The Maverick of Copper Creek

by R. C. Ryan

  “I wish there could be some other explanation.”

  “Why are you reluctant to admit the obvious?”

  She sighed. “Because I wanted to believe that he’d turned his life around. Because I promised my mother that I’d try to forgive him for the things he did to me in the past. I even sent him money. And now, I feel…betrayed. And I feel so foolish for believing that he could actually change.”

  Ash wrapped an arm around her shoulders and felt her shivering. That only reinforced his feelings of resentment for the man who had made her childhood a living hell and had now returned to add to her pain. “It isn’t foolish to want to believe the best about people, even when they fail you. You should be proud of yourself for being able to put the past aside. As for the money you sent him, you can’t beat yourself up over it. It’s gone, and probably spent on a bottle of whiskey.”

  “Or a good meal.”

  “There you go. The eternal optimist.” He took the cup from her hand and set it aside along with his own. Then, gathering her close, he dipped his head and brushed his mouth over hers.

  Against her lips he whispered, “Did you ever wonder why I’ve always called you Sunshine?”

  “Because I’m so bright?”

  He chuckled. “There’s that, too. But I called you that because despite all that you’ve had to go through, you’ve always been so optimistic. You always see the good of things, instead of the dark side. You’re the most honest, decent, genuinely good woman I know.”

  She flushed and pushed a little away. “I’m not a saint, Ash. Now you’ve made me feel really guilty.”

  “Of what?”

  She ducked her head. “I have an admission to make.”

  Ash held his breath, hoping she wasn’t about to tell him that she was having second thoughts about what they’d shared.

  He tried to prepare himself for the worst, and wondered how his poor heart would ever recover if she pushed him away yet again.

  “It’s about my…boxer shorts and camisole.”

  He nodded, trying to follow her line of reasoning. “Very sexy.”

  She took a deep breath and started speaking as quickly as possible, so she wouldn’t lose her nerve. “I…usually sleep in an old ratty dorm shirt. I put on those shorts and that cami because I—” she took in a deep breath “—wanted to seduce you.”

  He was staring at her with a bemused look. “You seduced me?”

  She looked away. “I’m sorry, Ash. That was sneaky…”

  He swallowed back the laughter that threatened before framing her face with his hands. “Why, Ms. Crane. That was very sneaky. Who’d have believed this of sweet little Brenna?”

  “I know it wasn’t fair. It’s just that you’d pushed me away. And I just wanted to…to tempt you.”

  “Oh, you did. Believe me, you tempted me. You had me so hot, I was close to a meltdown.” He brushed his mouth over hers before drawing her down against the sofa cushions. Against her throat he muttered, “That was a damned fine seduction. Now it’s my turn. Let’s see. If I just touch you like that…and then if I…and follow it up by…”

  Her laughter turned into a series of soft sighs and low moans as he proceeded to show her his version of a perfect seduction.

  “What’s this?” Brenna sat up, tossing back her hair, to see Ash standing in the doorway holding a tray. “More food?”

  “We’ve been burning a lot of calories. It’s time to gear up for the next round.”

  “Wishful thinking, cowboy.” Laughing, she nudged a coffee table closer to the sofa.

  Ash deposited a tray bearing a plate of eggs and toast and orange marmalade, along with two mugs of steaming coffee.

  She touched a hand to her heart. “Now this was worth burning off all those calories. But wouldn’t it be easier if we ate in the kitchen?”

  “Probably. But this is cozier.” He sat beside her and offered her a bite of toast spread with orange marmalade.

  “Umm. I’ve never been fed before. I think I like it.”

  “You’ve spent a lifetime taking care of everything and everybody. Now it’s time you were taken care of.”

  “And you’ve assigned yourself the task?”

  He brushed a kiss over her mouth and tasted the sweet orange flavor that clung to her lips. “A tough job. But somebody’s got to do it.”

  They shared bites of egg and toast until they’d had enough. Then they sat back, sipping strong, hot coffee, and watching Sammy nibble a treat.

