Our home, our beautiful home. What have I done?
Ben’s strong arms grab me before I can reach the house.
“It’s okay,” he tells me a dozen times, telling me it’s a good thing the sheriff turned up when he did.
“It’s under control, Stacey. Just a small fire. God, I’m glad you’re not hurt. I don’t know what I’d do if...” he says but never gets to finish as he holds me, moving to kiss me.
I look up to kiss Ben, confused when I see him turn away, spinning on his heels.
There’s a growling roar, my dad swearing and calling him the worst names, and then a thud, followed by a man crying out in pain.
When I finally register what’s happening, my dad, the sheriff, and his deputy are surrounding us both.
Ben’s strong arm is holding me up as he holds a defensive finger to all of them.
My dad is holding his hand, looking like a bird with a broken wing.
The Sherriff and his deputy are just shadows to me really, I only look to Ben. Look up as I grip him harder, telling him I’m sorry over and over again.
The house isn’t badly damaged like he said it’s just a small fire. But something I know I’ll never forget.
But it’s not the recent memory of the smoke, flames, and damage to our new home that worries me so much.
It’s what I’m hearing from my dad and his new friends.
“You’re coming home now, Stacey. A hurricane and a fire? I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day, don’t you?” he asks bitterly.
He’s trying to stay calm, but I can see he’s been sorely tested. Pale and shaking with what I think might be worry but it turns out to be rage.
I guess he’s joined the dots about Ben and me.
I can hear Ben speaking for both of us in reply.
“Stacey is staying here with me, Greg. Let’s not add assault charges against her dad to the list of events in one day,” he snarls.
It’s clear to me it was my dad who swung out at Ben, and his limp, crumpled hand is the result.
“How could you, Ben?” is all my dad can reply, shaking his head and trying to clench a fist again before wincing in pain.
“It’s a strange business, Ben. But nothing this side of the law,” The Sherriff drawls, hooking his thumbs into his gun belt and sucking in his gut.
“I’m pretty sure Ranger Ben has stepped over the line regarding his so-called duties,” remarks Deputy Barbie.
She’s quietly gloating at the fact there’s trouble between Ben and my dad, and all without actually getting her hands dirty or trying anything much when it comes to a house fire and saving my life, I see.
“Stacey,” My dad barks. “Home. Now.”
I feel my head shaking, looking to Ben again for an answer.
I hear myself, almost shouting, I’m an adult. I can do whatever I want. But the Sherriff and deputy, even my dad all echo the same against us.
“A bad look for a Ranger.” Coos the Deputy to herself, patiently studying the back of her nails.
“Legal? Maybe technically… But now arson in a domestic dispute?” echoes the Sherriff with a malicious grin.
And finally, there’s my dad, just so hurt I won’t go to him over Ben.
Crushed by what he can see for himself, which is pretty obvious.
The love between Ben and me.
“You can all go to hell!” I shout, focusing on my dad.
“Ben saved me yesterday in the middle of a storm and I know it was him who did the right thing today. I’m twenty years old dammit! And I don’t have to do anything you tell me,” I hiss.
Ben’s hand on me loosens.
“Ben? You’ve got a world of questions to answer, buddy. Let the girl go and we can just talk,” The Sherriff says slowly, his hand moving to the butt of his revolver.
“Just go with ‘em,” Ben groans. “Just for now,” he adds.
“Looks like some kind of conspiracy or whatever you’d call it. I can look after myself, Stacey. But just wait for me. Know that I’ll come get you, no matter what,” he adds in a low tone
“I won’t leave you, Ben,” I tell him, making sure everyone else can hear.
“You have to. Just for now,” he assures me, his voice firm and steady.
Calmer than any other voice I’ve heard in the past hour.
“You’re mine, Stacey. And I’m yours. You know that now. I’ll come for you when the time is right. Just do what your dad wants for now. For me,” he murmurs.
I nod without question.
Ranger Ben is on the case, and I just know he won’t let any of this stop his plans.
It won’t stop or change anything between us.
Chapter Eighteen
Ben
It sickens me, plain and simple.
Why the hell the Sherriff and his deputy would even need to come out here with Greg.