Crack. Wham!
The sounds were horrific, the fire consuming almost everything. I could still hear the sirens, the vehicles getting closer.
I held my arm across my face, a fucking piece of wood falling on my back. I was pitched forward, immediately struggling to toss it off.
Without having my fire-retardant jacket on, my shirt caught on fire, but I rolled, immediately yelling her name. “Kenzie!”
Gasping, I scrambled to my feet, catching the sound of something. Something very faint. The mare. She was alive. The room was actively caving in, debris falling all around me.
“Over here!” I yelled for Wade, rubbing my eyes as I scanned the barn.
Then I noticed the horse. She was antsy, more so as I approached. “Whoa, girl. Come on. It’s okay.”
“Jesus,” Wade called, narrowly missing being crushed by a beam.
“Take the horse. Get her out of here.”
“I’m not leaving you or Kenzie here.”
“Wade. Go.” I moved forward, almost tripping. “Go! I will find her. I promise you.”
“You damn well better.” Finally, he grabbed the reins. Another sound caught my attention. A slight moan.
I yanked away debris, finding her on her side on the barn floor.
Oh, my God. “Kenzie.” I dropped down, saying a silent prayer that she was still alive. “Oh, baby. Are you okay?”
“Mmm…”
That was all the time I could waste. I gathered her into my arms, holding her close. When I noticed a horse blanket, I grabbed it, covering her body and taking long strides forward.
Boom!
The horrific sound came from right behind. I jumped forward, swinging my head around. One third of the roof had just collapsed.
Now wasn’t the time to watch the entire building burn to the ground. I had to get her out of here. I took off running, jumping over debris as the building continued to crumble around me. As I neared the place where I’d come in, I was met with a wall of flames.
Whoosh! Boom!
Another beam down.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
I had no other choice. “Just hold on, baby. Hold on.” I backed away, shaking my head. This wasn’t what I’d signed up for. Or was it? I had to remind myself I was a danger junkie. “Just so you know, Palomino Girl, I’m madly in love with you. We’ll get through this. Together.”
I wasn’t a man of prayers, but I needed everything going for me. So I prayed as hard as I had it in me.
And I took off running. With the flames covering the opening, if I missed, there wouldn’t be a second chance.
This was more than just a leap of faith.
This was one to protect the woman I loved and to have the chance to live out a full and healthy life.
As I neared the flames, I took and held my breath.
And I jumped.
CHAPTER 29
