Ranger Daddy

by Rebecca Winters

  “You’ve been marvelous to Ashley. I’d like to repay you. How about tomorrow you let me tend Parker, so you get can out for the day and do whatever you want? I’ll watch the children, too. I know what it’s like to be with your baby day and night. You need a break.”

  “Thank you, Gabi. I might take you up on that for part of the day. Just so you know, Chase is going to take the kids horseback riding this afternoon. He says you’re welcome to join them.”

  “That’s very nice of him. I’ve never been. Neither has Ashley.”

  “Then you’re in for a real treat. Chase is an expert horseman. He’s been teaching them how to ride. It’s one of their favorite things to do. They’ve been on a lot of trails into the high country.”

  “What lucky children. Tell me how to find Annie’s house and I’ll go over there as soon as I’ve gotten dressed.”

  Once she’d been given directions, Gabi hung up and headed for the bathroom. First, of course, she needed to wash her hair and take a shower. Ashley would need one, too, and a change of clothes.

  Gabi wished she had a new outfit to wear for Jeff tonight. Being with him again made her excited to be alive in a brand-new way. She couldn’t wait until he got home from work. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more she wanted to go over to headquarters and visit him instead of going riding. Take him a sack lunch. That is, if Ashley was willing to go riding without her.

  It wasn’t until she was drying her hair that it struck Gabi she’d fallen into the old pattern of waiting for him. Fourteen years later and Jeff was still at the center of her universe. She’d marked time by him before, and was doing it again.

  What was she doing, thinking she could stay here until school started? Was she out of her mind?

  Yes. She was!

  Before she left for the Jarvises’ house, she would phone and make reservations for a flight to Los Angeles on Sunday. Though she and Ashley faced possible danger at home, they would face a different kind of pain and suffering when they had to say goodbye to Jeff for good.

  Sunday was it. End of vacation in paradise. It had to be.

  WHILE JEFF WAS ON his cell phone with one of the crew chiefs, Diane poked her head in the door of his office. “You have a visitor,” she mouthed.

  He nodded and signaled for her to show whoever it was in. When Gabi stepped over the threshold, Jeff almost dropped the phone. She wore a short-sleeved, celery-green blouse with a white wraparound skirt her figure did wonders for.

  He clicked off and got to his feet. “Come on in and sit down.”

  “I hope you don’t mind my disturbing you. I brought you lunch.” She put the sack on his desk before sinking into a chair.

  “Thank you. No one’s ever done this for me before.” He shut the door for privacy. It was like old times, eating lunch together. They’d never cared what they did as long as they could be within sight of each other.

  “You’ve been so good to Ashley and me, I wanted to reciprocate, even if it’s not much.”

  It was a good thing she’d brought him something to eat. Otherwise he was in danger of pinning her against the wall and kissing the daylights out of her. “Where is she?”

  “Chase took her horseback riding with Nicky and Roberta.”

  “She’ll have the time of her life.” Jeff inhaled the bacon-and-tomato sandwiches she’d made. They’d always been his favorite. Everything she did was turning him inside out.

  Gabi looked around her. “So this is your domain.”

  “Yup. What do you think?”

  “It’s kind of messy, like your old bedroom used to be.”

  Jeff laughed out loud. “You met my secretary, Diane. She’s dying to get in here and go to town, but I told her if she touched one thing, I’d fire her.”

  “Uh-oh.” Amusement lit her heavenly blue eyes. “I know you’re a busy man. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”

  He could think of several things. “Yes. Enjoy yourself.”

  She stared into his eyes. “I am.”

  His pulse raced. “What are you going to do for the rest of the afternoon?”

  “Roberta’s mother told me to visit the museum. I’m headed there now.” Gabi stood up before he was ready to let her go. “No, no. Stay where you are.” She started for the door.

  “I’ll be home by six and we’ll go to dinner.”

  “Ashley’s counting the hours.”

  So was Jeff.

  THE FLOOD HAD DONE its share of damage in Yosemite Valley. Jeff had put in some long days making assessments and assigning work crews. Now it was Friday evening and he was off duty until Sunday morning. He couldn’t leave headquarters and get home to Gabi and Ashley fast enough.

