Rocky Mountain Hero

by Audra Harders

  “Yes, ma’am,” Hank chuckled, his grin spread wide in the reflection of the rearview mirror. “Good thing for the boss to handle.”

  “Glad I could help, ma’am.” Gabe settled back. The cushion of the seat dipped under his weight and she leaned with the shift.

  His voice rumbled in his chest as he and Hank spoke of people he’d seen. Wedged between Gabe on one side, his arm stretched across the back of the seat, and Jason snuggled beside her on the other, Melanie burrowed into her little hollow and relaxed. Heat emanated through his cotton shirt and chased away the chill in the night air.

  From the moment she’d seen the Ferris wheel, she knew she wanted to ride it. With Gabe. Strange flutters flew through her body as she thought how close she’d come to touching the icy white stars in the midnight black sky on a ride whirling through the cool air.

  Sitting beside Gabe.

  She indulged in a fantasy she hadn’t considered in years. A fantasy she yearned to fulfill if the past didn’t keep getting in the way. A past she didn’t think Gabe and his family would approve of any more than had her own.

  Jason snuggled into her lap and peace filled her. She fingered his cotton T-shirt, remembering his toddler years. Wild assortments of food tossed in his belly at the same time didn’t sit well with him back then, either. She rubbed her back against Gabe and settled deeper into the seat cushion. She thought about the taffy…and the stuffed dog…and the taste of Gabe’s malt….

  And then she didn’t think about anything except calloused fingers brushing her hair.

  “Hey, Bud, you ready to go?”

  Gabe’s voice boomed into the little cabin through the open door. Melanie shot out of her bedroom, one shoe on, one shoe off. After last night, she couldn’t image Jason wanting to ride anything. “He ran down to the house. Where are you going?”

  “Town.” Gabe opened the screen and stepped inside the kitchen.

  Crisp blue jeans, a cotton shirt and his black hat all looked great on the man. Melanie fought the urge to touch the spot on the top of her head where he’d run his fingers through her hair as she’d slept. Her cheeks warmed. Best nap she’d had in years.

  She blew the thoughts out of her mind as she dropped her other shoe and stuck her foot in it. “Leave something behind last night?”

  His eyes sparkled as a slow grin spread across his face. “Mom shoved a list in my hand and told me not to take too long. Thought I’d take Bud with me, since Hank and the boys are moving cattle in the south fields, Dad has a headache and Mom said you were helping her in the kitchen this morning.”

  “Gabe.” She shook her head. “You don’t have to babysit.”

  “Babysit?” His eyes grew wide. “Bud’s my bud. We’ve got guy shopping to do.” He leaned toward her. The same scent as the evening before brought back memories of a solid chest she’d commandeered as a pillow. She dipped toward him and their shoulders bumped. Melanie pressed firm.

  His breath tickled her ear. “Besides, I want to get him something, if that’s okay with you. Something to remember us by.”

  As if Jason would ever forget the weeks he spent on the Davidson ranch. As if she ever would. Gabe Davidson was the most thoughtful man she’d ever met. At times like this, she wished her life had been different. But then, if it had, she probably never would have met Gabe in the first place. “Don’t spoil him too badly.”

  His lingering gaze stole all rational thought. “No, ma’am.”

  He ducked out the door. Melanie watched him amble down her path back to the ranch house, his steps sure and solid. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Grabbing her sweat jacket, she pushed past the screen door. Maybe she needed more to remember him by, too. “I’ll walk down to the house with you.”

  She fell into step as they followed the path through the trees. They passed a tributary path leading to another cabin tucked in the trees.

  “You said you normally have these cabins full in the summer. I’ll bet the help love having their families close by.” She pushed a bushy pine bough out of her way.

  “The guys stay up here all summer from all parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Their families come visit when they can. Everyone is so busy with ball practices, swimming lessons, work, we hardly ever have anyone here in one cabin all summer.”

  “But this year you only have RJ?”

  “Manny lives in town. His cousins Gus and Raul work here during the summer. We hire as we need. Too many idle men make for trouble.”

