Page 30 of Ranger Bravery

“You were pretty young. Maybe thirteen. It was the second or third time you came to live with me. Anyway, I got the store manager involved, and the police were called. Wally was given a warning. He never did it again, but that incident sticks out in my mind. There was something about him… like he was on the hunt. It always bothered me.”

A shiver raced down Piper’s spine. She didn’t remember the incident in the grocery store at all, but there were large sections of her childhood she couldn’t recall. It was a trauma response. Was the grocery store incident the only run-in she’d had with Wally? Or were there more and she couldn’t remember?

It would explain why she had such a visceral negative reaction to Wally.

“There’s a storm coming.” Grandma Mary kissed the top of Piper’s head. “I’d best get these old bones home before the rain starts.” Her lips lifted in a smile. “And you should head into the living room. Jackson is helping Finn with the piano piece for church on Sunday. It’s sweet to watch.”

Tonight, Jackson had slipped into their family dynamic as easily as if he’d been there for years. He’d colored with Emma, helped Mary straighten up the living room, and even played with Moxie outside in the yard while Piper prepared ice cream sundaes. Now he was tutoring Finn on the piano. The notes flowed smoothly and sounded more confident than they had the day before.

Curiosity drew her to the living room. Ava rested on the sofa, her injured leg propped up on an ottoman. Curled up at her side was Emma. Dark hair damp from a shower and dressed in pajamas, she was ready for bed. The music must’ve brought her back downstairs. Moxie trotted in behind Piper and hopped up on the couch. He lay close to Emma, his ears pitched forward.

Seated at the piano bench was Finn. His fingers flew over the keys as the piece picked up. Jackson stood nearby, watching every movement with intensity, and then he cheered silently when Finn executed a specific part flawlessly. He completed the piece, the last note of music fading, and then the entire room burst into applause.

Finn sat back with a satisfied grin. “I did it! Finally.”

“It was beautiful!” Ava’s eyes were full of pride and joy. “Pastor Mike will be overjoyed and the church congregation will love it.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Jackson’s help.” Finn closed the sheets of music and tossed Jackson a grateful look. “Your advice on the finger placement made all the difference. Thank you.”

Jackson clapped Finn on the shoulder. “My suggestions were minor tweaks. You did all the hard work. I’m impressed by your talent and dedication. That piece isn’t easy, but you kept at it until it was right.”

Finn seemed to grow inches taller under Jackson’s praise. Ava and Piper complimented him often, but somehow, Jackson’s words landed differently. Finn needed the guidance of a male role model. He had his baseball coach and Pastor Mike, but maybe that wasn’t enough? Or perhaps it was Jackson. He had this special something… it wasn’t charm or charisma… it was genuineness. A sincerity in his words that reached right inside and knocked down every wall around a person’s heart.

“I’m sorry to say it, kiddos, but it’s bedtime.” Ava struggled to her feet, waving off Piper’s help. From the way her mouth flattened, she was in pain but unwilling to admit it. Stubborn at every turn. “Jackson, thank you for everything.”

Her tone was warm with affection. Ava had always liked Jackson, but his actions since arriving back in town had firmly entrenched her in his camp. She shot a look toward Piper that was loaded with instructions and warnings. The meaning couldn’t have been more clear if her sister had shouted the words: He’s perfect. Don’t screw it up.

Piper ignored Ava’s pointed gaze and hugged Emma. The little girl kissed Piper’s cheek.

Finn gave Jackson a fist bump. “Night.”

Jackson’s grin widened. “See you tomorrow.”

Emma rushed him, her little arms barely able to encircle half his waist. Jackson picked her up and whirled her around like she was a doll. Peals of laughter filled the room, along with Moxie’s barking. The lab attempted to jump on Jackson in order to join in the fun.

Piper snagged his collar before his nails accidentally caught on Emma. “Cool it, Moxie.”

He licked her hand, his dark brown eyes dancing with mischief, but he obeyed by sitting on his rump. She gave him a few scratches behind the ear and then he ran off to join Ava and the kids as they made their way upstairs. Suddenly, Piper and Jackson were alone.

He slid onto the piano bench and patted the cushion in invitation.

She joined him. Her heart fluttered as their shoulders brushed. “You made Finn’s night. He’s been working on that piece for weeks.”

“I was happy to do it. Your family is wonderful. I know you and Ava have had your struggles, but the love and happiness you give those kids… it’s a joy to be around.”

Tears sprang to Piper’s eyes, catching her off-guard. Jackson’s compliment touched her in a place she hadn’t known was wounded and hurting. She often worried about her capacity to love. Growing up in chaos and conflict, it was hard to trust that she would ever be good enough. That notion had been reinforced when townsfolk whispered behind her back or kids called her bad names on the playground.

Jackson saw her differently. He always had. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

His fingers touched the keys, releasing a sweet melody Piper instantly recognized. Her song. The one Jackson had composed during their summer romance all those years ago. Memories flooded her mind, making her heart ache in a way she hadn’t known was possible. The heat of Jackson’s body seeped through the sleeve of her shirt where their shoulders touched. Piper was mesmerized by the way his strong hands danced over the keys. Those same hands had protected her today. Carried her away from the smoke and the fire to safety. She’d always known he was brave, but today proved it.

The last note lingered in the air. Jackson turned toward Piper and her gaze instinctively lifted to his. Her breath hitched. Desire shimmered in the depths of his green eyes, a yearning that matched the one in her heart. Butterflies once again took flight in her stomach. She reached up and gently touched his face. The rough edges of his whiskers scraped against the pads of her fingers.

Jackson’s gaze dropped to her mouth. She knew it was a mistake but couldn’t help herself. He’d always been her weakness.

Piper leaned closer in silent invitation, and when his mouth brushed against hers, the intensity of emotion shooting through her took over. No other man had ever affected her this way. It didn’t matter that it’d been ten years since they last dated. Or that they’d been around each other for only three days. The embers of their romance lingered and clearly it didn’t take much to reignite them. Resisting was impossible.

Piper threaded her fingers through the soft strands at the nape of his neck. Jackson deepened the kiss, his passion and gentleness sweeping her away.

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