by Sable Hunter
Not exactly the level of enthusiasm he was hoping for, but he felt encouraged. “Okay, we need to make some plans.”
“I agree. We only have one day to prepare. I think the best thing we could do is go home, go over all of this information, then talk on the plane about what’s expected of us.”
If he didn’t already have plans to go to Rowan’s with Kyd, he’d suggest they have dinner or drinks. “How about if I pick you up Tuesday morning? There’s no use taking two cars to the airport.”
“That’ll be great. Thank you.” Jensen started to say more, but she hesitated to do so. “There’s several personal issues I need to deal with.”
“Can I do anything?”
His willingness to help warmed her heart. “No, I have everything in hand.” The main thing she needed to do was some soul-searching about Clint. She’d let things go as far as they could without either telling him the truth, making a clean break, or getting creative. She needed to think long and hard about her next step. At this point, her heart was involved, which complicated matters exponentially.
“Okay. I need to deal with a few matters myself. First things first, I’ll have to get someone to look after Rose.”
“Is she going to be an inside skunk? I bet you could train her to a litter box.”
“Possibly. Right now, I think I’ll fix her a spot on the screened-in porch.” He stood when she did. “What time shall I pick you up Tuesday?”
“Our flight is at nine. So…seven-thirty?”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Do you still have my number in case you need to call me?”
She knew he expected her to say no. “Yea, I still have it.”
This surprised him. “You kept it all this time?”
She gave him a look. “I’m organized.”
Clint nodded his head. “I see.” The smile he gave her was one of pleased knowing. Rising, he held out his hand to take her things. “Let me walk you to your car.”
Jensen relinquished her backpack. “Thanks.”
On the way out, they thanked the men who’d put on the program, said goodbye to Desiree, and wished all of the others good luck on their quests. Once they reached her car she unlocked the door and he helped her inside, placing her things on the back seat. “I can’t tell you how excited I am about this, Jensen. I look forward to what this next week will bring.”
His open admission made her heart pound erratically beneath her breast. “Let’s just take one day at a time, Clint. But…for what’s it worth, I’m looking forward to the time also.”
Clint gave her a bone-melting look. “Be safe on the road.”
Jensen felt her cheeks grow hot at his meaningful gaze. “You, too. Tell Rose goodbye for me.”
Clint bent to look through her window. He wanted to kiss her goodbye so bad he could taste it. “I will. Take care.”
Jensen lifted her hand in farewell as she drove away.
Clint watched her until she was out of sight.
* * *
Tuesday morning found Jensen pulling the last of her luggage to the door to wait for Clint. Needing to take a breath, she sat down on the bench in the foyer where she could see him when he arrived. She’d been busy since she last saw him. Yesterday, she’d spent a few hours going over the information Tanner had given them. After pouring over the map and looking up information online about Glacier National Park, Jensen felt like she had some idea of the terrain. Dense forests, alpine meadows, and deep blue lakes. Truly, the scope of the area was intimidating. Seven hundred miles of trails and over a million acres. She’d visited Yosemite and Yellowstone, but never Glacier. There was really no way to specifically prepare, the park was too vast and there were far too many possibilities to cover every eventuality. Remembering what Tanner told them about the temps, she’d called up the local weather for the area and packed accordingly.
After packing, she’d spent the remainder of the day at the clinic taking care of a couple of patients who needed her attention before taking off for a week. While she was there, good news came from the FDA. The results of the last drug trial had been accepted. One more session of trials and the capton protein would be approved for production. Jensen couldn’t help but be pleased. At the end of her days, this would most certainly be her biggest accomplishment.
Instead of feeling satisfaction at the thought, Jensen felt sad. She’d read an article recently detailing interviews of people in the last stage of their life. On the whole, they all cited their families as their greatest joy. Their regrets were never about things they did, but about things they’d been too afraid to do. This thought hit home with Jensen. Once upon a time, she’d hoped to have a husband and children. Now, that possibility seemed farfetched. Since her cancer diagnosis, she’d been living in fear. Fear of judgment. Fear of rejection. Fear of a reoccurrence.
