She held the phone for a couple minutes, hoping he’d reply, but nothing came in. After a deep breath, Ally forced herself to set her phone aside and fix herself something to eat. She was no longer hungry, but she knew, if she didn’t eat and kept going like she had, she’d end up sick, and she didn’t have time for that. Not now. Not with so much to be done and so much to be put back to rights so she could get back to filling orders.
Days passed, then weeks, with only a text once or twice a day from James. Ally started to believe she’d imagined whatever might have been between them and gone on with her life. Despite the fire, the farmers’ markets in the surrounding communities still went on, and she did her best to attend. Selling her soaps and wool, it wasn’t cool enough yet to bring the cheeses out where there was no way to keep them cool, but several people asked when she’d have them, which would help. She explained about the cooling and gave them the information to contact her. She offered to bring some next time she was in town if they would like.
Ally came in from the third farmers’ market this week. She got everything put away and checked on the animals, making sure they had feed and fresh water before heading to the house.
Inside she hung up her purse, dealt with the cashbox and headed straight for the shower. Her feet hurt and she’d love to sit down for a few minutes, but experience had taught her if she gave in and sat, even for a minute, it would be ten times harder to get up and get started again. So shower first, then relax.
As Ally stood under the steaming spray she let her mind drift. First it skimmed over her day, showing her the most awkward moments and letting her see where she could improve her sales pitch. She hated when her brain wouldn’t let things go, but had learned to let it go where it would and it would move on faster than if she tried to force it to something else.
When her mind finished evaluating her day it moved on to her encounter with Mrs. Simms. Mrs. Simms had been the postmistress in Garrett for the last twenty or more years. Ally couldn’t decide if she was set in her ways, nosy or just going batty. More often than not Ally’s interactions with her were normal, but once in a while, Ally shook her head as she thought about it. Once in a while, Mrs. Simms got a bug up her butt about Ally living out here all alone, without a man to take care of her or protect her. Ally hadn’t been in town two months when she was in to pick up some package, she couldn’t remember what, and Mrs. Simms had asked if Ally was a lesbian. Just flat out asked.
“I’m not sure why it’s any of your business, but no. I just know what I want out of life and I’m not waiting for some man to give it to me,” Ally told her.
“Why else would you be out there without a man to protect you?”
‘”I have all the protection I need.”
“Those sheep? Hon, they ain’t no protection.”
“No, but my shotgun and my .45 are.”
Mrs. Simms’ eyes had gone round, but she nodded. “You’re right. They are.”
There had been a few other encounters, just as strange, but not as rudely stated. Ally finally decided Mrs. Simms was used to knowing everything about everyone and this was her way of finding out about the new comer.
Thinking about that conversation, Ally’s mind hopped to the recent reminder that there were somethings her shotgun and pistol couldn’t protect her from. Neither had been any use at all against the fire. Nothing had.
In the end, after it was all said and done, Ally decided if she had to do it all again, she’d do her best to get out, and take her animals with her. That meant she needed to acquire a trailer to haul them in, and a truck to tow it. Not in her budget, not now. But it was something to work toward. Hopefully she’d have a few years before she had to worry about it again. Tears threatened as she remembered the devastation all around her and how lucky she’d been to only have the minimal damage of a burned-out pump and a few other minor things. Several of her neighbors hadn’t been so lucky. Of course, they’d evacuated when they’d been told to. One old man a few miles away had refused to leave until the sheriff arrested him. He’d lost his home as well. Ally still wondered how they’d managed to get through this thing without anyone dying. She knew she’d been stupid, and lucky. And her stupidity had nearly cost not only her life, but James’ as well.
Thinking of James, she did what she’d gotten in the habit of every time he crossed her mind. She closed her eyes and said a little prayer for his safety. She didn’t know who she was praying to, she had been raised Catholic, but had left the church long ago. She didn’t classify herself as religious or even Christian anymore she wasn’t sure who was out there, or if anyone was, but she wasn’t willing to take that chance, not now, not about James.
She stood under the spray till the water turned cold, then got out and put on the over-sized t-shirt she wore around the house. Hell, she admitted to herself, she wore it outside too, but then there was never anyone here to care but the sheep and goats. As long as she wore a pair of shoes so she didn’t step in anything, no one but her cared what she looked like and when she was working by herself, even she didn’t care.
Finally, through with everything, she sat in her recliner and turned on the television. It had taken a few days, but they’d eventually gotten her power back on, as well as her internet service, she’d gotten by with the internet on her phone while it was down, but that was just a little slow to suit her for watching tv. Now, she turned on Netflix and started the next episode of The Great British Baking Show. It was a great thing to watch when you didn’t want to think too hard about what was on. Like tonight, when she was so exhausted she wasn’t sure how she’d managed to get through her shower.
The narrator came on and Ally picked up her phone from where she’d left it beside her chair when she came in. She might as well check emails and orders before she scanned Facebook for any news. At least that was her intent. Until she found the notification of a text from James.
James: Finally let us go. Headed home. They’ve nowhere else to send us.
