Unbridled Trails

Book #3

The Montana Trails series

By

Bonnie R. Paulson

http://bonniepaulson.com

Chapter 1

Summer 2002

Sherri

Insects expected so much less than humans.

“Rachiah, I’ll try to make it down, but no promises, okay?” Sherri leaned toward the phone base secured to the ornate side-table Cyan’s mother had picked out at a farmer’s market. “I gotta get going though. Cyan is taking me to Billings. Gotta get there tonight.” She hadn’t purchased her own car yet. First on her list since she’d secured a solid job.

They hung up, Sherri more irritated than before.

Thrusting her hands on her hips, she stormed into the foyer where Cyan stacked their bags. “Look, I’m fine with Rachiah heading to Wyoming to find her dad. I get that. But why do you have to stay here? Come with me. We can go visit ‘Chiah on long weekends.” Sherri’s last ditch attempt to make an old argument sound fresh missed its mark. And she knew it.

Everything paled for Cyan compared to the chance to see Jareth more. Heck, Sherri couldn’t even offer the prospect of hot entomologists because one, Cyan wouldn’t care, and two, Cyan wouldn’t believe her.

Sherri didn’t blame her.

Sighing, Cyan straightened and pushed her blue-streaked dark hair to the side. “You’re the one who has to work for the forest service in Billings – chasing those cow maggots.”

“Beetles.” Sherri grinned, hefting her tarantula cage with Tommy inside into her arms with extreme care. She’d have to get him a traveling case.

Cyan waved her hand, pursing her lips into a semblance of a scowl. “They’re all gross.” She faked gagging.

But bugs weren’t gross and Sherri didn’t feel like explaining once again how important studying the migration pattern of the invertebrate population in the Billings area was. Cyan only cared about the wolves or anything else endangered. What she didn’t seem to understand was that without the insects, there wouldn’t be any species to protect.

Cyan sobered and bit her lip. She shuffled her feet. “I wish it wasn’t so far away.”

“I know.” Sherri refused to give in to the melancholy of leaving her second childhood home with its comforting aromas of burning herbs and easy access to essential oils and all things vegan. Not to mention the easygoing attitude of Mr. and Mrs. Burns toward Sherri’s multi-legged pets. They never freaked out over a misplaced tarantula or a curious rhinoceros beetle crawling around the kitchen. She didn’t want to leave.

But at the same time, she needed to get out on her own. She needed to do something, anything, on her own.

“Promise you’ll be back.” Cyan pierced Sherri with a glare. “That can’t be your forever home.” She would hold Sherri to her promise, even if it was made under duress.

The promise wasn’t a difficult one to make. “Of course. You’re my family.” Sherri reached for Cyan with her empty arm, embracing the girl she’d do anything for. As much as Sherri loved her real family, there was something to be said for her girls, who would do anything for her – even live with her bugs.

Billings wouldn’t hold her there forever.

She’d be back.

She just didn’t know when.

~~~

Sherri

2003

Midsummer

Nothing was more appealing than the scent of dirt after a much-needed refreshing rain.

Sherri knelt, one knee resting on the damp mosses on the forest floor outside of Billings, Montana. The summer had taken its toll, the crust dry even under newly dampened needles.

Dark specks littered the green underbellies of leaves on the lower brush.

Somehow Sherri always spotted the telltale signs of the insects she sought. She’d much rather crawl around in the dirt of the forest floor than sit at a desk or talk to people.

Just thinking of the latter sent a shudder through her. Her offer to teach and research at the university hadn’t been big enough to overrule the desire to stay away from the idiot students. She’d graduated and hadn’t returned for her doctorate for a reason.

She snapped some pictures and recorded information. She wasn’t there to interrupt the habitat, just observe.

The radio clipped to her waist crackled. “Sherri, you ‘bout done? Over.”

Yanking the radio toward her lips, Sherri searched the surrounding woods. She pushed the button as late afternoon sunlight shafted through the sparse branches. “Copy. I’m coming in. Over.”

Man, she was going to miss that place. Her last radio call with the Billings Park and Recreation didn’t satisfy her need for connection. No one there had. They didn’t need her expertise on Western Pine Beetles anymore. The drought in that part of the state ended earlier that spring and now she had to move north. Plus, she’d sufficiently trained the rest of the staff so she wouldn’t have to return that way.

She’d made a promise.

“Had to” was the wrong connotation for what she would return north for. If she’d taken much longer than a year, Rachiah and Cyan would’ve been after her to get home anyway and they would’ve been much more forceful than the Bureau of Land Management.

And their compensation package wouldn’t have been as persuasive.

The short drive to the office didn’t cater to her melancholy. She’d packed up her last box at the apartment that morning. After she dropped her report off at the office, she could start her drive north.

To Taylor Falls, Clearwater County.

Sherri pushed through the double-doors to the office building. She wouldn’t miss the smell of burned popcorn that constantly pervaded the lower floors. But she would miss the easy access to the mulch for Tommy, and the constant access to crickets for his meals.

“Hey, girl. I’m going to miss you so much.” Linda, with her shortly bitten nails and long stringy hair, rushed to throw her arms around Sherri’s waist. “I brought in some doughnuts and milk with orange juice as a going away party. But... well, I think the guys got into them. There’s only a couple maple bars left.” She pulled away and shrugged apologetically. “Oh well, right? Us thick girls gotta watch our sugar.” She winked, her garish mauve eyeshadow obliterating any hopes at being coy.

Smiling in agreement, Sherri swallowed her groan. Thick. Only women thought of her as fat or big-boned. The guys didn’t have a problem with her curves.

Maybe that was the issue for the ladies.

Linda glanced over her shoulder as she returned to her receptionist desk. Tossing out a small laugh, she pointed at Sherri. “I mean, seriously, who ever heard of a fat vegan?” Her continued laughter scratched an already sensitive spot.

“Ha ha. Yeah.” Sherri hurried on, transferring her clipboard from her hand to under her arm. Hopefully, no one else was in the office. Sherri needed one of those doughnuts like she needed a warm blanket in the middle of summer. But at the same time...

She needed to get home. The stress was lower, nothing pushed her, nothing challenged her. No one tried to make her fit into a specific spot.

Her cell rang as she dropped the data-laden clipboard to the chipped desk in her soon-to-be-ex-boss’s empty office. She didn’t want to see anyone right then anyway.

Cyan’s number flashed on the caller ID. Sherri would have to slip out the back to avoid Linda and anyone else.

She flipped open the phone and muttered, “Having cold feet yet? I’ll be there in eight hours, I can spring you free.” Only half-joking, Sherri ducked out the door, nothing left in the office for her to pack.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny. No, I wanted to make sure you’re still coming. Rachiah tried canceling on me. I don’t think that’s funny.” Cyan sounded less than amused.

“Why would she cancel? You’re never getting married again – at least for a first time.” Sherri smirked. She had to tease Cyan. If she didn’t, who would?

Rounding the building and climbing into her small Nissan pickup, Sherri clenched her jaw. She’d drive through the night and barely get enough sleep the next day only to have to go out for Cyan’s bachelorette party. She forced a smile. “I’ll be there before you know it. We’ll have lots of fun and I promise Rachiah is going.” If I am, she is.

“Okay, thanks, Sher, I can’t wait to see you. Drive careful.” Cyan hung up her briskly. She’d rather talk to Jareth anyway, than waste time with anyone else.

Sherri popped Tim McGraw’s latest album into the CD player and buckled her seatbelt. She loved her truck. Her first sign of freedom. Of responsibility. She’d held down a job.

The fact that she didn’t feel anymore “adult” had to be in her head. She didn’t need to jump into marriage like Cyan, okay, Cyan wasn’t jumping into anything. She and Jareth had been dating a while. Sherri got that. But she didn’t need anyone to save her. She could take care of herself. She’d done it so far.

Plus, she couldn’t wait to get home.

Heck, yeah, and she missed her friends. She just wasn’t sure that the job and her friends were enough to liven up the small town feel of Taylor Falls.

The small town feel Sherri couldn’t seem to shake.

~~~

Sherri grabbed her last box and carried it into the small house she and Rachiah were renting together on the reservation from the Two-Claws.

Rachiah was supposed to arrive that afternoon. She better or Sherri would have to fill her throat with some fire ants. Okay, maybe she would just imagine doing it.

“Wow, you have your vindictive look on.” Cyan climbed the three cement steps to the front door and peeked inside. Her blue and yellow tie-dyed peasant shirt hung loosely over jeans and a collection of pearly beads dangled from her neck. She tucked a shock of blue hair behind her ear.

“Yeah, well, Rachiah’s cutting it close.” Sherri didn’t feel like being magnanimous toward her friend. She hadn’t slept at all due to the road construction on I-90 causing a horrible traffic jam before the turnoff to Clearwater. She’d been stuck in that dang black trap for three hours.

“She’ll be here.” Cyan smiled, swinging with one hand from the pole holding up the mini porch awning.

“Wow, your mood changed.” Sherri’s surly tone suggested she didn’t like the adjustment at all. “I’d been counting on you being cranky with me.”

“Nah, we’re going out with the girls tonight. It’s going to be so fun.” Cyan tapped her watch. “You need to get dressed. We have to meet Emma, Hannah, and Stefanie for dinner.”

Sherri paused with her foot half on and half off the top step “Wait, what? They’re too young and that’s really early. We weren’t supposed to go out until later.” There went her chance for a nap.

Cyan scrunched her nose. “I know. But Hannah and Stefanie wanted to do something and Emma can’t go out late. She hasn’t been feeling well. Remember, I told you about her? She’s been kind of run down lately, and Nate is nervous about her using too much energy.”

Right, the sister-in-law with the cancer. Sherri didn’t mean to think so bluntly, but her fatigue wore at her. “I’m going to need some serious coffee. What are we doing after dinner?” She’d been counting on the free time to catch up on her sleep.

“Drinks in Colby. Rachiah has a friend who works at the bar down there. Said we might be able to get some karaoke going or something.” She wiggled her eyebrows and smirked. “I know how much you love singing in front of others.”

“Yeah, I’ll drive separate.” Sherri didn’t want to be a poor sport, but she might not make it to the wedding the next day, if she didn’t have enough sleep.

Cyan stopped swinging around the pole and studied her friend. She nodded slowly. “Okay, I understand. We can follow each other. If you need to leave early, no stress, okay?”

