Love & Liberty: Independence Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 6)

by Elsie Davis

  “You may proceed with the facts of your case,” Judge Erwin said.

  “Your Honor, thank you for taking the time to hear us both out. I represent the White Mountain Fire Department. As you know, my headquarters are here in Hallbrook. This controlled burn has been organized and planned out to the last detail for almost two months. Everything has been approved.

  “Our objective is to have the burn completed prior to the July 4th festivities, a time when we see increased amounts of campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurists, which also means a higher risk of accidental fires. Our goal is to get in ahead of all that to reduce the chance of a disastrous wildfire. Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated, and we’ve been waiting for the right conditions to proceed. We had them, but the temporary injunction caused us to put a halt to the prescribed burn.

  “Time is running out, and if we miss this window of opportunity, it will be fall before conditions are right again. So while I understand Ashley Stanton’s request, it’s not in the best interest of the community to put this on hold. There is no evidence to support the idea that an eagle has nested here.

  “Not even a single photograph. It’s not uncommon for people to mistake ospreys and even vultures for eagles when they’re soaring through the skies above. This could be a simple case of mistaken bird identity. Not enough for us to jeopardize the plan at this point.”

  Ashley jumped to her feet. “But I told you I’m almost positive I heard him. I’m not one of the inexperienced people you’re referring to,” she exclaimed, her face flushed red with emotion.

  “Silence,” the judge ordered. “You’re out of line. I said there’d be no rebuttal.” Judge Erwin ran his court with an iron fist, and Ashley’s plea fell on deaf ears.

  Ashley crossed her arms in front of her chest and cast her eyes downward, as if she were struggling to bite back a retort. “I’m sorry, Your Honor.” She sat back down.

  Satisfied, the judge turned back to him. “Would you like to add anything to your statement?” Judge Erwin asked.

  “Only that Ms. Stanton did tell me that she thought she heard an eagle, but that doesn’t change the fact she hasn’t seen one.”

  The judge frowned, well aware of what David had just done. By repeating Ashley’s statement under oath, the judge would be forced to include it in his decision. It’s not as if he thought the information would change the outcome, but he wanted Ashley to know he cared about the cause. And her.

  Ashley looked up at him, her grateful expression warming his heart. She knew exactly what he’d done, and it looked as though she appreciated it.

  “In light of hearing both statements, I’ve made my decision. With no proof photographically or visually, I cannot agree to interfere with the White Mountain Fire Department’s approved plan of action for the prescribed burn. Injunction denied.” The judge hammered his gavel on the desk, stood, and left the room.

  Ashley looked close to tears as she grabbed Cory’s hand and pulled him toward the aisle, trying to escape the room, and most likely, him.

  “Wait, Ashley. I’m sorry. I tried to prepare you for the inevitable. I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, but we can’t run life on emotions and feelings. Facts. Plans. Laws. Rules. You know the routine.” David was trying to help her be reasonable about the outcome. He didn’t want her taking the judge’s decision out on him or their renewed friendship.

  “What I know is that you have the power to help, and you won’t,” she snapped. Apparently, the friendship ship had sailed.

  “I’m not the fire chief, and you know it. I have bosses to answer to, just like most people. Yes, I have some power, but I don’t make the final decision. I’d have to have a pretty good reason to cancel the burn, and I’ll be laughed right out of the office if I tell my boss it’s because you suspect there’s an eagle in the forest with zero proof.” David was trying his best to make her see reason, but she was as far from reasonable right now as she could be. She was taking the defeat hard.

  Her gaze grew shuttered. “Never mind. Do whatever it is you need to do. All the more reason for Cory and me to get out of Hallbrook. My work is done here if you’re going ahead with the burn. For your sake, I hope there aren’t eagles out there. Because in the event there are, they probably have a nest and fledglings. And if the burn drives away the parents, the fledglings left behind will die. That’ll be on your conscience,” she snapped.

