Rocky Mountain Hero

by Audra Harders

He’d never had the desire to leave, to make his own mark in the world. He still looked to his father for advice, for direction. Her weak? She was the strongest person he’d ever met.

  In his world, everyone else did the leaving. He picked up the pieces and held things together best he could. He was no hero. But for now, he’d let her cry on his shoulder and look at him like he was a knight in shining armor.

  At the end of the week, she’d be leaving him, too.

  She stared at her cell phone.

  Snap it open, punch in the numbers, hit Send.

  Melanie reached for her glass of lemonade and took a long drink. With stiff fingers, she opened the phone and entered the numbers. She brought the glass to her lips again.

  Her thumb rubbed the Send button.

  One more drink.

  Send.

  The ring came through, indicating the connection made. A lump stuck in her throat. Lord, what am I going to say?

  Three rings. Four rings. Five—

  “Hello?”

  “Dad?” The name flew out of her mouth. “It’s me.”

  Silence thickened like Grace’s gravy. “Melanie? Are you all right?”

  Her shoulders grew stiff all the way up her neck at his fearful tone. “I’m fine, Daddy. How are you?”

  An audible sigh shuddered across the connection. “Fine. Mother’s Day was a few Sundays ago. We tried to call you.”

  Mother’s Day? How could she have forgotten? “Sorry, Dad. I’ve been gone the last few weeks. Guess I lost track of time.” What an understatement. “And you?”

  “Things just don’t change around here. I’ve been golfing and your mom’s been busy with foundation work. She’s in the middle of planning a big fundraiser. Been keeping her busy. Wait a second. Ester, come here!” A muffled conversation sounded through the covered mouthpiece. “Talk.”

  “Hello?” Her mother’s puzzled voice came on the line.

  “Hi, Mom. It’s me.”

  “Melanie! Are you hurt? Are you in trouble? Do you need anything?” She stopped and caught her breath. “Mother’s Day was a few weeks ago.”

  Comic relief of sorts loosened her back muscles. Mom hadn’t changed. “I’m really sorry about missing it, and no, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to hear your voices.”

  Her mother’s silent reaction lengthened about as much as her father’s had. “You do? I don’t know what to say.”

  It felt good to slip into the familiar. “Um, I was wondering. I’m finishing up a project in a couple of days and was wondering if we could come by the house. I want to introduce you to someone.”

  “We?” Her squeal practically jumped across the airwaves. “Melanie! You’re bringing home a boyfriend?”

  She winced. “Not exactly.”

  “Oh.”

  Her heart fell. Nothing had changed, absolutely nothing. She drew a deep breath. “Mom, I’d like you to meet your grandson.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Gabe stared at the double-blank domino he’d just drawn. That’s fifty points I’ll be stuck with if Jason goes out. The competitive nature he normally reserved for four-wheeling and mud driving reared its ugly head. The kid tweaked his luck in this game of Mexican Train.

  “I only have one more, Gabe.” Jason tapped his last piece on the tabletop.

  “Well, you win some, you lose some, I guess.” Gabe dropped his double-blank right on top of Jason’s single. He shrugged. “Sorry, I can’t cap it.”

  Jason’s jaw dropped. “Hey, you planned that.”

  “I didn’t know what numbers I’d pull, sport. That’s why they call it a game.”

  A knock sounded at the door as Gabe reached for another tile. Still couldn’t cap the blank. “Come in.”

  Melanie stepped in. She looked worn out, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. She searched the room. “Are you guys the only ones here?”

  Jason leaned over and took a tile from a spot close to Gabe’s elbow. “I was just beating Gabe at dominoes.”

  “The young man counts chickens before they hatch.” Gabe studied her. “You okay?”

  She gave a slow nod. “Jason? After the barbecue is over, how about we drive to Denver on Sunday and visit with your grandparents?”

  The domino dropped from between his fingers, hitting the oak table with a loud click. “What?”

  “Your grandparents. My mom and dad.”

  Grace walked into the kitchen with her empty glass. She lifted her brow at Melanie, never missing a step to the sink. “Now that sounds nice. Where do they live?”