That would work. If Sherri left early enough, maybe she wouldn’t fall asleep at the wheel.

~~~

Emma leaned across the orange vinyl table cloth and offered the cardboard party hat to Sherri with a sympathetic shrug. “You get to wear this now, Sherri. I need to get going.” She winked at Cyan and then Rachiah in turn. “It was nice seeing you girls again. I‘ll see you tomorrow at the ceremony.” She held up a finger. “Wait, are you all coming to my place still to get ready beforehand?”

Cyan glanced at Rachiah and Sherri. “I believe so, I left the dresses at Rachiah and Sherri’s place.” She’d claimed a chair at the end of the booth rather than squeeze into one of the bench seats with the girls.

“Sounds good.” Just go. Sherri smiled enough to agree but not enough to spark another conversation. The sooner Emma and Nate’s two sisters left, the sooner the rest of them could get on with their night and then head to bed.

Sherri hadn’t even had a chance to make her bed at the new place. She’d stacked her bedding on the mattress and stared at it forlornly before leaving.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Emma smiled softly as she scooted out of the booth behind Stefanie and Hannah. Sweet girls. In fact Sherri would love to spend time with them, when she wasn’t so close to passing out. Hannah was still too young to go to the bar.

The bar right next door.

Cyan pointed toward the adjoining door and spoke to the waitress. “We’re just going next door, can we move our tab?”

Sherri tapped the table. “Aren’t they owned by the same guy? I bet the tabs transfer easily.”

The waitress followed Sherri who followed Rachiah who was led by the over-confident bride—bedecked out in her toilet paper bridal shower dress and glittery tiara. No one could say the group lacked class, even if it was trashy.

Sherri snorted at her inner dialogue. Oh, she was getting a little carried away. She had just eaten. A little coffee combined with over-fatigue. She wasn’t the smartest sometimes. Now she was going to add alcohol to the mix.

“Oh, let’s sit at the bar. We always sit at booths or tables.” Cyan tugged Rachiah’s arm and the tall black-haired Native American woman sent pleading glances toward Sherri as she allowed herself to be dragged toward the seats at the end of the counter.

Sherri scuffed her boots along the uneven planked flooring as she picked out a path behind them. There weren’t too many people inside the dark interior of the bar. A man with a stained flannel wiped at the inner perimeter of the counter with an even more stained white-ish towel. But he manned a glass countertop that sparkled. He may have seemed unkempt but his work space was immaculate.

Sherri nodded shyly at his welcoming grin. She wasn’t into new people, hardly at all and being at a bar on a Friday night didn’t sit well with her introverted tendencies. She preferred bugs. Creatures with easy to understand needs and certainly fewer motives than the average person.

Cyan and Rachiah finally slid onto a set of seats and Sherri followed suit, claiming the stool with a plop and a sigh. She rubbed her eyes and stared blearily across from her into the bottle-blocked mirror, ignoring the shadows under her own eyes or the droopy lilt to her softly curled hair.

“Hey,” He sidled up beside her, like his sunglasses would introduce him in the dark ambience as somehow cooler, somehow more desirable. His voice rolled off his tongue like a dose of cod liver oil with the bitter aftertaste. “You and your friends haven’t been in here before.” He slid his shades down his nose, displaying his studying beady eyes as he trailed his gaze on her from head to foot and then on to Rachiah and then Cyan.

Sherri glanced at her friends who were lost in conversation, bemoaning the loss of an autumn wedding and the fact that the temperature was supposed to be in the nineties the next day.

With no backup at the moment, Sherri couldn’t get her mind to snap out of the haze her tiredness draped over her.

And when was the last time a guy had been interested in her? When had she been away from work? She wrapped her fingers around the glass the bartender placed in front of her. When had Cyan ordered her a cranberry vodka? Sherri’s favorite. She smiled her thanks at the bartender and stirred the drink with the mini straw.

The bartender watched the man beside her. But while Sherri should’ve been flattered, she was still more tired than anything. Did she need someone to date? She wasn’t exactly interested in romance or being wooed. She sipped her drink.

Not that the snake-charmer next to her was someone she’d ride into the sunset with.

Avoiding the man beside her and his creepy gaze, Sherri glanced around the interior of the dim bar. Neon signs blazed beside old fashioned pictures framed in contemporary styles. Tall wooden backs separated the booths that lined the wall and standard rectangular tables manned the center of the room. A jukebox with CDs inside pulsed softly from the corner opposite the door.

An arresting man claimed a chair with the dominance of a well-fed mountain lion. He leaned his arm on the table beside him. His bright blue eyes watched her. He was more what she imagined her type to be – a brooding Mr. Darcy with a cowboy hat curved at the brim and a jawline tense with displeasure.

He didn’t come her way or show any interest. Or show anything much beyond irritation. He nonchalantly left his ankle crossed over his knee, while giving off the aura that he was ready to pounce. On her? She couldn’t be certain.

Still the salesman sat beside her, chattering like she didn’t need to participate in the conversation.

She sipped more of her drink, the cold tartness a welcome relief after the increasingly let-down day.

Nodding at random points in the one-sided conversation, Sherri glanced again at the man sitting at the table. The intensity of his gaze brought goosebumps to her arms and she shivered. If she tried hard enough, would she be able to get him to interrupt? Probably not. The man beside her settled onto the stool beside her, essentially laying claim to the spot.

Great. Not what she wanted. And now, the man with the eyes probably wouldn’t approach her, thinking she was taken or something.

Couldn’t she get any of the good ones?

Chapter 2

Kyle

Kyle wasn’t going to sit idly by while the reputation-ruining jerk destroyed another innocent woman. Guy Lansing prowled the watering holes like a dang predator, out to claim the least likely to protect herself. 

He watched as Guy approached the trio and snagged onto the lagging friend on the end. The droop to her shoulders and the slouchy way she hung onto the bar suggested she was either already on her way to drunk or dejected in another manner.

Guy would pick up on that like a coyote after the weak or old.  He had those predator instincts.

Hadn’t Kyle known that already with Ruby’s experience?

He curled his fingers tight to his palm, cutting his short nails into the fleshy part. No matter what, Guy wouldn’t be allowed to take advantage of another girl against her will. At least if Kyle had anything to say about it.

Kyle watched the pair as she glanced his way. He couldn’t help studying her.

She was exactly the type of girl Kyle tried to stay away from. Her doe eyes and soft hair held more appeal than any girl with heavy makeup and tight clothing could. Her curvy figure couldn’t hide beneath her long sweater and jeans. She was more temptation than Kyle needed.

Maybe just once he wouldn’t play hero – there might be more involved than just stopping a predator from making another victim. He needed to focus on continuing his plans for revenge. Jareth thought he was taking the big brother thing a little far, but then again, Jareth hadn’t seen Ruby the morning after or taken her to the doctor a few weeks later.

Jareth wouldn’t understand – because Kyle hadn’t told him everything.

The woman at the bar half-shrugged at Guy and looked toward her friends who motioned toward the bathrooms and got up to leave her for a moment.

Kyle couldn’t make out faces in the darkened interior or from his angle of seating. The woman nodded, her shoulders slumping more.

Guy claimed the opportunity with her back turned and put something into her drink, stirring it with his finger.

Kyle had seen too much now not to be involved.

She didn’t deserve that. No one deserved what Guy planned.

Motioning to the waitress that he wanted his check, Kyle stood to pull his wallet from his jeans. With one eye on the pair, Kyle paid his small tab, but the waitress dropped her tray, money falling to the floor.

Bending, Kyle swept the bills onto her tray and stood again. He retrained his gaze toward the couple. Alarmed, he stepped in that direction, his hand outstretched.

The girl was already sipping from her drink. Guy watched her hungrily and glanced past her for her friends every few seconds.

Normally, Kyle set up some kind of interruption with whichever bartender was on to get the girl away without Guy knowing Kyle was involved. But this time, he hadn’t acted fast enough. And he didn’t know that particular bartender since they’d never been in Colby before. Sure, they’d skirted Taylor Falls and half the other towns in Clearwater County, but Colby was a new one.

Alarmed, Kyle rushed the final distance to the woman’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders for the potential need for support. “You okay, darlin’?” She smelled more like citrus which was a refreshing change from the musty odor of the bar like spilled alcohol and stale peanuts.

She glanced up at him, her brown eyes more like caramel than the dark chocolate he’d envisioned. Nodding, she blinked as her eyelids drooped. “Yes, thank...” She sagged against him, her weight pushing on his chest.

Training his steely gaze on Guy, Kyle lifted his chin. “Working on your next victim, Guy?” He didn’t let the woman go. If he did, she’d certainly collapse to the floor.

The thin man jerked back, his sunglasses slipping from his nose to dangle from one ear while he lifted his hands like a shield. “Darby. What are you doing here? I thought you were up around White Fish this season.” H said the last with accusation in his tone.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you, worthless weasel.” Kyle glared at the man who shifted his gaze between his female target and her would-be rescuer.

Guy’s worry turned to smugness. “Oh, I see. You want to claim her. You’re letting me do all the work and you swing in to reap the benefit. I get it. Okay.” He winked and leaned forward, punching Kyle on the upper arm. “Next time, I’ll find a duo for us to share –” He yanked backwards at the anger simmering in Kyle’s growl.

“I‘m going to follow you everywhere. I’ll be at every bar, at every party you go to. You might not be able to see me, but I’ll be there, watching you.” Kyle’s voice rumbled from deep in his chest with unrequited fury he struggled to maintain. “If this happens again, I’m going to find a place to put your body where no one will ever think to look.”

Kyle thrusted his jaw toward the door, everything in him demanding that he lay into the snake but the gentleman in him refused to drop the woman. “Go on. Git.” Guy didn’t even take the time to scowl before scampering out the exit like a dog with his tail between his legs.

“Thanks, man. I had my suspicions, but nothing concrete. This is the fourth time he’s been in here this week.” He slid a bottle of Moose Drool, a dark huckleberry ale, across the bar to Kyle. “This one’s on me.”

Leaning his head to the side, Kyle peeked at his current damsel-in-distress. “Thanks, I appreciate it. Wait a minute. Is she sleeping?”

Her light brown hair hung across her face, softly moving with the puffs of air from her nose as she breathed.

“’Appears so.” The bartender tapped the counter. “The other two spilled something. They should be right back. This one drove her own rig from what they were saying. You look familiar, you one of them Trails working out at the Jonesy ranch?” He moved as if to round the counter, motioning to the four people at the end of the bar who walked up to order.

“Yeah, I’m standing foreman.” Kyle nodded, his hat dipping and lifting.

Nodding, the bartender pulled open Sherri’s small purse dangling from her shoulder and dug until he produced a small ring of keys. “Can I help you get her outside?”

Kyle glanced at them then back at the girl. “Nah, it’s okay. What color is her car?”

Passing the keys to Kyle, the bartender arched an eyebrow. “Color doesn’t matter. It’s the only Nissan for miles around.”

Nissan, huh? What was wrong with a Ford or Chevy? Nothing wrong with Dodge either – heck, at least you could trust a Dodge owner. You didn’t have to agree with their obviously wrong choice but at least you could trust ‘em.

“Thanks. I can do it. I’ll be back in a bit.” He hefted her into his arms, her solid form fitting against him like they’d been created to match up.

The bartender slapped the counter twice. “I’ll tell her friends you got her out of here so they don’t worry about her.”

Only he couldn’t ignore the soft scent of citronella and oranges coming off her skin. She was intoxicating and he hadn’t even spoken to her.

Leaning backwards a bit, Kyle carried her through the doors, pushing with his hips to get out and took less than a moment to locate the shiny Nissan pickup in the parking spot along the street.

Close to the bar. Perfect. He started toward the side of the truck. Beside the driver side door, he allowed her feet to carefully slide to the ground to help rest some of her weight on the floor. He opened the door and shifted her inside.

Movement caught his eye from across the street and just outside the circles of light cast down by the streetlights Guy waited. His beady eyes glinted as he moved. He watched Kyle. Or was he watching the girl to see what would happen?

Kyle glanced at the building. Did he take the chance to dart inside and tell her friends? Or would it be better to get her out of there and somewhere safe before coming back and getting her friends? The bartender had assured him he’d pass on the information. Kyle would have to trust that he would.

His gaze darted to where Guy had hidden in the shadows. Kyle’s worry mounted as he realized he had no idea where Guy had slipped off to.

Everything was going to crap. Nothing was sticking to routine. Kyle never had this kind of trouble trying to save a girl from Guy. Why now? Why today?

The sudden disappearance of the rapist worried Kyle enough to push away his need to tell her friends and just get her the hell out of there.

Kyle would have to call his brother and let him know he didn’t need a ride back from Colby. Knowing he’d most likely have her drive him to the ranch the next day – hopefully before the wedding.

He glanced down at her lying across his lap as he adjusted her in the bench seat. He closed the door and turned the key he’d retrieved from her small bag.

If she didn’t wake soon to tell him where she lived, they‘d be sleeping at a camp along the side of the road. He couldn’t take her to the ranch bunkhouse and he couldn’t afford a hotel.

Maybe he could wake her up enough to get directions to her place. Leaning down, Kyle gently shook her shoulder. “Excuse me, are you awake? Hello?” He jostled her again and sighed in relief as she fluttered her eyes open. He spoke softer, but loud enough to get her attention. “Where do you live? I need to get you home.”

She groaned and tried lifting her hand only to have it fall to her side. “Um, I’m at the Two-Claw cabin... um... Res...” Her eyes slid shut and her breathing deepened. She mumbled, “Pretty eyes.”

Straightening, Kyle considered her. Had she been talking about his eyes or Guys? More concerning was her description of her home. Grimly pulling from the curb, Kyle pursed his lips. That late at night on the reservation? Hopefully he could get onto the reservation without being spotted. Their circumstances were extremely suspicious and he’d have a hard time explaining things to the Redhawks.

Hopefully, she told the truth. Kyle would hate to drive onto the reservation and have nowhere to go. That’d be guaranteed danger.

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

The girl was already shaping up to be more trouble than Kyle had bargained for.

Chapter 3

Sherri

Had she fallen asleep with a mouthful of wood lying on her tongue? Sherri worked her throat but the slight movement combined with blinking too quickly shoved a wave of dizziness into her ears like q-tips.

She squeezed her eyes shut, wincing at the over-sensitivity. Inhaling deep through her nose, she slowly opened them again.

The sun wasn’t over bright which didn’t mean anything since Sherri’s bedroom window faced north. Thank Heaven.

Sitting up, she glanced around her new-yet-to-be-used bed. She hadn’t changed, had in fact slept in the clothes she’d worn out. Wait a minute. She hadn’t made her bed either, but there she was lying on top of a comforter tucked neatly over her sheets and her covered pillow. Maybe she’d come home and made the bed? Doubtful. She didn’t remember much of anything.

Except for the eyes. Boy, did she remember the eyes.

Great. She’d never hear the end of it from the girls. Getting trashed wasn’t Sherri’s thing. It wasn’t any of their “thing”. So the very rare times it had happened, the person didn’t live it down for a long time.

The tinkling of glass in the kitchen made her hang her head. She’d definitely hear about it from Rachiah. Good thing Sherri hadn’t slept in long enough to miss the wedding.

She snapped her head up, thrusting upward from the bed and rushing toward the hall. Her nervous adrenaline pushed aside the inevitable nausea, but the headache was a new one.

The wedding! How much time did Sherri have?

Rubbing at her eyes, she covered the hallway with a few strides. “How long do we have? I didn’t mean to fall asleep last night. Thanks for getting me home, ‘Chiah.” Sherri stopped at the doorway to the small kitchen and dining room combo.

Rachiah wasn’t standing at the stove.

No, some guy with jeans and no shirt and bare feet stood with a hip against the counter, sipping a chipped mug of coffee.

At least the fragrance hinted at coffee.

Damp dark auburn hair fell across his forehead. “Mornin’.” His drawl was long and drawn out as he took in her disheveled appearance.

Sherri’s mouth fell open. She glanced around at Rachiah’s closed bedroom door. “Um...” She tried not to stare at his well-defined pecs and abs and shoulders... wow, those shoulders... but it was hard.

The play on words made her giggle. She was out of her gourd. She blinked a couple times. His eyes. They were so familiar. So blue.

She pointed toward her friend’s door. “I’m sorry. Is Rachiah coming out soon?” One night stands weren’t Rachiah’s thing either, but from the looks of the cowboy standing in the kitchen, he’d be a strong temptation for anyone to get a new “thing”.

He cocked an eyebrow at her and lowered his mug. “Rachiah?”

Sherri scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You should probably know someone’s name before you go home with them, don’t you think?” She crossed to her purse lying haphazardly on the floor under the table.

“Rachiah? Okay, third person, that’s weird but okay, I’ll play. How did Rachiah sleep? Kyle didn’t sleep so well, but Rachiah kicks a lot in bed.” He winked and smiled knowingly.

Swinging her purse over her shoulder, Sherri screwed her lips to the side. “Ew, I don’t want to know what you two did.” She rapped her knuckles on Rachiah’s door panel, giving Kyle the once-over and continued, “Rachiah, time to get up, girl. Your date is a little creepy.”

“Wait, you’re not Rachiah? Than who are you?” He set the cup down and crossed the linoleum floor to stand in front of her. His muscles flexed as he moved and Sherri avoided staring directly at his chest.

Or tried to appear like she wasn’t staring. Okay, forget it. She stared, slowly dragging her gaze to his mesmerizing eyes. She cleared her throat. “I’m Sherri. Rachiah’s roommate. I don’t remember you coming home with her last night.” She couldn’t admit that she didn’t remember much of anything last night after the oily man started talking to her.

“You wouldn’t. I came home with you. Sherri.” He walked back toward her bedroom, humming as he sauntered away.

Why did he wear it like a crown and she felt like she’d just done the walk of shame?

Shock held her back for a split second, then she rushed after him. “Wait, what?” Not possible. She didn’t go home with random men. Even if they did look like Kyle.

Inside her bedroom door, he bent to pick up his shirt but jerked his hand to his waist. The sudden tension in his back muscles probably held in a silent scream for how fast he recoiled to the opposite wall.

“Don’t move!” He held his hand toward her to stop her coming into the room.

“What? Oh my gosh, what is it?” She angled her head around his arm. Nothing unusual caught her eye. Tommy crawled across a flannel shirt thrown over a pile of boxes. At least Tommy was safe. She signed in relief. She took inventory of her unpacked room. Nothing alarming stood out to her. “What?”

He whispered out of the side of well-sculpted lips. “There’s a huge spider walking towards us. Do. Not. Move.”

Sherri’s eyes widened and she stared between Kyle and Tommy. The seriousness of the situation wasn’t lost on her as she ducked under Kyle’s arm. “He’s more afraid of you, than you are of him.” She leaned down and slowly coaxed Tommy onto her palm. She pierced Kyle with her gaze. “Please, don’t tell me those big bad muscles are hiding one huge baby.” She arched her eyebrows in challenge as the soft silky legs of her tarantula tickled the palm of her hand.

Kyle’s chest moved up and down in a jerky rhythm. He held his hands to the sides, palms up. “Um, he’s going to bite you and I don’t know where the closest hospital is. You’ll be dead before we get to your truck.”

Sherri crossed to Tommy’s cage and placed him inside with care. She replaced the lid and flipped on his sun light.

Then she turned, unable to contain her laughter any further. “Are you serious with that? He’s a tarantula. He’s not going to bite you. Not poisonous either. Most spiders don’t have the right anatomical structuring to bite us – it’d be like us trying to bite a wall.” She giggled, still seeing in her mind how his fear had tightened his facial muscles and clenched his back like a tight rubberband.

The absence of answering humor on his face sobered Sherri immediately. She stepped forward until she was close enough to place her hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry. It’s really not funny that you’re scared. I’m just not used to a big strong man reacting like that...” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t have the words to make her reaction to his fear okay.

She tried not focusing on the rippling strength beneath her fingers or the heat emanating from his bare skin. “It’s not funny. Most people don’t like spiders. I’m more afraid of fire than I am bugs.” She shrugged. “Everyone’s different.”

Then reality hit her. “Wait, you stayed here last night? In my room? With me?”

There was nowhere else to sleep. They didn’t have a couch yet and the floor wasn’t exactly a hospitable place to expect him to sleep, but she didn’t go home with guys. That wasn’t her. She swallowed. “I don’t... I’m sorry. I’m not sure what... happened.”

He stared at her and then humor finally washed his fear away. “Now that’s funny. Darlin’, when I take you to bed, you’ll remember it. Actually I drove you here because the scumbag hitting on you slipped something into your drink. He’s the worst type of creature and I didn’t think it would be fair to let you fall victim to that.” He ran his hands through his thick hair. “And for the record, I like spiders just fine. I’m just not accustomed to seeing one the size of a duck on my shirt.”

Sickened that the man had tried drugging her, Sherri picked up Kyle’s shirt and handed it to him. How could someone do that? Don’t look at Kyle’s stomach or his chest – don’t do it, Sherri. Crap, you did it.

“You didn’t drink enough to get plastered. My guess is there was enough drug in there for a full glass and you had less than a fourth remaining. You probably had a much stronger dose than you should’ve.” He drew his shirt on like he had an idea what the sight of his muscles did to women.

His kindness overthrew her and she stared at him a moment. “Well, thank you. That was very chivalrous of you.” That combined with the intensity of his blue gaze and she couldn’t help the small crush building in her chest.

But she didn’t need help. And the fact that he’d helped her, saved her from a fate she didn’t want to think about, irked her just enough to raise her hackles.

He glanced around. “No problem. Listen, is it okay if I borrow your phone? My battery’s dead.” He jerked his thumb toward the hallway. “I don’t usually have a phone on me, but my brother makes me take one when I go... out.”

It took a moment for Sherri to register what he said. “Oh, yes, of course.” She pulled out the cell from her purse. A green blinking light on the face of her phone drew her eye. “I have some missed messages. Just a second.”

Two from Rachiah.

First one had come in the night before.

“Glad that cowboy took you home. Bartender said who he was. Get some sleep, I’ll probably sleep over at Cyan’s. She’s freaking out with nerves.”

The second one had come in just moments before.

“Where are you? Cy will kill you if you’re not here in the next ten minutes! You better not be dead in a ditch somewhere!”

Sherri squinted at the clock. “Oh my gosh, is it really that late? I need to go.” She tossed the phone at Kyle, rushing around the room as she gathered up the dresses Cyan had left at their place. All of the dresses were there. Cyan’s, Rachiah’s, Sherri’s, and Emma’s. No one had their dresses because of Sherri.

She didn’t have time to drool over the hot cowboy any further. She had to rush around and get in the truck for survival.

Nothing was scarier than Cyan on a rampage.

Chapter 4

Kyle

Kyle handed the phone to Sherri, or tried to as she scrambled around the small house like a tornado with curves. “I called my brother. He’s going to be here in a little bit.”

She stopped long enough to narrow her eyes at him. “I have nothing to steal, so I’ll just leave you here. I have to leave like three hours ago. Make yourself at home until he gets here. Thank you again.” She shifted awkwardly on her feet, bobbing toward him and back and close and back like she might kiss his cheek or something in an awkward dance.

“See you ‘round.” Kyle awkwardly clasped her fingers in his and pumped their joined hands once, twice and dropped hers.

She wiggled her fingers in the air toward him, scooping the dress bags into her arms and rushing out the door.

Puffing air up toward his forehead, Kyle ran his fingers through his hair. What had just happened? He’d been so worried she’d turn into one of those girls you couldn’t get rid of with clingy phone calls and pleas for you to stay all day.

Instead she’d turned out to be the woman he couldn’t get to sit down for two seconds. Of course, the one time he was interested in getting to know her better, she wasn’t on board.

True, he couldn’t stay long. His brother was getting married and wasn’t amused at the extra trip to get him. Jareth didn’t trust any of the other guys to come grab him though. So Kyle would take his irritation when he arrived.

Kyle wandered back into the kitchen and rinsed his coffee mug. He emptied the other coffee cup into the sink.

He’d taken a shower and watched her sleep in a purely non-creepy way. Why hadn’t he seen the spider?

How emasculating. She’d had to protect him from her pet.

Her pet tarantula.

Kyle couldn’t deny how much that added to her attraction. A girl that was into spiders? A girl that wasn’t afraid of much. She didn’t even freak out over the drugging incident, even though she had every reason to and would be justified in doing so. A girl with no fear, was something he was definitely interested in.

