Eric knew Cam better than anyone. Although they’d had different mothers, he, Cam, and their sister, Brooke, had always been close. Eric’s mother, Annie Sinclair MacLaren, married Heath MacLaren after her first husband, Kit Sinclair, passed away. With the marriage, they’d gained a stepbrother, Trey MacLaren, a Navy pilot, and stepsister, Cassie MacLaren, a student at Arizona State. Both Cam and Eric now worked for MacLaren Cattle Company as well as the rapidly growing development division—Eric in land development and Cam as head of the IT department and as part of the company’s flight team.
Cam pushed away from the desk and grabbed the cowboy hat he’d grown accustomed to wearing. “You’re right. Let’s get this evening started.”
******
Bluebird Falls, Idaho
“Lainey, aren’t you ready yet?”
She cringed at the harsh tone and inconsiderate manner of the man who stood in the doorway, leaning one shoulder against the frame while glaring down at her as she gathered up the last of the puzzle pieces the children had left behind.
“The last mother just picked up her daughter a few minutes ago. Let me finish putting things away and we can leave.” She stood and walked to within a few inches of him. “Or, you can go on without me.” She had no interest in spending another evening at one more of her fiancé’s long and boring business dinners.
“You know I can’t do that. My boss is expecting both of us. Besides, his wife is coming this time.”
“Not his girlfriend?” Lainey couldn’t suppress the jab. Her fiancé, Robert Crafton, was a successful attorney in a firm started by his boss, Laurence Burns, and Robert’s father, years ago. Robert was now a partner, focusing on land deals and ranching operations.
“You know I hate the girlfriend situation as much as you. At least he’s somewhat discreet about them.”
Lainey disagreed with Robert’s tacit acceptance of his boss’s philandering. “Why doesn’t Gladdie say something? Kick him out, move on? Geez, she’s a beautiful woman, fun, more active than her husband, and wealthy. She could do a lot better than Laurence.” Lainey pushed the last of the plastic bins into its cubby hole, grabbed her jacket, and slung a large, heavy tote over her shoulder.
“My guess is that it’s too much work. He can have as many affairs as he wants, as long as he keeps them private. Why go to the bother of the court case, publicity, and all, when she doesn’t have to.” Robert watched Lainey struggle with her oversized purse but didn’t reach a hand out to help her. He’d hate it if anyone saw him holding a purse.
“I’ll follow you.” Lainey clicked the button on her key fob and saw the back lights of her car flicker. She was due for a new one. The eight-year-old coupe had served her well and stayed alive long enough for Lainey to save up enough to pay cash for her next car. A small SUV this time, or maybe a truck. She grinned at the possibilities.
“You know I hate it when you drive that heap to business dinners. Ride with me. I’ll bring you back when we’re finished.” Robert opened the driver’s side door of his luxury sedan and slid inside, oblivious to Lainey standing on the other side, waiting for him to be a gentleman.
Robert started the car and rolled down the window. “Climb in. I’ll get your door at the restaurant.”
She flung her tote between them on the cream-colored, smooth leather seat, and sat down, staying as close to the open window as possible. Lainey was pretty certain Robert had consumed his usual two to three after work drinks before coming to pick her up. Vodka, if she wasn’t mistaken, and some other scent that wafted past her as the cool air flowed into the car—sort of sweet, flowery.
“We’ll stay at my place tonight.” Robert’s dictates were becoming the norm between them. It wasn’t often he consulted her on their weekend plans or even asked if she had any of her own.
“I can’t tonight. Remember? I’ve got an early morning run with my SAR team before our regional meeting.”
“Your team sure is taking up a good deal of your time. Have you done any thinking about what we discussed?” Robert’s stern, imperious voice grated on Lainey and she wondered for the hundredth time in the last few months why she hadn’t broken off their engagement. She knew he wasn’t asking a question as much as issuing a demand.
“Technically, we didn’t discuss it. You asked me to consider quitting and I said no.”
“You know what I mean. Between your job and SAR commitments, we have little time for each other. I can’t see it getting any better once we marry.”
She didn’t see it getting any better, either. Lainey looked out the window at the growing darkness, wondering if tonight would be the best time to tell him of her decision.
******
“Your brother is a nice guy, Eric. Thanks so much for convincing him to come out with us.” Gisele “Zell” Marlenson had been attracted to Eric from the instant they’d met at a Chamber of Commerce mixer and had hoped he’d call. She’d jumped at his suggestion of a double date as a way to get her good friend, and business partner, Megan, out of the office. Together they’d been logging way too many hours and needed a break.
“We were both looking forward it.” Eric looked over his shoulder to see Cam on his phone, frowning and nodding his head before saying a couple more words, then closing the phone and sliding it into his pocket.
Cam’s eyes rose to meet Eric’s. He knew his brother wouldn’t like what was coming.
The last two call-outs had been during the day—one during a board meeting and the other on a Saturday in the middle of their weekly touch football game. Both times he’d had to excuse himself and leave. This would be no different.
“Apologies, everyone.” Cam glanced at Megan and Zell, then shifted his gaze to Eric. “A couple of boys from a scout troop are missing in Colorado and they’ve called us in. I leave in an hour.” He turned back to Megan. “I’d like to make this up to you another time, after this trip is over.”
