Rocky Mountain Hero

by Audra Harders

  “Bud, I call your Mom ‘Smart enough to stay away from danger.’”

  “Enough talking.” Grace approached, her arms crossed over her chest. “Let the girl get cleaned up. She’s beginning to look like a mummy.”

  Jason giggled.

  “I was just getting to that.” Gabe shook his head. “Can’t get everything done at once.”

  “Maybe not.” An older man dressed in jeans and green cotton work shirt came up to stand with them. “But we gotta do the important things first.” He held out his hand. “Martin Davidson. Nice to meet you.” He nodded at Gabe. “Gotta keep the young’uns in line.”

  Color rushed up Gabe’s neck at his dad’s assessment, and he didn’t look quite as menacing anymore. Melanie grinned. She liked Martin already. “I agree. The young’uns get in trouble all the time.”

  Gabe narrowed his eyes and then winked at her. “Dad, that young one by your side is Jason.”

  Her toes beneath the blanket curled tighter.

  Martin stuck his hand out to Jason. “What do you know, young man?”

  “Lots of stuff.”

  Grace laughed. “Oh yeah? Well how about you help Mr. Martin with that gate over there while your mom cleans up?”

  “Mom?” Jason glanced up at her. “Can I?”

  Her stomach churned again at the thought of Jason running around unattended. “Maybe you should stick with me, honey.”

  “If it makes you feel better, I’ll keep a close eye on him while we go check that pasture fence.” Martin nudged Jason. “You ever string wire?”

  Jason’s eye grew wide. “No, sir.”

  “Well, how can a young man leave Hawk Ridge without stringing wire?” Martin peeked over at her. “We’ll be real careful.”

  She’d make this a very quick shower. “Listen carefully to Mr. Martin, okay, Jason?”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Jason fell in line with Martin, and the two of them headed to a field away from the pens.

  “C’mon, darlin’. Let’s get you cleaned up before you catch a cold.” Grace tugged on Melanie’s blanket.

  Melanie looked at the sprawling log ranch house and fell in step. “I appreciate the offer, but my clothes are still in the truck.”

  Grace shook her head. “Not to worry. We always have extras.” She threw a glance over her shoulder. “Gabriel. A little soap and water might do you good, too.”

  Melanie snuck a peek at the well-built cowboy who’d just battled an angry bull. He stood and squinted into the sun as if wrestling with a decision. Apparently resigned, he tipped his hat back with one finger and headed down a path into the pines.

  Melanie grinned as she turned back to Grace. Not hard to tell who ran the show around the Circle D.

  Hair still wet from his shower, Gabe propped one leg along the top of his desk as he read the repair receipt Manny had handed him. Replacement parts for the old truck were pricier than he thought. The cost wasn’t the only problem they had on their hands.

  A noisy bark in the yard announced his time of grace ended. Father, give me words to comfort the blow of this painfully expensive situation. Gabe sensed Melanie carried a load of pride along with her penchant for responsibility.

  She swept into his office on a whirlwind of dog, laughter and sunshine. “I called and rescheduled the interview. Glad they’re flexible.”

  Oh, she has a beautiful smile. Not that he had time to daydream about Melanie Hunter, but he had noticed a couple things about her. Especially dressed in his old flannel shirt and jeans. Even back when he could fit into that size, they’d never looked that good on him.

  The familiar scent of soap and shampoo filled the air as she tucked her hair behind her ear, the sunny blond strands just sweeping her shoulders. She smelled good, looked good and felt good. Gabe stood and slapped his thigh to call Fletcher. Tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, Fletch trotted over to him and heeled.

  “Glad he’s trained so well.” Melanie caught her breath. “He’d be a handful if he didn’t listen.”

  “Don’t let him fool you. Fletcher has his own agenda most of the time.”

  Her laughter faded to a smile as she looked around his office. “Nice place you have here.”

  Stacks of paperwork were piled around his desk and heaped onto the floor. Magazines and periodicals flowed over his filing cabinet. A cup of coffee gathered dust on the side table. Gabe winced. “Someday I’ll unearth my desk.”