He didn’t want to like anyone.

Dang girl and her spider.

~

“Hey, Jareth. You look like you’re ready for a funeral.” Kyle smirked as he climbed into his brother’s old school truck. The brown rig had become like a second brother to Kyle. Sometimes more reliable than his own since Jareth had found Cyan, but only a few minutes with her charm and Kyle couldn’t begrudge Jareth any of the time he spent with his bride-to-be.

Jareth scowled. “Yeah, if we’re late, we’ll be going to my funeral. Might as well dress appropriately.” The black tuxedo and bolo style tie lent an air of Houston-cowboy to the man. His black cowboy hat and black boots shined with newness.

Kyle whistled as he slammed his door shut. “Wow, Cyan made you get matching digs, huh? That’s crazy. Those Stetsons aren’t cheap.”

Jareth shrugged, backing his truck out of the driveway. “Whatever she wants, Kyle. I don’t care. She needs to be happy.” His face softened as he talked about his girl. The juxtaposition of the two of them together had a surprising twist as Jareth and Cyan adjusted to each other and their expectations.

Kyle loved seeing his brother happy – he’d just never admit it to anyone.

A siren rang out behind them along with flashing lights.

Jareth glared at Kyle, clenching his jaw. He lifted his hand and closed his eyes for a second. “Great, Redhawks.”

“Nah, that’s just Rez police.” Kyle angled around, straining for a sign that he was right. Please, let me be right.

“Nope, that’s M.T. Crap.” Jareth rolled down his window, his smile tight. As the raven-haired man approached, Jareth lifted his hand. “Hello, M.T. how’re things? Was I speeding?”

M.T., the leader of the Redhawks on the reservation, focused on Jareth then searched Kyle’s face just past him. He inclined his head, his regality never lowered. “No. You weren’t. Why are you here? This is my sister’s place. My parent’s place. What are you doing here?” He narrowed his eyes, a feather tied in his hair fluttered when he stood in complete stillness. “Sherri just left.”

Jareth pointed at Kyle. “Yeah, my kid-brother made sure she made it home last night. He said something on the phone about some guy trying to roofie her.” He motioned toward his clothes. “I’m getting married and I came to pick him up, but Cyan... well.” He sighed, tilting his head and shrugging.

M.T. lifted his eyebrows, moving to rest his hand on the window sill of the truck. “You’re marrying Cyan? You better not be late. That girl is high strung sometimes.” He nodded toward Kyle. “Thanks for taking care of Sherri. She’s like family. We’ll watch her from now on.” His tone suggested more than the gratitude his words declared. More like a “don’t worry about her anymore, we got this” kind of thing.

Kyle jerked his agreement. Really, why hadn’t he put two and two together? He’d known Cyan had a friend named Rachiah who was Native.

But he’d never met her other friend, only heard about her in passing as the bug girl.

M.T. patted the side of the truck as he walked away.

“Apparently we’ve been excused?” Kyle’s bitterness ate at his mood. He hadn’t planned on seeing Sherri again, hadn’t known it was even possible.

He knew where she lived, but he worked and didn’t have plans on starting anything.

But there he was, driving toward a wedding they would both be at.

Wasn’t that where girls were more open to romances? Just because she’d zoomed out of his life and didn’t seem interested didn’t mean she wasn’t. She probably never thought they’d see each other again either.

How would she react to seeing him?

Kyle tapped the cracked vinyl of the arm rest on the door beside him. He suddenly couldn’t wait to get to the wedding.

~

“Run out back and get changed. Your suit’s in the barn hanging up. I gotta grab the guys for pictures. Cyan’s parents want all the photos they can get.” Jareth rolled his eyes and jumped from his parked truck.

Following suit, albeit at a slower speed, Kyle climbed from the truck, looking around.

Nate and Emma’s place had been turned out with white folding chairs set up to create an outdoor audience. Blue tie-dyed tablecloths covered the reception area separated from the ceremony area with large overhead canopies. Beautiful hyacinth bouquets draped from the backs of chairs. Daisy rings hung from hooks at each pole of the tents and along the barns. Sashes dyed to match the tablecloths draped on anything that wasn’t covered in flowers or some other decoration.

No expense had been spared.

How in the heck had Cyan turned out so unspoiled with parents who threw money at her like they did?

Kyle caught Jareth’s gaze and shrank. He held up his hands and mouthed, “I’m going.” Rushing to the rear of the barn, he pulled on the tuxedo his brother had gotten him. He’d wear his own hat, thank you very much.

If his luck held, he’d get to see the bug girl. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction at seeing him at the wedding.

Chapter 5

Sherri

Sherri pushed through the doors at Emma’s place and didn’t get a chance to explain the last twelve hours.

Cyan rushed her, grabbing the dress bag and squeezing it to her chest. “Oh my goodness, Sherri. Are you okay?” She recoiled. “Peew, you stink like that bar. Go take a fast shower. We’re doing braids so your hair doesn’t need to be dry. Rachiah, can you help Emma with her dress.” She waved Sherri off and spun toward the front living room. “Bathroom is up the stairs, Sherri.”

And with that, Sherri was dismissed. She was just tired enough that she snarled at Rachiah when she passed.

Okay, no big deal. No stress. She’d probably feel better after a shower. Obviously a fast one or she’d push Cyan from relieved to... Bucking Bronco Bride.

Nobody wanted that.

~

The ends of her braids darkened the top of her ice blue bridesmaid dress. She didn’t hate it and she didn’t love it. The A-line skirt bit into her waist and the half-sleeves enhanced her arms, which of course were one of her least favorite parts of her.

“Oh you girls look so sweet.” Cyndi, Cyan’s mom, walked through the front door, her hands folded at her chest and she beamed at the gathered bridesmaids.

Rachiah wore a darker shade of blue as the maid of honor.

“The groomsmen will be ready shortly. They will pair with you at the start of the path. Please stay with your partner throughout the pictures.” Cyndi smiled as she passed the women, tears in her eyes. She looked around the cluttered living room and hallway. Opening her hands in question, she called out, “Okay, Cyan, where are you?”

At the end of the hallway, Cyan replied, “I’m coming. Just a sec.” Swishing as her dress whispered around her announced her arrival.

She came down the steps in her long white dress complete with beading and a softly modest neckline. Three-quarter length sleeves ended above a small henna tattoo on one arm, matching the one on Cyndi’s forearm.

Cyndi sobbed softly, rushing toward her daughter who was the picture of every girl’s dream.

Sherri forgot why she’d been cranky. Suddenly seeing her friend dressed like a fairy princess dropped the magic of the wedding over her like a cloud.

Rachiah’s cheeks glowed and she smiled at Sherri, grabbing her hands. “I’m so excited. Do you think M.T. will make it?”

Holding her smile steady, Sherri certainly hoped not. M.T. was Rachiah’s older brother and he’d crushed on Sherri for as long as she could remember. She’d turned him down the last hundred times he’d asked her out.

She wasn’t interested in dating her “brother” and that’s exactly how it would feel if she went out with M.T. He’d want to kiss or something and, just, ew. He was the only person in the world that knew about her fear of fire.

The wedding coordinator cut in before Sherri had to answer. “Ladies, let’s get going. We’ll be doing pictures following the ceremony. The Burns were kind enough to hire multiple photographers to make that part go fast. We would like to avoid the heat as much as possible, but we need you to stay away from the misters until after the pictures. Water spots are not pretty on film.” She winked, a pencil shoved behind her ear and a little bit of pink lipstick on her front tooth.

Emma would go first to match up with Nate who was one of the groomsmen. They had to arrange that in case she got dizzy walking the distance to the front.

Sherri would go next and was paired with one of the cousins. “What was my guy’s name?” She grabbed up a fistful of dress and lifted it above her feet to walk.

“Ryland Johnson.” Rachiah winked. “I have Jareth’s brother. He’s taller than me, so that shouldn’t be a problem.” She’d worn flat sandals to avoid any issues with her height. But her long legs didn’t let anyone else deny her height.

Sherri secretly envied her, but her longtime friend was nothing but nice and loyal – those characteristics didn’t lend themselves to a jealous feeling. Plus, where would Sherri be without her friends? She adored them.

Following Emma out the door and to the deck, Sherri stepped carefully in the shoes she’d been given to wear. She would’ve preferred hiking boots and was actually surprised Cyan hadn’t let them all go barefoot.

Emma swayed at the top of the steps, smiling gratefully when Sherri discreetly slipped her arm through hers. “Thanks. I’m not usually this tired.”

“It’s fine. This way I’m not walking alone.” Sherri winked and they took the steps one at a time. Following the trail of daisy heads, the two women stopped at the start of the aisle.

Turning, Emma waited for Nate who grabbed a blond man by the arm and they rushed over to stand beside Emma and Sherri.

Nate studied Emma’s face. “Are you okay? Is she okay?” He turned his piercing gaze to Sherri, his intensity complete. His suit almost shining in the blazing sun.

Sherri looked to Emma. “Um, I think so?”

“Nate, don’t scare her. Let’s get down the aisle. I’m so excited for Cyan and Jareth.” But she looked more worn than anything with shadows under her eyes and her braids accentuating the sharp angle to her cheeks.

Concern darkened Nate’s gaze. “Okay, let’s go. Take it slow, though, alright?” He only had eyes for his wife as he carefully placed her hand on his arm and they stepped down the aisle with the start of the violin playing a beautiful Simon and Garfunkle piece.

Sherri grinned, shaking her head. Simon and Garfunkle in a region of the world where they liked their music sang with a guitar and chaw in their bottom lip.

“That’s a beautiful grin to wear with a gorgeous gown.” The tall blond man with shoulders that spread forever stood before Sherri with his arm offered at an angle. He arched his light eyebrows over blue eyes that matched the clear sky. "Shall we?”

“Ryland? The cousin?” Sherri couldn’t hold in her smile. She’d have to thank the wedding coordinator later. What was her luck? Two gorgeous cowboys in the same morning?

Every entomologist’s dream.

They matched the pace of Nate and Emma who walked about twenty feet above them. The grass aisle lent an air of informality to the ceremony, a touch of freshness where a church or indoors might have stifled the excitement on the air. Every time the breeze stirred, a fresh scent of flowers flitted around them.

Eyes forward, Sherri whispered to Ryland, “This is the longest aisle ever. Do you think they’ll have a spot halfway down we can stop and eat lunch?” Right in that moment she realized she hadn’t had breakfast. With a brand new home and no chance to shop and then of course sleeping in and waking to one of the best looking men ever in her kitchen, Sherri didn’t have much opportunity to think of food.

But her hunger hit her right then and she glanced around for something that might pass as lunch. Or even edible.

Ryland’s deep laugh warmed Sherri. He leaned over, glancing at the crowd staring as they passed. “I doubt that, but I think we should request it at our wedding.”

Sherri jerked back, his comment taking her by surprise.

“I’m joking. Just joking.” He patted her hand and smiled around at the audience. “Look, I see an end in sight. Emma and Nate just parted at the front.”

“Aw, frass.” Sherri glanced between him and the spectators, unsure about his easy-going attitude and familiar tone even though they’d just met. She didn’t let her smile wan though and held up appearances as they continued their trek. She was fine with teasing, but there was joking around and then there was intentional flirting.

She wasn’t good at the latter.

He shot her a quizzical look at her phrase usage but didn’t drop his smile.

At the end, she gratefully separated from Ryland’s arm and turned to walk to the spot beside Emma. Standing in front of Emma but to the side, Sherri watched as the heads of the crowd swiveled to watch Rachiah traipse between them on the arm of a very tall, very auburn, very observant Kyle.

Kyle. Her Kyle? Not the Kyle who had been in her kitchen that morning.

Looked like it. And he watched her with a side grin that suggested they shared a secret.

Judging by the grin, their secret was much naughtier from his perception than Sherri’s. She couldn’t help returning the grin with a partial smile and a slight shake of her head.

So that was Jareth’s brother. What were the odds she’d find the guy who was very clearly off-limits. Or maybe wasn’t. She wasn’t sure. But brothers of her friends just didn’t sit right in the whole realm of interest.

Besides, just because she was interested, didn’t mean he was.

Plus, he was the only groomsmen wearing a dark brown Stetson, the rest wore the standard black.

Leave it to Sherri to have eyes for the guy who didn’t conform.

Chapter 6

Kyle

Kyle knew the second Sherri recognized him. Of course, he enjoyed it and let her know.

He split from Rachiah and moved to stand beside Ryland, crossing his hands in front of him as he waited for Cyan to walk down the aisle toward his brother.

Embarrassed at the tears in Jareth’s eyes, he focused on just getting through the proceedings. Until Kyle got a good look at the happiness on Cyan’s face. If he could make someone that happy to see him, to walk toward forever with him, he’d probably weep, too.

During the handoff from Mr. Burns to Jareth, Ryland leaned over, eyes focused forward and whispered, “Man, Cyan has some hot friends, right?” The direction of his gaze made it hard to figure out which friend he was talking about specifically.

Did he mean Rachiah?

Or was he thinking Sherri?

Rachiah was more Ryland’s type with her exotic looks and distrustful gaze at anything male. She was a spitfire, too.

Sherri was sweeter, not plainer but pretty in a different way, a simpler more natural way.

She was more Kyle’s type. But how did he explain that to Ryland without making it into a game, a competition in their otherwise normal day-to-day?

Kyle didn’t respond besides a slight nod of his head. He wouldn’t encourage Ryland. He wouldn’t. He didn’t want to engage in any type of competition with his cousins. They were too close a family for anything like that to come between them.

Cyan clung to Jareth’s hand, her vulnerable softening visible only to those in the bridal party as she met Jareth’s eyes and he led her to the officiator.

Her bouquet wasn’t blue. Everything else seemed to be. But she’d gone with bright yellow sunflowers as big as a man’s spread hand with deep black centers and green stalks that hung down two feet. The contrast was appealing and eye drawing.

Kyle couldn’t be more excited for her to be his new sister. He scanned the crowd for Ruby – the little sister he hadn’t seen in a few years. Would he recognize her? There were his parents. His mother dabbed at the corners of her eyes and their dad appeared vaguely ill, like maybe someone might ask him to work at any moment.

But no sign of Ruby.

She hadn’t made it to her oldest brother’s wedding?

Hopefully, that wasn’t true. Hopefully, Kyle didn’t have to go to northern Idaho to bring her home and straighten things out. He’d already spent the greater part of the last five years stalking Guy.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The pastor folded his arms and waited.

Kyle shot his gaze to Sherri, their eyes locked and her cheeks flushed. Would she blush like that when she was kissed? She didn’t seem shy at all.

Cyan and Jareth embraced.

Ryland leaned toward Kyle once again. “The chick I walked with called me an ass.” He knit his eyebrows together, his frown fleeting but there. “At least I think that’s what she said. She said ‘aw, frass’. Is that what she was saying?”

Startled, Kyle’s mouth opened an imperceptible amount and a small laugh burst from him. He leaned over after a second and whispered, “No, frass is bug droppings. She pretty much said ‘aw, crap’.”

“Hmm. She’s pretty interesting.” Ryland studied Sherri as she watched Cyan and Jareth with her smaller bouquet of daisies pressed to her chest.

They all clapped and Kyle swallowed the jealousy building in his chest.

~

“Isn’t Cyan beautiful?” Kyle’s mom gushed over every detail, running through the ceremony as if a narrator at a rodeo.

Kyle met his dad’s gaze and lifted his eyebrows. His dad shrugged noncommittally and shoved his hands into his polyester pant pockets, bouncing slowly on the balls of his feet.

“Is Ruby not coming?” Kyle’s bluntness overrode his instinct to stay away from touchy subjects. He didn’t want to make things uncomfortable, but they never even mentioned his little sister like she didn’t exist. Like she wasn’t a missing part of the family. There was enough time between Ruby and Jareth that she was rarely on his radar, but Kyle and she had been closer in age growing up and they’d been friends more so than brother and sister.

His mom averted her gaze. “An invitation was mailed. I’m not sure if she got it or not.” She sipped the punch and watched the crowd milling in the cooling clouds of mist from the tops of the tents.

Growling, Kyle’s dad wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We’re going to get something to eat. Don’t bring up that topic again.”

The topic. Like his sister was to blame for Guy’s horrible treatment of her. Like the victim was to blame.

Kyle knew Ruby and she wasn’t to blame for anything. He swallowed the bitter taste left in his mouth at the realization that his parents didn’t see it that way. They still considered it an embarrassment on the family.

He couldn’t remember the last family holiday she came to.

He bit the inner part of his cheek.

Sherri slipped toward the bar set up by the house, moving from the busy bridal group in the midst of taking individual pictures.

Kyle couldn’t be more interested in what she was up to. He watched her, moving closer to take the chance to talk to her.

A couple steps away, Kyle stopped abruptly. Ryland approached Sherri, his smile big and on target.

She turned to face Ryland and Kyle couldn’t see her face, but he could see the delight in Ryland’s as well as the way he reached out and tucked a strand of her hair into her braid.

No biggy. He could focus on Ruby’s revenge, especially if he wasn’t wrapped up in a woman like Sherri. If he got away from the wedding, he might be able to go stalk Guy that evening.

With mounting irritation adding to his energy, he needed to do something worthwhile. Watching from the sidelines while Ryland danced and flirted with Sherri wasn’t something that would help him get over her or his jealousy.

If he was lucky, he’d get the chance to punch Guy that night. If not, maybe he’d take the chance to drink something stronger than Moose Drool.

Either way, he’d have to take Jareth’s truck and have it back before they left the next morning for their honeymoon.

Chapter 7

Sherri

No matter how she tried catching Kyle’s eye during the ceremony, only Ryland’s gaze met hers. He was gorgeous as heck, but seemed more suave than she was into.

She wanted Kyle watching her. She didn’t need to be saved at the moment and getting to know Kyle in a more neutral setting would be a better gauge on how much she was really attracted to him or not.

She didn’t want Ryland’s blue eyes staring at her.

And it wasn’t just at the ceremony. Everywhere she went during the reception, there Ryland was. Ryland at the bar. Ryland at the dance floor – even when she said she didn’t want to dance.

Then a small weevil landed on the table beside her and she stared at the little guy, his long snout covering a very small goatee-style body part. Weevils were her favorite. They had so much personality and were like little old men with hipster tendencies.

Ryland sidled up to her table, saw the small bug and smashed its tiny exoskeleton under his thumb and wiped it on a napkin.

A weevil.

He’d smashed an innocent weevil for no reason.

Yeah, Ryland wasn’t on her list of people she wanted to be around at the moment.

Kyle had disappeared shortly after dinner had been served, leaving Sherri with little to look forward to and his cousin to sit there and annoy her.

By the end of the night, his constant advances wore on her and she might have committed to a date later in the week.

She wouldn’t admit it to anyone else, but even though he was persistent to the point of annoying, he was still persistent and interested. Sherri wasn’t impervious to flattery.

She’d take it.

~

The working protocol for the department in that area was the same as in Billings. Sherri was debriefed quickly and rushed through the new-hire programs fast.

According to her new boss, Barry Fields, they’d been short-staffed for quite a while and didn’t have anyone on fieldwork. With the recent droughts spanning over the last couple years, they needed the research more than anything.

Sherri had smiled and gathered the equipment she needed to pile into the truck they gave her. They would catch her up on more procedures and introducing her to the community at a later date.

Out on the trail, she studied the needles of the western pines along the ridgeline just northeast of the reservation and Taylor Falls. Barry had mentioned severe drought and some of the ranchers at the wedding on Saturday had bemoaned the dry spring and summer months, wishing for a longer, wetter fall. Many had mentioned fire hazards and lost crops. Many of the words that usually sent a thrill down Sherri’s spine.

Fire. The biggest fear she had stemming from a lost home to a house fire spread from a forest fire when she was little.

But even with the risk of fire, where there was drought, there were western pine beetles – a terrific natural indicator of fire danger in the northwest.

Bull pine were usually the first to drop their needles. Along the tree line, the needles elicited the telltale yellowing at the edges. In trees that were named for their evergreen qualities, the yellowing wasn’t an indication of season change, but rather an indication that Sherri’s bug friends were in the area.

She knelt beside the nearest tree with a trunk spanning only ten inches in diameter. The bark had small yellow holes with a collection of frass and wood at the openings.

She peeled at pieces of the bark, the weak tree restricting its sap production due to the lessened water resources. Sap was the major line of defense for trees against predators like bugs. With no water available to create extra sap, trees had a weakened defense.

She continued crouching, looking along the canopy line for a break in the green fading to yellow. About a hundred yards down the trail, red needles broke up the monotony of the sick trees.

A red tree and another red and another red. A line of sick trees ending in a line of dead ones.

Sherri turned, facing the other way. Down the trail the way she had come, many trees had yet to exhibit yellowing needles. She stopped at each tree along the path and caressed their trunks, studying for the bore holes and any signs of frass.

Closer to the trailhead, fewer and fewer boreholes presented themselves, but they were still prominent enough to suggest the beetles migrated along the trail and down into the valleys.

Pulling out her pocket-notebook, she jotted the information down that she needed and returned to the truck. Alerting nearby ranches would be the first step of protocol on her way back to the office to input warnings and official statements via her boss. She wouldn’t go out of her way but there were a few ranches she passed to get out to the national forest that she could stop and warn.

The truck rumbled and bumped over the dirt road as she drove. The first ranch butting up to the national forest was Jonesy’s Acres. The long rolling plains co-mingled with the sides of the mountains as they jutted out.

Billings had been a different type of beautiful, different shades of browns and greens. There, in Clearwater County, the greens had a vibrancy which challenged the depth of the blues of the skies and waters and the golds of the fields and sun.

Even while Sherri wanted to get out and explore the world, she was never happier than right there breathing in the crystal clean air.

Gravel crunched under her tires as she rolled up the long dirt drive to Jonesy’s ranch house. With her window down, the heat passed by with a cooling blast. As soon as she stopped, the illusion stopped and she scowled at the rising temperature.

The heat wouldn’t help the forest fire potential.

She looked around.

Men rode on horseback and others bucked hay bales into the back of a large work truck.

She climbed from the company rig, dusting off her jeans and scanning for the foreman or the owner.

A tall cowboy on a tan Arabian horse galloped toward her. His face hid in the shadow of his cowboy hat. His broad shoulders leaned forward as he moved with the horse and approached Sherri.

As he came closer and his features came into view, Sherri’s breath caught.

Kyle.

She had disappointedly thought she wouldn’t see him again. The cool set to his features made her wish that was still the case.

He drew abreast of her and dismounted, a sheen of sweat gathering at his brow and his bandana damp at his neck. He reined his horse to the side and then back. “Sherri. Are you here to see Ryland? He’s working until seven.”

Confused, Sherri motioned toward the mountains. “Um, no. I mean, I didn’t know you guys worked here.” She furrowed her brow. “Is the owner here or foreman maybe?”

Kyle tugged off his gloves and slapped them on his upper thigh, a puff of dust clouded around his rear. “I’m the acting foreman while Nate’s with Emma. Jonesy is back east with family. There’s been a death and he needed to be there to help resolve matters.” He studied her, a hand on the pommel. “What can I do for you, Sherri?”

His formality was offsetting and after the overwhelming warmth from Ryland two days before, Kyle’s coldness slapped her across the face.

Maybe he was a different man than the one who had stood in her kitchen with his shirt off and then in her bedroom close to screaming at a spider.

She shook her head to push the thoughts out. She had a job to do. She could be just as professional as he was. “There is serious western beetle infestation along the western ridge. There are no guarantees that there will be a fire, but if there is a cigarette dropped or any dry lightning storms, the chances are raised drastically for an all-consuming fire.”

Sweeping her hand across the landscape, she peered at him. “The fields will be wiped out and on over that way toward the orchard. Is there a basic irrigation set up for fire prevention?”

His hat brim covered his eyes while he considered what she said. After a moment, he looked up, his mouth grim. “I’ll pass along your information to Nate when he gets back. Is there anything else?”

Anger started to build as he dismissed her. “Yes, this is on an official capacity. It will be noted in my report that the Jonesy Acres was warned about western pine beetle infestation and fire danger.” She set her jaw and turned around, holding back any further biting comments.

“Wait, Sherri.” His tone had softened and when she turned, so had his expression. He nodded. “Thanks, I’ll pass it along. Nate might call you.”