“I’d like that.” Megan’s smile was warm and genuine.
“Good. Count on it.” Cam looked back to Eric. “May I take your car?”
“Sure. I’m certain Zell can give me a ride home.”
Zell looked up at Cam. “No problem. Take care of yourself.”
Eric dug his keys out, flipped them to Cam, then watched as his brother strode from the restaurant, certain he’d receive a text message once Cam knew where his team was headed.
******
“Dessert, Miss Devlin?”
Lainey glanced at the menu once more before handing it back to the waiter. “Nothing for me tonight.”
Robert studied her, not pleased with her unusually sullen mood and lack of interest in the conversations during dinner. Lainey always ordered the restaurant’s remarkable bread pudding. He knew something wasn’t right and would have to ask her on the trip to his place, still certain he could talk her into spending the night.
“Lainey, Laurence and I would love to have you and Robert over for dinner sometime in the near future.” Gladdie’s soft, dove-gray eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled.
Lainey hesitated a moment. The odds of her and Robert still being together after this weekend were slim. “I’m certain we can work something out that will …” Lainey stopped at the sound of her phone. She glanced at the number. “Would you excuse me a moment, Gladdie?” She walked toward the entry, not missing Robert’s glare as she left the table.
“This is Lainey.”
“We have a situation in Colorado. Lost Cub Scouts. They need as many teams as they can get as soon as possible. We have transportation in an hour.”
“I’ll be there.” Lainey hung up, started back to the table, and took a deep breath, knowing this would not sit well with Robert. “I apologize, Gladdie and Laurence, but some Cub Scouts are missing in Colorado and they’re calling up as many SAR teams as they can get. I need to leave to make my transportation.”
She slung her purse over her shoulder and waited for Robert to rise.
“Of course you must go, Laine
y. Our prayers will be with you and those children, right, Laurence?”
“Certainly. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.” Laurence took another sip of the Colheita port he favored after dinner and stood. “Robert, sorry the evening must break up so soon. At least it’s for a good reason.” He waited until Robert took the hint and rose from his seat.
Lainey watched as a scowl contorted Robert’s face. “I can call a cab if you’d rather stay.”
Robert shook Laurence’s hand and turned toward his fiancée. “No. I’ll take you.” He took her elbow and guided her to valet parking, handing his ticket to the attendant, then turned to face Lainey.
“You’ll need to make a choice at some point. I don’t intend to share you with your rescue team.”
“Nor should you have to, Robert.”
“Good. I’m glad we have an understanding.”
His self-satisfied smile told Lainey her decision to break off their engagement was right. She’d make him miserable with her desire to continue in the SAR program, and Robert would eventually wring every bit of spontaneity out of her body. It would be best for both of them.
He pulled up to her place, not turning off the motor or offering to come around to help her out. They were away from knowing eyes, all need for pretense gone.
“I’ll call you when I arrive.” Lainey placed a quick peck on his cheek and stepped out of the car.
Robert wasted no time pulling away, his taillights dimming to nothing within a few mere seconds. She turned to watch him go feeling nothing except incredible relief.
Chapter Two
Castle Canyon, Colorado
“We have five teams,” Jake announced. He’d been selected as the SAR operations manager for the search efforts to locate the missing Cub Scouts, which was unusual. The Castle Canyon SAR lead was in the hospital with a broken leg and had specifically requested that Jake take his place.
“We’re searching for two eight-year-old boys who split from their den leader. The other six are back with their parents.” Jake handed out flyers. “Pictures and information about each boy. They’ve been missing for approximately four hours. Two teams are already out and are taking positions here and here.” He pointed to a map. “We’ll deploy our four teams between this ridge and the river. All six teams will be taking direction from me. We expect the two will stay together. Questions?”
“Normal team leads will report to you?” The volunteer was a tall, burly man with a long reddish-brown beard.
“That’s right. We’ll use normal communication patterns.”
“Helicopters?” A short, stocky man called from back.
“We’ll have to wait for daylight. But, yes. Assuming we don’t find the boys tonight, helicopters will be up at first light.”
“Will medical vans remain here or be posted throughout the search area?” The group parted as an average height female volunteer came forward.
Cam watched her approach. She had a familiar gait, casual, and moved with purpose. As she came closer, Cam’s breath hitched when he spotted her. She stopped next to him, not acknowledging or recognizing him.
“We have four emergency vans. They’ll be located on the spots designated on your maps. No matter the condition, both boys will go for a medical checkup once found.”
Cam and Lainey stood next to each other. Even after four months, Cam still felt the same incredible pull toward Lainey that he had the first time he’d seen her, covered in soot, dragging the injured hiker down the steep trail, yards ahead of the fast approaching fire.
“Anything else?” Jake asked and looked around. “All right. Time to head out.”
Lainey turned back to where her team had congregated.
“Lainey. Wait.”
She turned, recognition coming slowly before a broad smile split her face. “Cameron, right?”
