Chapter 168: Painful Past

“Tell me you’re not actually going.” Anna crossed her arms, her voice incredulous.

“Why would I not go, Anna? It’s my job.” Sawyer continued to pack his gear even as Anna willed him to stop.

“Because we’re engaged now. That makes everything different.” Her tone was softly pleading.

He stopped and looked up at her, his brown eyes unblinking. “I’m not different. I’m still the same smokejumper you met at Reilly’s Bar two years ago. You didn’t really think that just because we’re getting married, I’d suddenly settle down, maybe take a job working for your dad on the ranch, did you?”

Flustered, Anna blinked several times. “Well...yes, actually. At least until we decide what we want to do. You know there’s that ranch in Florida where they teach riding to special needs kids. It’s something I’ve always wanted to look into.”