She didn’t bother responding, still stung by his treatment. She hadn’t done anything and she’d be damned, if he thought he could work hot and cold on her like that.

Now she wanted to see Ryland, just for a moment to feel like someone thought she was worth talking to.

A handsome cowboy at that.

Chapter 8

Kyle

Kyle had been curt and hadn’t meant to be. Why couldn’t he be more like Nate, more purposeful, more intentional?

He waited until dinner that night to call Nate. “Hey, man, Land Management visited today.” As far as Kyle was concerned, Nate didn’t need to know more than that. Why would he care that the woman who’d visited just happened to drive Kyle to distraction? No one needed to know that. He continued, “The agent said there was pine beetle infestation along the western ridge. Something about fire danger and fire prevention and control.”

He hadn’t been able to stop staring at her in her khaki-colored button up shirt and dirt-stained jeans. She’d been a refreshing sight on that hot day.

“Western pine beetles? I’ll be there tomorrow. That’s serious stuff. Did she say how bad the infestation went?” Nate’s tone turned urgent.

“No, but I said you might call her.” Kyle should’ve written down the information or asked for a copy of a report.

“Call the office tomorrow and have the agent join us at the ranch. We need to narrow down exactly what the problem is and how we can prevent any damage.” Nate’s voice lowered. “I’ll be able to come tomorrow, but the next day I need to take Emma to Seattle for some tests.”

“Is the cancer back?” Kyle swallowed against the sick feeling in his chest. They needed Emma – not just Nate. All of the Montana Trail cousins did. She was their glue.

“We’re not sure. I’ll be there first thing.” Nate’s sigh cut off as he hung up.

If Kyle had to deal with half the heartache Nate did, he’d avoid discussing it, too.

Ryland pushed past Kyle to stand beside the wall and tapped his boot, staring at Kyle all the while.

Slowly hanging up the landline phone, Kyle watched Ryland while suspicion reared its head. “What do you need, Ryland?” He couldn’t shake his irritation with his smooth talking cousin, not since the wedding.

Not since he’d driven Sherri away from Kyle.

Seeing Sherri that afternoon had only reinforced his irritation with Ryland. Why did the guy have to horn in on anything? On everything?

“I need to make a phone call.” He lifted the receiver. “Say, we have Friday off this week, right? Or is it Thursday? I can never remember.”

“Thursday.” Kyle narrowed his eyes. Why did he want to know his days off? Ryland was like the rest of them and preferred working over anything else. In fact, on the nights Kyle disappeared to watch Guy, Ryland usually covered for him because he liked the work.

But Kyle kept his questions to himself and moved over to the table setup along the side wall as if he had something important to write down.

Ryland dialed and then spoke softly, his laughter the only thing carrying over the milieu of the rest of the ranch hands talking at the dinner table. Suddenly noticeable, a grandfather ticked and tocked with annoying loudness between Kyle and the phone.

Ryland’s last words carried just fine though. “Sounds good. I’ll see you Thursday at six.” He hung up and whooped, slapping Kyle’s back as he passed with a grin the width of the Big Sky plains.

Kyle’s scowl deepened. Who the hell did Ryland think he was anyway?

~

Kyle reined in the Arabian he borrowed from Jonesy. Nate waited for him and Sherri on the deck, sitting on the log pole seats set up around the perimeter for optimal viewing.

The ranch was well laid out and went as far back in Jonesy’s family as some of the railroads in the state. Jonesy’s family had actually made their money on the success of trains in the area. He came from old money and the sprawling nature of the house and lands had a more relaxed feel than what the owner expected from his workers. He’d left simply because he had no other choice and he’d heard great things about Nate and his cousins. At least, that’s what he’d claimed before he’d left for the airport.

Dismounting, Kyle set the Arabian free in the fenced in pen until he had a chance to put her away. Adequately cooled off, she’d get her fill of water and oats at the side of the pen.

Climbing the steps, Kyle glanced down the drive, startled to find Sherri’s work truck moving toward him. He didn’t have long to prepare Nate for who exactly the agent was.

Joining Nate at the table, he thumbed toward Sherri. “You know this agent, Nate.”

Distracted, Nate looked at Kyle but didn’t seem to really see him. “Hmm?” His gaze shot past Kyle. “Sherri?” He stood, waiting for her to join them on the porch.

“Hi, Nate.” She approached confidently, arms swinging and in one hand a clip board. She pushed her soft curled hair back and smiled warmly.

Kyle would give anything to have her look like that at him again – even if it meant he had to face that spider of hers.

Nate waited until she took a seat and then claimed his. Kyle followed suit and stretched his legs out in front of him. He was there to understand what was going on and to carry out any decisions Nate made on how to manage the ranch. He wouldn’t lie – at least to himself – that getting to watch Sherri made the time much more enjoyable.

“I’m sorry to hear about Jonesy’s family. I don’t know the man, but it must be fairly serious to pull him away during the busy season.” Sherri sat forward, ignoring Kyle.

“Yes, well, as unfortunate as it has been for him, it has opened up an opportunity for the Montana Trails. We need experience in managing a ranch for our references. Now that we have this experience, we’ll have more jobs open up to us.” Nate leaned back as well, resting his arm on the edge of the small outdoor table. “What did you have to tell us, Sherri? I’m not fond of western pine beetles, but I have a feeling you know more which we need to learn.”

Sherri’s soft laugh and sympathy in her eyes made it hard for Kyle to look away. “Western pine beetles are my specialty. I’ll keep it simple.”

She flipped over a sheet of paper and produced a pen to sketch as she spoke. Her graceful hands swooped and slashed to enunciate each point. “Western pine beetles are a terrific indicator on the potential for forest fires and other devastating tragedies.”

Drawing a line, she followed it with multiple lines like layers under the first and then simple tree trunks and roots beneath the first line. “If a tree doesn’t have water for a long time, it goes into survival mode where everything it has is saved for basic survival. Nothing is expended for defense or offspring or anything other than the basics. A tree’s best line of defense is its sap.” She glanced at the men as if gauging their understanding. She must have seen something in their eyes that said they got it because she moved on.

“Okay, now let’s say a tree’s defenses are down and a western pine beetle decides to bore in. Nothing is going to stop that from happening. Usually this is just one or two trees, here and there. They pick the weakest ones. If they don’t do it, then root rot or something else just as bad can get the tree from below and spread even to the healthier trees.” She paused a moment, eyeing them.

“The important thing here isn’t that the beetles are attacking the trees. They do that. They’re very important to land and forest management. No, what we’re noting here is the abundance of their attack. Many of the trees are weak. Which means it wouldn’t take more than the slightest spark and the softest whisper of wind to roar into something epic.” She tapped her pen on the table, the soft click enunciating the menace under her words.

“Wow, you don’t hold anything back, do you?” Nate whistled low as he stared out over the ranch he could see from his vantage point.

Sherri cocked her head. “Would it make it easier for you? I know it would lessen the importance which doesn’t meet my objective.” Her fervent manners intrigued Kyle.

He couldn’t stop watching her, if he tried. Her now familiar scent of citrus reached him on the warm air. Kyle didn’t know how much longer he could take it without commenting on her allure.

“What do you suggest?” Nate peered at her as he leaned over the table and folded his hands as he watched her intently.

“My suggestions follow protocol as outlined here.” She slid across a sheet of paper from her clipboard. “I would hasten to add though that if you don’t have adequate irrigation, than a water line won’t work. You’ll need a fire line – no flames – but more like a dug ditch that spans a good twenty feet or so cleared of all grass or other vegetation. Just a stretch of dirt that the fire will have a hard time crossing.” She pressed her lips together, before continuing. “Stock a lot of sand or something, Nate. It’s so dry, I’m not sure water would work as a fire deterrent anyway.”

“Thank you, Sherri. We will take your suggestions into consideration. I’ll contact Jonesy tonight.” Nate smiled at Sherri.

“My pleasure. I’m on my way to a few more ranches to explain the report. If you need anything, here’s my card with my own cell number on the back. You can reach me day or night.” She shot her gaze toward Kyle then back at Nate, her smile tight.

“Thank you.” Nate walked her to her truck and Kyle watched her rear-end as she walked away.

That’s twice she’d driven away from him.

Back with Kyle, Nate pointed along the north border of the land. “While I’m gone, you guys can get the fire line dug. Why don’t you oversee that? Change everyone’s days off by a day. That way we have extra time to accomplish it. There’s supposed to be lightning next week. I’d rather be prepared and not lose Jonesy’s hard work and ours while he’s gone.”

Kyle couldn’t agree more. And delivering the news to Ryland that he had to cancel his plans added a bounce to his step.

He’d do whatever it took to make sure Ryland didn’t date Sherri. The change in schedule delighted Kyle to no end.

Maybe he’d have to set up something with Sherri before Ryland did. He knew the schedules were changed. Ryland didn’t yet.

He fingered the business card with her number on it. Kyle had her permission to call day or night – she hadn’t specified the reason. Okay, technically Nate had permission, but Kyle was over the ranch while Nate and Jareth were gone. Didn’t that permission switch to Kyle by proxy?

He’d see her before Ryland, or he’d let that spider of hers crawl all over him.

Besides, how would Ryland treat Sherri? He didn’t have a gentlemanly bone in his body.

Kyle tucked the card in his back pocket. Nate didn’t need it. Kyle would call after Nate left that morning, maybe after lunch and set something up.

His heart thumped with extra zeal at the thought of spending time with her.

Hopefully she chose him over Ryland. Besides, didn’t he have first dibs? He’d rescued her from Guy. Didn’t that make him her knight or something?

Chapter 9

Sherri

Who did Kyle think he was? He had rescued Sherri from that snake at the bar – at least according to what Rachiah reported and according to his own report. But what nobody seemed to understand was Sherri didn’t need saving. She could do it on her own.

Rachiah had shared a few details right before she’d left again for Wyoming. The search for her father needed to end soon. She was torn in too many directions and the pain in her heart affected her friends.

Whatever, it didn’t matter. Kyle’s charm and playfulness initially didn’t overshadow his moodiness now. And Ryland’s charm now wasn’t enough to cover how uncomfortable Sherri had been with his opening frankness.

She barreled toward the office, her radio crackling a couple times before she realized she was getting a call.

“Sherri, come in. Sherri.”

She lifted the hand-piece to her mouth and pressed the button, slowing her speed. The trees and fields came into focus from the blurry scenery as she’d rushed toward work. “Sherri. Over.”

“The Sherriff reported campers up on Beaver Ridge. Can you check it out? Your report suggests anything can be hazardous. Over.”

Campers. Great. Now Sherri had to go ruin their good time. Camping on a Tuesday didn’t seem that fun to her. A forest fire was even less fun. “Of course. I’m nearby. I’ll finish up ranch notifications afterward. Over.” She replaced the radio piece and turned around on the empty dirt road.

All the paperwork and talking to people defeated her reasons for being in that field – mainly not having to deal with people and only being around insects. Hadn’t the last visit with Kyle and Nate proven how inconsistent people could be?

She’d have to pass Jonesy’s Acres on her way to the ridge. Kyle would probably think she was stalking him or something.

At the trailhead, another car was parked, tinted windows hiding any belongings or hints at the owners.

Sherri grabbed her hat, the ridiculous flat, wide-brim ones that resembled Canadian Mounties. Slathering on sunblock, she headed out with her stride long and her intentions purposeful.

After a good hour of hiking, Sherri wiped at her sweaty brow. There wasn’t a living soul on that trail. The car was there – she’d checked a couple dozen times as she hiked the trodden path.

She’d have to go off-trail. The least safe option, but if the car was there, then people were out in the woods. The only option left to look was deeper in the forest.

Would they go east or west? She plopped her hands on her hips and glanced around as if the bark on the trees would tell her where they’d gone and how many there were.

Zero hints left her completely in the dark.

To the west the trails were more difficult to maneuver and the sun would beat down harder on that side of the mountain at midday. “East it is.” She followed her mutterings with a puff up her face to try to find a way to cool off. She’d need to duck into the shadows anyway and climbing off trail would at least get her into the shade.

Hopefully, the campers were looking for easier, just like Sherri. She picked her way over fallen logs covered in moss and large rocks shiny with venous quartz. The shade dropped in temperature by a noticeable amount.

Sherri sighed, removing her hat and fanning herself with the flat brim. The gusts of air chilled her damp skin. Oh, thank Heaven. Beautiful pine scents smothered the dust on the air, making it easier to breathe.

She hadn’t planned on being out that long, only supposed to stop at a couple ranches and then head back to the office. She hadn’t brought enough water either. She called in to the office with her radio. “Central, this is Sherri, come in. Over.”

“Central, here. Sherri, you find them campers yet?” The gruff tones gave Barry away as the operator. He must have stepped in to cover for lunch or something.

“No campers in sight. Car is here, but no campers on the trail. Heading off trail to the east. I will radio in thirty, if I haven’t found them. Over.” She really shouldn’t leave the trail alone, but they didn’t have enough personnel for her to wait for someone to join her.

Plus, the sooner she found those hikers, the sooner she could get out of there.

“Be careful. Over.” His disapproval was palpable, but what could he do? Sherri needed to warn those campers and she was taking precautions to stay safe.

She retucked the radio to her hip and continued down the hill, spotting the Jonesy ranch through the descending tree line.

Half-way down, a horse carried Kyle toward her.

Of course, it did. Of course, when she was sweaty and a mess and out of breath and dehydrated, there he would be. Like the flies she continued batting at. She liked bugs but not when they pointed out how much she smelled.

Dang it all, she didn’t need saving.

She stopped beside a tree and pulled off her hat again, fanning herself and catching her breath. Sherri nodded, a tight smile all she could bring herself to offer.

He slid from the horse, his stacked jeans not sliding above his boots. “You okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” She forced her breaths to come longer and slower. She didn’t need to pass out in front of him.

He eyed her and pulled a canteen that hung from a leather strap around his neck. “Here, it’s hot out here. Why are you out this far? I just sent Damon with two hikers back up to their car. They got lost or something. They weren’t prepared either.”

“I’m prepared. I just wasn’t as prepared as I would like.” Sherri bit back more irritation and allowed the relief to well in her gut. “I’m glad you found them. I was out here to warn them not to light any fires or drop cigarettes or anything.” The bark of the tree behind her bit into her back, even through multiple layers of her bra and two shirts.

“It’s that serious, huh?” He tucked his thumbs into his front pockets and watched her with a more relaxed demeanor than the last few times she’d talked with him. The auburn of his hair peeked beneath the low slung brim of his hat.

She warmed to her topic, seeking to focus on anything but the way the cowboy filled his jeans just right. “Oh, yes, the Western Pine Beetle is the smartest indicator we can use to help warn us of potential fire. It would be terrible to lose anything because we failed to acknowledge quasi-predicting elements.” She pushed her hair off her forehead, puffing cool air over her face.

“Come on. I’ll give you a ride up to your truck.” He held out his hand to help her up onto the saddle.

“Really?” She looked around like maybe the drying ferns and yellowing needles would tell her she was in a dream. Walking down had been horrible, she didn’t want to go up at all. She gulped at the cool water in his canteen, cautious not to overdrink. “Okay, yeah, thank you.” She eyed him, then the horse. “Can I ride behind, though?”

Startled, he studied her for a moment, and then nodded. “That’s fine with me.”

She didn’t need to sit under him without knowing if she stank or not. He was still good looking as sin and she didn’t want to take the chance he’d not only find her nerdy but completely unattractive as well. She’d studied dung beetles that didn’t mean she wanted to smell like one.

He mounted the Arabian, offering his hand again but to help her up behind him.

She clumsily climbed onto the rump of the horse and wrapped her arms around Kyle’s solid waist. The thought crossed her mind to press her cheek to his back where his broad shoulders offered stability and strength, but her common sense stopped her in time.

The loping of the horse pushed her against him and heat flooded her cheeks from more than the sun. She leaned as far back as she could, her hat clutched in her hands. She couldn’t bring herself to put the sweaty sticky thing back on. Her head needed to breathe. At least for a little longer.

“So, um, do you have anything going on Friday night?” His chest vibrated down to his sides and under her hands as he spoke.

She looked at the back of his neck under his hat brim like she could read his mind or something. Was he asking her out? Sherri shrugged. “Nothing, probably. I need to feed my tarantula but that’s about it.”

“Really? I bet that’s cool.” He didn’t turn, so he couldn’t see her expression of astonishment.

Branches grazed their legs as they passed, the pace sedate.

“Yeah, I guess.” What did he want?

He leaned forward over the horse’s neck and spoke as if an afterthought. “Well, maybe I could get some dinner and come help. I noticed you had boxes packed at your place. I could help you unpack. I’m good with heavy stuff.”

Shocked didn’t do her reaction justice. She opened and closed her mouth a few times. Ryland was taking her out Thursday and now Kyle wanted to go out with her? No, he wanted to come to her place and help her with her spider and boxes?

What was going on?

Shaking her head in disbelief, she nodded, slightly. Wasn’t he the one she wanted to go out with? Wasn’t he the one she was interested in?

He spoke before she could answer. “I understand if not. I just thought we could hang out.” The reins in his hands didn’t move as he maneuvered the beautiful horse up the incline.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I’m a vegetarian though.” She ignored the tightening of his chest when he registered what she’d said.

“Really? As in no meat?” He turned his head to see her from the side, curiosity instead of judgment on his chiseled features.

She shook her head with a smile. “I know, it’s weird up here, but I’m not a fan of eating meat. I’ll do dairy and even fish, so I guess I’m really a pescatarian, but vegetarian is easier for people to get. Is that a problem?”

He drew the horse onto the more level trail and evened out into a comfortable pace. “Not at all. I’ll bring something for both of us to enjoy.”

They reached her truck in minutes. The other car gone from the parking area.

Kyle helped Sherri dismount the horse and he followed, moving to stand beside her rig while she unlocked the door.

He placed a hand on the frame of the driver door and stopped her from opening it. “I like you, Sherri. I hope to get to know you better.” The tender way he said it and the sudden ruddiness to his skin gave away his embarrassment and discomfort.

And by Jove, Sherri’s jaw dropped. What in Sam’s hell was going on? Was it a competition or something between the cousins? Why else would two gorgeous men like Kyle and Ryland ask her out?

She snapped her mouth shut and nodded shortly. “I’m looking forward to it.” Great, now she sounded as formal as she could get.

He tilted his hat at her, remounting the horse and riding off at a slight amble.

Sherri didn’t know how to date one and then another. She wasn’t designed for multiple boyfriends. Heck, she’d never had the problem of more than one guy liking her and he didn’t count since he was pretty much her brother.

She’d have to call Rachiah and see what she thought. If anyone could wrap a handful of men around her finger and make them like it, it was her.

Dang, Sherri wasn’t prepared for this.

What if Kyle cried when she took Tommy out to feed him? She didn’t want to make a grown man cry.

But stranger things had happened.

Chapter 10

Kyle

Steak was pretty much the only meat Kyle was familiar with. Sherri and her vegetarian thing had thrown him for a loop. Seafood seemed to be a go-ahead, but in the middle of Montana, what did that mean?

Kyle had all week to worry about his food choice for Friday. Every time he passed Ryland he couldn’t help smiling smugly at his cousin.

Until Thursday night when Ryland disappeared right after their late shift – about eight.

Ryland didn’t get back to the bunk until well after one in the morning.

Kyle was certain of the time because he paced by the clock in the bunk kitchenette well past midnight. He’d memorized the size and shape of the floor pattern as well as the annoying pause in every fifth tick of the second hand on the clock.

The next morning, he watched Ryland whistle his way through the breakfast line and claim a seat across from Kyle to eat.

Drinking half his coffee, Kyle ignored the burning sting as it coursed down his throat. When he spoke, an extra hoarseness coarsened his words. “You were out late last night.”

Eyes sparkling with amusement, Ryland looked up from his hashbrowns he shook salt on. “What are you, my mother?”

How did Kyle respond? He couldn’t necessarily press for more information – at least not without sounding like, well, like Ryland suggested – his mother.

Instead, he shrugged, picking at his plate with his fork. He didn’t even care what was on it. “Nah, I’m just curious.”

Damon leaned over his plate, poking into the air with his rolled up pancake. “I bet you were out with that girl, what’s her name?”

Ryland grinned, leaning back and drinking his orange juice. “Don’t worry about it, guys. I had fun last night. That’s all you need to know.” He winked and glanced around at the rest of the small hall area. “Hey, where’s Nate?”

Their joviality faded. Ryland sat forward, leaning his forearms on the table edge. He played with the whorls in the plate pattern with the handle of his knife. “From what I learned last night, Emma isn’t doing well. She’s extremely tired and can’t stand for more than a few minutes at a time. Nate took her to Seattle to get some testing done, but they’re not sure what to hope for.”

“Maybe she’s pregnant.” Damon opened his hand, putting a positive spin on Emma’s plight.

A different outcome that would be great for everyone was exactly what Kyle needed to hear. He slapped the table. “Yeah, maybe she’s pregnant. That’d be great.”

“Would it? I don’t think she can because of all the radiation and stuff growing up, but maybe.” Ryland shrugged, pasting a smile over his worry.

How did Ryland know all those facts? Had he been spending more time with Nate? Not possible with Nate in Seattle. He would have to hang out with someone closer to the picture. Would that nameless person be Sherri?

More than concern over Emma’s health ate at Kyle’s gut.

Nerves over his date that night welled inside him. Excitement had overridden anything anxious until right then with the possibility that Ryland had spent time with her the night before, despite Kyle’s best efforts to ruin those plans.

What if she dated both of them and decided Kyle wasn’t... Kyle shook his head. Wait, just wait. Don’t go getting ahead of yourself.

“What are you so serious about?” Ryland scowled at Kyle, his previous good humor faded at the conversation about Emma.

Kyle frowned. “Emma. I want her to be safe.” And I want Sherri off your radar. But he shoved a bite of peppers and sausage into his mouth before his desire to speak his mind overrode his instincts to keep his opinions to himself.

Ryland polished off the rest of his breakfast and stood, clearing his plate. “You have today off, right, Kyle? Is Jareth taking over?” He paused beside Kyle, looking down at him.

“No, Jareth is still on his honeymoon. I was going to ask if you’d mind covering for me.” Kyle wasn’t, but maybe giving Ryland some responsibility would be a good way to keep him in hand.

Ryland scoffed. “Yeah, ‘cause I’m the first choice of everyone, right?” He narrowed his gaze at Kyle. “What are you up to, Darby?”

“Nothing. I’m off to find the best seafood I can in this area.” He nodded, standing himself.

Damon called out after him. “Rocky Mountain oysters. Get those.”

Kyle ignored the men’s laughter as it followed him from the room. The Johnson brothers could sometimes be more trouble than they were worth. But Rocky Mountain oysters... maybe they were some kind of fresh water mussel or something.

High-tailing it out of the ranch before he was snagged to work for the day, Kyle rumbled into Taylor Falls in Jareth’s old brown Ford. Usually on a ranch, Kyle didn’t need a vehicle, he just chose to stay on premise and work hard or ride horses. Nothing calmed him faster or longer than just enjoying the God-given world he lived in.

The woman at the grocery counter looked at him kind of odd when he requested two pounds of Rocky Mountain oysters, but she wrapped them up and gave him strict instructions on how to cook them. Thank goodness for that, because he had no idea what he was doing. He couldn’t get over the fact that there weren’t any shells. Who knew there were mussels out there without a shell?

He picked up a Caesar salad kit – Sherri should be able to eat that with the anchovies in the dressing. He hoped so, anyway.

As he approached the door, the woman at the counter called out to him. “Did you get a sauce for the oysters?” He shook his head and she pointed toward the aisle closest to him. “Grab the sriracha, it has a nice heat but won’t ruin the experience.”

Kyle grabbed the first bottle he came across and approached the counter again, but half-way there she waved him on. “It’s on me. You have an interesting night ahead of you.” She winked and pointed at the bag in his hand. “Those are supposed to be great aphrodisiacs.”

He blushed and nodded his head, mumbling his thanks as he ducked out the door.

