Page 117 of Roping Her In

He released those worries and cares as he drove under the tunnel of trees and onto Hailey’s farm. Everything—and he meant absolutely everything—in his life had gotten better in the past three weeks since she’d shown up at his cabin with food.

Mostly, though, it was because she’d shown up with herself.

They had more changes on the horizon, as Carson had started taking steps to move to Dallas sooner rather than later, and Jake would be helping him pack everything he owned next weekend.

Jake had wanted his help with something, and since he’d be leaving soon, Jake had moved his plans forward.

Hailey had been noticing some strange behavior with one of Conrad’s miniature donkeys, and she’d separated him from the herd. Technically, Jake was at her place today to check on the donkey and do an official diagnosis.

But really, he’d planned a marriage proposal.

He pulled up to her house and found her sitting in the July heat on her front porch, a big Mason jar of iced tea in her hand. She pushed herself back and forth with the toe of one foot, and he smiled at the porch swing he’d helped her install last week.

He still marveled that Conrad didn’t really care what Hailey did with this house or property, as long as it looked good and made her happy. Conrad had even paid for the porch swing, and Jake understood on a whole new level why she’d taken this job.

He collected his phone before he got out of his truck, and he waved and called, “Howdy, ma’am,” as he moved to the back tailgate to get his veterinary bag.

With the weight of it against his shoulder, Jake caught a glimpse of his future: pulling up to farms and ranches, greeting nervous owners, and getting his equipment so he could diagnose and care for their animals.

Parts of Hailey’s speech returned to him about how he could use the talents and skills God had blessed him with to improve the lives of those around him—both human and animal.

Jake had grown up with farmers and ranchers and cowboys and cowgirls, and he knew how very integral their animals were to their lives. He’d started taking steps to form his own corporation, which Hailey had helped him name Helping Hooves Veterinary Care.

Truth be told, he envisioned the two of them working inside the company together, making ranch and farm calls as a team.

“I don’t see a cat,” he said as he climbed the steps to her front porch.

She giggled and shook her head. “The adoption event went really well, and I said I’d only take one if they didn’t all get adopted out.”

She slowed the swing so he could sit down with her, but he didn’t have much time to waste. He glanced back down the road, though he didn’t expect to see Carson arrive. No, his brother had agreed to stay out of sight, and he wouldn’t come until Jake texted him.

“It sounds like it went well then.”

“Yeah, it was great,” Hailey said. She indicated the pitcher of sweet tea on the table beside her. “Do you want some tea?”

He eyed it appreciatively. “Of course I do, but I think I should use it as a reward.”

Hailey raised her eyebrows and then took a long drink of her tea as she side-eyed him.

He laughed, then leaned over and swept a kiss across her cheek.

“It’s hot out there today,” she said. “I’m having my reward now and after.”

“All right,” he said. “We just have to leave enough time to get to the speakeasy at seven.”

“It’s noon,” Hailey said with a laugh.

“Right, but we have to look at the donkey, then come back and eat lunch, and you’ll want to be hungry again at seven.” His conscience shouted at him to get her off this porch and out of sight of it.

She rolled her eyes and took a drink, then put the Mason jar on the table. “Oh, all right,” she said with a sigh. The swing jostled as she stood. “Let’s go get this over with.”

He chuckled as he joined her, and she led the way into the house.

“Hey, your AC works great,” he said.

“It’s a Godsend,” she said over her shoulder. She moved down the hall and into the laundry-room-slash-mudroom where the exit to the farm waited.

Jake followed her but at a slower pace, so he could pause in the blessed air conditioning and send out his pre-typed text to his brother.