Wedding Day

*Charlotte cant help bit grin and let out a whoop as the car spins in a circle than comes to a stop only to have it speed off again. The music was loud and Charlotte loved it. Everything about Bret seemed to match her own personalty and what she liked. As they speeded down the deserted street Charlotte bops her head the the music as she one hand taps her leg to the beat and her other arm is outside the window tapping the outside of the door. Charlotte even chimes in with some of the words carrying the toon fairly well for it being rock.

As they pull into the gas station and Bret hand Charlotte his wallet she gets out noding.*

"Pepsi, roger Roger."

*Charlotte heads inside still moving to the music coming from Bret's car. Once inside Charlotte give a nod to the guy behind the counter. Going back to the cooler She grabs a 2 liter of Pepsi and starts to look for something for herself. For a moment Charlotte's eyes drift to the left as her body steps aside too and she is stranging infront of the cooler where the beer was kept. Her eyes scaned the cases and the bottle. Finally shaking her head, she dident need that this early this morning even if she wanted alittle. If her and Bret when to the dance places he talked about tonight she could have alittle them. Moving back to the right Charlotte opens the cooler and grabs a 2 liter of moutain dew. Going down the food isle Charlotte scans the shelfs. Picking up a bag of sunchips, and trail mix. Charlotte makes her way up from and spots a bag of apples grabing them to it was something healthy. Finally making it to the counter.*

"I'm paying for the gas on pump 3 as well.."

*The man behind the counter looks at her with a smerk.*

"That will be 45.00."

*Charlotte reaches into her pocket to pull of the Cash Bret gave her and pays than head back to the car. Puting the bags back into the backseat and gets back in the front handing Bret his change back.*

"Ok, so we have gas, drinks, food, the hott guy, the pretty girl....I think we are set. Away we go again. Were is out first destanation Captin?"

*Charlotte grins at Bret and leans over turning the music up again but not to loud so she can still hear him.*

*Misty steps inside the door and takes a look around noting Carson was on the coutch. Coming over to him Misty takes note to his bloodshot eyes. Her heart giving a suddon jump. She dident know what was wrong, but she was a woman and new what those bloodshit eyes ment. Seting the water down on the table along with the bottle of asprin Misty gives alittle smile. Pushing Carson up alittle bit she slips her body underneath him and replaces his head in her lap. Gently puting the cloth on his forhead. Runing a hand though his hair Misty whispers.*

"Your great company no matter what. I just like being close to you."

*Misty continues to run her hand though his hair, as her other hand lays on his chest. No more words are said for now. Misty dident know what was wrong or what was going on, but she dident want to push. Right now she just wanted to be there for him, and give him comfort.*

*Katie returns Scott's kiss with enthuseashum. Grinig as she pulls away she looks twords the train and the moutains.*

"We could run away right now, and no one would know where we went."

*Katie looks back at Scott and leans in for another long kiss befor geting out of the van the rest of the way and heading twords the chaos with him. Seeing where her Aunt was and where she was needed.*

*Wes trudges into the workshop his dress shoes clicking on the floor. Wes showed he was only half dressing in his black suit pants, and a white tank top that was tucked in. Reading from a paper Wes dosent even see Jason and Camryn at first.*

"Clint if your still in here Wendy is going to pitch a fit cuz your not ready yet. I'd just hate to be you if she comes back in here and your still...."

*Wes finally looks up from the paper and see Jason and Camryn. His face breaks out into a gran as he aproches them.*

"Jason..I was hoping you would make it."

*Wes holds his hand out to Jason offering him a shake as part of his greeting. Than looking to Camryn he hold his hand to her.*

"Hi, Welcome to the Ranch."

*Wendy makes her way to the barn her hair done and alittle bit of makeup on. The only thing missing was her dress. Entering the shop she yells.*

"ANDREW CLINT...."

*Wes gives alittle jump as he hears Wendy's voice. Widening his eyes for a moment looking to Camryn, than Jason and than to Clint.*

"Dont say I dident warn you..."

*Moments later Wendy enters the backroom where everyone was and walks over to Clint, puting an arm around his shoulder.*

"...Con is here now, and if you dont get your head out of that car and go get ready I am going to get him to have it planted there permanintly."

