“Having fun?”

“The best.” Melanie squinted into the sun.

“I’m glad.” Gabe was glad to see her smile. “This tree swing has quite the reputation around here.”

“Oh, really? What does it do?”

Gabe stared into the most incredibly blue eyes he’d ever seen. A blush from the sun settled on her cheeks and a smattering of light freckles dusted over her nose. He swallowed and tried to find his voice. “It makes people throw caution to the wind.”

A light sparked in her eye and he thought he saw her wink. “Me? Throw caution to the wind? Not in a million years.”

Gabe offered Melanie a hand up. Her fingers were warm in his palm. They locked gazes and couldn’t look away. His insides churned.

Then her son Jason ran up and wrapped his arms around her. “You were great!” He turned toward Gabe. “Will you push me, Gabe?”

Gabe nodded. Melanie looked away, breaking the spell between them. She ruffled Jason’s hair.

“Okay. Just once.” She glanced back again with a shy smile. “Then my turn.”

All Gabe could do was nod.

AUDRA HARDERS

moved to Colorado when she was nine years old and sees no reason to leave the state she loves. Her parents held out as long as they could, but eventually bought a horse for her when she was in seventh grade. Didn’t matter that she was allergic to everything under the sun, especially horses. She’d feed, brush and ride that horse until the sneezing and itching drove her to the showers. Today you’ll find her undergoing allergy shots so she can enjoy all the wonders living in Colorado offers—including riding horses without sneezing.

In fourth grade, she met the most obnoxious little boy in Sunday school—he ended up becoming the love of her life. Talk about overcoming conflict! They’ve been married more than twenty years and she can’t imagine life without her best friend. They have two grown children, and share their Front Range home with three dogs, various sheep, goats, chickens, a fifteen-pound rabbit and a guard turkey.

Rocky Mountain Hero
Audra Harders

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

—Romans 8:28

To my mom and dad who encouraged me to read and write my entire life.

To my Grammy who always told me everything is possible when you put your faith in the Lord.

To my husband, Gary. Thanks for your faith in me, and for putting up with all the burned burgers on the grill and the unmatched socks in the basket.

I love you.

To my children, Kara and Martin. May you realize your dreams are within your grasp when you place your faith in the Lord.

Thank you my Lord Jesus Christ for listening to my prayers all these years. Without You, my dreams would have been nothing but ashes.

Acknowledgments

Leslie Ann Sartor, I would’ve given up a long time ago if not for you and your incredible enthusiasm. Theresa Rizzo, you made movie nights and writing retreats an adventure I’ll never forget. All the Seekers who have supported and advised me through the ups and downs of contests and rejections. The Lord knew what He was doing when he brought the 15 of us together.

Connie Rinehold, Narcy Hogan, and Janet Edgar. Each of you saw something in my writing that made you reach out and keep me on track. Thanks for stepping up and making a difference.

Extra special thanks to Melissa Endlich for scooping me off the Island and making my dreams come true.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Letter to Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“C’mon! Just a few more gates!” Jason Hunter shook his video game. Beeps and twangs filled the air.

“Jason, shaking it won’t make the game go faster.” Melanie Hunter flicked her gaze between the dirt road and her eight-year-old son. Along one side, rocks and pines lined the steep grade. On the other side, soft road base rimmed along a slope scorched by wildfire burn. In the middle, nothing but rough washboard dirt.

Her tire hit a bump. She clutched the steering wheel. Maybe she should have just dealt with the road construction on the interstate instead of threading around on smaller roads. With all the recent rain, the county road drove more like an all-terrain vehicle track. “Honey, sit back. I can’t see.”

Jason dropped the game onto his lap. “The batteries died and I was winning.”

“We don’t have too much farther to go. I’ve heard there’s a ski area up here somewhere.”

“It’s summertime, Mom. You can’t ski in June.”

“No, but Twin Buttes has lots of stuff to do even if it’s not snowing. We’ll stop there, have lunch and poke around the town.” The frown on his face said he wasn’t buying into the plan. She leaned over and bumped his shoulder. “I’ll bet we can get batteries there, too.”

“Whatever. Couldn’t you have found a job closer to home?”

Melanie sighed and straightened in her seat. Not a job like this. If she got the analyst position in Montrose doing research on high-altitude seeds and plants, she wouldn’t be putting in the long hours at the lab like she was now. Sure, Colorado Springs was a nice city, but it was hard for her to make ends meet on her single-mom budget. Besides, Montrose offered small-town living in the Colorado Mountains. Surely she’d find something to distract Jason from video games and get him outside playing. He needed fresh air and other kids, not dark rooms and Mario Brothers’ parties.

Jason dug into his backpack, pulled out a cord and aimed the plug of his video game unit at the dashboard. He missed the cigarette lighter receptacle and hit the heater knob. “Quit driving over the bumps, Mom!”

Seeing a clear stretch ahead, she leaned over and grabbed the power cord from his hand. She’d find distractions for him later; right now, she needed to concentrate on driving. The truck shimmied in the mud. She jammed the plug into the socket and carnival music came alive from the player. “Jason, sit back.”

“Mom! Watch out!”

The nose of her truck headed toward the slope crest. Jerking the steering wheel, she swerved away from the embankment. Mud and gravel splattered across the windshield as the pickup shimmied across the road toward a gigantic boulder. She yanked the wheel in the other direction, fishtailing the truck.

They skidded toward another boulder at the edge of the slope, the rough and chipped face looming fast. The front corner of her truck crumpled into solid rock, stopping their uncontrolled slide. Her head hit the side window with a thud.

A shrill whistle filled the cab of the truck. She blinked. Jason sat dazed.

Sixth grade…that was as far as she’d gotten. She drew a shallow breath, glad her entire twenty-nine years hadn’t flashed before her eyes.

She wrapped her arms around Jason and squeezed tight. “You all right, big guy?”

“Um hm.” Wide-eyed, he stared out the cracked windshield. Seconds passed before he wiggled out of her embrace. He dumped his video game onto the floor and peered over the dashboard, his hand working his door handle with no success. “Cool. This is better than Cave Raiders any day. Look! Smoke and everything!”

Melanie lifted her fingers to massage the bump on her forehead. Cool wasn’t exactly the word she’d use right now.

His seat belt already unsnapped, Jason scooted to the edge of the bench seat, taking in the entire mountain scene.

He plastered his nose to the passenger window. “Bet this hill makes a great sledding track in the winter.” He reached across her for the door handle. “Let me out. I want to see how much truck we have left.”

“The truck is fine.” Melanie ruffled his sandy blond hair searching for blood. Satisfied he’d live, she smiled at the long-lost excitement in his eyes. She hoped the interview tomorrow paid off. She wanted more adventure for both of them.

She squeezed his shoulder. “It’ll take more than a bump to keep us down.”

Unbuckling her seat belt, she leaned into the door. Gravity worked against her. She shoved until the door groaned open. Her foot sank ankle deep into the rut. Mud oozed over the top of her boot to her toes.

Jason bumped the door wider. Losing her balance, she rolled off the seat as she wrenched around to grab the door frame. Her other foot slid beneath the truck. With all the grace of a worn-out mattress, Melanie hit the road square on her back and slid a good foot beneath the truck before her boot wedged between a couple rocks. Gravel and water soaked her arms and back. Her bottom sank into the mud, burying her legs.

“You all right?” Jason leaned out and looked around. “You’re a mess.”

“Thanks.” She swiped her hair out of her eyes.

Jason launched over the worst of the puddle and landed on the high spot of the road. He squatted beside the rear axle and examined her like an unfamiliar specimen. “You just needed to jump out farther, Mom.”

“Thanks, Jay. I’ll remember that next time.”

An engine rumbled in the distance. Jason bolted to the middle of the road. “I’ll flag ’em down. Maybe they can pull us off the cliff.”

Melanie squinted over the edge. “It’s not a cliff.”

“Close enough.” Jason waved his arms in the direction of the noise.

“Gabe, look up ahead.”

Gabe Davidson glanced up from his clipboard. His cousin pointed at a pickup truck alongside the road. From where Gabe sat, he would have said the truck wasn’t going anywhere soon. “Don’t recognize it.”

“Can’t say the truck or the kid or the blonde are from around here.” Hank downshifted and slowed.

“Fishtailed right into the rock.” Grooved tracks left ruts inches deep. “The boys from county won’t be happy when they have to come up and fix this.”

The boy waved his arms at them. Hank pulled over and cut the engine.

Gabe checked his watch. The vet closed in half an hour. He fingered the list he’d scribbled on the scrap piece of paper. If he waited until tomorrow, he’d have to take a chance the vet stocked the medication he needed, since no one at the animal clinic was answering their phone, or else double back and drive into Gunnison.