For a period of time, she’d thought she had everything figured out. Her career was on track. Her bucket list was made, and she’d set out to cross off as many things as possible. The cards of her life had been dealt and Jensen was determined to make the best of things. What she hadn’t anticipated was Clint. He’d reappeared in her life and turned things upside down. Last evening, Nicky had come buzzing over to show her the finished video of his interview with Clint. She’d watched with interest as he answered the young man’s questions. While she’d heard his responses, she hadn’t been able to read the emotions on his face. She could also tell he’d stolen glances to where she’d been sitting. Undoubtedly, some of the things he’d said had been directed at her.
“God, what am I going to do with you, Clint Wilder?” she mused out loud.
From the moment she’d met him, he’d forged a place in her life. No matter how she tried to discourage him, he couldn’t seem to let go of his hope they’d be together. There was really no doubt his feelings were sincere. He was a fine man and Jensen was finding it harder and harder to resist his advances – which was why she’d paid a visit after work to a lingerie shop that carried a brand she’d been meaning to try. Courage Couture featured various sexy styles created by a plastic surgeon especially for women who’d had mastectomies. The New York based surgeon, Dr. Sharon McLaughlin-Weber, had undergone a mastectomy herself after a lymphoma diagnosis. Jensen chose a black lace baby-doll pajama with an adjustable bust designed to accommodate a prosthesis as well cover her scarring sufficiently. If she played her cards right and set the scene correctly, she might be able to make love to Clint without him ever realizing what she’d been through. Reviews for the garment claimed that women with mastectomies could be every bit as sexy as any other woman. Jensen didn’t really want to put that theory to the test. Her aim was for him to not realize her secret. Could she pull it off? Jensen didn’t know, but she was considering…considering, mind you…the possibility.
She’d also taken care of one other important item. Jensen managed to work in a session with Jaxson and the support group last evening. She’d needed the grounding. Libby had been there, and Jensen was amused to find her friend acting a bit guilty. After she teased her a bit, Libby finally confessed that she’d masterminded Jensen and Clint meeting at the search and rescue training.
“I couldn’t stand thinking you two might not have a chance to get together. Do you hate me?”
“No. I don’t hate you,” Jensen assured her. “Of course not.”
Libby’s expression changed from contrite to mischievous. “So…what happened?”
“Well, we didn’t kill one another.” She gave Libby a playful frown. “Since we were teamed up, the fireworks were plentiful. Although, we did manage to achieve our goals.”
Libby eyed Jensen closely. “Were the sparks still there?”
“Oh, yea.” Jensen blushed. “The man has a one-track mind.”
“And?” Libby persisted, urging her to spill the beans.
“And I bought a special outfit.” She told her friend about the brand and where she’d found it. “I’m not sure I’ll have the courage to pull it off,
but I’ll be prepared either way.”
“Oh, you need to.” Libby placed an encouraging hand on her arm. “Don’t cut yourself off from love. Don’t underestimate Clint. You don’t want to look back on this time and regret the fact you didn’t take a chance.”
“He’s so perfect, Libby.” Jensen lamented. “And I’m not.”
“Stop it. He’s attracted to you, not to just a particular part of you.”
Jensen shook her head. “You know how men are about breasts, Libby. They grow up reading girly magazines. Getting to first base is a right-of-passage. I’m just not sure I can handle seeing disappointment in his eyes when he looks at me.”
“Well…do something kinky.”
“What?”
Libby grinned. “Tie him up. He can’t touch you, but you can touch him all you want. Or make a game of it. He can touch you below the waist, but not above.”
Jensen’s eyes grew wide with interest. “I could be a dominatrix, of a sort.”
“Right! A little BDSM never hurt anybody.”
A giggle erupted from Jensen’s lips. “You sound like you’re speaking from experience.”
