It was a clear December morning when Taylor drove into the small town of Lodge Grass Montana. She had spent the last two years in San Diego trying to put her life back together. She smiles as she sees her six year old daughter sound asleep in the rearview mirror.

"Lilly we're here."

She says as she pulls into a driveway. Lilly opens her eyes

"is Grandma and Grandpa here?"

She asks with a sleepy voice.

"Yes they are sweetie."

Taylor says as the front door of the farm house opens and a lady in her 50s runs down the front steps.

"How was the drive?"

Olivia asks as Taylor and Lilly get out of the car.

"It was alright."

Taylor says as she hugs her mother-in-law.

"It took forever."

Lilly says as she walks over.

"You two must be starving, I just finished making breakfast."

Olivia says as she leads the two of them inside the house. Lilly squeals as she spots her uncle watching football on the couch.

"Uncle Hunter!"

Hunter looks up

"Hey kiddo."

" I haven't seen you in forever."

Lilly says as she crawls onto the couch.

"Lil don't you want pancakes?"

Taylor asks as she peaks her head into the living room.

"Yeah mom."


Meanwhile on the other side of town Ryker Jinx was  at his apartment getting ready for the day. He was thankful for the next few months off before fire season started again. After breakfast the twenty five year old heads out the door to his part time job at the local book store. A few hours later Taylor and Lilly walk into the store.

" Mom can I get a firetruck book?" 

"Sure kiddo, go find one."

Taylor says as she walks around the small store. Taylor smiles as she walks around, she gets lost in her thoughts until she bumps into someone and falls over.

"I'm so sorry miss."

A voice says in a thick southern  accent. Taylor looks up and her eyes meet a pair of dark brown ones.

"It's alright, I should have been paying attention."

She says nervously as she looks at the ground. Before Ryker can answer they hear running footsteps

" Mom I found a book with pictures of fire trucks that fight wild fires!"

Taylor smiles

"That's great sweetheart."

Lilly looks over at Ryker

"Who are you? Do you work here?"

Ryker grins

" My name is Ryker miss and yes I do, but during the summer I fight wild fires."

Lilly's jaw drops

"That's so cool!"

"So are you a hotshot or something?"

Taylor asks.

"I am, this season will be my fourth."

"impressive."

Taylor says as the three of them walk to the front of the store.

"Are you two new to town or just visiting?"

"We just got into town this morning."

"We're living with Grandma and Grandpa!"

Lilly says excitedly. Ryker thinks for a moment before saying

" Wait you're Mrs. Dawson's daughter-in-law."

Taylor looks down

"Yes I am."

" I'm sorry about your husband miss, the whole town was praying for your family. "

"Did you know my dad?"

"No, but my boss grew up with him."

Taylor looks up and her eyes go wide as her jaw drops

"Don't tell me Sawyer actually became super indent of that crew."

Ryker smiles

"He did, two and a half years ago."

"Mommy who's Sawyer?"

Lilly asks as she looks up at Taylor. Taylor smiles

"He's your dad's best friend. I haven't seen him since our wedding day."
"We have a BBQ right before every fire season,but I'll tell him you're in town."

Ryker says as he checks Lilly's book out.

"Thank you."