It wasn’t like Adira to cry, let alone to sob in a complete stranger’s arms, but now she had done so with two people in a very short time frame. She really felt she had shed the last tear left in her body with Maddox, and honestly couldn’t fathom that there was any more salty fluid inside her bloodshot and swollen eyes. But the minute she saw Jennie extend her arms for an embrace, the floodgates released again. Maybe it was Jennie’s warm brown eyes that had flecks of gold along the iris, or her large, crooked-toothed smile that silently told Adira that everything was going to be all right and she could trust this aging woman offering kindness. Maybe it was the way the curly gray hair on the woman’s head messily rested whichever way it chose, clearly displaying that Jennie paid little or no attention to taming her spiraled locks. The bright colors of her flowing skirt that rested at her ankles, exposing her bare feet was like a beacon of light—a soft hue during a dark storm. And when Adira all but collapsed, her head on the woman’s shoulder, the spicy scent of patchouli wafted up Adira’s nostrils. The fragrance reminded her of a hookah lounge back in Dubai she had frequented a few times with Farrah, which only added to the tears she shed with the memory of her dead cousin.

“You cry all you want, dear,” Jennie cooed as she patted Adira’s back gently. “Don’t you hold that grief inside. It will eat at your soul until you have nothing but a black energy that will swallow you up.”

Not wanting to allow herself to be overcome by the dark abyss of sorrow, Adira summoned all the strength she could to fight off the urge of collapsing right there on the foot of the porch and never being able to stop the tears from falling. Her sobs quickly turned into hiccups, and the hiccups eventually turned to sniffles. Adira didn’t know how long she wept in the lady’s embrace, but when she pulled away enough to look into Jennie’s amber-colored eyes, highlighted by thin crow’s feet earned by years of laughter, Adira instantly felt better.

“I’m sorry. I…” she paused and noticed the wet spot on Jennie’s embroidered white tunic, “I got you wet.” She wiped at her eyes, and glanced over her shoulder where Maddox stood with worry washed over his face. She shouldn’t care what he thought, because it was unlikely he was judging or thinking poorly of her, but knowing he was watching her during another moment of weakness made her feel self-conscious.

“There isn’t a thing to apologize for,” Jennie said as she reached for Adira’s hand and started pulling her up the stairs of the porch. “You have a lot of demons you’ll have to battle with during your stay here, but I’ll do my best to offer a shoulder any time you want it.” Jennie smiled at Maddox and the rest of the men who stood around helplessly, silenced by the awkwardness of Adira’s burst of emotion. “Why don’t I show you your room so you can get settled in? I’ll be starting supper soon, but afterwards, one of the boys will give you a proper tour of Black Stallion Ranch.” She said the last part of the sentence with so much pride her entire face lit up with joy as the words left her mouth.

Jennie squeezed her hand gently. Her hand was soft, and the coolness of the silver and gold of the rings—adorned with large varied stones of turquoise, amethyst, and jade—that Jennie wore on every finger, contrasted with the warmth of her palm.

“Were you able to get into town and pick up some clothes with the sizes I gave you?” Maddox asked.

“I sure was. Everything is all set up. This isn’t my first rodeo, you know.” Jennie pulled Adira gently over the threshold of the large house and called over her shoulder, “Supper’s at five. You boys go do whatever you boys do. Adira and I will be just fine.”

Adira turned her head just in time to see Maddox’s tight expression ease a bit as the deep breath he took seemed to relax his shoulders. It was the first time that she had ever seen him look… comfortable. He didn’t say anything but he did make eye contact, silently asking if Adira would be all right going with Jennie. She wasn’t sure why she knew what he was thinking, but she offered a small smile and a nod of the head to put his mind at ease.

Walking into the foyer fully, Adira was surprised at what she saw. The entrance of the cabin wasn’t anything like what she had expected when she was told she would be going to a ranch in the middle of nowhere Texas. Large heavy timber beams fastened with huge bolts hung up above, accentuating the high open space of the room with the beauty of the custom wood. An impressive staircase, lined with a hand carved railing of distressed wood, led to the open second story that shared the same ceiling as the downstairs. Nothing was closed in, and the vast amount of space made Adira feel like the size of an ant. The walls were composed of one log placed against another, polished with a glossy finish. She could only smell and hear the crackling of a fire in the other room, which she assumed was the main living area, but Jennie was leading her down a hallway that curved under the massive staircase. The pitter-patter of Jennie’s bare feet on the large slate-tiled floor, and the light click of the heels of Adira’s sandals echoed against the wooden walls as she was escorted down a hallway lit by vintage-looking lanterns that were reclaimed enough to be modern, but old enough to be charming. There was so much to take in with the simple grandeur of the house, but the woman tugging her along had a mission, and Adira could already tell in this short amount of time since meeting her that getting in the way of Jennie’s goals would be a losing battle. Her curiosity would have to be quenched later. Hopefully Maddox would give her the grand tour, or she would have the opportunity to explore a bit on her own. She had never been to America before, and the fact that she was in an honest to goodness Texas cabin on a ranch fascinated her.