  “So the guys up here have families?”

  “Hank is family.” Gabe grinned as if proud of his own wit.

  Melanie elbowed him in the ribs.

  “And RJ?” Memories of Jennifer hanging on RJ’s every word the night before flashed through her mind.

  “Nick sent him with the cattle knowing we were short on help this summer. He’s a good worker, with strong, ethical values.” Gabe swiped at a swarm of gnats clouded around them. “I’m hoping he stays.”

  She nodded, relieved. “Glad you invite families to visit.”

  “Seems to make the most sense. Getting to Hawk Ridge from anywhere takes hours, and the work goes all summer long. The guys get days off, but no guarantee it’s Saturday and Sunday, or even if the days are together. Depends on what they’re good at and how much and when we need them.”

  “What kind of time do you take off?”

  “When you run your own business, the boss is always the last to turn the lights off.”

  “You seem to have time for us.”

  “I don’t want to tell you what time I turn my lights off.”

  Many nights she knew he left his office well past her bedtime. “That late?”

  He shrugged. “Ranching by day, paperwork by night.”

  “I thought you had help. The office is in your parents’ house.”

  “The office has always been there, so why mess with a good thing? And besides, it gives me a chance to finish up shop. When I walk over to my place, I leave the work behind. It’s a mental thing.”

  “If you keep up this pace, you probably will go mental. Glad I was able to straighten up and file for you.” Pride filled her at the difference in the office space since she’d spent a few hours organizing. “Call me when things get out of hand again.”

  “Promise you’ll come?”

  She glanced up at him, impossible to study his face as they moved. He took two more steps then stopped and turned toward her, giving her the advantage of standing higher on the path so they were almost face-to-face. He tipped his hat back and let the morning sunshine bathe his face in light.

  Melanie searched for dark circles under his eyes or evidence of strain around his lips. Instead, all she saw was a firm jawline, a straight nose and well-drawn lips that twitched under her scrutiny. A tiny dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth.

  She was a goner for his crooked smile.

  Insects buzzed around in the summer sun. The natter of ground squirrels blended with the whistles of the jays. His shallow breaths warmed her cheeks.

  He stood before her, watching her. Waiting for her answer.

  She remembered his gentle touch atop her head as she’d dozed against him the night before. She so wanted to touch her lips to his, to know safety and trust.

  He cleared his throat. “Well?”

  In his dark eyes, she read a longing that matched her own. The air stilled around them as he drew closer and touched his lips to hers.

  Nothing prepared her for the tenderness that passed between them. His palm cradled her cheek and she didn’t know whether to rub against the rough skin or move closer to deepen the kiss. In the end, she didn’t have to choose. Gabe drew back, his dark eyes locked on hers while his fingers wove through her hair.

  A soft breeze carried strands of hair across her face.

  “I’m sorry, I should’ve asked first.” Gabe ran his finger down her cheek before dropping his hand. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while.”

  “I—” Melanie licked he
r lips and swallowed, grappling for words. “I don’t want to complicate matters.”

  She drew a breath as he studied her, searching for something she hoped she had the right answer for.

  As if coming to a decision, he offered her a gentle smile. “I promise not to tell.”

  He stepped to the side and allowed her to continue down the trail. Her mind revved at a billion rpm. They only had a few more days to spend here in paradise. She had to go back to her real world. One without cowboys. And barbecues. And pregnant young ladies loved and encouraged by the entire town.

  She’d only been here a couple weeks. How could she become so attached? Melanie stole a glance and found him staring at her. Her face warmed and she couldn’t keep from smiling.

  “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time, too.”

  His dimple deepened and he looked ahead. “I’m glad.”

  They crossed the parking area without saying a word. Gabe opened the gate and she darted into the yard. Voices filtered out of the kitchen door.

  “Well, it’s about time you got down here.” Grace set a couple of bowls on the table. “We’re baking pies this morning.”

