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

by Elsie Davis

  They stood at the top of the rock outcropping, Ashley holding on to Cory’s hand tightly. This wasn’t the time for Cory to be the brave, independent type of child. Together, they all searched the skies, each hoping to be the one to spot an eagle. It was nice that David was here and helping. All the other times she’d searched, it hadn’t been nearly this much fun. But this time, she had three male companions to make her feel special. What more could a girl ask for?

  To keep them all.

  “It’s beautiful here,” Ashley said, taking in the majestic mountains stretched out before them.

  “It’s one of my favorite viewpoints. I don’t get out here often enough, so thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m really glad you came with me today.”

  “Me too,” David said, turning to leave, and taking Cory with him.

  Ashley took one last glance, scanning the skies from one end to the other of her view. Off in the distance, she spotted a couple of large birds flying. “Hold up, David. Look.” she said, pointing toward the two birds soaring through the air, riding the current.

  “Are they the eagles?” David asked, rejoining her.

  “I’m not sure yet. The birds are too far away to tell.” Ashley lifted her binoculars and adjusted the focus, zeroing in on the birds. “They’re kettling like eagles, but honestly, I don’t think it’s them.” Another disappointment.

  “Kettling?” he asked.

  “It’s when they soar on the air currents. It’s their favorite thing to do when the wind currents are right.” Ashley let out a deep sigh. The V-shaped wing pattern indicated they were vultures.

  “I thought a kettle was something you boiled water in?” Cory asked, making her and David laugh.

  “Different type of kettle, I’m guessing,” David said.

  “I don’t get it.” His face scrunched up in a frown.

  “Sometimes, words have different meanings. There are lots of words like that, and you’ll learn them as you grow big,” Ashley explained.

  “Okay.” He shrugged, apparently bored by the subject already.

  “What do you think they are?” David asked.

  “Turkey vultures. The wingspan shape as they soar looks like a vee. An eagle has more of a straight line. And the ospreys look more like a W. It’s just sometimes hard to get a look from this distance when they’re constantly circling and soaring.” It was a piece of information she’d picked up in a birding course given by a park ranger, and she’d never forgotten it. The tip came in handy at times like this.

  “I’m impressed that you’re not jumping to the conclusion they’re eagles to prove your point.”

  Ashley shook her head. “Just because I want something to be true and want to prove it, doesn’t mean I make up facts. At some point, it would require proof, of which I wouldn’t have. It’s a double-edged sword.”

  “True.” David turned to hop off the rock, keeping Cory right with him.

  Ashley took her binoculars and scanned the sky, searching the tops of the trees for any sign of a nest or the big white telltale head of a mature eagle before joining the others. David helped her down and she appreciated the gesture, feeling protected and cherished.

  “Your burn line is just over there,” she said, pointing to the left. Ashley unfolded the map and then pointed to their current location. “This is where we are. And this is where I need to check. See the problem. If you could just move your line back this way about two miles, it would give me at least the sixteen-square-mile area I originally targeted. And some breathing room for the smoke issues that could arise.”

  “Two miles?” David took the map from her and studied it. “I had no idea we were talking about that much distance. I can maybe adjust this half a mile max, judging by the contour lines you see here. I’d have to follow this ridgeline. There’s nothing like that farther to the left as a natural line to help control the burn.”

  This wasn’t at all what she’d thought would happen. It was bad enough David was going to burn, but now the line she’d hoped she was getting wouldn’t be enough. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure. It’s still a compromise.” He shrugged. “Let’s just keep looking and enjoy the afternoon. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find your eagle after all.”

  “Fine. It’s not like I have a choice. And I do appreciate your trying.

  “Let me call the chief and see what he says. If he agrees, I’ll need to get the guys out here to move the marker lines and dig a new perimeter area. Then we can keep looking for the eagle. I’m in great company, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day off.” David smiled at her, sending tiny waves of excitement right down to her toes.

  “Thank you. Believe it or not, the feeling’s mutual,” Ashley said, her voice dropping a notch and coming out far huskier than she’d planned. She sounded like a woman in love.

  No. Not again.

  “Trent should be back later today sometime. We need to meet him at O’Malley’s at five-thirty to go over the schedule and catch him up on what we’ve done and what still needs doing.” A change in subject was the easiest way to escape David’s piercing eyes that noticed far too much.

  “Great. Just give me a sec.” David stepped off to the side and made a phone call.

  Ashley couldn’t help but admire the strong set of his shoulders. No matter how hard she’d tried to forget him—moving across the country, starting a new life, and getting married—nothing had changed what was in her heart for the man standing less than twenty feet away.

  Chapter Eleven

  Spending the day with Ashley reminded David of all the fun times they’d shared in the past. Long walks. Hiking. Picnics. Attending games at the school. The school dance. And then there were the times they’d head for the creek to play, or to the pond for a swim. The past replayed like a movie, one of those favorites you could watch over and over.

  Their love for the great outdoors had been one of the things that had united them. Obviously, it was still very much a part of their lives, which came as no surprise.

  The excitement in her eyes when he’d told her the chief approved the boundary line move was a moment he would have like to capture in a picture. One he would treasure forever, her delight obvious. It was almost the same as each time she shared a picture or pointed out something in the distance for him to check out. Totally mesmerizing.