An aphrodisiac. He didn’t want Sherri to think he expected that from her. Especially not on their first date. She had an innocence about her that reminded him of Ruby which made him want to protect her, but something about the set in her shoulders suggested she didn’t want to be saved by anyone. Either way, she didn’t deserve to be thought of like a piece of tail.

The fact that Guy had treated her like that when Kyle couldn’t see her as anything but a person with value really irked him. He viewed her that way because she was.

At the entrance to the reservation, Kyle pulled over.

He needed a minute to gather himself.

Had Sherri been with Ryland the night before? Ryland was a smooth operator and usually charmed his way into second and third base with the girls he chased after. He wasn’t the type of man who strutted either. If he got more than that, he never bragged about it.

In fact, the more Kyle thought about it, none of the Montana Trail cousins kissed and talked about it. Pride welled in his chest. At least they had some class.

He hung his head and breathed deep. Crap, why was he so dang nervous?

A rap of something metal on his window jerked his head upright.

M.T. stared at him through the glass, his eyebrow cocked. The feather in his hair was more ominous with its black shiny contours and long tip. He wore a loose tank top that displayed molded muscles even Kyle had to admit were a bit intimidating.

Kyle hadn’t even considered that he might be doing something he shouldn’t. He rolled down the window and smiled. “How goes it, M.T.?”

“It’d be going fine, if you’d tell me why you’re parked in front of the lodge. Truck problems or something?” M.T. eyed the truck like he wouldn’t be surprised, if the jalopy had broken down. “I can give you a ride into town. I’m supposed to run to the nursery and get some ladybugs for the aphids on my mother’s pear trees.”

“I’m, well, I’m heading in to see Sherri. I promised her dinner as a thanks for helping with a... uh, a bug problem at the Jonesy ranch. Make sure she’s doing okay since that guy bothered her.” Why was he lying?

Well, not lying, more like stretching the truth, but something to the glint in M.T.’s dark eyes told him to keep it sounding platonic. Sounding simpler than it was.

But most likely simpler would be best.

M.T. glared. “Yeah, Sherri’s great. Why don’t you get along then? I’ll stop by there later to make sure she’s alright. I’d rather not see you there.” In other words, be gone.

Not that M.T.’s bluntness could be taken as subtlety on any level.

Kyle nodded, the brim of his hat chopping through his vision of M.T. and then returning him back to normal. “Well, like I said, it’s just a thank-you dinner. You’re welcome to join us.” He lifted the brown bag from the seat beside him. “We’re having Rocky Mountain oysters. I hear they’re delicious.”

Furrowing his brow, M.T. shot his gaze from the bag to Kyle’s face to the bag and back. He chose not to reply but walked to his own truck with slow, steady strides. His broad shoulders enhanced the thickness to his biceps and Kyle was just secure enough to accept that the man’s muscles were daunting and more than capable of pulverizing Kyle’s bones.

Kyle shifted the truck into drive and crept into the boundaries of the reservation. Like the burning haze of a laser, Kyle could have sworn M.T.’s gaze bore into the back of his neck as he drove.

Reaching the little cabin, Kyle breathed deeply in relief. But her little truck wasn’t there and he really didn’t want to be caught by M.T. like Kyle was lurking or something.

He shut off the truck and climbed from the cab, grabbing his items. If he had to, he’d wait in the small fenced-in backyard. He knocked on the door, glancing behind him like the Redhawk gang watched him from behind the trees or the lilac bushes on the corner of the street.

No answer and no noise from inside. He couldn’t return to the truck. He couldn’t take that chance. He tried the knob, even though what single girl wouldn’t lock her door, right?

But the knob turned and the door swung open with little provocation. Kyle sighed in relief. He’d rather get caught by Sherri inside than by M.T. outside.

Besides, he could prepare the meal while he waited for her to show up.

He had some frying to do.

~

The Rocky Mountain oysters weren’t easy to flour, especially when all Sherri seemed to have in her house was cornmeal, organic eggs, and some kind of almond milk that looked like white-colored water.

Kyle was a little nervous to touch the white block of stuff labeled tofu. He’d heard of it, but he’d never actually seen it, like a vague myth that just didn’t seem to exist in the mountains of Montana.

She only had olive oil and some kind of coconut milk. Her pans were ceramic lined. Kyle searched the small house over for some kind of cast iron or stainless steel. Something he wouldn’t break or scratch.

He heated up some oil and prepared the oysters according to the instructions – or at least as much as he could remember. Improvising with corn meal when the woman had said flour, he wasn’t sure how much he was messing up.

Tossing the salad, he plated the freshly fried oysters and put them in the oven to keep warm. Then he sat down at the table and waited.

And waited.

Five-thirty came and went.

Five-forty-five gone after excruciatingly slowness.

Five-fifty-nine.

Six.

Where was she?

He double-checked the bedroom where the spider was to make sure the arachnid was contained. Kyle paced, he stared at the digital green clock on the microwave.

Finally, the sound of a car door shutting reached him and he stood, gazing toward the ceiling with its already recognizable swirls in the texturing.

She walked inside, digging in her bag. She looked up, scanning the room with her gaze. Her eyes lit on Kyle and she dropped her bag, shrieking. She drew out a canister of pepper spray and pointed it toward Kyle.

He held up his hands. “Whoa, Sherri, it’s me. You’re okay. We had a date tonight, remember?”

She looked around again, her eyes wide. “We did? Tonight?” After a moment, she nodded slowly. Her hair moved softly against her shoulder. “Oh, that’s right. Sorry, it’s been a long week. People don’t care about beetles half as much as they should.” She sighed, rubbing her eyes. “I’m sorry...” She looked up, raising the pepper spray once again. “Wait, why are you in here? Why didn’t you just leave and what is burning?”

She rushed around the counter in the kitchen and opened the oven door, releasing a cloud of smoke.

Kyle slapped his leg. “Dang it. I’m sorry. You wanted seafood. I brought Rocky Mountain oysters. I’d fried them and then put them in the oven to keep warm. I think they were in there too long.”

Sherri placed the pan on top of the stove and closed it, a peculiar look on her face. She flipped off the controls and straightened, thrusting her hands on her hips. “I’m sorry, what did you say you made?”

Kyle swallowed, tucking his hands in his jeans pockets. “I made Caesar salad and Rocky Mountain oysters. You said you eat seafood. Or do you only eat fish?” All the rules were so complicated. Why couldn’t she eat meat? He didn’t care if they had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be honest. He really just wanted to spend time with her. Now they only had salad to eat.

She watched him, like she couldn’t figure something out. Then she walked to the living room and flopped to the couch. She rubbed her eyes again and pointed at a spot beside her. She didn’t speak until he sat. “Thank you so much for cooking for me. It’s a little... creepy that you came in my home but I’m too tired to be mad.”

He cut in. “I’m sorry, but M.T.—”

She held up her hand. “You could’ve left, Kyle.” She sighed. “I don’t eat beef.”

“I know.” He knit his eyebrows. “I went to all that trouble to find that seafood and make it for you.” His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry I just came in. Looking back, sure, not such a bright idea. I really just wanted to see you and spend some time with you. Figure out why I can’t get you out of my head or better yet, find out how to get you out of my thoughts. You’re highly distracting, you know?”

“Is this a joke? Are you making fun of me?” She stood, moving in front of him with a stuttered pacing. “I don’t think it’s funny. M.T. protects me for a reason. He always has. And now, like in these types of instances, I can see how important his protection has been.”

“Hey.” Kyle shoved himself from the couch and grabbed Sherri’s shoulders, pulling her to a stop and facing him. “What are you talking about? I protected you the other night. You’re safe with me.” He rubbed his thumb across her chin. “You’re safe.”

She jerked her face from his grasp. “They why would you make fun of my eating by trying to make me beef testicles?”

Kyle dropped his hands and stepped back. “What?”

“You cooked cow balls, Kyle.” She pointed into the kitchen, her eyes glinting. “When I say I don’t eat cow, I’m serious. That doesn’t mean I want to eat their private parts.” Her eyes grew sad. “I really liked you, but now... you’re just like the other guys.”

“Wait. I’m seriously confused. I thought they were fresh water mussels. You’re serious, I cooked testicles?” He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry, his stomach queasy at the thought. “The guys... they...” Realization dawned on him with a slow fade. “I’m going to kill them.”

Of course, they would make sure he looked like an idiot.

Uncertainty darkened her eyes and she frowned. “You didn’t know what they were?”

Kyle moved closer, gently pushing her hair behind her neck. “I promise, I don’t want to eat nuts. I certainly don’t want to fondle them and bread them and then throw them in the fryer. I am, however, considering the possible neutering of my cousins.”

She stared at him, her anger fading and curling her lips into amused humor. “Really? You didn’t know that’s what they were? I thought you were raised in Montana.”

“Who told you that?” Kyle cocked his head, his own humor derisive but good-natured.

She blushed. “I asked around about you. A little. Maybe.” Her mumble warmed him.

“I burned our dinner.” He pressed his lips together. “Want to go out instead?”

She scrunched her lips in the cutest shape, twisting her nose at the same time. “I really have had a long day. I have some tofu we could have with the salad?” She smiled at his ill-concealed grimace. “And I think Rachiah left a steak in the freezer.”

He brightened. “Really? A steak? You wouldn’t be... mad at me for eating meat?”

Her laugh warmed him and his worries faded. “Of course not. I’m the one who doesn’t like meat. I wear a bra, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to make you wear one, too.” She cocked her eyebrow. “Unless of course you want to.” She giggled.

“That sounds good. Not the bra, but the steak.” He offered her his hand. “Let’s go get dinner made.”

She smiled, the bottom swell of her lips entrancing. “Sounds good, but I have no idea how I’m going to explain eating dinner with the guy who broke into my house.” She winked. “Guess I’ll tell Rachiah you broke in to steal her steak.”

Her teasing shifted inside him and he couldn’t help it. He tugged her close and leaned in, his lips inches from hers. “How about I steal a kiss instead?” He bent his head before she could answer and their lips met, the moment stunningly sweet and poignant without any anxious planning.

She didn’t pull away, sinking against his chest instead and warming to the simple contact that swelled in Kyle’s chest with heat.

They broke away, a new appreciation for the other in their expressions. She didn’t seem to think twice about reaching out and taking his hand again, like a natural habit they’d had for years. She laughed as they walked toward the kitchen, shaking her head. “Cow balls.”

How lucky was he? He didn’t have to eat cow testicles or tofu. He got to have steak with a woman he couldn’t keep his mind off of.

Kyle’s night was looking up.

Chapter 11

Sherri

Sherri laughed. In fact, she hadn’t stopped laughing with Kyle since the Rocky Mountain oysters incident earlier that evening. When they’d dropped their shields, she couldn’t believe how comfortable she was with him.

“Wait, I have one. Stop me, if you’ve heard this one.” Sherri sipped her water to rinse the parmesan bits from her mouth and then met Kyle’s expectant gaze. “If you have to choose between a big weevil and a small weevil—”

“A weevil? Like one of those bugs you find in flour?” Kyle arched his brow and leaned forward, confusion shadowing the gorgeous blue of his eyes.

Sherri nodded, snickering. “Yes, those ones.”

“Go on.” He nodded, waiting.

“If you have to choose, then choose the lesser of two weevils.” She snorted at the end of the tagline. It was her favorite joke and she never got to tell it outside of the entomologist field because most people didn’t care enough to hear it.

The joke was Kyle’s test.

He leaned back, amazement on his face. “That was adorable.” He chuckled. “Lesser of two evils. I get it.”

His smile warmed her and she opened her mouth to comment but a knock on the door interrupted her.

After nine-o-clock who would be calling at her place? She stood. “Excuse me.”

At the door, M.T. craned his neck when she opened the door to see inside. He spoke in low concerned tones. “That... ranch hand is still here. Do you want me to remove him? Is he causing problems?”

Irritation at being babysat edged her words a little sharper than she intended. “No. M.T. I’m fine. He’s fine. It’s fine. Thank you.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Fine.” He turned away then turned back, lacing his fingers with hers and imploring her with his deep dark brown gaze. “Sherri, don’t pick someone like him. He’s transient. He’s not loyal. Pick me. Please, pick me. Give me a chance.”

Tears pricked at Sherri’s tired eyes. She softly shook her head. “I’m not picking anyone tonight, M.T. I’m sending you both home so I can get some sleep. Goodnight.” She retracted her fingers slowly, sad that his touch didn’t make her wish they were locked up together alone in a cave instead of miles apart.

She gently closed the door and turned to find Kyle standing close by. Sherri motioned over her shoulder feebly and with what had to be a shaky smile. “Sorry, long story.”

Kyle moved closer, bending his head to meet her lowered gaze. “Nah, he cares for you. That’s as long as it needs to be.” He straightened up and smiled. “Well, your new nickname is Weevils.” He playfully chucked her under the chin which turned into a caress of her neck, sending delicious shivers along her collar bones and down to her hips. “I better go. It’s getting late and I have work to do tomorrow. Are you off?”

She nodded, still captivated by the lingering traces of his touch. “I don’t have to work, but Ryland asked me to stop by the ranch, so maybe I’ll see you?” Her hope felt like it glowed out of her with a huge warmth.

Kyle lurched backwards, dropping his hand from her arm. “You’re seeing him, too?”

“Too?” Sherri settled on her hip. “Who else am I seeing?” She wanted to date Kyle but they’d just gotten together that night and it hadn’t exactly started conventionally.

He tightened his jaw and stepped around her to claim his hat he’d hung from a hook by the door. “I thought you and I...” He shook his head. “I was feeling pretty cynical of M.T., thinking he needed to get the hint, but now I can’t help wondering if maybe I should feel bad for any poor sucker interested in you. You’re stringing a few of us a long.” He pulled open the door, avoiding her gaze.

Sherri didn’t reply. Instead, as soon as his foot cleared the doorway, she slammed the heavy wood panel shut. Turning to lean against it, she closed her eyes. Her week of warning so many ranches and dealing with sexism in her field had taken its toll. Combine her exhaustion with the little drama Kyle and M.T. had to dish up, and she was going to sink into a bathtub with a glass of wine.

Wine she didn’t have.

She didn’t even have chocolate – not that she would’ve had it.

But she’d give anything for a cheesecake. Something not so sweet, but creamy. How sad that a fun night had ended so harshly.

Bugs. Bugs had her back and didn’t hurt. Men were like fire – they burned and destroyed everything in their path. Even the balls they cooked you for dinner. She shook her head and ignored the table.

Tomorrow. She could deal with stuff tomorrow.

Tonight.

Bath. And Tommy time.

~

If she hadn’t promised Ryland she’d find out more information about Rachiah’s relationship status, she’d never set foot anywhere near Kyle the next morning.

As it was, her hands shook as she parked her Nissan at Jonesy’s barn and climbed out. She didn’t want to see Kyle, but she couldn’t help looking for him as she walked toward the lower barn doors. The way he’d kissed her, like it was something he couldn’t help, had left her more than curious for when he’d do it again.

He wasn’t going to get a chance as far as she was concerned. For the hundred-thousandth time she defended herself with a mental mantra – I don’t string guys along. I don’t flirt. It’s not my fault. I can’t control them.

She checked her watch. Three minutes earlier than they’d agreed. She didn’t want to be there any longer than she needed to be. In fact, if Ryland had had a cell phone, she would’ve just called and shared the information she’d found out. But he didn’t and so there she found herself on Saturday, waiting for him to start lunch.

A bench set up outside the double-wide doors offered a place for her to wait. In full view of anyone who rode or walked by.

She sat anyway. He’d promised to meet her there, had begged her to come.

Five minutes became fifteen. Fifteen turned into forty-five.

Why wouldn’t she leave? Why hadn’t she left yet?

To her shame, she wanted to see Kyle. She just did. She couldn’t help it. A part of her wanted to see him so bad. A different part wanted her to cowgirl up and not take that crap from anyone.

Even if he did have the jawline of a young Clint Eastwood and eyes the color the clearest sky.

She’d just have to work on ignoring the strength in his shoulders and the tenderness in his large hands.

The clip-clopping of horse hooves pulled her attention from the little line of sugar ants working diligently beneath the bench.

Lifting her head, she held her expression neutral as Kyle approached the barn, walking beside a beautiful Arabian horse.

Right behind him, thankfully, was Ryland, covered in sweat and leading a stauncher looking quarter-horse.

Kyle didn’t react at seeing her, moving inside the barn like she hadn’t sat there at all.

She hid the hurt and smiled largely at Ryland as he approached. She couldn’t even be annoyed at his tardiness. She was so distracted on how Kyle messed with her emotions. “You’re late.”

Ryland glanced past her into the barn. “Yeah, sorry, we’ve been worked pretty hard this morning since before sun-up.” He slouched on the bench beside her and sighed. “Did you find anything out? I need some good news about now.”

Sherri grinned. Ryland wasn’t interested in her at all and the relaxed friendship they’d developed the other night when he’d stopped by to see Rachiah was a refreshing break from M.T.’s intense expectations.

“I called her this morning and she’s not seeing anyone.” Sherri grew more serious. “She’s pretty focused on this thing with her dad actually. But that doesn’t mean she won’t be interested when she comes up.”

His downtrodden expression brightened. “She’s coming back up? When?”

“I’m not sure, but she comes up to visit her mom and step-dad pretty often. We share the place. I can let you know the next time she comes over?” Sherri scratched at the back of her arm.

He leaned forward to stand. Looking down at Sherri, he smiled. “Thanks, Sherri. I mean it. You’re a great friend. Rachiah’s pretty lucky. Let me know and I’ll try to surprise her or something when she gets home.” He looked down at his sweat stained clothes. “I’m going shower. Thanks again for stopping by. I’ll see you later.” He nodded at her, his hat dipping and lifting. He led his horse inside and Sherri sighed. All that for less than a minute’s worth of conversation.

And less than a handful of seconds of silence from Kyle.

She was so stupid. Why couldn’t she like M.T. the way he liked her? Why couldn’t she be like normal women and go for the guy that obviously wanted her? Marry him, have a passel of kids, look forward to growing old together?

Why did she think she had to hold out for the guy who –

“Is that it? That’s all you came out here for?” Doubt colored Kyle’s tone.

Sherri turned from her walk toward the truck, but she didn’t stop. “Don’t worry about it. I’d hate to string you along.” She lifted her chin.

“Sherri.” Regret filled the one word enough to make her stop.

She crossed her arms, anger more at herself for being weak and not fighting her attraction to him held her muscles tense – even more so than her irritation with him.

She’d never told him about Ryland’s interest in Rachiah, but then again, he’d never asked.

His footsteps whispered over the grass as he approached her. “You don’t have a thing going on with Ryland? Why didn’t you tell me?”

At that Sherri spun. “Tell you what? We aren’t exclusive. Last night was the first time you and I even hung out and you have to admit, coming home and finding a guy in my house with my oven on fire isn’t exactly the best start to any relationship.” Dang him and his masculine scent mixed with the smell of fresh hay.

A small grin accentuated the smooth bottom curve of his lip as it contrasted with the spiky texture of his skin.

Sherri sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Go ahead and laugh.”

“Darlin’, you have to admit, there’s nothing conventional about us.” He pulled her around to face him completely. “At least that guy tried feeding you the most delicious meal.” His wink brought out a giggle and she covered her mouth. She couldn’t stay mad at him and that irritated her more.

“I need to go.” Her smile stayed but she turned back to the truck to leave.

“Why? Want to see something?” He reached out and tugged on the upper part of her sleeve.

She didn’t resist much as she followed him toward a trail that led off behind the barn toward the mountains.

The lack of rain left the air dry with a breeze that was neither cool nor refreshing, but it stirred the scents of the prairie around them with the heady musky odor of freshly tilled and spread manure.

They walked about twelve-hundred feet in silence. The trail faded into the edge of the woods like a fog in sunlight. Mid-morning light filtered through pine needles and shafted over bark, sending shadows into small crevices.

“It’s just over this way.” He turned, offering her a small smile as he motioned toward a small collection of trees.

Did she follow him further? She glanced back over the distance they’d come. How taken with him was she?

But his smile promised something special. Sherri didn’t have the heart to turn back at that point. She nodded slightly, stepping over the dry needles and grasses on the ground.

“I found this about a week ago, just before meeting you at the bar.” He glanced at her quickly then away again.

Curious at his sudden shyness, Sherri ducked between two towering bull pines and pushed past wild huckleberry bushes. The clearing opened up to well-protected velvety soft mullan plants towering above young orange and pink milkweed flowers.

Sherri knelt at the edge of the clearing. She covered her mouth. “Danaus plexippus.”

Kyle crouched beside her, his hands loose between his knees. “What?”

“Monarch butterflies. That’s what danaus plexippus is. The larvae and the caterpillars and...” She pointed. “Look, they’re resting in the heat.” Wings flapped but slow, not enough to take flight but enough to stir the air around the beautiful orange and black wings.

The majesty of the clearing captured Sherri’s heart. She reached out and held Kyle’s hand, basking in the moment of the butterflies. With absolute reverence, she whispered, “They aren’t huge up this way, because there isn’t a lot of water.”

Kyle tapped her arm and pointed with his free hand.

Past the high reaching mullan stalks, the glistening of water trickling into a small pond caught her eye. She didn’t want to disturb the butterflies, but she wanted to see that pond. “Is it natural?”

“Yeah, it looks like a collection of underwater streams. The pond isn’t deep enough to swim in, but one or two people can probably sit in it with their knees up to their chins.” Kyle’s chuckle wasn’t contained to a whisper and the monarch butterflies rose up from their resting spots in a spectacular cloud of black and orange fluttering lines, and then they settled again.

Sherri watched the wonder on Kyle’s face and couldn’t hide the wonder on her own. “Thanks for bringing me here. I love this.”

He shrugged, but didn’t let go of her hand. “I figured you would.”

After a few more minutes soaking in the view, they returned to the trail.

Sherri stopped at the property line. A thick ditch had been dug about five feet wide and a foot deep. She scuffed the toe of her hiking boot in the slightly dried dirt. “You guys listened to me? No one else is taking me seriously.” She tried not to show her frustration with the overt sexism the ranch owners had shown. It wasn’t their fault they’d never had a female Land Management agent.

Bull crap, sexism shouldn’t matter and they were ignoring her warnings because she was a woman.

But Kyle and his cousins hadn’t ignored her. The proof was in the freshly dug fire line.

“Of course. We take important information seriously.” He squeezed her hand. “Let’s go get a drink. I’m sure my break is about up.”

Every second that passed made Sherri a little bit happier that she’d waited to see Ryland.

She’d remember that Monarch field for a long time.

Chapter 12

Kyle

Kyle didn’t want to wait another six days to see Sherri, but with Nate away with Emma and Sherri’s overtime schedule, they didn’t have much of a choice.

Friday evening came with a cranky vengeance and Kyle couldn’t wait to turn the ranch and its problems over to Jareth.

He splashed on some cologne he borrowed from Damon and revved the engine in ole Betsy.

He had a fun night out planned with Sherri and he couldn’t wait to pick her up.

On the main road into the reservation, Kyle avoided making eye contact with M.T. who sat sentinel in a lifted ‘70’s style Bronco with tinted rear windows.

The creepy feeling he was being watched didn’t ebb even as he picked up Sherri in her curve hugging shirt and jeans and wavy hair. Or as they drove off the reservation and there were two more trucks beside M.T. all of them watching like they could see inside Kyle’s mind.

Only in the movie theater at Colby did the feeling finally fade enough Kyle could relax.

Sherri traced her finger on his wrist and leaned toward him in the dark theater. Her whisper wasn’t necessary during the previews but Kyle appreciated a reason to lean close enough to smell her scent of citronella. Dang, her scent was comforting.

A hand slammed down on his shoulder, squeezing tight on the muscle between his shoulder and neck.

Reflexively, Kyle jumped to his feet, spinning around. He scanned the theater to make sure only one man was stupid enough to attempt grabbing him like that. His boots whispered softly over the cement floor of the cinema.

Guy roostered. The slope of the theater flooring raised his height to equal that of Kyle. He sneered. “You still hanging with my sloppy seconds?” He cast a sideways glance at Sherri, ogling her before returning his gaze to Kyle. “I didn’t realize you were into that. Maybe I need to get your sister again and we can double.”

The prodding pushed in just the right spot and Kyle’s wound up anger uncoiled. He threw a punch that landed clean below Guy’s right eye.

The other man didn’t stand a chance and stumbled backwards into the seats behind him.

Members in the waiting audience gasped and a woman screamed as he fell.

Dazed, Guy shook his head, raising his hand to rub at his cheek, staring at the floor for a long moment. As things cleared, he raised his eyes and glared at Kyle. After another moment, he stood, fear holding him back from saying too much, but before he darted from the seating area, he tossed out with a finger thrusting into the air, “You are so finished, Darby. Done!”

