“Do you want me to take him?” she whispered.
“Nope, but if you take the quilt off the back of the sofa and put it on the floor, he might sleep there for a bit.”
“Will do.” She hurried ahead of him to the living room and spread the quilt out.
Max knelt and settled the little boy, grabbing a pillow off the sofa and placing it against his back and then pulling part of the quilt up to cover him.
“You’re a pro,” Sierra whispered.
“I’m learning on the fly.” He stood but then remained motionless as Johnny squirmed a bit before finding a comfortable spot and settling back to sleep.
“He didn’t eat,” Sierra said.
“I think he’ll let us know if he’s hungry.” Max motioned her to the door. “What about you?”
“Starving. I didn’t have time for lunch. We have a wedding this weekend and the entire thing seems so over the top. Today the caterer almost quit.”
“But you brought them back on board.”
“Yes, I did.”
His hand went to her back as they walked to the kitchen. The touch took her by surprise but then she welcomed it. There was something about him, about his touch, that made her feel stronger.
And that made her want to run from his touch because she didn’t want to be fooled, or let down. What if he wasn’t the man she thought he was?
“Jack knew what he was doing when he put you in charge of the wedding venue,” Max said as they entered the kitchen.
“I am the last person who should be planning other people’s weddings. But I couldn’t turn Jack down. I’m not sure where I would have been if he hadn’t opened Mercy Ranch to us.”
“No one understands more than Jack West.” Max was quiet for a moment then asked, “Why do you consider yourself the last person who should be doing that job?”
She could give several answers to that question. She remembered her conversation with Jack, the one about dreams and finding what she loved. She didn’t love weddings or planning weddings.
Max’s hand moved from her back as if he had just realized that he still held it there, touching her in a way that seemed to protect.
She had never been guarded, cherished. Not by a father, a brother, a boyfriend. Solace and strength had come to her in waves, in knowing that God had protected her. Even when she’d felt alone, hurt, angry, God had known her pain, her sorrow.
Her heart ached, because she suddenly wanted to be the girl who believed in love, in beautiful weddings and everything that came with those dreams.
* * *
Max watched from the doorway as his mother and Sierra got the three children ready for bed. Sierra had been sitting with Linnie on her lap, reading the little girl a story. When Linnie would point to pictures, Sierra would give her answers. Occasionally, Linnie would repeat words. He’d been assured that the child did speak—she was just incredibly shy and had taken to wandering after her father’s death.
Nonni appeared at his side, smiling up at him. “I want this house full of children, Maximus.”
He bent to kiss the top of her head. “Don’t worry, Nonni, Melody will give you grandchildren.”
“Bah, I don’t like that Andrew. He can’t even be bothered to show up here and help plan the wedding. Too busy, he says.” Then her eyes widened and she clasped a hand over her mouth. “Do not repeat that to your sister.”
“I would never,” he assured her. “Any reason why?”
“I don’t know. I think I will never believe any man is good enough for our Melody.”
“I think you’re right about that. But I’m sure you also felt that way about my father when Mom first brought him to meet you.”
His grandmother gave him a sheepish smile. “We always loved your father. He was a good man. A rancher. And he’s still a good man. Andrew isn’t your father.”
He watched the scene in the living room, unsure of what to say to his grandmother. His mother had loved a cowboy and still did. Their story had the happy ending that Sierra found difficult to believe in. He hoped his sister would have the same.
“Have you heard from their mother?” Nonni asked.
“She’ll be here soon. It seems a shame to put them to sleep only to have to wake them.”
“Perhaps you could take them to their home and put them in their beds. She wouldn’t have to pick them up here and take them back home.”
“What a good idea. I should say something before they get them too settled.”
Nonni’s brows arched. “Maybe you should notice what is in front of your face?”
“What would that be?” he asked. “Sleepy children?”
“Oh, I think you know.”
“Nonni, you should not hint, you’re not good at it.”
“I wasn’t hinting,” she told him as she patted his cheek. “I don’t waste time hinting.”
“I’m not sure what to say to that.”
She gave him a pleased smile. “What can you say? I’m almost always right, so you should just agree.”
“I think I should see about getting these children home.”
“Yes, that’s also a good idea. I’m glad I thought of it.”
He gave her a sharp look that did nothing to quell her spirit. She laughed and patted his back.
Max walked over to Sierra and Linnie. “Nonni had an idea. She thinks we should take the children home and put them in their own beds so Patsy doesn’t have to pick them up and take them home.”
“That is a good idea.” Sierra glanced at her watch. “But how do we get in?”
“She told me where I could find a spare key, in case we needed anything. I’ll just call and let her know what we’re up to.”
He made the phone call, then they carried the children to Sierra’s SUV and buckled them in. Bub got in the front seat with Sierra.
“I’ll meet you there,” she said as she closed her door.
He watched as she turned her car around and headed down the drive and then he got in his truck to follow. It was just a short distance to the trailer park. But as Max rounded a curve in the road, he saw the orange glow of a fire.