A light blush pinkened Libby’s cheeks. “Maybe.”
“Maybe.” Jensen echoed the word, her imagination running wild. “Who knows what the week will bring.”
…A few miles away, Clint was more than ready to get this week started. Spending time with Jensen was something he was looking forward to more than he could say. The only thing dulling his sense of excitement was worry over Rowan.
When he and Kyd arrived at their brother’s ranch, they’d found him about half-drunk. After coaxing him into consuming a pot of coffee, he’d confessed to feeling hopeless. Clint knew his brother was depressed and if he didn’t get help, things would begin to spiral out of control. The only bright spot in their visit was when Clint asked for Rowan to help him choose two horses. Rowan rallied to take his brothers on a tour of the ranch, introducing them to each horse he’d rescued. After hearing their individual stories, Clint chose a couple of beautiful animals he thought would work out just fine. Later, after grilling steaks, Kyd engaged Rowan in a game of chess while Clint stepped outside to place a phone call to Ivy Cavil, Rowan’s trainer. Knowing the woman spent more time with his brother than anyone else, he was sure she’d understand. The conversation was a bit awkward, but he felt better after talking to her.
“Ivy, this is Clint, Rowan’s brother.”
“Yes, hello. Is something wrong with Rowan?”
“Well, yes. We came to visit tonight and found he’s been drinking. I think he’s suffering from depression.”
“And PTSD. I know about the shooting. I didn’t know he was drinking, though. If he’s done it before, he hid it from me.”
“I’ve been talking to him about getting some help.”
“I understand your concern. I’m worried too. I know he loves his horses, but sometimes I’m afraid that’s not enough.”
“How about the two of you? Is anything going on between you?” There was an awkward silence and Clint realized he was overstepping the bounds of propriety. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. And the answer is no. Not really. Involvement with me wouldn’t improve his circumstances. Unfortunately, I have my own issues. I’d be more of a burden than a solution.”
Clint couldn’t argue, but he doubted that to be true. “I was hoping you could help.”
“Of course, but I’m not sure how. I’m open to suggestions. He tends to push me away at times.”
“He’s afraid he’ll hurt you.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“I don’t think so either. Could you keep tabs on him a little more closely? At least until he talks to someone.”
“Yes. I’ll try. He offered for me to move into the living space over the barn. The commute I’m making now is time consuming. I could tell him I’ve changed my mind.”
Relief washed over Clint. “Please do. He speaks of you so fondly. I think he needs you now.”
There was another space of silence before Ivy spoke. “How about if I drive on over tonight? I can tell him…I’ll think of something.”
“Thank you, Ivy. I wouldn’t ask you to do this, but he needs help. I’ll be out of pocket for a week, but after that I’ll be available to do whatever it takes.”
“I will too. Rowan is the best man I know.”
Once the conversation was finished, Clint felt better about the situation. When he and Kyd left Rowan, he seemed to be calmer and in good spirits. He was excited about bringing the horses to Sunset Ranch, promising to have them there by the time Clint returned from Montana.
Monday had been a busy day also. He’d visited the building site, met with his trainer, and studied the information from Tanner. Honestly, the scope of what lay ahead of them was mind-boggling. How could anyone be prepared for such a task? After reviewing the geographic details of the park, he decided to approach the problem from another angle. He did some research on others who’d gone missing in the park. Of course, he had no idea where in the vast wilderness they’d be searching. There really was no practical way to do more than just to remind himself of what they’d learned and be ready to apply the information as needed.
Last evening, he’d visited his mother. She’d spoiled him rotten with a big homemade meal of chicken and dumplings followed by coconut pie. While they ate, he’d given her the check from Joseph and his brothers.
“Look at this. I’d say you’re fixed for life, Ms. Wilder.”
Gillian cried at the sight, taking the check and turning it over on the table – face down. “This is wonderful. I just wish it didn’t make me so sad.”
