“Sorry,” Oakley mutters. “Didn’t see you.”
“I was right here the whole time,” Remi grumbles, stalking off.
Oakley fails to cover his laugh.
“Don’t be fooled,” I tell him. “He’s not as innocent as he seems.”
Oakley holds up his hand. “Yeah, I’m gonna stop you right there. I don’t needa know.”
Chuckling, I tip my hat toward the barn doors. “Ready to take me to this surprise?”
“Sure am. About that rope, though…”
My responding laughter rings out, and Oakley looks oh so pleased with himself. Horses in tow, we head into the sun and take to the trails. Oakley doesn’t seem in any hurry to get to where we’re going, so I sit back and enjoy the ride.
“Did your dad mention we’re going camping the weekend after next?” I ask.
Oakley’s head whips my way. “What? No. My dad?”
I nod. “He hasn’t gone in a while, so I suggested we all take a trip before it gets too cold for it. You’re coming, too.”
“Oh I am, am I?” Oakley snarks, a tiny smile at the corner of his lips. “Wendy?”
“Yep. Your mom is staying home, though.”
He doesn’t look surprised. “Ten bucks—”
“We arenotbetting on whether or not we have sex during a family camping trip,” I say sternly. “Not happening, Oak.”
His chuckle lasts a good long while. “Whiskey?”
I sigh. “Prob’ly.”
I do my best not to be amused by Oakley’s hissed, “Yes.”
When we’ve gone a good handful of miles, Oakley pulls Clover’s reins to the side to get the horse turned around. I watch him for a moment, confused.
He looks back at me expectantly. “Coming?”
“We’re turning around?” I ask, even though it’s obvious. “Where exactly are you taking me?”
He hums. “I’ve always heard it’s not the destination but the journey that’s the important part.”
“You saying you’re happy just to spend time with me?”
“Mostly Clover,” he teases, blue-and-brown eyes filled with mirth as I sidle up next to him.
I swat his leg with my hat, and Oakley takes the opportunity to flick my forehead.
“Cut it out,” I grouse, no heat behind my words.
“You started it.”
“Jesus Christ. We’re twelve again.”
Oakley titters a laugh, looking so damn happy it stuns me for a second. My throat feels tight as I replace my hat on my head. Oakley is facing forward again, smiling serenely at the trees and dappled sun around us as our horses walk along at a leisurely pace.
“Thanks for this,” I tell him, his eyes meeting mine again. “For bringing me out here.”