He glanced at the boy, the angle of the truck and the woman wedged partway under the running board. He ground his jaw as uncomplimentary thoughts of Nick and Zac swirled through his head. Times like this, he really wished his brothers were around to help. Propping the clipboard with his list on top of the dash, Gabe shoved at his door. “Let’s go pull ’em out.”

“Hey mister,” the boy called, as he jumped. “I think my mom’s stuck.”

“Are you okay?” Hank took off toward the boy while Gabe headed for the woman. The rock, the crushed front end of the pickup and the entire back end of the vehicle sat perched at an angle. No telling what the truck would do.

“Need help?” Mud covered her from head to toe. Gabe stared into blue eyes the color of mountain columbines in full bloom and lashes as thick as the foxtails that grew around them. Blond hair played across her cheek.

“No, I’ve got it.” The palm of her hand sank up to her wrist.

He bent over and grasped her shoulders, her muscles firm within his palms. A spear of awareness shot through him as he found a grip and began to pull. The mud packed around her like a wallow sucking her hostage. As she began to slide free, she kicked her feet against the embankment.

The road base shifted beneath his feet. His hold tightened. “Be still.”

Her last kick must have hit a rock. She pushed up, relieving the tension in his pull. Momentarily. The rock worked loose beneath her foot and she sank back into place.

Gabe fought for balance as he teetered on the edge. No use. He tucked his shoulders as he rolled into the mud bog with her. His elbow trenched a rut behind her and she slammed up against his chest.

Spitting mud out of her mouth, she smeared her face with her hand. “Oh goodness.” She squirmed to the side. “You okay?”

His hat lay inverted between them, the crown crushed against her ribs. He followed the line of her muddy T-shirt sleeve to her mud-matted ponytail. Her eyes sparkled wide as he drew close. “I told you to stop moving.”

“I could’ve gotten out by myself.” Her breathless voice warmed his cheek.

He swiped his hand down his face, as much to wipe away mud as to break his stare. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She shimmied up the bank using the top of his boot as a foothold. “The road is in lousy condition.”

“Yeah, well.” Her smooth arm pressed against his chest, making simple thought difficult. “The Gunnison County road crew won’t be happy about this, either.”

She stiffened beside him. “This road is a disaster.”

“Not if your speed is appropriate for the road condition.”

She looked at him as if he’d grown another head. “What’s the speed limit for horrendous?”

Gabe shoved his palm into packed road base. Confrontational wasn’t what he needed right now. Luckily, Hank crouched down beside them before Gabe said something he’d have to apologize for.

“Ma’am, are you all right? Gabe isn’t the daintiest creature to have land in your lap.”

“Hank, get us out.” Gabe needed to move, not make small talk. He leaned over her, caught her waist and pushed her up the side of the rut.

With Hank pulling, she popped out of the ditch and stumbled a good three feet from the truck. Hank offered a hand, and Gabe scrambled out from beneath the truck. Standing beside the muddy mess of a woman, Gabe regretted his moment of anger. Her woebegone look said it all.

“Sorry about getting you dirty.” Her shoulders slumped as she reached out and swiped at his sleeve. “I appreciate the help. Our truck ran into a little problem—”

“Yeah, you should’ve seen it, mister.” The boy ran into the middle of the group. “Mom really carved an arc in the mud!”

Color glowed from beneath the grime on her face. “Jason, shush. We just took the turn a little fast, and, well—” she shrugged in the direction of the truck “—as you can see we’re—”

“Wrecked.” Jason grinned with pride.

She frowned. “I was going to say, ‘stuck.’”

Hank laughed and swept off his hat. “Hank Barrett, at your service, ma’am. I’m the foreman of the Circle D spread just down the road.”

She took a step back and drew Jason beside her, angling her shoulder in front of him. Her protective gesture goaded Gabe even worse for his earlier irritation.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Barrett. I’m Melanie Hunter and this is my son, Jason.” She nodded toward her crumpled fender and hood. “Any capable mechanics around?”

“We can probably round one up.” The top of her head barely cleared his chin as Gabe took quick stock of her for injury. Wide eyes and sun-pinkened nose didn’t detract from the apprehension in her tight lips. A dripping T-shirt encased her slender frame like shrink wrap around a gasket. Long legs braced; trim arms flexed. A muddy mess, but no blood in sight. “Gabe Davidson. I own the Circle D. You’re not from around here.”

She gave him the once-over, her arm tightening across her son. “Just passing through. Folks are expecting us in Montrose by tomorrow.”

He gripped the misshapen hat against his thigh. Hard to tell what she thought of him, and frankly, he couldn’t say he was very proud of his manners. He respected her reserve, considering her situation, and he extended his hand as much in apology as welcome.

Her slim fingertips slipped into his huge palm, the layer of mud between them unable to fully insulate the warm, soft texture of her skin. Heat raced up his arm like a jolt from an electric fence. “That’s a long way to call a cab. I don’t suppose you have a backup plan? Someone to pick you up?”

She shook her head.

“Some guy out there needs my mom to look at their plants.” Jason puffed his chest. “Mom’s great with bugs, too.”

Gabe released her hand and hunkered eye level with Jason, thankful for the distraction. “Bugs, huh? And what are you a specialist in, Bud?”

A cheek-splitting grin displayed teeth too big for the boy’s face. “I’m great at Thrill of the Chase and Raiders of the Hidden Caverns. My games are in the truck.”

Gabe grinned. A kid after his own heart. “Are you now? Any good at Wheels and Karts?”

Melanie groaned beside them.

Jason ignored his mom, his eyes growing round. “Wheels and Karts? Cool. I don’t have that game. I’ll show you what I’ve got. I need my backpack.” He shot over to the stranded truck.

Melanie slopped her foot around in the mud. “Jason, I doubt you’ll have time to play games with Mr. Davidson. We’ve got to get going, remember?”

A shadow dimmed his bright eyes as he worked the door handle. “Yes, Mom.”

“Mr. Davidson—” Her gaze darted between him and Jason.

“Gabe,” he corrected. He kept his eye on the boy. The ground at the edge of the road had become unstable. Tough telling what might happen.

Jason continued yanking on the jammed door handle, the entire truck rocking under the force.

Melanie turned toward Jason. The mud around her shoes acted like quicksand, keeping her glued in place. “Hey big guy, get back here before—”

The crisp creak of metal filled the air as the truck shifted with a clunk, the front bumper pointing over the edge of the embankment. Gabe swallowed the knot in his throat and sprinted toward the truck.

Chapter Two

Leaving her boots in the mud, Melanie leapt toward the truck just as Jason cried out. Gabe scooped up Jason a second before she reached his side.

Like a walrus slipping into the sea, the truck sank over the edge and slid down the side, the locked wheels creating a muddy channel down the charred slope. The pickup bounced a couple times and came to a halt on a level plane just inches from the next slope.

“Wow.” Jason strained to see over the edge. Gabe held on, his arm wrapped around Jason’s shoulders. Melanie threw her arms around them both, tugging at what had to be six foot plus of solid cowboy until they all stepped back. Her heart pounded like a ten-pound sledgehammer and her knees went weak. Jason squirmed.

When her nerves stilled, she released her captives and offered Gabe a weak smile. “Sorry. Thank you.” She tried to smile. “I guess it’s your turn to play hero for all of us today.”

He didn’t answer. He just stared at the truck and nodded. Flecks of mud splattered his dark brown hair, but not enough to hide the sun-kissed streaks. His tan work shirt streaked with mud clung to his broad shoulders and along the corded muscles of his back. He turned and glanced at her. The unusual shade of his eyes reminded her of her favorite root beer Popsicle, a dark shade of brown shot with spikes of gold. Only this brand of treat came complete with dense, arched brows drawn over thick black lashes. Her stomach knotted at the complete picture of male irritation he presented.

She’d overstepped her bounds. She didn’t usually hug strange men. She didn’t really hug men at all.

Jason twisted away and frowned at the truck. “Can I go get my games now?”

Melanie stared down the mountainside. Her truck, the only dependable thing in her life, stuck at the bottom of a mud slide. A dull ache built around the bump on her head. The games weren’t going anywhere—and neither were they, for that matter.

Gabe cleared his throat. “Hank, call RJ and Manny. Ask them to come up here and haul the truck down to the parts barn. Manny can get a good look at it there.”

“I’m on it.” Hank headed back to their pickup.

Parts barn? That sounded way too involved for her liking. She’d already ruined the man’s shirt. “We don’t want to trouble you. I’ll call a mechanic about the damage. Maybe the garage could send a tow?”

“We’ll pull it out for you.” His brows furrowed as he studied her truck. “If your husband’s good with tools, it would probably be better to do a bit of home garage tinkering.”

Jason hung his head and kicked at a clot of road base. “I don’t have a dad.”

Melanie fought her cringe. Even if Paul had stuck around, she knew breaking things was more his forte than repairing. Especially promises, dreams and hearts. Stiffening her backbone, she squeezed her son’s shoulder and urged him toward a felled tree across the road. “Jason, do me a favor, okay? Go see if Mr. Davidson has a pine beetle problem.”

