Sorry!

“Mmm…” Bret thinks about Charlotte’s observations of him, contemplating if he thought them true or not. He had to admit that she pretty much had him pegged. Not that he’d tried to hide anything…he hadn’t exactly been shy with her since yesterday.

A wry grin escapes. “Alright, you win. I’m transparent. Except you did get one thing wrong…I never said I actually liked wallowing in bars.” He cocks his head. “But you’re right about attractive women who talk back…and you definitely fit that category.” His eyes give her another once-over before turning back around to keep walking forward.

He listens to her talk about herself, finding her personality simply growing in appeal. It was too bad she lived in California. After this weekend was up, that would probably be it. But…maybe it was worth it. Bret hadn’t taken the time out to just break loose in a long time, let alone with a woman, and Charlotte had given him the prime opportunity. Not to mention she was the kind of company he enjoyed.

As she pauses to take a swig of water, Bret slows his walk, looking up the winding trail. “Well…I don’t know how many lives you’ve changed, but you’ve changed one man’s weekend into something other than bar wallowing, I’ll give you that.” He gives a light chuckle. With the downhill spiral his life was taking at the moment, this had already been a nice pick-me-up.

Hiking for just a while longer, the waterfall comes into view, and Bret leads the way up to it until they’re standing just feet away, a light mist reaching them.

Grinning, Bret sheds his backpack and steps forward, sticking his head into the crystal clear water. Drawing back, he sucks in his breath. “Wooee, is that cold.” He laughs. “Sure feels good though.” He shakes his head quickly, letting the water fly. Standing back, he admires the view from the high point they’d hiked to. One could see for miles from up here.


Carson shifts his weight and finally sits up, accepting the water and aspirin, downing a couple pills. He knew he needed time to heal, but he needed to buck up too. He had another round in just two days now and had better get with it. If he couldn’t get around today, he had no business getting back in the ring again.

“Having you around, I can do anything.” He puts an arm around Misty’s shoulders, pulling her in to give her a kiss. “Today is your day…we’re going to do what you want to do, and the expenses are on me.” He lets the spark show in his eyes. “I just have one request…that if we have dinner here… we have grilled cheese sandwiches.”


Con chuckles at BJ watching the little girl. “Oh, Kiddo, holding a girl’s hand isn’t so bad. You might actually like it.” He gives BJ’s back a light pat. “Good job with the balloons. You think we ought to go see if they need any more help in there?”


Mel rolls her eyes at Katie’s question, giving a little sigh, and keeping her voice low. “Mick was apparently out riding for some ridiculous reason and his horse came back without him. Sparky and Eric went looking for him though, so I’m sure everything is just fine.”

Though she wore an air of confidence, a bit of worry was in her own eyes.


Camryn tilts her head at Wendy’s comment, receptive to the advice, and impressed with the analogy. “Thanks…I’ll keep my lure in the water.”

Grinning, she accepts linking arms with Wendy. “And I questioned if this was going to be any fun at all…I have a feeling it’s just started.”

Following Wendy to the tables for the reception, she helps out with the decorations, proving to be of help as she lets Wendy show her what to do, but adds her own flare and chats away, totally at ease despite being in a strange place.


“You gonna get that taken care of?” Sparky gestures to the gash in his brother’s arm.

“Yeah, yeah.” Mick gets Trebble back in his stall. “I just gotta go up to the house and get my clothes.”

“The house?!”

Mick raises his brow. “Yes, the house.”

“I thought you had your stuff in the bunk.”

“Well I didn’t want to have to move everything after Rosetta and I get back next week. I’ve been moving my stuff in for weeks now.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me – your good clothes are in the house.” Sparky throws up his hands.

“What?!” Mick tries to twist his head around to see the injury on this upper forearm. “Just let me go get them.”

“But Rosetta’s in there!”

“And…?” Mick rolls his eyes. “It’ll only take me a moment, good grief.” He heads down the aisle.

“But Mick!!!”

Mick strolls out of the barn and heads to the main house, leaving his disgusted brother behind. Gingerly feeling his injury, he steps up onto the porch, his work clothes, grass stains, blood and all. Knocking, he doesn’t wait for an answer, and barges in. “Sorry ladies!” he calls loudly. Covering his eyes with one hand, he sidles inside and slips sideways down the hall, running into a lamp, but catches it before it falls. “I’ll only be a moment, don’t mind me…” Feeling along the wall, he reaches a chair where one of his bags is to pick it up.


