Aidan: Loyal Cowboy

“I’m fine. Just embarrassed,” came a disembodied female voice.

The door opened and Sierra Byrne stepped out.

Flynn immediately recognized the owner of the diner. She and Sierra had taken exercise classes together off and on through the years.

“Hey, Sierra. Can I help?”

Within seconds, the rain had soaked the young woman. Flynn could feel the dampness penetrating her own coat and ignored the discomfort.

“It’s just a fender bender,” Sierra insisted. “I mean, I hope it’s a fender bender.”

They all three inspected the rear of her car, which sat a few inches from the parked minivan she’d hit. Between the darkness and the rain, it was impossible to discern the damage.

“Do you have a flashlight?” Ace asked Sierra.

“No.”

“I do. In my truck.” He was off before Sierra could stop him.

Flynn put her arm around Sierra’s waist. “You want us to take you to the clinic?”

“Really, I’m okay.”

“You’re shivering.”

“I’m mad at myself. I can’t believe I missed seeing that van.”

“It was an accident.”

Sierra’s gaze went to Ace. “I’m glad to see you with Ace. I always thought you two would make a perfect couple.”

Flynn felt her flush return, though how that was possible in the midst of a downpour, she wasn’t sure. “We’re not together. Not like that.”

“Too bad.”

“We’re having a baby.”

Where had that come from? Flynn had decided to keep the news to herself, Ace and their families until she’d reached her second trimester and figured out her plans.

“You are?” Sierra’s face brightened. “I’m so excited for you. Congratulations.”

They were hugging when Ace returned.

“Forget about me,” Sierra chided him. “You two go on and celebrate. Flynn told me about the baby,” she added when Ace looked confused.

He grinned broadly, like a proud papa. “Thanks. But I’m here, and I have my flashlight, so we might as well take a look.” He aimed the beam at Sierra’s SUV first, then the van. “Doesn’t appear too bad. A couple small dings in the bumpers is all. Easily fixed.”

“Darn it.” Sierra pouted. “Guess I’d better get back inside and find the owner. Give him my insurance information.”

“Want us to go with you?”

“Honestly.” She gave him and Flynn a small push. “Get out of here. You’re soaked.”

They were, and Flynn’s teeth were starting to chatter.

Ace hurried her along to his truck with a parting “Be careful” to Sierra.

Opening his passenger side door, he helped her in, then raced to his side. The rain continued to fall in torrents, making a thunderous noise as it pummeled the truck.

Ace started the engine and turned on the heater. “Better?” he asked when the air finally blew warm.

“A little.” Flynn’s teeth had yet to cease chattering.

“Take off your wet coat.” He was already shrugging out of his jacket. When he finished, he helped her with a sleeve that stubbornly clung to her clothing.

She laid the sopping coat across her lap, which only added to her misery.

“That’s not helping.” Ace deposited the coat in the back alongside his jacket. He’d yet to put the truck in reverse. “I’d offer you a blanket, but the only one I have is a saddle blanket and it’s covered in horse hair.”