*Wendy gives Clint a sweet and innocent grin followed by a quick kiss and she relizes everyone alse is now stairing on her. Stand up she cant help but shakes her head and laugg giving a wave.*

"Well why dident you tell me you went alone. I made myself look like a fool..."

*Wendy clears her throt.*

"Hey Jason, Hi Wes...."

*Wendy smiles to Camryn.*

"Hi!"

*Jamie stays close to Con she arm wrapped around his. Chiming in with him.*

"I dont know...I dont see him anywhere. I hope we dident miss him."

*As if qu one of the table cloths russle and alittle head peeks out from underneath it. BJ's face lighting up as he see Jamie and Con. Crawing the rest of the way ou BJ brushes of his little suit pants and runs to Con. Seeing his arm he slows down a bit and wraps his one arm around Con's leg and his other around Jamies.*

"Here I am, Here I am....Con, Jamie...You duyd tame back."

*BJ beams up at both Jamie and Con.*

*Lockheart follows Reese onto the mess hall taking in the sights. A normal person would feel over welms but Lockheart was use to being around strangers. This was just another day to her.*

"Everything is so nice here, and it feels so peacful dispite the chaos."

*Angel heads into the house that held Rosetta, and a few other ladys from the ranch.*

"Has anyone seen Mick? Sparky is look for him."

*Rosetta turns and looks at Angel a bit of worry in her eyes. She was so nervouse and it was only growing by the moment.*

"MICK IS missing? WHat about BJ...did you find him? What about Katie is she here yet?"

*As if on her own qu Katie enters the house smiles at Rosetta.*

"I'm here now Aunt Rosetta."

*Angel looks to Katie.*

"Maybe you can calm her down. I'll be right back Rosetta."

"ANGEL...ANGEL..."

*Angel cant help but laugh as she hears Rosetta call to her. The poor thing had been waiting for this moment for such a long time and now it was here and she couldent stay calm.

Making her way around back Angel spots and Luke and smiles coming up behind him and siting down wraping her arms around him.*

"Hey you. How ya feeling?"

Setting up

Bret watches the map fly to the backseat, giving Charlotte an expression of amusement. He grins at her coin toss. "Fifty miles was sounding too small anyway." Today was a day when he was throwing caution to the wind. He had nothing better to do, would wind up at the bar anyway, and without a goal, he was game for the adventure.

Tossing the other quarter, he fails to catch it, and it lands on the floor, tilted up at an angle. Thinking for a moment, he glances to Charlotte, back at the quarter, then back up again. "Well...looks like we'll be traveling north."

Before any more can be said, he throws his car in gear and guns it, burning rubber with a squeal as he skids around in a full circle and another half, expertly keeping the car under control as they spin and stop, facing north. He checks his mirrors seeing if anyone was around only after the fact as he straightens out the car. "Ladies and gentlemen," he speaks under his breath, "do not try this at home."

Turning up the radio and tuning to some loud rock, he speeds up again. Hitting a deserted street, they speed to the edge of town.

Spotting a gas station, Bret slows down and decides to fill up. Before getting out though, he grabs his wallet and hands Charlotte some cash. "I'll fill up, you get the munchies and drinks - get me some pepsi."


Carson hangs up the phone and just lies still for a while on the couch, letting his mind drift. It takes him places he really doesn't want to go, but he's too tired to fight it.

Eventually he gets up and goes to his bedroom. Pulling out the bottom drawer of his dresser, he takes out a small box. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he sifts through the few things that were there, until he comes to several old pictures. Finding the one he was looking for, he stares back at the face that he hasn't seen in over ten years. Running his thumb over it, he experiences the hurt all over again...the pain..the wondering...sorrow...anger... He'd thought it was over, but suddenly the past was being dug up once more...

...Carson lies on the couch again, a cold cloth over his eyes. Hearing the knock at the door, he recognizes it to be Misty's, and calls to her. "Yeah, come on in."

Shifting the cloth from his eyes, he squints for a moment, lifting his head just far enough to see Misty, then relaxes again. "Give me a minute and I'll get myself up to be livelier company," he comments dryly.

