by Kim Redford
Chapter 10
One step at a time, Shane cautioned himself. Eden had been badly wounded by a man, her work world, and a city that cared only so long as she was on top. He hadn’t helped matters by getting off on the wrong foot about Wildcat Spring. Still, the Eden he’d known would never have suggested such a bargain, much less followed up on it.
He might be setting himself up for a world of hurt. What she couldn’t take out on her ex-husband she might very well take out on the next man who came along, namely him. Was it worth the chance? Sure it was. He was a big guy. He’d had ups and downs, so he knew he could take it. That wasn’t the issue. He wanted to heal her wounded heart. He wanted to be there for her like he had been when she’d lost her parents. He wanted them to be a team again, like they were before hormones and careers had gotten in the way of friendship.
As much as he hated to admit it, he wasn’t convinced sex was the right way to get Eden back on her feet and into his life. Maybe some guys would be satisfied with simple carnal pleasure, but he wasn’t one of them—at least, not where Eden was concerned. Sure, he’d had relationships after she’d left town, but the cowgirls had all complained that his heart wasn’t really there for them before they’d left him in their dust. Only now did he have an inkling of how they must have felt. He wished he could change those days, but now he realized his heart had always belonged to Eden—the others hadn’t had a chance.
Would he tell Eden that fact? Hell no. A man could only show his soft underbelly so often before he started crawling on it all the time. She needed a strong man, not a weak one. Even so, he feared losing her before he had a chance to win her, particularly with Wildcat Spring standing like a boulder between them.
Maybe more than anything, she needed to be held, touched, valued for herself, instead of what she could bring to a bottom line or inspire in others. Maybe he needed the same thing. He’d been a rock for so many for so long that sometimes he lost sight of what he might need in his own life. He’d been there for his parents when they’d both lost their battles with cancer, while his brother had taken off, disappearing into the rodeo circuit with only infrequent calls. He’d managed the ranch, medical issues, and funerals all on his lonesome except for local friends.
He knew what it was like to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He didn’t want Eden to have to do the same thing, not when he was here to help her—if she’d only let him.
As he held her hand, realization hit him, like a bolt of lightning out of the sky, that he was just as alone as she was right now. He’d covered up his longing for someone who meshed with him by working hard, volunteering at the fire station, visiting with friends, but underneath it all, he was alone. And he didn’t want to grow old alone. He wanted love and family to sustain him. Not just anybody would do.
Spring was in the air. Maybe it was time for a little touch of the birds and the bees.
“I could throw a couple of buffalo steaks on the grill tonight and—”
A blaring horn interrupted Shane, so he glanced down the road and saw a dark-blue pickup with bright chrome trim barreling toward them before stopping in a swirl of dust. A tall, lean cowboy dressed in scuffed boots, blue jeans, blue plaid shirt, and tan hat leaped out and jogged over to them.
“What’s going on?” Shane asked as he nestled Eden into the crook of his arm.
“Yeah, yeah, you don’t have to say it.” The cowboy gave Eden a big white grin meant to charm her as he doffed his hat, revealing thick chestnut hair worn a trifle long. “You’re right. I’m Mr. September.”
“What?” she asked, looking puzzled but charmed.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s hard to recognize us with all our clothes on,” Mr. September joked, then stopped and gazed at her with blue-gray eyes emphasized by long lashes. “Don’t tell me you haven’t seen the Wildcat Bluff Cowboy Firefighters Calendar? If so, you’re the only one.”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” Eden said before glancing up at Shane with a mischievous smile. “Are you in it?”
He gave a loud sigh, wishing Craig—the county heartbreaker—hadn’t let the cat out of the bag. “It was a charity benefit. Sydney Steele roped us all in to it last Christmas. And I sincerely doubt we’ll ever hear the last of it.”