A taxi pulls up to the driveway, letting someone off, and drives away after they’ve been paid. Jay shoulders his small bag and walks down the drive, heading for the mess hall.

Hours pass

*Geting out of the car Charlotte changes into her more suteable sneakers, and takes her bandana and ties it over and under her hair providing as headband to keep her hair out of her face. Taking out a few other items and places her water bottle back in along with a few other thing slinging it over her shoulder and ready to go.

As Bret turns around and continues to walk back words throwing his statment at Charlotte she grins at him thoughtfuly.*

"..But I do know who you are for the most part. Your name is Bret, you like to wallow in bars, You talk talking to attractive women who will talk back. I know you were married and it dident work out. Your pretty good at pool, and you like a challange thats why you dident turn me down yesterday. Everything alse I dont know about you, I am sure as our adventure continues I will learn and I am sure they are all fun and exciting things."

*Charlotte continues to walk dodging roots, and fallen branches on the path.*

"And yes, I guess I am brave. Am I fearless, goodness no, but I do like walking on the wildside and taking risks. You seem like a pretty good guy Bret from what I have seen so far, and I have no worrys. Life is to short to walk day by day fearing what could happen. I like living my life to the fullest, so when my time on this earth is up, I know I lived a full one and maybe changed a few peoples lifes along the way."

*The sun reflects off Charlottes eyes causing them to flicker and glow with life. Reaching into her bag she pulls out a bottle of water and takes a swig returning it back to her bag.*

*Misty smiles down at Carson giving him a kiss and feeling his hand on her face.*

"Well...its far to early to eat dinner yet. So I was thinking maybe we could go relax see a movie, grab some lunch, maybe do alittle grocrey shopping so you can actully having some good food in your house....."

*Misty throws Carson a grin.*

"..grab a few dvd's, come back here watch them and I can make us a nice dinner. Or if you not feeling to up to it we can just hang out, go to dinner, grab some dvds and come back here. It just depends how your feeling. You need to take the rest of the week easy so those ribs can heal. I dont wanr you over doing it."

*Misty moves slightly reaching out and grabing the asprin and poping the bottle open than the bottle of water handing it to Carson to help his head.*

*BJ continues to laugh and squeel as Con picks him up continuing to tickle him. Gasping for air and trying to squerm out of Con's arms. But to no avail the small boy cant. Finally being put down BJ stands tall fixing wrinkles in his clothing.*

"No...."

*BJ shakes his head."

"...I wash hiding."

*BJ looks around Con's brawd body to a little girl about his age standing in a soft pink drink with her hair done up. As she looks around at everyone it like she is looking for someone. Spoting BJ she smiles and gives alittle wave. BJ jumps and stands straght again as he hides in front of Con keeping his voice soft.*

"Rosey wants me to hold hans wifh dat girl."

*BJ scrunches up his nose at Con.*

"But I did hewp Wendy wift some ball...bubbles..baboons. In the mess hall."

*BJ beams at her acompishment.

Jamie cant help but smile and give a laugh as BJ trys to pronounce Balloons giving Con's good arm a soft squeeze.*

*Rosetta turns to Mel and gives a nervouse smile and taking a deep breath.*

"If you can for me those flowers on the table need to be tied with that ribbon. One for myself thats the one with the Roses and than 3 others, for Angel, Katie, and yourself. Just bundle them together however you think they will look good. You have a good art eye Mel."

*Rosetta smiles as she heads into the bedroom for a moment.

Katie stands from one of the chairs where she was working on puting ribbons around the wine glasses for the reception. Looking up at Mel she waves her over keeping her voice low.*

"Is everything ok? Aunt Rosetta keeps saying she is geting a bad feeling in her stomach like something is wrong. I keep trying to convince her its just wedding jitters but I'm not so sure myself now that 3 differnt people have come in looking for Mick. I think she is starting to worry herself."

*Wendy looks at Camryn for a moment thinking about what she said.*

"Sometimes when a fish bits at bate once, and gets hooked only to be throw back in new water it gets confused. Being leery of the next peace of bate it bits at."

