Page 6 of Longing for the Ranger (Shadow Mountain Forest Rangers #2)

Shawn

The crack of pool balls smacking together fills the air, along with the country music playing softly in the background. The bitter icy liquid of my beer hits the spot as I take a long swallow. It’s just what I need after the hell of a week I’ve had. I’m beyond relieved it’s finally over.

Rylan groans as he sits next to me. “You know I usually love my job and consider myself a lucky son of a bitch to get paid for being outside, but the shit from this week is almost enough to have me reconsidering my life choices.”

I grunt in agreement. “Dealing with literal shit sure puts a damper on things.”

We had a major backup in the restrooms at the Spruce Run Campground after some asshole kids clogged all the toilets with tp. If that wasn’t enough, they also decided we need to redecorate and graffitied the whole place. Of course, it was mostly profanity, so we quickly had to clean it up as well.

Linc, the owner of the Coyote Creek Bar and Grill, stops in front of Rylan on the other side of the bar from us. “Same for you?”

Rylan nods his head. “Yep and keep ‘em coming.”

Linc chuckles, smirking, “Shawn mentioned your shitty week.”

My phone dings with a text notification. The conversation fades into the background while they continue to trade war stories as I open the text.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night as a thank you for helping with the boys? I’ve been told I make a pretty great lasagna. You can bring Missy so she can play with the boys and doesn’t have to be home alone.

There’s no containing the grin overtaking my face as I read it. My heart races with anticipation as my fingers fly over the keys to answer.

There’s no way I can turn down a homecooked meal. Sounds amazing. Can I bring anything?

Just yourself and Missy. Have a favorite beer?

I enjoy Rocky Mountain Ale, but you don’t have to get it just for me. I appreciate the thought, though.

It’s the least I can do for what you have done for us. The boys haven’t stopped talking about the fish they caught. You have no idea how much what you did for us meant to them.

I told you I was happy to. I had a great time with you all, as well.

Well, I’m glad we weren’t too much torture for you. Dinner will be ready at 6:30.

Already looking forward to it.

We are too. See you then.

Laughter draws my attention as I set my phone down.

“Man, she must be something to have you texting like a thirteen-year-old girl.” Dominic Martin says from the other side of Rylan.

Milo Wilson, sitting next to him, chuckles, “Yeah, I know that grin. Someone’s going to get lucky.”

The two are hotshot firefighters who we work with when we get forest fires.

“You should’ve seen how many times he checked his phone this last week.” Rylan mutters.

I shake my head. “It’s not like that. Just helping out a single mom with her boys.”

Milo’s eyes narrow. “Wait, are you talking about Izzy Thacker? Are you the ranger who took her and the boys fishing?”

My lips turn down as my eyebrows furrow. “How do you know about that?”

Dom smirks. “Chelsey and Syd have been talking about it. They work with Izzy at the school. She was over with the boys this week so they could play with the girls. You seem to have made quite the impression on all three of them. Did she invite you over for dinner?”

“She did,” I nod.

Dom’s eyes narrow this time. “I take it you’re going then.”

“Was planning on it. I already told her I would. Why?”

He sighs. “It’s just she’s been through a lot and from what I heard from the girls, this is a big step for her.

She’s got kids, and that’s a whole different ball game.

You need to be clear where your head is at and what your intentions are.

It’s not fair to her or the kids to be jerked around.

You’ve spent time with the boys, so they’re already involved.

This is an instant family. Just be sure you are ready for that if you proceed. ”

My knee jerk reaction is to tell him to fuck off, but I process what he is saying for a moment before responding. I have to appreciate the fact he is looking out for her. He also knows what he is talking about, having been a single father himself before marrying Chelsey.

“You’re right, it is different. I know because I was raised by a single mom.

I was lucky enough to have an uncle step in to help her when she needed it.

So I understand a little of what she is going through.

She is doing an amazing job, but needs help and won't ask for it. The boys are great, but can be a handful. I never imagined the instant family situation, but after spending time with them it feels right, like something clicked into place. They fill a hole I didn’t even realize was there.

I would be happy to spend time with them even if I wasn’t attracted to Izzy. ”

He nods, “Fair enough. I’m happy for all of you then.”

Thankfully, the conversation turns to the latest fire they had been working, and my budding relationship is no longer the center of conversation.

I’m thankful for his concern for Izzy, that she has people supporting her. It also makes me realize just how deep in this with her I already am. How quickly she and those little boys worked their way under my skin, completely changing how I see my life.

I thought I was happy with the freedom I have with no one relying on me, but now each day I come home to a much too quiet house and wish for noise and laughter to be filling it.

I can only hope this invitation is an indication she is feeling something for me as well and not just the thank you dinner she says it is.

There’s only one way to find out and I hope laying it on the line so early on doesn’t send her running for the hills.