“Yeah, just wait till your month comes up, then you’ll really hear about it.” Mr. September gave a big, deep laugh of amusement. “By the way, if you don’t know it, that’s Mr. June you’re letting cuddle up to you. You might want to keep him at arm’s length due to the fact that local cowgirls could get a bit testy over a stranger cozying up to their Mr. June. Now I’d be happy to squire you about town, seeing as how my month is still far away.”
“You’re squiring her nowhere,” Shane said in irritation. His friend had a well-deserved reputation with the ladies, particularly since he was a singing cowboy who wowed cowgirls onstage and offstage. “Eden Rafferty, meet Craig Thorne, better known as Mr. September from a horse ranch out Sure-Shot way.”
Craig cocked his head as he looked closer at Eden. “You wouldn’t by any chance be Clem Rafferty’s niece, would you?”
“That’d be me.”
“Well, I’ll be.” He stuck out his large hand for a shake. “Glad to meet you. Ole Clem had nothing but good words to say about you.”
“Thanks. He was wonderful.”
“In town on a visit?”
“She’s here to deal with the station,” Shane said, hoping that’d put an end to Craig’s interest, although it’d probably just up it, because he’d been known to sing a song or two live on KWCB.
“Good.” Craig put his hat back on his head and adjusted it to suit him. “Anything you need to get the place shipshape, count on me. Here about, we’d be lost without the Wildcat Den.”
“Thank you.” Eden shook his hand, smiling. “I may just need your help.”
“Anytime.” Craig focused on Shane. “Almost forgot my errand, what with a pretty lady on my mind.”
Shane could’ve punted Craig over the fence. His friend well knew the station was on its last legs and the spring was needed for his cattle. He resisted rolling his eyes, knowing Craig flirted like he took a breath, one just as natural as the other. “What brings you out here?”
Craig pointed toward a smear of dust on the horizon in the direction of the Lazy Q. “Looks like that new neighbor of yours is burning pasture. Not smart in a drought and late in the season to boot, but maybe the new owners are just catching up.”
“Did Lander alert the fire station?”
“Nope. I saw the smoke when I drove by, so figured I ought to let you know just in case. And I called Hedy down at the station.”
“Thanks.” Shane shaded his eyes as he looked closer at what had been just a smudge on the horizon. “Smoke’s coming this way.”
“Didn’t appear too bad when I first stopped by, but the wind’s kicked up,” Craig replied. “Maybe Lander’s got cowboys out ahead of the blaze, but I wouldn’t count on it.”
“I’ve got cattle in a nearby pasture.”
“Is the radio station in danger?” Eden sounded alarmed as she touched her throat.
Shane exchanged a knowing look with Craig. He didn’t want to upset Eden, but he didn’t want to endanger anybody, either. “Just in case, we ought to get MG and Ken out of here. Jack and Eden, too.”
“I’ll stay,” Eden said. “KWCB may need to be on the air to alert the county and field updates. If this fire gets out of control, we’ll be seeing something similar to Southern California fires driven by the Santa Ana Winds.”
“Our wind isn’t as bad as the Santa Anas, but a prairie fire moves fast.” Shane kept his eyes on the growing line of smoke now being driven by a gusting wind toward the Rocky T. “Eden, you’re not prepared to fight a fire. I want you out of here.”
“I’m staying,” she insisted. “If the fire gets too close, I’ll go to
the spring.”
“Not good enough,” Shane said.
“That’s as good as it gets.” Eden stepped off the porch and headed for the station. “Come on. Let’s get those three to safety.”
Shane watched her take long strides. He’d forgotten how stubborn she could be once she set her mind on something. He turned to Craig. “Best check in again with Hedy. Let her know the wind’s come up, so it’s not looking good. We’d better have the dozers and boosters. See who’s available.”
“Okay. I’ll meet them at the fire station and get back here with the rigs.”
“If I can, I’ll get hold of Lander and ask him to stop setting fires.”
“Ought to have stopped by now.”
“He’s from East Texas. They’ve got wetter land over there. He may have just bitten off more than he can chew.”
“He’ll learn.” Craig hit speed dial on his cell phone, then started to talk as he jogged back to his truck.
