Royal's Wildfire & Lance's Stars (Black Hills)

by A. C. Wilson

  “Uncle Lance! Look!” Harper shouted from her perch on a plastic chair. She made sure she had his attention before she threw a tennis ball. Chief darted after it, chasing it through the yard and then snatching it up, he brought it back. “He fetches!” Harper squealed with glee. Andy chuckled at her daughter.

  “She has your brother’s persistence.”

  “Yours too.” Lance didn’t look her way; knowing she would see the tears in his eyes.

  “I see him in her. When she laughs or when she argues, I can see Terrell. I’m not looking forward to the teenage years. Your brother was a smart mouth.” He felt the warmth in Andy’s soft words. “He was also kind to a fault and he stood up for what he thought was right. That man was meant to save the world.” He swallowed hard, blinking fiercely to keep his tears in check. So she hadn’t forgotten his brother. She lived with a daily reminder and Lance wondered how he could have thought otherwise.

  “Maybe Harper will.” Lance whispered.

  “She saved us. She saved the best of him.” Andy sniffed, clutching his shoulder from behind. He placed his fingers over her slender hand.

  “She did.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Dinner went as most family dinners do with a puppy and two little girls. Lance relaxed for the first time in a long time and enjoyed the chaos. He chatted with Matt about Hot Springs and all the wonderful recreational things to do. He even made a date to take Harper with him to the Mammoth Site, which was an active dig site for mammoth bones. It was fascinating to find out how nearly a hundred bodies of these giant animals fell into this pit and their skeletons became cemented together. A good many of them were male and Andy had joked with them about how men always thought they knew better. Clearly this was true, she said.

  Wind Cave National Park was another gem he wanted to see. Lance wasn’t ready to go inside a cave, but a drive through the park sounded relaxing. Harper chimed in with sights of deer, antelope, and buffalo. Andy added that she liked seeing the chubby prairie dogs scurrying across the prairie. Matt called them prairie rats and said that they were a nuisance. Lance promised Harper that he would take her with him when he went for the drive. She’d clapped her hands and commenced to stuffing hot dog pieces into her mouth. She looked something like a chipmunk.

  Last night had been a time with family and Lance absorbed it with something akin to a starving man inhaling his first meal in forever. As he sat at his kitchen table drinking his morning coffee, he didn’t feel alone. He sipped from his mug, watching the tiny wrens and chickadees hopping from branch to branch of the lilac bush. He made a mental list to get a bird feeder today at the store. Lance enjoyed the small things. Deciding to move to Hot Springs to experience the quiet and peace of a little town may be the best decision he had made in a very long time.

  Today would be quiet. It was a Sunday and the cable man would be here tomorrow to hook up his television. Luckily his internet was already turned on and he scrolled through his email. Random newsletters, sales pitches, and updates on websites he followed disappeared from the screen. His stomach grumbled and he rubbed it.

  “Grocery store run today, Chief.” The pup looked up from his resting place underneath the little table. “Don’t forget your doctor’s appointment tomorrow.” Chief huffed and closed his eyes. “I know. They aren’t my favorite either.”

  Lance’s phone buzzed on the table. He smiled at the text message from Andy.

  Are you up?

  Lance shrugged and looked into his nearly empty coffee cup. He probably needed one more.

  Barely. Thanks for the coffee.

  Anytime. I’m at your door.

  Lance looked to the front door and smiled when he heard the soft knock. Chief’s head shot up and he started to growl. Lance scooted his chair back and got to his feet.

  “Quiet.” He directed Chief. He crossed the floor and opened the door. “Good morning.”

  “It’s morning, alright!” She shook her head. Andy looked tired, dark circles under her eyes. “Regan was up most of the night. She’s teething, so there’s not much that comforts her.”

  “I can make another pot. Sounds like we both could use it.” Lance offered a commiserating smile. Andy stooped to pat Chief.

  “It sounds good, but we can grab one at the coffee shop next door to the gallery.”

  “Did I miss something?” Lance asked, running through their conversations in his head. He knew he had been a bit spacy, but he couldn’t remember anything about a trip this morning.

