.
“I love her to death,” Muddy said as she slid into her boots. “But she does not like to have the tables turned on her.”
“I didn’t mean to cause a ruckus.”
I followed her down the porch steps.
“I know. You were very casual about an awfully big announcement.” She peered at me. “You happy, sugar?”
“Stupid happy,” I said with a wry smile. “So happy I almost don’t care that I didn’t get the bank loan.”
“Is that why he proposed?” she asked. “To soften the blow?”
We climbed into her antiquated farm truck, and she started the engine.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “It doesn’t feel that way. Not to me. I just don’t think Brooks could hold the thought inside anymore.”
“He’s been very vocal—and demonstrative—about how he feels about you. I’m not shocked.”
I smiled at her. “Is there anything that shocks you?”
“Not really,” she said with a laugh.
We bounced along a bumpy dirt road for a few minutes when I finally asked, “Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I think I’ve had enough of those to last me a while,” I quipped.
She looked at me for a long moment and then turned her attention back to the road. “I don’t think you’re done with surprises.”
“Ah, you speak in such riddles,” I jested. “Care to elaborate on that?”
“Nope.”
“Guess I’ll just have to find out in time.”
“I guess you will.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
The Ranch
Muddy parked the truck along the forest tree line and then cut the engine. She got out before I even had my seat belt off.
She went to the truck bed and carted out a black plastic case.
“What are we doing?” I asked as I followed her toward the tree line.
She didn’t reply.
But about twenty feet away from the truck was a wooden table and shooting targets.
I frowned as I looked at her.
She set the plastic case on the table and opened it. Muddy pulled out earplugs, earmuffs, and protective glasses.