  Gabe leaned against the doorjamb, his casual stance igniting every nerve in her body. Melanie knew if she remained by his side she’d most likely disgrace herself and her family by saying something stupid. Or worse.

  Baskets of berries sat on the counter. She angled around the table and peered into the fruit. “Pies sound great.”

  Grace set down a flour canister and measuring cups as Melanie grabbed a seat at the table. She ventured a look at Gabe. His grin made her face heat.

  “Going to town sometime today, Gabriel?” Grace pulled out a chair for herself and sat down.

  “Hmm.” Gabe pushed away from the wall. “Make sure you make a pie for tastin’, too.”

  Grace nodded. “Of course. Now get going and bring back the supplies.”

  Gabe tipped his hat and added a long, slow stare for Melanie.

  She thought she would melt.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Honestly, that boy is a smart one when it comes to ranching, but he gets a little thick when he’s preoccupied.”

  Melanie grabbed one of the mugs of coffee on the table and took a drink. “The barbecue is only a week away and he’s still receiving cattle and bulls for the auction. I guess he has reason.”

  The older woman lifted her gray eyes and held Melanie’s gaze with gentleness and understanding. “The good Lord knew what He was doing when He sent you to us. I just want to return the favor and help you however we can.”

  “I’m not looking for anything in return.” Melanie picked a berry out of the bowl. “I’m planning Gabe’s party and he’s fixing my truck. Your hospitality already goes far beyond anything I’ve dreamed.”

  She nibbled at the edges before popping the treat in her mouth. “I haven’t ridden a horse in years, Grace. Sure feels good to know I still can sit a saddle. Jason’s been having the time of his life up here. It’s going to be hard going back home after the great few weeks he’s had being a cowboy.”

  “Well, give him a whole summer of fun then. You don’t have to rush back for anything, do you?”

  “Only back to my sole means of support until I can find a job that appreciates the intricacies of mothering. I’m not going to stop looking. If I found this last one, I know there are others.”

  “What about sending Jason to spend time with your parents? Kids grow up fast. Be a shame if they miss everything.”

  “Grace, I appreciate your interest, but really, this isn’t a good idea.”

  “Could you be any worse off if you tried?”

  A lump lodged in Melanie’s throat. She didn’t want to talk about this… She looked away and shook her head.

  The chair slid across the wooden floor and Grace stepped up beside her, resting her hand on Melanie’s shoulder. “We parents, we do all we can. God repairs our mistakes if we let Him.”

  Grace gave a quick squeeze before moving to the counter, gathering bowls. “Time to make those pies or we won’t have anything to show for our morning.”

  Melanie stood at the door looking into the sunshine, yet seeing only memories play through her mind. A family restored. She hadn’t thought of that possibility in years. Now she feared that would be the only thing she’d think about.

  “What color? Tan or black?” Jason poked at the display of hats on the rack.

  “A man doesn’t buy a hat because of the color. He has to try it on, shake it around, see if it fits his personality.”

  “I like your hat and it’s black.”

  “If I thought plaid suited my style, I’d be wearing plaid.”

  Jason giggled. “And a skirt and that bagpipe thing to go with it?”

  Gabe grinned. “Maybe.” He reached for a tan hat that looked like it would fit Jason. “Here, let’s have a look at you.”

  Jason studied himself in the trifold mirror. Hamming it up, he struck pose after pose. “Whadya think?”

  “I think that second stack of pancakes overstoked your fires.”

  “They were good.” Jason patted his belly as he shuffled back and forth.

  Nothing like a full gullet. Gabe removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair. “Glad you’re having a good time. Your mom was worried that you wouldn’t.”

  “Mom always worries.” He tipped the hat and tried to look at himself sideways in the mirror. “I’m glad we broke our truck here. Mom’s having a good time, too.”

  “Is she? How can you tell?”

  “She’s sleeping at night.”

  Gabe perked at the comment as he settled his hat back in place. “She doesn’t sleep at home?”

  Jason shook his head. “She gets up and walks around the house. Sometimes I peek out my door and see her out on our porch, just sitting.” He walked over to the rack and chose a darker tan hat.

