Kent felt a chill run up his spine. Two fires at the former filling station and a few fires in trash bins behind the downtown buildings occurred just down the street from Holloway property. He eyed the two guys with renewed interest. There'd been too many suspicious fires in their buildings while they were off fishing in Southeast Oklahoma.

"I heard there'd been a few small fires around here," Bert Two said casually. "Sounds like unruly kids to me."

Bert sighed, as if in exasperation. "I know what folks are saying about us, but I swear somebody's got it in for the Holloway family. I've told Sheriff Calhoun, but it doesn't do a bit of good."

"The fire department and the sheriff are doing all that's possible. So far, there's just not enough evidence to prove anything beyond arson." Kent hesitated, trying to smooth over the situation because he could feel Hannah tensing and snuggling harder against him. "I'm sorry for your losses."

"Thank you." Bert took off his hat, ran a hand through his thick hair, and set his hat back in place. "It's frustrating as all get-out, but I do appreciate your help and concern."

"Double that," Bert Two added. "Let's hope that local firebug doesn't get a mind to light up our new Sure-Shot property."

"Aren't they going to set up a watch?" Lauren glanced at Kent with an understanding glint in her eyes.

"That right?" Bert asked.

"Sounds like it," Kent agreed. "I hope they follow up."

"Good idea." Bert Two agreed. "Dad, we ought to ask them if they'll keep an eye on our property, too."

"We'll do it," Bert said. "Fact of the matter, we ought to get right on it as soon as we eat dinner. You'll excuse us if don't stay to chat longer, but you've got me worried about that old drive-in now."

"Don't blame you one bit. We were just on our way back to Wildcat Bluff." Kent gave Lauren a look to go along with him as he turned away from the cafe.

Bert tipped his hat to Lauren. "Now don't be a stranger while you're in town. And tell your aunt I'm always ready to squire her about town or any place she may take a fancy to go."

Lauren smiled as she shook her head. "I doubt I have to tell her. It seems you've been trying to get her to go out with you forever."

Bert chuckled. "Little lady, it has been forever, but I'm not a man who ever gives up-not when the prize is Hedy Murray."

"And Lauren, now that you're back in town," Bert Two said, "let's get together and talk about old times or new ones. Please give me a call when you get settled in. I'd be happy to take you and your adorable daughter to supper." He pulled a business card from his coat pocket and held it out to her.

Kent felt like growling and giving Bert Two what-for, but he held his peace because he had a little girl in his arms that he didn't want to alarm. Later he'd better not hear that Bert Two was trying to make time with his gal. Jealousy hadn't reared its head in a long time, but Lauren brought out all Kent's possessive and protective instincts.

Lauren smiled sweetly as she accepted Bert Two's card and put it in her front pocket. "Good to see you both again. Right now, I've got a sleepy child who needs a nap."

Bert Two nodded, tipped his hat, and opened the door to the Bluebonnet Cafe. "Now don't forget to call."

"And be sure to tell Hedy I asked after her," Bert added.

As the men disappeared into the Bluebonnet, Kent clasped Lauren's elbow and steered her toward their vehicles. He opened the door to Lauren's SUV, then gently set Hannah in her booster seat and fastened the seat belt.

She looked up at him sleepily. "Cowboy Daddy, what about my chicken strips?"

"We'll get you something to eat later." He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before he backed away and shut the door.

"Thanks." Lauren stood in front of her SUV with her arms crossed over her stomach. "You really have a way with her."

"She's exhausted and sleepy." He held out his hand. "Hungry, too."

"Same goes for me." She clasped his fingers. "I was looking forward to lunch, but I didn't want to sit down at a table with Bert and Bert Two. They're nice enough, but Hannah didn't need any more strangers today."

"I got that." He walked with her around to the driver's side. "Do you want to get food someplace else?"

She shook her head. "It'd be pushing Hannah too far. She's had a great day. I think I'll just take her back to Ruby's. We can get something to eat there."

