Rescuing the Rancher

by Claire McEwen

  They were shoulder to shoulder at the sink, Aidan’s hand firm over her own. It felt good to be next to him, to laugh this way, to know that he was here, ready to help her when she needed it. How many years had it been since someone wanted to look after her like this?

  Bill must have overheard. “Jade’s not known for her cooking skills. We’re lucky if we don’t have to send out for takeout when it’s her night to cook. But her kitchen disasters do keep our firefighting skills sharp, so there’s that.”

  Jade turned to look at him in open-mouthed outrage. “I have never let the kitchen catch on fire, just to be clear.”

  “Maybe not on fire,” Bill said. “But there was the night of the homemade pizza when the smoke alarm got going. We had to evacuate, it was so smoky in here.” He turned to Aidan. “All the neighbors came by to see why in the world a smoke alarm would be going off in the fire station. They got such a kick out of it, they were all offering to help put out the fire for us.”

  “Which was not a fire,” Jade reiterated. Her cheeks might be on fire, though. “It was just a whole lot of smoke and some very sad pizza.”

  Aidan turned off the water and grabbed a dishtowel to dry Jade’s hands as if she were a little kid. “So when we were in the pond, talking about our favorite meals, you didn’t mean this was your favorite meal to cook?”

  His grin was infectious and got Jade laughing. “You never specified that it had to be a meal we could cook. I thought we were talking about our favorite comfort food to eat. My mother makes great spaghetti and meatballs. So does the Italian restaurant in town.”

  “Okay, then. I must have inhaled too much smoke. I thought we were talking about food we liked to cook.” Aidan took Jade gently by the shoulders and steered her around the counter and out of the kitchen. “Why don’t you sit here and watch? That might be safer for all of us.”

  “Good call.” Bill put his hand up and gave Aidan a high five.

  “Fine. Do your male bonding thing.” Jade plunked down on a stool, feeling a little silly, but also relieved not to be responsible for wrapping up the meal. She hated trying to figure out when meat was cooked enough, or if sauce tasted right. Maybe she was lacking some kind of cooking gene, because it all seemed like kind of a waste of time to her. You spent all this time cooking something nice and it was gone in minutes. And then you had all those pots and pans to wash. She’d rather eat a granola bar and use the time to go for a run. Still, she felt the need to defend herself after Bill and the pizza story. “I can cook a few things. The most important things. Toast, salad, coffee and scrambled eggs. What else does anyone really need anyway?”

  “Spaghetti and meatballs, from what you told me that night during the fire.” Aidan grinned, but his teasing held no hint of meanness. It seemed that he just wanted to make her smile, and it was working. Jade couldn’t remember laughing this much in a long time. Certainly not in the past week, when her mind had been preoccupied with the fire, and then with her conflict with her father.

  Danny and Kayla appeared and took a seat around the table. “Are we ready to eat?” Kayla asked. “It smells amazing.”

  “I think we are,” Aidan said. “Let me just plate up the food. Bill, do you want to take these plates to the table?”

  “I’m perfectly capable of doing that,” Jade protested, standing up from her stool.

  “You’re the guest of honor,” Aidan told her. “Go pick your favorite seat and get ready to be waited on.”

  Jade flushed, but did as she was told. She kicked Bill in the ankle after he delivered her plate, but he just laughed and gave her a squeeze on the shoulder. “It’s okay. We all still love you, even if your meals threaten our health and safety on a regular basis.”

  Aidan was the last to be seated. They’d left him the head of the table, and Jade was seated to his right. He raised his water glass. “I’d like to propose a toast. To all of you, who risk so much to keep the rest of us safe. And to Jade, who saved me and my ranch and my livestock, when I thought all hope was lost.”

  The mood around the table sobered for a moment as they all raised their glasses in Jade’s direction. She wasn’t used to being honored. Didn’t know what to feel. “Come on then,” she told them, setting her glass down. “Let’s eat this amazing meal.”

  When they’d finished eating, Jade and Aidan brought their plates into the kitchen, but Danny and Kayla shooed them out, insisting that they’d wash up.

