Afire (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Grace Jameson

  Nate frowned. “Jenny, you know the evacuation order probably won’t be lifted for a while right? If you want, though, you can come and stay with your mom and me at Aunt Cathy’s. Tim can take over the horses for a while.”

  She gave him a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “It’s not a big deal. I just mean it’ll be nice to be home again.”

  “If you’re sure…” he said hesitantly. She nodded as they turned into the farm laneway and smiled at him.

  “It’s fine, Dad. Really.”

  He knew it wasn’t but nodded and made a mental note to talk to Cal. It seemed there were a few things his friend needed to explain.

  Chapter 6

  Cal wondered why someone was stabbing him with a hot poker. He tried to open his eyes and instantly regretted it. The light seared him, and the pounding in his head increased. He didn’t know what was happening, but he couldn’t crawl through the fog of his thoughts. Cal tried to sort out where he was and why he was in pain, when a single clear thought came to him—Jenny needs me.

  “Jenny? Where’s Jenny?” he muttered, moving restlessly on the bed.

  He felt a reassuring hand on his forearm, and he asked again for Jenny.

  “She’s fine, Cal. Jenny’s safe,” a soothing, woman’s voice said.

  Cal gave a quiet moan then slipped into unconsciousness again, knowing Jenny was safe.

  When he surfaced again an hour later, the pain was still there, and so was the person attached to the soothing voice. He struggled to focus his gaze on the smiling face of Becky Busch. Not the Busch he was hoping for.

  “Hi, sweetie. Welcome back to the land of the living.”

  He groaned as he tried to roll over and settled on his back again. “Where am I?”

  “You’re in the hospital, Cal. You were in an accident last night, and you got pretty banged up. You’ve had surgery, so your tummy is going to hurt a bit. Just relax. Take it nice and slow.”

  He absorbed the information, then recalled he’d been on his way to get Jenny. “Jenny…I was supposed to get her…”

  Becky smiled reassuringly. “She’s peachy, Cal. Will picked her up.” She saw him look around the room, then shutter his gaze when he realized she wasn’t there. “Jenny’s at your place, sweetie. She waited until you were out of surgery, then she went back to start baling. She asked me to stay here with you.”

  Cal nodded and tried to hide his disappointment. Unsuccessfully, if Becky’s next words were any indication.

  “She seemed to think you didn’t want her here. But you do, don’t you?” Becky looked at him hopefully. “Don’t you think she deserves to know you love her? I keep hoping you’re going to sweep her off her feet.”

  Becky saw his eyes widen briefly and laughed. “You didn’t think we knew, or you didn’t think we’d approve?”

  “Both, I guess,” he reluctantly confessed under her happy gaze.

  She shook her head. “I really thought you knew us better than that, Cal. Love comes in all shapes and sizes. We can’t control who we love, just how we love them.”

  “But she’s your daughter. And I’m, well, old. Or at least older.”

  Becky’s lips twitched. “I know she’s my daughter. I was there when she was created. And what a night that was! Whew,” she said, fanning herself dramatically. Then she frowned. “The ‘joy’ of natural childbirth wasn’t nearly as much fun. And if you think Thorn is a pain now…How I let Nate talk me into that bullshit, I’ll never know.” She said feelingly.

  Cal laughed despite himself and immediately wished he hadn’t. Becky sobered and offered to get a nurse for him. He clutched her forearm to stop her. He hesitated briefly then asked, “You’re not upset I’m so much older? You don’t think it’s—I don’t know—Hey, little girl, would you like some candy?”

  She lightly pinched his cheeks. “If you weren’t being such an idiot, you’d be cute right now. Of course you’re our friend, but you’re really closer in age to Jenny. And even if you were our age, it has nothing to do with us. This is between you and Jenny, and we trust her judgment. We already consider you and Will family. It would be lovely to strengthen that bond through Jenny. Now let me get Fatima.”

  He chewed his lip while he thought about what Becky said. She and Nate really didn’t care about his age, but then, they were so flaky, it was hard to know if that was a good thing. He often wondered how someone as grounded as his Jenny came from this family. His Jenny. When had he started thinking of her that way? He’d been so worried about losing her, or people’s reaction to their age difference, that he’d denied them both a chance for at happiness.

