A Home with the Rancher

by April Arrington

  What would she do when he lost this place? Last week, she said she didn’t want to leave Elk Valley and return to New York. That she felt like she fit...with him. And he felt the same. Her pull on him was powerful.

  His chest tightened. But would she be willing to pack up and move in the same direction as him? Start all over again and look for a new job with a man and three children when this connection between them was still so new and uncertain?

  “Look, girls.” Dani tipped her head back and pointed toward the blue sky. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

  Two large birds drifted high on the breeze, wings spread. Nadine and Maddie skipped to Dani’s side and looked up.

  “Are those eagles, Dad?” Nadine asked.

  Mac grinned. “’Fraid not. Those are vultures.”

  “Yep,” Jaxon said, jumping onto a log and walking it, arms spread. “The kind that eat roadkill. They’re probably looking for a rotten opossum or skunk.”

  “Ew.” Nadine and Maddie made retching noises.

  Dani shrugged then smiled. “Well, a girl can dream, can’t she? We’ll just pretend they’re eagles.”

  Mac laughed and shifted closer, taking her hand in his and pressing his arm against hers. Her smooth skin felt like silk, making him long to kiss her again. To see if she tasted as sweet as he remembered.

  “Dad.” Maddie yanked at his backpack. “It’s hot. Can we go to the creek now?”

  “Don’t see why not.” Mac tugged Dani’s hand and started for the trail leading down to the creek. “We only have a couple hours of daylight left though, so we’ll need to set up the tents first.”

  “Girls in one and boys in the other.” Maddie skipped ahead, asking over her shoulder, “Right, Dad?”

  Mac smiled ruefully, squeezing Dani’s hand. “Unfortunately.”

  “What?” Maddie asked.

  Dani stifled a laugh with her free hand.

  “Nothing, Maddie,” Mac said.

  They set up camp in a flat area closest to the creek. Tall trees offered shade but the immediate area around the tents was open, allowing for an unimpeded view of the sky. It’d been a clear day and should be a clear night with a fantastic view. Just like Mac had hoped.

  After securing the tents, unpacking necessities for the night and settling two disagreements between the kids, Mac was ready to wade through the creek.

  The current was swift and the water looked inviting.

  “I want to build a fort this time,” Jaxon said, plopping onto a big rock and tugging off his boots.

  “Me, too.” Nadine stood on one foot and pulled at the sock on the other.

  Mac smiled, walked to the edge and stuck his hand beneath the swift current. Despite the hot weather, the water was cool. Almost too cool.

  “It’s still kinda col—”

  Water smacked him in the face, stinging his eyes and dripping off his chin. He sucked in a strong breath at the icy shock, dragged a hand over his face then looked to his left.

  Dani and Maddie were crouched on a smooth rock at the edge of the water. They grinned at each other, then at him.

  “Hmm,” Dani said, rubbing her chin. “I think we should go in slow, Maddie. It looks like the water might be cold.”

  Mac laughed. “You rotten rascals.” He stood slowly then headed toward them. “Cold, huh? I’ll show you cold.”

  Maddie squealed and took off, ducking behind her brother. Dani started after her but Mac managed to grab the waistband of her jeans.

  “Oh no, you don’t.”

  He picked her up, swinging her high up against his chest, then stomped into the creek, splashing cold water up his legs.

  “No, Mac, please.” Dani laughed, wrapped her arms around his neck and tried climbing further up his chest. “I’m sorry. It was an accident.”

  Mac waded deeper. “Accident, my foot.”

  The kids cheered at his back, egging him on.

  “Get her, Dad,” Jaxon shouted, laughing.

  When the water reached his hips, Mac sat on his butt and dropped backward, dunking himself and Dani under the swift current. He sat up and squeezed Dani tight to his middle as she sputtered and laughed through the water streaming down her face.

  “You don’t play fair,” she gasped.

  Mac grinned, the cold water numbing his legs. “You started it.”

  “I splashed you. I didn’t dunk you.”