*Wendy follows Camryn's eyes outside staying quiet for a moment.*

"...Keep the bate in the water long enough, and prove to the fish you wont give up and he will bite, he just had to make sure he wont get hurt again."

*Wendy lets out a sigh. She new how much Jason and Katie had cared for eachother, and how it must of tore at both of them to break it off. But now she new they were moving on, Jason deserved to be happy as much as anyone alse, and she hoped the fish would bite again.

Linking her arm around Camryns she gives alittle tug.*

"Good, I need all the help I can get at this point we are geting down to the last wire. Follow me."

Kitten

Bret puts the car in gear again and gives Charlotte a sidelong glance as she hands him the quarter. "Keep it. We'll probably need it again."

It doesn't take long for them to reach a sideroad that takes them a couple miles off the main highway to a small gravel lot. Parking, Bret pops the trunk and retrieves a backpack to put a couple of the apples in, some trailmix and his little digital camera.

Once Charlotte is ready, he locks the car and leads the way toward a wooded path. They were truly out if the middle of nowhere, and the sense of the unknown adventure hung in the air.

"You know..." Bret turns around to walk backward for a moment. "You're pretty brave to come out here in the boonies with a guy you don't even know."


Carson gives Misty's hand an extra little squeeze at her reassuring words. "I don't understand you, Misty...but I sure am glad you are the way you are..." His words trail off, his body unable to resist the temptation of sleep as her hands lull him into a relaxed state.

...Carson's eyes fly open and he gives a little start. Blinking, he tilts his head to look up at Misty, realizing that he'd fallen asleep. "Sorry," he mumbles. "Guess I was more tired than I thought."

Thinking for a moment to bring himself out of his fog, he reaches a hand up, his finger outlining her face. "It's a lucky bloke that wakes up to the face of an angel." Searching Misty's eyes, his own reflect too many thoughts and emotions to even try sorting out. "I could stay here all day, but then I'd be going back on my word about doing something with you." He quirks a grin. "So what's the game plan?"


For but an instant, Con sees a strange look pass through the eyes of the child before him, and he suddenly realizes what BJ is talking about. Compassion hits him hard for this little boy that had been through things no six-year-old should have.

He breaks into another smile at BJ's theory about how he got hurt, and laughs as Jamie starts to tickle him. Intervening, he reaches down and scoops BJ up to hold him sideways under his left arm in such a way that he can't wriggle out. "You think I can't handle somebody on my own?? Huh??" His long fingers reach BJ's ribs to pick up where Jamie left off.

After a few more minutes of teasing BJ, Con finally lets him back down. "So what are you doing anyway? Are you helping set things up?"


Mel takes her instructions from Wes and makes her way to the house. Knocking first, she steps inside to find a slightly panicked atmosphere. Grinning at Rosetta's nervousness, she shakes her head. "Your soon-to-be brother-in-law wanted to make sure you weren't getting the jitters...I guess I'm too late."

She smiles and approaches the others. "Anything I can do to help?"


Clint rolls his eyes and stuff his rag in his back pocket. "Alright, alright. I'll go get dressed, if just to get you off my back." He points a finger at her, then Camryn. "I don't know why, but something tells me that the two of you can be a deadly combination, so don't think I'm not watching you..."

Turning to leave the break room, his foot catches on one of the chairs and he stumbles forward toward the door. Catching himself, he whirls around, aiming his fist at the chair. "And don't you start!"

As he slips out of sight, Camryn can't help her giggle. "Looks like you caught a fine one. I get the feeling Clint can be an awful lot of fun." She turns her head toward the window where she can just see Jason a ways away, walking with someone she didn't know. "If only I was so lucky," she comments ruefully. "But how can you reel in a fish that won't even look a the bait?"

She shakes her head with another laugh. "Okay. I would love to help you with the tables. Just point me in the right direction!"


"...so yeah...I still got bad bouts every once in a while."

Adam remains in quiet thought for several minutes as he and Jason stroll the perimeter of the ranch yard. "Well, I'm sorry you're still having trouble, Jason. From what you're describing now though, I would have to agree that perhaps these episodes are more than just the flashbacks you used to have."

Jason stops and turns to him. "Is there any way I can make them stop?"

