Boone stood a few feet away, watching Carly and Tyler interact while listening to Kell and Willow. Their easy banter made him feel a little out of place, as if he could leave and neither would notice. He knew it was a ridiculous thought, shaking his head to shove it aside.
“You ready, old man?” Kell chuckled when Boone shot him a disgruntled look.
“Give me a minute with Carly.”
Kell slung an arm over Willow’s shoulders. “We’ll meet you outside.”
Boone bit back a retort. Kell was almost like a brother. Neither would go after a woman the other had his sights on. After working together on the ranch most of the day, Kell knew Boone’s intentions toward Willow. His friend’s actions now were pure show, meant to rile Boone into action. And they were working.
After giving Carly a brief tour, reviewing the contents of the refrigerator, providing her his cell number and Kell’s, and showing her the emergency contact list, he grabbed the keys to his truck.
“Call with any questions, Carly.” His nervous gaze landed on Tyler, who’d barely looked up since he started playing. “Is there anything else you need before I leave?”
Shaking her head, a slow smile curved Carly’s mouth. “I’m pretty sure I have everything. Have a good time, and don’t let Aunt Willow get out of control. On second thought, maybe you should let her.” Carly’s eyes sparked with amusement.
Boone chuckled. “Are you telling me she doesn’t get out much?”
“Much? She never gets out, at least not that I know of. Oh, except for last weekend, she did have some kind of date. She won’t give up any details, but I think she had a good time.”
Boone’s gut twisted. If he had his way, it would be the last good time Willow had with Bobby Baker.
Wicked Waters was packed, laughter and loud conversations flowing out the open door and onto the street. Kull had saved them a table, now covered with bottles of beer, wine glasses, nachos, and a huge bowl of nuts. From what Boone could see, their entire class had come out tonight to see Kell—at least those who still lived in Burnt River.
Willow sat next to Kell, nursing a glass of beer, listening to him tell a story about one of his adventures overseas. Boone’s gaze narrowed on his friend. Something was up, and before Kell left town, Boone would discover what was going on. Tonight, he’d let him relax, be around people he hadn’t seen in years, and enjoy his brief vacation. Standing, he walked to the bar.
“Hey there.” Sarah Mae slipped her arm through Boone’s, pressing her body against his. “Thanks for the good time last night.” Bethany stood next to her, rolling her eyes.
Boone extricated himself, but not before he saw Willow watching them. “Steaks, beer. Easy enough.” Taking a step away, he sucked down half his beer.
“I could come over later tonight, if you want.”
Boone shook his head at Sarah Mae, ready to tell her no when Bethany grabbed her cousin’s arm. “Come on. You promised to introduce me to your friends.”
Mouthing a thank you to Bethany, Boone relaxed. He didn’t know where Sarah Mae’s sudden interest came from, other than the fact he now had a son. For some reason, single women were attracted to single fathers. He had no idea why, but it seemed to be a universal phenomenon.
“Sarah Mae, huh?”
Boone startled. He hadn’t seen Willow stand up or walk toward him. “I don’t know what’s going on with her. I can’t remember the last time I saw her, but it’s been years.” He tilted the bottle again, swallowing more of his beer.
“The single dad thing.”
He almost choked on the beer, laughter bubbling up inside him. “What?”
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you don’t have women following you and Ty when you go the park, or store, or school events. It’s like some kind of rule.”
Turning toward her, he grinned. “A rule, huh?”
Resting her back against the bar, Willow nodded. “Yeah. Single woman sees single father, she’s required to hit on him. It’s a fact of life.”
“You don’t seem to have any problem not hitting on this single father.” He watched her reaction, seeing her eyes widen slightly.
“That’s different. This single woman has experience with said single father and knows he has no interest.”
Setting down the bottle, Boone stepped in front of her, slipping an arm around her waist. “And what if this single father does have an interest?”