  “Maybe you should have.” Mac’s chest swelled as she hugged him close and shivered, still laughing. “Come on.” He held on to her with one arm and shoved to his feet with his other. “Time to get you out and dried off.”

  After leaving the creek, they squeezed their wet clothes dry as best they could then settled on a big rock overlooking the creek while the kids splashed and played. The sun had dipped low in the sky but the smooth stone beneath them was warm to the touch.

  “Come here.” Mac held out his hand to Dani and she took it, nudging his knees apart and sitting between them with her back resting against his chest.

  “The sun feels so good.” She tipped her head back against his shoulder, eyes closed, and smiled. “My cushion is pretty comfortable, too.”

  Mac laughed and wrapped his arms around her soft middle. “I aim to please.”

  Her long lashes lifted and her blue eyes looked up at him, full of adoration. “You have. Thank you for inviting me. It’s beautiful here.”

  He studied the curve of her mouth and the new batch of freckles sprinkled across her nose then lifted a wet wave of her hair and wound it loosely around his finger. Touching his lips to it, he breathed in the sweet scent of her mingling with the creek water, his heart damn near breaking.

  “I’m going to lose this place, Dani.”

  She stiffened against him.

  “A final notice came today,” he said. “I knew it was inevitable. Knew it was coming. But I guess holding that paper in my hand made it real. So real that I can’t see what I used to.” His throat tightened and he looked at Jaxon and the girls stepping gingerly through the creek, gathering stones and stacking them. “I used to imagine at least one of the kids getting married in the valley someday like I did. I could see it so clearly. Could see them walking across that green field to take their vows, knowing they’d always have a home here. I used to be able to imagine one, if not all, of them taking over the ranch when I could no longer physically manage it.” A strained laugh escaped him. “I could see them patting my old, worn-out shoulder and assuring me they knew what they were doing. Could see this land flourishing under their hands.” He swallowed hard. “But the reality is, this could be the last time my kids walk that path and wade through that creek, knowing they’re home.”

  Dani’s back lifted against him on a shaky breath and he looked down at her. Tears spilled over her lashes and rolled down her face.

  He brushed his thumb over her wet cheek, chest aching. “What would you do, Dani, if you had to start over? Where would you go?”

  She didn’t speak at first. Just turned her head and watched the kids stack stones for several minutes. Then she took his hand in hers and kissed his palm.

  “I’m already starting over,” she whispered. “Here. With you.”

  * * *

  DANI BROKE A long narrow stick in half over her knee then handed one half to Jaxon. “There. Now everyone has a stick, right?”

  Nadine and Maddie, seated on the ground by their brother, nodded.

  “Great.” Dani tossed the remaining half of the stick into the campfire. The flames flickered then crackled, sending a spray of red ash toward the night sky. “Let’s get started.”

  She returned to her seat beside Mac and grabbed the bag of marshmallows on the blanket.

  “Don’t you need one?” Mac asked.

  She glanced up as she opened the bag and grinned. “Nope. Someone has to have their hand
s free for this to work.”

  His lips quirked. “For what to work?”

  “You’ll see.” She handed him a marshmallow, motioning for him to put it on the end of his stick. “Just roast your marshmallow and be patient.”

  The lip quirk morphed into a full-blown smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Satisfied, Dani nodded and passed the marshmallow bag around to the kids. It was so good to see Mac smile again. He’d grown quiet after their conversation by the creek and after they’d helped the children dry off and returned to camp, he’d left to collect firewood.

  He was gone so long, she’d begun to worry, but he’d eventually returned with an armful of logs. After building the campfire, she’d helped him heat up five servings of chili—much to the kids’ dismay—then announced it was time for dessert.

  “Can I put two marshmallows on my stick?” Maddie asked, digging around in the bag again.

  “Why don’t we just start with one for now?” Dani tugged her backpack closer and retrieved two containers. “That’s all you need for the dessert I have planned. Then, once you’ve tried it, you can add another if you’d like.”

  “Okay.” Maddie smiled and stuck her marshmallow back over the flames.

  Nadine and Jaxon followed suit and they waited patiently for the marshmallows to roast.