  “Never know what you’ll find.” She tapped a stack with her finger. “Looks like filing isn’t a priority, is it?”

  “You may not believe this, but I know where to find all the important stuff.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I think better when all my work is in front of me.”

  “Looks like you’re shaping a trail to the barn.”

  Her even white teeth matched the sparkle in her eyes. His balance faltered when he realized she smiled at him. Gabe grabbed the folder from the nearest stack and indicated the chairs in front of his desk. “Here, have a seat. I have some news for you.”

  Melanie shot him a wary glance and stood her ground. “Good news or bad? Doesn’t matter. I think I’ll take my news standing up.”

  “I have some of both for you. The good news is that Manny can fix your truck as soon as the parts get here.”

  “That’s great!” She hurried toward the door, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Sorry to bother you, but maybe you can give us a lift into town where we can rent a truck for a few days?”

  “I can take you anywhere you want to go. But wait, there’s a bad side to this news, too.”

  She stopped and turned. Her round eyes narrowed and her slender frame stiffened as if awaiting a blow.

  Gabe drew a breath. “Older trucks like yours are easy to putter with, very few complicated electronic parts to get in the way. The problem you have is the major component you need won’t get here for at least two weeks.” He handed her the page of internet research on parts and ship times.

  “Two weeks?” Her voice remained steady as she scanned the page.

  Gabe glanced at the remaining paperwork in his hand and winced. “There’s more.” He handed her the parts estimate.

  She sucked in a breath and snapped her gaze up to meet his. “Is this a joke?”

  His stomach pitched against tense, tired muscles. “No joke. Your truck may be simple to repair, but the parts aren’t mass-produced any longer. The common parts will be interchangeable, but something as large as a radiator, well…” he trailed, praying for the right words. “Let’s just say it took a bit of searching to find a used one for your make and model that inexpensive. Insurance?”

  Melanie eased into the nearby chair and set her elbows on his desk. “Liability. I can cover the other guy, not myself.”

  His standard offer to pray with her and ask for the Father’s help was on the tip of his tongue, but for some reason, he hesitated. He leaned against the edge of his desk. She’d never indicated how strong her faith was, or even if she had faith at all. Trust in the Almighty remained Gabe’s answer, even if it meant holding his words at the moment. Okay, Lord, so what do I do?

  “I’ve waited so long for a job like this to come up.” Her voice almost a whisper as she compared the two pieces of paper. “Now, even if I get it, I won’t be able to pay this and move.” Eyelids closed, she tipped her head back. “I guess I’ll cash in my vacation time and just go back to work.” She sat up straight and blinked. “I have to tell Jason.”

  Her agony twisted his gut. “How much time did you have?”

  “Three weeks. Three long, glorious weeks.”

  Gabe glanced at his calendar. Just enough time. “I might be able to help you.”

  She looked up. Any spark of light in her eyes, gone.

  It was a long shot, but he’d never know until he asked. “Look around this office. I haven’t a dream of catching up any time soon.”

  She looked around. “Looks more like a nightma
re to me.”

  He shook his head. “Seasonal deadlines. Stock reports, financials, the like…and I have this barbecue planned for the Fourth of July.”

  Her brows drew close as if trying to make sense of his rambling.

  “It’s just a simple barbecue picnic to go along with the auction.” He rushed on before she refused. “Plan for about a hundred families. You’ll have help from the local ladies with food. They’ve been this route before—you just need to be the one in charge.” He held his breath as he eyed her frozen features, worried she might explode any moment. “Don’t worry about the auction. I’ll take care of that.”

  Seconds passed before her clenched jaw relaxed. She tilted her chin and squinted up at him. “You want me to plan a party?”

  Gabe leaned across the desk and slipped the two-page estimate from her fingertips. He scanned the amount again before turning the printed sheets toward her. It was worth it to him if it was worth it to her. “If you help me out with this barbecue, I’ll pay for the repairs, provide a place for you to stay, and cover any costs of changing your plans.”