  His thoughts were interrupted by Fatima’s determined step. “Well, hello, handsome, have a nice sleep?” she asked while she gently lifted the bandage on his stomach. He inhaled sharply as she cleansed the tender flesh.

  “How bad is it, Fatima?”

  “The incision? Not too bad. It’s obviously red, but the stitches look good.”

  “No, I meant Jenny.”

  She gave a noncommittal shrug and continued dressing his wound.

  “How bad?” he persisted.

  “With Jenny? Some. She was already upset because you rejected her, then you were in an accident, and Will kind of piled on. He said some pretty sharp things to her when you were brought in. But in fairness, he passed the accident scene on the way to get to Jenny, so he had the visual to keep him company on the drive. And you, sir, led him to believe that Jenny was on a date you didn’t approve of. Not real fair, Cal. Though I suspect some of Will’s crap was for show. I think Will was trying to make her angry, get her to stand up for herself a bit. Either way, she’s pulled a Norma Rae and has the guys organized within an inch of their lives. Eddie says she helps in the barn all day, then bales in the evenings.” Fatima shrugged. “I don’t think there’s much doubt she’s trying to impress you and make it up to you.”

  “God, what is she doing? She doesn’t have anything to make up for.”

  “Mmmm, yes, I know, Cal. But it’s not me you need to be talking to,” she said archly. “Maybe you should give her a call.”

  It was only then that Cal noticed Becky standing quietly in the doorway. She gifted him with a bright smile, and he felt a moment’s calm wash over him. A second later, Nate came striding through the door, looking ready to do battle. Becky touched his arm to stop him, kissed his cheek, and waved him back toward the door.

  “Cal and I need to talk.” he said angrily. He was talking to Becky but kept his eyes on Cal.

  “No you don’t, honey. It’s all sorted,” she told him dismissively as she gathered her belongings.

  “But…but...I had a whole speech,” he blustered, waving his arm toward Cal.

  “I know, love, and I’ll bet it was very masterful. Why don’t you tell me on the way home?” And with a quick wave to Cal, she looped her arm through her protesting husband’s and ushered him out of the room.

  * * * *

  Cal was frustrated. He called the farm over and over, but no one answered. Jenny’s cell phone went directly to voice mail. How many messages did a guy need to leave?

  He was still stewing when a nurse came in get him up for a walk around the unit. The nurse noticed his scowl and asked what was wrong.

  “Did someone leave a message for me at the nursing station?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

  The woman frowned briefly. “No, no message. But some woman keeps calling asking about you. Of course we can’t tell her anything because she’s not on your chart. You know, she’s not family.”

  She knifed him with one sentence. She wasn’t family because he was an idiot. He could change that, and it was time he acknowledged he wanted to. Maybe it would be a disaster, but he wanted to try. He wanted a chance at a family with Jenny.

  “Add her,” he said gruffly.

  “What should I put down? Is she your wife or your girlfriend?”

  He allowed himself a small smile as an epiphany struck him. “The ‘One.’”r />
  * * * *

  “Can I talk to Jenny?” Will asked gruffly as he stood on Cal’s porch. He hadn’t seen her since that night in the hospital and wanted to make sure she was okay. And to apologize for his behavior.

  Tim bit into a crunchy apple before answering. “If she was here, sure. She’s baling.” He said, pointing to a far field.

  Will frowned. “Baling? What do you mean she’s baling? It’s ten thirty.”

  “Yeah,” Tim sighed. “But she’s determined to get Cal’s crops in before he comes home. She’s been baling or combining until midnight the last few nights.”

  “What’s that good for?” Will asked in confusion.

  “She feels responsible he’s out of commission for a while during crop season.”

  The crunchy apple was starting to annoy Will. “Well, can’t you stop her?”

  Tim laughed. “And how would you suggest I do that? Tie her to a chair? She’s trying to make amends.” Tim shrugged. “She’s an adult. I figure she’ll stop when she falls asleep or runs out of gas.”

