My Secret Santa Axton (Silver Ridge Christmas)

5. Safe Place

Safe Place

MEL

I step onto the bunkhouse site, clipboard in hand, determined to keep things professional. The crisp November air nips at my cheeks, but it's nothing compared to the chill radiating from Axton as he studiously avoids my gaze.

"Morning," I call out, forcing cheerfulness into my voice. "How's the structural assessment coming along?"

Axton's eyes flick to mine for a brief second before returning to his tablet. "On schedule," he says, his tone clipped.

I bite back a sigh. This dance we're doing – it's exhausting. One step forward, two steps back. That kiss... God, that kiss. It's all I can think about, even as I try to focus on the task at hand.

"Great," I say, matching his cool professionalism. "I've got some safety recommendations for the crew. Where should I leave them?"

He gestures vaguely towards a makeshift desk. "There's fine."

I nod, moving to set down my notes. As I do, I catch sight of Beans, one of our young ranch hands, eagerly following Axton's team around. His enthusiasm is a stark contrast to the tension thrumming between Axton and me.

"Thanks for sending over the extra hands," Axton says, his voice softer now. "Beans is... enthusiastic."

I smile. "That's one word for it. Just make sure he doesn't get too carried away. Last week he tried to wrangle a steer single-handedly. Didn't end well."

For a moment, I see a flicker of amusement in Axton's eyes. It's gone as quickly as it appeared, but it's enough to make my heart skip.

"I'll keep an eye on him," he promises.

We lapse into silence, the sounds of work filling the air around us. I should leave, get back to my own tasks. But my feet seem rooted to the spot, drawn to Axton's presence like a magnet.

"So," I start, searching for something, anything to say. "How long do you think the demolition will take?"

Axton looks up from his tablet, his green eyes meeting mine fully for the first time today. "Depends on what we find once we start tearing into the walls. Could be a week, could be three."

I nod, trying not to fixate on how the morning light catches the scar above his eyebrow. "Well, just remember we're on a bit of a time crunch here. This is supposed to be Mamma's Christmas gift."

"I'm aware," he says, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. "We'll get it done, Mel. I gave Big Bear my word."

The use of my nickname, so casually dropped, sends a jolt through me. It's the most personal he's been since... well, since his lips were on mine.

"Right," I say, my own frustration bubbling up. "Because your word means so much."

I regret the words as soon as they're out of my mouth. Axton's jaw tightens, his eyes hardening.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asks, voice low.

I open my mouth to apologize, to backtrack, but something in me snaps. "Oh, I don't know, Axton. Maybe I'm just tired of trying to decode your mixed signals. One minute you're kissing me like your life depends on it, the next you can barely look at me. It's exhausting."

Axton takes a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "Mel, I–"

Whatever he's about to say is cut off as I take a step back, my foot catching on a loose board. I stumble, my heart leaping into my throat as I brace for impact with the ground.

But it never comes.

Axton's arms are around me in an instant, steadying me. His hand splays across my lower back, warm and solid. We're chest to chest, our faces inches apart. For a moment, the world narrows to just us – the heat of his body, the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the flecks of gold in his green eyes.

"You okay?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that I can feel through his chest.

I nod, not trusting my voice. His eyes search mine, and for a breathless moment, I think he might kiss me again. I want him to. God, how I want him to.

But then Axton blinks, releasing me and taking a deliberate step back. The loss of his warmth is like a physical ache.

"You should be more careful," he says, his voice back to that maddeningly neutral tone. "These old buildings can be treacherous."

And just like that, the walls are back up. I straighten, squaring my shoulders and willing my racing heart to calm.

"Right," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "Thanks for the save. I should... I should go check on things at the shelter."

Axton nods, already turning back to his work. "See you around, Mel."

I walk away, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I reach my truck, I can't help but look back. Axton's watching me, with blank intense eyes. Our eyes lock for a brief moment before he turns away, leaving me with nothing but questions and a heart full of longing.

The drive to the shelter is a blur, my mind replaying every moment with Axton on an endless loop. By the time I pull up, I'm a mess of conflicting emotions – frustration, hope, desire, and a bone-deep weariness that has nothing to do with physical exhaustion.

As I step out of the truck, the sound of laughter draws my attention. There, on the front porch of the shelter, is a sight that instantly soothes some of the turmoil in my heart.

Big Bear, all 6'4" of him, is crouched down next to little Amir. They're working on what looks like a miniature fence, Big Bear's massive hands guiding Amir's tiny ones as they hammer in a nail. Zoe watches from nearby, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"That's it, little man," Big Bear's deep voice rumbles. "Nice and steady. You're a natural ranch hand in the making."

Amir beams up at him, pride radiating from his small frame. It's a beautiful sight, one that reminds me of all the times Big Bear patiently taught me the ways of the ranch. The memory warms me, pushing aside some of the ache Axton left behind.