  “South Denver. I grew up in Ken-Caryl Ranch. They never moved.”

  “Hmm.” Grace placed her glass in the sink.

  “Your mom and dad? My grammy and grandpa?” Jason lost all interest in the game. “I have grandparents?”

  The escalading emotions made Gabe uneasy. After the meltdown of yesterday, he certainly didn’t think Melanie’s life needed scrutiny now. “Hey, Bud. You won three games out of five. That calls for a celebration. How about we run down to the ice cream shop and get double scoops?”

  “Sure!” He hopped off his chair. “I want both of them chocolate.”

  “Melanie, want to come?”

  Running her finger along the edge of the table, she didn’t meet his gaze. “Why not?”

  Gabe grabbed his hat and keys, and herded them toward a black extended-cab pickup around the side of the office. Opening the passenger door, Jason scrambled in, followed by Melanie. Gabe whistled as he rounded the hood, got in on his side and revved the engine. Since he always drove the ranch vehicles, she’d never ridden in his truck before. It was about time.

  Country music filtered in through the speakers. Jason jabbered about all the possibilities surrounding his now having grandparents. Melanie sat quietly, giving her son plenty of “uh-hums” in all the right places. Something about the call hadn’t gone well. He’d give her time and let her talk when she wanted to talk. He just prayed it wouldn’t be an explosion of tears like yesterday.

  The starry night surrounded them. He loved these summer nights where the moon shone so brightly you could drive into town without your lights on. Almost. He ambled along the country road, conscious of the deer and elk that might stray into his path.

  They got to downtown Hawk Ridge in ten minutes. He parked a block away from the ice cream shop and they all piled out. Jason ran ahead, leaving the two adults in the dust.

  “Perfect night for a treat.” Gabe strolled along, letting her set the pace. He wasn’t in a hurry. “Jason should learn to celebrate all his successes.”

  “That’s never been a problem for him.” She looked up with a faint smile. “It’s discerning the ones worth celebrating.”

  Their shoulders bumped. Her smooth arm brushed his. He hooked her little finger with his. She curled into his hand and buried her knuckles in his palm. “It’s a good night for you to celebrate, too. The barbecue and auction. They’re coming together great. You should be proud.”

  She smiled up at him, a sad longing in her eyes. “Time has really flown.”

  Inside the ice cream shop they found Jason perched on one of the stools, pointing to the kind of cone he wanted. Ed kidded him about the size of the waffle cone, but Jason assured him he wouldn’t have a problem finishing it.

  Gabe ordered two strawberry cones and urged Melanie outside to the tables set up in front of the shop. Traffic was light on Main Street. People usually did what he had done, parked a block away and enjoyed the stroll around town.

  Melanie purred as she took a big bite of her ice cream, pulling out a huge chunk of strawberry with her teeth. “No ice cream I’ve ever had beats this. Glad we’re celebrating.” She stared at him over her cone and gave him a real smile.

  His heartbeat danced even as a blanket of dread covered him. In a short two weeks, he’d gone from his orderly, in-control life to jumping each time he heard her voice and forever checking around to catch a glimpse of her.

  Saturday afternoon was the barbecu
e.

  Saturday night she’d get her truck back.

  Sunday she’d drive out of their lives.

  What was life like before she’d barged in? He couldn’t remember, but he had a feeling it was going to be mighty lonely after she left. The same old life stretched before him into eternity. Suddenly, work lost all appeal.

  “So you talked to your folks?”

  She nodded, keeping her eyes on the ice cream. “It’s time. They need to know the truth. They may never forgive me, but they should have a chance to meet Jason.”

  “Are you okay with this?”

  “I guess we’ll find out. I just don’t want Jason getting hurt.”

  His gut wrenched at the thought of either of them getting hurt.

  “Hey, you guys!” Jennifer waved from across the street. “I want to show you something.”

  Melanie looked at him like he was the only friend she had on earth before waving to Jen. “She’s really sweet, Gabe. You’ve got great friends.”

  Yeah, great friends.