  Fun had been in short supply over the years. At first, it had all been about taking care of his mother. And then it had been about moving up the ranks to honor his father’s legacy in the fire department. His life had always been about pleasing others, but today, in the here and now, this was for him. And Ashley.

  Sharing binoculars brought new meaning to getting a good look. When Ashley was focused on the sky and on the trees beyond, David was focused on her. The soft curve of her face. The way her hair fell loosely around her face in curls, the tendrils licking at her cheeks on a gentle breeze.

  And then there was Cory. His boyish charm, excitement, and love for the great outdoors mirrored Ashley’s. He also reminded David of a younger version of himself.

  Ashley had an incredible eye for knowing what would make a fantastic photograph. When to zoom, how to take advantage of the lighting available to make colors explode on the screen, and even what perspective would capture and hold one’s interest. He’d taken pictures before, but they’d never done justice to the real thing. Ashley’s photos were like a breath of fresh air and sunshine, making a person feel like they were right there.

  He was enjoying having her in town, even if they weren’t on the same side at times. But the ability to wade through issues and come out on top had always been their specialty. Ultimately, they were perfect together.

  It was a shame she would be leaving soon, but her dream of joining the National Geographic team was finally within reach. He couldn’t think of anyone who deserved a shot at the job more than Ashley.

  “Cory, freeze,” she whispered. Ashley grabbed his hand, signaling for him
to stop, and then pressed a finger to her lips for silence. She pointed off to the right, and David scanned the woods, wondering what she’d seen.

  Ashley kneeled, coming shoulder to shoulder with Cory. “Do you see them?” she asked, keeping her voice low. “There’s a herd of deer grazing by the pond. Can you see the little ones with spots on them? Those are the babies, and they’re called fawns.”

  “Kojak, sit,” David ordered in hushed tones, making sure the dog didn’t get wind of them and decide to have a little fun. He put his hand on Ashley’s shoulder and squeezed, letting her know he’d spotted the deer.

  “They’re beautiful, Mommy. Get a picture,” Cory said, awe in his voice as he stood perfectly still and watched.

  Ashley pressed the viewfinder to her eye, the slight clicking sound made by the shutter letting him know she was getting a lot of photos. They watched and waited, no one moving, enjoying the peaceful serenity of the moment.

  A doe’s tail shot up and twitched, going into alert mode. The wind must have carried their scent. It wasn’t long before the other tails went up in alarm, and the herd started to slink off, their stealthy movements fun to watch. It was as though they thought no one would notice them. Once the deer were out of sight, Ashley lowered her camera. “That was wonderful. I love watching the curiosity a fawn has with each new discovery.” She smiled up at him, and David’s heart did a somersault.

  “Totally.” But he was referring more to watching her and enjoying her reaction to what they’d shared.

  “I loved the babies, um, fawns, too. They were cute. I want to find some babies, too. Can we keep going on our adventure walk now?” Cory asked with a renewed zest for what he might find.

  “Of course. Take Kojak with you, and don’t get too far ahead. You know the rules,” Ashley said, making sure they were both on the same page. The kid didn’t have to be told twice, and he was off and running.

  “You’re a great mom, but then I always knew you would be. Cory’s a sweet kid and completely like you,” David said, not for the first time wondering how things could have been different between them. If only his father hadn’t died. Or his mother hadn’t shown David the downside of being a firefighter’s wife.

  “What do you mean?” she asked, looking up at him, a question in her eyes.

  “His love for the outdoors. His respect for it. I know he gets that from you.” David smiled. “You never could get enough of being outside.”

  Ashley stopped walking and faced him. “I remember someone else who was the same way. Our careers are different, but both jobs keep us outdoors. We’re the same, and yet different. Of course, I get that sometimes your job requires you to do things I could never do.”

  “Do you? Get it, I mean. I know it’s hard sometimes for people to understand how burning an area can help, but there really is a science to it, and it’s for the greater good.” It was a topic David gave lectures at colleges and to the public, trying to make people understand the reasons for controlled burns. Many people couldn’t see past the fact they were burning the woods and displacing animals, bugs, and killing plants and trees. If only things were black and white, but they weren’t. Gray definitely came into the picture.

  “I get it. The only reason I don’t like it is because it’s getting in my way.” She laughed. Her honesty was refreshing, and so was her support.

  An owl hooted nearby. “Did you hear that?” David grinned. “That was a great-horned owl. See, you’re not the only one who can identify the sights and sounds out here.” David was pleased he’d recognized the sound. But then he should. He’d heard the sound thousands of times at the visitor center in the park when children pushed the display buttons to listen to all the owl sounds as they tried to identify them.

  “Very good. I’m impressed.” Ashley nodded, grabbing her binoculars. “Hold up, Cory,” she called out.

  “Glad to know that’s possible.” David grinned, her admiration giving him one of those feel-good moments. Standing side by side, he watched her as she searched the treetops for the owl. Watching her bird watch was fast becoming one of his favorite things to do. It gave him the freedom to soak in her beauty without making her uncomfortable. He’d missed her, more than he cared to admit. And for the umpteenth time, he found himself wishing things could be different between them.