Ally gave a deep sigh of relief. Unable to contain her relief he’d made it through another one safe.
Alli: How long since you’ve been home? she sent back.
It took a couple minutes, but his reply came back.
James: Um, 6 weeks maybe?
James: No, 10. I had to do the math.
Ten weeks without going home. Ten weeks moving from one fire to another working endlessly long days and getting by on not enough sleep and whatever they fed them. She hadn’t thought to ask what the food was like, she knew she hadn’t served him anything but survival rations when he’d been here with her. Well, that first time she’d made him a sandwich, but that was just mid-day too busy to cook food.
Food. She really should eat something. She thought about getting up, putting weight on her still throbbing feet and decided it would wait.
Alli: Have a safe trip and enjoy being home for a change. Wish I could see you. Ally sent, knowing there was no way she’d see him any time soon. After being gone so long, he wouldn’t want to leave again so soon, and she wouldn’t ask.
On the other hand, she couldn’t go see him, even if she’d had the extra money, and time away from her orders, who would take care of the animals? The phone buzzed, making her look at it again.
James: Do you really?
She had to re-read the exchange to remember what she’d said.
Alli: Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I want to see you?
James: No reason, I was afraid what was between us was because of the situation, once that passed you’d go back to your life and forget about me.
Alli: Go back to my life? Yes, I’ve done that, but forget about you? How could I?
James: Glad you feel that way. But trust me, moving on and forgetting isn’t that hard.
Alli: Forgetting some things, maybe, you? Never.
James: I’m glad to hear that. I have a confession.
Alli: What?
James: I can’t go home without seeing you first.
Alli: You on your way here instead?
Could he really be? Her heart seemed to race and an odd sound filled her ears, like waves crashing against a shore. It took a moment to recede and Ally realize she’d been hearing her blood rushing through her head. Her phone buzzed again.
James: Not exactly.
Not exactly? What did he mean by that? Another buzz made her scowl down at the device wishing he’d just call instead.
James: Are you going to let me in?
Chapter 18
Ally almost dropped her phone in her rush to get to the door. She jerked the door open and found James standing at the foot of the steps several feet across the porch. She didn’t think, she just acted. Closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye she threw herself against him and wrapped her arms around his neck as he caught her against him.
Ally buried her face against his chest as she breathed in his scent and tried to hide the tears of relief that she couldn’t stop from sneaking past her defenses. She had no clue why she was crying, she’d believed him when he’d said he was safe, but something about seeing him here, whole and unharmed, did her in.
She didn’t know how much time had passed, but a cool breeze blowing across her bare skin reminded her what she was wearing, or more accurately, what she wasn’t wearing. Ally pulled herself together and looked up at James. She found him smiling down at her, as if he’d been waiting for her to look up. Waiting for an opportunity.
His head lowered slowly and she found herself staring at his lips. Watching them come closer as she stretched up to meet him.
Passion ignited as their mouths met. Heat raced through her. Ally barely noticed his arms tightened around her, but she couldn’t miss when he climbed the steps and went inside.
“I guess that means you’re happy to see me,” James said as he set her on her feet just inside the door.
“Maybe a little.” She couldn’t stop the stupid grin she knew she was wearing.
“I’m pretty happy to see you too.” His gaze dropped as he took in her appearance, but she had to give him credit, his gaze came back to her face and didn’t dip again. “You look great.”
Her face heated. “I wasn’t expecting anyone. I came in from the farmers’ market, showered and got comfortable.”
“I like it.”
There was a light in his eyes she wasn’t sure what it meant, was he teasing or serious? She wasn’t sure so she let it go. Her stomach rumbled reminding her it had been hours since she’d last eaten.
“Are you hungry?”
“I didn’t come all this way so you would feed me.”
“I didn’t think you had, but I’ve not eaten yet. I can make enough for two as easily as one.”
He watched her with narrowed eyes a moment then spoke. “I could eat, but don’t cook just for me.”
“All right, come on.” She took his hand and led him to the kitchen, releasing it and motioning for him to sit on of the stools at the bar.
“I spent all day in Blackjack and was sitting there debating actually getting up to get something when you texted.” She went to the fridge, opened it then peered inside. Nothing in there looked good. Well, nothing looked good and was easy enough for tonight. She was too tired to cook an elaborate meal, not that she’d tell James how badly her feet ached, not when he’d just gotten here. He might leave.
“How’s a sandwich sound?” She turned to get his answer and found him standing right behind her.
“A sandwich would be fine, but why don’t you let me cook for you?”
“Why would you want to do that?” She frowned as she looked away wondering what had motivated his offer.
“Lambchop, you look exhausted. Let me fix us both something, then we can eat and I won’t feel so guilty.”
“Lambchop?” She didn’t mind the nickname, but where the hell had it come from?
“It’s the sheep… Sheep, lamb, lambchop. It made more sense in my head.”
