Rocky Mountain Hero

by Audra Harders

  “Haircuts?” She gaped at the miracle and stared at Gabe. “How did you talk him into it?”

  “I didn’t have a thing to do with it. I needed the haircut, so we went to the barbershop. Ted let Bud climb on the chair and pumped him up to mirror height. No one talked him into it. He asked for a cut, too. We got shaved and everything.”

  She sniffed the air again. Same scent as Gabe’s, only the aftershave clung to Jason in a thick cloud. “Lather, too?”

  “Ted Deacon does the best job in town when he’s not distracted.” Grace tapped Jason on the shoulder. “Glad you came home with your ears, young man.”

  “Uh-huh. Mr. Deacon has this strap thing attached to the chair. He wiped the razor on it to make it sharp. But look, neither of us got cut.”

  “My dad cuts everyone’s hair.” Wyatt Deacon took off his own hat and modeled his cut. Melanie had seen him at church and at the swing pit. All the boys had welcomed Jason into the fold.

  Her gaze locked with Gabe’s. The rough planes of his jaw were shaved smooth. Her fingers itched to touch his skin, his hair, everything. “Ted did a good job.”

  His dimple deepened as his cheeks colored. “Been doing it this way for years.”

  He settled his hat back in place just as Melanie felt her willpower slip. The dark curls that had fringed his hat before now teased the top of his collar. She looked from man to boy, and smiled.

  Jason wore a black hat and light brown boots. Just like Gabe.

  Jason eyed the table. “Pies?”

  Grace grabbed a hand towel and shook it. “These pies are for Saturday. No chowing before then.”

  “At all?” Wyatt walked his fingers dangerously close to the end pie.

  “Well, maybe in an hour we’ll have one pie here ready for tastin’.” Both boys ducked as Grace shooed them away. “Now, go play while they cool.”

  They shot out of the kitchen without being told twice. Gabe rubbed his hand over his face as if the smooth texture was foreign. “Wasted enough time this morning. Time to start hauling things around. Tell me what you need done next.”

  “There’s a big ol’ tractor sitting where the barbecue smoker is going to sit.” Melanie pointed to the bare spot of ground not too far from the tree line. “Think you can move that monster and set up the grills?”

  “I suppose so.” Gabe rolled his words in a lazy answer.

  “Great.” She leaned her hip against the door. “I have to make sure this picnic goes smoothly.”

  “I have no doubts about that.” Circling the table in a slow stalk, he stuck his hand out to break off a little of the crust. “Umm, raspberry?”

  The towel snapped clean, right on his wrist. Gabe jerked back and frowned.

  “No tasting for an hour.” Grace wrapped the towel up for another flick. “Understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He rubbed his skin and walked back to the door. “So, Melanie. Want to see the world from the top of a John Deere? You can drive.”

  “You’ve seen me drive and you’re still offering?” She squeezed through the doorway that Gabe casually filled. Her skin tingled as she brushed his solid chest. “Denting the grill of my pickup cost me a couple weeks of indentured work. What’s it going to cost me when I wreck something as tall as a skyscraper?”

  “Not a problem.” His breath tickled her ear as she passed. “The Deere’s got autopilot.”

  Melanie didn’t know if he was joking or not, but she grinned anyway. “Good, because I left my driver’s license in the cabin.”

  They headed for the tall green-and-yellow piece of farm equipment holding court over a pen of machinery underlings. Tractors, mowers, trailers and other assorted pieces stood in rows, soaking up the summer sun. How did ranchers keep track of what to use for what? She stepped up beside the wheel of the beast, the rim of the tire inches above her head.

  Gabe stood beside her. “Climb up the ladder and slide into the cab.”

  Hiking her foot to get in the first rung, Melanie scrambled up the ladder, Gabe right behind her. She opened the door and dragged herself into the cab. Gabe swung in beside her.

  Since the tractor offered only one seat, Melanie pressed against Gabe for balance, her foot wedged against the cab wall. Muscles in his forearm worked as he slammed the door shut. The powerful engine rumbled beneath her feet.