Chapter Twelve
Sierra’s heart caught in her throat at the sight of flames pouring from Patsy’s trailer. There were no fire trucks at the scene yet but neighbors had gathered a safe distance away. She parked her car at the entrance to the trailer park.
People were shouting. Someone yelled that the fire department had been notified. Sierra got out of her car, giving the children in the back seat a cautious look. They were fortunately all sleeping. This was the last thing they needed to see.
“We can’t do anything. It’s a loss.” Max’s voice. His hand clasped her arm as if he feared she would run into the flames. “Come on, we need to make sure we stop Patsy.”
She nodded. She glanced back at the trailer and thought about the Christmas tree, the gifts, the home that Patsy had built a life in.
“It shouldn’t be like this,” she said.
“I know.” His arm was around her, comforting and warm as the December air sizzled and popped with the flames of the fire.
“What about their dog?”
“I’ll check with the neighbors.” He walked into the dark, the orange glow of the fire turning him into a wavering silhouette as he approached the group of people a short distance away. He disappeared from sight and she waited, praying he would be safe.
He returned a few minutes later smelling of smoke but he was safe and had Shep, leading him by a chain. The dog looked more than a little frightened.
“A neighbor unhooked him from his doghouse.”
“I’m so thankful. I don’t know what Linnie would do without Shep.”
“Now that we have him, let’s get the kids away from here.”
“I can take them to Mercy Ranch. We have empty apartments.�
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“That’s a good idea.” Max opened her door for her. “You go and I’ll wait for Patsy. I’ll bring her there as soon as I can.”
An explosion rocked the air, shaking the ground. The heat of the fire could be felt, even from a safe distance. Sierra froze, afraid to open her eyes, afraid the memories would trap her in the past. She could hear the children in the car, calling for their mother. Shep had jumped inside with them. A hand, warm and comforting, touched her arm.
“Sierra, listen to me. You’re safe.”
Slowly she opened her eyes and she looked up at him, sinking into his dark eyes, eyes that assured her that everything would be okay.
“I know I’m safe.” Her voice shook as she said it, though. “I know I’m safe.”
“Do you know that?” he asked.
She nodded. Taking a deep breath, she reached for his hand and held it tight for a moment. “Yes. You have to call Patsy and let her know. And tell her not to worry.”
He kissed her, taking her by surprise. Then she kissed him back because it felt safe in his arms.
“Go,” he said. “I’ll be there soon.”
In the distance she could hear fire trucks. The lights, red and blue, flashed in the darkness. Sierra got in her car and shifted into Reverse. Bub moved as close to her as she’d allow. From the back seat, Shep gave a low growl.
“We’re fine, Bub. We really are.”
The drive to the ranch took ten minutes. Police cars and fire trucks zoomed past, heading to the trailer park. Sierra’s phone rang. It was Kylie.
“Hey,” Sierra answered.
“Carson just got a call. Patsy’s trailer...”
“I know. We have the kids. She’s been at the hospital with her mother and asked us to watch them. We were taking them home when we saw the flames.”
“Poor Patsy. Where are you taking the kids?”
“To the ranch. I didn’t know what else to do with them. It’s almost Christmas. This isn’t right or fair.”
“We will make it right,” Kylie said. “Can I bring anything?”
“I have no idea. I don’t know what these little people need. I know that they don’t like parsnips. Or carrots. They really like potatoes and homemade rolls. But I don’t know what they need. At least we can give her a place to stay.”
“Yes, we can do that.” Kylie’s tone was thoughtful. “Okay, I’m going to see what kinds of clothes we have around here and I’ll be over shortly.”
“Kylie, stay home with your family. There’s nothing you can do tonight.” Sierra surprised herself with those words. Weeks ago she would have wanted Kylie to take over. Especially if children were concerned.
“You’re sure?” Kylie asked.
“I’m sure. We’re fine for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll start gathering up what they need.”
She pulled up to her apartment, parking in the grass near the front door so she wouldn’t have to carry the children quite so far. Bub was eager to get out, jumping and running around her as she got the door unlocked and then unbuckled the sleeping children.
A truck and car pulled up as she managed to get Linnie out of the back seat. The little girl slept soundly, which made her difficult to carry. Sierra brought her inside and down the hall to one of the downstairs apartments. When she returned to the main living area, Max was there with Teddy. The toddler had his pudgy arms around Max’s neck.
“This one?” Max asked.
“Down here. We have a larger apartment that no one is staying in and it should work for them.” She glanced toward the door, saw Patsy standing there with Johnny, looking lost and unsure. “Patsy, I’m so sorry.”
Patsy face was pale, her eyes rimmed in red from crying. “We’ll be okay. We’ve always been okay.”
“Of course you will. But that doesn’t make it easy.” Sierra motioned her forward. “Follow me and we’ll get you all settled.”
Patsy followed her down the hall. Max had placed Teddy on the sofa in the one-bedroom suite. Linnie cuddled up to her brother, oblivious to their circumstances. Patsy stood in the center of the room with Johnny, holding him close, her eyes closed.