  She turned to look back at him, a smile on her face. The same smile she’d used as a young woman to wrap him around her little finger. He’d been unable to deny her anything. It was the same smile she’d used just before the first time he ever kissed her. And it was the same smile that made him want to kiss her again.

  The sounds of the forest grew silent as he gazed into her eyes. The intensity of the moment reverberated in his head. Kiss her. Kiss her.

  Ashley wasn’t backing away. Did she want him to kiss her? Was it possible she still cared about him even after everything he’d done to drive her away? David leaned forward, making his intentions known, and giving her the chance to end the moment.

  She didn’t move. If anything, she leaned in closer.

  David lost the will to fight what he wanted to do most. Without taking his eyes off her face so he could savor the moment, he lowered his head slowly, anticipation causing his heart to race in triple time.

  “Mommy, Mommy! Come quick. Hurry,” Cory called out, his voice filled with panic.

  They both turned to see what was wrong, but not before David saw the flash of fear in Ashley’s eyes. She took off running toward Cory, David, right behind her.

  “What’s wrong, honey? Did you get stung? Did something bite you? What’s wrong?” Ashley asked, her words coming out in a rush as she looked her son over, checking his arms and legs before the kid had a chance to speak.

  “No, Mommy. Look. This butterfly can’t fly. It’s got goopy stuff all over his wings.” Cory pointed to the flowering bush he stood next to.

  Ashley took a deep breath and let it out. “Oh, thank goodness. Is that all, you’re sure? You had me worried.” Ashley stood and nodded, her gaze landing on the butterfly and then going back to her son as if to confirm he was okay.

  “But, Mommy, this is bad. If the butterfly can’t fly, it’ll die.” His eyes filled up with tears.

  Ashley pulled it together and smiled. It was one of those soft and gentle motherly smiles. “You’re right, honey. And what a big boy you are to notice the butterfly and recognize he needs help.”

  “You mean a superhero, right? See, I’ve got a cape,” Cory said, smiling as he held up his cape for inspection.

  David grinned; pleased Cory loved his gift.

  “You’re right. You are a superhero. Maybe we could take the goop off his wings and see if it will help. There’s no guarantee, but we sure can try, can’t we? We always do our part to help Mother Nature, right?”

  Ashley was covering all the bases, and David’s admiration for her parenting skills rose another notch. His own mother had always been more reliant on his father for everything. She’d never been a take-charge person, which in hindsight was probably why she’d never moved on after his father’s death.

  Ashley wasn’t anything like his mother. Instead, she was strong and independent. David couldn’t help but wonder if leaving her had been a mistake. Had he destroyed their future out of a fear that all women would be like his mother? It bore considering later, but not now. They had a butterfly to save.

  “Yup. Gotta try.” Cory’s smile was firmly back in place.

  “Here,” David said, handing her a pair of tweezers from the mini first-aid kit he carried on his belt loop.

  “Wow. Look at you, Mr. Boy Scout. This is exactly what we need. Thanks.” Ashley’s sweet smile reminded him of the almost-kiss they’d missed. Next chance he got, he intended to revisit the option. Hopefully, it would be soon.

  Ashley spent the next several minutes pulling spiderweb strings from the butterfly’s wings. Piece by piece, she delicately pulled each strand. When the last strand of the web came off, the butterfly turned to face t
hem, still clinging to the flower. It took off and hovered a few seconds, flitting around their heads as if to say thank you.

  “We did it, Mommy. Did you see that, Mr. David?” Cory looked up at him, his big blue eyes wide with wonder.

  “I did see it. It reminds me of a time when your mommy was a little girl. She found a lizard without a tail, and she was determined to save it, thinking it was defenseless. She placed it in a box and brought it home. She made a beautiful nest in the box, decorating it and everything. The next morning, your mom was upset to discover the lizard gone.” David grinned at Ashley, enjoying the retelling of the story. It was one of the classics he’d never forgotten. There were lots of stories that fell into that category.

  “What happened to the lizard?” Cory asked, looking back and forth between him and his mother.

  “He crawled out. Lizards lose their tail whenever there’s danger. It’s a defense mechanism, but it doesn’t make them defenseless. They still have four legs and can move pretty quick. And as to their tails, they regrow, usually within a few days. I’m sure Mr. Lizard enjoyed his posh hotel for the night, but he was probably more than ready to return to his family the next day.” David winked at Ashley.

  “It’s not like anybody told me,” Ashley said in defense, a slight blush tinging her cheeks.

  “You’re right, we didn’t. We were having too much fun watching you play mother to a lizard,” David teased. He and Trent had done that a lot. It was only about the time Ashley turned sixteen when he’d realized his feelings were anything but sisterly, and that he’d fallen in love with her.

  Something that had never changed.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ashley couldn’t believe David had almost kissed her. Saved by a bug. The question was, did she want to be saved? The answer needed to be yes, because letting herself care about David would be foolhardy. And it was something she’d sworn to never let happen again. Life was about moving forward. That meant leaving Hallbrook, and with any luck, heading to D.C. for her dream job.