“The house is lovely,” Adira said as she glanced up at a large chandelier made out of rod iron interwoven with the antlers of some form of wild game—masculine yet intricately artistic.

“Oh it is. It’s a true labor of love of the Steeles. Wait until they show you around. Everything you see they either built or had a big hand in the creation. This house is who they are. It’s what makes them live and breathe. If you ever want to know anything about one of the boys, you just have to look around. The house will answer it for you.” Jennie opened a large wooden door that looked as if it were made from the wood of an old barn or farmhouse. “This is the guest room where you will be staying.” Walking into the room first, she moved to the side so Adira could get a good look at what she would now be calling home.

A four post king size bed sat in the middle of the room. The large wooden posts on each corner looked as if someone had gone in and hand carved each tiny flower that ran along each length of wood. The headboard was also intricately carved with roses, tulips, daisies, and delicate ivy with leaves. It reminded Adira of a bed you would see in a fairytale or a woodland cottage that belonged to a magical pixie or princess. The bed spread was a patchwork quilt with flowers and warm colors. Different shapes and sizes of material were expertly sewn together, resulting in art rather than a simple blanket.

She stood motionless as the luxury of the room engulfed her. There were no fancy wallpapers, or satin sheets. There was no jeweled furniture lined with gold. Nothing in this room was imported from the finest retailers in the world boasting of one of a kind craftsmanship worthy of the hefty price tag, and yet this room was by far the most inviting and welcoming place Adira had ever seen.

“The bathroom is through that door on the left. There are plenty of towels and toiletries. I went ahead and picked out what I thought you would like. I kept everything hypoallergenic and organic, so hopefully you won’t have any allergic reactions. I also gave you some homemade soap I made out of the lavender I grow out back in the garden. But if you want anything in particular, you just let me know.”

“Thank you,” Adira whispered, still in awe of the room. “I’m sure everything will be perfect.”

Jennie walked over to the closet and opened it, motioning for Adira to walk over and take a look. “Maddox gave me your sizes, so I went ahead and bought you what I usually buy for the other women who stay here. There are some jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and casual things that make ranch life easier. But I also put in some dresses and skirts if you are more like me and like to feel the cool breeze run up your legs.”

Adira made her way over and touched the hanging garments one by one, realizing for the first time how differently she would be dressing now that she was in Texas. Everything had changed overnight, including her wardrobe.

“I also picked up some boots for you. Hopefully Maddox was right in the sizing, but he’s usually pretty good at this.”

Still combing through the clothing, Adira stopped at a shirt that stood out boldly amongst the rest. A tie-dyed tank top with bright rainbow colors had her giggling. She didn’t want to be rude, since clearly this style of dress fit Jennie to a tee, but to imagine herself wearing such a free spirited item of clothing forced the laughter to just burst out.

Jennie joined in on the laughter, a warm giggle that danced along the light of the room. “I know, I know. That shirt is not something you would normally wear. But I was hoping you would help me with a little joke I want to play on Maddox. He’s so uptight sometimes and worries about every little detail.” She walked over to a wooden dresser that stood next to an antique vanity with a cushioned stool, and pulled out a flowing “hippie” skirt that even had a rope belt with bells hanging from the tassels. “I was thinking that you should put on that tank top, and then this skirt. Don’t wear any shoes either. Come to dinner, and we will pretend that this is the best you could do with what you had to choose from. Maddox will flip his lid!” Her giggles grew in intensity until they became a deep belly laugh, still sounding as melodic as ever. “Oh, I can see his face now!”

Picturing Maddox’s face made Adira laugh loudly again. It felt so good to let loose like this, and for the short time she stood in front of this wonderful gem of a woman, Adira could see the light at the end of her black tunnel. Happiness could be found again if she had the right person showing her the way. “Yes! I would love to do this. What an excellent idea.”

