“She’s a quick study, though,” Slade countered, “and she’s strong. With good direction, she’ll be a fine helper.”

Again Wyatt had to bite his tongue. He absolutely could not tell Slade that he had the hots for his niece and would endure living hell if he had to spend over a week alone with her by an isolated lake. “I’d really prefer someone experienced. Can you call one of the guys who goes up with us every year?”

“I can’t really afford to,” Slade said. “Erin’s already on my payroll, and I’ll be covering for you. It’s not going to cost me anything extra if I send Erin. She’s also our least experienced ranch hand. I need the people who know what to do to stay behind. Her knowledge is still pretty limited.”

What had sounded like an awesome break from routine suddenly loomed before Wyatt like a brutal test of his restraint. “I’d really like someone besides Erin to go with me,” he said. “She’s not an experienced woodsman, and I’ve been told there are wolves at Huckleberry Lake. What if they come in on the horses?”

“Take an extra rifle. She’s probably a better marksman than you are.”

Wyatt knew in that moment that he wouldn’t change Slade’s mind. He made all the right noises during the rest of the meeting and couldn’t wait to get out of the main house so he could throw his hat on the ground, kick dirt, and cuss. This whole idea would be a disaster.

* * *

After Wyatt left the house, Vickie hurried into the office. “Well? How did it go?”

Slade winked at her. “He’s not going to be a happy camper up there, but I don’t think he suspects a thing.”

Vickie hugged her waist. “It was my idea. If it backfires, are you going to be furious with me?”

Slade rocked back in his chair. “Vickie, my sweet, you prick my temper half a dozen times a day. That’s why I love you so much. I never know what you may say or do next.” He shrugged. “According to you, Erin’s had a thing for him for months, and you think Wyatt has strong feelings for her. What can possibly go wrong?”

“Everything?”

He laughed and shook his head. “If Wyatt loves her—and ever since you said something, I’ve been watching him and think you’re right—we’re just forcing him to face it himself and hopefully do something about it. He’s a good man. If I could handpick a husband for my niece, he’d be my first choice.”

“Yes, but even a good man can fall prey to temptation, Slade. That doesn’t mean he’s making a lifelong commitment.”

“Erin’s a grown woman. She understands that. I have to trust in her instincts. I don’t think she’ll expect chapel bells to ring just because they get a little cozy up there. And pushing Wyatt into giving up his harebrained plan to go without sex for the rest of his life won’t be a bad thing, either.”