Goodnight

Scott grins as Katie takes him onto the dance floor. As she pulls him close, he wraps his arms around her resting his own head against her as hers lays on his shoulder. He felt warm. He felt good. He felt wanted. For the first time in his life, spending time with someone had given him purpose. No matter how people had teased him, razzed him, or even looked down on him…Katie’s acceptance had changed his world. And holding her close to him tonight gave him an indescribable feeling.

Almost the only two left in the barn, the song finally draws to a close. Scott gently pulls away slightly, locking eyes with Katie, falling into her never-ending stare. Swallowing hard, his hand comes up to her face, caressing her cheek. He can feel a little bit of heat rising up the back of his neck, but he ignores it. Without breaking his gaze, he whispers to her. “I love you.”

Tilting his head, he gives her a gentle kiss on her lips. “Goodnight, Katie…sweet dreams.”


Reese escorts Lockheart to the bunk where she’ll be staying, and pauses at the bottom of the porch. He starts to say something, then suddenly chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes. “I just had this flashback from when I was in high school and I’d taken Mary Tuckles on our first date.” He grins sheepishly. “I got her home and we stood on her porch for ten minutes, both of us figuring we’d like a night kiss, but neither of us brave enough.”

Reese shakes his head again. “I think I ended up accidentally hitting the doorbell with my elbow, and her mother came, forcing me to leave. …That was the last date with Mary.”

Grinning, he takes Lockheart’s hand to plant a tender kiss on it. “Sleep well, Angelica. See you in the morning.”

Turning, he heads to the bunk where he’d been directed earlier, taking his time as he strolls slowly.


Con leans down to give Jamie a kiss goodnight. “You didn’t look so bad yourself,” he teases. Pausing, he shakes his head. “Drop dead gorgeous is more like it.” Shaking his head, he backs away, down the stairs. “Night, Jamie. Need anything, give a loud holler.”


Bret can’t help his smile that spreads. He doesn’t even have to think about that one. “Breakfast it is. I’ll be here.”

Bidding Charlotte goodnight, he heads back home, turning his music up loud again. He would sleep well tonight after all the running around…and he looked forward to the next day. Though he could be wrong, he was pretty sure that Charlotte would be true to her word, and really would be there in the morning again.


As the plane comes to a stop, Jason tilts his head to see Camryn. She was still fast asleep. Without thinking, Jason runs his fingers through her short hair, enjoying the fact that she was comfortable enough with him to fall asleep like that. He knew she’d first come to him simply because she was attracted to his looks from being with JetStream. But he knew good and well that after spending this much time with her lately, that feelings had grown beyond that. She would openly admit that she loved spending time with him. He, on the other hand, had been fighting it. But…how long would he keep fighting? And what was the point?

“Hey…Camryn…” He shakes her shoulder gently. “We’re back.”

“Hmm?” Camryn snuggles closer, bringing her arm around him.

Shaking his head, Jason almost laughs. “You gonna stay in this plane all night, or what?”

Finally Camryn opens her eyes and blinks. Realizing her position, she sits up quickly. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I…”

Jason cuts her off, shaking his head again. “Everybody needs a pillow. Come on…I’ll take you home.”


“…Reese is talking stuff over with Pete and Austin, but should be ready to go by later this afternoon.” Scott pushes the porch swing with his foot, letting it sway gently. His arm rests around Katie’s shoulder, a quiet breeze blowing across the ranch. Church had been a peaceful and enjoyable time this morning, and after a light lunch, everyone had gone their own ways, simply enjoying the day.

“Figured we’d get back home late evening probably,” he muses. “Sound alright to you?”


Bret leans back in the booth, finished with a late breakfast, and just sipping his coffee, looking at Charlotte across the table from him. He’d picked her up earlier as planned and wound up going to the little café downtown to eat. “So…your sister is coming back this afternoon, huh?” He grins. “Does that mean the fun stops for you?”


“…So I thought we’d play those three and then…” Kyle’s voice drifts off as he looks at Jason in Mike’s basement as they practiced before tonight. “Helloooo…. Mr. Stevenson, are you with us?”

“Hmm?” Jason looks up from his perch on the stool, his guitar resting on his knee. “Sorry. What were you saying?”

Kyle looks to the other guys. “Is it just me, or has his mind been on another planet since he got back from Texas?”

Jason smirks at him. “My mind just isn’t with it. Now tell me what you were saying.”

“Nevermind. I like the playlist we got. Y’all feel ready?”

“When have we not?” Phil quips. “Doesn’t mean we can’t crash and burn.”

“Oh, but when we do, we do it with style!”

Mike laughs at Kyle and shakes his head. “Are we going over that last song again or what?”

“Yeah, if Jase over there can get with it.”

“Sorry!” Jason repeats, straightening up.

“So Katie’s not coming tonight, eh?” Kyle asks.

At the mention fo Katie, Jason spaces out for a moment again, feeling just a little funny.

“Jason!”

‘What?!”

Kyle widens his eyes at him. “Do I take that as a no?”

“No. I mean yes. I mean, that’s right. Katie’s still in Texas. Nate’s coming on down to watch our backs instead.”

“Alright…” Kyle slowly sets his music in front of him. “Now…lets… try to play this song…”