On the day I was christened and Landen had been made my godfather, he’d made a promise to my mom and dad that he would take his job in caring about me seriously.
Even if doing so meant interfering with my life.
The two men had endured horrors most people couldn’t stand watching on television let alone harbor the memories for life, so I understood. But I was feeling weary of being reminded that life was precious.
Maybe I was nothing but an ungrateful little twit, but I’d learned to be independent a long time ago.
“Why don’t I stop by on Sunday and bring my famous carrot cake that Shannon loves so much?”
His laugh could fill a room with the boisterous, happy sound, making everyone inside feel as if they were special. But I could see the pain in his eyes even after all these years. “She wouldlove that. But if you don’t show, I’m sending the entire Zullies team after you. And those boys are like dogs with beef-flavored bones.”
The infamous Zullies. A smoke-jumping team that was the pride of Missoula. If they were a hockey team, the entire country would be rooting them on. “So, tell me about this hot guy you hired?” I couldn’t help teasing him. He was far too easy to annoy.
With his finger pointed at my face, he gave me his most impressive fatherly look. “Do not even think about trying to find out who he is. I forbid it.”
“You forbid, huh?” I asked in my sassy voice as I removed the bloody gloves. “Then I definitely need to meet this man.”
“You are incorrigible. What about the fawn?”
“I think you did a very good thing. She’ll be just fine. Maybe by Sunday she’ll be ready to release.”
“That would be great. Do you want me to stick around, walk you back to your house?”
Now I cocked my head, making an ugly face like a monster that would crawl from the shadows or from underneath a bed. “There were no mass murderers hiding in the bushes. Besides, Ellie May would hunt them down for her favorite burger. Speaking of which. You need to go see her before you leave.”
“She might disappear one day.”
“You know exactly what will happen if you dare try. I have a mean right hook.” Which I did. My mother had told me never to tell a lie.
Just thinking about my mom brought another wave of sadness, but I refused to allow Landen to see. I’d never get rid of him.
He left a few minutes later and I settled the fawn in a cage, making note of the time so I could come check on her in a few hours.
When the little girl was settled, I stood just outside her cage with my arms folded and my breath hitched. She was so helpless, needing the kind of comfort I couldn’t provide. If I couldn’t find her mother, the fawn’s chances of survival were slim. Wildlife had a special system of nurturing, but was it so unlike that of the human bond?
I don’t know why my heart was heavier tonight, perhaps because I’d yet to finish packing the boxes intended for Goodwill. I’d considered selling a few items, a couple of prized antiques that were my mother’s favorites, but I couldn’t stand to part with them. The same went for her favorite quilt made by my grandmother’s hands. My mom used to snuggle up to the festively designed blanket during long cold winter nights.
My dad used to tease her about adoring the quilt more than him. The silly thought brought a smile even as I lowered to the floor, crossing my legs. My dad was like every other man. Challenging. But dear God, my mother had loved him with all her heart. I’d heard one too many stories about their love affair, the once in a lifetime meeting that could have never occurred if not for a freak accident.
She’d taken the wrong road, which had led her into Missoula, her face buried in a paper map, so she didn’t see the car in front of her. The rearend collision wasn’t horrific, but they’d been forced to strike up a conversation. One thing had led to another and she never left.
If only I could find a love affair so strong.
Not in a million years.
Unless aliens took over the earth. Then maybe the slim pickings would be boosted by little green men with huge dicks. And blue. And purple. Bronze.
I eased my hand through the metal bars, stroking the fur on the fawn’s leg, and I remained there for fifteen minutes or so.
Time to head home, relax a little, and try to get a couple of hours’ sleep. Maybe.
Or maybe I’d lose myself in a good book and a tall glass of wine. With a scoop of ice cream. Now we were talking.
I left a warm light on as well as a little music before I left. As I walked toward the house, I was able to feel a little warmth deep inside as well. There was nothing quite like being able to help animals.
The floodlight snapped on, forcing me to wince. Jesus. I would need to shift the direction of the bulb. I shaded my eyes to keep from becoming blind and continued on.
Well, look at that. Landen had managed to fix the light on the porch. I was only a few yards from the house when a strange set of sensations washed over me.