Jason wrinkled his nose before darting across the road. She turned back to Gabe. “Mr. Davidson, if you could just give me the telephone number of a station in town?”

He tilted his head as he looked down the slope. “I doubt the boys in town will know what to do with a vehicle they can’t hook up to a diagnostic machine.” He shot her a weary look. “And the name’s Gabe.”

“They’ll be up as soon as they finish the gate.” Hank shut the door behind him. “When I told Manny what we had here, he couldn’t hang up the phone quick enough. He’ll have your truck fixed in no time, ma’am.”

Melanie faltered, the reality of her situation setting in. “Wait. I have to get to Montrose. I can’t just stop here.”

“You have a better plan?” Guessing he knew her answer, he turned and walked back to his pickup. “It’ll be tight, but the two of you can squeeze in the backseat of the cab.”

Her shoulders sagged as she grabbed her boots out of the rut and hobbled after him, the mud soaking through her socks and squishing between her toes. This wasn’t happening. All because of dead video game batteries and a washed-out road, her dreams of a new beginning for her and Jason were slipping away on a mud slick of their own.

Reaching down into the truck bed, he pulled out a blanket and handed it to her. “Here.”

He shrugged into a rain slicker while she wrapped the blanket over her shoulders and pulled the front ends together in her fists. Not pretty, but at least she’d protect the backseat from too much mud.

A squeal echoed from across the road. Jason had found an unscorched lodgepole pine, his shimmy already placing him halfway to the top. A few more branches up and he’d be eye to eye with a squirrel.

“Jason.” She waved her arm back and forth. “Come down so we can go.”

He slid down between the branches and, with a short leap, hit the ground. She snagged him as he tried to run past and pointed him toward the ranch truck. His mouth fell open. “What if someone steals my games out of Ol’ Blue?”

Gabe stepped up beside him and stared at the bright yellow pickup. With a smudged knuckle, he rubbed the bottom of his jaw. “Ol’ Blue?”

Melanie shifted her weight. A stone dug into her bare foot. Before she could answer, Jason brightened. “Mom bought it blue and had it painted, but the name kinda stuck.”

Gabe stared at the vehicle and then, tilted his head to view the slope it had slid down. A faint crease in his cheek appeared as he nodded in understanding. “I see. Stuck.”

Following his gaze, the meaning of his words hit home.

She was stuck. In the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by strangers. And no one to call for help.

She couldn’t even pay for repairs on her truck beyond a flat tire.

The exhilaration she’d awakened with that morning at the thought of creating a new and better life for her and Jason now sank away in the tracks of the old yellow truck leading to the bottom of the muddy slope. A sick lump settled in her stomach.

So close. She’d been so close to holding her dream.

Lord, what do you want from me?

Gabe stared out the window of the truck as Hank drove the dirt lane to the ranch house. Fence repairs demanded attention, the cattle were nowhere near sorted, and Zac waited for reports Gabe hadn’t finished. If his day unraveled any more, he’d be sitting down to dinner when the rooster crowed in the morning.

On top of that, the responsibility of the auction raced through his head. He glanced down at his watch and wiped the dirt off the dial. One-thirty. A chance he’d make it to town before Doc Hutchins left on his rounds hung by a slim thread. He shifted against the seat of the truck, pressing against the spot on his lower back where Melanie had caught him in her embrace. For a moment, the urge to wrap his arm around both of them and keep them safe had swept over him. How could a man prepare for a zinger like that?

How did he recover?

Gabe caught sight of Melanie in the rearview mirror, her eyes wide and cheeks stained with color beneath the dirt. Nerves danced in his shoulder at the memory of her soft arm pressed against him as they sat stuck in the rut beneath the truck. With his weight, he could have hurt her when his foot slipped and he’d tumbled down beside her. And then she’d asked if he was okay.

Elbow propped against the window, Gabe slumped his jaw against his knuckles. Wildfires, reduced stock and limited pasture—he’d thought he’d pretty much run the course of God’s plagues.

He’d thought wrong.

The truck turned the bend and broke out of the trees into the ranch compound. A yellow Labrador retriever barked as they pulled up in front of the house. Gabe opened his door and caught a handful of scruff as the dog barreled over him, planting muddy paws across his lap and flopping against Hank. Gabe nabbed the wagging tail before wet dog hair plastered the dashboard. “Fletcher, down.”

The dog tilted his head, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth in a pant. He pawed the wheel and a sharp blast of the horn filled the air. Gabe pointed at the ground. “Out.”

Fletcher scrambled back over his lap, launched off the seat and trotted toward the open door of the ranch office.

“Does he bite?” a small voice called from the back.

Gabe looked over at the boy with blond hair and blue eyes just like his mother’s. “Not unless you’re dinner.”

A smile broke out across the kid’s face. “Cool. I like dogs. Can I go play with him?”

“You bet, if—”

Jason shot through the open door faster than a squirrel after the last nut of the season. Melanie tried to catch him, but too late. “Jason, wait.”

Her brows drawn, she angled her chin toward the open door. As she puffed out a breath, the family resemblance between mother and son solidified in Gabe’s mind.

Hank laughed. “That boy has more energy than a coon-hound on scent.”

“He’s been cooped up for three hours in a truck.” Melanie clutched the blanket ends together.

“He’s a boy, ma’am.” Hank cut the engine and climbed out of the truck.

“Every inch of him, I’m afraid.” She dropped back against the seat.

Gabe unlatched the door and swung around. Melanie sat squinting into the sun, making her look more like a wistful little girl than the mom of a rambunctious boy. No woman had the right to look so feminine with mud streaked across her face and an army blanket clutched to her chin. He shoved his door wide. “Welcome to the Circle D.”

Angling out of his seat, he held the door open with his knee and offered a hand. Melanie pulled the edges of the blanket tighter. Gabe tugged the slicker over his head and tossed it in the back of the truck.

The kitchen door opened. “Gabe? Manny said someone had a wreck on the ridge?” His mom stepped out, cup and towel in her hand. Setting them down, she hurried across the yard to the truck. Her brows shot up as she gave him a quick once-over. “What happened to you?”

“Bad road.” Mud coated his back making him feel like a moth outgrowing his cocoon. He needed a shower. His guests probably wanted one, too.

“Hmm, mighty big puddle.” Grace Davidson trained her keen eyesight on the newcomers. “Anything serious?”

“Just a little dent. Nothing Manny can’t fix.”

Melanie snagged her foot on the edge of the blanket as she slid out of her seat. The rough wool tangled around her bare ankle, throwing her off balance. Gabe circled her waist with his arm and bent down to loose the fabric. Skin as soft as the belly of a newborn foal grazed his rough fingertips.

Melanie glared at him. She bit her lip and grabbed at the blanket edge beneath her foot. Her ear pressed against his jaw. “Meet Grace Davidson, my mother.”

“Welcome to the Circle D.” She tilted her head and gave Melanie a high brow. “Though by the looks of it, our welcome isn’t too warm.”

Fishing out from beneath the blanket, Melanie held out her hand. “Sorry to be a bother. Our truck had a little incident.”

The clang of steel fence panels from the loading corrals beside the barn filled the air. Gabe twisted around to see a muscular Charolais bull pace the perimeter of the pen, his furry, white head butting the rails every few feet. Charolais stock on a whole had reasonable dispositions. Just his luck to get the exception to the rule. Ol’ Milk River just hadn’t been able to put his rodeo life behind him.

Gabe pushed past them and ran across the compound, every muscle in his body strung tight as a new line on an old pole. The top rail of the pen rattled and he prayed the posts around the corral held in place.

“Hank. Grab the rope.” He swept his hat in the air over the bull. “Manny! Open the chute!” He yelled at the bull butting his head against the dented fence panel. If the Charolais broke loose, no telling what—or who—he’d tear up. Another slam against the panel and Gabe lost his foothold on the rail. Snagging at the top post, he held tight, bracing for Milk River to slam into him again.

Chapter Three

“Jason,” Melanie yelled, as she caught her son by his shirt collar. “Stay back!”

“Mom! He’s going to rip down the fence!”

As Jason struggled toward the cattle pens he obviously wasn’t listening to the danger in his own words. The way the fence panels rattled, she didn’t doubt the whole thing might come down. “Jason, let them handle it. Stay out of the way.”

Even as she cautioned him, she and Jason followed the crowd. Melanie scooped up the edges of the blanket wrapped around her and stumbled along, clenching her jaw each time she stepped on a rock with her bare feet.

She held Jason back a good distance from the pens, not wanting him to get in the way. Gabe stood on the third rail, his hat in his hand as he waved the bull away. The animal shook his head and swung around. White hide and black eyes flashed as the massive body connected with the panel again. Melanie stood in shock, sensing the waves of anger rolling off the animal.