  “Maybe she has work on her mind.”

  Jason scrunched up his face. “I hate her job. I’m glad she’s looking for another one.”

  Did Melanie feel the same? His heart picked up a beat. “Why?”

  “All she does is work. Lots of times she doesn’t even make it home for dinner. Our neighbor Mrs. Wilmer is okay, but all I do at her house is watch TV.” He tipped the brim down and tilted his jaw in Clint Eastwood fashion.

  Guilt washed over him. “I’m sorry I’ve asked your mom to work for me, too.”

  “That’s different. It’s fun putting the picnic together. She even likes helping at the hardware store.” Jason looked up and tipped the hat back. “I don’t know why she didn’t look for a different job before. Work just makes her sad.”

  Anticipating an answer he didn’t want to hear, Gabe swallowed with effort. “Maybe your mom is seeing someone special?”

  “Mom doesn’t date. She’s just funny that way.” Jason scooted over, lifted a black hat off the rack and adjusted it on his head. He tipped his chin this way and that. Pulling the brim low on his brow, he thumped it back until a good measure of his forehead shown. “What do you think about this one?”

  Relief a mile wide slid off his shoulders. Gabe inspected the finished product. “Looks good. How about you?”

  Jason tugged at it again. “I like it.”

  “Sold. Now, we need boots.”

  They repeated the same drill with the boots. As Jason stomped around the wooden floor trying on pair after pair, Gabe stood by the rack. What made Melanie Hunter such a puzzle? A young, beautiful woman, quirky sense of humor, dedicated mother, smart as a whip.

  Unsettled, unpredictable, unattached.

  His stomach tightened and his vision grew fuzzy as he remembered the kiss they’d shared. Unattached.

  “Gabe, what do you think about these?”

  Jason’s voice bounced through his thick brain. “How do they feel?”

  “I’ll need to break them in.”

  Jason stood in front of the mirror, doing a funky step to see his boots from ever
y angle. Gabe chuckled at the satisfaction he saw on the boy’s face. The mountains agreed with Jason. Running around with Fletcher and riding horses, fishing in the stream and riding a four-wheeler. The kid was having a great time.

  Unfortunately, so was Gabe.

  He had invoices and reports waiting for him back at the office, not to mention the welding on the gate before the auction. The last thing he needed was to daydream about Melanie.

  Melanie filled his thoughts all day long.

  Fletcher burst into a barking frenzy as Grace lifted a pie from the oven and placed it on the cooling rack. “It’s just Gabe come home.”

  Melanie scrubbed at red berry stains on her fingernails. Her heart flipped at the casual way Grace talked about her son. When had seeing Gabe become more than commonplace for her?

  Way before he’d kissed her.

  She flicked the water off her skin and examined her nails. Still pink. Oh well, it showed she’d been working. She grabbed the dish towel and wiped up around the sink.

  She sniffed the air. “Nothing like home baking.” She wiped her palms before taking the last pie to the oven for baking. They’d rolled, cut, shaped, filled and baked ten pies that morning. And they still had a bowl of berries left over just for snacking.

  One pie sat on the cleaned kitchen table. Her pie. Waiting for everyone to taste.

  Please Lord, let Gabe like raspberry.

  Footsteps pounded up the yard walk. Jason exploded into the kitchen sporting hat, boots and belt. He paraded into the room, his chin held high. “Mom, look what Gabe got for me.”

  Flicking the brim back and then reseating the hat back onto his head, Jason scrunched up his face in a comical frown, much like the one Martin wore when frustrated. He didn’t hold it long before a grin spread from ear to ear. “And look, boots!” He twisted his foot one way then another, making sure he showed his prize off in the best possible light.

  Melanie examined him, stirring her finger in the air for him to turn around. “You look terrific, big guy.”

  “Wait, that’s not all.” Jason ran to the door just as Gabe and another boy entered. “Look what we got.” He peeled off his hat. Gabe did the same.