  Ashley pulled her son behind her as they headed for the big double doors. Cory had remained quiet, his expression one close to tears as he watched his mother and David argue.

  David didn’t want to be a failure in Cory’s eyes. Or Ashley’s for that matter. Not to mention, he owed her big time for the hurt he’d caused when they were younger. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to compromise. Something that would let them both call this a win. “Ashley, wait. I have an idea.”

  She stopped, turning back, a hopeful expression on her face. “What’s that?”

  “A compromise of sorts. What if I push the southern perimeter line farther north, to the edge of your grid line?” David would have to convince the chief it was a good idea at the last minute. Still, it would go a long way to limit the negative publicity this could bring to the area. Life was about compromise, something he’d learned later in life. Too late for him and Ashley.

  “You’d do that? Can you do that?” she asked, the excitement back in her eyes.

  “I can try. I need to run it by the chief, but since it’s not canceling the burn, only adjusting the perimeter. There’s a possibility I might be able to convince him. If you show me on the map what you need, I’ll take it to the chief. No promises, but I will try. For you.”

  Her answering smile warmed his heart. “I have a better idea. Will you be burning tomorrow?”

  “No. That was something else I planned on telling you after the hearing. The humidity levels aren’t ideal, and weather conditions are a critical part of the formula. We were going to have to hold up another day.”

  “Wow, I had no idea the criteria are that specific.” Ashley nodded, the light in her eyes returning as she absorbed the meaning of his words.

  “There’s usually not more than a dozen days each year that will get approved as ideal.”

  “Well, in that case, it means I have another day to search. I’m going to take advantage of it. While I’m still searching, there’s always hope.” Her excitement was contagious, and David couldn’t help but hope she would find the bald eagle.

  “That there is.” He smiled, relieved to see her back to her old self. Ready to kick butt and take on the world.

  “I’m going to search for a little while today, but tomorrow, if you’re not working, why don’t you come with Cory and me? We can walk off the line together. You can help me search for the eagle. Maybe it will give you a better appreciation for what I’m doing.” Ashley reached out to touch his arm, her request genuine.

  “I already have an appreciation for what you’re trying to do. But, yes, it sounds like a good idea.” Spending time with Ashley had always been at the top of his list of things to do. That hadn’t changed apparently, his quick acceptance proof.

  “Not to mention, I’ll have you to help carry Cory when he gets tired.” She laughed, and the warm sound wrapped around his heart and squeezed.

  “Nice to know I’m good for something.”

  Chapter Ten

  Ashley couldn’t escape the rush of happiness coursing through her body, knowing David was about to enter her world. With her. They were sharing something unique and beautiful together. Like old times.

  And even though she was still concerned that moving the burn line wasn’t enough, it was a generous offer on his part, and one she’d gladly accepted. Cory had been begging to go with her, and she’d seized the opportunity to include him. Anything to keep her offer for David to join her above board. And safe.

  A knock on the front door alerted her of David’s arrival. Ashley pulled it open, momentarily stunned by the handsome man dressed i
n jeans and a tight red faded T-shirt that revealed firm biceps. He was totally prepared for a trek through the woods, right down to his hiking boots and an Indiana Jones style hat. Scrumptious.

  “Good morning. I wondered if you’d back out of our arrangement. Glad to know you’re a man of your word.”

  “I am.” David nodded, his steady gaze never leaving her face.

  They were both aware that once upon a time, he’d broken his word. David had promised to take her to prom, but then suddenly, not only did he break off the date, but he also broke off their relationship. For good. No explanations. Just done.

  But for once, Ashley didn’t feel like calling him out on it. Maybe it was time to let go of the past. After all, she had Cory and wouldn’t change that for anything in the world. And David still had no one. He led a lonely life, by the looks of things, other than taking care of his mother. Sure, he did things in the community, but what did David do for himself?

  She was the first to look away, as Cory started tugging at her leg.

