“My dad and brother served. My brother, Ryan, always pushed me to do my best. Growing up in a small town, it didn’t take long for the boys to realize I didn’t put up with their crap. They made fun of me because Ryan taught me self-defense, and I appeared more independent than most of the girls in my class. I grew up with a love for my country, and when one of the boys asked me if I planned to join the military as a joke, it got me thinking.”
“You entered the military to prove him wrong?” he asked.
Scarlett scowled. “Never. I excelled better than some of the boys in gym and outran them in track. I have an eidetic memory. Once I saw something, it stuck. It helped me land the job, which I enjoyed, and earned the respect of my peers.”
“Do you miss it?” he asked softly.
“Yes. I miss my brothers and sisters, too, but I didn’t plan to re-up. I wanted to come home and work in the private sector. In fact, I got a call about a position the day I returned home. It seemed perfect,” she said wistfully.
“Then why don’t you meet with Leo? It can’t hurt to see what he has to offer,” Ty encouraged her as she bit into the gooey cookie.
“I’ll think about it. Oh, my. My taste buds have died and gone to heaven. I taste the chocolate chips and coconut, but what’s the other flavor?”
“It’s butterscotch,” he said, biting into his own.
The leaves on the tree shimmered as the wind blew, and Scarlett raised her chin, enjoying the feel of it on her face. “It’s beautiful here, very…peaceful.”
‘It’s one of my favorite spots,” he said, passing her the mason jar of milk. “Hope you don’t mindthe pint glass.”
She giggled. “I’ve drunk from worse things.” Scarlett sobered. “Thank you for bringing me here. They’re holding a memorial for Debbie after the coroner finishes his report. Will you come?”
“Yes. I’m providing the food,” Ty said. “Debbie made many friends in her short time here, and I imagine everyone will come to pay their respects.”
“How can you cook for everyone if you can’t work in the kitchen?” she asked.
“Kassie volunteered the hospital’s. Debbie wanted her ashes spread in the same place as her daughter’s. It’s close to them, and we can use the entire patio and cafeteria. Randy will make trays for the vets who don’t want to come down to the crowds and a few teens who can’t leave their rooms. They ordered all the items from Seattle to avoid any mishaps, and one of the men will follow it to ensure it arrives untainted.”
“Wow. How will you have the time?” she asked.
“My team volunteered to cook with me, and I’m prepping everything before the service. They’ll keep an eye on things while I attend, then I’ll return. The teens and veterans volunteered to set up extra tables and place the gas heaters outside in case it gets chilly.”
“Debbie must’ve made a big impression on people for them to do all this for her. I didn’t know her as long as the rest of you, but she always treated me like one of her kids,” Scarlett said softly, wiping her cheek. “I didn’t mean to ruin the moment. I’m touched by the way everyone pitches in.”
“Debbie consoled many of the teens and a few veterans. She always answered their calls, or they came to the center, and she’d sit with them, drink hot chocolate, and listen to their troubles. She often visited families who didn’t have a vehicle. If children lived there, she always packed them a few sweet treats.”
“I can picture her doing it,” Scarlett said. “Since you’re coming to the service, do you mind picking me up? I planned to ask Kassie or one of the veterans, but I didn’t want to bother them when they knew her longer than I did.”
“It doesn’t matter how long you know someone. It’s the feeling they leave you with that counts. Debbie made everyone feel needed, loved, and cared for in her short time here. I’ve known some people all my life, and never experienced what Debbie evoked in others,” Ty murmured.
Scarlett set her glass down and screwed the lid on. “I agree with you,” she said softly.
Ty shifted closer to her, and his thumb caressed her cheek. Scarlett smiled and leaned into his hand. “You’ve made a great impression on me,” he whispered.
Scarlett felt his warm breath as he leaned in. She tilted her head to meet his lips as he kissed her gently. His warm tongue teased hers, leaving her wanting more. A warm sensation traveled down her body as their tongues explored one another. Ty pulled her closer, and she placed her hands on his chest. His heartbeat thudded rapidly against her fingertips, and his hand glided to her neck. She wondered if he felt her pulse racing, matching his.
The kiss grew deeper, and he tasted like chocolate and butterscotch, making her senses go wild. Her hands sought the feel of his skin to see if he felt warm like her. He gently pulled her back.
“If we don’t stop now, Hank and the hands will get an eyeful. I enjoy spending time with you, but I didn’t bring you here expecting anything,” he said, his voice sounded gravely.
“I like our time together, too,” she said.
“Why don’t we head back? Do you still want to stop by Chase and Kassie’s? I want to see if they need help providing meals for the community,” he asked, pulling her to her feet.
“Yes, please,” she said as Ice jumped upand stood by her side. He packed up everything, rolled the blanket, and then led her to Hank. Ty held the stirrup while she climbed on and then handed her the rope for Ice.
When he mounted behind her, his arms brushed against her as he took the reins.
He leaned down to her ear. “Shall we see if he follows your command again?”
