The auction was so exciting. Jenna had had her eye on the white foal because she was beautiful, and that day she took one look in the pony’s eyes and knew she was the one. The bidding was competitive, though, and Dad had to go a little beyond what they’d anticipated. She’d hugged him so hard when their final bid held.
Her eyes stung at the memory.Look, Daddy. She’s still here. Still so beautiful.
Just then Dream lifted her head and seemed to stare straight at Jenna. She felt it right in the middle of her chest. Could hardly breathe for a few seconds.
“Ooh, that one’s all white,” Maya said. “She’s so pretty.”
Jenna swallowed against the lump in her throat. “That’s Dream. She’s eighteen so she’s getting up in years. The average life span of the ponies is twenty to thirty years, slightly less than domestic horses. But because of the fire company’s care, they live longer in the harsh environment than they otherwise would.”
“She’s so unique.”
“She is.” And then, because Jenna felt comfortable with the couple, she added, “But Dream is extra special to me because my dad and I bought her seventeen years ago as a buyback.”
Maya beamed. “Aw, and you got to name her.”
“Her full name is Jenna’s Dream, but mostly she just goes by Dream. She’s actually a descendant of Misty.”
“That’s very cool,” Cameron said.
Jenna didn’t mention that her dad had passed. She didn’t want pity marring the poignant moment. While the couple occupied themselves taking photos of the grazing ponies, Jenna just rested in her kayak, the warm breeze skating over her skin, watching Dream and remembering her dad.
Chapter 12
Tyson stowed his turnout gear in his locker, his heart still racing from the call. It had only been a grill fire, but the grill had been near the overhang of the house, making it a threat to the structure and other nearby homes. As a captain he assumed leadership at the scene, oversaw the other firefighters, and made critical decisions.
Luke put his boots in the locker next to Ty’s. The other firefighters did the same, talking among themselves, the noise echoing through the large apparatus bay. The building was new and modern, and the firefighters took pride in keeping it and the fire trucks pristine.
Luke glanced at Ty as he shoved his coat into the red mesh locker. “You all right?”
“Sure.” Adrenaline from the action kept him a little hyped, but the call had gone well. No one was hurt and the only loss was the grill—a pretty old one at that.
“You seemed a little intense back there.”
“Well, the house could’ve caught fire.”
“Sure, but we would’ve put that out quickly enough.” Luke made an effort to tame his hat hair. “Think you were a little rough on Wheeler back there?”
“He’s got a lot to learn.”
“He’s a probie but he’s coming along all right.”
Ty turned to Luke and gave him a pointed look. “Is there something you’re trying to say?”
Luke met his gaze quietly for a long moment.
The pause gave Ty a chance to reflect on his words and tone. “Sorry. Guess I am a little amped up.”
“What’s going on?”
Ty paused as the other firefighters said good-bye to them. Walker and Drury barely glanced Tyson’s way. They were still miffed about the whole Marissa deal. Ty had hoped things would’ve returned to normal by now, but there was still tension at the station.
He turned his attention back to Luke. “I’m just feeling a lot of pressure, I guess. And I’m tired.” Also he was scared to death of losing someone else. Scared of screwing up and being to blame. The guilt he already carried was heavy enough. But the nightmares were keeping him from getting a good night’s sleep, and that wasn’t good either.
“Stay out late with Jenna last night?”
“Yeah,” Ty said, even though he’d made it home long before midnight. The outing at Chatties had been fun. Lots of laughter and dancing. Felt like old times. Even though Seth’s misplaced interest in Jenna still rattled him. “Alex and Seth joined us for a while.”
“Sounds like fun.” Luke straightened his boots. “Did Trinity say anything else to you?”
