About a week later Becca was at the Traven ranch for dinner, after the adults sat on the porch visiting the children were playing in the field near the barn. All of a sudden Addie screamed and ran for the adults, having heard the scream they ran toward the barn. They could smell smoke and it was coming from the barn.
They set up a bucket brigade to bring water to the barn, Mac and Dal got the two horses that were in the barn out. It appeared the fire was contained in one corner of the barn. As Jesse was the first one back in the barn he noticed George trying to put the fire out, but had gotten himself cornered. Jesse went to the window nearby, broke the glass, and climbed in. He had to yell at George to get his attention. He grabbed him and handed him through the window to Mac. As he was climbing out the fire spread catching Jesse's pant leg on fire. Dal grabbed him and using a blanket put the fire out, but not before burning his hand He carried Jesse over to the women and went back to finish help Mac with the fire.
Becca, Katherine and Shelley rushed to help Jesse. George was fine except for the coughing from the smoke. They poured cold water on Jesse's burn, it would be sore for a while, but looked like it would heal. They found some salve they put on the burn to ease the pain. They also realized Jesse had several cuts on the palms of his hands from the glass around the window. They cleaned and wrapped them. Net they noticed the burn on Dal's hand, they too cooled it off with water and put some salve on it.
They were just helping Jesse into the house when Mac and Miles. "We saved most of the barn, but we'll have to do some repairs, it looks like Jesse is out of commission for a few days."
Jesse started to reply "..No I…" but was cut off with a way of Dal's hand.
"There will be no argument on that, you rest. You saved my son and I think he has something to say."
George came in slowly with his head bent, "ah,… I'm sorry, I was looking for my wooden toy horse with the lantern and dropped it. It's my fault the barn burned and Uncle Jesse got hurt."
Jesse said, "It was an accident and I'll be fine."
Miles added, "But I think to make up for it he can help repair the damages."
Jesse started coughing from the smoke he inhaled, Becca gave him some water and washed his face.
Not too long after, Macescorted Becca home, since they wouldn't let Jesse ride. "I hope he'll be alright, that fire could have been so much worse."
"Jesse will be fine and we were lucky today, take care Becca. You'll be out tomorrow to check on him?"
"If it's alright with everyone."
"Of course it is."
Mac turned his horse around and headed home. Yep it was more than all right. He could see it, but didn't think Jesse and Becca saw it yet, but they both had it bad for each other. They would just have to help it along.