Kyle clenched his fists at his sides, anxious to run after the coward and finish things once and for all, but unwilling to leave Sherri unguarded.

He waited another moment after Guy disappeared and then turned and reclaimed his seat beside Sherri. Kyle offered a tight attempt at a reassuring smile and patted her hand with his.

She didn’t let him pull away, but turned her hand over and claimed his fingers in hers. She leaned over and rested her head on the top of his arm.

He peeked at the top of her head, overcome by an immense desire to tell her he really liked her and loved being around her, but the lights dimmed further, signaling the start of the feature.

They didn’t separate their intertwined fingers the length of the film.

Chapter 13

Sherri

Monday dawned sooner than Sherri was ready for. She couldn’t call Kyle first thing, like she wanted to. Dang, she wouldn’t even see him until the next Friday again.

She’d moved back to Clearwater County to see family again and have more time, but with the Western Pine Beetle infestation she was working overtime and her findings made the ranchers work longer – which meant Kyle worked longer.

She removed her wide work hat and closed the office door behind her. Cool air conditioning soothed the morning heat from her flushed face.

Barry Fielding rushed in, his bald crown freckled and white shined under the fluorescent lights. “This week is raring to be a scorcher. I’m closing the parks. There are already some real burners over in northern Idaho and Wyoming is getting hit as well.”

“Did you want me to go close it?” Closing the parks fell under her responsibilities. She wouldn’t mind hitting the ridge anyway, a chance to catch a glimpse of Kyle more motivation at the moment. Plus, if she could close the parks and lessen the chance at fire mishaps, she’d do what she needed to.

“You don’t mind? Why don’t you close the northern parks and I’ll close the southern ones. The state already closed the ones running along I-90 further south.” He poured a cup of coffee from the complimentary carafe set up on a small buffet in the corner. The Styrofoam cup fit his hand and he used a red stirrer to mix in powdered creamer from a single use packet. He sipped the steaming drink and screwed his lips up to the side. “Ew, that’s bitter.”

Sherri laughed. “When did you want to start?”

Grinning, Barry looked up from his cup. “You’re still here?”

Sherri grabbed the keys to the truck issued to her. “I’ll radio when I’m headed back to the office.”

He nodded as he poured the dregs of his cup into the water fountain beside the door.

The drive out to the park was uneventful, much to Sherri’s disappointment. She tried, but no sign of Kyle on the sunlit prairies left her discouraged and more than a little deflated.

At the turnout, she parked the truck and grabbed a fanny pack with water and jerky and headed up the trail. About two miles in, a rest stop provided respite from the heat. But the doors needed to be checked as well as the remainder of the trails. She’d only been up that far looking for the hikers the week before. She wanted to get some samples of the Western Pine Beetles to gauge growing patterns. They seemed rather aggressive for the time of year and the area.

She’d read about the influx of varying organisms due to increases and decreases in water and temperatures, but she’d never seen the beetles affected so distinctly and in such a concentrated amount.

Up ahead of her on the trail, within view of the bright blue port-a-potty, a man and a woman waved their arms frantically. From the distance, voices called but the words were swept away by the wind and absorbed by pine needles.

Sherri picked up her pace, slowing when she reached them. “Are you alright? What’s going on?”

The man wiped tears from his eyes. “Our horse...” His sobs caught up his words and he choked. He gripped the woman’s hand in his, his knuckles whitening with the pressure. “I won’t do it, Margaret. If we have to put him down... I can’t do it.”

His companion placed a hand on his upper arm and with tears in her eyes, pointing down the side of the hill toward untraveled terrain. “The gelding is down there.”

Sherri’s eyes widened and she nodded, more to reassure herself than them. Ever since Cyan’s short-term-owned dog passed away a year or so ago, Sherri was afraid of seeing animals dead or injured. She could handle most things creepy, crawly, and with more than four legs, but things that made noises? Not so much.

Thick leaves on wild currant bushes blocked her view and she pushed at them as she carefully stepped off the shoulder of the path. She glanced back at the couple standing with their arms around each other. If she was like Rachiah and took horror movies to heart, she wouldn’t even think about going into those woods alone. But this was Sherri and she laughed at Stephen King’s It because if spiders didn’t scare her – what would?

Besides fire. Stephen King’s Carrie had scared the bejunkers out of her. Rachiah didn’t need to know that, though.

Sherri held onto a protruding root from a nearby pine as she scrabbled down the steep slope into the mini-valley.

The complete lack of sound chilled her blood. No thrashing, no screams, nothing.

Had they made it up? Were they lying?

Sherri stepped further down the hill, disbelief slowly growing in her gut. At the crux of the valley, she stood with her hands on her hips and surveyed as much as she could see, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

She sighed, long and low and turned to go when a brown chestnut rearend caught her eye from the protection of brush and grasses. Had the horse died?

Moving closer, she was careful not to make any loud sounds or sudden movements. Searching the animal with her gaze, she pushed the leaves away, checking for signs of life. Dirt covered his coat like he’d flipped down the side of the hill. Looking back up the way she’d come, Sherri grimaced. Coming down, she hadn’t noticed the bent branches and smashed bushes. She’d been too concerned with getting down herself.

At the head of the horse, she searched his open eyes which flickered as she moved in his line of vision. But he didn’t move. Didn’t whimper.

Nothing.

She wasn’t a veterinarian. She didn’t know what to do. Pulling out her phone, she tried calling Barry but only got his voicemail – all three times she called him.

Finally, she dialed Cyan.

“Cyan, I need help. I’m on Beaver Ridge and there’s a downed horse up this way. Not moving, but his eyes are open. I think he’s in pain.” She contained her own whimpers as she waited for Cyan to tell her what to do.

“Holy cow, Sherri. Okay, I’ll call you back in a second.” Cyan hung up, not even waiting for a goodbye.

Sherri crouched down beside the large animal. She didn’t want to touch him in case it hurt him more, but she didn’t want to leave him either. No one should be alone in that much pain. “Sh. It’s okay.”

Sh? Sh to who? He was barely breathing with how still he was.

Her phone dinged in her hand. “Yeah?”

“I called Kyle. He’s the closest. Jareth is at Jonesy’s, but the closest vet is a doc in Colby, um, a McAllister or something. He’ll talk to Kyle by phone and walk him through what to do.” Cyan’s businesslike tone was normal when she panicked for her friends.

Sherri nodded numbly. “Okay. Is Kyle heading up the hill? I can shoot off an emergency flare. No, wait.” She shook her head. “I can’t do that. Fire danger.”

“I’m sure he’ll find you. I told him off the trail. He’s pretty capable. I’ll keep your line clear. Call me as soon as you’re able.” She hung up, leaving Sherri grateful she didn’t have to worry about small talk as she sat next to a horribly injured animal.

Where had the owners gone? They hadn’t followed her down and she didn’t want to leave the big animal to retrieve them.

The minutes passed like hours and days. She didn’t check the time but instead stared at the horse and his eyes as he tried to focus on something or anything, his safety instincts on high alert. His ears flicked forward and back.

After what could have been two lifetimes, Kyle appeared in the V of the valley on his horse who carefully picked his way over the natural debris on the forest floor.

Kyle was there. Even though Cyan had said he would come, the bleakness of the situation hadn’t seemed to allow room for the brightness of the thought of Kyle. And yet there he was.

She stood slowly, wiping her moist palms on the tops of her jeans, relieved to see him.

He slid from the Arabian and handed Sherri the rope. Slowly, he approached the gelding and knelt beside him. Keeping his voice low, Kyle murmured, “Can I borrow your phone? I’m supposed to call the vet.”

Sherri held out her hand, a little disappointed he hadn’t greeted her differently and yet fully aware that she didn’t know how to greet him either. An urgent situation called for a more controlled emotional response.

But that didn’t mean Sherri didn’t want to be grabbed and kissed. It just meant that she understood why she hadn’t.

He dialed a number by memory and spoke with someone on the other line. Sherri could only assume it was the veterinarian.

Kyle stated things he saw and then ran his hands carefully down legs and sides. The belly of the horse moved as he breathed, sometimes quickly and shallowly and sometimes slow and deep.

Kyle nodded after he reported his findings. He fell quiet and just listened, softly stroking the horse’s mane and watching his eyes.

After a moment of listening he finished with, “Yes, I understand. Thank you.” He handed the phone to Sherri who pushed the end button.

“Doctor McAllister said he most likely broke his pelvis. He also said that we need to stay with him until he can get a helicopter up here to airlift the poor guy out.” Kyle stroked the horse’s jowls. “It’s okay, buddy.” He looked up at Sherri. “Where are the owners?”

She pointed weakly up where she’d left them. “They were up that way, but I’m not sure if they still are.”

“Let’s hope they didn’t abandon him. If not, I’ll call my friends at the horse rescue ranch and see what they can do to help.” He clenched his jaw, a small tick just at the curve pulling her gaze like a magnet.

Sherri sat Indian-style on the soft ground. “Thank you for coming. I know you’re busy at the ranch. I called Cyan because I didn’t know what to do—”

Kyle shifted his weight to put him closer to Sherri. He rested his finger against her lips. “It’s okay. I think you did the best you could and I’m glad I could come help.” He winked. “But you have to admit, you were just trying to see me before Friday.”

Even under the circumstances, Sherri couldn’t contain a grin. “What makes you think you’re seeing me Friday?”

“What makes you think I’m not?” He leaned closer to her and pushed his lips against hers, just enough to brush warm skin across the sensitive flesh of her lower lip.

He pulled back and winked at her. In mock horror, he continued speaking low. “How dare you try to take advantage of me and my emotions for this poor creature?”

“You’re sweet.” She sobered and studied the horse. “Did he say how long?”

“No, he has to make some calls first. I can make some calls, too, and get my jobs covered. Do you need to call your boss?” He tilted his head. “I assume we’re staying together?” The warm invitation was in his eyes and Sherri couldn’t say no, even if she wanted to.

They made their calls and other than concern for the horse, no one gave them any problems or expected any less than staying with an injured animal – whether they owned it or not. They claimed a spot on crushed down ferns and tall grasses beside the heavy breathing horse.

“I wish we could do something to help him. He has to be in so much pain.” Sherri rested her chin on her knees pulled up to her chest. “He’s got to be so scared.”

“I can’t believe those people never came back for him. He’s a beautiful horse. What do you think his name is?” Kyle petted the large animal’s nose with care, speaking low and comforting.

Sherri picked at a stalk of grass, flicking the pieces into the surrounding foliage. She considered the horse and its richly brown coat. “He’s a big strong guy and if he survives this, he should be named something like Duke or Maxximus.” She shrugged. “I’m not the best at naming things.”

“I think those are great names.” Kyle studied the big brown eyes and whispered, “I think Duke is a perfect name.”

“Duke it is.” Sherri’s heart tingled at the sight of Kyle leaning over the fallen horse with the Arabian nibbling on green grass just past the dark brim of his Stetson.

She’d be very irritated if she fell for Kyle and ended up worse than the horse.

Chapter 14

Kyle

Spending more than a handful of hours with Sherri in the woods and nothing else to do but watch an injured horse was exactly what Kyle needed.

The delicate way she touched her forehead with the back of her thumb to sweep her hair away entranced him. She had an ability to captivate others – him especially. He wasn’t surprised that M.T. was so taken with her.

Kyle pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around them, rocking back slightly to watch her as they talked. “This whole M.T. thing. Is he going to back off?”

Sherri’s laugh brightened the woods around them. “Doubtful. He’s professed his ‘undying love’ for years. He doesn’t have anyone to compare me to. Once he gets out there and sees more of the world, he’ll understand there’s nothing special about me.” A derisive smile and a wave of her fingers enunciated her comment. “I mean, I’m just an entomologist. My idea of a good time is sitting around feeding crickets to Tommy. Or going for a hike.”

“Isn’t Tommy the spider that tried to kill me?” Kyle made his eyes grow wide in mock terror.

“Hardly.” She giggled and Kyle couldn’t help it. He pulled her closer, to sit beside him.

The sound of helicopter blades beating the air grew, interrupting the moment.

He met Sherri’s dark eyes and murmured, “You’re growing on me, bug girl.”

But she pulled back, looking down. “You don’t want that. I’m serious when I say, I’m boring.” She directed her gaze upward, trying to see through the towering canopy of pine boughs. “Which way will they come from?”

Bemused, Kyle considered her, not looking up when he pointed southwest. She continued avoiding his eyes. Why did she pull away when he mentioned anything remotely intimate? She didn’t strike him as a girl who’d had relationship problems. Kyle wasn’t one to hide from talking things out. Much to his brother’s irritation.

“Sherri, I don’t want to push, but why do you pull away when I try to get closer?” Kyle reached out again, touching her hand softly with the tips of his fingers.

She glanced down, but made an obvious effort to not pull away. Sherri still didn’t meet his gaze. “It’s really not you. It’s just... guys don’t like me. They like what they think they can do to me. I’m not the exotically angry one of us girls like Rachiah. I’m not the eccentrically principled one like Cyan. I’m just...” She shrugged. “Mild. I’m a vegan who doesn’t like it spicy. Bugs have always been a passion of mine. Boys? Not so much. I just don’t see the point in being tied down to someone who doesn’t like the same things as me.” She smiled softly. “I don’t mean to be blunt, but you can’t even talk about Tommy without goosebumps.”

Kyle cleared his throat. “You have to admit, he’s huge.”

Sherri burst out laughing. “Yes, he definitely has size on his side.”

“So you’re saying the only thing you like are bugs.” Kyle didn’t want to miss a flicker of an eyelash or a curl of her lips.

She blinked like taken by surprise. “No. Actually I like a lot of things.”

It was Kyle’s turn to laugh. “Let’s build on the things we have in common rather than run from the things we don’t then.”

She considered him, ignoring the chopping of blades above them. Slowly she nodded. “Okay. I can do that. I like horses.”

Kyle reached out and flipped a stray chunk of hair off her cheek. “Good. So do I.”

~

Kyle didn’t get back to the bunkhouse for dinner until the guys were heading up for seconds and dessert. His thirst was undeniable so he headed straight for the water at an empty seat by Nate. “Hey, when did you get back?” Things had to be going well, if Nate was home already.

Nate’s eyes were shadowed and ringed as he looked up from the food he swirled around his plate with his fork. He spoke with a voice that was husky and worn like he’d gargled with whiskey and glass. “Yeah, well, the cancer’s back. And Emma just wanted to be home, so...” He trailed off, forcing a bite into his mouth and sipping a drink he obviously didn’t want.

Kyle sank onto the seat beside him, his euphoria over Sherri shrinking into a black pit of despair. “It’s back?” More cousins closed rank as they heard Kyle’s voice. Murmurs of sadness and regret surrounded them.

Nate nodded, baring his teeth but unable to pull off even a fake smile. “Yeah, but we’ll beat it, right? That’s what she and I do. We beat it.”

“Why are you here? I mean, why aren’t you with Emma?” Kyle didn’t touch his water. He couldn’t care about his thirst when his cousin hurt so much.

Nate sniffed. “She... well, she doesn’t want to talk about it or do anything about it. She just wants to leave it for now.”

A solid mass settled in Kyle’s stomach.

“Can we talk about something else?” Nate motioned toward the rest of the ranch hands who had grown quiet while he spoke.

Kyle swallowed. “We just saved a horse. Do you guys know what happens to a horse if it’s injured and no one claims it?”

Andy, a new ranch hand recently hired, spoke up. “They usually euthanize it. If the owner abandons it and there’s no one to pay the bills, well, you know.” He shrugged and stuffed a gravy dipped biscuit in his mouth.

Euthanized? Kyle had never had his own horse, but he couldn’t see letting that beautiful horse like Duke die because of owners who didn’t want it.

Could he just toss an animal aside like that? Emotionally he had more invested in that horse than any other animal before. Maybe because he’d bonded more with Sherri with just the injured animal and its circumstances or maybe because he’d had to drop everything and be there for something besides himself or the Montana Trails or his family or his sister. He was doing it for altruistic purposes... or was he?

He would have something in common with Sherri. They liked horses.

Emma’s health problems reminded Kyle how fragile they all were. He excused himself and made his way to the phone by the front door.

He dialed his sister’s number by heart, even though they hadn’t spoken in quite a while.

She picked up on the first ring. “Kyle?” The delighted surprise in her voice brought a smile to Kyle’s lips.

He cleared his throat. “Hey, Rubics. How you doin’?”

She half-laughed and half-cried. “I can’t believe you finally called me back.”

“Called you back? What are you talking about?” Kyle turned to lean against the wall, watching his cousins and the other ranch hands from his vantage point.

“I asked Mom to have you call me.” Her whisper carried over the line.

“She never told me. Why weren’t you at the wedding?” He didn’t mention all the Thanksgivings and Christmases she’d missed over the years. He knew why she hadn’t been there. Their parents weren’t the most loving people or the most understanding.

Her weak laugh made him twist his lips. “You know why. Mom can’t even look at me and Dad’s pretty much disowned me.”

“But it wasn’t your fault.” Kyle hung his head, his chin almost to his chest. “They didn’t invite you?”

“No, I got an invitation the same day I got a note from Mom telling me not to come. She didn’t want to cast a shadow on Jareth’s big day.” She laughed. “Because I’m an embarrassment.”

“You don’t embarrass me.” He rubbed his elbow. His poor sister. She didn’t deserve to be a victim and also be shamed. Jareth hadn’t said anything. He’d probably accepted the lies their mother told, too. Hadn’t Kyle initially?

“Thanks, Kyle. So what’s with the call?” She brightened her tone.

“I met someone. She’s different and she likes bugs.” His grin erupted at just the thought of Sherri and talking about her with his sister solidified the idea that welled in his chest. He could be falling for her and he didn’t know if he wanted that or not.

“That’s great, Kyle. I’m so happy.” Her giggle lightened as she talked about a car show she was planning on attending that upcoming weekend and more crazy stuff going on at their relatives’ home.

He caught a glimpse of Nate’s downtrodden expression. Was falling for someone something to be happy about? Or was Kyle destined to be weighted down with heart ache like Nate? Kyle didn’t know if he’d ever feel for someone like Nate did and he didn’t want to face losing anyone.

He didn’t want to lose Sherri.

Chapter 15

Sherri

“I’m fine. Do you want me to come to the office, Barry?” Sherri stopped at the intersection where one direction led home and the other way led to work.

“No, I’m glad you’re fine and that horse is getting care. Great job today. We’ll see you in the morning.” He hung up, probably eating dinner.

Sherri sighed, relieved to be heading home. But she hadn’t closed the trail. She hadn’t finished her job. She’d have to turn back and finish that up before she went home.

Her cell rang and she answered. “Cyan, how’s it going?”

“Are you still out? Stop by and eat with me. Jareth isn’t home yet.” Cyan’s soft demand hid something.

Sherri was tired but not so tired she couldn’t be there for her friend. “I’ll be there in a little bit. You still at Emma’s?” She’d have time to close the trail afterward.

“Yeah, see you in a little bit.” Cyan never said goodbye and Sherri appreciated it. The drive there wouldn’t take long, but would be enough for Sherri to dwell on her time with Kyle.

The man was enough to keep her on her toes, keep her interested, but was she enough to keep him interested?

He liked her, but she didn’t want to get bored or get so attached to him that when he stopped liking her, her heart would be broken. Wasn’t that what happened?

She pulled into Nate’s place and parked. A sense of foreboding stayed her hand as she waited a moment before opening the door. Why had Cyan’s voice sounded tight and why didn’t she ask about the horse or Kyle?

Sherri knocked on the front door. She picked at the inner soft skin of her thumb.

Cyan answered, a sad smile on her lips. “Hey, thanks for coming over.”

“What’s going on?” Sherri’s eyes widened as Cyan pulled her to the side of the front door just outside. “I need you to tell Emma what’s been going on with you and Kyle. She needs something to take her mind off...” Cyan blinked away tears. She continued in a whisper. “The cancer’s back.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Okay, I can talk about it.” She followed Cyan inside. They didn’t go far into the house, stopping inside the front living room where Emma sat on the couch with her arms wrapped around a throw pillow and staring blankly out the window.

“Hi Emma, how’s it going?” Sherri smiled, unsure what to say or what to do.

Cyan shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Emma, Sherri was just telling me about Kyle coming to help rescue a horse up on Beaver Ridge.”

Emma turned her attention toward Sherri. “Kyle, huh? Tell me more about what you and Kyle were up to.” She didn’t seem morose and instead exuded sincere interest in Sherri’s tale.

An hour passed of Sherri telling her story and Emma asking pointed questions about Kyle and Sherri’s interaction with him. They were laughing like school girls when Jareth walked inside.

He paused, looking back out the door and then back at them. “Am I at the right place?”

Cyan stood to kiss Jareth on the lips. “Hey, where’d you go? I thought you were going to come right home after dinner at the ranch?”

Jareth peeked at Emma. “Yeah, but Nate wanted to have a meeting about the upcoming branding of the young cattle and I couldn’t say no. We haven’t seen him in a while.”

No mention of Kyle and what he and Sherri had been up to. Did he just not mention it to Jareth or was Jareth being discreet?

Nate stomped through the door, his bandana dark in spots from sweat. “I got the animals fed really fast. Is Sherri still here?”

He spied her and moved closer, ignoring the dirt flecking from his boots to the hardwood floor. He came within inches of her, peering into her face, his eyes bloodshot in his pale face. “Sherri, do you know anything about leaching?”

“Nathan. That’s enough.” Emma half-stood from the couch, looking stronger than anyone in that room. “I told you to stop this time.”

Startled, Nate whirled, his arms wide. “No. Not this time. Not ever. I’m not quitting. I’m not giving up.”

She crossed the room, lifting her hand to his cheek. “But it’s not your decision, Nate.” Her eyes welled with tears and she glanced at the floor, tossing an apology awkwardly into the room before disappearing up the stairs.

Nate’s shoulders slumped and he pinched his brow. “Sorry, but...” He sighed.

Sherri placed her hand on his upper arm and slightly turned him to face her. “It’s okay. I understand wondering about leaching.” Her tone became that of a teacher’s. “Leaching isn’t used for cancer, Nate. It’s more for relieving fevers or infectious areas. Even if she had those symptoms, I would think she would want every bit of her blood because of the white blood cells.” She glanced between Cyan and Jareth. “I don’t know any more than that because I didn’t go further with my anatomy and physiology than the basic classes. At least for humans.” Her lame laugh fell into the disappointed living room amongst the couches and armchairs.

Nate nodded the slightest amount. “So it’s just an old wives’ tale. They said that... the doctors, but I just...” He lifted his hand and then let it fall limply to his side.

“She’s going to be okay. She’s beat it before. She can beat it again.” Cyan linked her arm with Sherri’s as if they were the solitary force Emma would need to beat her sickness.

“Yeah. She has. But she wanted to fight then.” He softly shook his head, reaching up to pull off his hat. “She doesn’t want to fight anymore.” His red-rimmed eyes seemed to beg for help while the slouch in his spine suggested he’d given up too. “I’m desperate for something. If you guys hear anything about natural or alternative treatments, let me know, okay?”

He didn’t wait for their acceptance, just turned and walked back outside.

Cyan stared after him while Sherri shifted on her feet.

Sherri liked Emma. If Sherri didn’t get things under control with Kyle, she’d be entering a family who could be losing a very important member soon. Sherri didn’t want to get that invested. She didn’t want to lose anyone. Not when she had never lost anyone her entire life.

She didn’t need anyone and she wanted to keep it that way.

~

“I’m going to check on the trails. I didn’t get a chance to close them all the way.” Sherri tapped the edge of the phone and watched the road.

“Well, it’s no wonder. You had a busy day yesterday. Check and see if there’s any further beetle damage, too, please. I’ve been fielding calls from ranchers all week, asking me if it’s true. Beetles scare them, but apparently a woman warning them is even scarier.” He sighed. “Keep me updated.” Subtle feminism bothered her but at least it was something that didn’t keep Barry from hiring a woman.

“Sure, thanks, Barry.” She hung up, placing her phone on the passenger seat. She hadn’t slept well with worried thoughts about how she felt for Kyle and what kind of worry Cyan and everyone else seemed to have for Emma. Emma herself seemed more normal than everyone else.

A car pulled in behind her on the road from the intersection she passed. Tight on her bumper, the car stuck with her. She waved them around, but they didn’t move.

She took the next left, turning up the road, passing Jonesy’s Acres and keeping an eye out for Kyle. She wouldn’t mind seeing him again, especially so soon after their time together the day before.