  Dani watched the sparks drifting up on the night air and tipped her head back, watching as they ascended. The treetops swayed gently with the breeze, and stars glistened like diamonds on black velvet above them.

  “It’s a beautiful night,” Dani said, glancing at Mac.

  He looked up briefly, nodded then returned his attention to the campfire.

  She frowned, wanting so much to wrap her arms around him. His words by the creek had been so full of pain and regrets that she knew they would overshadow any fun he managed to have tonight. And he deserved to enjoy time with his children. He deserved to be happy.

  “Mine’s ready,” Jaxon said, removing his marshmallow from the flames.

  “Bring it over here, please.” Dani pried the lids off the two containers then grabbed a graham crackers and a piece of chocolate.

  “S’mores.” Jaxon smiled. “We haven’t had those in a long time, Dad.”

  “What’s a moor?” Nadine asked.

  “S’mores.” Dani frowned. “You’ve never had one before?”

  “Not the girls,” Mac said. “They’ve only been camping twice and Nicole...” He shrugged then looked away.

  “Mom just liked the marshmallows,” Jaxon said. “Not the other stuff.”

  “Yeah,” Maddie said. “We just roast the marshmallows. Dad said Mama used to help us make them at the lodge.”

  “Well, it’ll still be a roasted marshmallow.” Dani smiled. “Just think of it as...an enhanced roasted marshmallow.”

  Jaxon lowered his stick, placing the marshmallow on the chocolate-laden cracker Dani held out. “I’ll take one.”

  “Good.” Dani grabbed another cracker. “I’ll squish it together and you pull the stick out.”

  He did so and the girls stood on their tiptoes, watching as Jaxon brought the gooey concoction to his mouth and took a big bite.

  “Is it good?” Nadine asked.

  Jaxon grinned, melted marshmallow stringing from his lips and down his chin. “Itf weally gwood.”

  The girls pulled their sticks from the fire and stuck them out toward Dani, saying simultaneously, “I want one.”

  “Remember your manners, girls,” Mac admonished.

  Maddie blushed.

  Nadine grinned. “May we please have one, Ms. Dani?”

  Dani fixed them both a s’more then made one for Mac. He bit into it, closed his eyes and groaned. “This is delicious.”

  Pleasure coursed through Dani. “Fantastic, huh?”

  He stared at her mouth, his voice low. “No. Not as good as that.” Grinning, he broke his s’more in two then held it out. “Here.”

  She took it from him and ate it slowly, licking sticky marshmallow and rich chocolate from her lips after every bite. Jaxon and the girls ate two more then grew quiet, their bellies full and eyes heavy.

  “Time for y’all to crawl in your sleeping bags.” Mac stood, starting toward the girls.

  “Can Ms. Dani tuck us in, Dad?” Nadine asked.

  Mac hesitated, surprise crossing his features. “That’s up to Ms. Dani.”

  “Will you, Ms. Dani?” Maddie asked. “And could you maybe, braid our hair?” She bit her lip. “Just so we won’t get tangles while we sleep?”

  Dani’s throat closed, the emotions coursing through her so strong she could barely speak. “I’d be happy to.”

  Maddie smiled, a look of pure joy in her eyes, and Dani swore she’d never seen anything so beautiful.

  Dani spent the next hour in the tent with the girls. They took turns sitting in her lap by the lantern while she braided their long hair, their slight weight comforting. Afterward, she told a bedtime story at their request—the only one she remembered hearing from her mother during her own childhood years—until they fell asleep.

  She watched them quietly for a moment, trying to envision them in New York or even a small city, away from Elk Valley. From everything they’d ever known. She tried to imagine how Jaxon would feel, leaving a ranch that held so many memories of his mother and settling somewhere strange and different. And Mac...

  I can’t see what I used to.

  Dani squeezed her eyes shut and tried—really tried—to see it. To picture Mac happy somewhere else. Somewhere without the overlook. Without Sugar Falls. Somewhere besides the ranch. But all she could see was Mac chasing his girls in the field, hiking the trails with Jaxon and kissing her on the cabin deck.