Another slam into the panel, and Gabe lost his foothold. Melanie tasted bile as she watched him hook his arm over the top rail and regain his hold. The bull bounced against the rails. Gabe yelled and waved his hat much like the other cowboys positioned around the pen.

Metal clanked against metal. The bull bellowed, his sights set on the open gate into another chute. The bull bucked across the pen, snorted and trotted out. Corral panels locked together and voices rose above the clamor of the disgruntled bovine.

Gabe hopped to the ground and cradled his bruised arm. Melanie searched for further danger before approaching the injured cowboy. An uncomfortable mixture of awe and fear churned in her belly. This was not the kind of place she and Jason needed to spend time. As soon as her truck got pulled up to the road, they’d be on their way. Didn’t matter if she had to drive to Montrose with a dented fender.

They needed to get out of here.

“Are you okay? That bull didn’t look happy.”

He stood shaking his injured arm, his chest rising and falling in a rapid beat. “Nothing worse than a cranky animal having a bad day. I can’t always vouch for the dispositions of the stock my brother sends home.”

This was a gift? Melanie peeked through the rails at the bull standing quietly in the back pen, swishing his tail as if nothing was wrong. “So, what does your brother have against you?”

Gabe stared at her a moment. A grin tugged at his lips. “This isn’t a bull for me. It’s for the auction we’re having.” Gabe looked over his shoulder. “All the stock you see in the pens here is up for auction.”

“You’re going to let some poor unsuspecting person bid on that killer?” Her mouth fell open. “That’s worse.”

“A bull is a bull. It’s the nature of the beast.” His brows drew together, sharpening his dark gaze. “No one is going to buy a killer. The auction discloses the history of every animal.”

Her heart slowed and she regained a small measure of composure. This was none of her business. What did she know about working ranches? Nothing. And she planned to keep it that way without offending her rescuer any further.

She offered a weak smile. “Good luck with that.”

His brow raised, and in the back of her mind Melanie didn’t think he’d formed a complimentary opinion of her.

“Wow.” Jason scooted around the side panel, his mouth open and eyes wide. “Are all your cows like that?”

“That would be a bull, Bud. He’d get mighty ornery if he hears you calling him a girl. Some of the rodeo stock my brother sends me have a bit of attitude.”

Jason planted his foot on the bottom rail of the panel and stared at the empty pen with wonder. “That’s a real bucking bull?”

“He was.” Gabe bent down and picked up his muddied, battered hat, slapped it against his leg and settled it on his head. He gripped the top rail and rattled the pen with force. Jason snapped around.

“Don’t ever underestimate an animal, Bud. They’ll throw you for a loop quicker than you’ll know what hit you. Do me a favor? Don’t go near this bull or any of the livestock alone. Stick with Fletcher, okay?” He stuck out his boot and swatted dust and mud from his jeans. “If you want to see any of the animals, ask me or Hank to go with you.”

“Sure, Mr. Davidson.”

Gabe hunkered down to eye level. Melanie took a step closer, her senses on high alert. If this cowboy wanted to chew someone out for ignorance, he’d better deal with her.

“Hey, Bud.” Gabe softened his tone. “Around livestock, things can happen pretty fast, and we don’t take much time with formality here. I know your mother has taught you right, but just think, if you’d seen that bull charging me, which would get my attention faster—‘Mis-ter Da-vid-son,’” he enunciated, “or ‘Gabe!’?”

“Gabe?” Jason questioned in a small voice and turned to look at her.

She caught Gabe’s earnest gaze and released her breath. She nodded at Jason. He turned back to the cowboy.

Jason cleared his throat. “Gabe.”

Gabe pretended to evaluate. “One more time with feeling.”

Jason took a deep breath. “Gabe!”

The cowboy grinned and patted Jason on the back. “That’ll get my attention every time. Gotta keep the name short and sweet.”

“Like you call me Bud?”

“That’s right.”

Jason thought a moment, and then peered up at him again. “What will you call my mom?”

Every drop of spit dried in her mouth. Melanie swallowed hard at the thought of anyone getting hurt, including the commanding cowboy. She dropped the edge of her blanket.

“Bud, I call your Mom ‘Smart enough to stay away from danger.’”

“Enough talking.” Grace approached, her arms crossed over her chest. “Let the girl get cleaned up. She’s beginning to look like a mummy.”

Jason giggled.

“I was just getting to that.” Gabe shook his head. “Can’t get everything done at once.”

“Maybe not.” An older man dressed in jeans and green cotton work shirt came up to stand with them. “But we gotta do the important things first.” He held out his hand. “Martin Davidson. Nice to meet you.” He nodded at Gabe. “Gotta keep the young’uns in line.”

Color rushed up Gabe’s neck at his dad’s assessment, and he didn’t look quite as menacing anymore. Melanie grinned. She liked Martin already. “I agree. The young’uns get in trouble all the time.”

Gabe narrowed his eyes and then winked at her. “Dad, that young one by your side is Jason.”

Her toes beneath the blanket curled tighter.

Martin stuck his hand out to Jason. “What do you know, young man?”

“Lots of stuff.”

Grace laughed. “Oh yeah? Well how about you help Mr. Martin with that gate over there while your mom cleans up?”

“Mom?” Jason glanced up at her. “Can I?”

Her stomach churned again at the thought of Jason running around unattended. “Maybe you should stick with me, honey.”

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll keep a close eye on him while we go check that pasture fence.” Martin nudged Jason. “You ever string wire?”

Jason’s eye grew wide. “No, sir.”

“Well, how can a young man leave Hawk Ridge without stringing wire?” Martin peeked over at her. “We’ll be real careful.”

She’d make this a very quick shower. “Listen carefully to Mr. Martin, okay, Jason?”

“Thanks, Mom.” Jason fell in line with Martin, and the two of them headed to a field away from the pens.

“C’mon, darlin’. Let’s get you cleaned up before you catch a cold.” Grace tugged on Melanie’s blanket.

Melanie looked at the sprawling log ranch house and fell in step. “I appreciate the offer, but my clothes are still in the truck.”

Grace shook her head. “Not to worry. We always have extras.” She threw a glance over her shoulder. “Gabriel. A little soap and water might do you good, too.”

Melanie snuck a peek at the well-built cowboy who’d just battled an angry bull. He stood and squinted into the sun as if wrestling with a decision. Apparently resigned, he tipped his hat back with one finger and headed down a path into the pines.

Melanie grinned as she turned back to Grace. Not hard to tell who ran the show around the Circle D.

Hair still wet from his shower, Gabe propped one leg along the top of his desk as he read the repair receipt Manny had handed him. Replacement parts for the old truck were pricier than he thought. The cost wasn’t the only problem they had on their hands.

A noisy bark in the yard announced his time of grace ended. Father, give me words to comfort the blow of this painfully expensive situation. Gabe sensed Melanie carried a load of pride along with her penchant for responsibility.

She swept into his office on a whirlwind of dog, laughter and sunshine. “I called and rescheduled the interview. Glad they’re flexible.”

Oh, she has a beautiful smile. Not that he had time to daydream about Melanie Hunter, but he had noticed a couple things about her. Especially dressed in his old flannel shirt and jeans. Even back when he could fit into that size, they’d never looked that good on him.

The familiar scent of soap and shampoo filled the air as she tucked her hair behind her ear, the sunny blond strands just sweeping her shoulders. She smelled good, looked good and felt good. Gabe stood and slapped his thigh to call Fletcher. Tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, Fletch trotted over to him and heeled.

“Glad he’s trained so well.” Melanie caught her breath. “He’d be a handful if he didn’t listen.”

“Don’t let him fool you. Fletcher has his own agenda most of the time.”

Her laughter faded to a smile as she looked around his office. “Nice place you have here.”

Stacks of paperwork were piled around his desk and heaped onto the floor. Magazines and periodicals flowed over his filing cabinet. A cup of coffee gathered dust on the side table. Gabe winced. “Someday I’ll unearth my desk.”

“Never know what you’ll find.” She tapped a stack with her finger. “Looks like filing isn’t a priority, is it?”

“You may not believe this, but I know where to find all the important stuff.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I think better when all my work is in front of me.”

“Looks like you’re shaping a trail to the barn.”

Her even white teeth matched the sparkle in her eyes. His balance faltered when he realized she smiled at him. Gabe grabbed the folder from the nearest stack and indicated the chairs in front of his desk. “Here, have a seat. I have some news for you.”

Melanie shot him a wary glance and stood her ground. “Good news or bad? Doesn’t matter. I think I’ll take my news standing up.”

“I have some of both for you. The good news is that Manny can fix your truck as soon as the parts get here.”

“That’s great!” She hurried toward the door, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Sorry to bother you, but maybe you can give us a lift into town where we can rent a truck for a few days?”