  About an hour ago he’d given her a heads-up that he’d be there by five. Once he’d loaded the motorcycle, they’d be leaving for North Fork. With the benefit going on tomorrow, he wanted to get settled in for a good night’s sleep. Early in the morning he’d do a couple of test runs at the arena while no one was around.

  When he pulled into the driveway with Sergei, Ashley was sitting on the front porch waiting for him. “Hey, Ash!” he called, using his pet name for her. Living under the same roof felt so natural, as if the three of them had always been together.

  There’d been no repeats of the other night, when he’d come close to begging Gabi to go to bed with him so he could make love to her. The fire was there, stronger and hotter than before, almost beyond his control, but the timing was off. With her first court-case date coming up, he needed to be patient until she knew what she was facing. Then he’d speak his mind, and they’d go from there, because he planned for this happiness to continue forever.

  The second Ashley saw him, she ran over to the truck, her face wreathed in smiles. “Jeff!” she cried, before launching herself at him, almost knocking his hat off. “I’ve been waiting and waiting.”

  Those strong arms flung around his neck—hugging him surprisingly tight—found their way right around his heart. He loved this precious cherub, whom he secretly thought of as his little Gabi.

  Sergei made some strange sounds. “I do believe he’s jealous of your attention to me.” He kissed the top of her head. “Come on. Let’s go in the house and find your mom.”

  “I’m right here,” Gabi said from the porch.

  Yes, she was. Standing there looking unbelievably beautiful in a cherry-red short-sleeved top and jeans. Though she’d always been modest in her dress, the curves of her body could never be hidden. With her black hair and fair complexion, she looked incredible in any color, but he had to admit he was partial to red on her.

  While Ashley played with Sergei for a minute, Jeff climbed the steps. Gabi’s flowery scent reached out to him like a living thing. “Any phone calls from Bev?”

  “No.”

  “That’s good.” He stared into Gabi’s eyes. The purple glints were more striking than usual because of her coloring and top. “It appears Ryan has gotten the word from his attorney, and you can relax.”

  “I am relaxed.”

  “Not completely. But I’ve got a weekend planned that’s guaranteed to make you forget your worries. All I have to do is load the motorcycle in the back of the truck and we’ll be off.” Last night he’d packed the gear he’d need, and was ready.

  “How can I help?”

  “If you want to open the garage door for me, I’ll back in. But first I’ll change out of my uniform.”

  He headed for the bedroom and a quick shower. Afterward he put on a gray crewneck and Levi’s. Once he’d pulled on his cycling boots, he loaded his cycle in the truck bed using his fully powered ramp. Last of all he stowed their suitcases.

  With that accomplished, he locked up the house. Ashley had already climbed in the backseat with Sergei. Jeff helped Gabi into the front. It took all his willpower to keep his hands to himself instead of pulling her into his arms.

  After shutting her door, he went around to the driver’s seat and they were off. When he dropped by Ch
ase’s house, Gabi darted him a questioning glance.

  “They’re going to keep Sergei for us until Sunday morning.”

  “How come?” Ashley piped up from the rear.

  “If I wasn’t doing a show, we’d take him with us.”

  “Oh. I’m going to miss you, Sergei.”

  “He’ll miss you more,” Jeff replied. He got out and held the door open for the dog.

  Roberta came outside and took the end of the leash from him. “I wish we could see you ride your motorcycle, but Dad says someone has to hold down the fort.”

  Jeff chuckled. “He’s right. See you Sunday morning.”

  “I’ll take good care of him.”

  “Don’t I know it!” He tousled her hair before getting back in the truck.

  Ashley put her head out the window. “See you later, Roberta.”

  “Have fun!” The older girl waved as they drove away.

  On their way out of the village, Ashley said, “Nicky wanted to come to North Fork with us, but his mom said they had other plans.”

  Gabi flashed Jeff a telling glance. He could read her mind. They were both aware that Nicky would have a difficult time waiting for Ashley to come back to the park. It was funny and touching at the same time.