  “That was the easiest cooking night I ever had.” Jade looked up at Aidan feeling suddenly awkward. This evening had been so fun, so easy. They’d all talked and joked while eating Aidan’s delicious food. Jade was amazed at how well Aidan, who’d lived so alone for so long, fit in with the crew. But now what to do? It was getting late in the evening. They all tended to crash early in case they were woken up by a call during the night.

  “I should head out,” Aidan said. “I’m staying at Caleb’s tonight and he invited another friend, a guy named Jace, over to play some cards.”

  “That sounds like fun,” Jade was relieved that she didn’t have to figure out what to do next.

  “Nice to meet you all,” Aidan called out. The fire crew crowded around, thanking him for dinner.

  “I’ll walk you out,” Jade said, when Aidan was finally free of the backslaps and handshakes. She led the way down the stairs and out a side door, and they walked side by side to Aidan’s truck. The night was crisp and clear, and the stars hung bright overhead. Jade drew in a deep breath, grateful for the fresh air after such a big meal. “What a nice night.”

  “I had a lot of fun.” Aidan stopped by his truck. “I hope it was okay that I just showed up.”

  “It was fine. But why don’t we get each other’s phone numbers? That way, once your cell tower gets fixed, you can give me a call if you’re coming this way.” Jade pulled her phone out of her pocket and opened the contacts section. “Put your number in here?”

  Aidan typed it in and handed it back.

  “Here, I’ll call you now, then you’ll have my number.” She pushed the call icon and his pocket buzzed. “There it is.”

  “It’s been a long time since I got a woman’s phone number,” Aidan said. “I’d like to call it and ask you out on a real date. Would you answer if I did?”

  Oh wow. She hadn’t been expecting this. The word date was ricocheting around her brain, crashing into things, creating chaos. Dating wasn’t in her plan. And he lived a couple hours away. When would she even have time?

  “I’ll always answer when you call,” she told him. “I’d like us to be friends. But I don’t know if I can date anyone right now.”

  He was stoic as always, but in the light of the streetlamp Jade could see the way the muscles in his jaw tightened. He’d lost his kid. His wife had left him. This was probably the first time he’d reached out for any connection like this.

  But what would they do if they dated? She didn’t want to hang out on his burnt ranch, full of tragic memories. But if he came to Shelter Creek, everyone would know they were dating and she’d always avoided that. Making her way in such a macho profession meant she had to work extra hard to be taken seriously. If she was seen out and about in this small town with a boyfriend, her colleagues would see her as more feminine. Less serious.

  Guilt and regret squirmed in her stomach. “You seem like such a good guy. And I know going through the fire has given us a special bond. But I’m really focused on my work right now. I want to become a captain and I’ve almost got the qualifications.” She stumbled to a halt, running up against the real reason she couldn’t date, and hadn’t dated for a few years now. Dating meant trying to meet someone’s expectations. She’d never been good at that—her father had made that clear. She didn’t want to try to live up to anyone else’s standards. Didn’t want to fail anyone, anymore.

  “I get it. I do. You’ve got a lot going on.” Aidan gave her a shee
pish smile and Jade realized that tonight, at dinner, the usual sadness had been gone from his eyes. He’d been smiling and laughing and...present. Now that shadow was back, and her chest ached to see it. “Give me a call if you ever want to hang out. Just as friends.”

  “Sure.” The fun night had morphed from happy and celebratory into something awkward. Not having dated much, Jade wasn’t sure what to say or how to navigate this. Not when there was this ache building in her throat at the realization that this was goodbye. That she might not see him again. And she wanted to. She swallowed hard. “Thank you again, Aidan. Good luck with rebuilding.”

  He nodded. “Good luck with work and everything.” He unlocked his truck, got in and drove away. Jade watched until his taillights disappeared around the corner. A hollow feeling started near her heart and seemed to grow with each breath. It was almost as if he’d taken a piece of her with him into the night.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  MAIN STREET WAS crowded as people searched for the perfect spot to set up their chairs for the Shelter Creek Founders’ Day parade. It was one of those fall days that started out frosty in the morning but would get hot by the afternoon. Jade wove her way along the sidewalk, smiling at people she knew as she clutched a cardboard tray that held four steaming cups of coffee. She was on duty today, though because the parade went right in front of the fire station she’d get a chance to cheer it on. As long as no emergencies presented themselves.

