Chapter Thirty-One
Grady’s heart pounded,and his lungs burned as he went running up and down the hilly roads outside of Colson’s Corner. He needed to stay in shape if he were ever to go back to smokejumping or even plain oldfirefighting.
True, his traveling days were over if he got custody of Jessie, but he was tired of sitting around at essentially a desk job matching dogs to veterans—not a good way to stay inshape.
Grady sprinted up the hills and jogged down, doing interval training, mile after mile, until he found himself outside of Linx’splace.
He hadn’t spoken to her or texted her after they’d made love the night before, because as soon as he’d told his family where he was, they had swarmed into town and surroundedhim.
It turned out Linx had told Cait about Jessie and him being her father, and there was nothing he could do but answer questions until his tongue wentnumb.
He spotted Linx’s Durango parked in the carport. Next to it was another car, which looked like Jessie’s mother’sminivan.
Grady’s heart galloped as he approached the center. Maybe he shouldn’t meet Jessie’s adoptive parents until he saw them incourt.
He was about to turn around when Linx opened the front door and waved him in, probably alerted by the barking dogs in theback.
“Missed you.” Bending toward her, he kissed her cheek and acted like she was hisgirlfriend.
Her eyes twinkled, and she darted him a fluttery look. “How’d you ditch yourfamily?”
Cedar and Betsy greeted him with wagging tails and sniffing, so Grady gave both dogs a neck rub beforeanswering.
“I ran out on them at the diner. Monday morning quarterbacking’s what they do best.” He tipped his head toward Mrs. Patterson who was brushing tangles and twigs from Jessie’shair.
“Grady!” Jessie said, brightening up. “Mom, that’s Superman, and he found mydog.”
Grady couldn’t help the grin creeping onto his face as he gave Jessie’s shoulder a pat. He’d become a character in her make-believe world, which meant she rememberedhim.
Mrs. Patterson looked indulgently at Jessie and extended her hand. “I think we met before. I’m Jean Patterson. We’re so grateful you foundBetsy.”
“Grady Hart.” He shook Jean’s hand. “Glad I couldhelp.”
“It’s a good thing you found her,” Mrs. Patterson said. “Jessie didn’t want another dog. Only Betsy woulddo.”
“But Mom, I do want another dog!” Jessie beamed, blinking cutely. “Now that Betsy’s back, she wants a friend so she won’t belonely.”
A smile teased over Linx’s lips as she ruffled Jessie’s head. “Are you going to be in the Fourth of Julyparade?”
Good tactic. Changing subjects. Seemed Linx already knew some of the tricks mothersused.
“I’m going to ride on a real fire truck.” Jessie bounced up and down. “Can I sit with you, Superman? Miss Linx says you’re a fireman,too.”
“I’ll have to check with whoever’s in charge here,” Grady said, hating to disappoint his daughter, but loving that he was asked. “Is Betsy going to ride withyou?”
“Yep, I get a fire helmet, and she gets to be fire dog. I won the prize for the entire town.” Jessie stood straight and tall. “But I still want to be in the dog parade and wear my Wonder Womancostume.”
“You want to do everything, don’t you?” Linx gave the little girl an affectionate hug. “You’re a little ball ofenergy.”
“I get to turn the wheel and ring the bell, and Betsy gets to look out the window.” Jessie’s eyes were wide. “But I also want to walk the dogs and ride horses,too.”
“You can’t do everything in one year,” Mrs. Patterson said. “I think riding in the fire truck and doing the show and tell at the dog rescue auction will be lots offun.”
“Only if Superman gets to drive it and let me turn the wheel.” Jessie put her hand in Grady’s, melting his heart on thespot.
“I’m sure there are real Colson Corner firefighters who will drive the fire truck,” Grady said, not wanting to usurp anyone’s authority, but wishing like heck he could sign up todrive.
“Actually, it’s an antique fire truck, not the real rig,” Jean cut in. “Your brother-in-law, Brian Wonder, has one he offered for the parade. My husband and I would have gone with Jessie, but he’s going to be street preaching and I’m passing out tracts. There are a lot of visitors up for the Gold Country Festival, and that means a lot of souls tosave.”