Clapping her hands, Jennie said, “I can’t wait! Those boys sometimes don’t know what to do with all my eccentric ways. My mama used to tell me that I would forever have a gypsy soul, and that I should never allow that gypsy to be contained. The gypsy wants the freedom to express, to live, and to love. My mama wasn’t worth much more than that when it came to good advice, but I will forever take that one piece of insight to heart.”

“They do seem a bit serious.”

“They are. But they have to be, since they are constantly dealing with life and death situations. Those men have saved so many people, and I am proud to say that I love them dearly.” She slapped her leg and released another belly laugh. “But oh lordy, lordy! I may pee myself when Maddox believes I went shopping in a head shop for all your needs.” She squealed. “Oooheee, supper may turn out like the fourth of July!” Jennie took a deep breath to regain her composure from her contagious giggles. “Okay, well you go ahead and clean up, make yourself comfortable, and rest. I need to go get started on dinner or we are going to have a household of hangry men. Nothing’s worse than hangry men.” Before Adira could even thank her again for her generosity, Jennie left the room and closed the door behind her.

Looking around again, and feeling warmth and serenity wash over her like a thick blanket, Adira reached for her hippie attire and headed to the bathroom to take a much needed shower. Even though she was about to put something on completely out of the norm, and even though she was in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar house, she did have an odd sense of calm. Jennie was truly a character, and someone Adira knew she needed in her life right now more than ever.

It would be impossible to keep a straight face when Maddox walked into the room and took one look at her. Adira laughed freely as she stood in front of a floor-length mirror, taking in the bright swirl of colors she wore. The tank top accentuated her curves and was cut low on her breasts, so low that a peek of the crevice between her breasts was exposed. It wasn’t scandalous by Texas standards, she was sure, but she most certainly had never shown so much skin before. The skirt was the opposite. It covered her entire bottom half and the hem skimmed the ground as she walked. Her toes peeked out when she sat, but other than that, you couldn’t see she didn’t wear any shoes. When she made even the slightest of moves, the bells around her waist tinkled a high-pitched chime.

Pulling her long hair into a single braid, she laughed again. She didn’t look ridiculous, but she did look like a completely different person. She could have been a mini Jennie in her younger days. Spinning around with a giggle, Adira wondered what it would be like to grow up living with a gypsy soul. At least for tonight, Adira could have a small taste of it. The only complaint she had was that the tank top did expose her arms, and her bruises and scrapes were now on full display, but it wasn’t like she was hiding the fact of what had happened. They would heal eventually… at least the scars on the surface of her skin would heal.

She knew Jennie had told her to rest, but she couldn’t just lie down while knowing the woman was in the kitchen cooking by herself. The least Adira could do was be of some assistance. Earning her keep was the least she could do for all the Steeles had done for her. Padding down the cool tiled floor, she followed the sound of loud music playing to find Jennie swaying her hips, singing along, occasionally closing her eyes when a line in the song hit a particular chord with her, and chopping carrots.

Clearing her throat, and then clearing it even louder when Jennie didn’t hear, Adira finally had to call out, “Can I help with dinner?”

Jennie jumped in surprise, but when she realized it was Adira, she gave her welcoming smile once again. “Well of course!” She reached over and turned down the music to where it just played softly in the background. “I love female energy in the kitchen. It gives the food more spiritual and healing properties.” She pointed over at a kitchen island with a variety of vegetables. “I just picked those out of my garden. Why don’t you wash them up and make a salad out of them?”

Adira hoped it wasn’t obvious on her face how relieved she was to be given the task of making a salad. She had never actually cooked anything in her life. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to, but rather there were people whose job was to do so, and she didn’t have a mother or maternal figure to teach her how to cook. But chopping up a salad was something she could figure out.

“I would have thought you would be exhausted from your travels,” Jennie casually said as she went about transferring the carrots to a pan, adding oil, some seasoning, and then stirring. Yes, Jennie was clearly cooking.

“To be honest, I am. But I have no idea if my body thinks it is night or day. The few times I traveled to Africa or London with my grandfather and father, I learned it was best to force yourself to adapt to the hours right away.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your father. About everyone you lost.”

Adira paused and swallowed back the bubbling grief that burned the back of her throat. This was the first condolence she had received, not counting the men who had rescued her. It dawned on her that she would not be having the traditional funeral to say goodbye to her family. She would not have people giving their well wishes. There would be no letters, no kind words, no gifts of love. Adira was dead. To anyone who knew her, she was just as dead to them as her father was dead to her.