  A woman was walking toward her with platinum-blond hair flowing from beneath a large sun hat. She looked familiar but it still took Jade a moment to place her. The woman stopped and said, “Jade, honey, how are you?”

  Of course. It was Monique, owner of Monique’s Miracles—the local beauty salon where Jade had her long hair trimmed to slightly-less-long a few times a year. Only, the last time Jade had seen her, Monique’s hair had been a fiery red. The stylist’s color tended to change with the seasons.

  “Hi, Monique, good to see you. I’m doing fine. And you?”

  “Looking forward to a gorgeous day.” She nodded toward the coffee tray. “Don’t tell me those hunky firefighters you work for have you picking up their coffee?”

  The warmth Jade had felt upon recognizing Monique faded away. “No, of course not. I had a break and a craving. I offered to pick up a few extra.”

  “Well, that’s good to hear. Don’t let them make you fetch and carry for them. Or cook. You’re as tough as all of them put together, and don’t you forget it.”

  “I won’t, Monique. Thanks for the pep talk. I’d better get back to the station, though. My break is almost over.”

  “See you soon, I hope. And put some deep conditioner on those dry ends.”

  “Absolutely.” Jade manufactured a smile and kept walking, but Monique’s words had her troubled in a way the friendly hairdresser might never understand. Jade loved fighting fires, but as Monique had so blithely pointed out, every choice she made was fraught. If she offered to get the others coffee on her break, was she caving to a stereotype? But she’d really wanted a latte. And yes, the ends of her hair probably were pretty dry. Fighting a wildfire up close and personal had that effect. But no one suggested to her colleagues that it was time for a deep condition.

  It was frustrating. And lonely. For a brief moment she thought of Aidan. How he’d cooked her that amazing meal and made her feel perfect, just the way she was. How much fun she’d had getting to know him that night.

  She wished she could stop picturing his smile, almost shy when he’d asked if they could spend some time together. She wished she could have said yes. She wished she could shut off the sense of longing that flowed like an unruly current in her veins. As if some part deep inside of her had become connected to Aidan during that fire, and needed him close to be okay.

  Which made her want to twist off that feeling, like she might turn off a leaky faucet. Since when had she ever needed anyone? She was a strong, independent woman. The last thing she needed was a man to make her whole. Isn’t that why she’d just stood up to her dad after so many years? To stand on her own and not be defined by her relationship to a man? Walking away from her family that night had been painful, but she’d felt stronger ever since.

  Jade shifted her grip on the coffee tray. This thing was a little awkward to carry for such a distance. It was only one more block to the fire station, but she stepped into the green grass of the town square and made her way to a bench to set the coffees down. Shaking out her hands, she felt the blood flow back into them with relief.

  Jade looked around the square and recognized a few people lounging on the steps of the gazebo, not too far from her. Maya and Caleb were drinking coffee and talking to a man in a denim jacket and cowboy hat, who had his back to her. Jade glanced at her watch. She had almost ten more minutes before she had to be back. Enough time to say a quick hello. Picking up the coffee tray, she approached the group, waving her greeting.

  “Jade!” Maya stood and came down the steps toward her, Einstein hopping at her heels. “Great to see you. How have you been?” She glanced down at the tray. “Are you bringing us refills?”

  Jade reached for Einstein’s floppy ears. The dog was so cute. “Sadly, no. They’re for the folks at the station today.” She returned Maya’s offered embrace with her free arm, the other keeping the hot coffee away from her friend. “Good to see you. Are you going to watch the parade?”

  “We thought we’d check it out. Shelter Creek’s official centennial seems like something to celebrate. We’re waiting here for a few friends to arrive. Can you sit with us for a moment?”

  “For a minute, thanks.” Jade waved to Caleb as Maya climbed back up the steps to sit by her husband. “Hi there.”