Finally sitting up, he rubs his eyes wearily, giving a sigh as he tries to perk up for Misty's sake. But his eyes can't lie. They're bloodshot and tired, the evidence remaining behind of the tears that no one would ever witness.


At Katie's comment of the group, Reese's eyes get as big as saucers, trying to keep them on the road. He can't even dare look in Lockheart's direction, knowing her face must be as red as his own felt.

Con turns around to throw Katie a look. "Watch it...Lockheart isn't but a few years older than me, you twerp."

Scott eyes his friend and puts on a fake punk air, lifting his chin. "Hey, whose girl you callin' a twerp, man?"

Con quirks an eyebrow. "And who are you challenging?"

Scott immediately retreats, holding up his hands. "Nobody?"

"That's what I thought."

"You give in too easily," Jason shoots back to Scott. "Remember what Jamie said about him being a teddy bear?"

"Yeah well..." Scott thinks about his words. "He's an awfully big teddy bear then."

Camryn giggles at the banter, loving every minute of it. Since the plane had taken off back in Nevada, she'd known she wouldn't regret this trip, and she'd been right. Leaning over, she whispers something to Jason.

Jason reacts with wide eyes and a glance back to Con and Jamie. Elbowing Camryn, he keeps a laugh from slipping out and shakes his head.

Once at the ranch, everybody starts to pile out of the van. Scott and Katie are last, but before she can get up, he takes her arm, giving her a crooked grin. Leaning over, he gives her a short but passionate kiss. His eyes twinkling, he brushes her cheek with his hand. "I might not see you again 'til later, so I thought I better get what I could now."


"Hey, has anybody seen Mick?"

"Where are those chairs?"

"Look out! Table coming through."

"Has anybody seen Mick?!"

"Yo Jeff, where's that stand?"

Sparky throws up his hands in disgust as he's caught in the comings and goings out behind the house. "Has anybody seen Mick???!" he shouts.

Everybody stops and looks at him. Mel comes up behind him, putting an arm around his shoulders. "There's really no need to shout, hun."

Sparky throws her a withering look. "I've been trying to..."

He's cut off as she leans around and gives him a kiss on the lips. "Relax. You'd think you were the groom instead of your brother. Now...what did you need?"

Sparky gives a little sigh, brought back down by Mel's attention. "I needed to talk to him about parking."

"See now? If you'd have been paying attention, you'd know that Eric and Wes have already been working on roping off that lot by the bunkhouses for people to park." Mel runs a finger across his head and down his neck. "Settle down, will you?"


"Jason!" Cindy spots her son from the kitchen and wipes her hands on her apron, going out to greet him with open arms.

Jason receives her hug and returns his own, a little more enthusiastically than the last time he'd been here. "Hey. Didn't know if you'd be here or up at the house."

"Oh, I'm here helping get food ready for the reception," Cindy explains. Her eyes shift to the young woman next to him. "And who do we have here?"

"This is Camryn Lane," Jason introduces. "She decided to tag along for the day just to get out of town for a few hours. Camryn, this is my mom, Cindy."

Camryn extends her hand, smiling from ear to ear. "It's so nice to meet you. Jason's told me so much. Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of a new family member."

Cindy beams. "Well thank you." She sets a hand on her tummy. "We're all excited."

"Where's Wes?" Jason questions.

Cindy shakes her head. "He and the other guys have been running around like chickens with their heads cut off. It's worse than when he and I got married." She laughs. "It's kind of nice for once to see them all confuzzlebumed instead of us women."

Jason gives her a wry grin. "Clint around?"

"Out in the shop...as always. I think Wendy's been trying to get him to clean up all morning, but he insists on finishing something in there first."

"Great." Jason nods to the door, looking at Camryn. "Want to?"

Camryn grins and holds up her hands. "Today I'm your shadow, lest I get lost in the crowd."

Cindy chuckles. "If you get lost in this crowd, honey, you couldn't be safer."

"You know..." Camryn looks around for a moment. "I believe that."


"Yo, Jase!" Clint straightens up from staring into the engine of a car, and wipes his hands on a rag, offering a shake to Jason. "Long time no see."