  As dawn began to paint the horizon with ribbons of pink and mauve and purple, they shared all the things that had happened to them in the years they’d been apart.

  “Why didn’t you contact your family and let them know where you were?”

  Ash frowned. “In the beginning, I was just angry and hurt. Sick and tired of being my father’s whipping boy. And suffering a lot of growing pains, I guess. I figured I’d show my father I could be just as tough as he was.” He huffed a breath. “Then reality set in, and I found out how little I knew about the real world. I took every odd job I could find, and still there were nights I didn’t know where I’d sleep, or whether I’d earn enough to eat the next day. I shoveled manure on ranches, pumped gas, cooked in a diner. It took me longer to grow up than some, but gradually I began to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. And it turned out to be exactly what I’d been doing since I was born. Wonder of wonders, I wanted to be a rancher.”

  “After all these years.” She closed a hand over his. “Are you sorry it took you so long?”

  He mulled her question before shaking his head. “I think if I’d stayed here and toughed it out, it wouldn’t mean as much to me today. Now that I know how much blood, sweat, and tears went into taming this land and making it a success, I won’t ever take my inheritance for granted.”

  His voice lowered with passion. “Don’t get me wrong. There are regrets. Plenty of them. I never got to say good-bye to my father. And I know how much my absence hurt my mother.” He turned to her, his eyes reflecting his sadness. “And I wasn’t here for you when you needed me.”

  “Ash…”

  He touched a finger to her lips. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to dwell on the ‘could’ve, should’ve, would’ve’ litany. I’ll learn to live with my regrets and move on with my life. As for you, it can’t have been easy managing this ranch alone all these years.”

  Ash linked his fingers with Brenna’s. They sat with an afghan across their laps, Sammy dozing at their feet, as they finished the last of the coffee.

  Brenna smiled. “My mom used to say that nothing worth doing is easy. And I haven’t been alone. I couldn’t have done this without Vern.”

  “Yeah. That old cowboy is worth his weight in gold. He could really use some help.”

  “I’m glad he was able to find Noah Perkins.”

  “Where’d he find him?”

  Brenna shrugged. “Noah knocked on the door of his trailer and asked if he knew of anyone looking for an extra ranch hand. Vern brought him to the house and I hired him on the spot. From the sounds of things, Noah’s not very reliable. Vern found him asleep up in the hills when he was supposed to be tending the herd. But like Vern said, if Noah gets us through the calving season, that’s good enough. Then maybe we’ll earn enough when we sell off some of the herd to hire a real crew.”

  “I’m hoping Brady can spare a couple of our wranglers. That ought to ease Vern’s burden…”

  The ringing of his cell phone had Ash snatching it from the end table. “Yeah, Vern. What’s up?”

  He listened, then swore. He was on his feet and reaching for his clothes before the old man was even finished speaking.

  Brenna shot him a look of alarm. “What’s happened?”

  “Range fire. Looks like it started up in the hills and is headed right for your herd.” He tossed her his phone. “Call Brady. Tell him what’s happened, and warn him to keep an eye out in case the fire jumps the creek and heads for our land.”
/>   She did as he asked. By the time she’d hung up, Ash was heading for the door.

  She grabbed up her clothes before rushing across the room to hand him his phone. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m dressed.”

  “Suit yourself. You might want to stay here and keep an eye on the fire from the hayloft. If it looks like it’s heading this way, get out the hoses and start soaking the house and barns.”

  Her eyes widened. “You think it could get this far?”

  “There are a lot of ifs with a range fire. If there’s enough dry brush to feed it. If the wind shifts. If we don’t catch a break, we could be in for a tough battle.”

  “I’ll dress and join you before deciding. Stay safe, Ash.”

  “You do the same. And be sure you lock up Sammy in the house.” He drew her close for a hard, hurried kiss.

  He strode out the door and raced toward his truck without a backward glance.