Jennie must have been aware of the melancholy looming in the room, as she quickly changed the subject. “You look fantastic by the way.” She giggled and gave a mischievous wink. “I have dibs on that outfit. Unless Maddox tears it to shreds right off of you.”

Even though it appeared Jennie hadn’t meant for the comment to come across as sexual, the thought of Maddox ripping her clothes off of her sent a shiver down Adira’s spine and a dull ache between her legs. Adira hated to admit it, but she had actually missed Maddox. There was an odd void in her heart with him not being around 24/7. Ever since the accident, he really had become her rock… a stubborn, oftentimes infuriating rock. But regardless, her rock.

“Jennie?” she asked as she barely avoided chopping off the tip of her index finger. “You mentioned other guests coming here, and mentioned doing this before. Do you rescue a lot of people in my situation?” As grateful as she was to have had Maddox and Drake there in her time of need, it did seem like an odd way to make a living.

“It all depends on how often the boys are needed. We can go months without a single houseguest, and then all of a sudden one of the boys is on one mission or another. There could be times they are all gone at once. Which gets pretty lonesome around here for me. Sometimes they have to go rescue, and other times people arrive here on their own for a safe haven.”

“How long do they stay?”

“That depends. Some are here for a couple of days, some weeks, and some months. Every situation is different. I’ve learned it is best to just go with the flow and not focus too much on tomorrow.”

“So this is their job?”

“I don’t know if you would call it a job. But yes, this is what they do. When they aren’t playing the white knight, then they are helping run the ranch. They keep busy around here.”

“How many people do this… this rescue job?” Adira gasped when the knife once again almost added her finger to the salad.

“Drake and his three boys—Maddox, Anson, and Stryder. They wouldn’t allow anyone else to be involved. They don’t trust many. Especially with the nature of the business they are in. They run among some dark and sinister people. Though they do use the resources provided by people they’ve saved who have moved on into positions of being able to offer behind-the-scenes assistance, for the actual work, they trust no one but themselves.”

“But they trust you?”

“Yes, they do. Or I assume they do. Although I try not to concern myself with what they are up to, other than trying to make our guests feel welcome. I take care of those men like they were my own.” Jennie suddenly clasped her hands and released a little squeal. She quickly turned up the radio as loud as it was when Adira first entered the kitchen. “I love this song! Ah, the voice! The words. She sings from the depths of her heart.” Jennie began belting the words of the song with one of the loveliest voices Adira had ever heard. There was a rasp and a huskiness to her singing voice even though none existed in her speaking voice. This woman dancing and singing without a single concern in the world fascinated Adira. If only she could step into the mind of Jennie for one moment and borrow a little bit of her passion for life for herself. When the song was over, she continued to sing just as loud and beautifully as ever, loving the next song as much as the last.

As the song came to an end, Jennie turned down the music once again and hummed along to the next one while she transferred whatever food sizzled in the silver pan into a large serving bowl. She then pulled out a large pan covered in tin foil out of the oven and brought it over to a large oak table that sat under an old farmhouse light. White daisies drooped in a cracked blue vase in the center of the table, and the place settings were all a mismatch of different china. Nothing matched, yet the overall feel of country charm blended perfectly.

“I hope you don’t mind. I was thinking we would keep it casual tonight and all eat around the family table. We have a dining room as well, but I much prefer this old table I found in the back of a dilapidated barn at an estate sale. I just had to have it, and I made Drake load it in the back of his truck and bring it home. This may be his house, but this is my kitchen.”

“Oh this is just fine,” Adira said as she somehow managed to finish making the salad without cutting off any parts of her body.

As if the men had just been hovering outside the door, waiting for the clock to tick to five, they all walked into the room. The loud pounding of boots announced their presence, but if that didn’t do it, the deep bellowing voice of Maddox surely would have.

“God damnit, Jennie! What in the hell did you buy for her to wear?”

Adira had actually forgotten all about her outfit, which helped her not laugh and give away the joke the minute he walked into the kitchen.

Jennie turned around and feigned confusion. “What are you talking about? They are the size you gave me, and I think they fit perfectly.” She looked at Adira. “Are your clothes too big?”

Adira shook her head, trying not to look at Maddox too much in fear of laughing. “Not at all. They fit just fine. I like the way Americans dress. I always wondered, and now I know.”

A sparkle lit Jennie’s eyes, and Adira knew that the woman was pleased with the way Adira was playing along.

“Jennie!” Maddox growled.

“Is that all you bought?” Drake asked, trying to calm the situation. Stryder and Anson chuckled under their breath, but they both silently took their seats and said nothing while Maddox towered next to Adira, fuming.