He saw her smile falter, heard her breath catch as he tightened his hold. “Boone…”
“You two ready to head over to Doc’s? I’m starving.” Kell came up behind Boone, unaware of the tension between the two.
Clearing her throat, Willow nodded. “So am I.” She rested her hands on Boone’s shoulders, pushing until he dropped his arm.
“Let’s walk to Doc’s. I don’t think Kull will mind if we leave the trucks here.” Finishing his beer, Kell set his empty bottle on the bar.
Neither Boone nor Willow moved as Kell walked away. Sensing she was about to bolt, Boone settled a hand on her shoulder, his expression serious.
“I know you’re thinking of taking off, but don’t. Have dinner with us.”
Licking her lips, she lifted her chin. “Do you promise to behave?”
Removing his hat, he scratched his head. “How about I promise to do my best?”
Shaking her head, Willow shoved him lightly on the shoulder as she stepped around him. “You’re incorrigible.”
Slipping his hat back on his head, he chuckled. “Never said I wasn’t.”
The weekend passed in a blur. Kell worked alongside the three Macklin brothers on Saturday, then everyone went to Thorn’s for a barbeque. Sunday morning, Kell slept late, while Boone and Tyler attended church. To Boone’s immense disappointment, Willow didn’t appear, her parents saying something about her need to catch up on paperwork and chores around the house.
When they returned home, Tyler almost stumbled over Kell’s duffle bag, packed and ready by the front door.
“Head upstairs and change, Ty. And be sure to hang up your clothes.” Boone figured if the shirt made it into the closet, it was a win. Hearing Kell’s voice, he walked into the kitchen as his friend hung up the phone.
“What’s up?”
Kell’s face twisted into a grimace. “I got a call ordering me to fly back tonight.”
Pulling out a chair, Boone sat down. Kell didn’t often show any negative emotions about his work in the army, so his unenthusiastic comment got Boone’s attention.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on before you leave?”
Kell’s usual ironclad control slipped enough for Boone to know he’d hit a nerve. “You know I can’t talk about my missions.”
“That’s not what I mean. Something’s going on inside you, Kell.” Boone pointed to his own head to emphasize his meaning. “I’ve known you long enough to catch when something’s off. Talk to me.”
Leaning forward, Kell rested his elbows on the table, scrubbing his face with both hands. Mumbling a curse, he sat back, crossing his arms.
“The last mission didn’t go so well. We lost a lot of men on our team.” He shifted his gaze out the window, his face expressionless. “A good friend died in my arms. There was nothing I could do to help him.”
Boone swore under his breath, but didn’t interrupt.
“They got us out of there the next morning, put us through routine physicals and psych evaluations, then told us to go home. Before I left, my commanding officer pulled me aside.” Kell shook his head and grimaced. “I don’t know if he spoke to the others, but he told me I might not be approved for more combat…at least for a while. Apparently, my psych evaluation didn’t go so well.”
Boone’s brows furrowed. “That’s bull. Everyone knows you’re rock solid.”
“That’s pretty much what my CO said. The trouble is he can’t overrule the doctors. Anyway, the team’s heading back out. All except me. While they’re gone, I’m scheduled to go through a series of tes
ts and…” His voice trailed off before he slapped his hand on the table. “Dammit, Boone. This is my life. What if they pull me? Tell me I’m on desk duty for the rest of my time? Hell, I’d go crazy.”
Leaning forward, Boone rested his arms on the table, rubbing his hands together. “Medical discharge?”
Kell nodded. “It’s a possibility.”
“How long before you know your options?”
“One, two weeks maximum. They’re quick on this stuff, especially when you’re assigned to the type of team I’m a part of. Missing too much can mean losing your edge.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he blew out a breath. “Who am I kidding? They believe I’ve already lost it. That’s what this is about.”
Boone cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“They’re going to decide the best way to move me out. I’ve done my job and now it’s time for someone else to take my place. Someone without all the junk clamoring around in his head.”
