AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Amberleigh nodded.
“That’s okay.” He lifted her into his arms and patted her back.
“We can get some wide shots of the kids running around the fort,” Marco suggested. “Give them some time to warm up to the camera?”
Marco headed out to find the optimal spot to film, leaving him with the girls and Jan. He kept glancing at the inform
ation center, but there was no sign of Cal or India. Was she hiding from him? Or the camera?
“Want Cal,” Amberleigh whispered.
“You do?” Brody asked.
“Who is Cal?” Jan asked. “A cousin?” She eyed the truck, the Fire Gorge logo hard to miss. “Someone who works for the Boones?”
“Friend,” Marilyn said. “Likes dino—dinoroars.”
Jan smiled. “Right, the paleontologist.”
“He and Amberleigh both like dinosaurs. And dragons,” Brody explained.
“His mother is awfully familiar. I’ve seen her before.” Jan glanced at the information center.
“Probably. That’s India Boone.” Brody did his best to keep his tone neutral.
“Boone?” The excitement in the woman’s eyes set off warning bells. “As in Woodrow Boone? Is she one of his daughters? You’re friends with a Boone? What about the Wallace-Boone feud?”
Brody shook his head. “No feud here. The Boones are an important family in these parts. They are my neighbors. The feud is between the patriarchs, not the families.”
Jan Ramirez nodded. “Miss Francis said you were a dreamer.”
Brody chuckled, shifting Amberleigh to his other arm. “I guess I am, Miss Ramirez. But a person should have dreams. It gives life adventure and purpose.”
“Daddy. Get Cal?” Amberleigh asked. “Please.”
“We’ll check in with him later, okay? Let’s go explore the fort.” He smiled at his daughter.
Her reaction was a complete surprise. Amberleigh’s face turned bright red, she opened her mouth and let out the most bloodcurdling scream he’d ever heard. And she kicked off her boots—sending one into a clump of flowers and the other smack-dab into Jan Ramirez’s forehead.
Chapter Nine
India and Cal were listening to Ada’s take on the origins of Cal’s arrowhead when a horrible shriek pierced the air. Tanner started barking, on instant alert.
“Oh goodness, did someone get hurt?” Ada asked, hurrying toward the back. “Better get the first aid kit.”
“Come on, Mom,” Cal called before dashing out the door, Tanner on his heels.
India followed, the little girl’s cry too intense to ignore. She ran down the rocky path, her heart pounding. Poor sweet Amberleigh was gasping and wailing in her daddy’s arms. Marilyn and Suellen each held on to one of Brody’s legs, but neither of them was crying—yet.
Tanner circled, whimpering and barking. “Heel, Tanner.” Cal placed a hand on the dog’s head before asking Amberleigh, “Get stung?”
“Nope.” Brody was frowning.
“A cactus needle?” India asked, knowing how much the little girl hated shoes. She’d been wearing boots. Now she was barefoot. Why would Brody let her take her shoes off here? One glance at Brody told her he hadn’t.
“Nope.” Brody shook his head, studying his daughter. He wasn’t happy.
“You hurt, sweetie?” Ada asked, clutching the first aid kit to her chest.
