I put my hands up, a silent way of saying don’t shoot the messenger. “Sorry, but I didn’t come here to play; I came to eat.”

  Turning to Rhett, I held out my hand. “Want to sit next to me? We can talk about camp, which starts soon.”

  Rhett quickly took me up on my offer, leaving poor Moose standing there with his tug toy.

  “Can your dog sit by us too?” Rhett asked.

  “Moose usually sits by my father, but I bet if you sneak him a cucumber from your salad, he’ll be your very best friend.”

  Rhett jumped in excitement. “Come on, Moose! I’ll give you a cucumber!”

  Moose barreled by us and straight to the back door. I glanced in Levi’s direction and saw he was putting on his T-shirt. He looked up, and our eyes caught. He smiled, and I returned the gesture before he could see my cheeks heat for getting busted ogling his body. I dashed up the steps and into the house, Rhett in tow.

  Once inside, Rhett let go of my hand and rushed over to my mother. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

  My mother and father both smiled down at him, with Dad ruffling Rhett’s hair. “You are such a great kid. Go wash your hands is all you need to do.”

  Rhett rushed off to the half bathroom, Moose running behind him. My mother and father both looked at me with quizzical expressions.

  “What?”

  Neither said anything, and before I could ask why they were looking at me that way, everyone else walked in and chatter quickly filled the kitchen.

  “Wash up!” my mother shouted, and people splintered off in different directions.

  Rhett reappeared in the kitchen first and was tasked with bringing the breadbasket into the dining room. I helped bring out the lasagna, while Dad put the salad and four different bottles of dressing on the table.

  “Where do you sit, Ms. Emeline?” Rhett asked.

  I pointed to my usual spot. “Right there.”

  “Is that someone else’s spot?” he asked, pointing to the chair at the end, next to mine.

  The warmth that spread through my chest was foreign to me, but it made me smile. If I wasn’t careful, I was going to fall in love with another Tucker. “Nope, no one sits there, so you’re more than welcome to.”

  Levi was the first to enter the dining room. He drew in a deep breath through his nose and smiled at my mother. “I’ve missed your lasagna.”

  “Rhett, did you want your dad to make your plate, or may I?” I asked.

  “You can, Ms. Emeline,” he answered. Taking his father’s hand, he led him to the seat next to mine. “Dad, you sit here.”

  Without even questioning his son, Levi sat down. I was positive my mouth was hanging open as I stared at the little matchmaker in training. Looking at Mom and Dad, I saw they both attempted to hide their smiles—and failed.

  “Where may I sit?” Rhett asked my father.

  Dad cleared his throat and schooled his face as he pointed to his own chair at the head of the table, next to Levi. “You can sit at the head of the table.”

  Rhett’s eyes went wide. “I can?”

  I took a plate and cut a small piece of lasagna. I held it up for Levi to see.

  He nodded. “Perfect amount. Salad, Rhett?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, please! Ranch dressing on my salad, Daddy. And make sure there’s a tomato in there!”

  I placed the plate in front of Rhett and nearly melted when he looked up at me and smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Emeline.”

  Sitting down, I tried to ignore the fact that Levi was so close to me. My mind wandered to the days when he would come over and eat dinner with us regularly. He always sat across from me, and I would dream he’d glance up and blow me a kiss. Or he’d finally ask if I wanted to see a movie or go to dinner. Of course, that never happened.

  “Em?”

  Levi’s voice caused me to jerk, and I looked over at him. “Yes?”

  He chuckled. “You were a million miles away. I said your name like three times.”

  “Oh, sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind with the camp starting soon.”

  He smiled, and I had to tear my eyes away from his mouth. When my gaze met his, I cleared my throat and focused back on my food.

  “Are you excited about helping out, or is it more of a hardship?” I asked before taking a bite of my lasagna.

  “It’s not a hardship at all. I’m actually looking forward to camp. Rhett is, as well.”

  I glanced at Rhett, who was engaged in a very animated conversation with Gatlin.