I wouldn't fight to uncover the old Axton if I could just forget how good we were together.

I make my way up the path, catching sight of Lena watching from the doorway. Her posture is still distant, but there's a softness in her eyes as she watches her children interact with Big Bear.

It's progress, slow but steady.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," Big Bear calls out as I approach. "Come to supervise my handiwork, Mel?"

"Someone's got to make sure you're not leading these kids astray, old man."

Big Bear clutches his chest in mock offense. "Old? I'll have you know I'm in the prime of my life."

Zoe giggles, the sound light and carefree. It's moments like these that make all the hard work worth it.

"How's it going here?" I ask, ruffling Amir's hair as I pass.

"Oh, you know," Big Bear says, standing up with a groan that belies his earlier claims of youth. "Just shaping the next generation of ranchers."

I roll my eyes just to keep the good times rolling. "I'm sure Mamma will be thrilled to hear that."

Big Bear winks at me. "What Steph doesn't know won't hurt her. Right, kids?"

Zoe and Amir nod solemnly, clearly in on the joke. It's heartening to see them relaxed enough to play along.

"Alright, you two," I say. "Why don't you go see if Miss Kenzie needs any help inside? I need to borrow Uncle Bear for a minute."

The kids scamper off, Zoe taking Amir's hand protectively as they go. Lena gives me a small nod as they pass her, a silent thank you for the care we're showing her children.

Once they're inside, Big Bear turns to me, his jovial expression softening into concern. "What's eating you, Mel? You've got that look."

I sigh, leaning against the porch railing. "Is it that obvious?"

He chuckles, the sound warm and familiar. "Only to someone who's known you your whole life. Spill it, kiddo."

For a moment, I consider brushing it off. But if there's anyone I can talk to about this, it's Big Bear.

"It's Axton," I admit, the words coming out in a rush. "He's just so... frustrating. One minute I think we're getting somewhere, the next he's cold as ice. I don't know what to do, Dad."

Big Bear is quiet for a moment, his weathered face thoughtful. "Axton's a complicated man, Mel. He's been through a lot, more than most people know."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

He shakes his head. "It's not my story to tell. But I will say this. That boy's got walls up higher than the Rockies. And for good reason."

"But how am I supposed to deal with that? I can't keep putting myself out there if he's not willing to meet me halfway."

Big Bear places a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes, loving someone means being patient. Giving them the time and space to work through their own demons."

I lean into his touch, drawing comfort from his steady presence. "I don't know if I have that kind of patience, Dad."

He chuckles. "Sure you do. You're a Peterson, after all. Stubbornness is in our blood."

Despite myself, I laugh. "I thought that was just you."

"Where do you think you get it from?" He grins, then sobers. "Look, Mel. I can't tell you what to do. But I will say this—Axton's a good man. He's worth the effort, even if he doesn't always make it easy."

I nod, mulling over his words. "Thanks, Dad. I'll... I'll think about it."

Big Bear pulls me into a hug, his familiar scent of hay and Old Spice wrapping around me. "That's my girl. Now, how about we go see what kind of trouble those kids have gotten into?"

As we head inside, I glance back towards the direction of the bunkhouse. Axton's words from earlier echo in my mind: "See you around, Mel."

Maybe, just maybe, there's still hope. But for now, I have work to do.

I follow Big Bear inside. I'm a Peterson not by blood but adoption.

He gave me his name shortly after he and Mamma married. Joseph Peterson is carefree and a fair employer, but he won't budge where it matters. He got the nickname Big Bear, honestly.

And I'm my daddy's daughter.

Inside the shelter, the atmosphere is a stark contrast to the tension at the bunkhouse. Warmth and the smell of fresh coffee envelop me as I step through the door. Kenzie's at the stove, stirring a pot of what smells like her famous chili, while Zoe and Amir set the table with careful concentration.

Kenzie stayed for a while when she first arrived in Silver Ridge, thanks to some drama with Ian Hawkins and the Mean Girls. Everett hired her to become his nanny to his twins, Harper and Hazel.

Now, they're engaged, and Kenzie works here while the girls are at school. She helps me keep the place up and running.

"There you are," Kenzie says, flashing me a smile. "I was starting to think you'd gotten lost on the way from the bunkhouse."

I force a laugh, hoping it doesn't sound as hollow as it feels. "Just got caught up in some details with Axton's team."

Kenzie's eyebrow raises slightly at Axton's name, but she doesn't push. Instead, she hands me a stack of bowls. "Make yourself useful, will you? Lunch is almost ready."

Grateful for the distraction, I start helping Zoe and Amir with their task. The routine of it – setting places, folding napkins – helps ground me. This is what matters, I remind myself. This family we've built, the safety we provide.

