“I wasn’t in trouble. He’s got an opportunity to go for battalion chief and he wants me to consider applying for captain.”
Jace whistles. “Nice.”
“In theory, yeah. What man doesn’t want a promotion? It’s a compliment, recognition of our value, more money. I’d be the boss of my crew.”
“Sounds good,” Jace says. “And you’ve earned it.”
I rub the back of my neck. “I’m torn.”
“Between?”
I wave my hand around the barn. “This. Everything my family needs …” I blow out a breath. “I don’t know why I’m saying this to you of all people. You and Carli share the load over at your place. I’ve got four siblings to share the load with me. And I’m already gone every other day.”
“Your schedule wouldn’t change much would it?”
“No, probably not at all. But the load would be heavier. I’d bear more responsibility.”
He nods. “You’ll just have to figure out which trajectory you want for your future.”
“Meaning?”
“Do you see yourself as a rancher or a fireman?”
I sigh. “Both?”
He chuckles. “If that’s possible, say yes. If it’s not, keep doing what you’re doing until one or the other demands more than you can give.”
“Sounds simple,” I say.
“You and I both know it’s not. I’m still trying to find the right time to approach Dad about vet school. You’re asking the wrong farmer for advice.”
“Nah. I asked you for a reason.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re my best friend.”
“Got me there.” Jace smiles and claps me on the back as we walk toward the main house.
“Stay for dinner?” I ask him.
“Definitely.”
Two days later, Luke and I are up at the fence line finishing repairs.
The sound of a UTV breaks the silence between us. I glance down the hill. McKenna’s driving and Carli’s in the passenger seat with her feet propped up on the dash.
They park near us and hop out.
“Hey, guys,” Mac says. “Mom asked me to bring you food.”
“And you said yes?” Luke teases.
“Hey, Hollywood,” I say to my sister, but my smile is directed at Carli. “Remember how to repair a fence?”
McKenna props her hands on her hips. “Hollywood? Okay then. Autographs available after dinner. Management takes a cut.”
Luke laughs way too hard. I just smile. Carli does too, quiet but amused.