  Laughing, I motioned to them. “He really likes Gatlin.”

  Levi grinned. “He loves all of you guys.”

  “I thought he was going to sit next to me. He asked if anyone was sitting there.”

  “Really?” Levi asked, glancing at his son, then back to me. “I have a sneaky feeling he wants us to be more than friends.”

  Coughing, I quickly grabbed my water.

  Levi laughed softly. “Don’t worry. I think it’s just a phase he’s going through. The therapist, back in Denver, said that Rhett’s worried about my happiness.”

  Studying Rhett, I ached for the little guy. He had such a tender heart. “That’s got to be hard on a kid who’s only six. To worry about his parents, I mean.”

  Levi nodded but didn’t say anything.

  The rest of the meal was filled with different conversations between smaller groups. Levi and Gatlin started talking about the cattle ranch, while my grandfather Gus, Caden, and my father discussed buying a new tractor. My mother, grandmother Nellie, and Ensley were chatting about one of the horses Ensley had recently shoed, and how she needed to be rehomed.

  When I looked over at Rhett, he smiled at me before shoving a forkful of salad into his mouth. I returned the gesture and sat back in my chair, quietly observing everyone.

  “What about you, Em?” Levi asked.

  Setting my glass of wine back on the table, I glanced at him. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening to what you were talking about.”

  Gatlin replied first. “Levi was saying he thinks we should do a clinic at the ranch.”

  “A clinic?” My gaze bounced between Gatlin and Levi. “What kind of clinic?”

  Levi wiped his mouth and set his napkin on the table. “Something that focuses on the production side of cattle ranching. Topics could be about bovine reproduction, artificial insemination, health, and nutrition. You could have them throughout the year as well since guests wouldn’t be at the mercy of a school schedule.”

  Gatlin nodded his head and pointed his fork at me. “We could do it for the equine side of the ranch, as well. A riding and horsemanship clinic. We could teach about breeding and raising horses skilled in working cattle. Ensley can even teach a farrier clinic.”

  Levi added, “For people who are interested in hoof care. She could talk about how to become a farrier, what her day is like, advanced shoeing techniques.”

  “What are we talking about?” Ensley asked from down the table.

  “Levi has some great ideas about teaching clinics,” Caden stated, obviously already aware of Levi’s thoughts.

  My father leaned back in his seat. “That sounds interesting.”

  “Caden and I were talking about it. It would be another way to bring income to the ranch,” Levi said, looking from my father to me. “I was wanting to get your input as well, Emeline, since some classes might be a few days, and people would be staying in the cabins.”

  “I think it’s a great idea,” my mother put in before I could reply.

  Panic was suddenly setting in…panic that these clinics could push out the summer camps since those would be for profit and my camps obviously aren’t.

  Gatlin looked at our father. “Dad, you talked about possibly starting clinics before, remember that?”

  He nodded. “It was something that your uncle Mike pushed for years ago.”

  “That’s right,” Caden said. “I remember him talking about it.”

  “What about the camps? I wanted to do a camp in August for kids with special needs.”

  All eyes shot to me.

  My mother smiled. “We would never stop the camps, Emeline. But you have to admit, they are getting smaller and they’re only two weeks out of the year. The rest of the time the cabins sit empty unless rented out. And if we can use the cabins to generate more income, that would benefit not only the ranch, but the camps and the Christmas event as well. I’ve also been meaning to talk to you about the camp for kids with special needs. The idea is amazing, and one I don’t want to push aside, but I think it’s going to take a bit more research than we thought. At least, according to the lawyers. We have to make sure we have everything covered. It’s a very high-liability situation, and one that I don’t want to rush into too quickly.”

  “Was that the second thing you wanted to talk to me about today, before you got sidetracked with the cherry pie?”

  My mother’s brows rose. I knew my voice sounded condescending, but why hadn’t she spoken to me about something so important before springing it on me in front of everyone else?

  “Yes. It was.”