Shane jerked his phone out of his pocket as he hurried to the radio station, thinking about his foreman being nearby at the barn. “Max, the Lazy Q is doing a late burn, so—”
“Saw it and on it. Cowboys are already moving the herds away from the blaze, but it’s coming at us fast now.”
“Firefighters are on their way. I’ll be at the barn in a minute.” Shane tucked his cell back in his pocket as he wrenched open the station’s door, stepped inside, and almost ran into MG and Ken.
“We’re on our way,” Morning Glory said. “I’ll head to the fire station as soon as I get Ken safely home.”
“No.” Ken dug in his heels. “I’m not a kid. Let’s go straight there. I’ll help Hedy.”
“He’s right,” Shane said. “We were already helping out and learning stuff at his age.”
Ken gave Shane a thumbs-up, then bounded out the front door.
“Okay. Rigs will be here in no time.” Morning Glory gave him a quick hug before she followed Ken outside.
He strode over to the sound studio and jerked open the door, even though the red light outside was on to indicate it was in use. He wanted Eden and Jack gone right now.
With mic in hand, Wildcat Jack glanced up, shaking his head to let Shane know he wasn’t going anywhere. Eden stood right beside him.
“That’s right, cowboys and cowgirls. This is Wildcat Jack bringing you the latest news flash out of Wildcat Bluff County. Listen up. We’ve got us a prairie fire on the Lazy Q Ranch that’s now called Tarleton something or other. You know where it’s at. Firefighters are on their way, so stay out of their way unless you’re on call to help. Best start moving herds and wetting down buildings just in case things get out of hand. Current wind speed is gustin’ too fast. Humidity is next to nothin’. And barometric pressure is risin’. No chance of rain. Hate to say it, but Mother Nature is not our friend today.
“But never you worry. Wildcat Jack is on the job. I’ll keep you posted every step of the way. If you’ve got news about this fire, give me a call. Otherwise, stay off the lines so folks who need help can get help. Once more, Wildcat Bluff County residents, there’s a fast-moving prairie fire on the old Lazy Q, so be on the lookout and stay out of danger.
“We’ll be back after this outlaw country hit from The Highwaymen with the latest report from Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue. Hold tight, folks. We’re in for a bit of a rocky ride today, but we’ll be okay, like we’re always okay in Wildcat Bluff County.”
“Thanks, Jack,” Eden said as she handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s the latest report from the national weather station.” She sounded stronger than she had all day as she turned toward Shane. “Jack and I are staying. We’ll be in touch with Hedy at the fire station. Jack will stay on the air to keep up spirits and let the county know what’s going on. I’ll stay on top of the weather reports.”
“But—” Shane started to protest.
“It’s our job.” She gave a brisk nod of her head. “We don’t just entertain listeners. We’re here to serve our community with all the critical news.”
He suddenly saw her as the professional she’d come to be—efficient and dedicated in an emergency. She wasn’t a woman to be protected, although that was his instinct. She was a woman to be supported in her life’s work. He was grateful to have her here, along with Jack, to be the voice of calm, reason, and reassurance during a difficult time.
He and Jack shared a brief look acknowledging the fact that Eden Rafferty had, indeed, grown up and taken the bull by the horns.
“Looks like you two have this well under control,” Shane said. “As soon as the rigs roll in, we’ll start getting that fire under control. If you need me, I’ll be up at the barn.”
As he strode toward the door, Eden caught up with him. She gave him a quick hug and a fierce kiss. “Stay safe.”
Chapter 11
Shane stepped outside, raising his head as he caught a stronger scent and saw a larger area of white smoke billowing his way. He hit speed dial as he jogged toward his truck, checking in with Hedy Murray, who was the backbone of Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue. Nothing in the county got past her, so he knew she’d be on top of the brush fire and whatever else was going on.
“Shane, how does the fire look from your position?” Hedy answered in a crisp, no-nonsense voice.
“I’m at the Den and headed up to the cattle barn to get a better view on higher ground. We’ve got wind gusts that are sending flames and smoke my direction.”