“Sad?” Her reaction shocked Clint. “What do you mean, Mom?”
“What it represents, I guess.” She wiped her eyes. “I know the money doesn’t have anything to do with it…but I’d rather have had those years with my family instead. My kidnapping set off such a chain of painful events. My parents split and my brothers were deprived of their core family. They grew up apart, not knowing one another. Their children…”
“Are all just fine.” He took her hand. “I know you’ve had a hard time. I was there with you. Remember? You can’t change the past. We can only go forward and try to build a better future.”
“You’re right. Considering everything, I’m a very lucky woman.” She rose to refill his glass of tea. “Have you heard anything from that friend of Riley’s? Seth?”
“No, not yet. He was out of town on business.”
She let out a long sigh. “So, when do you leave on the SAR trip?”
“In the morning – which reminds me. Can I ask you a favor?”
“Certainly, sweetheart. Would you like a second piece of pie?”
“No, I’m full.” He wiped his fingers, then placed the cloth napkin next to his plate. “I’ve acquired a new pet and I need you to look after her for me while I’m gone.”
“Oh? Cat or dog? Or is it one of those horses you bought from Rowan?”
“The horses will be fine. Rowan will deliver them while I’m gone and there’s plenty of grass for them to eat. And no, it’s not a cat or a dog.”
“Well, I draw the line at a snake. I can remember the time you caught that garter snake when you were eight and brought it in the house. We almost had to move.”
Clint chuckled and raised his eyebrows. “No, Rose isn’t a snake. She’s a skunk.”
“Have you lost your mind, Clint?” Gillian exclaimed. “Who has a skunk for a pet?”
“I do.” Clint told her calmly. “She’s very tame and she’s had her scent glands removed. She’s even housebroken. Do you think you could look after her for me?”
“Well…”
Clint stood. “She’s in the utility room. Let me go get her.”
“You brought her with you?”
He shrugged as he left by the patio door. “I thought she could spend the night with you. I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.”
“Good gracious, Clint!”
Clint smiled as he recalled how quickly his mother took to Rose. Before he left, the little skunk was sitting in his mom’s lap eating pie with a dob of meringue on the end of her nose.
Now, here he was on his way to Jensen’s. He felt like a randy young teenager on his first date.
Buzz. Buzz.
Grabbing his cell, he could see it was the Kerr county sheriff’s department. “Hello?”
“Clint? Kane here. How are you doing?”
“Good. And you?” Knowing why the sheriff was calling, Clint felt himself grow tense.
“I’m good. I did that search you asked for and I have the results.”
“Wonderful.”
“That vin number corresponds to a 1996 Ford F-150 registered to a Saul Wilder in Williamson County, Texas. I take it that name is familiar to you.”
Clint waited a couple of seconds before he answered. “Yea, that’s my father.”
“May I ask the circumstances?”
“Sure. We found the engine and part of the truck hidden in a patch of thick undergrowth on the west side of Jarrell. I think it’s been sitting there since that F-5 tore through in 1997.”
“What does this mean for you?”
“I think it means our father didn’t abandon us. It appears he might have died in the tornado. Although, I’m not sure how we’d prove it. I don’t know if you’re familiar with that storm, but human remains were practically unidentifiable back then.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
The oft spoken words sounded funny to Clint’s ears. “Thank you.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No. No. I appreciate you checking this out for me? Do I owe you anything?”
“No. It’s a public service. Although…if a ticket to one of your games happened to fall into my hands…”
Clint barked out a laugh. “Of course. No problem. Watch your mailbox.”
“Many thanks.”
He’d no more than ended the call when he drove up at Jensen’s. Cutting the engine, he sat there for a few moments, digesting the information. Even though he’d known this was a possibility, he hadn’t really expected it to be his dad’s truck. He was about to phone Rowan when he saw Jensen’s door open. Seeing her emerge onto the porch with one of her bags, he bounded from his vehicle to help her. “Hold up. I got that.”