  “I agree about the clinics,” Grandpa Gus stated as he circled the conversation back to the clinics. “They’d be a good source of income for the ranch.”

  My grandmother glanced at me. “Don’t worry, Emeline. The camps have become a rich part of our history on the ranch. They’re not going anywhere.”

  I smiled at her slightly, even though my stomach was reeling. “Who would be in charge of these clinics?” I asked in a tone that sounded angry.

  Caden frowned slightly. “Gatlin and I can handle the cattle clinics. I know Mom is taking a step back, but we can speak with Marshall and see if he’s onboard with taking on that task, since you manage the camps and have your work here on the ranch.”

  “You mean put Marshall in charge of the equine clinics and not me? You don’t think I can handle it? The camps are only two weeks out of the summer, I’m pretty confident I can add more to my plate,” I stated as I glared at my older brother.

  His frown deepened. “No, I don’t think anything of the sort. But I can’t read your mind, Emeline. And honestly, you seem like you’re against the idea of the clinics.”

  “I’m not against them, Caden. I literally just found out about them, after all. Can you at least give me time to process the fact that my camps are likely going to be downsized and replaced?”

  The entire room fell silent.

  Clearing his throat, Levi turned to me. “I don’t think anyone is talking about replacing the camps, Em. It was just a suggestion, since the cabins sit empty most of the year, unless they’re rented for retreats and such. I thought it would be a good place to look for additional income. It might even help with the camps, if you have any deficit in the fundraising.”

  I felt like a complete idiot now. Here I was, throwing a tantrum…and for what reason? I didn’t have one.

  I forced a smile. “No, you’re right. I’m sorry I overreacted. It’s a good idea. I just need a moment to process it all.”

  My eyes caught Ensley’s. She smiled softly and motioned for me to join her in the kitchen. “If we’re done, I’m going to clear the table.”

  I stood quickly. “I’ll help.”

  Mom stood as well, but Ensley told her and Grams to sit back down. “Emeline and I have it. You two relax.”

  Picking up my plate, I forced another smile. “Anyone else finished?”

  Levi went to stand. I put my hand on his shoulder. “You’re a guest. Please, keep chatting. Ensley and I will take care of this.”

  “Thank you, girls,” Mom said with a slightly concerned smile.

  After grabbing a few plates, I followed my sister to the kitchen. Ensley put her dishes on the counter, turned to me, and sighed.

  “Emeline, what was that all about?”

  Setting the dishes in the sink, I leaned against the counter. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. Looking into my sister’s gaze, I whispered the words I’d tried to deny for so many years.

  “I think I’m in love with Levi. No, I know I am—and I don’t know what to do about it. Now I feel like everything I’ve worked for is slowly slipping from my hands.”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh shit. I need Mom for this one.”

  Levi

  Once Emeline and Ensley headed to the kitchen, I said, “I didn’t mean to make Emeline upset, or make her think I don’t care about the camps.”

  Vivianne waved off my concern. “Emeline lives, eats, and breathes those camps. She has since she was young, and I think for a moment she thought we were going to phase them out.”

  “I didn’t mean to suggest that at all.”

  Ladd shook his head. “You didn’t. Emeline has always dreamed big, and I love that about her. But the truth of the matter is, it’s getting more expensive to run the camps since we don’t charge the campers. Her idea for a camp for kids with special needs is amazing, but would cost even more to run.”

  “Have you ever thought of opening them up to paid campers?” I asked.

  Nellie shook her head. “That isn’t why we started the camps. It was never about making a profit off of them. The need is diminishing; therefore, the camps are shrinking. That, in itself, is a good thing. That means fewer kids are growing up in poverty in River Falls, and there are fewer kids at River Haven, which is a community goal we’re very proud of. The clinics are a great idea, Levi.”

  “I agree,” Ladd said. “Gatlin, Caden…get with your uncles Mike and David. Put your heads together and come up with a business plan. Then we can all meet. Levi, I’d love to have your input as well. I think it would be advantageous to have a vet on hand for some of these clinics.”

