The Forest Ranger's Promise by Leigh Bale

Even when Aaron had been alive, she’d rarely left Anne alone with him. He might start drinking and Melanie didn’t want her little girl exposed to any possible abuse.
    She rubbed her left arm almost subconsciously, remembering the night Aaron died as if it was yesterday. They’d had a horrible disagreement over him going out alone to move their sheep during the thunderstorm and he’d grabbed her, bruising her arm. No matter how much she had tried to quiet him, his yells had awakened Anne. The girl had screamed, asking her daddy not to leave. Begging him to take her with him. And later, when they found that he had died, Anne had blamed Melanie for not being able to keep him home.
    Shaking off the horrible memory, Melanie blinked her eyes, realizing that she was crying. Even now that he was gone, Aaron’s memory still haunted her. The rank stench of alcohol, the fights, the doubt and guilt. To lighten her spirit, she sang a hymn about counting blessings. God had been good to them and she mustn’t forget it.
    In town, Melanie pulled up in front of Donaldson’s store. Sure enough, the flash of pink caught her gaze. The ranger sign was still taped to the front window.
    She couldn’t explain the chilling anger that swept through her as she got out of the truck, slung her purse over her shoulder and walked into the store. Taking a deep, calming breath, Melanie pulled a shopping cart free and wheeled it toward the canned goods aisle.
    It took forty-five minutes to get the dry goods and freshproduce Alfonso liked. Along with the box of homemade chocolate chip cookies she’d made to satisfy his sweet tooth, he should be happy. As she approached the checkout line, she saw Nina Donaldson working the cash register. What was the woman doing here? Nina never worked the weekend, choosing instead to go out on cattle drives with her husband and sons.
    Two other customers stood ahead of Melanie and she took the time to breathe deeply and gain her composure. She would bite her tongue, pay for her groceries and leave.
    Fifteen minutes later, it was Melanie’s turn. Several people stood behind her as she began to unload her cart. “You don’t usually work on Saturdays, Nina.”
    Nina leaned her hip against the counter and rested one hand against her thick waist. “We’re shorthanded today. I heard you’ve been tending the forest ranger’s kid.”
    Caught off guard, Melanie stood there and blinked, holding a box of saltine crackers in one hand, a can of peaches in the other. “I, uh… Who told you that?”
    â€œIs it true?”
    Melanie’s stomach cramped. Dealing with Aaron’s rage had made her hate confrontations. She normally didn’t pick fights, but she’d become strong enough not to let people push her around, either. “Why does it matter, Nina? What business is it of yours?”
    â€œWe don’t provide service to forest rangers.”
    Melanie set the crackers down, forcing herself to meet Nina’s eyes. “Do I look like a ranger?”
    Nina’s lips thinned, her nostrils flaring. Melanie almost laughed, thinking the woman looked like a snorting pig rooting for garbage.
    â€œIf you’re feeding the ranger’s kid, it’s my business,” Nina said.
    â€œReally? And why is that?”
    Nina sneered at her. “Because you’re buying food from my store.”
    â€œThis food is for Alfonso. You’ve met my herder. A nice man from Peru. You don’t have any prejudice against Peruvians, do you?” She sighed impatiently. “Can we please finish our business? I have a busy day.”
    â€œNot until I know if you’re tending the ranger’s brat.”
    This was getting annoying. And childish. “She’s not a brat. She’s a sweet little girl, Nina. What harm can she possibly do to you?”
    â€œShe’s the ranger’s kid and we don’t give service to rangers. I