“Rigs are on their way. Kemp Lander on the Lazy Q is opening his gates, so—”
“Even if he wanted to cause trouble and keep firefighters out, he couldn’t because you know good and well the station has keys to all the ranches in case of fire.”
“He doesn’t want trouble,” Hedy said. “I doubt he’ll ever admit it, but he sounded embarrassed and worried about starting a fire that got out of control.”
“Lander ought to be ashamed and a whole lot more.”
“He’s got his guys moving his herds away from the blaze. For now, let’s go ahead and figure out the LCES.”
“Right.” LCES—Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, Safety zones. He hoped this fire was small enough not to need much LCES, but safety always came first for firefighters.
“You’re on-site,” Hedy said, “so you take lead, as fire captain, when they get there.”
“Okay. I figure you’re sending the rigs to the Rocky T?”
“Right. You’ve got the high point at your barn and double gate, so I assume you’ll want that area to be your lookout, escape route, and safety zone.”
Shane couldn’t keep from smiling at her words. “Sounds like you’ve already worked out the LCES.”
She sighed into the phone. “You caught me. I was just trying to let you think you were more than a pretty face.”
“That’s what smart cowgirls like you always say. We’d be lost without you and you know it.”
“Oh, go on, you silver-tongued devil, and get up there. This fire’s waiting for nobody.”
“I’m on it.” As he reached his pickup, he called Kemp Lander.
“What?” Lander growled in a deep voice. “I’ve got my hands full here.”
“Shane Taggart at the Rocky T.”
“Guess you called to rag on me.”
“Wildcat Bluff firefighters are on their way.”
“Good. It’s not my fault the grass here wasn’t cut last season.”
“You could’ve brush-hogged.”
“And been at it till June—no thanks.”
“Have you at least stopped setting fires?”
“Yep.” Lander sucked at his teeth. “If the wind hadn’t come up and if there was any moisture in the ground around here, then—”
“No ifs, ands, or buts will help my cattle one damn bit.” Shane wrenched open the door to his truck. “If I lose one piece of equipme
nt, one line of fence, one head of cattle, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
“We’re doing all we can here. We’ll work with the firefighters. Let’s save any bickering for later.”
“I don’t bicker. I make promises.” Shane stepped into his truck and slammed the door. Right now, all he could do was hope for a bit of luck with the weather and the sharpest firefighters around.
As he backed up, he cast a long look at the station, wishing above all else that Eden and Jack were safely in town, but they needed to support the community on the radio. He had to put others ahead of his own desires, even if it went against every instinct he had to get Eden out of harm’s way.
He forced his mind away from her and back to the matter at hand as he drove fast onto the single lane bordered on each side by the bright-white fence line that marked the entry into the Rocky T Ranch. He needed to stop this brush fire before it damaged his ranch or anybody else’s in the county. He particularly didn’t want to see wild critters, like rabbits or birds or even ornery armadillos, lose their lives due to one man’s incompetence.
He headed up the hill toward his house, horse barn, indoor arena, cattle barn, and outbuildings. The thought of losing a single one of the structures, much less all of them, made his hair stand on end. No way was he going to let that happen, not on his watch.
Besides that lurking disaster, he knew that compartmentalizing was easier said than done. Eden still tugged at his thoughts. He could be strong and he could make fine decisions, but he feared every good intention in the world would fly right out the window if she well and truly set her mind on taking him to bed.
The fire chased her out of his thoughts as he reached the top of the hill. He had a better view of what was happening on the Lazy Q. The wind was gusting, pushing the fire east, then twisting it south, then back east, leaving behind black pasture with white smoke above it. The only good thing about the situation was that the blaze hadn’t reached the Rocky T yet. They couldn’t stop the fire or extinguish it. They’d have to contain it, cut it off from its source, and let it burn out. Once the rigs got here, they’d put a line around the blaze or at least on his side of the fire and start a backfire, so the line would get wider.