  “Guess where we’re going to have dinner?” Jeff tossed out the question over his shoulder.

  “McDonald’s?”

  “No. Think fish.”

  “Hmm. I can’t guess.”

  “Crabcakes Restaurant.”

  “No, we’re not,” Ashley giggled. “Sponge Bob’s not real.”

  “I’m not talking about the cartoon.”

  By now Gabi was smiling. She’d thought Jeff had made it up, too. “Tell you what. If I’m right and you’re wrong, you both have to give me a present.”

  “What kind?”

  “I’ll let you know when the time comes.”

  Gabi’s eyes slid away from him and out at the scenery. She knew what kind of present he was angling for. The sensual tension between them had been escalating since they’d first seen each other in the village parking area.

  After lots of songs and stories along the way, they drove into North Fork at seven-thirty. The place was filling up with visitors who’d come to enjoy tomorrow’s festivities. Jeff smiled to himself as he rounded the next corner and pulled up in front of the place where they were going to eat.

  “What does the sign say, Ash?” He pointed to it.

  “Cr-ab-cakes. Hey, there really is a Crabcakes Restaurant, just like in the cartoon!”

  Gabi shook her head. “I don’t believe it.” Her face flushed.

  Jeff’s pulse raced in anticipation of exacting his reward from her. “They happen to serve excellent seafood. You can get other things to eat, too. Let’s go.” He helped them out of the truck. “I don’t know about you two, but I’m so hungry I could eat a dozen crabbie patties.”

  Ashley grabbed hold of his hand. “No, you couldn’t.” But she wasn’t sure and looked at her mother. “Could he?”

  “Since I was wrong about the name of this place, I’m not saying anything,” she teased, provoking laughter from him. The whole evening felt enchanted. He never wanted it to end.

  As they walked out of the crowded restaurant a half hour later, he heard a female voice call his name. He turned his head. To his surprise there was Denise, the blonde woman he’d planned to ask out to dinner. He’d forgotten about calling her ever since Gabi had come to the park.

  She was standing in line with her date. “Hey, Denise. How are you?” Jeff said.

  “I’m good.” They both made introductions. “Everyone’s looking forward to watching you do your act tomorrow.”

  He grinned. “I hope they won’t be disappointed.”

  “Oh, please.” Her gaze switched to Gabi. “Have you seen him ride?”

  She nodded. “Way back when he was a teenager. He left everybody in the dust.”

  “That I can believe! Well, good luck.”

  “Thanks, Denise. See you later.”

  It wasn’t too long before Jeff turned the truck into the parking area of the family-owned motel where they’d be staying. It was a good thing he’d made reservations a year ahead, otherwise they’d have been out of luck.

  He got the key from the front desk and let them in their room down on the end. It had two queen-size beds. Anticipating what Gabi was going to say when she realized they would have to share the same room, he turned to Ashley.

  “They’ll be wheeling a rollaway bed here in a minute. Watch for it while I bring in our stuff from the truck.”

  “Okay. Can I sleep in it?” she called from the doorway.

  “That’s up to you and your mom.”

  SLEEPING UNDER THE SAME roof in three different rooms was one thing. Sleeping together in the same room was another, but Gabi realized there was no help for it. In a week it was as if they’d become a family. She loved it so much, the thought of having to leave Jeff on Sunday was killing her.

  One look at her daughter, who’d changed beyond recognition in the past seven days, and she dreaded the goodbye scene, which was going to be a whopper!

  Gabi’s thoughts flew to Rachel, who’d told her all about Nicky’s meltdown when they’d had to leave the park the first time. She’d been forced to consult the child psychiatrist who’d helped Nicky deal with the loss of his parents. The boy had needed help again to get over the separation from Vance when he and Rachel returned to Florida, where they lived. But nothing worked.

  In the end, Nicky had hidden from Rachel and Vance so he would never have to leave the park. But it had turned out all right because Vance wanted to marry her and be a father to Nicky.