  “It’s Father’s Day, Lance. We have places to go and people to see.” She smiled, pulling out her phone and looking at the clock. “We have an hour before the picnic. So grab a quick shower and we will get moving.” She looked at the empty mug on the table. “I promise a caffeinated pick me up.”

  Lance swallowed hard, trying not to focus on the holiday. His stomach growled again.

  “Throw in a doughnut and I’ll be ready in fifteen.” Andy nodded, tapping her phone to remind him the clock was ticking. “Bossy thing, aren’t you?” He threw her a wink and went off to get ready.

  It was the quickest shower he had ever taken, because to linger in the hot, seductive water gave his mind time to wonder how he had forgotten the holiday. A holiday that he hadn’t celebrated for the better part of his life, but now only made him remember his brother. On the drive down to the gallery that Andy co-owned, she filled him in on their plan for the day. She said their plan as if she felt he had a choice. He knew enough about Andy that she wouldn’t leave him to his own devices after only arriving yesterday. She had to stop in at the gallery and set up a new theme for an exhibit for July 4. Then they were headed to a picnic at the Johnson family ranch, The Crossing Pines where everyone would be gathered for some fun. Although he wasn’t completely on board to meeting Andy’s extended family, he did want to see those little girls who lit up his heart. One smile from his little Harper would chase out an afternoon of dark thoughts.

  Andy pulled her Ford Escape up to the curb directly in front of a glass window wrapped building.

  Healing Waters Art Gallery and Gifts.

  “The hot springs were seen to be healing waters and it brought patrons from all over the world to experience them. I thought it was a nod to the tradition of this town.” Andy spoke as if she could read his thoughts. He even thought the title to be a bit ironic in his current form of mind.

  “A fitting name.” Lance sighed, unbuckling his seatbelt and resting his hand on the handle.

  “Can I ask you something?” Andy’s voice softened, her palms resting against the steering wheel. She looked at the window ahead of them.

  “Of course.” Lance felt as if something was about to be unleashed; a genie that couldn’t go back into a bottle.

  “I saw the box with the flag on the mantel. It is Terrell’s flag, isn’t it?” Lance nodded, his eyes tracing the beautifully spiraled font on the gallery window. “I wanted to come. I sat rocking in a chair at my grandmother’s house that day and I held his picture in my hands.” She forced a smile. “Remember the one he took right after he signed up for the army? I can still see him smiling like that.” It had him smiling too. Terrell Harper was a master of the grin that foretold of all the trouble the boy could get into. His daughter was gifted with that same smile.

  “I remember. He came strutting in that day with paperwork in hand. I was so worried about him. He was the older brother and I was afraid I would lose him.”

  “I know today is going to be another day that reminds us of him and how we wish that he could be here with us. I think about it often for Harper, but I also thank God that Matt came to us. Harper is every bit his daughter as Regan is and I wouldn’t wish for that not to happen.” She turned in the seat to face him, her green eyes tearful, but hopeful.

  “Things happen for a reason. I believe that.”

  “I do too. You being here is important. I want Harper to know about Terrell and I know it will be difficult for a three-year-old to understand how thi
s web works. As far as she knows Matt is her dad. Terrell can only be a man who loved her until she’s old enough to know better. I hope you can respect that.”

  “I do.” Lance could understand Andy’s concern. Harper was too little to sort through the differences between a sire and an adopted father. He could wait. He would wait until it was time to share all he loved about his brother. It gave him comfort that the man had not been forgotten or forsaken.

  “I have an idea.” Andy’s eyes widened, a smile ticking the corners of her mouth as she mulled over whatever was blooming in her thoughts. “I need a new idea for a show to unveil for the Fourth of July. What if we do a military or star theme? What if we honor those that Hot Springs has lost? A play to the freedom we all enjoy but only at the sacrifice of our loved ones.”

  “A bit too personal, don’t you think?” Lance asked, unsure he wanted to share the flag that had comforted him when there was no one else to do so. Wouldn’t others feel the same way? Andy tipped her head, her blonde hair sliding over her shoulder.

