Chapter 2 #2
Something fierce and protective had clenched in young Tanner’s chest. Without another word, he scooped her up and lifted her onto Halo’s back. He shrugged off his own jacket and wrapped it around her small, shivering body.
“You’re safe now,” he’d told her, voice rough with emotion as he swung up behind her. “I’m taking you to my house. Ain’t nobody gonna hurt you tonight.”
Tanner’s jaw tightened as the memory faded. Even then, he’d known she was special. Even then, he’d wanted to protect her.
Tanner’s dad had been pissed as hell that Tanner had taken his horse out for a ride without permission. But that was before he saw Junie. One look at her, and his dad had forgotten all about what Tanner had done.
Once they got her inside and settled on a cot in Kenzie’s room, his dad had lost it. “That girl could’ve been attacked by the coyotes, and nobody would have known.” His voice had been grim. “You keep an ear out for her, Tanner. Stay awake until I get back.”
Tanner had nodded. “Where’re you going?”
His dad had scowled as he put on his jacket. “I’m going over to Bart’s place and find out what the hell is going on. I’ll tell you one thing, he damn sure better not be drunk again.”
When his father returned a couple of hours later, all he’d say was that Junie would be spending the night. That was all the explanation Tanner got, but he did notice that Junie’s dad was sporting one hell of a shiner the next day.
From that night on, she’d been another little sister to look out for.
She and Kenzie became inseparable. Junie spent more nights at Wild River Ranch than she did at her own home.
And his life got a hell of a lot more interesting.
One thing was for sure: when she and Kenzie got together, there was no telling what would happen next.
He looked over at Kenzie, who was watching him with those big, curious eyes. “Hey, Kenzie… while I’m gone, I need you to keep an especially close eye on Junie for me.”
Kenzie rolled her eyes. “Like you have to ask.” Kenzie was in the middle of another eye-roll when she stopped, tapping a finger on her chin.
“Wait, I won’t be able to do that during school.
Remember? I transferred to Wilder Community School this year.
She’s still going to Wilder Middle School.
I never see her anymore until school’s out.
Which sucks because she tells me that a lot of the boys at Wilder Middle are jerks.
But she still comes over all the time, when she can get a ride, that is. ”
Tanner’s jaw tightened. That wasn’t good enough. Junie needed someone looking out for her every single day. She had a big heart and was a little too trusting. There were definitely some dudes at the high school who would take advantage of Junie’s kindness. Or worse.
He added stopping by to talk with Miss Belle Quimby to his to-do list. When Junie had turned seven, the useless waste of skin who’d fathered her finally drank himself to death.
Miss Belle hadn’t so much as hesitated. She moved to Rainbow’s Edge and had taken Junie under her wings and provided a sense of safety and home the girl had so sorely needed.
“There has to be a solution,” Kenzie said. “If you’re leaving, Junie is going to need me more than ever.”
“What’s this about Junie?” Wyatt asked. Tanner’s dad had evidently overheard their discussion.
Tanner recapped some of their concerns, ending with his worries about leaving Junie behind.
“I hate the thought of her being out here mostly alone while I’m gone.
Nanabelle’s great, but Junie needs friends her own age.
People to talk to, things to do, real support when I can’t be right there with her. ”
Wyatt listened carefully, then gave a slow nod. “Wilder Community School’s a good place. Smaller classes, stronger community, better teachers. That’s why we put Kenzie there.”
Kenzie sat up straighter. “You know, they still haven’t found an art teacher to replace Miss Hahn.
Miss Belle teaches art classes at the Wilder Community Center and the library.
Everyone loves her classes, and she’s really good.
Maybe if they hired her, Junie could come, too.
I’ll bet the school offers scholarships to the teachers’ kids, at least a little. How about that?”
Tanner felt some of the weight lift off his chest. “Dad, you think that could work?”
“I’ll make some calls tomorrow,” Wyatt said firmly. “See what we can do. After everything Junie’s been through in her life, I’d hate to see her face another year of middle school without her best friend.”
Tanner exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Guess he’d been more worried about Junie than he realized. His family had Junie’s back.
“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it more than you know.” Tanner pushed to his feet. Crossing to Kenzie, he caught her in a headlock and pretended to give her a noogie. “And you, squirt, are one brilliant little sister.”
“Stop!” Kenzie squealed. “You’re messing up my hair!”
He planted a kiss on the top of her head and headed upstairs to start packing. His family would take care of Junie while he was gone. He knew that down to his bones.
Now he could leave without worrying about it quite so much. She was in good hands.