“What about a training assignment?”
“Doubt I’d have enough time.” Standing, Kell grabbed a cup, filling it with coffee. “They have older men with a lot more experience ready to take those assignments. I’ve thought about it a lot the last week. It’s going to come down to a medical discharge or a desk.”
“Is that your head or gut talking?”
Snickering, Kell shook his head. “Both. I’ve seen enough of this type of thing to know how it’s going to play out.” Taking a sip, he sat back down, looking as beaten down as Boone had ever seen him. “I don’t know what I’ll do without my team. They’re family, you know?”
Boone did know. Without his brothers and their wives, the support they offered, he’d be moving through each day without guidance, making one mistake after another. They were his rock, and he’d be lost without them.
“Yeah, I know. When do you fly out?”
“Six hours. I leave out of Missoula.”
“Ty and I will drive you.”
“No need. There’s a shuttle—”
“Don’t even think about it. We’ll leave early enough so you aren’t stuffing yourself with some worthless airport food before you fly out. I know a great place close to the airport. It’ll give us time to talk about options.”
One of Kell’s brows lifted. “Options?”
“You know, what you’ll do back here in Burnt River if you end up leaving the army. By the time you get on that plane, you’ll have a plan. I’m telling you from experience, you’re going to want one.”
Rubbing his forehead, Kell glanced up. “Thanks, Boone.”
“Hey, you’re like family. I’m as close to you as I am to Thorn or Del.”
Kell’s eyes widened, a slow grin spreading across his face. “As long as I don’t have to drink from the same well as the Macklins.”
Boone stared at him, his mouth twisting in confusion. “What does that mean?”
“The last time I saw you boys, no one had a thought about love or marriage. All of that has changed. Thorn and Del are head cases over their wives. And from what I’ve seen and heard, you’re not far behind them with Willow. Me? I’m a confirmed bachelor. If I do come back, and that’s a big if because I’m going to fight to stay with the team, it’ll be with my eyes on a carefree single life. Do you get me?”
Chuckling, Boone nodded. “Hey, whatever you want, Kell.”
“Good. I’ve got a few more calls to make before we leave.”
Boone watched him walk out, biting his tongue so he wouldn’t laugh. Kell was headstrong and smart. He also didn’t have a clue when it came to love and women. When both sank their claws into you, no man had a chance. Not even a tough one like Kell.
Chapter Eight
Willow threw off the covers as the early morning sun seeped through her bedroom blinds. Grabbing clean clothes, she walked into the bathroom, rushed through a shower, then dressed in her standard attire of jeans and a Robinson’s Tack and Feed shirt. The store opened at seven. She had less than an hour to take care of her horse and eat breakfast before the first customers arrived. Most Mondays, she drove in to see at least one of the locals sitting in a truck, waiting.
She’d taken her horse on a long ride Sunday, traveling for miles in the backcountry. If her parents had known, they’d have given her all kinds of grief about going alone. It was the reason she never told them.
Willow agreed riding solo wasn’t the smartest decision. If anything happened, it would be hard to get help on the trails she rode. Her phone had service over most of her property, but sporadic coverage on her preferred route—the one she and Boone used to ride during their brief time as a couple.
After spending hours with Boone on Friday, then working all day Saturday, Willow needed time to herself to process his renewed attention. He’d been out of her life for a long time. Now he seemed to be everywhere.
Pulling into the lot, her heart stopped, recognizing the truck parked right by the front door. Boone sat inside, Ty next to him, talking with his hands.
Picking up the lunch she’d packed, Willow got out, walking straight to Boone’s truck, getting his attention when she tapped on the window.
He jumped out of the truck, leaving the door open. “Hey.”
“I’m surprised to see you here this early. Did you place an order I don’t know about?” She took a step away, giving her some distance.
“Nope.” Crossing his arms, Boone leaned against the truck. “I found out last night Ty has a project due today.”
“They have projects at his age?”