“I can take you anywhere you want to go. But wait, there’s a bad side to this news, too.”

She stopped and turned. Her round eyes narrowed and her slender frame stiffened as if awaiting a blow.

Gabe drew a breath. “Older trucks like yours are easy to putter with, very few complicated electronic parts to get in the way. The problem you have is the major component you need won’t get here for at least two weeks.” He handed her the page of internet research on parts and ship times.

“Two weeks?” Her voice remained steady as she scanned the page.

Gabe glanced at the remaining paperwork in his hand and winced. “There’s more.” He handed her the parts estimate.

She sucked in a breath and snapped her gaze up to meet his. “Is this a joke?”

His stomach pitched against tense, tired muscles. “No joke. Your truck may be simple to repair, but the parts aren’t mass-produced any longer. The common parts will be interchangeable, but something as large as a radiator, well…” he trailed, praying for the right words. “Let’s just say it took a bit of searching to find a used one for your make and model that inexpensive. Insurance?”

Melanie eased into the nearby chair and set her elbows on his desk. “Liability. I can cover the other guy, not myself.”

His standard offer to pray with her and ask for the Father’s help was on the tip of his tongue, but for some reason, he hesitated. He leaned against the edge of his desk. She’d never indicated how strong her faith was, or even if she had faith at all. Trust in the Almighty remained Gabe’s answer, even if it meant holding his words at the moment. Okay, Lord, so what do I do?

“I’ve waited so long for a job like this to come up.” Her voice almost a whisper as she compared the two pieces of paper. “Now, even if I get it, I won’t be able to pay this and move.” Eyelids closed, she tipped her head back. “I guess I’ll cash in my vacation time and just go back to work.” She sat up straight and blinked. “I have to tell Jason.”

Her agony twisted his gut. “How much time did you have?”

“Three weeks. Three long, glorious weeks.”

Gabe glanced at his calendar. Just enough time. “I might be able to help you.”

She looked up. Any spark of light in her eyes, gone.

It was a long shot, but he’d never know until he asked. “Look around this office. I haven’t a dream of catching up any time soon.”

She looked around. “Looks more like a nightmare to me.”

He shook his head. “Seasonal deadlines. Stock reports, financials, the like…and I have this barbecue planned for the Fourth of July.”

Her brows drew close as if trying to make sense of his rambling.

“It’s just a simple barbecue picnic to go along with the auction.” He rushed on before she refused. “Plan for about a hundred families. You’ll have help from the local ladies with food. They’ve been this route before—you just need to be the one in charge.” He held his breath as he eyed her frozen features, worried she might explode any moment. “Don’t worry about the auction. I’ll take care of that.”

Seconds passed before her clenched jaw relaxed. She tilted her chin and squinted up at him. “You want me to plan a party?”

Gabe leaned across the desk and slipped the two-page estimate from her fingertips. He scanned the amount again before turning the printed sheets toward her. It was worth it to him if it was worth it to her. “If you help me out with this barbecue, I’ll pay for the repairs, provide a place for you to stay, and cover any costs of changing your plans.”

Melanie reclaimed the sheets from him and stared at the pages. Gabe shot bullets of prayer toward heaven on behalf of her decision. She pressed her lips together and leveled a cold, clear glare in his direction. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Nothing could have knocked the air out of him faster than the tone of her accusation. Gabe looked out the window at a tractor idling beside the loading chute. No, he hadn’t given her any choices. In his haste to solve his own problem, he’d never considered the importance of her plans. “Yes, you have a choice.”

She raised a brow.

“I’ll loan you a ranch truck free of charge. Use it as long as you need. Return the truck when your pickup is fixed.”

He pulled out his chair, careful not to topple the pile of statements for Zac. Sinking into his seat, Gabe mentally organized his priorities for the day. He’d hoped to have an early evening tonight, obviously—

“Why would you offer the use of your truck? You don’t even know me.”

Suspicion, distrust, anger warred across her face. All thoughts of his personal convenience evaporated as his irritation piqued. “What do I need to know? You need transportation, don’t you?”

She wrinkled her nose at him, reminding him of Jason when Fletcher wouldn’t release the ball. Guess he knew where the boy got his intense concentration.

Melanie stood. Her blond hair brushed her shoulder blades as she crossed to the open doorway. Gabe caught his breath when she stopped and turned toward him, the yellow flecks in her brilliant blue eyes danced in anger.

“I’ll be back.” She glared a moment longer and then pushed away from the doorjamb.

Gabe blew out his breath and watched her stalk across his yard. Famous last words, but really, could he blame her?

Chapter Four

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

Melanie propped her elbows on the fence panel and stared at the three cows in the pen. The field lab up in Montrose embodied every dream she’d ever had for her and her son. She could leave the impersonal, demanding research position she’d held for the last six years and work outdoors, on a schedule of her own. Live in a small community where maybe she and Jason could build a home.

She shielded her eyes against the rays of brilliant sunshine as they dipped in and out of darkening clouds. Late afternoon came quickly in the high country as she struggled with her decision. When she’d called to reschedule her interview, the secretary switched her to the last spot available for interviews. More than enough time to rent a car and make her appointment. And she still could, except for that little repair invoice.

An outrageous dollar amount she couldn’t begin to consider shouldering.

Her meager savings allowed them a cushion for emergencies. Not a catastrophe like this. Melanie hung her head and kicked the ground.

Lord? There’s a big hitch in our plans. Talking to God was easy. She dug the toe of her sneaker into the grass patch surrounding the fence post. It was listening for the answer that got her every time.

The buzz of a four-wheeler echoed in the distance. Hank drove across a field with Jason clutched behind him. The pair rode along the fence line, Jason squealing at every bump. Melanie relaxed. Jason would love it here while she worked off her debt. She couldn’t argue the fact that the great outdoors commanded his attention. Her nerves stopped their riotous zing and she blew a sigh. Funny, Gabe hadn’t even asked her if she could cook.

The sweet scent of pine tinged the air as birds offered their individual tunes. Melanie closed her eyes as she tilted her face to the warm summer sun.

There were no guarantees in life. Maybe she’d get the job; maybe she wouldn’t. Either way, if she left now, she’d be paying off a repair bill on an old truck for months to come.

Lord, why did you fill me with hope only to tear it away?

The four-wheeler angled around the field once more. She opened her eyes to see Hank looking like Evel Knievel and Jason sporting a smile a mile wide. Melanie shook her head.

At least she’d tasted the dream of a new job and a lighter work schedule. That taste had made her realize she never wanted to go back. Lucky her.

A door slammed in the distance and Gabe followed the walkway toward her. She tried not to look too obvious as she stared like a schoolgirl.

His button-down shirt fit his shoulders, the sleeves rolled to the elbow. Tan arms matched his suntanned face. Faded blue jeans cinched at the hip with a worn leather belt.

Tall and strong.

An incredible smile…

Melanie blinked and turned away. No need to romanticize the man, especially since she’d be working for him.

He jingled a set of keys at her. “Let’s get you a truck and you can be off first thing in the morning.”

He stood before her all tall and dark and cowboy, looking almost afraid…of her? She had a feeling disappointing women wasn’t Gabe’s strong suit. Accepting disappointment wasn’t exactly high on her list either.

“I’ll do the barbecue.” The words tumbled out. “I mean, yes, I’ll organize the barbecue for you in exchange for repairs on my truck. That is, if the offer is still open.”

Gabe pushed back his hat and rubbed his forehead. “You’re the answer to my prayer. We planned the auction and barbecue for the Fourth of July weekend. That’s less than three weeks, and I’ll help anyway I can.”

“Just three weeks, right? That’s all the time I have.” He had to understand she couldn’t give any more. “This picnic and the repairs to my truck will be done in three weeks?”

He gave a quick nod, his root-beer-colored eyes sparkling.

“And you said there were some ladies to help me out with the planning?” Melanie rushed to confirm.

Gabe tilted his head, and she received the full brunt of his excitement. His grin deepened the dimple in his cheek and added a boyish charm she could only stare at.

“From church. The ladies will point you in the right direction. As a matter of fact, we can talk to them Sunday after the service. They’ll love meeting you.” He indicated the path up to the ranch house. “Let’s go get a key to the cabin before it rains.”

Before it rains. Famous last words.

Rain blew sideways, pelting them like BBs as they stood on the porch of cabin number one. Melanie shifted beside him and clutched her duffel so her rain slicker covered most of the bags. Jason huddled up against the wall.

Gabe stuck the key into the lock, jiggled the knob and shoved the door open. “Here we are. Sorry things might be a little dusty. We haven’t had anyone live here this season.”

He stepped through the threshold and stomped his boots on the mat. Melanie piled in behind him, Jason on her heels. She set her bags down on the floor beside the table and glanced around at the knotty pine cabinets lining the wall of the small galley kitchen and a window with white panes set over the sink. A peal of thunder shook the ground as rain battered the pines outside the window.