  Melanie reclaimed the sheets from him and stared at the pages. Gabe shot bullets of prayer toward heaven on behalf of her decision. She pressed her lips together and leveled a cold, clear glare in his direction. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

  Nothing could have knocked the air out of him faster than the tone of her accusation. Gabe looked out the window at a tractor idling beside the loading chute. No, he hadn’t given her any choices. In his haste to solve his own problem, he’d never considered the importance of her plans. “Yes, you have a choice.”

  She raised a brow.

  “I’ll loan you a ranch truck free of charge. Use it as long as you need. Return the truck when your pickup is fixed.”

  He pulled out his chair, careful not to topple the pile of statements for Zac. Sinking into his seat, Gabe mentally organized his priorities for the day. He’d hoped to have an early evening tonight, obviously—

  “Why would you offer the use of your truck? You don’t even know me.”

  Suspicion, distrust, anger warred across her face. All thoughts of his personal convenience evaporated as his irritation piqued. “What do I need to know? You need transportation, don’t you?”

  She wrinkled her nose at him, reminding him of Jason when Fletcher wouldn’t release the ball. Guess he knew where the boy got his intense concentration.

  Melanie stood. Her blond hair brushed her shoulder blades as she crossed to the open doorway. Gabe caught his breath when she stopped and turned toward him, the yellow flecks in her brilliant blue eyes danced in anger.

  “I’ll be back.” She glared a moment longer and then pushed away from the doorjamb.

  Gabe blew out his breath and watched her stalk across his yard. Famous last words, but really, could he blame her?

  Chapter Four

  This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

  Melanie propped her elbows on the fence panel and stared at the three cows in the pen. The field lab up in Montrose embodied every dream she’d ever had for her and her son. She could leave the impersonal, demanding research position she’d held for the last six years and work outdoors, on a schedule of her own. Live in a small community where maybe she and Jason could build a home.

  She shielded her eyes against the rays of brilliant sunshine as they dipped in and out of darkening clouds. Late afternoon came quickly in the high country as she struggled with her decision. When she’d called to reschedule her interview, the secretary switched her to the last spot available for interviews. More than enough time to rent a car and make her appointment. And she still could, except for that little repair invoice.

  An outrageous dollar amount she couldn’t begin to consider shouldering.

  Her meager savings allowed them a cushion for emergencies. Not a catastrophe like this. Melanie hung her head and kicked the ground.

  Lord? There’s a big hitch in our plans. Talking to God was easy. She dug the toe of her sneaker into the grass patch surrounding the fence post. It was listening for the answer that got her every time.

  The buzz of a four-wheeler echoed in the distance. Hank drove across a field with Jason clutched behind him. The pair rode along the fence line, Jason squealing at every bump. Melanie relaxed. Jason would love it here while she worked off her debt. She couldn’t argue the fact that the great outdoors commanded his attention. Her nerves stopped their riotous zing and she blew a sigh. Funny, Gabe hadn’t even asked her if she could cook.

  The sweet scent of pine tinged the air as birds offered their individual tunes. Melanie closed her eyes as she tilted her face to the warm summer sun.

  There were no guarantees in life. Maybe she’d get the job; maybe she wouldn’t. Either way, if she left now, she’d be paying off a repair bill on an old truck for months to come.

  Lord, why did you fill me with hope only to tear it away?

  The four-wheeler angled around the field once more. She opened her eyes to see Hank looking like Evel Knievel and Jason sporting a smile a mile wide. Melanie shook her head.

  At least she’d tasted the dream of a new job and a lighter work schedule. That taste had made her realize she never wanted to go back. Lucky her.

  A door slammed in the distance and Gabe followed the walkway toward her. She tried not to look too obvious as she stared like a schoolgirl.

  His button-down shirt fit his shoulders, the sleeves rolled to the elbow. Tan arms matched his suntanned face. Faded blue jeans cinched at the hip with a worn leather belt.

  Tall and strong.

