Wildfire (Steve Rogers AU)

12

One week, turned into a month, followed by another. Hadley now felt familiar with the town and its people, knowing their names, striking up conversations with them. Her relationship with Brock was flourishing and now was to the point where the townspeople were beginning to question whether he'd make an honest woman of her.

Hadley had now ditched the mourning dresses, feeling a little more confident that no one would judge her for it. She felt like she fitted in now she wasn't standing out in funeral black.

On Wednesdays, Flynn would take his weekly visit to the Howling Commando Ranch while she worked. Sarah adored the boy and Steve, Bucky, and Sam would keep him occupied with the horses if he really wanted to see them, sometimes taking him out for a ride across the grasslands which the little boy loved.

The relationship between Steve and Hadley had settled to mutual agreement. They got along better than they had done since first meeting, having learnt to understand one another a little better. On some occasions, Hadley had stayed for supper, helping Sarah sometimes if the older woman wanted it.

Today Steve had come into the shop from some more horse feed as well as a few other things, Hadley ringing up the purchases when Brock entered.

The two men looked at one another a gave a curt nod in the other's direction. "Afternoon Hadley, was wondering whether you wanted to go out riding once you're done here?" Brock said as he came to stand next to Steve.

Hadley smiled. "I would, but Mary's going through some new stock that's arrived so I have no one to take Flynn".

Steve knew for a fact that Brock wouldn't suggested that the boy go along with them, in fact he wasn't even sure whether the man had even spent time with him. Still, now he saw Hadley's face, he was kicking himself for what he was about to suggest.

"I can take him". Steve now told her.

"Steve, I couldn't ask you to..."

He he;d up his hand, putting his change back into his pocket. "It's fine. Besides he can come out with Buck and I when we go riding. Mom won't mind having him an extra day".

Hadley smiled. "Thank you, I'll get his things together and then perhaps we can go?" She looked to Brock who's jaw had stiffened slightly.

"Sounds good. Thanks Rogers" He clapped Steve on the back and then looked to Hadley. "I'll wait for you outside".

"Ok". She grinned and turned to Steve once he was gone. "Are you sure you can take him?"

Steve nodded. "He'd probably enjoy it than going with you. I suppose he quite likes the cattle at Brock's ranch?"

She but her lip. "I haven't actually taken him there yet. I wanted to make sure things with Brock were strong before suggesting that we have Flynn come along".

He frowned. "He's your son though? Surely Brock would like to get to know him as much as you?"

"Oh, for sure, but like I said. I want to be sure before introducing him properly". She said, rounding the counter. "Let me go and fetch him and let Mary know what's happening".

Steve watched her go into the back rooms and waited until she returned with Flynn and his toy horse. "Ok, here he is - you have a nice time with the horses young man" She kissed his head and looked to Steve with a smile. "Thank you again, I do appreciate it".

"Anytime, I told you he's always welcome - right young man, shall we go see whether Uncle Buck is yelling at Johnny?" He grinned as the boy was playing with the horse. "Okay that's a yes, let's ride pal". Nodding to Hadley he told her that he'd see her later on and left, taking no notice of Brock who was watching him outside.

"You ready?" Brock asked Hadley as she came out.

"I am, maybe next time Flynn can come with us? I'd so love for you both to get to know one another".

Brock smiled. "Of course he can, anyway, shall we take the river route?"

She nodded and mounted the horse he'd brought with him, both of them now riding out of town together.

Bucky frowned as he saw Steve return with Flynn. "Did you buy him?" He asked taking the boy as his friend dismounted.

"Rumlow asked Hadley to go for a ride, but she didn't have anyone to take him". Steve explained.

"Wait, so you offered?" Bucky blinked. "So what, you're a babysitter now?"

Steve rolled his eyes. "I'm just doing her a favour alright".

"For her to go riding with the man you hate?"

"They're walking out together whether anyone likes it or not - you've heard the talk around town, it's not gonna be long until he slips that ring onto her finger".

Bucky snorted. "You honestly think she'd accept him?" Now helping him to unload the wagon he'd put the purchases from the store into.

"She's from money, it's in her blood - she told me herself she needs to marry someone who has it".

There was a whistle of disbelief as Sam appeared, having overheard what had been said. "Ouch, nice way to tell you that you're not the one".

"I don't wanna be" Steve retorted, keeping an eye on Flynn while they unloaded. "Women like her don't go for guys like me anyway". He carried on putting the things away, "Anyway let's get this sorted and then go out for a ride".

**

Hadley turned up at the ranch later that afternoon to collect Flynn, Sarah now appearing and telling her that he was sleeping.

"The ride this afternoon certainly tired him out - all that fresh air". She grinned. "Did you want to stay for dinner? I wouldn't wanna wake him just yet, he's only been down for a half hour".

"Oh, no that's ok..." She began as Steve appeared.

"How about we go for a ride, by the time we get back Flynn should probably be awake if you don't wanna wait around?"

She looked at him and smiled. "Ok then".