“Well, no…” Jennie said as she carried over the rest of the meal. “I found the most beautiful kimono, and these adorable jeans that flare out at the ankle. They even have a peace sign patch on the bum. I couldn’t resist.”

“Oh, those were my favorite!” Adira added as she walked over to the table with her salad and sat it next to whatever Jennie had placed in the serving bowl. At a quick glance, Adira had no idea what was inside of it, but figured she wouldn’t know a lot about true Texan cooking.

“We’ll go shopping tomorrow and find you some appropriate clothes,” Maddox declared while he scowled at Jennie.

“No need. I’m really happy with her choices,” Adira countered as she sat down and smiled up at him as he took the seat next to hers.

“Jennie, I swear to fucking God, I’m going to beat your ass!” Maddox declared, and although he sounded harsh, you could see a hint of humor in his eyes. “You can’t make her a granola eating, hemp wearing clone of you!”

“She told me that I don’t need to wear shoes around here either,” Adira added, pulling her foot out from underneath the table, and wiggling her toes for emphasis. “I did find that a bit odd, but I don’t want to burden you all with the cost of buying me shoes, so this fashion statement works for all I suppose.”

If it was possible for Maddox’s eyes to pop out of his head, it would have happened right then and there. His face turned bright red, and a vein in his neck pulsated with each beat of his heart.

Jennie couldn’t hold in the laughter any longer and burst out the loudest guffaw, followed by a snort. “Calm down,” she said between laughter that brought tears to her eyes. “I bought her shoes, and even some clothes that aren’t tie-dyed.”

Adira and the rest of the men joined in on the laughter, and it took several moments for Maddox to calm down enough to realize that the entire thing was a joke. He looked at Jennie, then at Adira, then back at Jennie. “I’m going to paddle both of your asses like the little brats you are!”

His threat only made Jennie laugh even harder, turning her cackles into an almost howl.

“I swear to God,” Maddox grumbled with a slight smirk as he reached for the aluminum foil on the dish from the oven and cast it to the side. “What’s for dinner?” Everyone was still laughing while Maddox studied the meal before him, his brow furrowing.

Jennie walked over, wiping her tears with the back of her hands. “Tofu vegan lasagna and quinoa salad with eggplant and lentils.”

All the men groaned simultaneously.

“No bitching!” Jennie chided. “It’s good for you, and you all know it. You won’t always be able to keep those rock hard abs ya know. You’ll thank me someday.”

Adira hadn’t tried either meal before, and didn’t even know what quinoa was, but she was famished and could eat just about anything at the moment. She decided to be the first to dig in and began passing the dishes around.

“Is it too much to ask for a God damn steak once in a while?” Drake grumbled but spooned the tofu lasagna on his plate regardless of his surly comment.

“If I hear one more complaint, I’ll start that detox diet you all love so much.”

The men groaned and rolled their eyes, but all remained silent while they loaded mounds of Jennie’s concoctions onto their plates.

“Well, thank you, Jennie. I, for one, am really excited to finally try some true authentic Texan cuisine,” Adira said with a smile, knowing she was adding salt to the wounds. Jennie gave a large smile in return and winked. “Vegan? Is that the word you used? I will be sure to remember that vegan represents Texas.” More chuckles erupted, but Maddox shot daggers out of the corners of his eyes even though the slight twitch in his mouth gave away his desire to smile.

With a nod of her head, Jennie ordered, “Now eat up. I have flourless cake with sugarless prune frosting. Tasty dessert but also good for the aid in digestion. A flowing colon is a healthy colon.”

“Fuck me,” Maddox mumbled as he shoved a spoonful of tofu into his mouth.

Jennie giggled and Adira followed suit. It truly was one of the best dinners she had ever had. Such warmth, such love, such friendship surrounded the table as they all talked, joked, and occasionally poked fun at Jennie’s “hippie” food. Adira laughed harder than ever before at tales of the ranch, childhood memories, follies of Jennie and her tree hugging ways. Adira relished in the way the family accepted her fully. She ate her first quinoa—which she actually enjoyed—and took pleasure in the fact that people ate a salad she had actually made all by herself. It was a good night, and one that she would always remember.

Maddox leaned over while his father told a funny story about a horse getting loose and eating Jennie’s garden and whispered, “Welcome to Texas.” He placed his palm on the top of her leg and lightly patted it.

“Thank you,” she whispered back, noticing that his palm remained where it was, and Adira had no intention of removing it for him.