  An incredible smile…

  Melanie blinked and turned away. No need to romanticize the man, especially since she’d be working for him.

  He jingled a set of keys at her. “Let’s get you a truck and you can be off first thing in the morning.”

  He stood before her all tall and dark and cowboy, looking almost afraid…of her? She had a feeling disappointing women wasn’t Gabe’s strong suit. Accepting disappointment wasn’t exactly high on her list either.

  “I’ll do the barbecue.” The words tumbled out. “I mean, yes, I’ll organize the barbecue for you in exchange for repairs on my truck. That is, if the offer is still open.”

  Gabe pushed back his hat and rubbed his forehead. “You’re the answer to my prayer. We planned the auction and barbecue for the Fourth of July weekend. That’s less than three weeks, and I’ll help anyway I can.”

  “Just three weeks, right? That’s all the time I have.” He had to understand she couldn’t give any more. “This picnic and the repairs to my truck will be done in three weeks?”

  He gave a quick nod, his root-beer-colored eyes sparkling.

  “And you said there were some ladies to help me out with the planning?” Melanie rushed to confirm.

  Gabe tilted his head, and she received the full brunt of his excitement. His grin deepened the dimple in his cheek and added a boyish charm she could only stare at.

  “From church. The ladies will point you in the right direction. As a matter of fact, we can talk to them Sunday after the service. They’ll love meeting you.” He indicated the path up to the ranch house. “Let’s go get a key to the cabin before it rains.”

  Before it rains. Famous last words.

  Rain blew sideways, pelting them like BBs as they stood on the porch of cabin number one. Melanie shifted beside him and clutched her duffel so her rain slicker covered most of the bags. Jason huddled up against the wall.

  Gabe stuck the key into the lock, jiggled the knob and shoved the door open. “Here we are. Sorry things might be a little dusty. We haven’t had anyone live here this season.”

  He stepped through the threshold and stomped his boots on the mat. Melanie piled in behind him, Jason on her heels. She set her bags down on the floor beside the table and glanced around at the knotty pine cabinets lining the wall of the small galley kitchen and a window with white panes set over the sink. A peal of thunder shook the gro
und as rain battered the pines outside the window.

  Melanie shivered beside him. “Are you sure we aren’t putting you out by staying here?”

  No better place on the ranch for their guests than the log cabins tucked up in the pines away from the house. Both houses. “The cabins are for the summer help. Their families visit when they can. Since the drought last couple years, we’ve cut back operations. We won’t be needing it.”

  Jason dropped his bags at the door and raced through the two-bedroom cabin, poking into every nook and cranny. “Look, Mom. We each have a bed.” He cannonballed onto the mattress.

  A gust of wind blew rain across the threshold. Melanie stepped back and closed the door behind her. “Jason, why don’t you unpack?”

  “I get this room.” He rolled off the bed, grabbed his pack and unzipped the top. Turning it over, he dumped the contents out on the bed.

  A mountain of video game cards poured out of the bag, followed by a pair of jeans and socks. Gabe chuckled at the necessities of life. “Hey, Bud, sure you have everything?”

  Jason picked up his game unit and waved it in the air. “This is all I need.”

  Melanie rolled her eyes. “Thanks for taking care of my truck. Sorry we disrupted your schedule.”

  “Not a problem.” He opened the utility closet door and switched on the furnace. Five metal clicks confirmed the unit operational. Seconds later, air blew up beside him from the floor vent. “Meals are part of the deal, too.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “There is nothing funny about how Grace Davidson views hospitality.” He opened the linen closet and checked the towels and blankets. “Dinner is at six o’clock. Don’t be late or the cook will have your hide.”

  “Oh no, we couldn’t. You’ve already done so much for us.”

  Her blue gaze darted about the room before landing on him. She shifted her weight as if she’d had enough for one day. He couldn’t blame her. His family was a bit overpowering at times. “If you’re up to it, you can go in and argue. But I’ll warn you, my mother drops the biggest guilt bombs you’ve ever seen.”