Melanie shivered beside him. “Are you sure we aren’t putting you out by staying here?”

No better place on the ranch for their guests than the log cabins tucked up in the pines away from the house. Both houses. “The cabins are for the summer help. Their families visit when they can. Since the drought last couple years, we’ve cut back operations. We won’t be needing it.”

Jason dropped his bags at the door and raced through the two-bedroom cabin, poking into every nook and cranny. “Look, Mom. We each have a bed.” He cannonballed onto the mattress.

A gust of wind blew rain across the threshold. Melanie stepped back and closed the door behind her. “Jason, why don’t you unpack?”

“I get this room.” He rolled off the bed, grabbed his pack and unzipped the top. Turning it over, he dumped the contents out on the bed.

A mountain of video game cards poured out of the bag, followed by a pair of jeans and socks. Gabe chuckled at the necessities of life. “Hey, Bud, sure you have everything?”

Jason picked up his game unit and waved it in the air. “This is all I need.”

Melanie rolled her eyes. “Thanks for taking care of my truck. Sorry we disrupted your schedule.”

“Not a problem.” He opened the utility closet door and switched on the furnace. Five metal clicks confirmed the unit operational. Seconds later, air blew up beside him from the floor vent. “Meals are part of the deal, too.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“There is nothing funny about how Grace Davidson views hospitality.” He opened the linen closet and checked the towels and blankets. “Dinner is at six o’clock. Don’t be late or the cook will have your hide.”

“Oh no, we couldn’t. You’ve already done so much for us.”

Her blue gaze darted about the room before landing on him. She shifted her weight as if she’d had enough for one day. He couldn’t blame her. His family was a bit overpowering at times. “If you’re up to it, you can go in and argue. But I’ll warn you, my mother drops the biggest guilt bombs you’ve ever seen.”

Gabe backed up toward the door and reached for the knob. “That clock in the kitchen tells the right time, and the stove runs on propane. If you need anything, give a holler.” Before she could respond, he made his escape, closing the door behind him.

Out on the porch, the wind continued to blow. He pulled his hat in place and stepped out from under the eave. Rain poured from the heavens. He followed the well-worn path from the cabin to the ranch house. The small stream coursing through the ruts would wick into the ground by morning.

Melanie agreeing to coordinate the barbecue was a blessing, but the added distraction of their guests threw his entire schedule off. Gabe turned at the fence corner and walked toward the office door.

Gabe had ideas and plans for the ranch operation. He had the tools and knowledge to trim time and cost; he just needed to convince his dad the changes were viable. Too often it seemed like Dad expected him to run cattle and keep tally of the stock on a wallboard in the barn much like his grandpa had.

The Fourth of July auction would make or break him. He needed to concentrate on the task at hand and make this stock sale the best of the summer. The best ever.

When he reached the deck off the office, he stomped on the worn doormat and glanced over his shoulder at the green roof of the cabin poking through the trees. On top of all the headaches screaming for attention, a new distraction now resided in a cabin out the office back door.

Lord, grant me strength.

The next morning, Jason sat in the back seat of the pickup, his arms dangling over the front seat. “I’m lost. Do you ever get lost driving into town?”

“Been driving down this road all my life.” Gabe held the steering wheel with one hand as they rounded a corner. “Don’t think there’s anything to forget.”

“I don’t think I’d find my way back.”

Melanie had to agree. They’d turned and twisted up and down so many little roads before hitting the main highway, she didn’t have a clue how to get back. She shifted in her seat and nodded at him. “I think that’s why Gabe came with us today.”

After the torrential rain the night before, the sky ahead of them shone crystal blue. Melanie tensed as Gabe hit a few ruts and puddles, his truck occasionally skidding. Gabe didn’t look rattled. The county roads still spooked her.

Gabe downshifted down after hitting a deeper pothole. “No sense in an instant replay of yesterday.”

“Thanks.” She pried her hand off the dashboard.

He chuckled. “So where do you want to stop first?”

“We need Coco Snaps and milk.” Jason started the list. “Miss Grace cooks really good. I don’t think Mom has to cook any meat or vegetables.”

“Jason Hunter.” Melanie couldn’t believe her ears. “Remember your manners.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Gabe turned down the main street of town. “My mom will be feeding him every chance she gets.”

“But still.” She shot Jason a warning look. “I guess we do need to stop at the grocery store.”

Gabe pulled into a space down a side road. He slipped out of the truck, circled around to her side and opened the door before she had her seat belt off. Unaccustomed to the courtesy, Melanie stared at him.

“Why’d you open the door?” Jason pushed against the back door and hopped out. “Was the lock stuck?”

Gabe held the door. “A lady never opens her own door.”

“Mom always opens her own door, even when she’s sick.”

Uncomfortable being the topic of discussion, Melanie grabbed her purse and angled out of the cab. “I’m made of sturdy stuff.”

Gabe closed the door behind her and indicated the sidewalk. “Bud, a man’s got certain obligations, and showing respect to a lady is the biggest one.”

“I don’t see why it’s a big deal.” Jason frowned and jammed his hands in his pockets. “It’s not like she broke her arm or anything.”

Gabe ruffled Jason’s hair. “We have a long way to go, don’t we?”

Melanie snapped to attention. Her mind whirled around their conversation even as her heart beat faster. Just because Gabe Davidson demonstrated common courtesy and a more-than-capable attitude was no reason to start fantasizing about the man. Hadn’t she learned anything from past experience? Her fists tightened as she listened to Jason and Gabe discuss the finer points of good manners. She shook her head. Get a life.

Her world of plant and insect research offered few choices of husbandry options beyond the realm of livestock genetics. Professors, over quiet dinners and coffee, enjoyed her quick mind and attention to detail but drew the line when invited to soccer games and school conferences. The other researchers in her department viewed the world through mugs of beer and late-night parties. They hadn’t a clue as to what parental responsibility entailed. And she’d never been interested in the singles scene. Not many choices left, were there?

“After you.” Jason giggled as he held open the door to the grocery store.

Gabe rolled his eyes. “Yep, a long way to go.”

Melanie cringed, not sure if Gabe made a habit of instilling etiquette in young boys, or if she’d just been insulted.

They ran through the store grabbing the essentials, Gabe taking them down each aisle to make sure nothing was forgotten. When they reached the cashier, Gabe inched the lid off a canister while Melanie unloaded the cart.

He handed Jason a strip of meat. “Here, try this.”

Jason scrunched his nose. “What is it?”

“Elk jerky. Best you’ll ever taste.”

“Eww.” Jason backed up.

Gabe tore off a piece with his teeth. He chewed a couple times and swallowed. “Have you ever tried it?”

Jason eyed the strip. “No.”

“Do I look like I’m going to die?”

Jason giggled. “No.”

“Well?” Gabe pointed the jerky expectantly toward Jason.

Melanie held her breath. Jason stared at Gabe as if he’d just offered a dose of poison, but took the snack anyway and tore off a bite. By the time all was said and done, Melanie had two bags of groceries, Gabe a dozen strips of jerky with Jason running behind him begging for another piece.

“Let’s get this stuff in the truck. I need to stop by the animal clinic before we leave and Leon’s Hardware for a few parts.” Gabe stuffed the bags in the back of the cab. “Some of the fittings for your truck are easy to find.”

The sun and fresh mountain air had lifted her spirits. Melanie shaded her eyes with her hand. “Remember, three weeks to get my beloved truck as good as new.”

“Promise.” Gabe gave his best Boy Scout pledge.

They rounded the corner of the block. Hoses, rakes and wheelbarrows lined either side of a set of open double doors. A sandwich-board sign sat on the sidewalk and proclaimed Spring Sale—Hurry In. A wooden palette held stacks of fertilizer bags with plastic buckets displayed across the front, two rows deep.

“I love this place.” Melanie listened to the delicate tinkle of wind chimes arranged from the rafters. “Very homey.”

“If Leon doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.” Gabe indicated they enter the store. “So far, he’s proven his motto right.”

“Gabe.” A petite woman in her early twenties with curly brown hair and freckles across her nose stood behind the checkout counter and waved. “You’re early. It’s not Saturday yet.”

“Guests staying at the ranch. Thought maybe they needed to pick up some stuff.” He stepped around the counter and gave her a hug. “Shayna, I want you to meet my friends, Melanie and Jason.”

When Gabe stepped back, Shayna turned around and presented a well-rounded belly. By the looks of it, probably seven months along. Out of habit, Melanie glanced at Shayna’s left hand, surprised to see her ring finger bare.

“Don’t think I’ve met you before. This your first time to Hawk Ridge?” She offered her hand. “Normally I hug everyone, but Buster here—” she ran her hand over the top of her belly “—gets in the way these days.”

“I can imagine.” Melanie liked the bubbly personality, especially remembering how tiring those last few months of pregnancy were. “Like the name—Buster.”

