Lil' Cowboy

Gunner hears his phone ringing this time, but seeing it was Bree, for some reason he didn't answer it. He wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because he knew he really didn't have a reason not to meet her today.

Listening to the voicemail, he feels a little worse. It was odd Bree didn't want to go either... she sounded like she was having a rough day. And he'd turned down having floats with her.

He sighs and slips his phone into his pocket, trying to get more work done. It's only ten minutes later that once again, he has a call. This time he answers it though, and tells JT he's not sure if he'll be over for supper or not.


Kip grins at Karla, pleased to see that she was asking about prayer before eating. It was a nice change to make a friend who did that. He knew he didn't always pick the best friends... but he had such a hard time fitting in, that he often took what he could get. "Yeah, sure."

Bowing his head, he thanks God for the food, then pauses before going on. "And thank you for strangers along the road."

Ending his prayer, he still has a little grin on his face as he takes a bite of his breakfast. "Mmm.... Shirley!"

The older woman near the stove turns around in surprise. "What? What's the matter?"

Kip laughs. "Did I ever tell you that you're a good cook?"

Shirley gives him a little smirk. "Almost every day." Her eyes had a sparkle to them that a fun grandma might have. "But that's okay, I don't get tired of it." Chuckling, she wipes her hands on her apron and wanders closer. "Who are your new friends?"

"This is Karla... and Rin."

"Nice to meet you, Karla." Shirley gives a warm smile, then stretches out a hand for Rin to sniff. "I could get him some water if he needs it," she offers.


Leo gives Ryan's fingers a little squeeze. The look on his face was gentle and understanding. Though she didn't say so, he knew she must be a little nervous to go back. He was too. He still looked like he'd been run over by a truck, and Roth's handiwork would have a longer impression on his mind than his looks. "Well... we could always just go and watch tonight." He shrugs. "Say hi to some people and see what's up."

He gives her a rueful grin. "Not that I'll be much good as a bodyguard, but I can try. Miles said he might go down too and hang out for a while though."


Jade rubs some oil into the saddle, folding the cloth and continuing the gentle cleaning and oiling. The sunshine felt warm today, despite a cool breeze. She'd chosen to bring the saddle outside to work on it today instead of staying cooped up in the tack room. There was a reason she'd chosen to set up out behind the barn though. Looking up every now and again, she would steal glances at Dan exercising some of the horses. The only thing better would be riding with him, but she'd take his advice for now and play things cool.

It was funny... she barely knew him... had really not been here all that long to spend time with him... yet seeing him and talking to him was the highlight of her day. The awkwardness she usually felt about new friends just didn't exist. It was like she and Dan... clicked. She'd had guy friends before, and a few boyfriends, including Jason. But even then, all had seemed almost like she had to really try hard to make a go of it - like it was one-sided. It just wasn't like that with Dan. It was just... easy. Her nerves had caused her to flirt with him in the beginning, but now... she didn't act silly with him like she'd done with other guys. She didn't feel the same nervousness around him, or the need to impress him as she had with guys like Jason. She just felt like... herself. It was a nice, warm feeling and she liked it.

Glancing up again, she smiles as Dan passes by near the fence.


Jason throws a few things into one of his bags and scans the rack of firearms before choosing his pistol. He'd just gotten back from lunch, and was preparing to head out later in the afternoon.

Didn't we just leave Texas?

He grins a little, knowing Katie and Wyatt would probably be joining him soon.

The three stooges take off again. I just hope Mick isn't right about thinking it's the Agency.


Scott looks at his computer screen and grins at the picture of BJ that he'd caught on his short stay at the ranch. The boy was outside grinning from ear to ear, his cowboy hat pulled down so far that he had to crane his neck to look up and see the camera.

Scott pulls up an email and types a quick message:
Subject: Lil' Cowboy
Thought you might like having this.
-Scott
Attaching the picture and clicking 'send' the email was off to Rosetta.