Jason half grins and shakes his hand. "Yeah, something like that."

"Thought you might come along with the others."

"Yeah well...though I shouldn't pass up seeing my mom again."

Clint nods and looks to the side, cocking his head at Camryn. "I see you brought company. And I thought you were alone and miserable. You been holding out on me, not telling me you had a girlfr..."

Jason cuts him off. "Friend," he emphasizes. "Camryn, this is Clint Henson - he's the nephew of the groom."

Clint eyes Jason with suspicion, but doesn't say more on the topic of girlfriends. "Glad to meet ya."

"Likewise." Camryn grins. "And you're still right about this guy being alone and miserable. I'm trying to break him of that habit."

Jason gives her arm a backhanded slap. "Behave yourself."

Camryn smirks. "So, Clint... you the mechanic around here?"

"Trying to be." Clint laughs. "Guess maybe I'm second in command. The bossman is Jason's stepdad, Wes. He's a great guy."


Jim hangs up the phone in the corner of the mess hall and goes to the kitchen, poking his head through the door and spotting his wife. "Hey, Beck...Jerry can't come."

Becky turns from the oven, a look of disappointment crossing her face. "Oh, no...what are we going to do about a photographer? Any place else in town was booked for this weekend. I was so hoping to get some really good pictures today to put in that book for Rosetta and Mick."

"...Hey...Jim."

Jim turns quickly at his youngest son's voice, a smile spreading. "Ty..." He gives him a quick but tight hug. "Glad you made it back. How's it going?"


Con wanders around back with Jamie, greeting friends along the way. Seeing the bustling group in the yard, he spots the youngster he was looking for. "And where's that little cowboy?" his voice thunders. "He said he'd be here, but I've been looking all over!"


Reese leads Lockheart into the mess hall where half the commotion was going on. "Well...welcome to the ranch." He chuckles. "It isn't normally this crazy, but everybody here is nice and if you need anything, just give a real loud holler and half of them will come running."


Luke sits in a folding chair and looks up to the guys working on the ribbons and flowers draped across one of the tents. "No...a little to the left....no..up...right....down...no up again..."

Jeff looks down at him from his ladder with annoyance. "Will you make up your mind?!"

"I'd come do it myself, but I can't walk today," Luke retorts. "So just do as I say."

Jeff smirks and turns back to the ribbon.

"No, I said up!"

A new chaos

*Charlotte grins as the map lands in her lap and Bret makes his comment. Snatcking on the of coins from him she grins.*

"I want to flip the one to see how far we go, and why did you give me the map. Remember, no maps, no planes."

*Charlotte toss the map into the backseat giving a laugh. Taking the coin she places in on her thumb. Giving it a flick it flys through the air before she grabs it and slaps it on her other hand. Slowly lifting up her hand she reveals the coin tails up. A grin spreads across her face as her eyes sparkle.*

"I guess the sky is the only limit we have. Now toss yours and see if we go east or west so we can get the party..roadtrip started."

*Misty smiles and shakes her head everythough Carson cant see her. He certinly did confuse her sometimes, but things seemed better now than last night so that was good.*

"Ok, let me finishing geting ready, do alittle running around and than I'll be over. Probley in an hour or two. Ok...I'll see you than Hun."

*Hanging up the phone Misty lets out a sigh and gets up off her head. She felt like she had alittle bit more energy now after talking to Carson but not much. HEading to her closet she picks out her clothing. Than cleans up her apartment wincing alittle as she move the wrong way and a pain shoots through her stomach. It was mostly healed no on the outside, but on the inside it was still alittle sore. After cleaning up the house Misty grabs her bottle of Asprin, and a few bottles of spring water from her fridge and heads out of the house and to Carson's.*

*Lockheart turns and gives alittle smile at Reese.*

"Yes, I am."

*She was happy to be here. Being with the people from JY was always nice and she liked it. The Comapnay they braught, the atmisphere they braught was always nice and comforting. From the first day of meeting everyone Lockheart felt like she was part of the group. It was nice geting away and being around them.*

*Finally landing and everyone pilling in they are off. Lockheart is seated up front with Reese.

