The world zapped back to normal speed. Amongst the cacophony of shouts and motion, Alec skidded to a stop. He peered through the windshield for a split second, then he clambered his way up to the passenger door, high in the air.

He wrenched it open, and Stephanie’s body came back to life. She half ran, half staggered down the road, Amber’s name pulsing over and over through her brain.

Alec swiftly lowered himself into the truck.

Stephanie grew closer, praying Amber was all right.

Suddenly Alec’s sole cracked against the inside of the windshield, popping it out.

“Bring a truck,” he shouted, and two of the ranch hands took off running.

Stephanie made it to the scene to see blood dripping down Amber’s forehead. The realization that this was all her fault, made her stagger.

Alec met her eyes. “She’s okay,” he told her, his voice steady and reassuring. “Call Royce. But tell him she’s okay.”

Stephanie saw that Amber’s eyes were open.

She looked dazed, but when Alec spoke to her, Amber answered back.

His hands moved methodically over her body, arms, legs, neck and head.

But then Stephanie saw it.

“Smoke,” she tried to shout, but her dry throat wouldn’t cooperate.

Alec saw it, too.

People ran for fire extinguishers, while Alec fumbled with Amber’s seat belt.

While he worked, he spoke calmly and firmly.

Stephanie couldn’t hear the words, but Amber nodded and swallowed. She wrapped her arms around Alec’s neck, as the first flames snaked out from under the hood.

He spoke to Amber again, and she closed her eyes, burying her face against Alec’s neck. His arms tightened around her, and he slowly, gently eased her through the opening left by the windshield.

Stephanie held her breath, her glance going from the growing flames, to Amber and back again.