  “Art is personal. Art is emotional and sometimes messy. Art can heal.” She waited for him to speak, he could feel her thoughts running riot as she planned out the gallery show.

  “I can’t give you Terrell’s flag.” In truth he was afraid to part with it. He was afraid to be without the reminder that although he was physically alone, his spirit was not.

  “That’s fair.” Andy opened the door of the car, but paused before leaving. “I will leave a spot open for it if you change your mind.”

  They got out of the car and Lance took a moment to absorb the warm sunshine. A soft breeze ruffled his hair and he inhaled deeply.

  “Let’s grab that coffee, huh? I could use a pick me up.” Andy smiled, walking down the sidewalk. Lance nodded, following in her wake.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Andy had been completely absorbed in telling her partner, Kayla about the military theme for their gallery show. To her credit, Andy was sensitive to the memories and the heartache that would accompany such a request of their neighbors and friends. It didn’t stop her from thinking it would be a good idea though. Besides that, Hot Springs had a large VA hospital and there was no shortage of veterans with stories and memorabilia.

  “Are you scared yet?” Matt interrupted his internal thinking. Lance lifted a brow in question. “Andy. Has she scared you yet?”

  “She is the least scary person that I’ve met.” Lance chuckled, watching a very animated Andy with her daughters. Harper was giggling and little Regan smiled widely, throwing her chubby arms every which way.

  “She can be pretty persuasive when she wants to be. It’s her version of strong arming someone when they aren’t listening to her.” Matt sipped from his tea glass.

  “She means well.” Lance didn’t know how else to put it. He probably wouldn’t be in Hot Springs without her insistence. It wasn’t a bad thing.

  “She does.” Matt agreed, watching his little family play. “I just want you to know that I have never wanted to take her father’s place. I’d like to think that I’ve made my own.” Lance met Matt’s blue eyes and saw the seriousness in them. Had he thought that Matt would want to wipe away any and all of Terrell’s involvement; however little it might be?

  “There couldn’t have been a better guy for the position. They are lucky to have you.” Lance meant that. He had respect for a man who would take on another man’s child, even if the man was gone from this world. Matt nodded, taking another drink of his tea.

  “Who is ready for a game of horseshoes?” Matt’s brother, Garrett asked raising metal horseshoes in the air.

  “I’m not very good at them.” Lance confessed, grinning as Matt chuckled. “Ok, I’m not horrible either.”

  “You can be on my team then. My dad and Matt have been known to kick butt a time or two. They can stand to be knocked down a notch.” Garrett waved them to follow him to the pits.

  “Look who needs knocked down a notch or two! You get married, learn you’re going to be a father, and your cockiness level increases exponentially!” Matt threw at his brother’s retreating back. Lance couldn’t hold in his own humor. He liked this family. They had let him into the group without reservation. He felt like he was welcome and it went a long way to tearing down his walls.

  “Takes one to know one!” Garrett shouted, dodging his wife’s playful swat. Rayne was a vision, if he had ever seen one. Her pregnancy made her bloom with happiness. It seemed as if everyone here had a reason to smile.

  “Lance, I’m sorry to tell you that you’ve chosen the wrong partner today.” Travis pushed off the picnic table bench he had been sitting on. He adjusted his belt and made a show of popping his neck.

  “It seems I’ve been drafted, sir.” Lance kept a straight face, but he was howling inside.

  “It’s a bad version of Garrett’s Navy.” Matt grumbled, setting down his tea glass. “Lance has been conscripted.”

  “Argh! Be prepared to swab me decks!” Garrett pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and tied it around his head. Apparently the man thought he was a pirate.

  “Oh come on! Navies don’t have pirates!” Matt slapped his knee, lost to the laughter that erupted from all the spectators. Garrett crossed the couple of feet between him and Lance, putting his arm across Lance’s shoulders.

  “I’m Captain Garrett and this be my first mate.”

  “Lord help us.” Rayne snickered, her face red from trying not to laugh and hopelessly losing that battle.