Katie and Scott are than in the back, and Jamie and Con next. Katie lets out a loud laugh just out of the blue. Jamie leans forward and quirks and eyes bow at her.*

"Have you gone made?"

*Katie cant help but laugh again and shake her head, She wasent sure if she was nervouse for her aunt over the whole wedding that was going to be taking place or not but she new she was nervouse about something and her sillyness was proving it.*

"I was just siting here thinking, with Reese and Lockheart upfront it kind of feels like a family vacation or something. We are the kids and Reese and Loakcheart are the....."

*Before Katie can say anymore Lockheart turns in her seat her face beat red and her eyes wide.*

"DONT....even finish that statment. I'm not THAT old you know."

*Lockheart turns back around completly embarssed.*

*The ride continues everyone having fun and even Jamie, along with Katie break out in song every now and then adding to the laughter. Finally the reach the ranch where a new chaos begines. People seemed to be flying all over geting ready. A few tents were set up and flowers as well. It was nothing to fancey but it was nothing to plane eather. Though Rosetta and Mick dident want to make a big deal out of it, the guest at the ranch, old friends, new friend, and the staff couldent help themself.*

Banter

The guys all widen their eyes at Katie warning Camryn.

"Hey, what did I do?" Scott defends.

Jason grins a little at Katie. "Aw, you're too kind. I knew I could count on you to stand up for me at least." He throws Camryn a look. "Even though SOME people aren't on my side."

Camryn's jaw drops with feined shock. "Well I never!"


Ty's eyes widen at Jamie's comment. "Jamie! You realize that tank of yours is going to make roadkill out of me if you keep that up!"

"Mm-hmm..." Con mumbles as Jamie kisses him and lifts a hand to wave Ty off. At Katie's comment that pulls Jamie away, Con grins slyly and glances to Katie. "I can't think of a better way to pass out though..."

Reese rolls his eyes and sinks further down into his seat. "Still glad you came?" he asks Lockheart.


Camryn laughs with Lockheart and nods. "I have a feeling you're right. What's friendship without a few wars to keep things interesting?" She tosses Jason a challenging look.

Jason gives her a sidelong glance then a wink before buckling his seatbelt and settling back for the flight.


With rambunctious chatter from Scott, Con and Ty picking on the girls, the flight is kept interesting, not allowing anyone any extra sleep, not even Reese, who every once in a while would throw in his own sarcastic comment for good measure.

Before they know it, they're landing in Texas and picking up the waiting van that Reese volunteers to drive. Piling in, teasing arguments ensue about who will sit where, and finally the couples end up together, Jason in the back with Ty, and Camryn behind Reese with backpacks as her seatmates.


Bret grins when he sees Charlotte, and turns down the radio. "Well, good morning. So...you did decide to show up." His eyes dance with toying amusement. Leaning over, he reaches across her lap to open the glovebox and withdraws a map. Tossing it to her, he then retrieves a couple quarters from his pocket. "Alright. First toss is heads we go west, tails we go east. Second toss heads we stay within fifty mile radius, tails who cares."


Carson can't help a little smile as he talks to Misty. "Well since Reese is gone, I suppose we could get away with doing something before dinner. Tell you what - you come over any time and we'll just go from here whenever we get hungry. And bring some aspirin with you...I'm out."

He's just a big teddy bear

*Katie take her seat with Scott on the plane watching the other and laughing. As Camryn and Jason bored Katie gives a wave.*

"Hey Camryn. No matter what Kyle says watch out for this one..."

*Katie thumbs to Jason.*

"...And this one.."

*She points to Con next.*

"...Ya and this one too."

*Katie points to Scott.*

"They like to make us think they are innocent with there good looks."

*Katie cant help but laugh. Than leaning over as if to whisper to Jason she says.*

"Dont worry I'll stick up for you..."

*Katie eyes Con.*

"I'm not scaired of the Tank...he is just a big teddy bear."

*Snuggling into Con's good arm Jamie laughs and than sits up straght before falling backwords again.*

"KATIE...you wernt saposto to tell anyone I told you that."

*Jamie pants Con's leg and sticks her toung out at him.*

" I do appreciates you darling, but you are my big teddy bear. If I dident have you on this flight I would get stuck cuddling with someone alse."