He liked her, even though they didn’t have much in common. The fact that he was willing to work on things they had in common mattered more than she could tell him.

She pulled to the side to let the car pass, but the vehicle slowed and didn’t move on. Sherri clutched the wheel and pulled out again. The road was too narrow. She’d never get turned around without getting stuck in a ditch. Maybe the other car was going further than the trails. She couldn’t get out of the truck, if the other car stopped when she did. After that incident with Kyle at the cinemas, she didn’t trust that people weren’t completely off their saddles.

Trees bordering the road pulled back from the shoulder as the turnout to the gravel parking lot came into view.

Turning the wheel, Sherri muttered to know one in particular, “Keep driving. Creepy...” But her words trailed off when the car stopped and then sped down the road.

“Okay, whatever. So dang weird.” But they’d driven on. She left the truck in her normal parking spot and grabbed a water bottle from the back. The day was turning out to be a hot one already.

Turning the knob to the radio, she listened for the familiar buzz, but the radio light didn’t even flash on. She forgot to charge the radio unit in all the commotion the night before between the horse and Emma’s place.

Sherri closed her eyes and bowed her head. What was she doing? She tucked her phone in her pocket and clipped the fanny pack around her waist. Already a trickle of sweat made its way down the small of her back and under her shirt tucked into her jeans.

Locking the doors, she turned at the sound of a different truck pulling into the parking area. She smiled and approached the tinted window as the rig moved onto the gravel. Closing the trail would be easier, if she just tamped down any visitors from the get-go.

The truck revved its engine and accelerated from the curve. Tires spinning, the front bumper narrowly missed her shin as she jumped out of its path.

The truck rammed into the bed of her rig. Metal crunched, the sound reverberating through the trees and deafening all other sounds. Even her pulse pounding in her ears.

Glass tinkled onto the gravelly ground.

Staring for the briefest of seconds as reality crashed around her, Sherri accepted that she wasn’t just afraid of fire. She was terrified of whoever had just intentionally crammed her truck into the forest boundaries.

Sherri couldn’t get to her truck. The force of the larger Dodge had propelled her smaller Nissan through the parking space and into the log barrier set up at the trail head.

She spun, running toward the trail.

The truck door opened and the man – Guy, if she remembered right - staggered out. He shook his head, holding onto the door as he regained his bearings.

The barrier was crashed in, partially hanging over the packed down dirt of the trail.

Guy spotted her and tensed. His quiet voice carried across the short distance. “You’re going to wish I hadn’t missed.”

Sherri edged further around the accident, trying to get out of his range. He’d easily catch her, if she ran down the road. She wasn’t that fast, unless she took to the trails and non-traveled paths of the forest. Not many could keep up with her in that regard. His wiry size would overcome her without any problems. But his tennis shoes wouldn’t support his ankles well, if she led him down the mountain. Her boots were extremely supportive.

She’d have to count on that small bit of confidence to do anything about saving herself.

She watched his eyes shift as he still gathered his control.

His lips thinned further and he ducked his head, his shoulders tight.

The crazy man was going to charge her.

Backing up further, she gauged the slope of the ground with her heels as she moved. Her boot slanted as the gravelly surface of the ground gave way.

Glinting in his eye warned her.

He jerked toward Sherri and she whirled, slipping through the break in the fence and darting over the side of the mountain. Fortunately, she’d been that way multiple times since she’d moved back and she could say, fairly confidently, that she was headed toward Jonesy’s Acres. At least generally. She had a valley and then another ridge to get over before she was in range.

Guy crashed and snapped multiple branches and other limbs behind her as he followed, spurring her on.

She slipped on dry, loose brush and dirt, propelling quickly downward. Even with her arms out, she couldn’t grasp any roots or low hanging branches for additional support.

Her legs hurt and she stumbled as a rotten log gave way under her weight. Pushing off the slanted ground, she rushed faster, the sounds of her pursuer closer and louder – his breathing coming in harder spurts than her own.

She hit the valley of the mountainside and leaned into the climb to get over the slight rise of the ridge before the final drop down toward the large section of land.

As Sherri dug in, lengthening her stride, the crashing behind her lessened until it stopped.

Don’t look back. Don’t look back. It’s a trap. She glanced behind her, slowing down when the man didn’t pop up in her line of sight. Where did he go? She turned to search for him. She wouldn’t be caught unawares and there was no way he’d gotten ahead of her. Not on that steep of a rise. He’d been puffing like a heavy smoker.

Movement from a stand of Tamaracks caught her attention and she crouched down. He had something which flashed in the dim shadows of the forest, flickering orange and white.

“No! Stop!” She stood, arm outstretched as if she could compel him to stop building the fire in the crux of a very old tree.

He glanced at her, the fire already set.

Then he stood, tilting his head back and studying her through slanted eyes. “You’ll come with me or I’ll catch you down by the field. There’s more than one way to flush a hare.” He turned and climbed up the side of the hill, using the trees and brush to aid his climb.

After he reached halfway up and was far enough away to not be a problem, Sherri rushed from her spot above the valley floor and sprinted up the hill to the small fire which spread quickly.

No. No no no no no. No fire. Oh crap, the fire. She had to go near it. She had to actually be up close to it. Goosebumps scattered over her arms and up her neck and not because she was cold.

She couldn’t breathe, overwhelmed by the exertion in the early heat of the summer day and her overwhelming fear of flames. Her pulse was erratic, but she’d have to worry about that later.

Gritting her teeth, she stamped at the fire eating at the edges of a growing circle.

Sherri whimpered.

Dry twigs and leaves succumbed to the hungry tongue of the fire. She scooped dirt onto some of the orange flames to smother it, but they ate at the dry foliage mixed in with the dirt. She backed up as her attempts to kill the fire only fueled its angry appetite.

Nothing she did was working.

The flames spread up the crackly bark of the old, drought weakened tree, catching hold and devouring the hair-like moss with increasing intensity.

Before her the fire grew from a small threat to a priority she couldn’t get under control. She didn’t know how. She couldn’t even blame her crippling fear to its overabundant vigor.

Whipping her cell phone out, she dialed her boss’s number and turned to run back up the hill away from the parking lot.

Guy had warned her. He’d promised to be waiting for her. She couldn’t go around the fire – even if she wanted to.

She had to take her chances running from it.

Puffing hard as she crawled up the side of the hill, she slowed while her phone rang. And rang.

His voicemail came up. She gasped for air as she spoke, not taking the chance to stop. “Barry! Someone just. Started a fire. On purpose. I’m on the. Beaver. Ridge. Headed toward Jonesy’s. Acres. Ruined the truck.” Hanging up, she tried to regulate her breathing, but the adrenaline coursing through her messed with any semblance of control she wanted to pretend to have.

Smoke curled up the mountainside, swirling between the brush and the ferns littering the forest floor. Sherri coughed, searching for a break in the trees twenty feet above her. She had to get through them and start her mad dash down the other side.

Fingers clenched around the phone, she debated who to call. Best bet would be Kyle, but he didn’t have a cell. Cyan? She dialed her best friend’s number, stopping her scramble up for a second to press send. She then lunged forward, shoving her hands between the branches to get through the mass of thick trees.

She didn’t want to need anyone. She had to save herself, but she needed help putting out the fire. She could admit that much.

Glancing back, she held in a sob at the sight of the flames moving quickly through the dry underbrush and seeming to leap from tree top to tree top with the slight breeze cresting over the canopy.

Cyan answered on the third ring.

“Cyan!” Sherri screamed, her voice already hoarse from the smoke-tinged air. “Beaver ridge is on fire. Some guy chased me and started a forest fire. Get help. I don’t know who to call. We haven’t covered this in training yet.” She hadn’t covered much of anything except basic protocols. Being understaffed didn’t help anyone.

“I’ll make some calls. Where are you? Are you okay?” Cyan’s breathlessness relieved Sherri.

She wasn’t overreacting. Her friend took her seriously. Not that Sherri expected anything less, but with heat mounting behind her and a mad man potentially in front of her... Sherri didn’t know what part of her reality had changed and what hadn’t.

“I’m okay. I’m trying to get ahead of the fire. It’s heading straight for Jonesy’s place. Warn them. I’ll be fine.” She knelt down for a moment, her legs cramping and she leaned against the trunk of a small pine, while she held onto the phone like her last link with the real world. “Thank you.” Her whisper barely reached above a sigh. Of course she’d be fine. She could get herself out of that. No big deal.

“Sherri! Get out of there. I’ll see if I can send someone to get you.” Cyan barely restrained her panic, her voice dropping in desperation. “Seriously, get safe. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Sherri didn’t answer as she hung up. She couldn’t. Her throat was swelling and just swallowing was painful.

She could do it. She could save herself. It wasn’t far. She didn’t have far to go. All the uphill climbing was behind her.

She tucked her phone into her back pocket. Where did she go? Could she go directly down to the ranch? Would she make it? She hadn’t been down that way. The last time she went down the hill to get to the ranch, she’d gone down at an angle.

From her limited vantage point, thick smoke covered her view behind her, back the way she came.

The way Guy had said he’d be waiting.

Or wait, had he said something about waiting for her down the hill away from him?

Vertigo sent her on a dizzying spin.

Trees faded as more smoke filled the air around her. She covered her mouth and nose, coughing as she staggered down the hill, tripping and tumbling down the rocky face.

Had she entered her own personal hell?

Chapter 16

Kyle

Kyle recognized the truck that passed by the ranch mid-morning. He gritted his teeth as he finished rounding the barn from mounting his horse. He glared at Guy’s rig as it sped past.

Nudging the horse with his knee, Kyle shook his head. He had to accept the fact that he wasn’t everyone’s hero. Since he’d started spending more time with Sherri, he hadn’t been able to follow Guy on his night time forays into bars. And after he’d promised the guy he’d be there, watching him.

If he didn’t do something to keep Guy in line, he’d think he’d scared Kyle off the night he got up in Kyle’s face while Kyle was out with Sherri.

Turning around the edge of the ranch, Kyle held the Arabian to a slow walk. He’d never named the horse, never cared enough to. She was a gorgeous animal, but Kyle didn’t allow himself to develop an attachment to her. She wasn’t his.

Neither was Sherri, but he’d grown so attached to her over the last month or so, he didn’t think he could detach himself easily. Kyle would have to humble himself and own up to Jareth that Kyle finally understood how fast Jareth had fallen for Cyan – even though they were complete opposites.

When a man knows, he knows. And even though Kyle didn’t want to commit to anything hasty or permanent just yet, he knew.

Sherri was the girl he wanted in his life for as long as he could keep her there.

Bugs and all.

Would he lose everyone’s respect, if he fell for a vegan bug collector? Did he care? Sherri had so many great qualities. Kyle would be an idiot to let her out of his life.

He was just smart enough to realize that. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

The perimeter passed under the hooves of his ride smoothly. Nate had been so worried about the burn line, he’d had them double the width and raise the height of the fences with chicken wire to prevent large burning debris from floating or falling over the line.

Nate had thought of everything. If the field caught fire, the flames would spread faster than fog on a window and it would destroy the ranch.

The ranch he didn’t own.

Kyle reached the far corner of the property, near the butterfly pond he’d taken Sherri to. Why couldn’t he get his mind off her?

A whistle in the distance drew him from his thoughts and he adjusted his hat to see better.

Nate rode toward him at a full on gallop. He drew up to Kyle, reining his horse in tight and then moving it in a circle to cool down. “Sherri’s in trouble.” Nate pointed over the hill at the edge of the fencing. “There’s a fire coming this way. I just reported it to the fire patrol and we’re getting some hoses out to get ready. I don’t know where she is, but it’s somewhere out there.” He nodded into the forest. Sweat already beaded on his forehead and neck.

Panic welled in Kyle, but rather than spurn him into chaos, he calmed. “She’s out there? Can she get out?” He searched the trees for the impossible sign of her running toward him. “Is she on a horse?”

“Cyan isn’t sure. But some guy chased after her and then started the fire. Sherri didn’t say who it was, but she said he’s waiting for her. So she’s not going back to her truck. If she’s smart, she’ll head this way. Then we can watch for her and get her to safety.” He pulled his horse a few feet away, wheeling around to face Kyle once more.

Above the tree line, white smoke marred the otherwise flawless blue sky. Spreading across the blue expanse gave away the presence of a strong wind higher and higher up. The breeze around them suggested the wind was stronger at the higher altitudes.

“I need to find her.” Kyle choked down the worry threatening to consume him. He didn’t have any other choice. His entire being ached to rescue her.

“I can’t help you, Kyle. I’m sorry. I have too much to do to protect this place. Good luck.” Nate nodded again, tapping the horse’s flank with his boot. The large animal bolted, as if he sensed the urgency in the moment. Nate didn’t say it, but he needed help, but he’d never put Kyle in the position to choose and Kyle knew it.

Plus, Nate would never put a person’s life after the well-being of material objects. He wanted Kyle to do what he had to do so Nate could focus on the ranch.

If what Sherri had said about the fire danger in that area was correct, Kyle hoped she got out of there fast. The flames would move speedily with the breeze coming from the west.

He looked back at the ranch. Did he help with the fire protection or did he go after Sherri? Of course he would find her and help her. Of course he couldn’t conceivably consider anything else. Not when his heart longed to have her in his arms again, safe and sound.

He had a sinking feeling the man was Guy. Didn’t it add up? Kyle didn’t realize Sherri had gone up to the ridge that morning, but it made sense. Guy wasn’t a nature fan.

Guy had followed her. Did Kyle go after him or did he rush to Sherri? Was she safe enough to reach the ranch soon?

Of course, he’d go after Sherri, but Nate needed him, too. Guilt ate at him even as he spurred his horse through a break in the fencing and up a trail onto the mountainside.

He’d make sure he got back to help with the ranch in time. He would.

Because if he didn’t make it, then that meant he hadn’t found Sherri in time.

~

Kyle adjusted the bandana he’d tied around his face. The smoke had grown thicker the higher he’d climbed. If he didn’t turn back, he’d endanger the horse. He climbed off the Arabian and smacked her rear-end with a “heeyah” to send her home. She trotted down the nearest trail toward the ranch. Kyle just hoped it was in time.

He turned back to the wall of smoke that hid a crackling hot mess behind its veil of white. His eyes watered and his mouth filled with a metallic taste. He couldn’t go closer, the heat was too intense. He’d been all along the line of fire as it crawled closer toward the ranch.

A helicopter passed overhead with a bucket hanging from its skids. It disappeared into the smoke cover, leaving Kyle to separate the sounds of the fire ravaging the woods and the blades chopping through the air.

When did he admit defeat? When did he let his heart know there wasn’t any hope? Did he accept the loss?

But he couldn’t give up yet. He had to find her. Maybe he’d missed her on one of his passes. She was probably sitting at the ranch right that moment, drinking ice cold water and reporting the incident to the police.

A burning tree crashed through the forest and the loud whinny of a horse pulled Kyle that direction.

He stepped over the logs and bushes teeming with escaping bugs and creatures. A doe shot across his field of view as he reached the fallen burning mass.

The Arabian he’d sent away had gotten stuck between tightly growing brush and the flaming tree. Her eyes rolled, the whites larger than the pupils. She blew, her lips moving and reared from him, as if he was another threat she couldn’t escape from.

Kyle climbed through the leaves and branches of the brush, stomping them down and pushing them to the sides and reaching out his hands to calm the horse. “Sh. Come on. Let’s get out of here. I bet she’s down at the ranch. Nate probably has her and they’re all fine.” His muttering calmed the horse enough he grabbed her free hanging reins. “Let’s go.” He tugged her through the small hole in the bushes, desperate to free her from the trap. “I didn’t think before sending you off, lady, I’m sorry.”

Lady. He liked that. She’d be Lady. Maybe he could let himself get a little more attached to the people and things in his life. They had a great job there at the ranch and there was no reason why he wouldn’t get to stay on a little longer.

He tugged harder, pulling Lady’s head down under branches and low bending snags. She didn’t protest as he pulled her further from the heat, down the mountain.

With each step away from the fire, Kyle’s hopes crumbled a little more. Was he being stupid? Was he abandoning Sherri to the inferno raging across the forest?

Was he ever going to find Sherri?

Chapter 17

Sherri

Sherri didn’t remember falling. She lifted her head from the hot ground, fingers by her face were red with blood. Throbbing pain just above her eyebrow pulsed frantically. Her cheek rubbed intimately with dirty bark and heat tamped down all around her. She rolled to her back, desperate to get her bearings.

The fire was closing in.

Standing on wobbly legs, she coughed through a dry throat. Crackling and smoke surrounded her, overwhelming her senses.

She could do it. She could do it.

The ground beneath her feet slanted to the right. Down. She just had to get down. If she could just get down, she’d be able to get on the ranch land.

She didn’t even care how she got down. She slid on loose needles on her butt most of the way, finally landing where she could run on flat land.

Reaching the corner of the land furthest from the ranch, she stopped to look for a way through.

The fire line ditch had been expanded further and the fencing ran even higher. She’d never get over the high wire or crawl under the low poles.

She fell to her knees in the dry dirt, sobs ripping from her raw throat. Lacing her fingers over the loops of the fencing, she hung her head and closed her eyes. She had to get somewhere safe. But where?

Maybe she wasn’t going to be able to do this on her own.

Under her arm, she watched the fire reach the line about fifty feet from where she knelt, burning and trying to get over the dirt. She scrabbled to her feet, gasping for air that wasn’t the pure Montana air she took for granted.

A tree with flames burning high into the sky fell across the dirt ditch and smashed through the fence.

Fire grabbed hold of the wheat field and spread fast.

Sherri stumbled backward. She didn’t have many options. She needed to find water. Whether she thought she could do it or not, if she wanted to live, she had to try. There wasn’t another soul around to help her, anyway.

If was her... or the fire.

A tick crept down her arm. Its legs maneuvered over the lines of her shirt. She brushed it off, sad it wouldn’t make it.

How many bugs and wild animals were dead because of Guy? The butterfly retreat popped in her mind and she turned. She had nothing else to head towards. Not with the minimal energy she had. She’d never make it to the road.

The trail seemed to stretch forever with the fire eating up the ground behind her, faster and faster.

She picked up her feet, but really only succeeded in shuffling a little faster. Fine, she’d take it. She just wanted to get to the water. She needed to.

Why hadn’t Cyan sent anyone to help her? The ranch was under attack from the flames and Sherri didn’t blame the ranch hands for working on saving the ranch. She understood.

She just wanted to see Kyle one more time before she died.

And she would die. She couldn’t save herself. She could see that now. Even the helicopters weren’t coming to that side of the fire. They appeared to be working on the fire closest to the road, probably to keep it from town and the reservation.

No, no one was coming.

She couldn’t do it. Sherri gripped her fingers into her palms. She pumped her arms harder, gasping and whimpering as she struggled toward the clearing.

Sherri reached the pond. Her skin stung as the heat closed in around her.

With little thought, Sherri fell into the chilly water. The difference in temperatures took her breath away and she came up gasping. Quickly she relowered her body under the water, tucking her knees to her chest. She pulled her outer shirt off to wrap around her face. The rest of her had to fit under the water, but she had to be able to breathe.

She curled the shirt and placed it on her face, leaving a small hole for air to get through and then leaned back, submerging everything up to the edges of the shirt.

Panic threatened to drown her. Holding it at bay, she focused. Or tried to focus. But focus on what? She didn’t know how long she had to be under there. She didn’t know the rate of evaporation or even the intensity of the burn. She didn’t know anything. If she’d had more time...

Could she still save herself?

Eyes closed shut and encased in a watery prison that was surrounded by guards of inferno, Sherri could finally admit to herself that she really did need others. She needed Cyan and Rachiah. She needed her parents.

She needed Kyle. He made her laugh and was jealous of her which flattered her because he felt deeply enough for that. He wasn’t controlling and didn’t have any problem laughing at himself when he made a mistake. They hadn’t known each other a long time, but she’d known him long enough to know that she wanted him in her life a lot longer – if not indefinitely.

Dang it, that stung. Admitting that she needed anyone. But the realization didn’t sting half as much as realizing that she might die there... in that chilly water... alone.

If she’d had more time, maybe she could’ve...

No, not even then. Because of some random nut job, she hadn’t been able to warn anyone with enough time. She hadn’t had enough time to tell anyone she loved them. That stark reality cut deeper than any burn on her hands and face.

But with the level of drought and stressed plant life, would there have been an adequate amount of time? How long would it have been? Was anyone even fighting the fire?

Sherri hadn’t seen any signs of life. Even the butterflies of the clearing were absent as she’d clattered through their home.

The water warmed around her.

Sherri didn’t dare bring her face out of the water to check. She dipped lower to drench the shirt material more as it dried under intense heat.

Under her legs, cool water moved across the backs of her jeans. Hadn’t Kyle said the pond was fed by an underground stream? Maybe it would be just enough to keep the water from getting too warm and keep it refilled enough to fight the evaporation rate.

How long would she be there?

Would anyone find her?

Was anyone looking for her?

Would she see Kyle or Cyan or Rachiah ever again?

Too many doubts and uncertainities swelled inside her heart and she longed to scream. Instead she breathed scorching air through the small opening and hoped she didn’t pass out.

And drown.

––––––––

Chapter 18

Kyle

Grabbing a bucket when he got back to the ranch, Kyle sprinted around the south end of the barn and joined the line at the trough to funnel water to the fire line.

While swinging the bucket, he searched the crowd for anyone who knew who Sherri was.

Soot covering his face, Jareth rushed by.

Kyle clutched his brother’s sleeve. “Jareth, have you seen Sherri? Is she inside?”

Jareth shook his head, pushing his hat off his sweating forehead. “Nah, Cyan keeps calling for her, but we don’t have time to search for her because Nate said you were. The field caught on fire on the only side of the field we weren’t on. You better find Sherri. I’d hate to be the one to tell Cyan something happened to her best friend.” Jareth’s eyes widened as he looked past Kyle’s shoulder. “Holy crap, I haven’t seen that bastard in a long time.”

Kyle turned, narrowing his gaze. Guy stood beside his truck, arms crossed and a smirk smudging his face.

Approaching at a slow swagger that sped up into a near-sprint, Kyle and Jareth came at Guy like a couple of jaguars, cautious but hungry. “What are you doing here?”

Tilting his head toward the flames, Guy pretended to yawn. “I saw the fire and thought I’d come see what was going on. Looks like you have a bit of a problem.” He cocked his eyebrow, like he hadn’t done anything wrong.

Where was she? Just the thought of what Sherri was probably going through curled Kyle’s lip. He lunged forward, wrapping his fingers in the upper material of Guy’s shirt. Yanking the weasel to him, he forced Guy onto his tiptoes.

Lips tight and teeth clenched, Kyle growled. “Where is she?”

As he realized who Kyle spoke about, Guy’s eyes grew round. “That chick? She’s not back?” He searched what he could, but his vantage point was tiny and hard to maneuver with the hold Kyle had him in. “She should’ve been back by now. I didn’t wreck her truck that bad.” His voice turned into a whine. “Seriously, Darby, I didn’t mean to get her hurt. I thought for sure she’d make it down here by now. I just wanted—”

Kyle gave him a little shake. “You started the fire, right?” He didn’t acknowledge the firefighters and fire marshal who had walked up behind them. He just needed witnesses and he’d take them in anyone he thought was viable.

Guy whimpered.

Kyle shook him again, repeating louder. “You did the fire, right? Trying to hurt Sherri?”

Nodding, Guy shuddered. “Yes, yes, I did it.”

Kyle dropped him, looking over his head to the officials and nodding his head. He turned to Jareth. “I need to find her. I can’t just wait here.”

“You’re going to have to wait, brother. The fire is too high.” Jareth clapped his hand on the upper part of Kyle’s arm. His grim expression didn’t help Kyle’s spiraling despair. He’d given up too soon. He could’ve saved her. She was out there still. But where? Where was she?

