“Lainey, wait.”
She turned to see Cameron trot up beside her.
“Great work, Cam.” Lainey’s voice washed over Cam and he had the strangest urge to pull her into his arms. He shoved his hands into his pockets and took a slight step backwards.
“Thanks. They’d found a small rock enclosure and huddled inside.” He looked over her shoulder to see the families climb into their cars. “At least they had water and a couple of granola bars which they were smart enough to ration. That’s more than a lot of adults do.”
She chuckled, having encountered the same thing on a couple of their searches. “You handled the boys very well. Do you have a lot of experience with kids?”
“Not much. My stepbrother, Trey, has a young son, and my last girlfriend has a little girl. That’s it. How about you?”
Did that mean he didn’t have a girlfriend now? “Uh, I teach preschool—kids two to four years old. I love working with children—there’s never a dull moment.”
“No kids of your own?” He watched, fascinated at the way her face lit up when she spoke of her work and children.
“No. Someday I hope to have a family. A big one if I meet a man who loves children the way I do.”
“So you’re not married?”
“No, not married. I’m …”
“Hey, Lainey. I wondered where you’d gone off to.” Mark handed her a small bag filled with fruit, an energy bar, and a bottle of water. He held out another one to Cameron. “Mark Hill.”
Cam grabbed the sack and shook Mark’s hand. “Cameron Sinclair.”
“Good work out there, Sinclair.”
Cam opened the bottle of water and took a long swig. “Thanks. Luck had as much to do with it as anything.”
“Luck or whatever. You found them.” Mark tilted his bottle of water toward Cam in a toast then shifted his gaze to Lainey. “We’re heading back, and if we’re lucky, we’ll be home by sunrise.” He looked once more at Cam. “Nice meeting you. Have a safe flight home.”
“Same to you, Mark.”
Neither Lainey nor Cam budged as a thick silence settled over them, the easy banter of moments before gone.
“Well, I guess I’d better go.” The hesitancy in Lainey’s voice wasn’t lost on Cam. “It was great to see you again. Maybe sometime in the future…” Her voice trailed off as Lainey realized her future was far from settled.
Cam stepped forward to within inches of her. “I’d like to be able to call or email you, if that’s okay?”
Lainey hesitated a moment before taking a deep breath. “Look, I need to be honest with you. I’m engaged, and, well, I just don’t know how things will turn out.”
Cam’s spirits sank with her words. “Sounds like you’re not too committed to the man.”
“Let’s say I’m less committed to the marriage than Robert is. Even so, it wouldn’t be right to muddy the waters right now.” She allowed her gaze to fix on his. “I hope you understand.”
He’d never been engaged, although at one point a former relationship looked like it would go in that direction. Cam had never been sure what changed his mind. He’d woken up one day to realize the woman wasn’t the one. Something about Lainey made him believe it would be different with her. There was no sense to the strong pull he felt toward a woman he’d met just twice—almost like a voice inside his head taunting him with a certainty that she would be important in his life.
“You have my information. Anytime you want to reach out, just let me know.” He held out his hand. “I wish you the best, Lainey.”
She grasped his large, calloused hand, and the strangest sensation washed over her. There was a rightness in his touch, nothing like the cold, indifferent feel of Robert’s hand in hers.
“Goodbye, Cam. I do hope we meet again sometime.”
He watched her leave, once again chastising himself for his unusual and unwanted reaction to the woman. Now he had an absolute reason to push her from his mind. Even if he had the time or desire to get involved, engaged and married women were off limits. Cam took a deep breath and headed toward his group, glad he’d resolved the issue of the pretty SAR volunteer once and for all.
Chapter Three
Two weeks later, Fire Mountain
“I had a wonderful time, Cam. Thanks so much.” Megan stepped out of the car in front of the house she shared with her business partner, Zell. “I’d never been to that restaurant before. It was great.”
Cam escorted her up the narrow walkway to her porch. “It’s one of my favorites.”
She turned as they approached the front door. “Perhaps you could come over for dinner sometime. I’m a passable cook, at least according to Zell.”
The evening air was cool, washing across his face, reminding him of his last meeting with Lainey. He couldn’t seem to wash her image from his mind—her broad smile, enthusiasm for life, and interest in others. Cam couldn’t shake his desire to have one more day with her. Just another chance to figure out if his feelings were an illusion or real.
Still, Megan’s quiet, even temperament appealed to Cam. He knew she had a work ethic as strong as his and had made it clear she had little room in her life for a demanding relationship. That suited Cam just fine. Plus, they’d had a good time tonight.
“I’d like that.” Cam watched a smile spread across her face.
“Great. How about next Saturday? We can invite Zell and Eric to join us if you’d like.”
“Sounds good. I’ll mention it to Eric and call you next week.”
She stretched up on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks again. I had a great time.”
Cam watched her disappear inside. Even though he had no interest in anything permanent, he and Megan suited each other right now.
