The Wayward Sister (The Wayward Sons 5)

10

Sierra

At dawn I see the p

lume of smoke to the west, hovering like a strange, pink cloud in the sky. The sunrise gives it a strange haze, but this isn’t my first forest fire. Soon a thick blanket will cover the whole area, making it impossible to see more than a few feet in the distance. Helicopters beat overhead, flying toward the danger. Worry builds in my stomach, and I call Katie, apologizing for our argument the day before, and ask her if she wants company.

We agree to meet at the diner in Mammoth Lakes. It feels a little blasphemous, supporting the competition, but I’m not ready to head into Lee Vines. Thankfully, she understands.

“Smith came to your house again last night?” she asks, picking at a plate of eggs. I’d already told her that’s how I knew.

“Yes, and I told him off and it didn’t go over well.”

“Because you keep pushing people out of your life, Sierra. It has to change.”

I know she’s right. I feel it in my bones, right now, with the guys out there fighting the fire…I know something’s got to give.

Katie gets a text. “It’s Robbie. The fire isn’t contained yet but they’re working on it…oh no.” Her hand covers her mouth. My heart ratchets up.

“What?” I lean forward.

“The woods closet to their cabin went up fast, they did what they could to stop the house from burning but they couldn’t get there in time. It’s a total loss.”

“But they’re okay?”

She nods, eyes watering. “Everyone’s safe. Each of them got a bag out and their trucks are fine. They’re just homeless.”

I swallow, feeling a mixture of relief and loss. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose everything like that. It has to be devastating.

The waitress comes over and refills our coffee. Katie types quickly into her phone, sending a message.

“Robbie can come stay with me until they get a new assignment.” She rubs her forehead. “Maybe the guys can stay at the lodge. I’m sure Mrs. Nye would be fine with that. One of the cabins in the back?”

“Sure, that’s not a bad idea.”

Katie wraps her hands around her coffee, warming them. “Or maybe someone could put them up for a few weeks.”

I’m pouring sugar in my coffee, not really paying attention. I glance up and see her staring at me.

“What?”

“You know, someone with a big, empty house…”

“You want them to move in with me?” I shake my head. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? You have the room. Those cabins are really small. The three of them will get cramped after a few days. They don’t have a kitchen or anything. It’s not much more than a temporary solution.”

“It’s a temporary problem.” I frown. “I’ve already raised four boys. I don’t need three more.”

She smirks. “These aren’t boys. They’re men.”

“Yeah, that’s not making it any better,” I mutter.

“Look, they’re good guys and they need help. I’m sure they’ll be willing to repay the favor by um, helping you out, too.” I shoot her a glare. She holds up her hands. “I mean with the house. You could use some help with the house, right?”

I take a deep breath, but don’t reply.

She takes it as an opportunity to continue. “And don’t say you’re not a little freaked out being alone all the time, not after what happened with Reid.”