  “Look at this view.” Gabe leaned back in the seat. With a finger he pointed out over the pasture, trees and peaks. “How can anyone say God didn’t have a hand in this?”

  Sunshine poured in through the glass cab. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Glad you like it.” He shifted to give her more room, draping an arm across the back of the seat. “You ready?”

  Melanie bit her lip, hoping her grin didn’t make her look a fool. “Full speed ahead.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Driving the Deere came as natural as casting a fishing line. Gabe steered around a boulder, making note to come back and remove it from the field. “The Fourth of July is usually a weekend of reunions, but I doubt if Nick or Zac will make it to the auction. Too bad—the folks would really like to see both of them.”

  “Your brothers?”

  Not a topic he generally wanted to pursue, but at her spark of interest, he’d give anything to have that gentle voice continue to wrap around him. “Let’s see, it’s almost July, so Nick is in the thick of rodeo season. He’ll be a contender in the NFR again this year.”

  “NFR?”

  “National Finals Rodeo. The biggest rodeo event of the year. Nick’s qualified the last two years. Plans on winning overall this year.”

  She settled deeper in the seat and leaned closer. The lemon scent of her shampoo surrounded him. He could drive the tractor all day.

  “And your other brother?”

  “Zac loves life in the city.” Gabe shifted gears. “Never knew anyone as anxious to leave Hawk Ridge as my little brother, Isaac. Actually, he’s not so little. He’s the same age as Jennifer, two years younger than me. They went to school together. Jennifer did everything she could to make him notice her, but Zac had no intentions of being saddled in a nothing little town.” He didn’t want to mention Jennifer wore braids and oversized work shirts as a teen. Zac ran after girls in snug jeans and big hair. “Zac runs the operation from Denver.”

  “I thought you ran the ranch.”

  “I run the ranch, but Zac’s our front guy. Keeps his finger on the trends of ranching.” Gabe shook his head, always marveling at how Zac juggled all the assets. “I tell him where we’re going. He tells me how to get there. Works pretty well.”

  “Is he married?”

  Gabe shook his head. “Single and lovin’ the life. Mom hates it. She hates Nick staying away, too. But too many memories here on the ranch keep him from coming home.”

  “Aren’t too many rodeos around here anyway, right?”

  “He only started riding bulls again after his wife died.”

  She looked up at him. “I heard. I’m so sorry.”

  Sunlight filtered through the windshield bathing her smooth cheek. She tilted her head to listen to him, a faint line forming between her brows.

  Just keep talking, Davidson.

  “Since she died, he avoids the Circle D like the plague. His sending back cattle for the auction is the only connection we have with him anymore. The separation is killing Mom. She thinks it’s her fault. But it’s not. Nick’s just bitter over the hand life dealt him. Dad keeps his nose out of Nick’s life, and Mom prays the good Lord keeps her eldest safe until she can make amends.”

  Gabe let the tractor choose its course as they swept a wide circle in the field. She sat up straighter and studied the valley pasture.

  “How in the world can anyone not love it up here? It’s beautiful, it’s warm, it’s quiet. I never thought I’d say it, but I’m going to have a hard time leaving.” Her long lashes lowered as she squinted against the sun. A smile tugged at her mouth. “And I was the one who didn’t want to stay.”

 
; I didn’t want you to, either. “Hawk Ridge isn’t for everyone.”

  She tilted her chin and searched his face. “Is Hawk Ridge for you?”

  He looked over the fields, trees and mountains. He’d die if he ever had to leave. This was where he was born; this was where he wanted to live out his days. “Me? I’m just too lazy to ever leave home.”

  “Lazy? Are you kidding me? You’re the hardest-working man I’ve ever met. And the most patient. You always make time for Jason.” She stopped her tirade and took a deep breath. “None of my friends take time for Jason except when he’s with me. I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve appreciated the attention he’s gotten from you and Hank and everyone up here.”

  Her lips moved and all Gabe could think about was kissing her. Again. He’d been thinking about it nonstop. Sunshine heated the air, filling his senses with her silky-soft hair. Her cheek just inches from his, he leaned closer until their shoulders touched. He guided the tractor into place along the fence line and let it idle. He reached out and rubbed her cheek.

