The Forest Ranger's Promise by Leigh Bale Read Free Book Online

pay the fine.”
    Scott would have done the same, after one fair warning with enough time to move the sheep. “So what happened?”
    She shrugged one slim shoulder. “Aaron wasn’t in any shape to move the flock. He… He’d been ill and went out during a thunderstorm.”
    From Melanie’s hesitation, Scott couldn’t help wondering if Aaron McAllister had been drunk that night.
    â€œI begged him to wait until the next day when some of our men could have helped, but we couldn’t afford to pay another fine. He was angry and wouldn’t listen to reason. Our herder found him the next morning. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was an accident.” Emotion thickened her words and she turned away, brushing at her eyes.
    Scott longed to comfort her, but realized now wasn’t the time. Compassion settled in his chest. She’d obviously loved her husband and he couldn’t help wishing someone felt that way about him.
    He shifted his weight and leaned against a fence post. “So now Anne blames the forest ranger—any forest ranger—for her dad’s death.”
    Melanie’s mouth tightened, her eyes filled with sadness. “Yes. He died from a broken neck. His horse had a broken leg and had to be put down. We figure the animal stumbled or lightning spooked it. We’ll never know for sure.” She sighed heavily. “If Aaron had waited until morning, we would have had to pay a hefty fine…but he’d still be alive.”
    â€œAnd what about Ben Stimpson?” He hated to push her, but longed to know exactly what the other ranger had done to spook her.
    Her spine stiffened. “What about him?”
    â€œDid he fine you for the sheep, even though your husband died trying to move them?”
    Angry tears filled her eyes. “He was going to, but that’s when several men wearing ski masks paid him a visit in the middle of the night and threatened him. He and his family left town the next day.”
    Something cold clutched at Scott’s heart. He figured Stimpson deserved to be chased out of town, but the thought of masked men coming to his house in the middle of the night and terrorizing Shelley didn’t sit well with him. “Who were the men?”
    â€œI don’t know their identities, but as far as I’m concerned, they were my guardian angels.”
    Her voice cracked and so did his heart. Scott sensed that she’d reached deep inside herself to tell him these things. Private feelings she probably hadn’t shared with many people. He wasn’t about to take her admissions lightly.
    â€œI’m sorry, Melanie.” What else could he say? It wasn’tanyone’s fault Aaron died; it just happened. But that didn’t make Scott feel any better about the way Stimpson had treated the McAllisters.
    â€œAnne’s just a child. One day, she’ll understand about her father,” Melanie explained.
    Scott had doubts. “Traumatic events can scar children so they never forget. Shelley hasn’t said so, but I sense that she blames me for my divorce from her mom.”
    He regretted his failings and wished more than anything that Shelley would forgive him.
    Melanie gave a hoarse laugh. “It seems that you’re bearing the brunt of everyone’s blame these days.”
    â€œI guess so.” He chuckled, the sound low and rumbly. Inside, he ached with regret.
    â€œI didn’t mean to unload on you,” she confessed. “You’re the last person I should confide in.”
    And yet, she had. Somehow it made him feel close to her, and he’d sworn never to get close to another woman again. Especially not a widowed rancher whose young daughter hated him.
    Remembering his job and his purpose here in Snyderville, he stepped back. He must keep his relationship with Melanie McAllister completely professional. He had no room for friendship or romance in his life right now. He had