  “Uncle Garrett is funny!” Harper squealed, brandishing a fork that she had for her dessert.

  “Thank you, princess.” Garrett bowed, flinging his arms out wide.

  “Come on, show off! What do you have besides a goofy accent?” Travis piped up, grinning at his son.

  “Let us see!” Garrett took up his stance and then threw his first shoe. It all went downhill from there.

  “Good game.” Travis wiped his brow as he moved to sit back down at the picnic table. Matt couldn’t keep this I told you so grin off his face. Garrett looked a bit worse for wear as he rotated his shoulder. He’d thrown a shoe and pinched a nerve. Lance had tried to redeem them, but he was no match for their opponents.

  “It would have been better had you not played like an old man.” Matt teased, kissing Andy on the cheek and getting a high five from Harper.

  “You’re funny, Uncle Garrett.” Harper told him, flinging her arms around his neck. It must have put undue pressure on the nerve, because Garrett winced.

  “I’m glad you think so.” He grumbled, never pushing Harper away from him.

  “Who is ready for dinner?” Lacey shouted from the front porch of their home. The kids raced to the house as Rayne and Andy walked together. Matt and Garrett ribbed each other as they made their way, too. Lance found himself bringing up the rear with Travis. Matt’s father was a spry man for being in his fifties. It was clear that he had a keen sense of humor as well as a watchful eye.

  “You have a lovely home here, sir.” Lance offered, looking around the ranch yard and finding solace in the quiet beauty.

  “Thank you and please, call me Travis.” Lance nodded in acceptance. “The Crossing Pines has always been home for me. Sometimes I forget just how beautiful it is. You see something every day and it can be taken for granted.”

  “I can understand that.” Lance said thoughtfully.

  “Feel free to come out whenever you need some peace and quiet.” Travis smiled, his eyes warm and friendly. “Hey, come with me? Let me show you my favorite spot.” Lance looked towards the porch where the others were filing into the house. He nodded, following Travis around the yard that skirted the house and back into the trees that provided a wind break for the house. Lance thought he could hear water running and smiled as a little creek came into view. There was a bench settled back against a huge cottonwood tree. It was one of the last trees before the yard broke into pasture and tall grass spread as far as he could see.

  “Over that hill
,” Travis pointed off into the distance. “there are the two pine trees that cross giving this place its name. I like to sit here and absorb the memories.” Travis smiled proudly as his gaze swept over the land. Lance had to admit that it was quite captivating and he longed for a place that held memories for him too.

  “I’ve never had anything like this. No roots to speak of.” Lance tried to put his thoughts into words. It was difficult.

  “I understand. Sometimes roots are not a physical thing, much like family is not always about blood.” Travis folded his form and sat on the bench. Lance took in his counsel as he tried to see beyond the horizon.

  “I don’t have much of either of those. With my brother gone, all the family I really have left is Harper.” Lance felt his heart kicking like a ninja in his chest. It felt strange to be this open and honest with someone he had only just met. There was something about Travis Johnson that made him feel as if they had been friends for a long time. Maybe that’s what he meant by this family and roots business.

  “I’m sorry about your brother. Andy has talked to me about him. He was brave.” Travis folded his hands into his lap after tipping his hat up on his head. Those blue eyes didn’t miss a trick.

  “He was brave. That doesn’t keep me from hating him sometimes.” Lance jutted his chin out as his hands sank into his pockets. His admission made him feel like a jerk.

  “You can’t help how you feel.” Travis gently offered.

  “If he hadn’t signed up, I’d still have a brother.” Lance shook his head. “I wouldn’t be alone.” They were silent for a few moments. The emotional waves caused Lance so much torment. He hated that he blamed Terrell for something that was beyond his brother’s control. “I’m sorry. That isn’t fair.”

  “Fair or not, it is how you feel. I can understand it.” Travis’ voice softened, the weight of it increasing. “Still it is similar to wishing that the heavy snow on the fourth of December never happened because it broke down many old trees. It might snow on another date and break just as many more. There is no telling what fate has planned. We can’t know what will happen.”