“Apparently. He’s in first grade. You’d be surprised at what the kids are assigned.” Looking into the truck, he motioned for Tyler to get out. “He’s supposed to share a pet. We don’t have a dog, the barn cats aren’t used to people, and I didn’t have time to load his horse. I’m hoping you still have some baby chicks.”
“Let’s get inside. I’ll show you the turkey chicks.”
“A turkey chick, Daddy.” Tyler jumped up and down as they walked to the front door.
Unlocking it, Willow stepped inside, turning on lights as she walked down the first aisle. “Here we are. I have heritage and broad breasted poults.” She pointed to two metal troughs, each layered with straw, a heat lamp shining down. Inside were over a dozen baby turkeys.
Boone looked down at Tyler. “Guess we’ll take two.”
Leaning over the tub, Tyler pointed to the ones he wanted from the heritage container.
“Let me get a brooder to keep the poults in.” Willow glanced at Boone. “If you have something at home, you can bring it back after you leave the school.”
“Come on, Ty. Let’s go with Willow.”
“Can’t I stay here and watch?” Tyler’s lower lip protruded. Even though Boone knew he was being played, he nodded.
“As long as you stay right there and don’t go anywhere else.”
“I promise.”
Boone didn’t know why he hesitated to leave. He’d be able to see anyone walking in the front door or through the back. Drawing in a breath, he shook his head. He was becoming the overprotective parent he’d seen in grocery stores, swearing he’d never be that way with his own kids. Boone hated it when he was wrong.
He found Willow standing at the counter, a brooder for the chicks in front of her, along with a bag of starter feed, pine shavings for bedding, waterer, feeder, and heat lamp with clamp.
“That much stuff for two baby turkeys?” Boone reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet.
Willow shook her head. “I’ll put it on the ranch tab. And yes, they’ll need this much until they’re ready to be set loose in the yard.”
“When will that be?” Boone glanced over his shoulder, seeing Tyler still mesmerized by the chicks.
“At least five weeks. You might want to consider a good-sized enclosure for them. The ones Ty picked can fly. They don’t go far, but can get on the branches and not want to come down.”
Boone shook his head. “A horse is easier,” he grumbled.
“Yeah, but they were my mother’s thing. She did all the work. All we did was gather eggs each morning, and I didn’t look forward to it.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Is that why you sold them off? Because you hated collecting the eggs?”
“Not really. With the cattle and horses, I didn’t have time for them. With Thorn and Del married, having the eggs would be nice.”
“And you’d still be the one taking care of the hens and rooster.”
She remembered how hard he worked, from well before sunup to well past sundown every day. He often made it through a day on only four or five hours’ sleep. Instead of partying, he now devoted any free time to Tyler, and from what she’d seen, Boone made a wonderful dad.
The pain piercing her heart came unbidden and without warning. Feeling a hand cover hers, she looked up.
“Hey. Are you all right?” Boone’s brows drew together, his eyes focused on hers.
Willow thought she was, had spent years coming to terms with the loss. She’d known of the pregnancy only a few hours before the accident happened. Still, she’d felt the loss as if it had been much longer.
Clearing her throat, she nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.” Looking down, she saw he hadn’t removed his hand. It felt warm, safe, and all too familiar. Pulling free, she reminded herself it had never been real, a brief fling with a boy who’d grown into a wonderful man. A man who’d never be able to return her feelings. “Guess it’s time to get everything in the truck. Wouldn’t want Ty to be late for school.”
“Have dinner with me tonight.” The words came out without conscious effort, surprising Boone as much as Willow.
She bit her lower lip, shaking her head. “I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
Her heart raced at the thought of spending time with Boone, then crashed when she remembered his words when he learned of the pregnancy. She couldn’t let herself go through it again—loving him with everything she had, and getting nothing in return.
“I can’t, Boone. It wouldn’t be smart to repeat the same mistake.” She looked up, her eyes glassy.
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