  He angled her chin up and studied her perfect profile. Beautiful, creamy skin. Finely shaped brows and a straight nose.

  Her breath stilled. He moved closer until his lips brushed hers. “May I kiss you?”

  Sunlight sparkled in her eyes. “You remembered to ask.”

  He brushed his lips over hers, the sweet softness enough to test his restraint to the limit. As she pressed closer and sighed, her lashes fluttered closed. He kissed her with all the tenderness in his heart. Her sigh told him he’d accomplished his mission. She pulled back.

  His heart rate accelerated. What happened? He studied her rosy cheek as she looked out the window, her lips pressed together. “Melanie?”

  A smile played on her lips—a smile creating a beckoning light in her eyes.

  “Umm. Thank you.” She motioned toward the door. “I think I better go check on those pies.”

  Sammy’s Burger Hut is hiring. I’ve waitressed before. Melanie strolled down the path with her nose in the sweet, warm air. Insects buzzed around, and layers of pine needles cushioned her steps. This was what she needed. More sunshine and less stuffy office.

  A root caught her toe and she stumbled, knocking her out of her daydream. Get real. She considered supporting herself and Jason solely on a small-town waitress job? Melanie didn’t need a new office. She needed a few hours of sleep. Since the time Gabe had kissed her, she hadn’t been able to think of anything else. She needed a change, but she needed to make that decision with a clear head. She was just worn out.

  She came to the bottom of the path and turned toward the ranch house. Fletcher ran across the yard, Jason on his heels. Gabe poked out the kitchen door, throwing a football toward Jason. Jason missed by a long shot, but Fletcher had his back and retrieved the ball, careful to keep it away from both Gabe and Jason. Gabe’s full-bodied laughter rang through the air.

  Butterflies wearing spurs took flight in Melanie’s stomach.

  His sleeves rolled to the elbows, Gabe swooped on the dog. Fletcher dodged the hit. Jason circled wide, running to cut off any escape. Gabe scrambled up the center. Fletcher weighed his options. Jason closed in; Gabe swung around.

  Fletcher swiveled around and jumped the fence behind him to victory.

  Gabe bent over to catch his breath.

  Weary though she was, Melanie couldn’t deny the scene before her pulled at her heart. She’d spent the entire night playing Gabe’s kiss over in her mind. Each time she melted against him.

  Heart pounding, she drank in every detail of the man playing with her son. Even in work clothes, Gabe looked better than any man she’d ever met in the office. She doubted he was even aware of how attractive he was. And playing football with a dog and child? Melanie couldn’t think of anything sweeter.

  Tears spilled over and down her cheeks before she knew what was happening. When she hiccupped for air, she knew there was no stopping the waterworks.

  She pivoted on the spot and marched into the thick of pines.

  The river where they’d spent the afternoon that first Sunday gurgled in the distance. Pine needles crunched beneath her feet as flies buzzed around her head and the occasional gnat dived into her lip balm. Pushing aside the last bough, she sidestepped down to the bank.

  The water appeared lower than the last time she’d been there. Rapids formed between the rocks out in the middle of the river, leaving calm ponds along the edges. She tore off her shoes and socks and stuck her feet off the edge of the bank, the cold water splashing between her toes. She closed her eyes and listened to the rush of the current. Lord, I’ve been away too long. Please forgive me. What am I supposed to do?

  Tipping her face to the sun, she relaxed beneath the warm rays. A soft breeze played with her hair. A light spray of water moistened her face.

  What do I do, Lord?

  “Quiet and peaceful, isn’t it?”

  Melanie jumped at the unexpected voice. Her eyelids popped open as she caught her balance. “What are you doing here?”

  Gabe stood about ten feet away, his arms folded across his chest. “Remember our last conversation about not going anywhere by yourself?”

  “I’ve been here before. I thought you couldn’t go off into uncharted territory.”

  “If I hadn’t followed you, we wouldn’t have known you knew where you were.”

  He kept a straight face. Her shoulders tensed as he continued to stare at her. She hadn’t meant to worry anyone.