She caressed her belly with love. “Only because he’s ready to bust out. I’m really leaning toward Adam.”

“Dad’s name?”

“Oh, no!” Dimples bracketed a sweet smile. “I just like Adam.”

“This is more baby talk than I need.” Gabe gave Shayna another squeeze. “Bud, how about you and me go over to the parts? We’ve got a list we need to fill.”

His gaze lingered on her as he stepped away from the counter. For a moment, she thought he’d hug her, too. Instead, he motioned for Jason to follow. “Are you going to be okay without us?”

“I think I’ll survive.” Melanie bit the inside of her cheek watching Jason puff up tall beside Gabe.

As they walked off to the back of the store, Shayna leaned over the counter and exhaled. “It’s been a long day.” She looked over her shoulder at the young man stacking a display of windshield wiper fluid in the store window. “Hey, Russ, watch the counter. I’ll be back.”

Russ nodded and went back to work.

“Tough working when we have a sale.” Shayna stretched her back. “All I seem to do is waddle through the store.”

“I remember.” Melanie nodded. She swatted at a couple of tiny black insects. “Especially when all I wanted to do was sleep.”

“Amen. So are you looking for anything in particular?”

Memories of her own pregnancy flooded over Melanie. Luckily she’d finished her last semester of her undergraduate degree while she was pregnant. She couldn’t imagine running across campus with a baby in tow. Tough enough juggling study time in between doctor appointments, work and laundry. Her heart went out to the salesgirl. “Actually, the cabin has all I need and we’re only staying a short while. Maybe a fruit bowl?”

“Right over here.” Shayna turned toward the center aisle.

Melanie waved away a few more pesky gnats. “Gabe said you’d have everything we need, or we didn’t need it.”

“That’s my dad’s motto. He’s pretty proud of knowing what the town needs.” Shayna stopped in front of a display of ceramic bowls. “I’ll let you in on a secret. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll order it and then pretend he found it in the warehouse. It’s a game and everyone knows, so it really isn’t a secret at all.”

“Thanks for the insider tip.” Melanie slapped a gnat on her arm. “Does the store stock plants? I think you’re overwatering.”

Shayna nodded and pointed an aisle over. “We just received a shipment. Noticed they came in kind of buggy. Don’t know what to do about it other than pray they get bought soon.”

“Let me see.” Melanie approached the display of leafy houseplants stacked in the middle of birdbaths, ceramic pots and a water fountain. “The fungus gnats are breeding because of the moisture. Here.” She grabbed a package off the shelf. “Put these yellow sticky tapes around the pots for a couple of days. You should see a big difference.” She dug her finger into the soil. “If you stick raw potato slices in the pot, it’ll help catch them, too.”

“That’s great.” Shayna snagged the package of tapes and tore it open. “What did you say you’re doing here?”

“Normally I work with stuff like this. But for the next three weeks—” she held her arms open to embrace the entire concept “—I’m planning the Fourth of July barbecue at the Davidsons’.”

Shayna laughed so hard, Melanie thought she might go into labor right then. “Don’t understand how he roped you into it and don’t think I want to know. So, Gabe is shirking his responsibilities. Gabe!” She stood on tiptoes and yelled for him again. “Melanie seems like a nice person. Why saddle her with the picnic?”

Gabe and Jason came round the corner. He lifted a brow and winked at Melanie. She couldn’t help it and winked back.

“I’m doing my part for the event, honest. It’s just that Bud and I have this truck to fix, and fence to check, and water to fill, and—”

“Yeah, yeah, I know all about the important stuff.” Shayna waved him away. “Melanie, don’t you worry about the picnic. The ladies at church know how to do it all. I’ll be helping, too.” She grinned and nodded in his direction. “Gabe’s too chicken to work with us on the committee.”

The red infusing his face gave truth to the accusation. “Do tell.” Melanie played along. “Sweet little church ladies?”

He tipped his hat back, eyes opened wide. “Worse than a pack of starved kittens around a bowl of milk.” He shook his finger at her and grinned. “Don’t you let them weasel out of making the best steaks a man’s ever tasted. I’m counting on you to handle this assignment with kid gloves.”

Shayna elbowed her in the ribs. “Stick with me. Gabe will end up getting the glory, but we’ll know who did all the work.”

He offered Melanie a lazy smile. “I always give credit where credit is due. I think this year we’ll have one of the best parties ever. And I’ll make sure everyone knows who was in charge.” He indicated the spare parts in his hands. “Hopefully terms equitable for both parties.”

Chapter Five

That evening, Melanie sat at the dinner table in the ranch-house kitchen, now cleared of dishes. Homemade chicken and dumplings with all the fixings and the best berry pie with vanilla ice cream she’d ever tasted. She resisted patting her tummy. Life just didn’t get any better.

In the next room, Jason yelped, “No fair, Gabe! I didn’t know that boulder was going to roll onto the track.”

“Well, Bud. You better be prepared for the unexpected next time.” A hardy laugh echoed into the kitchen. “Had enough?”

“Uh-uh. I’m ready for you this time.”

“All right. One…two…three…” A buzzer sounded as the go-kart video game took off again.

Well, life could be a little better. Grace stood at the kitchen counter watering her plants. Martin had joined the boys in the living room. Melanie set her cup down.

“Grace, are you sure I can’t help you with anything?”

“Oh my, no.” She shook her watering can. “Gotta give my little buddies a drink before they go to sleep.”

“Plants don’t stand a chance at my home. After working with them all day, I forget to tend them at night. Jason knows chocolate is the way to his mom’s heart.”

“My boys used to drag home every weed the good Lord planted on the mountainside. Said they were pretty flowers, and so many of them, no one would miss ’em. I praised them for their thoughtfulness and prayed none of the seeds scattered on the way home.”

“You have two other sons, right?”

“I do.” Grace nodded. “Nicholas and Isaac. All three of the boys have grown into men I’m proud of.”

The sounds of the video game echoed in the background, Gabe’s full-bodied laughter causing her heart to trip. Melanie took a sip from her cup. If the other two brothers were anything like Gabe, the women of Hawk Ridge needed to watch out. “Where are they?”

“Zac’s in Denver. He went to college there and decided to stay.”

Grace returned to the sink and refilled her watering can. “Nick got a burr in his drawers one day. Hawk Ridge wasn’t where he wanted to be. Left the house he built up on the ridge and everything. He’d rodeoed all through school and thought he’d take off and see the country on the backside of a bull. He’s the one sending the cattle for the auction.”

“Sounds like exciting lives.” She scooted to the edge of her seat. “I’ll bet you miss them.”

“Well, it’s good for them to find out what they really want. Gabe never really wanted to go anywhere. He went to school in Gunnison for four years and then came home to do exactly what he’d done his whole life.”

“Awww, c’mon, Gabe.” Jason whined from the other room. “That water came out of nowhere.”

“Bud, you had to know it was coming.” Buttons clicked. “You’re driving right next to a river.”

“No fair…”

“You’re a lap behind. Stop bellyachin’ and get to movin’.”

A tiny bell tinkled each time the cars made a lap. Melanie watched the entire game—and cringed.

“And what about you, Melanie? You and Jason getting by?”

Melanie took a sip of her coffee and held the cup to her lips. A loaded question if she’d ever heard one. What kind of answer was Grace looking for? She took another sip and lowered her cup. “We take each day as it comes.”

“Does Jason get to see much of his dad?”

Okay, Grace. Just cut to the chase. “He never met his dad.” Melanie lowered her eyes, still unable to completely justify the past. She blew a quick sigh. How things could have been different. “He’s been gone a long time.”

Grace dropped the water can on the counter and wiped her hands on the dish towel. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Grace. It’s been a long time.” Melanie frowned as the older lady sat down beside her, grabbed her fingers and squeezed. She wanted to pull away, but Grace kept hold. “We’re fine.”

“Happened to my oldest boy, Nick. They hadn’t been married but a couple years when his wife died. He hasn’t been right since.” She squeezed tighter and shook her head. “Death can do awful things to those left behind.”

Paul? Dead? Melanie opened her mouth to correct the misunderstanding and then pressed her lips together. Paul might as well be dead to them. And she didn’t know Grace or the family well enough to explain the entire story.

Jason didn’t even know the whole truth.

“I’m sorry for Nick’s loss, Grace.” She searched the kitchen for words. “Time heals all hurts.”

Grace nodded. She patted Melanie’s hand before sliding her palm back and reaching for a napkin to blow her nose. “Time and prayer. God knows what He’s doing, even if we don’t understand.”

Wasn’t that the truth? She’d spent sleepless nights trying to come up with answers that just didn’t seem to exist.

“Do your parents help you?”

Melanie automatically cringed at the question.

Seconds later, Grace groaned. “Oh no. Losing your husband and your parents so young in life, poor thing.” Grace patted her hand. “Accident or illness?”