He drove back to his home, a comfortable cabin on the ranch that Heath provided for his use. Eric had a similar setup—two bedrooms, one bath, and a full kitchen that opened into a dining area and wood paneled living room with a large rock fireplace at one end. Cozy, efficient, and private. A deck wrapped around three sides. On the rare days Cam came home early, he’d sit outside with a cup of coffee, or whiskey, and watch the sunset. It was a good life, just what he wanted.
******
One month later, Bluebird Falls, Idaho
“I know it isn’t what you expected and I’m sorry if this ruins your plans.” Lainey sat in the living room of Robert’s large, four-bedroom home on a lake, holding tight to a cup of tea and wishing she could leave. It was a beautiful house, and with the right person, it would be a place she’d look forward to coming home to each night. Robert wasn’t that person.
Robert had paced to the fireplace, putting his drink on the mantel before turning to face her, his face a mottled reddish-purple as he worked to control his anger.
“You’re throwing us away because you have a sudden urge to move out of state. Do you even have a job, a place to live? Or is it you’ve met someone else?”
Lainey stood and clasped both hands in front of her. “I have a place to stay and a job waiting. It’s something I’ve thought about for a long time.” She reached behind her to grab her coat. “And no, there is no one else.”
“Then why leave? It makes no sense.” Robert could sense his protests weren’t reaching through the shell Lainey had already constructed around her.
“Because we aren’t meant for each other. If you think about it, you’ll realize I’m not who you want. I’ve come to accept that we’ll never make each other happy.”
“What more do you want, Lainey? I’m offering you a beautiful home, memberships to any club you want, connections throughout the area, a chance to stop working, and finally quit the SAR team. We’d have a family. I just don’t understand what else you could want.”
Lainey listened, her expression fixed, not indicating any of the disgust she felt at his inability to comprehend her needs and what mattered to her. He knew she loved her time in SAR and had no desire to give it up. Yes, she wanted a family and fe
lt she could balance children with work, even if part-time, and her volunteer activities. The rest, a big house, club memberships, meeting what he considered the right people, meant little to her.
Above all else, she had no desire to be controlled by a man. She’d watched her mother cower under her father’s domineering rule for years—until the fire that killed them both during Lainey’s senior year in college. She knew successful marriages existed, and if she were to marry, Lainey intended for it to be a partnership. That wouldn’t be the case with Robert.
“That’s just it. I don’t want to give up working or SAR. They’re both important to me. If I ever do meet the right person, he’ll appreciate this and make allowances you aren’t able to consider.” She slung her purse over her shoulder, then noticed the ring on her left hand. Lainey slipped it off and laid it on the coffee table. “Maybe in time you’ll understand this is best for both of us.”
She glanced once more at Robert before walking to the door.
“Lainey, wait.” He hurried to stop her before she could step outside. “Hear me out.”
“No, Robert. I’m sorry if this isn’t what you want, but it’s what I need. Please, it’s better this way.” She stared up at him, her eyes devoid of emotion and lips set in a thin line, hoping he’d move aside and let her leave.
“Make sure, Lainey. If you walk out that door, I won’t take you back.”
She didn’t hesitate. “I’m sure.”
She was halfway to her car when Robert called after her. “At least tell me where you’re moving.”
Lainey climbed into the front seat and rolled down the window. “Arizona.”
******
“We’ll miss you so much. Are you sure you won’t change your mind, consider staying at least through the end of the year?” Deb Dawson, the owner of the preschool had become a good friend and mentor. Lainey hated leaving her and the children, yet knew this was the right decision.
Lainey’s eyes misted over as she thought of all the good times she’d shared with Deb and the kids. She’d earned a degree in childhood development, had excelled in all her classes, and interviewed at several schools before accepting Deb’s offer. Book learning had helped—being on a job and implementing what she’d learned turned out to be something else entirely. She’d learned how to identify the right and wrong methods of working with children during her time with Deb, and understood the deep sense of purpose in doing what she loved.
“I can’t, Deb. I’ve a new job waiting and a place to stay. Besides, Marta will be great. She loves children, has excellent experience, and is more than ready to get back to work.”
“You don’t have to sell me on her, I know she’ll do fine. I still hate losing you.” Tears filled Deb’s eyes as she drew her friend into a hug. “Don’t forget to send me your address as soon as you arrive. And call me on your trip south.” She tried for a smile, failing horribly.
“You’ll be the first call I make.” She drew back from her friend and yanked her bag of supplies over her shoulder. “Plan to come for a visit when you can make time.”
“You can count on it.” Deb walked outside, shading her eyes from the early morning sun, and watched Lainey climb into her new, shiny red SUV. At least she’d gotten rid of that piece of junk coupe. “Be safe!” Deb waved as the car faded into the distance.
******
Lainey had one more stop to make before leaving Bluebird Falls. Mark knew of her decision, had tried to talk her out of it, and failed. They’d been good friends for years, and now she had to say goodbye. At least she had a possible temptation to dangle in front of him.
“Mark around?” Lainey walked into the large stone building in the old downtown area. This section of town had been restored block by block over the last few years, reinventing itself in the process, and drawing new businesses to the area. Mark’s job as a CPA kept him busy in the booming economy. Even as the rest of the country still languished in recession, Bluebird Falls had been able to thrive.