A shout in the distance drew their attention. The fire had spread across the prairie, making any attempts at extinguishing it next to impossible. The fire ate at the ground, driven relentlessly by the wind and dry grasses.

The rancher-style home and barn lay directly in its path.

“Grab more buckets!” Nate’s shout reached the group over the wind that had suddenly picked up faster and the panicked neighing. “Get to the barn.”

Kyle bent at the waist, swooping up his dropped water bucket and sprinting toward the barn. He had to release the horses. Lady was already out. She huddled against the only fence that hadn’t been attacked by flames. Kyle reached the doors as men screamed from the far side that the roof had caught on fire.

Running inside, he unlocked the stall doors and chased the horses out of the building. Clapping his hands, he searched every stall for any strays. Even as the barn filled with smoke, he couldn’t take the chance that even one of the animals would be left behind.

As soon as the stalls were checked, Kyle locked the doors behind him and breathed the fresher air with a desperate gulp.

Even with all the men organized and fighting the flames, the wind proved to be too much and the house caught fire as well. Its golden brown logs charred and blackened while the glass burst as the heat reached it.

The firefighters pulled everyone to the side and made them stay out of the way as they fought to keep the fire contained since the log home burned too hot and fast.

Kyle’s cousins slumped against the wooden logs of the fence, defeat belaboring their expressions. The entire Montana Trail group had lost more than their job site there. They somehow had lost all hope for their future.

Too much loss for that day compounded itself into more loss than a decade could support.

“We lost the whole place. Mr. Jonesy won’t be happy.”Nate moved up beside him, eyes teary and blood shot. “Did you find Sherri?”

“He’s insured though, right?” Jareth moved up beside Nate. Leaned across to Kyle and looked around. “Did you find Sherri?”

Kyle shook his head and swallowed hard. His answer was more a croak. “No. I tried. I couldn’t find her. It’s not like she could hide in some water and —” He snapped his head up.

Could she have made it to the butterfly pond? Could she be out there waiting for someone to save her?

Him?

He couldn’t risk the lives of any of the horses. Breaking into a run, he hollered over his shoulder. “Call nine-one-one, Jareth. I think I know where Sherri is.”

With the fire raging closer to the mountain range and pulling back from the edge of the woods, maybe the small clearing had fared better than the ranch or the surrounding fields.

Did he have enough time or had he wasted time working on a ranch no one had been able to save?

He pushed his guilt to the side until he could mull it over later.

Heat pulsated off the rolling waves of fire, slapping him with the full frontal abuse it could manage from only a hundred feet away.

From that angle, he’d never get in. Stomping through the remains of the cremated field, Kyle adjusted his sweat-dampened bandana up over his nose. He’d go around, see if there was a break in the flames and heat. No one had seen her and the fire had crossed the road. All of Clearwater County would be worried about the fire at this point. Hopefully, they were able to contain it to the area immediately around Taylor Falls.

As long as Kyle didn’t think too hard, he wouldn’t have to face the glaring truth that his vigilantism was the reason Guy had started the fire, was the reason Sherri was in danger – if even still alive.

The blame belonged to Kyle. Which went to prove the saying that no good deed goes unpunished.

Another helicopter hovered above him then dipped and pushed its bucket closer to the clearing Kyle headed for. Stopping and making as if to lower the bucket, the helicopter halted the lowering and angled up at a slant, then flew to the right, disappearing over the fields to get closer to the river that ran parallel to the town.

Kyle tromped closer to the clearing. Had they seen something? Could she be there? The heat was too high and Kyle stopped. He’d never get past the heat barrier.

If he couldn’t get in, how would Sherri ever survive inside?

The helicopter returned, its bucket swaying back and dropping water behind it. Stopping, the helicopter didn’t go past the area it’d hovered before. Kyle backed up to see better.

The bucket tipped, pouring its contents as the helicopter moved. The pilot angled backwards, spilling the water over the less burning smaller trees as if to create a path for Kyle. The heat dissipated, but not enough for Kyle to get inside. With only the one chopper working with the water, the heat evaporated the water faster than he could get it.

Chopping sounds from the opposite direction made Kyle turn. Another helicopter zoomed overhead, its bucket full and ready to tip. The first helicopter returned for more water and the second spread its offering. The flames dissipated more, the heat turning down a few notches.

While the second continued dropping its water, the first made progress getting that way.

Spray from the steam soaked Kyle, cooling him even for a moment.

All of the flames on the clearing perimeter closest to him fell back, revealing blackened corpses of fallen and scorched trees and bushes.

Kyle didn’t wait for the fire to return. He kicked hard, lifting his knees and running as fast as possible through the break in the fire to the clearing.

Ash and scarred debris littered the surface of the pond. A long black branch had fallen into the water, protruding from the edge. In the center of the pond, an oddly shaped island the size of a shoe floated just at the water surface.

Kyle held his breath as he didn’t even stop at the edge, but plunged into the luke warm waters. He wrapped his arms around Sherri’s body, claiming her as his. Dead or alive, he didn’t wait to find out.

They didn’t have time. He had to get her out of there before the fire reclaimed the trail the choppers had created. The water the helicopters had dropped wouldn’t hold that torrential fire at bay for long.

Kyle lifted her soaking body from the water and she clung to him, spluttering and coughing as he rose from the pond bed. He croaked past impending tears, “Hang on, Sherri. Let’s get out of here.” Relief that she was still alive flooded him, releasing the band around his chest and allowing him to breathe better. To hope again.

He tightened his arms around her, but she pushed from him. “I can stand.”

Kyle set her on her feet and pulled on her arm. “Let’s get out of here.” The brown of her shirt began lightening around the edges as it dried in the intensifying heat. She focused on the ground in front of her, not meeting his gaze as her hair dripped around her face. They took off at a jog, running through the steaming and smoking sections of the previously dampened area.

He didn’t relent, pushing Sherri at full speed until they reached the safety of the already-burned fields. The heat there wasn’t as hot as it beat down on them from the sun and sideways from the fire.

Slowing, Kyle didn’t wait until they’d fully stopped before pulling Sherri into his arms. He rocked back and forth, his eyes closed.

The immense emotion overwhelming him took his voice and all he could do for a moment was just hold her.

She clung to the backs of his arms. Hers bent and then suddenly her weight dropped and unprepared, Kyle sank to the ground with her rather than drop her.

She’d passed out and judging by the red welts on her face and hands, she still wasn’t safe.

His adrenaline abating, Kyle struggled to his feet, scooping her into his arms again. He’d get her safe, if it killed him.

The next hundred yards stretched before him like miles. Once he reached the driveway, he fell to his knees, hollering for help from anyone who would give it.

The man watching over Guy rushed to Kyle’s side. He checked Sherri’s pulse and lifted his fingers to his lips, emitting a piercing whistle. Another fireman dropped a bucket he worked at the well and helped with Sherri. They stretched her out and stabilized her neck on Kyle’s lap.

He tried not to cry as he asked, “Is she going to be alright?”

“I don’t know. We’re going to call an ambulance. Just hang on.” The grim set to the firefighter’s lips chilled Kyle in the sweltering heat.

What if she didn’t make it?

What if Kyle had lost the ranch and his girl all because he had to have revenge?

Chapter 19

Sherri

Being pulled from the water wasn’t as memorable as being cradled in Kyle’s arms. Her throat didn’t want to let her breathe. She’d choked on smoke and coughed up water. Everything felt scorched and singed and achy and tight. Would she ever be pain free again?

Waking up in the hospital, Sherri hoped it was all a dream. Her throat burned and her lungs ached. If it was a dream, it’d been a nightmare.

They released her after clearing her for edema in the lungs and verifying all her burns were only two-degree.

No one came to visit. She stayed in the hospital for a few days, but after they determined she would be okay, they released her.

Standing at her place in the doorway after paying for a cab left her bereft and more isolated than even half-drowning in that pond.

Had Tommy been okay? Would anyone even miss her, if she died? Kyle had disappeared after carrying her somewhere. She didn’t remember much of anything.

She sat on her patio, not willing to cram herself and her nerves into the small, lonely home.

Wrapping her bandaged arms around her knees, she brushed her hair off her forehead. Singed ends curled tightly around her fingers. She didn’t allow herself to cry. She couldn’t.

But the tears still escaped. She had forced her tears back all that time. Even the sobbing hadn’t been real crying, just a way to release her pent up fear.

Four days and no one had come looking for her. No one. Not even Cyan.

The only that would keep Cyan away from Sherri was if Cyan herself was dead. Real dread flooded Sherri’s heart. Cyan. Had Cyan died in the fire? Had something happened?

All the hospital staff had talked about was the fire. It still raged on, even now, mostly burning north and to the west on National forest land. But the danger was still there it would shift with the winds and head toward Taylor Falls and Colby.

The rumble of M.T.’s Bronco announced his arrival, but Sherri didn’t look up. She stared at the brown dry edges of the green blades of grass. Blistered, her hands ached and she didn’t pick at the grass as she normally would have.

Before.

Even the orange and red burning flames along the horizon didn’t warrant more than a passing glance. She’d been up close and personal with those flames. She didn’t want to see more of them then absolutely necessary.

M.T. left his rig running. He rounded the front with urgency hardening his strong jaw and the normal tenderness in his eyes. “Sherri, where have you been? We’re evacuating the reservation. You need to —” He stopped feet from her, taking in her appearance. “Holy crap, Sherri. What happened?” He bent and brushed her hair from her face.

Sherri swallowed, her throat tight and still painful. She whispered, “I need to see Kyle.” She had to see him. He knew what she’d been through, but not only that, he’d saved her. He’d been there. He’d been there when she needed him. He’d come for her when no one else had. If what she remembered about the rescue, the small amount that she did, then he’d come for even when the flames burned higher than him.

M.T.’s face stiffened. His long hair moved with him as he pulled from her. “Did he do this to you?”

Sherri stood on aching legs. She lifted her chin. “M.T. that’s not what happened. He pulled me out of the fire. I can’t call the taxi service from Colby. Not if they’re evacuating. Can you get me to Kyle? He’s probably at the Rourke Ranch. He saved me.” Too many words. Her throat closed up again and she shook her head instead of continuing.

One hand at her throat, she held up a finger for him to wait and ran inside. She needed Tommy. She couldn’t leave him in case the res burned down.

She grabbed Tommy in his traveling case and looked once at her place. If she didn’t see her stuff, she wouldn’t be heart-broken. She hadn’t been alive long enough to create a lasting bond with anything. But now, thanks to Kyle, she had a chance to more time to develop relationships with more, be more.

Need more.

She had to tell him how much he meant to her. Even if they weren’t ready for I love you, at least they would have the time to find out.

M.T. helped her up into the cab and closed the door. He climbed in beside her and backed out of the drive. After a moment, he spoke cautiously, “He saved you?”

She nodded, but couldn’t speak. She clutched her hand to her throat, the pain holding her words in. Rolling down her window, she spit the excess saliva out of her mouth.

“Maybe I owe him more than jealousy.” He pulled over to the side of the road and turned toward her. He held up his hand, his dark eyes watching her. “I know you can’t speak, which is perfect for me. You always shut me down before I even get started.”

M.T. studied her, his smile tender but sad. “I love you. You know I do. I always have. But I’m not stupid. I’ve seen the way you look at this guy. If you care about him,” he swallowed, “love him, then I’ll back off. I just want you to be happy. But if you don’t, tell me now. I won’t give up, if I think there’s the smallest chance.”

Grasping the moment to really see him, not just as a brother or a constant fixture in her life, she could honestly say everything about him entranced her. She’d grown accustomed to M.T. being around but where his eyes were dark she wanted to see blue and where his black hair hung long, she wanted to see the shorter hair peaking from under a cowboy hat.

She scrunched her nose, blinking back bittersweet tears, and whispered. “I love him.” Immediately, she slapped her hand over her mouth.

Maybe he hadn’t heard. She couldn’t love Kyle. She wasn’t supposed to love anyone. Insects were her choice, they didn’t hurt you and they were consistent, reliable, predictable. Even though Sherri’s childhood had been relatively boring, she’d been around Cyan and Rachiah long enough to see that men could hurt you or leave you, leaving you with your heart ripped out and your soul despairing. A woman was better off not needing a man.

But she’d already accepted that she needed him. Was it such a stretch that she could love him, too?

“You love him? You barely know him.” M.T. snorted in disgust, turning angrily to the steering wheel and pulling onto the road.

Did Sherri know Kyle enough to love him? How much did she need to know? He’d saved her twice and hadn’t taken advantage of her either time – when he had more than enough opportunity. He teased her and made her laugh and he was jealous of her – he wanted her all to himself.

The horror at her sudden admission melted away. She could get used to the idea of loving him. Just because she felt the way she did, didn’t mean she had to marry him that day. She could do what Cyan had done and take her time.

After the too-close experience with the fire, Sherri doubted she’d take too long. She wanted happiness and stability and she didn’t want to come home to an empty house by herself again.

Mostly she wanted to be around someone who drove her crazy. She didn’t want safe, vanilla feelings. She wanted the crazy stirrings inside her when she saw him and the safety of just being around him.

Like when she was with Kyle. Would he even want her? Was he okay? Between Cyan, Rachiah, and Kyle, why hadn’t anyone visited her in the last couple days?

The time to get to Nate’s ranch passed in discomfort. His ranch was south of the reservation, so that area didn’t look to be evacuating yet.

But with Montana neighborliness, more horses and stock than Nate normally had were rounded into the southern-most field with a creek and extra hay spread out along the fence line.

Her callousness toward M.T. slapped her in the face when she gave him more than just a cursory glance with fresh perspective. He was a good-looking man, was kind and considerate. He just wasn’t for her.

She reached over and curled her fingers over his on the steering wheel when he stopped the rig.

M.T.’s shoulders lifted and dropped in a sigh. “I know.” He patted her hand with his and then pushed her away. “I need to check the reservation for anymore stubborn residents.” He nodded at her and looked out his window, turning completely away.

“I’m sorry.” Her whisper was butterfly soft, but in the sudden silence of the truck, he heard. His tiny nod told her it was okay to get out.

She slid out and grabbed her spider’s cage. Closing the door felt like shutting away a part of her childhood.

The steps to the deck rose before her with daunting steepness. Before that, she hadn’t really noticed the angles and edges. But everything hurt and she didn’t want to climb so much when she really didn’t even want to move.

But the chance that Kyle was in there pushed her past her limits. She had to see him. Cyan, too.

The excruciating climb passed before she knew and she took a breath before knocking on the door. She worried at her lower lip with her teeth. She couldn’t talk. Honestly, she probably should be in bed resting with the burns on her hands, face, and neck. Not that she could stay with her bed. Sudden displacement slapped her in the face. She didn’t have a home for the moment.

Guy had done that. Anger held her together. She refused to let him wound her further. He could take all of that away from her.

But she’d survived the fire. Not alone. But she’d survived it.

Her shoulders straightened. She had survived the fire. Even in the midst of the flames and the heat, she’d survived. Kyle had rescued her, but she’d made it. She’d gotten over her fear and taken the steps to stay alive.

She could do anything. She’d faced her biggest fear.

And won.

If Sherri could do that, she could talk to Kyle about what was going through her head and heart.

Doubt warred with her confidence. What was she doing? He’d never believe her when she said – or rather whispered – that she loved him. Maybe she’d pantomime it and he’d misunderstand. Then she could save her pride.

She didn’t have any way out of there to escape humility.

Even if she wanted to call someone else, she had no cell phone after jumping into the pond with everything in her pockets and no car. She had to go inside to make a call.

Who would help her?

Sucking in a deep breath, she knocked on the door again.

Another moment passed before the door answered. Kyle stood on the other side, his eyes red-rimmed and downcast. “Yeah?” He looked up, his eyes growing wide as he recognized her. “Sherri!” He reached for her, careful when he touched her elbow and joined her on the deck. “Sherri, you’re here. I called the hospital and they said you didn’t make it.” His voice cracked on the last two words and he adjusted his hat, his eyes bloodshot in the shadows.

Soot covered his face, dark in the creases around his eyes and by his nose. His flannel shirt had burn spots in it and his jeans were closer to black than blue. But he was refreshing. His blue eyes so clear, so concerned and relieved at the same time.

Sherri furrowed her brow, slightly shaking her head.

“Which hospital did you go to?” He rushed on, only waiting for her head movements. “I called Missoula. No? Colby, then?” At her nod, he grunted. “I should’ve called Colby. I – wow, your burns don’t look as bad as they did on the ranch.” He reached his fingers up like he meant to touch her cheek.

She turned to the side, wary of more pain on her already sensitive and blistered skin.

“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.” He dropped his hand. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

She shook her head, but reached out to reclaim his fingers with hers.

“Ah, I see. You can’t talk. That’s okay. Why don’t you come inside? Everyone thinks you’re dead – well, I told them you were because... well, I didn’t think you made it.” He slapped his leg. “They meant you hadn’t made it to their hospital.” He carefully wrapped his arm around her back. “Come on. I’ll get you something to drink for your throat.”

Sherri stopped him, releasing his fingers to put her hand on his arm. She shook her head and brushed her thumb over his chin. Her throat tightened further, leaving her breath more ragged.

Glancing down at their joined hands, she fought for just enough throat control to say, “I love you, Kyle.” She grabbed her throat. “Too soon?”

“I can’t... No, it’s not too soon. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to say that to me. I saved you, but that doesn’t mean you owe me anything.” Kyle stared at her, then hung his head. “This was all my fault. I’ve been after Guy for a long time to get even with him for doing to my sister what he tried to do to you. The fire. You. Everything is because I wouldn’t leave it alone.”

“Not. Fault.” Sherri shook her head and closed her eyes, exhausted at the effort to talk and stand there. She needed to sit, to rest. But she needed to make him hear her more. “No. I. Love.” But she couldn’t finish.

Kyle’s suspicion faded to wonder. “Really? You really feel that way?”

She nodded, embarrassed that her raw feelings had been lain out there like the burns on the backs of her hands and face.

He didn’t say anything, just studied her, watched her. Like she had more to reveal.

Touching her arm, Kyle was soft at first and then applied more pressure. “I thought you were dead and I didn’t get to tell you what I’d realized earlier. How much you mean to me.” He brushed his knuckles over her hair and along her ear. “And now, here you are. Alive and I’m given a second chance. I’m so lucky.” He leaned forward, brushing his lips across her sensitive lips. His whispered words breezed over her blistered skin. “I love you, too.”

And it was like he released her pain, filling her instead with euphoria that he’d answered and she hadn’t had to ask him to say something.

Her favorite thing about Kyle – he worked to protect her. She could handle that kind of affection. She could take care of herself, but he wouldn’t make her do anything on her own.

She was free because her heart was unbridled, able to be and love as she wanted. Kyle gave that to her.

“Come on, the family will be so excited to see you.” He opened the door and motioned her through. “We’re just meeting for a family council. Nate was just about to announce something.”

Sherri couldn’t help but feel like her whole future had the potential to be in that room, at least with the man by her side.

She could handle that. She retrieved her tarantula and followed him indoors.

Chapter 20

Kyle

Sherri was there. Somehow she’d gotten her spider and showed up at Nate’s. She couldn’t talk and Kyle didn’t care. He’d get the answers from her when she could give them. He’d take whatever he could get. The last four days had been horrific as they’d fought fires and caught up on sleep in random places only to head right back out.

When he’d called the hospitals in Missoula and been told she didn’t make it, he had returned to the fire fighting with a reckless abandon. His fury at her loss something he was willing to cope with, work with. He hadn’t taken the time to face his loss. He couldn’t.

The family had gathered an hour ago. Everyone was exhausted and avoided the topic of Sherri because Kyle held up a hand when anyone asked. He hadn’t had a chance to call any other hospital. Honestly, though, he hadn’t known they had a facility in Colby that could handle burn victims.

None of that mattered, though, now. Nothing.

Sherri was alive and she walked inside with him. He had her.

She loved him. In light of the fire and the fact that he’d almost lost her, it didn’t seem too soon. It didn’t seem near soon enough.

He led the way to the kitchen where Nate sat at the head of the table with his head in his hands.

“Sherri!” Cyan’s half-scream announced Sherri before anything else could. She rushed from behind the kitchen counter, a towel in her hands. She half-tackled Sherri before Kyle could stop her. “You’re not dead. Oh my gosh, Sher, you’re not dead.” She pulled back, tears streaking her cheeks.

Sherri didn’t seem to care. She dealt with any pain Cyan’s touch might have caused. She accepted it.

The rest of the people in the room exclaimed over her good fortune, but Sherri acknowledged them with a soft smile before she stared at her friend. Her whisper reached Cyan and Kyle. “Happened?”

Cyan wiped at her cheeks. “The fires are still burning. They can’t find the guy who started the fire or chased you... and...” She glanced at the Montana Trails sitting around the room. “The Jonesy ranch is gone and so are three more along the northern edge of Clearwater.” She glanced down, her grasp on Sherri’s shoulders complete.

“Jonesy’s didn’t have full coverage.” Nate’s words broke through Kyle’s mixed bitterness that they’d lost Guy and happiness at finding Sherri was alive.

Jareth groaned. “No. What does that mean?”

Emma’s soft voice carried from an easy chair set up in the corner. “It means, we’re responsible for the difference which comes to about fifty-thousand dollars. Since Nate was the foreman, we’re taking it. You guys don’t need to worry about any of it.”

Cyan dropped her hands from Sherri and reached for Jareth’s elbow. “I could ask my parents to help. They might have it.” But her voice trailed off as the Montana Trail cousins lifted their chins in pride.

“Thanks, Cyan, but we can’t take money like that. We need to figure out another way.” Emma’s sweet smile belied the worry in her twisting fingers as she worked on the blanket on her lap.

Nate met her gaze and then looked away sharply. “I can do it. We can figure something out.”

“Nate, stop. We can’t even cover basic medical for us. For me.” Emma threw back the comforter on her frail appearing frame.

Stefanie stood, her hands braced on the table. “I’ll work on the ranches, too. I can do that. I’m sick of working in town, Nate. I don’t make half as much as you guys and I swear I work harder.” She ignored Ryland’s snorting.

“Me, too.” Hannah stood beside her sister, crossing her arms over her chest. “We can help.”

Nate pushed up from his chair and approached Emma, even with the room full of all of their cousins. He knelt on the ground beside her as he looked up at her. “I don’t want to leave you anymore.”

“I know.” She framed his face in her hands, her smile sad but tender. “I know, Nate, but now we can’t worry about that.”

He stared at her, as if they spoke with their gazes.

Sherri’s heart took on an all new ache and she reached for Kyle’s hand. They held on, watching as the entire family held their breath.

Nate was the oldest. He and Emma held them all together. What they decided, the rest of them would go along with. They always did.

Nate slowly pulled Emma’s hands from his face.

Standing, he turned to take in the whole group. Emma’s fingers found his and he cleared his throat. “I’ll need to put the ranch up for sale.”

Stefanie slumped into her seat, gasping. “You won’t take money from Cyan, but you’ll sell the ranch? This is my home, too. Not just yours.” She bit her lip and rushed from the room.

“Nate, no.” Emma grabbed his hand with both of hers, tugging as if her slight weight would budge him.

“We need to cover medical bills and what happened at the ranch. If Stefanie and Hannah are going to work with us, we’ll just have to make sure we only take jobs where we can board.” Nate hardened his jaw. “We’ll have to figure this out.”

Hannah’s quiet voice broke through the shocked silence that fell around the room. “Where will Emma stay?”

Nate looked down at his wife. He gripped her shoulder and nodded hard. “It’s time to call Drake.”

Hard times were ahead, but at least they had each other.

And sometimes that’s all that mattered.