  “I’m ready, Mommy. Good morning, Mr. David. Look, I tied my own shoes. And these are the big boy kind with strings and everything,” Cory said, pointing at his sneakers.

  “Good morning, Cory. You did a great job.” David smiled, ruffling the hair on the top of her son’s head.

  “Very nice, Cory.” She gave her son a hug.

  David reached into the backpack he carried. “I’ve got a surprise for you, Cory.” He handed him a folded brown paper bag.

  “I like surprises.” Cory beamed.

  “I didn’t have time to wrap it, but I’m hoping that’s okay?” David winked at Ashley.

  Cory pulled something red and white and silky out from the bag. He dropped the paper to the ground in order to check out his gift. “What is it?” he asked, holding up the material.

  “It’s an American superhero cape. The Velcro right here snugs it around your neck, keeping your hands free for superhero adventures.” David smiled, taking the cape from Cory’s hands and helping him to put it on.

  “This is so cool. It looks like a flag. Can I wear it today?” He hugged David.

  “I was hoping you would. You never know when we might need a superhero.”

  Cory ran around the room, testing out his abilities, laughing, and chatting the whole time.

  “That was sweet of you.” Ashley nodded. “I’ve got a backpack prepared with some drinks, snacks, and lunch.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  “Your contribution is bringing yourself.” She grinned, picking the backpack up off the table and handing it to him. “Here, hold this while I put on my hiking boots.”

  “Mommy said we’re going on an adventure hike. Isn’t that cool?” Cory asked, bubbling with excitement.

  “What’s an adventure hike?” David asked, playing innocent.

  “It’s when you go on a long walk but get to find lots of really cool things.” Cory grinned, pleased to be an authority on adventure hikes.

  “I like the sound of that.” David chuckled.

  Cory peered around David’s legs, looking toward the still open front door. He scrunched his face up like a prune. “Where’s Kojak? Mommy said you would bring him.”

  “He’s already in the truck waiting on us. The woods are his favorite place to be, and its great exercise. He’s got to stay in top health to be a fire dog,” David explained.

  Satisfied, Cory’s smile was firmly back in place. “Him and I can be buddies. And you and Mommy can be buddies. You always need a buddy when you’re out in the woods in case you get lost or attacked by a bear.”

  “That’s a good motto. But if you don’t bother the bears, they generally won’t bother you.” David glanced up, his grin a familiar sight. One that always preceded a teasing remark. “I’ll stick close to your mommy’s side to make sure she doesn’t get lost.”

  “He’s gonna make a great buddy for you, Mommy. Let’s go,” Cory said, grabbing his own small backpack, one he’d gotten for Christmas this past year. Packed inside were a pair of binoculars, a magnifying glass, a net, a compass, and a couple of small containers. Everything a little boy needed for an adventure hike.

  Ashley opted not to answer her son’s comment, feeling it was better left alone. “Hang on, let me grab my camera bag.” She double-checked to make sure she had everything. “All right, then, let’s go.”

  Kojak was waiting for them, his head hanging out the window, and his tongue hanging out of his mouth. Ashley shook her head and laughed.

  Cory bounded forward, just as eager to see the dog, as he was to go on an adventure hike.

  “Can I ride in the back seat with the dog?” Cory asked.

  “Of course.” Ashley moved Cory’s car seat into the back row seating area. David came around from the other side and latched it in. He lifted Cory into the seat, helping him to get situated before buckling the straps and then testing them like a pro.

  “Looks like you’ve done that a time or two,” she said, quite impressed considering he didn’t have children of his own.

  “We give car-seat-safety training at the department. Same thing with helmet safety and a few other kid-friendly programs.” David gently assisted her up into the passenger seat.

  “Nice.”

  “We try to be.” He winked before closing the door. Ashley watched as he came around the truck, continually amazed by his generosity and kindness. The man was a natural with kids and deserved a few of his own. Although the idea of him with another woman didn’t sit well. It had been the only consolation to their breakup. He hadn’t left her for another woman. And according to Trent, David had never dated anyone seriously over the past years.

