It was raining. The thought calmed him slightly. He couldn’t bear to think that the fire might spread to the other barn and heaven forbid to the farmhouse itself.
The large red fire truck raced down the driveway and within moments several firefighters leapt out.
The first one raised a hand in acknowledgement. ‘Joe?’
Brodie heard Lettie’s question and turned to see Joe looking just like someone Tiffany might have mooned over in one of the romantic films she enjoyed watching. Joe raced over to her and hugged her before reassuring her and helping his workmates extinguish the fire in the barn, while two of them ran off to check the larger barn next door.
‘Did you see Joe’s here,’ she said looking delighted, not taking her eyes off the man.
‘I thought it was him,’ he fibbed wishing Joe didn’t look so heroic in all his kit. Brodie pushed away his shock, determined to show his gratitude for their speedy arrival.
‘Brodie, hi.’ Joe strode over to Brodie, his gloved hand outstretched. ‘I gather from Lettie that you’re the hero of the hour here.’
Brodie hid his surprise and shook his head. ‘I only did what anyone else would do.’
‘That’s not true. What you did was brave, although could have been dangerous. I understand why you ran in to rescue the animals and I’m glad there were no casualties.’
Feeling awkward and not wishing to seem like a jealous boyfriend, Brodie excused himself, wanting to leave Lettie alone to speak to Joe. It was her farm after all and Joe was the expert when it came to firefighting.
Another clap of thunder reminded him of the dogs alone in the house. ‘I’d better go and check on the dogs, but thanks for getting here so fast, Joe.’
‘No problem at all, Brodie. It’s what we aim to do.’
Several hours later with the fire extinguished Brodie kept himself busy checking on the animals who seemed a bit calmer but still anxious after their traumatic evening while Joe spoke to Lettie about the damage. He wasn’t sure if he should leave her in peace, aware that she must be completely exhausted, but decided to wait and check how she was doing first.
With, the fire engines having left and the storm ended, Brodie helped Lettie finish settling the cows and goats into two of the small paddocks. ‘How are you doing?’ he asked gently.
Lettie kept her eyes on the goats in front of her and he suspected she was crying.
‘Lettie? Are you OK?’
She sniffed. ‘I don’t think I can do this, Brodie,’ she sobbed, her shoulders slumping as she gripped hold of the top of the five-bar gate.
Brodie walked up behind her and put his arms around her. ‘You can.’
‘You don’t know that,’ she said between sobs. ‘It’s all so overwhelming and much harder than I expected. And I’m so tired. All of the time.’
‘You’re already doing it, Lettie.’ Taking her by the shoulder he turned her to face him, pulling her into a hug. ‘And you’re not alone. Don’t forget that.’
‘Aren’t I?’
‘No.’ He thought of Joe and Zac. ‘You’ve got me. And your brother. And there’s Joe. Look how quickly he came here earlier.’
She sighed. ‘It’s his job to put out fires, Brodie.’
‘I know, but I saw him talking to you afterwards and I know that he has your best interests at heart.’ It was difficult to admit as much, but Joe clearly cared for her and as much as he loved Lettie the most important thing to him was that she knew others were there for her, whoever they might be.
‘I’m glad you were here,’ she sniffed. ‘Thank you.’
‘I’ll be here for as long as you want me to be.’
She looked up at him. ‘Do you promise?’
He nodded. ‘I do. Now, I don’t want any more talk about being alone. Everyone wants you to succeed and we’re all here to help make sure that happens.’
She hugged him tightly. ‘Thanks, Brodie, I needed to hear that.’ She gave a shuddering sigh against his chest. ‘I think I’m in some sort of shock because I feel almost numb.’
‘That’s not at all surprising,’ he reassured her, aware how shocked he still felt after the dramatic evening.
