I inhale slowly, my throat hurting from the smoke. “I left in a hurry, and there isn’t much food at my house. Please ask her to get some groceries for Ashley. She likes orange juice. And scrambled eggs.”

“Of course. I’ll call her. She can pick them up before she leaves town.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

I clear my throat. “And Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Tell Mom I love her.”

“She knows, son.”

“Tell her anyway.”

“I will. Take care. I’ll check in with Johnson periodically.”

“You take care too. Bye.” I hand the phone back to Johnson. “Now what?”

He pauses a moment before replying. “Now, we wait.”

“For what?”

“To get word that it’s safe to move.”

“Are we spending the night out here?”

“We might be.” He gestures to my pack. “Looks like you’re prepared.”

“I am. Are you?”

“Always.” He motions to a tiny pack.

“You can’t possibly have a tent in there.”

“I don’t. It’s a sub-zero bag. I’ll be fine.” His phone rings. “Johnson here.”

I stop listening to his end of the conversation. If necessary, we can both fit inside my one-man tent. It’ll be snug, but we’ll manage. I’m thirsty from trying to escape the fire. Water. We’ll need water. The creek…

I begin walking.

“Hold on, Jack.” Johnson moves his phone from his ear. “Where do you think you’re off to?”

I look over my shoulder. “Water.”

He nods and goes back to his conversation.

The creek I was going to follow to get home is about a mile south. The weather is brisk, which is a good thing. Hotter weather means the fire will last longer. I’ve seen worse in my day. I’m about halfway down when Johnson calls to me. I turn.

“You following me?”

He shakes his head. “Just got word. It’s safe to follow the creek down.”

“Thank God,” I say under my breath. I need to be there for my vines.

The scent of fire is still thick in the air.

Half a mile later, we reach the creek and both fill up our canteens. Pure Rocky Mountain spring water is the best, and though it eases my dry mouth and throat, it doesn’t ease the dryness in my heart. In my soul.

Ashley is safe. My family is safe. That’s the most important.

But until I see with my own eyes that my vines are safe…

“Ready?” Johnson says.

I nod. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Six

Ashley

Brock and I set up the game but never start to play Scrabble. We sit on the deck for a few minutes, watching Penny play, until the air is too much. I don’t mind the smell of the fires in the distance, but the ash rain and smoke start to bother my eyes after a bit.

“Why aren’t you bothered?” I ask Brock when we go inside and sit at the kitchen table.

“I guess we’re used to it. This happens pretty much every year.”

“Your lands are compromised every year?”

“No, usually not. But we still have to deal with the smell and the thickness of the air. This is a smaller fire, but because it’s so close, the effect is the same.”

“A smaller fire, huh?”

“Yeah. It will be contained by the end of the day. Tomorrow at the latest.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve seen a lot of fires in my day. I just know. Trust me.”

“I hope you’re right. I wish Dale were safely home.”

“Dale’s fine. The scout found him and will lead him to safety.”

I nod. I don’t doubt Brock’s words, but I won’t rest until he’s home safely in my arms.

“Knock knock!”

I startle when the back door opens.

“Hey, Aunt Jade,” Brock says.

“Hey, yourself.” She sets down two bags of groceries on the counter. “Ashley, Dale asked me to get some provisions for you in town.”

“He did?” Meaning, he’s still not planning to come home?

“Yeah. He said to get eggs and orange juice. I kind of guessed on the rest.”

I attempt a smile. She means well, after all, and she only did what Dale asked her to. “Thank you. I’m sure everything’s fine.”

Jade starts unpacking the bags. “I got a couple cans of food for Penny. Dale likes to make his own and mix it with kibble. I figured this is the next best thing.”

“Thank you,” I say again.

Jade turns to face me. “He’s okay, Ashley.”

I gulp. “I know.”

“He just…has to leave sometimes. This isn’t anything new.”

“I’ve told her the same thing,” Brock adds.

“Why?” I gesture with my hands. “Why in the middle of fire season?”

“I worry too. It’s a mother’s prerogative. I’ll never stop worrying about my children, especially my oldest. He’s such a loner, but I try to understand. If you’re going to be with him, you need to understand too.”

“I know that, and I try.”

“I know.” Jade opens the door to the pantry and places the cans of dog food on a shelf with other canned goods. Dale has few canned goods, which doesn’t surprise me. He’s such a gourmet, he probably uses fresh food as much as possible, even for his dog.

Brock rises. “I’m thinking I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

I turn to him. “You haven’t.”

“Are you and Dale officially together?”

I nod. “For now, at least. But I could sure use a friend.”

He sits back down. “I know we’re only friends, but the issue is Dale. I know my cousin, and I’m not sure he’d appreciate me being here alone with you.”

“We’re not alone. Jade’s here.”

“For a hot minute,” Jade says. “I’ll leave as soon as I get this stuff put away. But you should stay, Brock. I’m sure Ashley will appreciate the company. Dale will be fine.”