  I nodded. “I agree, and I’m here to help in any way I can.”

  Ensley entered the room and went straight to her mother. She bent down, whispering something into her ear.

  Vivianne stood. “Excuse me a moment.”

  Turning to Caden, I said, “If I upset your sister in any way, I won’t forgive myself.”

  “You didn’t.”

  “Maybe I should go talk to her.”

  “I think something else is bothering her. My mother and sister can handle it.”

  Gatlin and Ladd started to clear the rest of the table. I stood and offered to help.

  “Nonsense,” Nellie said. “Let’s head into the living room.”

  Gus helped his wife up, and they motioned for Rhett to follow. Moose was stuck to Rhett’s side like glue, and I knew my son was loving it.

  Once it was just me and Caden in the dining room, I raised a brow. “What was that really about, man?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t even pretend to understand women anymore.”

  I laughed, but it didn’t sound authentic, even to me. I followed Caden into the living room with an uneasy feeling I couldn’t shake. I glanced back and could see through the large opening to the kitchen. Vivianne was hugging Emeline…and my heart felt like it dropped straight to my stomach.

  “Daddy.”

  The feel of someone gently pushing on my shoulder caused me to stir.

  “Daddy! Daddy, are you awake?”

  I opened one eye and found my son standing over me, a wide smile on his face.

  “I’m awake now, Rhett.”

  He tugged on my arm. “Get up! Get up! Today is camp day!”

  Laughing, I let Rhett pull me into a seated position. He crawled onto my bed and started to bounce on his knees.

  I dragged my hands down my face. “Son, what time is it?”

  “It’s six!”

  Frowning, I slowly shook my head. “Why in the world are you up so early? We don’t even drop you off until ten this morning.”

  He shrugged. “I’m happy, that’s all.”

  I swung my legs over the side of the bed. “I’m glad you’re excited about it, bud.”

  “You’ll be there today, right, Daddy?”

  “All day. I’ve volunteered to help get everyone to their cabins and settled in.”

  He smiled. “Can we make French toast for breakfast?”

  I let out a breath. “We’ve got everything packed up and ready to go, so I don’t see why we can’t make some French toast.”

  Rhett stood on my bed, jumped a couple of times, then jumped off.

  “Do you think Moose will be with Emeline?” he asked right before he got to the bedroom door.

  “I’m not sure, buddy.”

  I hadn’t seen or spoken to Emeline since we’d had dinner with her family. She’d texted me information about camp—what Rhett would need, how I would be helping out, things like that.

  I stumbled to the bathroom. After splashing water on my face, I got the day started. Breakfast was filled with Rhett going on and on about how excited he was for camp. I was hoping he’d be able to make some friends before the start of school this fall. He was going into first grade, and I was pretty sure most of the kids, if not all, had gone to kindergarten together, and so they would already know each other.

  “Dad, did you pack my toothbrush?”

  “Dad?” I asked, placing his bag into the back seat of my truck. “When did I lose the title ‘Daddy’?”

  Rhett rolled his eyes. “I have to practice so I don’t say it in front of my new friends.”

  I lifted my chin. “Ahh, got it. We’re playing it cool.”

  He nodded. “Let’s go!”

  When I pulled up to the campgrounds, I was surprised by the number of people already milling about. Parents were pulling sleeping bags and suitcases out of trucks and cars, as volunteers helped them find the right cabins. Larger vans were parked to the side, each emblazoned with the name River Haven. My heart broke for the kids from the orphanage. I knew they tried their best to give the kids good memories, but I couldn’t imagine what life was like without parents.

  I glanced at Rhett, who wore an excited expression.

  “I hope I meet my new best friend!” he said with a smile as he scanned the crowd of adults and younger kids.

  Feeling a tug in my chest, I ruffled the hair on the top of his head, only to have him push my arm away.

  “Dad! You’re treating me like a baby.”

  I held up my hands in defense. “Habits are hard to break, kiddo.”