Page 9 of The Texas Cowboy's Rescue

“Too high? I might expect someone to be punctual, presentable... no holes in jeans, shirt tucked in if appropriate, good hygiene, and able to put two sentences together at least once or twice in a conversation?” She paused. “Now that you mention it, that might be asking too much.”

“And of course, you have Brooke to consider,” he added it to her list. “She probably plays a big part in all of that.”

“She comes first in all of that, as you put it. She and I have built a pretty safe, comfortable space for ourselves in the last couple of years. Part of that was my deciding to leave the big city and come back to quiet Burkitt, for a safer lifestyle in a smaller community, where everyone knows each other and has for years. I used to think that was one of the reasons I wanted to move away when I could and have a ‘real life.’ But then I wanted to come back for just those same reasons. Guess I grew up. Anyway, we got off the subject at hand. Back to the schedule.”

“I suggest we begin this Thursday. Ranger and I can pick her up at three. Spend a couple of hours at the pool. Then have her back home to you. That gives you time if you need to run an errand or just go home and put your feet up. Or if you would prefer to be there and watch the lessons, then there’s that. We are in the same neighborhood, so that makes things a bit easier. And it’s nice that your cousins don’t have any problem with us using their pool.”

“Sammi Jo and Laurel are amazing. They have this enormous strength and vision in them. I admit to hero worship, but don’t spread that around. But they fought for their dreams, and even though the odds were against them, they kept fighting for the ranch and for their own vision of the future. And it’s worked. Of course, there is also the fact they found their counterparts in the men they married. Guess you can be proud to share some of that bloodline on your side.”

Deke nodded. “I’m learning more and more about the Hawkes brothers. I get what you’re saying. They’re tough, but you have to be when you fight both Mother Nature and humans, at times, in order to protect your heritage and your family and its future. I’ve seen that in other countries, and I now see it here in this country, in Texas, involving people I know... am related to. It gives it an added reality. Granted, it isn’t bloodshed and other horrors, by any means, but I envy them the fact that they know what they have and what they don’t want to lose for their next generation.”

“True. It does change when your family is involved. I know I will continue to work to make certain Brooke has a home and a good start toward whatever and wherever her dreams take her.”

“You speak with such conviction. I’m sure you’ll do just that. But surely you know that the odds might be that you’ll find a partner who can share those goals and help with the load of raising a child and all. Perhaps have other children too. You aren’t exactly a senior citizen yet.”

Kenzie realized he was trying to be nice, trying to insert some levity. But she had learned the hard way that it was always the wisest move to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, count only on yourself, be grateful for good things when they happened, but don’t expect them. She planned to share none of that. So she responded as he would expect... with a brief nod and slight smile. “True, I’m not over that hill just yet. But Brooke is working on pushing me toward that summit as fast as she can. Although, with you teaching her how to dive properly, maybe that will be one less gray hair.”

“And that brings us back to why we are sitting here. So we agree on say, Tuesday and Thursday and leave Saturdays open for social engagements. But Sunday afternoon is a definite green light too. I think we have a game plan.”

“And I have the check for our drinks,” she said, taking the check in hand and standing. “The least I can do, since you are giving up your time. You have made Brooke very happy. Now I need to get a move on and pick her up at Jackie’s. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, indeed. Tomorrow is another day. Have a good evening.” He stood as she headed toward the checkout stand, paid, and then left the cafeteria. There was something about the change in her when he mentioned the future she might still have ahead of her. It was almost imperceptible, but then, he always seemed to be able to sense a change in the people he engaged with. It had been a big asset in his work in the military. He chalked that up to his job at the time. But this time, it was different. Deke needed to know more about the mother and daughter. She wasn’t a case, but she was someone who had caught his attention. Why that was, he couldn’t quite put his finger on. True, she was easy on the eyes. He amended that... because she is more than just easy. And it wasn’t just the outer beauty that was easy to see. There was an intriguing mixture of spirit and gentleness. Grace and mystery. She was the first woman in a very long while that had actually caught his attention.

Not that he was looking to have that kind of relationship, and not with a coworker. That would be just asking for headaches.

But when he thought about it, she was the grown-up version of Brooke—the same raven-black hair, sky-blue eyes with dark lashes and a darker ring around the center that gave a mysterious look, one that drew him in and made him want to search their depths. And that could get a guy in trouble too.So put the brakes on, mister.

He had a safe thing going with Ranger and his work. They weren’t dodging bullets, sleeping in caves, or eating cold rations. And his heart was mended as best as it could be. So he didn’t need to rock the boat. Swim lessons with a child... and that was all he signed on for.

Why did it feel like he was trying to convince himself?

Chapter Six

Kenzie shook herhead after the third evac of the day on Monday. The team had begun the morning running and not stopped until late afternoon. When she finally was able to sink into her chair, she released a deep sigh of welcome relief.

“It feels so good just to sit in something that isn’t vibrating and moving,” she remarked as Jayson walked into the office, both hands with drinks in them. He handed one of them over to her. She gratefully took it.

“You are a lifesaver in more ways than one today. I needed this,” she said as she took a deep draw from the straw, the sweet tea ice-cold and perfect.

“Well, I can’t take credit for it,” he responded. “I was walking past the cafeteria, and the chief was coming out of it with that drink in hand. He said he had gotten summoned to the administrator’s office and would I see that you got that. You might need it. So there you are. He’s the lifesaver in this case.”

The news surprised Kenzie. First, that Deke had thought of getting her a drink, her favorite one. And then he even knew what she liked. He truly was observant, just like with her coffee at her house. He was thoughtful. An attribute which Kenzie hadn’t been acquainted with in a male in a very long time. She hoped Jay wouldn’t read anything silly into it. Their leader was simply being nice. Change of subject.

“How’s your plan going to take some time to get down to the beach before the end of summer?” She would steer the conversation into safer waters—no pun intended.

“Fingers crossed. Two more weeks, and we are on our way. How about you? Are you going to take some time?”

“Well, I doubt we’ll be going anyplace like the beach, but I’m hoping to get the kitchen and dining room painted. Do some things that have been neglected before the cold weather hits again. That’ll be my vacation time.”

“I’m familiar with ‘honey-do’ lists with that stuff on it. My wife invented that concept, I think.Iinvented all the ways you can ignore that list for as long as possible, including paying my neighbor to do most of it for me.” He chuckled and Kenzie shook her head.

His pager went off and he read the message. “Looks like we’ve been given the green light to head home. Boss is stuck in a budget meeting. He’ll see us in the morning. Don’t have to tell me twice to get out of here. I’ll race you to the parking lot.”

“You win already,” she responded, standing and gathering her items. “I’ll be right behind you, but at a slower pace.”

Jay tossed a hand in a brief wave and left the office. Kenzie had one more thing to do. She took a bright Post-it Note and wrote a brief ‘Thanks a bunch for the sweet tea. It was needed. K’ She went across the hall and placed it on top of Deke’s computer screen. Then she headed home.

Brooke was in rare form when she picked her up at Jackie’s. She had been waiting on the porch when she pulled into the drive and wasted no time climbing in, waving at Jackie and the other kids. When they got home, she ran upstairs, and, when Kenzie had the mac and cheese casserole, one of Brooke’s favorites, on the table, she came down with having only been called once.

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