  Caleb tipped the brim of the dark, felt cowboy hat he wore. “Hey, Jade.”

  And then their companion turned, and Jade realized who it was under that coat and cowboy hat. “Aidan. Hi.”

  “Hi, Jade. Good to see you again.” If she hadn’t known him so well, she would have missed the way his smile curled down at the corners just a little. That curve of his lips told her that this meeting was as bittersweet for him as it was for her.

  Suddenly shy, Jade sank slowly onto the step and faced him, casting around for something to say. She came up with “What are you doing here?” which didn’t sound very polite.

  But he kept it polite, with a coolness that turned his pale blue eyes a little icy. Jade instantly missed the warmth she’d seen there the last time they met. “Maya and Caleb kindly invited me down for the day. Honestly, it’s nice to get away from the ashes for a few hours.”

  “I bet. How is the ranch? How are the sheep and the dogs?” It was awkward making small talk when all Jade wanted was to ask the big questions. How are you feeling? Are you sad? Are you lonely? Are you angry?

  “They’re all good. Chip’s paws have healed up well. Those kittens you saved are living the high life here in town with Maya’s grandmother. The sheep are probably wishing there was a little more grass around, but they’re doing all right with hay for now.”

  “Good. I’m glad to hear it.” Had it really been less than two weeks since he’d brought dinner to the fire station? That didn’t seem like enough time to have created this awkward chasm between them.

  Thankfully, a child’s squeal had them all turning to see a laughing toddler approaching, running toward Einstein with a wide-legged wobbly stance that could melt anyone’s heart. A man in a straw cowboy hat and a blonde woman jogged up behind the little boy. Jade realized the woman was Trisha Gilbert, who worked at the vet’s office and the wildlife center. The man was her new husband, who Jade had seen around town but had never actually met.

  “Hang on, Henry,” Trisha called, but she was too late. Henry crossed from the grass to the paved path, lost his balance on the new footing and sat down hard. “Henry fall,” he announced calmly.

  “You sure did, buddy.”
The man scooped Henry up and raised him in the air before bringing him down to kiss his tummy. Then he settled the toddler comfortably in his arms. “Hey, folks,” he said. “Henry sure knows how to make an entrance.”

  “Glad he’s okay,” Maya said.

  “At this age it seems like he falls every few minutes.” Trisha put her hands to her heart in mock despair. “I’m trying to get used to it.” She smiled at Jade. “Good to see you.”

  “Nice to see you, too, Trisha.” Jade watched as Henry grabbed at his daddy’s hat. “Henry gets cuter every time I run into you two.”

  Trisha knelt to greet Einstein. “Have you met my husband, Liam?”

  Jade shook her head. “I haven’t, though I’ve seen you around town. Hi, Liam. Welcome to Shelter Creek, about a year late.”

  Liam grinned at her, a wide smile that would make anyone, even a stressed-out firefighter like herself, smile back. “I appreciate that. And all that you do to keep our town safe.”

  It was the perfect opening to go, and Jade wanted to leave. How was it possible to feel someone near you? Aidan was seated at the other end of the wide steps. There had to be at least two yards between them. Yet somehow Jade felt his presence there, as energy and warmth that seemed to radiate from him to her. It made her want to take his hand, to walk this town square arm in arm, and talk about anything, everything, like they had in that fire. “Speaking of keeping the town safe, my break is going to be up soon so I’d better get going.” She stood and waved to Aidan, Caleb and Maya. “Thanks for letting me hang out with you all for a few minutes. Enjoy the parade.”

  Aidan stood when she did. “Nice to see you again.” His voice was that deep, calm rumble she’d come to rely on during the fire.

  “Nice to see you, too.” Nodding to Trisha and Liam, Jade started back across the grass, but Maya caught up with her after a few paces.

  “Can I walk with you? And talk with you about something?”

  “Of course.” Maybe Maya and Caleb needed some help with fire precautions. Certainly after witnessing how quickly Aidan’s ranch had been cut off in the fires, they must have some questions about their own property.