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Carson bends a little as Misty surprises him by coming up on his back, but he can’t help his smile. He spins around, then sets her back down on the ground bringing her to the side so he can throw a rough arm around her shoulders. “Mm…and who said that scaring a hunk of an Aussie isn’t dangerous for a young woman like yourself?”

He leans over and kisses her cheek. “Remember those consequences.” He grins and squeezes her tighter as they walk.


Laura comes into TJY and sees Nate setting out traps. She can’t help her giggle as she comes up behind him. “Just couldn’t let it go, could you?” She throws him a grin. “You’re gonna protect me, even if it’s from an itty bitty mouse.”


Jason thinks for a moment, still trying to collect his rampant thoughts. “Um…I guess…I don’t know…. Is all must stuff still at Con’s?”

Reese nods, looking in the rearview mirror at Jason. “Yeah. Last I knew, he hadn’t touched a thing.”

“I guess swing me by there first so I can grab a shower and get into some of my own clothes, and then…I suppose I should come to TJY.”

“There’s a lot we’re going to have to talk about,” Reese informs. “A lot has happened since you’ve been in prison, especially the last few days though. But we’ll talk about it later. For now, just take it easy.”

The ride back is long and fairly quiet. The closer they get, the more Jason realizes that this is reality. An excitement bubbles deep down somewhere, but it doesn’t show on his face.

Getting to Con’s, it’s empty as Con is gone for the day to work. Jason thinks he remembers someone saying he worked at the lumberyard now…that was a strange thought.

After quickly showering he scrounges to find his clothes. His jeans are just a little bit looser at the waist…his t-shirt is just a little bit tighter in the shoulders. Not bothering to do anything with his wet hair, he’s back out into the car.

Reese is just getting off his cell phone. “I just called in to work to see what was happening there. Most everyone has been there all day, but Katie called in late. She’s still at home…” He glances to Jason with question. “Has your destination changed?”

Lifting an eyebrow, Jason thinks for a moment. “Uh, yeah….sure…take me by her place I suppose.”

Reese obliges and aims to the other end of town. It doesn’t take long to pull up in front of Laura’s and Katie’s.

Jason can’t help but notice the new car in the driveway. That was interesting.

“You want to just be dropped off?” Reese asks.

Jason hesitates before opening the door. “Sure. I’ll figure out where I’m going after this.” Getting out, he stops and turns back around to the open window. “Thank you… both of you…”

After watching the car disappear down the road, Jason turns to the house. Taking a deep breath, he walks up the porch steps. His stomach was in knots. He’d waited for this for how long? And yet he was hesitating. Why? He was mad at himself…he knew why…he was feeling the same as he had the last time he’d seen Katie…he wanted to give himself to her, and yet didn’t want to have to dig up all the pain to do it. But perhaps….perhaps she wouldn’t ask him to this time.

Finally raising his hand, he rings the doorbell. He waits. As the door opens, he simply stops and stares. His weary eyes lock with Katie’s. No words seem to want to come…what could he possibly say?