“Cam to my friends.” He returned her smile. “Look, I don’t know where we’ll be once the boys are found, but here’s my information.” He scribbled on a scrap of paper he’d pulled from a pocket. “Email me. That is, if you’d like to stay in touch.”
She’d felt drawn to him during the Montana rescue mission months before and remembered her resolve to stay away from someone who triggered such intense feelings so quickly. Now he was here, a foot away, wanting to stay in touch. She reached out and took the paper.
“I’d like that.”
“Good.” He looked over his shoulder. “I have to leave.” Cam dashed to the waiting truck as Lainey took off in the other direction. “Wait! What’s your last name?” But Lainey didn’t hear through the controlled chaos around them.
Lainey climbed into the waiting vehicle already filled with team members and watched Cam’s truck kick up dust as it disappeared around an old mountain road. She’d known her engagement with Robert was rocky, even during her mission in Colorado, yet wasn’t prepared to throw it away on some chance meeting with an unknown SAR volunteer, no matter how intense the attraction. It had been the strangest feeling she’d ever experienced. Never before had the presence of one man affected her the way being close to Cam had. It frightened as well as thrilled her.
“Lainey, you hear me?”
The deep voice pulled Lainey from her mental wandering to focus on the man beside her. Mark Hill had been a good friend for years. He’d gotten her into the SAR program in Bluebird Falls, and introduced her to Robert, in a roundabout sort of way.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“Who’s the guy?”
“What guy?”
Mark laughed—the robust, rumbling sound always made Lainey smile. “The one your eyes followed until the truck pulled out of sight. Who is he?”
“Oh, just a volunteer I met at the Montana fire. Seems like a nice guy.”
“Uh-huh.”
Lainey swung her head toward Mark. “What?”
“Nothing, except I’ve never seen that look on your face before. Not even with Robert.”
“What look?” She had a hard time believing anyone could read her so well in an instant.
“The one that tells a man you’re interested.” Mark pulled his eyes away from Lainey to look toward their path through the dense growth and twisting trail. The sky had turned dark, leaving nothing but the partial moon, truck lights, and whatever the volunteers had available. “This is going to be interesting,” he murmured before settling against the back rail and closing his eyes.
Lainey stared at Mark, her head reeling from his words. How could he possibly interpret her brief encounter with Cameron as anything more than two acquaintances talking? Was she that transparent? Apparently so.
“Almost there,” her team leader called minutes before they pulled to a stop and everyone piled out. “You know the drill. Let’s get going.”
Lainey and Mark were always paired together. She’d met him in college and they’d become fast friends. He understood her love of children and the outdoors as well as her desire to become more involved in the community. Mark had been in the regional SAR program since his junior year and eventually broke through Lainey’s initial hesitancies and concerns that she had nothing to offer. It didn’t take more than two observation trips, shadowing Mark in the field, for the program to set its hooks in her.
“Have everything you need?” Mark walked up, adjusting his gear and taking note of their surroundings.
“All set.” Lainey snapped her helmet in place and slipped her hands into protective gloves.
Three hours later, they’d found nothing to indicate the two boys had been anywhere near their assigned search area. The night air chilled and with it came a heightened sense of urgency. No one wanted the boys to spend a night alone in the mountains, with little protection, and nothing to ward off the cold breeze whipping through the valley.
“Base to Mark. Come in.”
“Go ahead, base.”
“Boys have been found. Come back to base.”
“Good news. We’re heading back. Over.” Mark pocketed the radio
as Lainey walked toward him. “They found them. We’re clear to head back.”
Relief washed over her. Her concern for the boys’ safety increased as each hour passed without word from any of the teams.
“Thank God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Lainey’s experience with children made her the go-to person on their team for rescues involving children. It didn’t really matter if they needed her this time or not, she still wanted to see for herself how the boys had fared alone.
Base wasn’t hard to find with the glaring portable lights, television crews, and over a hundred people milling about. The Scouts sat wide eyed as a doctor checked them out, finally releasing them to their parents.
Lainey watched as one set of parents then the other, each with their sons in tow, walked toward one of the SAR teams. The men cleared a path for the families who spotted the man they looked for near the back of the crowd. Lainey’s heart clenched as Cam stood, shook their hands then knelt before the boys. She inched forward enough to make out some of his words.
“I can count on each of you to listen to your leader from now on, right?”
The boys nodded even though it was obvious by the slump of their shoulders that exhaustion consumed them.
“Use what happened today to make better decisions in the future and not cause your parents to worry the way they did tonight. Got that?”
“Yes, sir,” each responded in low, tired voices.
“All right.” Cameron grinned and extended his hand to each.
Lainey continued to move closer to the group as the parents prepared to leave.
“If there’s anything we can ever do for you, please call us.” One of the fathers handed Cam his card, the emotion in the man’s voice thick.
“Thank you, sir. Finding the boys safe is all the thanks I need.”
Lainey moved aside to let the families pass then hung around hoping for a moment to speak with Cam alone. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to say—congratulate him, certainly, and perhaps give him what he’d wanted from their time in Montana, her last name and number. Doubt suddenly consumed her and she began to retrace her steps back toward her own team.
One More Day: MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary, Book Three (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 3) Page 2