“Neither. My folks are fine. I just haven’t seen them in a while.”

Grace stared at her, searching for what Melanie couldn’t begin to know. Even though she hadn’t known Grace long, Melanie liked her and didn’t want to disappoint her, as she had her parents.

A slow nod made the gray streaks in her dark hair sparkle. “Life’s too short for that, honey.” Grace softened her tone. “Parents try as hard as they can to do the right thing. We’re only human, living by the grace of God. All the prayer in the world won’t give us the right answers for the difficult questions in life. But the good Lord knows we try.”

Appalled she might have insulted Grace, Melanie scrambled. “Of course you do. Raising children is the most difficult task in the world.” She pointed toward the doorway leading to the living room. “Gabe’s a fine man. A gentleman to be proud of.”

“All three of my boys are fine men. But that doesn’t mean mistakes weren’t made along the way.” Grace took a deep breath. “Someday our family will be restored. Melanie, don’t let the chance pass you by.”

“Trust me on this one, Grace. They won’t understand.”

“If you trust the Lord with your life, He’ll make the right choices for your life. But if you don’t trust the Lord, then you’ll never find out what He had in mind for you.”

Easy for her to say. If the shoe had been on the other foot and Melanie hadn’t wanted her child, maybe she could beg forgiveness. But how could she explain that her parents didn’t accept Jason? Even after all the years, the words still tasted acid on her tongue. “It’s hard to make everyone happy. Especially with difficult choices.”

Grace relaxed her shoulders and refilled both their mugs. “So tell me about this job. Do you have friends in Montrose?”

How did she explain the situation to Grace when Melanie barely understood the reasoning herself? “No, I don’t know anyone there. I’ve never even been to Montrose.”

Grace sipped her coffee, looking at her with questions in her eyes.

“I want a new start.” She pushed strands of hair from her face and took a deep breath, encouraged by Grace’s patient silence. “I’ve done nothing but research projects in an office no bigger than a bathroom for six years. Not exciting, but stable. Now, a gigantic corporation bought the company where I work. Reorganization. Cutbacks. My job is safe, but the parameters will change. Same money. More work. Less time with Jason.”

She traced a pattern on her mug. “When this opportunity came up, I didn’t give it a second thought. I called for an interview, packed up the truck and away we went. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Is that what you want?” Grace asked in an even voice. “Adventure?”

“Adventure?” It sounded frivolous when Grace said it. “I don’t need adventure. I need a solid, stable home for my son. I can’t do that when I’m working sixty hours a week.” Melanie stood and wandered to the sink and stared at the reverse reflection of the kitchen in the darkened window. “Jason is my world, Grace. I want to do all I can for him.”

“The mark of a true mother. It’s not easy, is it? You try to do everything you can to keep your children safe, but you can’t do it all. Only God is perfect. We have to remember that.”

Melanie released a quiet sigh. “I learned that a long time ago.”

She needed to change the subject before Grace unearthed more of Melanie’s failures.

Bells and sirens rang in the other room, signaling the start of another game. She nodded toward the living room. “I so wanted to get Jason away from video games. And what happens? We end up meeting the video game king himself.” Melanie blew another sigh. “This is all he does at home. He’s an addict.”

Grace sat silent a moment, the game ringing to announce the end of the race. “You know the more you push, the harder he’ll buck, right?”

“He’s only eight years old. I need to guide him in another direction before it’s too late.”

All emotion aside, Grace pinned Melanie with a look. “That’s all well and good, but he’ll always come back to the things you don’t approve of and he’ll probably not even know he’s doing it.” Grace drew a breath. “Even at eight years old, Jason thinks he knows what he wants. And he wants you to want it, too. The more you disapprove, chances are the more he’ll resist, and then one day he won’t be there to listen to you. Take it from me, I’ve been through it all.”

Not exactly what she wanted to hear. “What do I do? There’s more to life than video games.”

“Woohoo! I beat you, Gabe! Did you see? I dodged that rock slide like a pro!”

“You sure did, Champ. Good job.”

“Watch out. I’ve got it now!”

A low rumble of laughter filtered from the room as the buzzer rang signaling a new track. Melanie sank back into her chair. “I’m sunk.”

Grace took a sip of coffee. “Have you ever told him how good he is at his video games? You know, praise him?”

She stiffened. “You’ve got to be kidding? Encourage him?”

“No, let him know you’re proud of his accomplishments.” Grace studied the mug in her hand. “All he wants is your approval. Mark my words, show him you see how good he can be at video games, and he’ll want to show you how good he can be at other things. Kids want attention, good or bad. Trust me. I’ve raised three very headstrong boys. Praise and prayers to the Lord for patience. No better tonic around.”

Squeals of joy blared in from the other room. Melanie rubbed her forehead, the inkling of a headache just above her eye.

She glanced at the clock, searching for a polite means of escape. She’d had enough soul-searching for one night. “Sorry I took up so much time this evening with my problems. The dinner and company were wonderful.”

Grace waved her off. “I don’t often get to share my words of wisdom with new folks who haven’t heard them before.”

Melanie walked into the other room where Gabe played like a pro, cool and calm, while Jason rolled all over the floor in a pattern to match the track his kart raced. Jason maneuvered his car around a sharp curve and headed down the finish line.

“I won again!”

“You’re not half bad once you stop whinin’.” Gabe set his controller down on the coffee table.

“Okay, kid, it’s time to go,” Melanie said as she swallowed her disdain for the video games.

“Aww, Mom.”

Grace nudged her in the ribs.

Melanie wrinkled her nose. “You race like a pro, Jay. I’ve never seen you play so well.”

Jason stopped in midwhine. “You watched?”

“The way you came around the turn just now and drove down the straightaway? Terrific.”

Jason stared openmouthed at her. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome.” She caught Gabe grinning at her and felt heat warm her cheeks. Her next words stuck in her throat. “Maybe if Gabe isn’t too busy, you can come by and play again before we leave.”

Jason frowned and looked down at his controller. Music played behind him, waiting for the players to pick their track. He handed Gabe the unit. “Thanks, Gabe. Maybe we can do this again, sometime?”

“Sure. Just make certain—”

“I know—” Jason lowered his voice “—chores are done first.”

Gabe rumpled Jason’s hair then tickled his belly. “Smarty pants.”

Squeals rang as Gabe and Jason wrestled on the floor. Melanie smiled inside. Maybe she’d stumbled onto something good after all.

Gabe stopped and caught his breath. He grabbed the arm of the couch, pushed up from the floor and stretched his muscles.

Jason wrapped the cord around the controller and set it on the television. “But it’s Saturday night. Mom says I can stay up later on Saturday night.”

“Church time comes mighty early when you go to bed late. Better not chance it.” He snagged his hat from the peg by the kitchen door and settled it on his head. Morning definitely came early. Especially when he had a couple more hours of work ahead of him. “C’mon, I’ll walk you to your cabin so the wild chipmunks don’t get you.”

“Mom?” Jason darted past. “Are we going to church in the morning?”

“Looks like it, big guy. I have some important people to meet if we’re going to get a barbecue planned.” She stood by the door, her hand on the jamb. “Right, Gabe?”

“I’m sure the ladies of Faith Community will be singing their hearts out tomorrow morning.” He nodded to his folks, giving his mom a quick hug. “Mom, Dad. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You done for the night, Gabe?” Martin ambled over to the door.

“Just need to button up a few things.”

“Not too late, son.” Grace kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t want to poke you awake in the pew during Pastor Dave’s sermon.”

Gabe ushered Melanie and Jason out and closed the door behind him. He’d had fun tonight. Jason turned out a worthy opponent. Ha, the kid even beat him a couple of rounds. Nice having human competition instead of playing the machine all the time. “How’s the cabin working out for you, Melanie?”

She stepped around a rut in the lot before looking up at him. “It’s nice and cozy. I know it’s only been a couple days, but waking up and having coffee out on the porch is fast becoming my favorite pastime.”

“I hear things crawling around in the trees all night long.” Jason ran up and squeezed between them. “Are there any bears up here?”

“Always that chance, but I’ve never seen one.” He ruffled Jason’s hair. “Had a couple mountain lions a few years back. And raccoons. No bears.”

Jason’s eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. “Mountain lions? Cool. Maybe we’ll see one. Maybe I’ll get a picture of one. Maybe we can catch one.”

“Whoa, Jason.” Melanie stuck out her hand. “How about we plan a picnic without the added guests? I think feeding two-legged creatures will be test enough for me this first time.”

“Gabe?” Jason obviously turned from the answer he didn’t want to hear. “What do ya think? Can we go looking for mountain lions?”

“Bud, always be careful what you ask for. You never know when the good Lord is going to call your bluff.” He was sorry he’d said something. Mountain lions needed to stay well away from people. “I’ll bet there’s something a bit more tame for you to do.”

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