“Patsy, there’s a playpen. I think Johnny could sleep in it. I’ll go get it for you.” Sierra showed the woman a chair. “Sit down and I’ll be right back. And I’ll get you some clothes.”
“I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.” Patsy smiled up at her. “I think I’m numb.”
“That’s understandable.”
“Johnny can sleep with me tonight.” Patsy stopped her from leaving. “Tomorrow we will figure something out.”
“Are you sure?” Sierra asked.
“I’m sure. Clean clothes would be good, but I think I just want to sleep.”
“Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Sierra asked as Max slipped from the room, leaving them alone.
“I’m good.” Patsy sank down in the recliner and held her baby tight. “Tonight it all feels like a dream. Actually, a nightmare. Tomorrow it will be unfortunately all too real.”
“I know,” Sierra agreed. “Believe me, I know. And tomorrow, you’ll have all of us. We’ll be here to help you.”
“Thank you.” Patsy put a hand to her forehead. “Our dog. I didn’t even think about Shep.”
“He’s here. I’ll walk him and then bring him down here.”
Patsy nodded. “Thank you. And tell Mr. St. James thank you.”
Sierra stepped out of the apartment. She went to her own rooms, gathered up clothes and returned them to Patsy. Then she walked down the hall to the kitchen. She jumped when a tall form stepped from the shadows. But then she recognized the dark hair, the lean cheeks. He touched her arm.
“I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay before I leave.” Max held out a bottle of water. “And I thought you might need this.”
“I do. Thank you.” She unscrewed the top and took a long drink.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, you just scared me. I didn’t expect you to be there.”
He gave her a long look that asked questions and, as difficult as it might be, she wanted to give him answers, a small window into her life. He’d become a friend and she wanted to give him the truth.
“I’m fine. Sometimes, in my head, I’m there again, in the cell, unable to escape.”
“I’m a good listener if you want to talk.” He took a seat at the kitchen island.
She closed her eyes, wishing she could do so without seeing the explosion, the helicopter, the prison cell, the men who had held her captive. She told him bits and pieces of a story she didn’t really want to relive. He listened, his expression reflecting her pain.
Footsteps on the stairs alerted them to company. Glory appeared, looking a little wild with her curly hair going in all directions and her glasses missing from her pert nose. She probably couldn’t see ten feet in front of her. She wouldn’t see Max’s shock or Sierra’s eyes, glossy from unshed tears.
“Glory?” Sierra said. The younger woman blinked a few times.
“I heard people.”
“We brought Patsy and her children here. Her home caught on fire tonight.”
Glory blinked a few times. “Oh, no. Does she need anything?”
“Tomorrow. Go on back to bed.”
“You’re okay?” Glory asked.
“I am.”
Glory gave Max a look and then nodded as if approving before she wandered back up the stairs.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Max asked.
In the recent past Sierra wouldn’t have known how to answer that question. Tonight, though, she realized she really was okay. She wasn’t unscathed, but she was whole.
“I am.” She said it with a smile. “‘I am more than a conqueror.’”
“Through Christ who strengthens you?” He paraphrased the verse.<
br />
He got up and made himself at home in her kitchen. He filled the teakettle with water and then opened the cabinets, looking for something.
“What are you doing?”
“Hot chocolate. My mother thinks it is the cure-all for everything.”
“Do I appear to need curing?” Sierra asked.
Max gave her a careful look. “I don’t think so, but it’s been a long night and I want to do something for you.”
“Thank you.” She watched as he emptied a hot chocolate packet into a cup and then waited for the water to boil.
It took only a few minutes and he had a steaming cup of hot cocoa ready. He put it on the counter in front of her.
“Are you having one?”
He shook his head. “No, this is where I tell you goodbye. Because I know you need time and I know my presence doesn’t help you.”
“Your presence doesn’t hurt me,” she tried to reassure him. As she said it, she realized how much truth was in that statement. He made her feel calm. And safe.
“I somehow doubt that, Sierra. I want to make sure you’re okay. But I don’t want to be the reason for you to be upset.”
“Is that what you think?”
He shrugged. “I’m not really sure.”
“You don’t upset me.” She studied his face, his lean cheeks, his straight nose, the chocolate-brown curls. “I don’t want you to think I’m afraid of you.”
“I’m glad.” He started to leave but stopped. “But I still think it’s better if I leave. For both of us.”
She was about to reach for him but changed her mind. In her present state she thought she might make mistakes. He seemed to be thinking more clearly and she had never felt less sure.
* * *
Max stood at the edge of the Cardinal Roost Trailer Park the next morning. The sun was barely over the horizon, the air was still cold and a breeze kicked up the smoldering ashes of the trailer that had been Patsy’s home. Several others had joined him at the trailer, even though there was nothing any of them could do.
“This is a bad situation,” Isaac said as he leaned against the side of his truck. “Everything Patsy owned. Everything she’d worked for. All of it gone.”
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