...if you want

Reese closes his eyes for a moment as Angelica's fingers run down the side of his face. It had been so long since he'd had a woman's attention, or even wanted it, for that matter. Angelica had become so special to him, even if he hadn't let it show. They'd always kept things on a pretty business-like level, and he'd been satisfied with that... until he'd realized that he cared more about her than he'd thought.

Opening his eyes again, he locks his gaze with hers, her voice drifting on the night breeze like soothing music. "You've always been beautiful," he replies quietly. "Inside and out."

Reaching up to take her free hand, he grips gently, bringing it around to plant a soft kiss on it.

"I may not be old enough for retirement," he muses with a light tease to his voice. "But I'm old enough to be set in my ways. Though... if you're willing to put up with just taking things one day at a time..."

He didn't know how to ask. He didn't know if he even had to ask outright. But better to clarify than leave anybody wondering about his intentions.

"...I think I'd like to get to know you better, Angelica. I think I'd like anything that gave me the excuse to spend more time with you. That is... if you want."


David half-listens to Brad, though his eyes have wandered to the doors that led out to the balcony. At his angle he could just make out two shadowy figures standing very close together. He bristles. He'd known there had to be more between this guy Mike and Angelica. What did Mike have that he didn't? David had known Angelica for much longer, and had been trying for a long time to win her over, but work had always gotten in the way. What hadn't he done that this guy had?

"...you listening?"

"Hmm?" David turns his eyes back to Brad apologetically. "Sorry."

"You alright?"

"Not feeling well. I'll catch you later." David pats Brad's shoulder and wanders away where he couldn't see the balcony anymore. Folding his arms, he leans back against the wall near a corner table. Glancing down to the side, he sees Marge by herself and he sighs. "What's a guy gotta do, huh?" He shakes his head.


Misty's comment leaves Carson slightly surprised, and in a moment, he's left by himself to get the plates and food. He just stands for several seconds though, wondering about the tone of Misty's voice. She was disappointed. He knew it now. He was different than he used to be... he hadn't thought she would react to it... he'd thought it would be all good. But... something just felt like it was off kilter just a little bit. It wasn't bad... they weren't at odds at all. But... it just felt... strange. Was it him? Had he made a mistake?

Sighing at himself, Carson knows right where to find the plates and retrieves them, picking up the pizza on his way to the living room. Setting everything on the coffee table, he eases down on the couch, waiting for Misty.

It's not long before a movie has started, and supper is being eaten. But Carson's appetite just isn't what it was a while ago. Eating just a slice and a half, he concentrates on the movie, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. He wasn't upset at all. Just... he wasn't sure exactly what it was.

Finally, he gives up and turns his head towards Misty. "Are you... happy?" he asks quietly. His eyes search hers for the answers to ease his confusion. "I mean... have I done something wrong?"


Kyle slides out of the truck and jogs around the other side to help Jen out. But by the time he gets there, she's already got the door open and is starting down herself.

She grins and holds herself steady between the seat and the door. "I want to get down myself."

Kyle smiles and stands back, though can't help a twinge of surprise. He knew his sister was already back in therapy and progressing more rapidly than the doctors could explain, but it still brought on a little bit of surprise. He was so used to helping here.

Jen giggles as she slides to the ground and stands a bit wobbly. "Help me walk inside?"

"You sure you don't want your chair?"

Jen shakes her head. "Uh-uh."

"Okay..." Kyle was a bit hesitant, but reaches out to help her as she headed for the porch. It took her one slow step at a time, and she had to hang onto her brother most of the way for support, but by the time she reached the steps, she was beaming.

"I did it," she exclaims.

Kyle eases her down so she could sit while he went to get her chair. "You sure did." Pride shown in his eyes and he ruffles her hair playfully. "Be right back."

Jogging back to the truck, he retrieves the wheelchair, but pauses for just a moment. He runs his hands over the metal frame, his mind taking him to places he would chide himself for. He was thrilled his sister was starting to walk again. No one was probably more thrilled than he was. But there was a strange emotion lurking in the shadows that bothered him. It bothered him because it didn't feel good, and because he felt utterly ridiculous for even letting it be there.

But the lump in his throat was undeniable.

Shaking his head, he finishes his task and goes back to the house to help Jen in the rest of the way. Staying only a few brief moments to say hi to his mom and stepdad, he trots back to his truck to head home. Tomorrow would be a long day. A good night's sleep would do him good.


Back in Texas, the night seems all too short. Though for some it seemed long. At four-thirty in the morning, another hour and a half was left before the ranch would come to life. But despite the quiet, one vehicle was just getting shut down.

Clint wanders tiredly from the garage after having parked the borrowed pickup. Trudging towards his bunk, he was glad that he had it to himself now, so he wouldn't be waking anyone. Glancing to his watch, he doesn't even have enough energy to grimace. He could squeeze in two hours, at best. Well... it would have to do. He'd run on two hours of sleep a night for the last week... he could do it again.

Stopping, he sleepily turns back around, going to the truck for something he'd forgotten. Then he heads for Wendy's place instead. Opening the door just a crack, he puts the handwritten note in between the two doors. All it said was "I love you," but he hoped it would make her smile. She needed to smile... she hadn't smiled enough lately.

Stifling a yawn, he aims back towards his bunk. Getting inside, he flops down on his bed, not even bothering to undress.