*Jamie looks past Con at TY and gives alittle wave, than gives a glance back to Con before giving him a kiss.*

"You know your the only one for me, sorry Ty the jig is up. I'm only Con's now."

*Jamie leans in giving Con another kiss.

Katie looks aorund the plane at Jason, than Camryn, than Scott, to Ty, Lockheart than Reese, only to return to Jamie and Con again.*

"Oh goodness Jamie, let the man breath would you before he pass out."

*Katie quirks a grin as Jamie pulls away from Con her cheeks alittle red.

From her seat upfront Lockheart cant help but laugh alittle and looks to Camryn.*

"Somethings tells me with this bunch, a war is part of the fun."

*Lockheart looks back to Reese and smiles puting her own seatbelt on.*

"Kids!! No matter how old they get, they are still young at heart."

*The plane jolts and finally starts to move. Leaving the ground and Nevada behind.*

*As Charlotte turns around the courner and down the hall she was running late.Picking out clothing this morning had been more of a problem than she planed pluse spending half the night talking with her sister about Mike she slept alittle later than planed as well. Charlotte hurryed hoping Bret would still be there if he even showed up at all. Carrying alittle bag with her that had some items in it. Wairing a a black shier sleaved shirt that dipe in the front ( but not to bad : ) with a teal pattern along the neckline and dip, she always had on a pare of tighter blue jeans that flaired as they got to the bottom, with a belt that hung a chain on it. Finally making it to the courner Charlotte can hear Bret's music and can see his car, coming up to the door she opens it and slids in smiling at him. Talking alittle louder over the music.*

"Good Morning! Sorry I'm late."

*As Misty exits the bathroom she makes her way to her room. She had hoped her shower would of revived her and gave her more energy but alas it did not. Sinking down on her bed she answers the phone. Hearing Carson's voice on the other end made her a bit perkeyer.*

"Hey Hun, I'm doing pretty good this morning. I'd ask how you feel but I am sure I know your sore."

*Misty chats a bit more with Carson as she lays in bed and her to ferrits make there way up to her and fallsleep curled up in her lap.*

"So, what time did you want to do dinner? and did you want to hang out before that too?"

Dawn

Carson is tempted to stick around and make the evening last a little longer, but he knows he’s in no shape to do anything but go to bed right now.

He thinks for a moment, a little uneasy about having Misty out this late by herself, but he knows good and well she can handle herself. “Alright…I’m too worn out to argue.” He fishes in his pocket for his keys and hands them to her.

It doesn’t take them long to get back to Carson’s place and after exiting and locking the car, he lays a hand on Misty’s shoulder. “Thanks for taking care of me,” he says quietly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Giving her one last kiss, he makes his way slowly inside, taking his time to get up the stairs and into his apartment.


Bret is prepared to pull away, when Charlotte surprises him by sliding back into the car. He’s taken totally off guard as she comes close, feeling her lips on his. For just an instant, he wants to resist out of sheer surprise, but as he experiences her kiss, he can’t help but return it, slowly…passionately, as his hand finds its way to her forearm.

When Charlotte pulls away, he can’t even find words to say, and just looks into those incredibly sharp eyes as she retreats from the car. Watching her leave, he just sits for several moments, a bit stunned.

Blinking, he shakes his head before putting his car into gear. If Charlotte had been a slower mover, he probably wouldn’t have allowed that kiss…so perhaps it was a good thing she wasn’t that slow. The taste still fresh, a grin quirks his mouth. This was totally insane, and totally revitalizing.


Reese watches Lockheart as she heads into the hotel, until he’s satisfied she’s safe inside. Yawning a little, he heads to TJY to wrap things up before heading home for the night. It was going to be a mighty early morning.


And the morning is indeed early. A gray stillness sits over the land, beckoning the sun to shine above the horizon.


“Rise and shine!” Scott meets Katie at her door, a smile pasted on his face. Though still dark, he’s wide awake, dressed in jeans and a tee, his contacts in and his new hairstyle in place. “Bus is waiting.” He grins and thumbs to the driveway where Con, Jamie and Ty are already in the TJY van.