  His I don’t do forever was genuine.

  She opened the map to show him the area she planned to cover today. “Look. These are the areas I still need to check. We can head over to the South Summit entrance where there’s a trail that will take us right to this one.” Ashley tapped the gridded sections to emphasize her point.

  “Sounds like a plan. But it’s not just a matter of simply moving the lines. As soon as I see firsthand what the proposed change will do, I can make sure the lay of the land supports the move. It depends on ground contours, area brush, and trees, amongst other things. If it checks out, I’ll call the guys to come back out and remark the area, provided the chief agrees. A prescribed burn is very scientific to ensure the safety of everyone involved, the wildlife, and the habitat. There’s no room for mistakes.” David was as impassioned about what he did as she was about the eagles. He believed in what he was doing and did it with all his heart.

  “I get it. And I appreciate you doing this. I really do. I’m still concerned about the smoke, but at this point, every little bit will help. The last thing I want to do is call the Audubon Society and tell them to close the report before I’ve had a chance to finish checking the area. But we all know the eagles will abandon their nest if they feel threatened.”

  David shook his head. “Sounds a bit dramatic for an eagle you don’t know is really here.”

  Ashley frowned. “We’re going to have to agree to disagree on that point. He’s here. Somewhere. Most likely,” she added. It was a feeling she hadn’t been able to shake, and she believed it now more than ever.

  “I’ll give you this, you sure are persistent.” He grinned.

  “In my line of work, I have to be. Sometimes it can take days, weeks, or even months to find exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to getting the right shot. Mother Nature and wildlife don’t always cooperate with human schedules.”

  “Now that I completely understand.”

  Cory played happily with Kojak in the backseat, oblivious to the discussion upfront. It wasn’t long before they pulled into the parking lot next to the trailhead.

  Ashley helped Cory out of his car seat and David let Kojak jump out. The two of them raced to the trail, stopping to wait for the adults.

  “I’ll carry the backpack, and you can focus on the camera,”
David offered. “We can both keep an eye on Cory and Kojak, but just so you know, Kojak’s probably been through these woods more times than I can count. He knows his way around.” David shrugged into the backpack and adjusted the straps.

  “That’s good to know. I’m sure you know the area, too, Mr. Boy Scout. But as a safeguard, I always carry a compass. I’ve learned to trust them explicitly. Otherwise, I can’t return to places I need to with any degree of precision. It comes in handy when you have a sighting.”

  “Girl scout meets boy scout. Sound like fun. Ladies first.” David grinned, gesturing toward the trail.

  Ashley led the way. Or she did when they first started. It didn’t take long for Cory and Kojak to take the lead, running ahead and then stopping to check out things they found. The two of them made quite the pair. Ashley wouldn’t let him get far, the dangers of him wandering off or the rare possibility of a wild animal always still a reality she couldn’t ignore.

  She pointed out several of the flowers, trees, and bushes, identifying them as they went. David knew a lot of them, but he appreciated learning about the ones he didn’t.

  They came to a rock outcropping, and David strategically used his hands and feet to get to the top. He then turned and gave a hand to Cory, pulling him up. Kojak barked, and then ran around the rock, searching for a way to get to the top.

  David offered Ashley a hand. She accepted his help without giving it a second thought, putting her foot on the ledge to push as he pulled. Except she pushed a little too hard, considering his pull, and landed smack dab in his arms, almost knocking them both off-balance.

  “Whoa.” She reached out to steady herself, her hands landing on his rock-solid chest.

  “Are you falling for me?” he teased. Talk about boyish charm. The man had it in spades.

  “Not a chance. That was your Popeye pull, more than anything I did.” She stepped back, trying to recover her sanity.

  “If you say so.” David grinned, not believing a word of her accusation. “Kojak, stay,” he ordered when the dog barked again, not liking to be left out of the fun.