  “How’s the hardware store treating you?” Jennifer dragged a chair to the table. “Mr. Leon told my dad the lawn and garden business has never been better. Guess folks in town like talking to someone who has the right answers about their grass and plants.”

  “I’ve only filled in a few days. I like talking plague and pestilence when I know how to fix problems.” Melanie took another bite of her cone and then held it out. “Want a bite?”

  Jennifer shook her head. Her eyes lit up as she scooted closer. “Guess what? I took your advice about following my dreams.” She placed a brown envelope on the table. “Dad has his doubts about this, but I don’t. I’m accepting enrollment in the University of Colorado in Denver for their advanced nursing program. I’m going to earn a master’s degree!”

  “Nursing school? In Denver? I thought you wanted to try something like a new job here in town.” Melanie sat with her eyes wide and mouth open. “I didn’t know you wanted to leave.”

  “Not forever, but if I don’t do this now, I’ll never have the opportunity again. I’d applied last year and received acceptance for the fall term. I prayed about what road to take and I think God answered my prayer the day we were working on the barbecue arrangements. He sent you to help me make my decision.”

  As Jen gave Melanie a hug, Gabe felt the earth fall out from under his feet. Jennifer leaving? He thought she’d be here forever. Like Ed Bergin, and Ted Deacon. Mom and Dad and Hank.

  Him.

  “Isn’t this great, Gabe?” Jen pulled away from Melanie. “I’m going to the same medical school as my dad!”

  “Great.” He managed to move his cone before she engulfed him in a hug.

  “I’ve wanted this for so long. I can’t believe it’s coming true.” She grabbed the envelope. “I’ve got to get home. Early morning in the clinic tomorrow. I better get used to it.” With a smile as bright as the streetlight overhead, she waved and took off toward her car.

  “Wow.” Melanie caught strawberry ice cream as it rolled down her cone. “I thought all we’d talked about was my finding a new job. I didn’t see that one coming.”

  Neither did he. Jennifer following her dreams? Was that what Nick and Zac had done?

  Didn’t he have any dreams? Why didn’t he leave Hawk Ridge like everyone else? He’d spent four years going to school at Western State in Gunnison, a drive of only two hours away. At times, even that seemed too far when the snow blew and he knew his dad needed help feeding. So many animals to care for, so much work to do.

  He loved every moment of it.

  “Whatcha thinking about?” Her cone wavered in front of her chin as she plucked another berry from the ice cream with her teeth.

  The gold flecks in her blue eyes danced as she swooped down for another bite and a trail of ice cream dripped down her chin. Her laugh ignited his soul, sparking the realization he’d never met anyone like Melanie, and chances were he never would again. He reached across the table and dabbed her chin with his napkin, her hand coming up to cover his as he swiped at her cheek. He froze, the warmth of her skin on his leaving an indelible mark on his brain.

  He didn’t want her to leave. “Nothing stays the same, does it?”

  “If it did, I never would have met you.” Her soft voice knocked him off-kilter like a twelve-gauge load ripping apart a clay pigeon. She’d taken a leap of faith to follow her dream, and he was just a stop on her journey to a new and better life. Especially now with her parents back in the picture. Her life was coming together.

  All he had was a cattle operation with more chores than hours in a day. She deserved so much more. And he prayed she’d find it.

  Drawing back his hand, he tapped his cone to hers. “Here’s to life’s changes.”

  She tapped back. “May they always be for our own good.”

  As Melanie licked at a drip of ice cream, Gabe looked at his melting cone, suddenly losing his appetite.

  Thursday dawned dark and drizzly. Though the mountains needed the moisture, this wasn’t the kind of weather invited to the party. Melanie swept the office floor just as the coffee-maker hissed its completion. Her finishing touches included a vase of wildflowers on the desk and a tray of cookies beside the coffee cups. She wouldn’t claim cleaning at home was a pleasure, but straightening out Gabe’s office had been fun.

  She grabbed a couple of mugs and a thermos from the cabinet and headed out to the corrals. Gabe had left during breakfast to unload the last of the cattle for auction. He hadn’t had time to finish his coffee.