"I understand." He did but he didn't. He wanted more from Lauren, and he wanted it now. "Look, could I pick you up later?"

She smiled, happiness lighting up her brown eyes. "Do you mean like a date?"

"That's exactly what I mean."

"Barbeque from the Chuckwagon Cafe?"

"And a trip up to Lovers Leap." He felt a scorching blaze rush through him at the thought of being alone with her in their favorite place again.

"Are we up to that much fun?"

"Why don't we find out?"

"I'm willing if you're willing." She squeezed his hand, smiling up at him, then glanced down the street. "Look, the sheriff's car is in front of the Sinclair station."

"Glad to hear it."

"Are you going down to talk with him?"

"I'd better. And I'll stop by the fire station, download the photos, and pick up new fire extinguishers."

"You'd best get on your way then." She hesitated, glanced back at the cafe, then at him again. "Funny how there've been fires near the Holloway's new property, isn't it?"

"That's my exact thought. I'll talk to Sheriff Calhoun about it again."

"Still, let's don't jump to conclusions."

"Wouldn't think of it, but it's something to keep in mind."

She rose up, pressed a quick kiss to his lips, and then stepped back. "Now, be on your way before I kidnap you."

He laughed, pushing fingers into her thick hair to cradle her head as he gazed down at her. "If you want to kidnap me, I won't fight you."

She covered his hand with her fingers and leaned her face in and kissed his palm. "If I'm going to kidnap you, better bring your sleeping bag tonight."

He chuckled, feeling hotter at her words. "Guess a well-prepared cowboy firefighter's equipment should include a sleeping bag."

"That's right. I'd expect him to always be ready to fight a fire or satisfy a gal in need."

"Are you in need?"

She pressed her face to his cheek so she could whisper in his ear. "I've been in need since the first moment I saw you at the fire station."

He felt her body tremble down the entire length of him, making him feel even wilder for her. "Tonight, be ready for me to meet all your needs."

She eased away from him, tossing an enticing glance his way before she opened the door to her SUV and slipped inside.

He quickly shut her door and stepped back, knowing he'd be counting the minutes till that evening.

Chapter 31.

Lauren sat in the garden room at Twin Oaks, swinging back and forth, as she waited for Kent to pick her up. For their date. How many years had it been since she'd waited with this same sense of expectation? How much water had gone under the bridge for both of them? How many disappointments had they overcome and how many victories had they won to be here in this time and place? Together again.

She felt as if she'd been given a second chance at life. Kent was a big part of that second chance, but Wildcat Bluff and Sure-Shot with Hedy, Morning Glory, Ruby, Billye Jo, Elsie, Slade, Sydney, Dune, Trey, and so many more had welcomed her and Hannah with open arms and loving hearts. She felt truly blessed with her family and friendships.

She'd talked with her parents earlier, catching them up on her exciting news. They'd loved the photo of Hannah on horseback. Hannah had told them all about ice cream and pony experiences. Everybody had laughed together, sharing their lives even though they were separated by many miles. She hadn't told her parents about her disagreement with Hedy regarding hippotherapy because she hoped to have that resolved in a positive way soon.

After hearing all the good news, her mom and dad were talking about coming for a visit soon and about how much they missed Hedy, as well as their old friends. Lauren hoped that if everything worked out here maybe her parents would eventually move back. Wildcat Bluff could be a great place to retire. Yet that was for the future. For now, she wanted to focus on the present.

Hannah had pouted that she couldn't go tonight, but Ruby had promised they'd bake brownies and read a new book. Lauren felt a little guilty since she hadn't been separated often from Hannah in her short life. Yet Ruby had encouraged Lauren to go ahead and take advantage of a ready babysitter, particularly since it meant getting out and having fun with her former sweetheart.

So here Lauren sat wearing soft jeans, long-sleeve crimson T-shirt, jean jacket, and red moccasins. Most likely the weather would turn cooler later, but she doubted that she'd get very cold with Kent nearby. That image set a smile to her lips and she leaned forward to look out the sliding gla.s.s doors at Cougar Lane in hopes of seeing Kent's pickup. But the road was still empty.