“Sure is, Lainey. I’ll let him know you’re here.” The receptionist, an older lady with grown children, and a husband who enjoyed fishing, had been with the firm for years. She’d once told Lainey she planned to die on the job. None of this retirement nonsense for her.
“Hey.” Mark walked up and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “So this is it, huh?”
Lainey nodded, afraid she’d lose it if she spoke. Mark saw her eyes mist over and grabbed her elbow.
“Come on. I’ll get you some coffee for the road.”
Their favorite coffee place was a block away. They made the best lattes for miles around and it had become a ritual for them to meet once a week at the little shop to catch up.
“Hi, Mark. Two lattes coming up,” the teenage barista called as they entered.
“Make one a large,” Mark called back. “And one of those croissant things she likes.” He looked at Lainey. “For the road.”
“How’s work going?” Lainey asked as she settled into her seat.
“Normal stuff. Pretty routine right now.” He thanked the young man who brought their drinks and took a sip of his latte. “How far you going today?”
“Some place near St. Gregg. It’s about halfway and I hear they have lots of motels.” She held the cup up to sip the hot brew, then smiled, satisfied at how good it tasted.
“You’re sure about this? I can’t change your mind?”
“It’s something I have to do. Besides, the opportunity is just too good to pass up. The chance to own a preschool plus an option on her house, which is where I’ll live—at least until I decide to purchase or buy another place.”
“You said she’s retiring?”
“And leaving the area. All her kids are in this area of Idaho. That’s how I found out about it, through her daughter whose son is a student at Deb’s school. I’ll work with her for a couple of months, learn the system, and get to know the kids and parents, then make a decision.” She sipped at her latte, then sat back in her chair. “I have the money from my parents’ estate and I’ve dreamed of this for years. Somehow it just feels right.”
“And if it’s not what you want?”
“Hey, preschools are always looking for teachers. I’ll find something.”
Mark watched Lainey’s eyes sparkle as she spoke, and as often happened, he got swept into the excitement with her. He’d miss her but was also glad for her. “Who’s looking at the books for you?”
“Well, I hoped you might offer.” She hadn’t wanted to take advantage of their friendship by asking for his input on the financials before. Lainey had looked them over with Deb. Both thought everything seemed in order, yet she really wanted a professional’s opinion.
“Of course. Do you have them with you?”
“A copy is in the car.”
“Perfect. I’ll check them out and have my questions ready by the time you arrive in Arizona.”
“That would be wonderful.” She finished her coffee and set the cup down. “I do have something else to discuss with you.”
“Fire away.”
“There’s a small CPA firm looking for a third partner. According to Helen, the woman who is selling the preschool, the two partners, both women, prefer to find a male to buy in.”
“And why would I want to leave what I have and start over someplace where it’s hot, and dry, with no trees?” He shook his head. “No. I’m fine here. Besides, maybe you’ll hate it and move back north.”
“That’s doubtful if the deal works out. I’ve done a lot of research and where I’m going is in a mountain area, with trees, lakes, hiking, and some snow in the wintertime. And it’s growing. Something to consider.”
“I’m always open to opportunity—just warning you that this town suits me fine.”
“Fair enough. But don’t think I won’t send you anything I learn about the firm. You never know.” Lainey smiled, hoping she could lure him down for a visit.
******
“What can I get you, Missy?” T
he older, bearded man stood at the counter of a small motel in southern Utah. It appeared clean, not far from the freeway, and next door to a coffee shop that served twenty-four hours a day.
“One room. Non-smoking, please.” Lainey fished in her purse for her wallet.
“One key or two?”
“One. How’s the place next door?”
“Basic food. Clean, reasonable.”
That sounded perfect.
“If you want a good breakfast, Ethel’s south on the freeway is the best choice.”
“Appreciate the tip.”
“You need help with anything, give me a call.”
“Thanks.”
She checked her phone which started to ring as she walked to the restaurant. Robert. He’d called several times today, leaving messages when she didn’t answer. She hoped he’d take the hint and realize they were over.
Lainey grabbed a quick dinner then settled into her room, leaning against the headboard with a book she’d put off reading for months—an historical western romance, set in the ranchlands of northern Arizona. It was an interesting story, with a strong, handsome male character. He had blond hair and warm brown eyes, and in her mind, he was the exact image of Cameron Sinclair.
She closed her eyes and remembered how he’d been with the lost Scouts. They’d each hugged him before leaving with their parents. His smile had been gentle, kind, even though he’d been bone tired from the search.
Lainey hadn’t reached out to him. She had his email and knew he lived somewhere in Arizona, but that was all. Maybe someday, once she’d settled into her new home, she’d email him, see if he still had an interest in connecting. Lainey doubted it. Long-distance friendships were hard to keep up. Besides, someone like him would be fighting women off, not needing to seek one out.
She fell asleep with the image of a tall, lean, handsome rescue worker fixed in her head.
Chapter Four
A few weeks later, Fire Mountain
One More Day: MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary, Book Three (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 3) Page 3