I roll up my sleeves and dive into the lunchtime preparations, grateful for the distraction from my swirling thoughts about Axton. The shelter's dining room buzzes with activity as women and children work together to set the table. We're at full capacity – ten women and seven kids, not counting Zoe and Amir – and the energy in the room reflects it.

"Can I help with the plates, Miss Mel?" Sarah, one of our long-term residents, asks. Her daughter, Emily, trails behind her, clutching a handful of forks.

"That'd be great, Sarah. Thank you."

I watch as Sarah and Emily carefully set out mismatched plates. Across the room, Lisa balances her toddler on her hip while reaching for bowls with her free hand. Without a word, Maria steps in to help, cooing at the baby as she passes Lisa the stack of bowls.

The air fills with the clinking of dishes and the soft murmur of conversation. Despite the circumstances that brought them here, there's a warmth in the room, a sense of community forged through shared experiences and mutual support.

My gaze lands on Zoe and Amir, our newest arrivals. They hover uncertainly near the edge of the activity, Zoe's protective arm around her little brother's shoulders. My heart aches for them, remembering my own childhood fears.

"Hey there," I say, crouching down to their level. "Want to help me with a special job?"

Zoe's eyes light up with interest, though she tries to hide it. "What kind of job?"

I pull a stack of colorful paper napkins from a nearby drawer. "I need some expert napkin-folders. Think you two are up for it?"

Amir nods eagerly, while Zoe considers for a moment before giving a small smile. "Yes, ma'am. We can do that."

As I show them how to fold the napkins into simple triangles, I let the routine ground me. This is what matters, I remind myself.

This family we've built, the safety we provide.

"How are you two settling in?" I ask the kids, keeping my voice light.

Zoe looks up at me, her dark eyes serious. "It's nice here. Quiet."

The unspoken comparison to their life before hangs in the air. I reach out, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart."

Amir, less aware of the weight of the moment, pipes up. "I like the horses! Can we see them again?"

I smile at his enthusiasm. "I think we can arrange that. Maybe tomorrow we can even go for a little ride. Would you like that?"

His eyes light up, and for a moment, he looks like any other carefree kid. It's moments like these that make all the hard work worth it.

As we finish setting the table, Big Bear's booming laugh echoes from the other room. He emerges a moment later with Lena in tow, her posture noticeably more relaxed than when I arrived.

"Mel," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "did you know Lena here used to be a champion barrel racer?"

I blink in surprise, turning to Lena. "Really? That's impressive."

A faint blush colors Lena's cheeks. "It was a long time ago. Before..."

She trails off, but we all understand. Before her life took a darker turn.

"Well," I say, injecting cheer into my voice, "we'll have to get you out to the arena sometime. Show these kids how it's done."

Lena's eyes widen slightly, a mix of longing and fear flashing across her face. "Oh, I don't know if that's?—"

"Nonsense," Big Bear interrupts gently. "You never forget how to ride. It's like... well, riding a bike."

The terrible joke breaks the tension, and even Lena cracks a small smile. As we all settle around the table, passing bowls and filling plates. This mismatched group of people, brought together by circumstance, forming something that feels an awful lot like family.

Kenzie catches my eye from across the table, giving me a questioning look. I know she can sense something's off with me. I shake my head slightly—a silent "later" passing between us.

As the meal progresses, filled with easy conversation and the occasional burst of laughter, I find myself relaxing. The knot of tension that's been sitting in my chest since my encounter with Axton begins to loosen.

This—these women and children—are what Mamma sacrificed so much for.

It's the Peterson way .

As if summoned by my thoughts, the door swings open and Mamma bustles in, her arms full with grocery bags.

"Sorry I'm late," she says, kicking the door shut behind her. "The line at the store was?—"

She stops short, taking in the scene before her. Her eyes soften, a smile spreading across her face.

"Well," she says, her voice warm. "Isn't this a sight for sore eyes."

Big Bear stands, moving to take the bags from her, and lightly kisses her lips. "Perfect timing, as always, love. Pull up a chair. There's plenty to go around."

As Mamma settles in, updating us on town gossip and shelter business between bites, I feel a sense of resolve settling over me. This work wasn't my original plan, but the more I've helped Mamma, the more blessed I feel. And the more blessed I feel, the more I want to help.

We all need someone sometime, and thankfully, my parents show up with open arms, hearty food, and a warm bed.

This is what I'm working for—not just for myself, but for everyone who needs a safe place to land. And if working with Axton means expanding that safety net, then that's what I'll do.

No matter how much it might hurt my heart in the process.

As lunch winds down, I catch Big Bear's eye. He gives me a subtle nod, understanding passing between us. Whatever happens with Axton, I know I've got this family behind me. And really, that's all that matters.

After all, I'm a Peterson. And Petersons don't back down from a challenge.

Grumpy Axton won't see me coming .