She sank back against the wooden swing, taking a moment to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. Ruby was giving Hannah a bath upstairs, so her daughter was happy, and that always came first.

She hadn't let any gra.s.s grow under her feet since she'd returned to Twin Oaks that afternoon. While Hannah had napped, she'd gone online and ordered hippotherapy equipment to be shipped overnight to Kent's farmhouse. Billye Jo would bring the horse and pony to Kent's barn in the morning. With the horse, equipment, and so much local support, Lauren would be ready for equine-a.s.sisted therapy tomorrow. Well, she'd be ready except for Hedy. That was her one big disappointment.

She opened her red purse on the seat beside her, pulled out her phone, and hit Hedy's number. She hoped her aunt would pick up this time, although she'd tried several times earlier to no avail.

"Lauren," Hedy said, sounding tired and listless. "I believe we said all we needed to say to each other earlier today."

She flinched at her aunt's tone of voice, having never heard it before that day. "Aunt Hedy, you know I love you-"

"I love you, too. That's not what this is about."

Lauren took a deep breath to control her surging emotions. "I just called to keep you up with my hippotherapy plans."

"Why would you think-"

"Billye Jo has already trained and certified a horse. She's bringing him over to Kent's barn tomorrow."

"I'm not getting on a horse's back. Didn't I make myself clear?" Hedy said politely but firmly.

"Don't you want to come over and see Hannah's new pony?"

"You found one for her already?" Hedy's voice took on a sudden surge of interest and energy.

"Yes! Hannah is in love with Spot, a beautiful paint pony."

"Is Spot trained for a little girl?"

"Yes again. A girl just outgrew Spot, so the pony needed a new rider and home."

"That's wonderful." Hedy hesitated, as if thinking through her next words. "Of course, I'd love to see Hannah ride her first horse."

"I know she'd want you to see her, too." Lauren hoped she could lure her aunt to Kent's barn with the new pony. "Billye Jo is bringing both horses over tomorrow."

"Well, I'll see. I'm pretty busy at the store and station."

"I know you are, but maybe you can make time. I'll let you know when they're at the barn."

"You don't need to-"

"Wait!" Lauren smiled as she saw Kent's blue truck pull up and stop in front of the house. "Kent's here. Gotta run."

"Kent?"

"We're getting Chuckwagon barbeque and going to our favorite spot."

"Bet I know where that is." Hedy gave a slow chuckle, as if remembering better times.

Lauren laughed, too, feeling a deep relief that her aunt was sounding more her usual self. "I bet you know the exact location of Lovers Leap."

"I wouldn't say yes and I wouldn't say no."

"By the way, I saw Bert in Sure-Shot today. He said to tell you h.e.l.lo and he'd be the happiest of men if you'd ever say yes."

"That Bert! He's been after me since high school. You'd think he'd grow up and give up."

Lauren laughed harder. "I don't think that's ever going to happen. He's sure got an eye for you."

"Go on now. He probably can't half see nowadays."

"I wouldn't count on it. And don't be surprised if he stops in at the store tomorrow."

"Please. That man must have the biggest collection of bluebirds in the county. I can't think what he's doing with them."

Lauren grinned, shaking her head at her aunt's denseness. "He's trying to get you to go out with him."

"By buying bluebirds?" Hedy sounded sincerely puzzled at the idea. "That'd sure be a roundabout way of going about it."

Lauren glanced up when she heard a tap on the sliding gla.s.s door. Kent stood outside, looking good in crisp, pressed jeans, blue-and-white-striped pearl-snap shirt, and buff cowboy boots. She gave him a big grin while holding up one finger to wait a moment. "Aunt Hedy, why don't you cut Bert some slack?"

Hedy chuckled. "He gets on my last nerve, but I'll sell him another bluebird if he's so inclined to want one."