  The familiar dimple appeared. “Have to keep an eye out all the time.”

  She relaxed. I’ll bet you do. She turned back to the river. “I just needed time to think. To be alone.”

  “Fine.”

  She heard gravel crunch behind her, then listened as he found a seat. She frowned. What part of wanting to be alone didn’t he understand? “I came here for quiet.”

  “You won’t even know I’m here.”

  She closed her eyes again. Lord, how can I pray with him here? I’d like to talk, just You and me. The echo of rushing water filled her ears. The breeze continued to flutter her hair across her face.

  In the gentle spray of river mist, she didn’t think one tear-drop would appear too obvious. Maybe one tear from each eye. Why now? She’d had life all figured out. It wasn’t a bad life, was it? Why was normal slipping through her fingers?

  Two tears became a torrent. Gentle hands cupped her shoulders and turned her away from the river to a solid chest that smelled like summer sun. His solid support melted her resolve.

  “They don’t even know he exists,” she hiccupped between sobs. “My parents have a grandson they don’t even know about.”

  He rubbed her back, making her sobs come harder. He shouldn’t be nice to her. He wasn’t going to be so nice when she told him the whole story. Her arms encircled his waist.

  “My folks wanted me to put him up for adoption. The inconvenience, the gossip, was all they’d worried about.” The fights and accusations still rang through her head.

  “Paul wanted me to get rid of him. When I said no, he dumped me. Just like that. Poof.” She squeezed Gabe tighter, the memory of the nastiness making her sick. “He never claimed Jason—swore he’d prove me lying if I ever tried to come after him.” She came up for air. “My best friend started dating him.” The humiliation and agony of that betrayal hurt her more than any heartache from Paul.

  She smacked her forehead into Gabe’s chest. She gave him credit. He hung in there for the whole, unvarnished truth. She’d expected him to run long ago. “I want Jason to have what he’s found here—a home, family, love. Instead, all he has is me.”

  His arms tightened around her. She pressed her ear into his chest, absorbing his strength. “Why can’t I be more like you? So strong, so patient, so…so confident. Gabe, I’m too scared to go back and make things right. I’m so weak.”

  “Shhh. There’s nothing to be scared of.” His voice rumbled along with his strong, steady heartbeat. “Don’t bear
such needless pain.”

  Needless pain? She deserved every ounce of burden on her heart.

  “Dear Heavenly Father.” His chin rested atop her head. “So much hurt and pain remain buried deep, waiting for Your love and mercy to wash it away.”

  Praying? He prayed for…her? A muscle twitched in her arm as she held on tighter.

  “Dear Lord, only You see the cause, only You know the reason. Fill Your children with the realization of the salvation You bought for us with Your blood, ours for the taking if we just trust You.”

  Fire ignited in the pit of her belly where only moments earlier a ball of ice sat. Her hands slid down along his warm, solid forearms. She squeezed his hands.

  “Fill Melanie with Your peace and fill her with Your understanding. You are bigger than any trouble on this earth. Have mercy, oh Jesus.”

  “Mercy,” she whispered. Standing beside rushing waters, her soul cried for cleansing. As her confession of sin, fear, doubts and everything else silently poured out of her, light and relief filled in. After crying her eyes out earlier, she didn’t think she had any tears left, but she did.

  So much hurt and suffering she’d borne alone. Anger rose in him as he tightened his arms around her. He’d ask forgiveness for judging later as a deeply buried vocabulary exploded in his head toward the man who’d earned her love and trust and then cruelly crushed it into the ground.

  Fierce protectiveness shot through his veins. Melanie had dealt with difficult situations and made hard choices all by herself. Decisions she should never have faced in the first place.

  Gabe held on as Melanie mumbled words, interrupted by sobs, hiccups and sniffs. Years of hurt and pain flowed out. He hadn’t known if he was doing the right thing by following her. He just didn’t want her getting lost.

  He rubbed his cheek in her soft hair. Her impression of his life was a lie. He should probably tell her, but why be selfish for the sake of unloading his conscience? He wasn’t strong. He wasn’t independent. He just did what needed to be done.