  Chapter Twenty

  Ash’s four-wheel-drive truck moved slowly along a rutted trail that cut across the high meadow. Already a pall of thick black smoke was forming above the nearest hill. As he drew closer to the center of the smoke he caught up with Vern on horseback. When he glanced in his rearview mirror, he caught sight of Brenna and her horse galloping up behind him.

  He came to a halt and lowered his window. “You made good time.”

  “It’s easy when your range is burning.” She turned to Vern. “Any sign of the herd?”

  He shook his head. “I figure they’re still safe if they’re in high country.”

  Ash pointed. “You two lead the way and I’ll follow.”

  “Our range shack is up there.” Brenna pointed to a cluster of trees at the top of the hill.

  As she and Vern urged their mounts into a run, Ash put the truck in gear before trailing behind.

  When they came up over the ridge they paused to take in the sight of a smoldering heap of ash where the shack had once stood. The clearing around it was devoid of vegetation. It was now a charred ruin.

  Ash stepped out of his truck and walked around the smoking rubble. “Not much left. Did you have anything valuable?”

  Brenna nodded. “Just the supplies necessary to survive up here. A couple of bunks and sleeping bags. A generator to run a heater, stove, refrigerator, coffeemaker. Enough nonperishables to last through winter. Extra parkas, boots, and gloves in case of sudden snowstorms.”

  Ash turned to peer into the distance, where he could see the herd milling about, far ahead of the flames that were burning through the brush.

  “Okay. There’s the herd. Do you see a horse and rider? Where’s Noah Perkins?”

  Vern looked around in frustration. “If that lazy drifter’s run off, I’ll have his hide.”

  Ash looked equally furious. “You won’t need to. If I find him first, I’ll do it for you.”

  Just then they saw a figure emerge from the stand of trees.

  The man, hair shaggy, face bearded from his days spent alone in the hills, was moving slowly, using a sturdy tree limb as a cane.

  Vern’s tone was stern. “What’s happened to you? I thought you’d be with the herd.”

  “Can’t. I’m hurting too much.” As Noah drew closer, they became aware of his injuries.

  There were cuts on his face, leaving his beard matted with blood. His sleeves and the legs of his denims were streaked with more blood.

  “Looks like you tangled with a wildcat,” Vern muttered.

  “The cabin.” Noah dropped into the grass, looking exhausted. “I woke and found it in flames. Had to jump out a window.”

  “What was wrong with the door?” Vern looked skeptical.

  “It was a wall of flames.”

  Vern looked around at the smoldering embers. “How’d the fire get started?”

  Noah shot him a look of irritation. “How should I know? I told you I was sleeping.”

  Vern moved in for a closer inspection. “Looks like you’re cut bad.”

  “Yeah.” The bloodied man turned to Brenna. “Sorry, boss lady.” He nodded toward Ash. “Who’s this?”

  “Ash MacKenzie. His ranch is over there.” Brenna pointed to the lush fields to their south.

  Now that she’d had time to note the extent of Noah’s injuries up close, Brenna made a decision. “You need more medical care than I can give from a medical kit. You need to see a doctor.”

  “I agree.” Ash nodded. “Take him to town in my truck and leave your horse here.”

  “But the fire—”

  “—will eventually burn itself out. It’s not looking nearly as bad as I’d feared. If it started here, it’s being fed by wind and dry brush. But now that the wind has shifted, it’s heading toward Copper Creek, which will act as a natural fire break.”

  “And my herd?”

  “Looks like they’re already at the creek. Vern and I can take them across, if it looks as though the fire might not be contained.”

  She took a breath. “All right. As long as you don’t need me.”

  “Noah needs you more.”

  Ash turned to the man half-sitting, half-lying on the ground. “Need some help getting to the truck?”

  Noah shook his head and pushed himself up with the aid of his makeshift cane, limping slowly behind Brenna. Once in the passenger’s side of the truck, his head dropped back and his eyes closed.

  Brenna started the truck and turned it around before heading down the trail.

