Page 76 of Love for a Lifetime

Olivia’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened. “Where exactly are we going?”

Shaking his head, he reached for Betsy. “It’s a surprise. At least until we get in the truck and you can’t back out.”

“But–”

“You take care of the food, and I’ll catch up with my friend.” Dawson lifted Betsy a little as she squirmed and rapidly licked his chin.

Olivia let out a contented sigh. “I can’t believe she loves you.”

Dawson gasped. “Is it so hard to believe that a female would love me? I’ll have you know I am super lovable.”

Giggling, Olivia swatted his arm. “No. I can’t believe she trusts you so soon.” Her smile faded as she watched the dog love on Dawson. “She was abused, so she was really timid when I got her.”

Man, he couldn’t imagine hurting a dog, but he came face-to-face with those people on a regular basis. “She knows she’s safe with us.”

Olivia looked up at him, and her smile returned. “I’ll get her food.”

Dawson found Betsy’s leash by the door and let her lead him outside. She stayed within a few feet of the porch until Olivia stepped outside carrying a backpack, the snack bag, and another small bag of dog food.

Hurrying to Olivia’s side, Dawson took the bags and handed over Betsy’s leash. “I think she’s ready to ride.”

“Come on, girl,” Olivia said in the high-pitched voice she reserved for Betsy. “Dawson is taking us to some undisclosed location, but we are hoping it’s not because he wants to kill us and hide the bodies.”

Dawson tossed her bags into the backseat and scoffed. “You have never been safer than when you’re with me, my queen.”

Olivia and Betsy settled into the passenger seat, and the truck was quiet until he turned left at the end of her road, leading farther from town.

“I’m not worried or anything, but can you tell me where we’re going now?” Olivia asked.

“The Bensons have some cabins out on the ridge they want fixed up. Some of us volunteered to spend a weekend out here doing some renovation.”

“So, you tricked me into working on my weekend off. I see how it is,” Olivia said.

“Actually, I believe I said you wouldn’t have to do anything. I know at least a couple of women are coming. It’s not like you’ll be alone.”

“Wait, you said no beds,” Olivia reminded him.

“Well, there are two cabins, but the mattresses are old and have to be tossed. Beau is bringing the new ones tomorrow when he gets off work. So, tonight, we’re on the floor.”

Olivia looked over her shoulder at the road falling away behind them. “Bye warm bed!”

“Come on, it’ll be fun.”

She sighed, letting him know she was resigned to her fate for the next few days. “Who’s coming?”

Dawson listed off the people he knew were waiting at the campsite. Olivia spent the rest of the ride to Silver Falls Ranch telling Betsy everything she knew about their friends–introducing each one as if Betsy needed all the details before meeting anyone.

In between hurried words, she poured Skittles into her hand, occasionally offering him a few without missing a beat.

What more could a man want? Olivia was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, she spent all of her free time helping others, she was nurturing a formerly abused dog, she’d agreed to go on this crazy ride with him before even knowing where they were going, and she shared her snacks with him.

Yeah, Olivia was the perfect woman. Hands down.

Turning into the maintenance entrance on the eastern side of the ranch, they made their way around a pasture that spanned a dozen acres. When the fence line took a sharp turn to the left, Dawson kept to the washed-out path leading up the mountain.

“Are you sure this is the way?” Olivia asked, sitting on the edge of her seat.

“Promise. I was out here earlier today. Almost there.”

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