She got up to give Domino what remained of her meal. While the dog gobbled the scraps, she washed her eating utensils with lake water they’d collected in a bucket.

“Speaking of horses, I’ve neglected Firecracker the last two days. I really should work with her tonight. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. I’ll be along in a minute.”

Erin couldn’t determine what was eating Wyatt, and she tried not to let it bother her as she went through the usual routine with her horse. To her surprise, Firecracker seemed almost eager to be petted tonight. It was as if she’d missed getting the attention and treats that Erin always gave her. She did act up when the bubble gum container was dropped at her front feet, but she didn’t rear or strike out with her hooves.

True to his word, Wyatt came to lean against a tree and watch. Toward the end of the session, he said, “You’ve made huge strides with her, Erin. I couldn’t do better myself. She’s starting to love you.”

As of last night, Erin had become convinced Wyatt loved her, too. But she didn’t take it as a good sign that he’d been so thoughtful and quiet all day. She had an awful suspicion that she’d done or said something to put him off.

They walked back to camp after she tied Firecracker off to the highline. At the fire, they sat beside each other, shoulder to shoulder, which made it difficult for Wyatt to carry on a conversation.

“Did I ever mention to you that when my grandfather dies, which I hope doesn’t happen anytime soon, I will inherit our family ranch?”

“Maybe. I can’t really remember if you told me or someone else did.”

He resumed staring at the fire. “When I was younger, I dreamed of turning it into something grand, sort of like Slade’s place. There’s adjoining land that will come available, so I’ve been saving money since I left home and got my first job. I’d like to buy it. The owner is old, and his kids aren’t into taking over the homestead.”

“Have you saved enough to buy it?”

“Not quite enough. I’ll have to set aside most of the ranch profit for a couple of years to swing a deal. But that’s all it’ll take to turn my family ranch into a thriving operation. I’ll need more land for running larger numbers of cattle.”

“As long as you can pay the bills and keep your equipment maintained, saving most of your profit shouldn’t be too hard.”

He turned and met her gaze. “Would you be interested in working with me to turn that ranch into what it should be?”

Erin couldn’t think what to say. “You mean you want me to relocate to Klamath Falls and work for you?”

“I said ‘work with me,’ Erin. Not only as a worker, but as my life partner.”

Her eyes burned with tears. “Are you asking me to marry you?”