  What would you do, Dani, if you had to start over? Where would you go?

  She wrapped her arms tight around her waist, still able to feel Mac’s touch and certain, now more than ever, that she was exactly where she belonged. That Mac was, too. That no matter what happened, she wouldn’t return to Vaughn Real Estate or stay in New York. Because her heart belonged in Elk Valley with Mac and his children.

  Dani kissed the girls’ cheeks, quietly left the tent then zipped it up.

  “They asleep?” Mac stood by the fire, watching her.

  She nodded. “Jaxon?”

  “Knocked out.” He smiled. “They had a long day.”

  She walked over, took his hand and pulled. “Come with me.”

  “What?” He followed close at her back. “Wait, where are we going?”

  “Just...right...here.” Dani climbed up a steep incline then stopped several feet beyond the campsite, far enough that the glow of the fire couldn’t reach them. The view was clear and open and a soft breeze swept over her skin. “Perfect.”

  She faced Mac and closed her eyes. “Ask me what I see.”

  “Dani, wha—”

  “Ask me.”

  He made a sound of amused frustration. “Your eyes are closed. You can’t see anything.”

  She shook her head and reached for his other hand, her fingers fumbling over his abs then his hip, before catching hold of it and squeezing. “Please, Mac.”

  He sighed, his heavy exhale moving her hair. “What do you see?”

  She focused on the dim glow behind her closed eyelids. It was so weak it was barely discernible, but it was there. “I see soft, white light. More of a glow, really. Probably the stars.” She smiled. “There are so many here. They’re so close, it’s like you can touch heaven.”

  His hands stilled in hers.

  “Ask me what I hear.”

  His leg shifted and his boot scraped against loose rocks. “What do you hear?”

  “Water moving. If you listen hard, you can hear the creek. There’s this quiet rush when the water hits the rocks. And the crickets are chirping.” She co
cked her head, straining for more. “The leaves are rustling—the breeze is doing that. Maybe a few animals, even. They’re probably roaming around, looking for a little romance.”

  He laughed softly. The heat of his body grew stronger as he stepped closer, his hard chest brushing hers.

  “And there are crackles,” she said. “Pops, too. From the campfire. Right near where Jaxon and the girls are sleeping.” She released his hands and pressed her palms to his chest. Her fingers trembled and she flexed them, making them steady. “Now, ask me what I feel.”

  She waited, hearing the same sounds as before but not his voice. Her heart skipped painfully in her chest and she wished she could see his face. Wished she knew what he was thinking.

  “Mac?”

  His warm lips parted hers, his tongue sweeping inside. His fingers threaded gently through her hair. The stubble lining his jaw rasped against her cheek as he kissed her deeper, pressing his body against hers from chest to hip.

  A soft moan of pleasure escaped her. His hands tightened in her hair then his thumbs rubbed the nape of her neck.

  His mouth left hers, his lips touching her ear as he asked, “What do you feel?”

  She pressed her cheek to his. Her skin tingled and heat swirled low in her belly. “Safe. Protected.” Her blood rushed, heart pounding in her ears. “Loved.”

  The word lingered on her tongue and she savored it, repeating it in her head.

  Loved. She loved Mac. And Jaxon. And the girls. More than she thought it was possible to love someone. And their happiness was more valuable than anything else. More than her old life and promotion in New York. Even more than the approval of her father.

  So she’d help Mac in the only way she had left—by making sure he kept his land. Whatever it cost her.

  Dani opened her eyes. “You told me once that a stranger wouldn’t know how to protect these mountains. That they couldn’t understand or properly appreciate the serenity that exists here.” She cupped his jaw and met his eyes as he stared down at her. “But I do. And I can help others see the same things you and I see. Because I know you can still see it, Mac. You can still see how magnificent this place can be. If you’re willing to take a chance and change some things, I can turn this place around. If you’re willing to tru—” She swallowed hard, the words sticking in her throat. “If you’re willing to trust me, you and the kids can still have a future here.”