  Ash watched their descent before taking the reins of Brenna’s horse and pulling himself into the saddle.

  He turned to Vern. “Let’s get moving. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”

  Brenna maneuvered Ash’s truck along the rutted trail. With each bump and dip she glanced over toward the man who remained perfectly still, eyes closed, saying not a word. She was grateful that he wasn’t moaning in agony, but his stoic silence weighed heavily on her. He was in this situation, after all, because he’d been working on her behalf.

  Her tender heart went out to him.

  As she rounded the barns and drove closer to the house she slowed her speed. “Can I get you anything to ease your pain before we head into town to the clinic?”

  “Some water would be great.”

  “All right.” She parked beside the porch and stepped out. “I’ll just be a minute.”

  She returned a short time later carrying a tall plastic glass of ice water in one hand, and cuddling Sammy to her chest. She handed Noah the water through the open passenger’s-side window before walking around to the driver’s side.

  Before she could step inside Sammy was yapping wildly and wriggling about so frantically, she nearly dropped him.

  “Sammy. Stop that.” She opened the truck door and set the yapping pup on the seat, but he jumped out and began circling the truck while continuing to bark.

  She glanced apologetically at Noah, who watched without emotion. “Sorry. I was hoping to take him with us. He usually loves riding in my truck. Maybe it’s the fact that Ash’s truck isn’t familiar. I guess I’ll have to leave him here.”

  She picked up the puppy and returned him to the kitchen before firmly closing the door.

  When she returned to the truck, Noah sat slumped in the seat, head back, eyes closed.

  Worried about the extent of his injuries, and suffering a wave of guilt, she drove the entire distance to town without a word.

  Once there she parked outside the medical clinic. “Do you need help going inside?” He nodded, and she hurried around to help him exit the truck.

  In the clinic, they were greeted by Dr. Mullin’s assistant, Kate. After hearing a brief explanation of their visit, Kate said to Brenna, “If you’ll wait here, I’ll take Noah to an examining room.” She held out a handful of documents to Noah and said to him, “I’ll need you to fill these out before the doctor sees you.”

  A short time later Dr. Dan Mullin stepped into the waiting room to speak with Brenna. “Your wrangler’s got a lot of cuts. A couple of t
hem are deep. I removed whatever glass I could find embedded in his cuts, and I stitched him up where he needed it. I applied disinfectant and he’s currently getting an IV antibiotic. I think he ought to stay for at least twenty-four hours so I can observe those wounds that are problematic, just to make certain he doesn’t get an infection. I’ll call you when I’m ready to release him.”

  “Thanks, Doc.”

  He lowered his voice. “Noah said there was a fire up in the hills.”

  “My range shack. I’m just glad he was able to get out in time.”

  “Yeah. That’s what he told me. I wanted to test his lungs, to be certain he hadn’t inhaled too much smoke. But he said no.”

  “Did he give a reason?”

  The doctor shrugged. “He says he has no insurance, and since he’s working for you, you’d just have to pay for another test he doesn’t feel he needs.”

  She sighed. “That’s very thoughtful of him, but if you think he needs anything, see that he gets it, Doc. I’ll wait for your call.”

  Under his shaggy bangs, the doctor’s eyes were hawk sharp. “I see by Noah’s forms that you don’t carry any insurance on your ranch hands, Brenna.”

  She flushed. “Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll pay you tomorrow.”

  “I’m not worried about getting paid. I’m concerned for you.”

  “There’s no need. I keep enough money for emergencies.” She offered her hand. “Thanks for everything, Doc.”

  “Yeah.” He seemed about to say more, but Kate was already beckoning him toward a second examining room where a mother and her infant were waiting.

  He turned away, leaving Brenna alone in the waiting room.

  On the drive home, she thought about the debts that kept piling up. A barn door. A range shack. And now Noah’s medical bill.

  She hadn’t been exactly honest with the doctor. Though she kept an emergency fund, it wasn’t nearly enough to cover all the emergencies that had cropped up this year.