By the time they got home to the Hatten barn, the rain had stopped but they were still wet. They removed the saddles and began rubbing down the horses.

“Thanks,” Kelly said. “You made me feel better.”

“I enjoyed it. It was nice to be around someone who isn’t angry at me. And it’s good for you and me to get to know each other better.”

“I agree. Wherever we live, we’ll be family.” When Xander dropped a pile of manure, Kelly got the fork hanging on the wall and scooped it up.

Robbie’s voice came from outside. “Kelly? I saw your Jeep. Are you in here?”

Adam was about to call out to his brother, but to his shock, Kelly flicked the fresh, hot, steaming pile of horse manure onto him. It hit him smack in the middle of his chest, then began to slide down. “What the hell?” He wiped a piece off the side of his face. “Why did you do that?”

“We just spent two hours at the second-best make-out spot in the county. If we were seen sopping wet and smiling, by noon gossip will have me pregnant. With your kid.”

He grabbed straw and started wiping himself down. “I never thought of that.”

“Really? And you’re the brother with the brain?”

“It’s not my brain that would cause the gossip.”

She laughed.

“Kelly!” Robbie shouted. “Where are you?” He was close to them.

She raised her voice to an angry shout. “I told you, Adam Hatten! What I do or don’t do is none of your business. Stay out of my life!” As she ran past him, she mouthed, “Thanks,” then stomped toward Robbie.

Adam went to the door, but stayed in the shadows. Robbie was next to Kelly’s green Jeep, his back to the barn.

“If my brother is bothering you, let me know. I’ll deal with him.” Robbie sounded like he was about to strap on a six-shooter.

Adam rolled his eyes.

Kelly saw him and had to suppress a giggle. She got into her car and started it. “I can handle myself.”

Robbie put his hand on the door. “I hear Paul is leaving town for the summer. I don’t want you to think you have to be alone. You won’t have to miss out on any fun just because he’s not here. How about going to the dance on Saturday with me?”

Behind him, a smelly, dirty Adam was shaking his head in a vigorous no!

“It’s just a temporary separation,” she said. “I’m still engaged.” Immediately, Kelly regretted her choice of words. She meant engaged as in that she had other things to do. “I mean—”

But Robbie stepped back, his eyes wide. “You and Paul are engaged? That’s really big news.”

Adam was shaking his head at her lie. He held up his left hand, wiggling his fingers. She had no ring.