  Holding her jacket together with one hand and the thermos and cups in the other, she picked her way across the muddy drive then wiped her boots on the grass edging at the front of the corrals. The truck and trailer stood empty. Following the fence, she ducked into the dark interior of the black barn.

  RJ stood on the rails of the fence calling out instructions to the driver, who waved his arms at the animals to make sure they didn’t retreat. Gabe stood in one pen encouraging the angry bovine to enter the other; the rain and mud weren’t helping their cause.

  Melanie set the cups and thermos down on a bale and stepped closer to the rail where Hank stood. Gabe danced in the corral, anticipating every move until the first animal snorted and ran into the pen. Finally the others made it in the correct pens. The men stood back and applauded.

  “That’s the last of ’em, Gabe.” RJ stepped off the rail. “Nick really came through.”

  “He sure did. Sorry he won’t be at the auction for the folks around here to tell him how much they appreciate everything.” Gabe climbed over the panel. “Wouldn’t hurt for Nick to hear it for himself.”

  “He will someday.” Hank swiped mud from his jeans. “He will.”

  Melanie uncapped the thermos and filled the cups. She wished she had more time to get to know the people of Hawk Ridge. What was Nick like? Or Zac? Some questions were probably better left unanswered. It was bad enough they were leaving the folks of the Circle D. If she’d had more time to get to know the town, she’d be in big trouble.

  “Hi guys.” She waved. “Since you didn’t finish your coffee inside, I thought I’d bring it out to you.”

  “Thoughtfulness is your middle name, Melanie Hunter.” Hank accepted the first mug. “I appreciate it.”

  RJ ambled up, his wet hat in his hand. He nodded and reached for his cup. “Thanks. Gotta warm a guy up on a day like this.”

  “You’re welcome.” She reached for another cup. Angling around, she handed Gabe a mug.

  “Thanks. That’s the last load.” He rewarded her with a smile that sent the gloomy feeling of the day out the stall door. “Now to number them off and we’re all set.”

  Hank lifted his mug in the direction of the house. “I’m raiding the kitchen for a cinnamon roll to push down this coffee.”

  “If I go in there, I won’t come back out.” Gabe kept his attention on her. “We’ve got bulls and cattle to auction off…”

  She listened to h
im talk with only half an ear. Standing there a dripping, muddy mess, she’d never seen anyone finer than Gabe Davidson. She’d fallen in love with the last person she ever wanted to even like. For his strength and steadfastness. For his love of God, the mountains and his affection for her son. For his patience and humor with her.

  She’d resisted acknowledging her feelings. The relationship would never work. A man as vibrant and strong as Gabe Davidson didn’t belong in the city, and she didn’t know the first thing about ranching to be helpful here. No one would win.

  “…And that will probably end our day until the loading starts. That’s another issue. I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

  Hank scooted through the door. “C’mon, RJ. Hot biscuits and honey to go with the cinnamon rolls. Don’t mind the sugar rush when it’s fresh out of the oven.” The men left, discussing the merits of honey vs. molasses on a hot biscuit.

  The barn fell silent except for the gentle snorts of tired animals. Rain pattered in the mud puddles and tinged off the metal roof of the shed outside. Melanie swiped the hair out of her eyes. She couldn’t think of any place she’d rather be than right here. “This has been such an experience for all of us. Thanks for roping me into it, Gabe.”

  His gaze softened and he tipped his hat back. “The pleasure was all mine.”

  She stepped up beside him, her knuckles grazing his Carhartt jacket. “I’m going to miss all of this.”

  He leaned closer. “All of it?”

  His breath tickled her ear. “All of it.”

  His lips brushed hers. All the fantasies she’d ever had rolled through her mind. She leaned back and drew a breath.

  “I just wanted you to know, I’ve never wanted to kiss a man more than I do you.”

  The desire in his eyes made the gold pattern in the rich brown deepen. He regarded her for a long moment, and Melanie feared she’d stepped too far. Then a grin lifted the corner of his mouth and his ever-so-familiar dimple deepened.

  Blood pumped through her veins again, only this time with a strong, steady beat. She moved closer until his strong arms wrapped around her.

  His breath warmed her cheek. “You are such a gift.”