Deputy Barbie is holding out a written incident report like its toxic as I snatch it from her with a grunt of thanks.
We’ll need it if we’re gonna get Stacey’s insurance as well as the wrecked car towed.
“A Ranger’s responsibility, huh?” Is all the Deputy has left before I put Stacey and her things into my truck, pulling away from the patrol car and the wreck as soon as I can.
“Why don’t we head over to the ranch instead of the Ranger station?” I suggest. “It’s not far, pretty much the same distance, only in the other direction.”
“I thought you said it might not be standing?” Stacey asks, and I can see she wants to ask me twenty questions about Deputy Barbie back there, but that’s done now. I don’t want to even think about it.
“That’s partly why I want to go, to the ranch,” I chime in. It’s true. There’s no other way to know unless I go and see for myself.
“The Sherriff and other state troopers, as well as emergency services, will help anyone who needs it,” I tell Stacey.
And I’m glad beyond words when she agrees.
“Is there a bunker there too?” she asks, trying not to smile, but obviously having some fond memories. The kind I know we both share now.
“Better than that,” I announce, hoping the old place stood up to the storm, “There’s a four poster bed and an old fashioned wood stove, with a fireplace in every room.” I smile, seriously hoping all my hard work hasn’t been treated the same way as her electric car.
Technology.
Not something I ever see coming first when it’s pitted against nature.
Setting my mind on the Ranch and ignoring the hundred other things I’d normally do on a day like today, I ask Stacey to give me the details so I can call the rental company, her response shocks me a little.
“It’s my mess, Ben. I’ll clean it up,” she says cheerfully, thumbing the paperwork herself, reading over the contract, and making me proud of her again for the second time today.
“Just trying to help,” I mumble, not hiding the little bit of hurt I feel.
“You can’t do everything for me, Ben. Please? Let me handle it. If I get stuck I’ll let you know,” she says, reaching over to squeeze my leg.
“You’ve rescued me enough for one day, but I can do some stuff by myself,” she tells me, letting her hand rest on my thigh once mine closes over hers.
I squeeze her hand back, not daring to look at her in case my face shows just how emotional she makes me sometimes.
God, I love her.
I love her so much.
Reminding her I’m here if she needs it, I listen as she deals with everything over the phone, arranging the insurance claim and tow. Giving the police report number and most of all, handling herself like a woman in charge.
More than once the rental agency tries to wheedle out of their contract, but having read it over, she seems more up to speed on their company policy than they are.
By the time she’s done, we’re pulling up to the gates of the ranch.
Our ranch I want to tell her, but she’s had a big enough day so far for that kind of talk.
I hop out to open the gates and noticing the house still standing in the distance, I sigh with some relief.
I guess the old place has seen a hurricane or three…
Getting back in the truck, I’m glad to see Stacey’s eyes wide with pleasure as she takes in the scenery.
A big old bluestone ranch, solid chimneys reaching up like fingers, and a solid timber porch running the whole way around.
There’s even an ancient barn and stables, still all standing. Corrals and plenty of room for whatever we want to do with the place.
“It’s just beautiful,” she exclaims, and without taking my eyes off her as we pull up, I couldn’t agree more when I see her in this light, out front of our new home.
“It sure is,” I echo back. “Just beautiful.”
Chapter Fifteen
Stacey
Pulling up to Ben’s ranch, knowing I’ve sorted out the wreck of my rental car. It’s just enough to put the thought of my dad coming up here out of my mind.
I had no idea this part of the world was so beautiful, with what looks like a painted mountain behind the fairy tale ranch buildings, I’m not surprised Ben wanted to show me let alone come up here.
I leap out of the truck, eager to have Ben show me around, but his radio crackles to life and he lets me know with a glance that he has to take it.
“Have a look around, but don’t wander off,” he says. “Key’s under the pot plant by the door,” he adds quickly before he takes his radio message.