  Will rubbed his eyes. “He’s not going to like that she’s running herself into the ground for him.”

  “Then I guess he could call and tell her that himself,” Tim argued sharply, surprising Will. He’d never known Tim to lose his temper. “I get that he apparently doesn’t think she’s good enough for him, but he hasn’t bothered to call her since he’s been in hospital.”

  Will took a calming breath, figuring there was no sense in arguing. “And how should he do that Tim? She’s turned her phone off, and she’s never in the house to get a call. I’m here because he’s worried he hasn’t been able to reach her.”

  Tim considered the older man who’d become part of their extended family. He didn’t like fighting Will, but his loyalty was to Jenny. Always. “I’ll tell her he’s trying to reach her, but I don’t know if it’ll do any good. She won’t talk about whatever happened. Hell, she won’t talk at all. He really hurt her, Will, so he better be prepared to either acknowledge he loves her or let her go for good.”

  Will chuckled humorlessly. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem. He’s almost frantic. You know he loves her.”

  Tim crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah, I know that, and you know that. But does he know that? Because she doesn’t.”

  “He knows. And he’ll make sure she knows.”

  Tim nodded. “I hope so. She deserves better than this.”

  Will gave a matching nod, got into his car and headed home. Will chewed his cheek. Cal better not fuck this up…

  * * * *

  Tim and Eddie were still up when Jenny came in from the field. It was pitch black outside, but the house was lit up like a Christmas tree.

  She pulled her sweat-soaked shirt away from her body and cursed the humidity. “What are you guys still doing up?” Jenny sat at the table, pulling her shoes off gingerly.

  Tim grinned. “Eddie is making us dinner for tomorrow. Smells good, huh? Speaking of which, we saved you some dinner.”

  She shook her head, slumped into the chair, and closed her eyes. A slammed plate on the table startled her eyes open again. Tim looked annoyed.

  “Fine. You’re a saint. Now fucking eat.”

  Jenny gasped at his hurtful words, then felt anger steel her again. “You’re a prick. I’m not trying to be saint, I’m trying to help. I owe him that.”

  “I’m not sure you owe him jack shit,” Tim snorted, “but either way, you’re not much help to anyone if I have to pick you up off the floor because you fainted. Now, eat.”

  Jenny grudgingly took the fork and nibbled at the succulent spareribs. Mmmm. Suddenly, Jenny was ravenous, and she devoured the meal in no time.

  “Good,” Tim said with smug satisfaction, “Now, Will was here to see you. Said Cal was worried about you and he’s been trying to call you.”

  Jenny listened wordlessly, her mouth gaping at the news. “Really? Why?” Tim could guess what she was thinking and watched an injured look flit across her face.

  “Apparently, he’s finally figured out he loves you. Wants to talk to you.”

  Jenny couldn’t have been more stunned if he’d hit her with a brick bat. Of all the things she thought she’d hear…She swallowed loudly and hid her shaking hands, but nodded her understanding.

  Her gaze flew to Tim’s when he stilled her hands and gave her a small smile. “I believe he loves you, kiddo. I think he has for years. But if he can’t say it, if he can’t give you what you deserve, then walk away, Jenny. It’ll be hard, but I promise I will be with you every step of the way.”

  Her head dipped, and he knew she didn’t want to look at him. He signaled to Eddie, who turned off the stove, and the pair slipped from the kitchen, leaving Jenny to her thoughts. And phone call.

  * * * *

  Jenny was so confused. She dropped her head in her hands and rubbed her blistered fingers over her eyes. She finally realized that the problem was that Cal said one thing but did another. He may not have meant it to be, but it was almost abusive. How could she ever know where she stood with him when she’d wake to find him staring lovingly at her and rubbing his thumb gently on her cheek, but then heard him say she was a guest with benefits?

  He’d kept her on this emotional roller coaster long enough. She loved him and wanted everything—marriage, kids, maybe, and a wrinkly ever after. But her heart ached when she remembered that he clearly didn’t respect her and had said such hurtful things to her. She couldn’t imagine not having him in her life, but she couldn’t go on like this. Part of her was willing to forgive anything, but another part was furious and wanted him to sweat.

