Page 2 of In Love with a Ranger

“She said ‘safe,’” Juliet smirked as they shared a look. “Completely and utterly safe from the Bradleys.”

“Safe as could be…”

“Y’all are weird,” Christina muttered, leaning forward to wipe Griffin’s hands with a baby wipe as he toddled over to her. She picked up the little boy, kissed his cheek, and crossed her eyes while sticking out her tongue to make him laugh. Sure enough, Griffin chortled happily and clapped his hands.

“So, since we’re safe… you need anything before this party starts to dissolve into a bunch of games, opening presents, and listening to ‘Oh Christina should have a baby’ or ‘Christina, you should meet my nephew with a shack in the backwoods of the Appalachians’?” Dasher asked, smirking as Juliet swatted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t you dare…”

“Me? I’m innocent, I tell you…”

“Dasherrrr…”

“Unless you can come up with a farm that will let me live there, rent-free for several months so I can test some for my thesis on my doctorate… then nope. There’s nothing you can do.”

Dasher looked at her evenly, causing a chill to run down her spine.

“What if I could?” he said simply.

“Could…” she drawled and hesitated. “Wait. You can get me access to live on a farm somewhere for free for a few months? Seriously? You know someone?”

“Let me make a few phone calls.”

“Oh my gosh, Dasher – you aren’t kidding? That would be amazing! You would save me so much time and work. I don’t mind helping out in the slightest, either. I could work on the farm to earn my keep or stay in the loft, so long as it’s not winter, and I won’t be a pest. I mean, I don’t need a lot of space, just a chance to work on some theories and write my thesis, and that would shave so much time off getting my degree. You would be a lifesaver.”

“Let’s go with ‘life-changer’…”

And Juliet cleared her throat, looking at him warily.

“You know this farmer? Oh my gosh, Jules, why didn’t you say anything?”

“Look, the ‘farmer’ is a little grumpy at times but very good-hearted. I think something is in the works, and he’s planning on helping others, so I’m sure he won’t mind taking on one more person. Besides, Jill, his wife, would love the company, and it’s supposed to be a really nice location.”

“You haven’t been to this farm? Where is it?”

“The doctor recommended I don’t travel with my blood pressure borderline during the pregnancy.”

“And I get up there to see Houghton all the time. We’re good buddies, and I’m sure it will be just fine,” Dasher grinned. “Oh yes. In fact, I’ll step out and call him now.”

“You don’t mind? Really? I mean, this semester ends in two months, but I would be free then. I just won’t schedule anything next semester, and I promise to work my rear-end off helping out.”

“That might not be necessary, but you might have to share a cabin. He’s got a few of them on the property that…”

“Dasher, can I speak with you?” Juliet said firmly, looking at him. “Now?”

“Jules, it will be just fine.”

“She’s my cousin...”

“I’ll reiterate that to Houghton. I swear it.”

“I will maim that man in his sleep if he screws this up,” Juliet growled angrily, staring down her husband… and for the first time ever, Dasher paled and nodded. What was going on between the two of them that they weren’t saying?

“Houghton is married, right?” Christina said warily, watching the silent interaction.

“He’s been happily married to Jill for twenty years,” Dasher uttered, not looking away from his wife. “You’ll be fine. I promise. This will be the chance of a lifetime, and everything is coming together unexpectedly well, considering the conversation I just had with Harley at Flyboys when I went to visit Griffin. Jules, just think, honey…”

“Dasher…”

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