“Have a good time!” Laura calls sleepily from her bedroom.

Scott grins and yells back to her. “Hold down the fort!” Grinning at Katie, he leans in to give her a light ‘good morning’ kiss. “Ready?”


Reese smiles his greeting to Lockheart as he picks her up at the hotel. “Good morning.” Turning out into traffic, he stifles a yawn. “I must admit…this is a bit early even for me.” He chuckles. “I’ll probably end up drifting off on the flight unless somebody keeps me awake.”


Both vehicles arrive at the airport at almost the exact same time, and after parking, everyone gets out and walks to the jet where the pilot is ready and waiting.

Con’s arm is still in a sling with limited mobility, but he’s upbeat for this time of the morning, teasing Jamie on their way to the plane, slinging his other arm over her shoulder to half drag her along.

“Anybody heard from Jason?” Reese asks once they’re boarding.

“Nope.” Con shakes his head. “Last I knew, he said he’d drive himself here, since he’ll probably be coming back before the rest of us.

The group gets settled inside the plane, Con sitting next to Jamie, and Scott claiming his seat next to Katie. Reese takes up residence near the front and Ty stretches out alone...


…Reese stands in the plane and looks out the window again, glancing to the pilot, then looking at his watch again. The sun was just starting to rise and the sky was a golden pink. “Come on, Jase…where are you?” Everyone else had been waiting for fifteen minutes already.

As if on cue, a black pickup speeds alongside the tarmac, parking in the side lot next to some other vehicles. Jason gets out of the driver’s side, but he’s not alone. Another figure gets out of the other side, also carrying a backpack, but their identity is vague in the dim morning light. Pausing to converse for just a moment, both break into a run, racing to the plane. Jason has the lead by far, and turns around halfway, running backward as the young woman laughs and pants to keep up. Reaching the stairs, Jason lets her go first, up and into the plane.

Out of breath, Jason apologizes. “Sorry guys. We got…”

“Hung up,” Camryn intervenes. She raises her hand. “My fault entirely.”

“Not quite but…” Jason looks down at her. “You certainly didn’t help.”

“Just for that, you’re sitting by yourself,” Camryn retorts. She looks down the row of seats. “Got an empty seat for a lonely passenger?”

Con grins at the antics and thumbs behind him and Jamie. “Get on board Camryn. What brings you on this adventure?”

“Oh, just some guy that picked me up off the street. I thought it might be dangerous going out of state with a stranger, but I was convinced by some friends that he really meant well, even if he did act a little funny.”

Jason rolls his eyes and gives her a shove. “Move before I walk right over you.”

“You’d like that.” Camryn smirks at him and moves down between the seats, smiling at Con before sitting down behind him.

Jason flops down across the aisle behind Scott and Katie, tossing his backpack in the seat next to him. “I expect you to be quiet on this flight.”

“Me?” Camryn exclaims. “You kidding?”

“I’ll have Con sit on you,” Jason threatens.

Con turns his head to see Camryn out of the corner of his eye. “Don’t tell him this, but I’m on your side.”

“If you didn’t have that arm in a sling, I’d come whop you one,” Jason complains.

Con stands up out of his seat. “You threatening me?”

“Children!” Reese chides. “Do you think you could behave yourselves so we can get going?”

Con starts to speak, but Reese cuts him off. “Especially you, ya big tank. The last thing we need in this jet is for you to be rolling around inside. You’d take us down for sure.”

Con offers him a sloppy salute and plops back down, throwing his good arm around Jamie’s shoulders. “Fine. I’ll just sit over here with the one person who appreciates me.”

Camryn giggles and grabs her seatbelt. “Next time I promise to not make anybody late. I don’t want to start a war.”


Later that morning…
Bret drives up the street, aiming for the familiar corner. He was five minutes earlier than the time he and Charlotte had agreed on, and still wondered if she would really show.

Pulling up to the curb, he waits, his music playing loudly.


Carson shuffles from the kitchen to the living room, having thrown on his jeans, but that was as much as he’d gotten dressed so far. Everything hurt.

Easing down on the couch, he stretches out on his back and puts the bag of ice to the side of his face. With his other hand, he reaches for his phone and dials Misty.