  She dialed the hospital before she could change her mind. Knowing he would be asleep, she hoped to get an update from the nursing station. A young, distracted female voice answered the phone, and Jenny haltingly identified herself.

  “Hi. Uh, I’m a frie…um, I wondered if you could tell me how Cal Carson was doing?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Are you family?” the voice asked crisply.

  Jenny’s voice caught in discouragement. “No. I’m not family. Sorry to bother you.”

  She started to hang up when she heard the woman ask quickly, “Are you a friend of Mr. Carson’s? Can I ask who I’m speaking with, please?”

  “My name is Jenny Busch.”

  She frowned as a girlish sigh came down the line. “The One,” she heard the woman cover the phone and say to someone excitedly. “It’s her!”

  “Um…sorry?” she asked, bewildered.

  Another giggle. “No, I’m sorry,” the voice apologized. “Mr. Carson wanted you added to the list of people we could give information to. I asked who you were and he said ‘The One.’ It was so sweet. We’re all so jealous!”

  “He…he said that?”

  “He did,” the woman said, and laughed again. “The whole room ‘aw’ed. So, I can tell you he’s doing well physically. He’s been walking around a few times a day and the incision is healing well. He won’t admit it, but he’s still having some headaches. He says he’s fine, but I think he’d say anything to get out of here so he could come home to you. His mood is another matter altogether. I may be out of line here, but frankly, he’s been upset he hasn’t been able to reach you.”

  After a few moments of being uncharacteristically speechless, Jenny snapped out of it and cleared her throat. “Um, okay. Can he come home soon?”

  “You can pick him up tomorrow morning. Discharge is at eleven a.m.,” the cheerful voice replied.

  Jenny murmured she’d be there and hung up. Well. Tomorrow would make or break them. Her mind was so congested with conflicting thoughts, she was grateful when sleep finally claimed her.

  * * * *

  Cal was frustrated and stared moodily out the window. Will said he’d been out to talk to Tim, but Jenny still hadn’t called. Clearly she wasn’t ready to forgive and forget. And really, why should she? How many times had he changed his mind about this relationship? She didn�
��t know what he was thinking because he didn’t know himself.

  He was still in a funk when dawn broke and Fatima came in to change his bandages. She deliberately ignored his mood and kept up a rapid-fire running commentary as only she could. He finally held up his hand and stopped the world’s longest run-on sentence.

  “Have you heard from her?”

  “Jenny? Yeah, she called me late last night. Woke me up, she did,” Fatima said cheerfully as she cleaned his incision.

  “And?”

  “And? You want to know if she’s still interested.” Fatima chuckled as Cal growled. “Yes, hot-shot, she’s still interested. She talked with the nurses last night, who accidentally-on-purpose let slip that you called her ‘the One.’ She seemed pretty surprised by that, which means you are a complete bastard.”

  Fatima finished applying a new bandage and stopped to look at him seriously. “You can’t treat her like this, Cal. Either commit or get out of the way so a smarter bastard can.”

  She raised an eyebrow at his scowl. “We’ve known each other a long time, Cal, but I have to tell you, I don’t recognize the prick you’ve become in the past week. I’m not kidding about this. You’re going to lose her for good if you keep this up. And you’ll deserve it. I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to get over it and tell her you love her.”

  Fatima’s tirade was interrupted when the hospital social worker poked her head around the corner. “Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Carson. Um, Fatima, your boyfriend is wheeling the halls looking for you again, and that woman from Toronto called twice.” the woman said, clearly relishing the blush that flooded Fatima’s cheeks.

  Cal didn’t miss her reddened face either. He folded his hands on his chest and gave her an expectant look. She gave a put-upon sigh and tried to bluff her way out of it. “It’s nothing. One of the patients is a bit lonely. I guess he wants a friend.”

  Cal burst out laughing and immediately regretted the pull on his stitches. “Are you really going to try to pass this off with that bullshit lie? Who is this guy?” he asked curiously, and then snapped his fingers as light dawned. “It’s that firefighter, isn’t it?” He crowed when her face flamed more. “It is him. You interested?”