Allison laughed and shook her head. “All right, you win.” She threw her hands up and went to the far side of the bar. Once she’d slid onto the stool and propped her feet on the other, she turned her attention back to James. “Once in a while I miss having food delivered. Not often mind you, but once in a while, on days like today.”
“If I’d known, I could have brought something out.” He scanned the fridge.
“Not your fault. I should have grabbed something before I left Blackjack, or even on my way through Garrett, but I was thinking about evening chores and getting home and didn’t think that far ahead.” She sighed and tilted her head back, wishing for a moment she was back in the recliner and could drop her head against the back of the seat. “I’d kill for a delivery pizza about now. Oh!” She jerked her head up right. “There’s a frozen pizza in there.” Ally waved one hand toward the small chest freezer in the corner near the washer and dryer. James didn’t say anything but went to the freezer and lifted the lid.
“Hmm… Pepperoni, I can live with that. It’s even a rising crust, even better.” He pulled it out and brought it back to the island where she waited, Ally talked him through turning on her oven and how she liked to doctor it before baking, then watched as he moved with a confidence born of having spent a decent amount of time in a kitchen. Her father never looked that way, he always looked uncomfortable even being in the kitchen as if he didn’t know why it was even there. Now that she thought about it, she couldn’t remember her father ever doing more than refilling a cup of coffee while she was growing up.
Ally shook her head and pushed the thought away. Why think about that when she had something far more pleasant right here in front of her?
“What are your plans?” Ally tilted her head to one side as she admired the snug fit of his jeans when he bent over to slide the pizza into eh oven. They fit just right, making her want to climb over the counter between them and grab a big handful and hold on tight.
“Come on, this is going to take a bit, let’s go sit somewhere more comfortable.” James stood and turned to face her.
Ally had to blink and remember to look up at his face. Her face heated when she found him watching her with one eyebrow cocked.
“See something you like?”
“A couple things, and only one of them went in the oven.” She set her teeth, bracing for the burn of putting her weight on her feet as she started to slide off the stool, but the burn never came. Instead James scooped her off the stool and carried her into the living room.
“Couch or chair?” he asked as he stepped into the room.
Her mind was still spinning. Why was he doing this?
“Lambchop, couch or chair?”
“Couch.” She’d been in the chair earlier, but that was before he got here, now she’d rather sit on the couch and be closer to him. He set her on the sofa, then sat himself, a couple feet away.
“I could have walked.”
“How much time did you spend on your feet today?”
“Hours, but I do that every day.” She shrugged, dismissing her aches and pains.
“No, you’re on the go every day. Walking all over, here to there and always moving. I’ve seen you. Standing, especially in one place, is harder on your feet. And I’ll bet you were either on pavement or cement nearly all of that.”
“How did you know?” She frowned.
“Lambchop, never play poker. Your face is almost as easy to read as a news headline.” He chuckled. “I could tell your feet hurt that’s why I offered to cook.” She scooted closer to him, not stopping until her thigh brushed his then tilted her head to one side until it hit his shoulder.
“It was a long day, but it was worth it.”
“Sell a lot?”
“Sold a good amount, gave a few others my number so they could get cheese.” She told him a little about her day and some of the people she’d encountered.
“What do you do when it’s slow?”
“Blackjack is rarely slow, but some of the other markets have slow periods. I ta
ke a wheel for those and spin when I get a chance. It kills two birds with one stone, so to speak. I get something done, and almost always, someone will stop and ask questions, often buying something in the end.”
“That’s good.”
“It is.”
James draped his arm along the back of the sofa, leaving a spot for Allison to snuggle against his side. She liked having him here.
“What are your plans?”
“In life? this week? Tonight? That’s kind of an open-ended question.”
Ally laughed. “All three, but I meant tonight and for the weekend.”
“I figured I’d spend some time with you tonight then go back to town and get a room. Probably do the same tomorrow, maybe the day after, then I need to head back to Cheyenne, at least check on my place. I’ve got a couple odd jobs waiting on me when I get there. So I can’t stay as long as I’d like.”
“What do you do when you’re not fighting fires?” She let her curiosity get the better of her. She’d get back to his plan to get a motel room, but this was more interesting, at least right now.
“Odd jobs, home repairs, yard work. I’ll pick up seasonal jobs on ranches. I’ve got a reputation around Hawthorne and Cheyenne for reliability. That and my experience with horses and cattle mean someone’s usually willing to take me on for a season if I need work.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. Why?”
“I was curious. I couldn’t figure out what kind of job lets you off for weeks at a time to go chasing fires.”
“Chasing fires?” There was a tone in his voice she didn’t know how to place so she twisted around and looked up at him. The faint smile and light in his eyes told her he thought her word choice was amusing.
“Chasing fires. Do you have a better description?”
“Saving forests and towns?”
Ally pretended to think about it a moment. “Not inaccurate, but I think mine is more descriptive.”
James rolled his eyes and laughed.
Ally could only be thankful he had a good sense of humor and was able to laugh, even at himself. His arm came around her shoulders and pulled her against him for just a moment as he dropped a kiss on top of her head.
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