  The same situation didn’t exist with Jeff, the perfect friend and host, who’d kissed and held Gabi the other night for old times’ sake, nothing more.

  He had deep-seated issues he didn’t want to talk about, and preferred his bachelorhood. Clearly, he could have any woman he wanted. The blonde he’d introduced to Gabi outside the restaurant was attracted to him. Gabi had picked up on that immediately. And then there was Ranger Davis, who Nicky said was crazy about Jeff.

  Unlike Vance whose first wife had died, Jeff had an ex-wife who still hovered in the background. Only two days ago, while Gabi had been tending Parker Rossiter and the other children, a woman had called Jeff on his house phone and left the message that he was to call Fran. After he got home from work, Gabi told him. He thanked her, but said nothing more before walking through to his bedroom.

  Most divorced couples never saw each other again if they didn’t have to. Gabi concluded that, for whatever reason, he hadn’t been able to let his ex-wife go.

  There’d be no storybook ending here for Gabi, who feared Ashley might need professional help when the time came. The fact that her daughter was dealing with the idea of her birth father wanting to be a part of her life complicated her emotions. That was because Jeff was already bigger than life to her. No one knew it or understood it better than Gabi, who’d loved him since her teens.

  She was deep in her tortured thoughts when the housekeeping brought in the rollaway, delighting Ashley, who announced she wanted to sleep in it. While Gabi opened it and put it at the foot of the bed against the far wall, Jeff walked in with their bags and his gear.

  Ashley watched in fascination as he showed her his equipment. With incredible patience he explained about his black armor-padded leather jacket and pants, the reinforced Kevlar gloves and his shadow-black, high-gloss, full-face Arai DOT helmet.

  “Put everything on!” she begged.

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah,” Gabi answered, hoping he hadn’t heard the tremor of excitement in her voice. It had been a long time since she’d seen him in full gear.

  Once he obliged, Ashley walked around him, staring up at him. “You don’t look like a ranger now!”

  “Then how do I look?”

  “You’re big and scary.”

  “Does that mean you two are
n’t going to give me my present now?”

  “What do you want?”

  “A kiss. I dare you.”

  Ashley giggled.

  With a flick, he raised the shield so she could see his face. His handsome features made Gabi’s legs go weak. As for Ashley, she ran into his arms. He lifted her so she could give him a peck on the cheek.

  They hugged hard before he put her down.

  “It’s your turn, Mommy.”

  “But he’s big and scary.”

  “No, he isn’t.” Ashley laughed as if the thought was absurd.

  No. He wasn’t scary, but Gabi was scared, and Jeff knew it. He was loving this.

  The hazel eyes impaling hers gleamed mysteriously. Her heart raced as she moved closer to kiss his cheek, but he knew tricks, and trapped her mouth with his. When she would have stepped back, he crushed her in his arms and kissed her to the edge of oblivion, uncaring of their captive audience.

  Her heart was thundering so hard, Gabi feared he could feel it through the jacket meant to preserve his life if an accident occurred.

  His smile was meant for Ashley. “Now that was a present!”

  Instead of laughing, her daughter said, “Do you love my mommy?” Her question ricocheted off the walls.

  With reluctance, Gabi felt his gloved hands fall away. “What do you think?”

  “Nicky said his daddy kissed his mommy because he loved her.”

  “Then there’s your answer.”

  With her eyes glowing like blue stars, Ashley said, “I wish you were my daddy. Nicky wishes you were, too. Then we could all live together at the park.” She was sounding more like Nicky every day.

  Panicked by the direction of the conversation, Gabi opened the suitcases. “You know what, honey? It’s time for bed.” She pulled out Ashley’s Sleeping Beauty pajamas, and a T-shirt and sweatpants for herself. After grabbing the cosmetics bag, she said, “Let’s get your teeth brushed.”

  “Okay.”

  They gravitated to the bathroom. All the time Jeff had been removing his gear, she’d felt his intense gaze. Ashley had put him on the spot. He had to know something like this would happen by kissing Gabi the way he’d done, as if it was their last day on earth. She was angry with him. He knew how impressionable her daughter was.