Adam sets a hand up on his shoulder. "I wish I had a magic formula for you, but you know it doesn't work that way. I taught you how to walk through your past, and in doing so, it helped rid you of the "typical" flashbacks. But this..." He shakes his head. "The more I see you and study your case, the more I realize that you're indeed unique. Whether it's the kind of trauma, or whether it's the way your brain processes the information, for some reason, when you're caught off guard it's like blowing up a dam and letting everything out all at once."

"What do I do?"

"Let those close to you know what's going on so when it happens they can help you. Don't be scared of it and don't be ashamed of it. It's apparently something you can't control. Let people know what to do to help pull you back out - which is something only you know... and just keep working on those memories. This may very well be something that follows you the rest of your life. Or, it might fade." Adam gives an encouraging nod. "But no matter what, I have a feeling you'll survive...you're too hard-headed not to."

"Jason!!"

He looks up quickly to see Jade at the side of the house. "We need someone tall!"

Jason gives her a wave and calls to her. "Coming!" He turns back to Adam. "Guess that's my cue."

Adam grins. "Guess so. If I don't get a chance to talk to you again...you take care of yourself, alright?"

"Yeah..." Jason nods and turns to jog toward the house.

Adam watches him leave and gives a little sigh. The exchange had been brief, but he could tell there was an awful lot on the young man's mind. Jason hadn't mentioned prison, but Adam knew good and well that something like that would have affected him.


"Mick!" Sparky spots a figure on the ground next to Trebble who was standing quietly, his leadrope dangling loosely. He urges his horse forward quickly, with Eric behind him. "Mick?"

Mick looks up to see two riders and sighs, rising from his crouched position by Trebble. "Nice timing."

Sparky skids his horse to a halt and dismounts quickly. "What are you thinking?!" he raises his voice. "What happened?"

Mick frowns. "Look, Trebble spooked, I got hung up in his rope and he pulled me right out of the saddle."

"Oh that was smart."

"Don't rub it in!"

"Well are you okay?"

Mick grimaces and shows a tear in his shirt where there's blood. "Oh, I caught a rock or something, but I'll live."

Sparky rolls his eyes. "Well for pete's sake don't let Rosetta see you like that. She's in enough of a tizzy the way it is."

Mick raises his eyebrows. "She is?"

Sparky looks his brother in the eye. "Mick...it's...your...wedding...day.... hello!" He waves a hand in front of his face. "Now get your hind end back to that ranch and get yourself cleaned up! You only got a couple hours."

Mick smirks at him. "I do know what time it is, and since I do have a couple hours, I don't get why you're so ancy."

"I give up." Sparky throws his arms in the air.

Mick notices Eric sitting quietly on his horse. "And what are you doing here?"

"Nothing but enjoying the show." Eric grins. "Tell you what, you take my horse so you can lead Trebble and I'll ride double with Sparky back."

Mick gives a disgusted sigh for the whole situation and nods. "Alright." He takes hold of Trebble, satisfied the young horse wasn't injured from their little episode earlier.

It takes at least twenty minutes for the three riders to come back into view, and Mick tries to slip into the barn without letting anybody see his injury.


Scott wanders around the ranch, feeling miserably out of place, though he does find a few people he knows, and winds up chatting with Pete for several minutes. His nervousness of the crowd grows, but he tries to suppress it, winding up heading for the barn.

As he's walking down the aisle though, his eyes suddenly start to water and burn. Looking down, he sees a barn kitten. "Aw, no...no, kitty." He scoots the kitten back with his shoe, but it meows and trots back enthusiastically.

Scott sneezes and starts to back out of the barn, beginning to wheeze. The kitten follows right along like a clueless shadow.

Still Time

*Charlotte takes in the sights not minding there wernt many buildings or cars. Seeing he open planes, and the moutains in the distince was enough for her. Taking a sip of her pop she lets the fresh air blow through her hair, feeling the nice breeze on her hot face.

As they pull onto the side of the road Charlotte studys the sign for a long moment. Puting the top back on the drink Charlotte puts the bottle down. Taking the coin from from Bret once again she sends it flying in the air only to be caught and slaped down in her other hand. Before removing it though she looks at Bret and smerks slowly looking down uncovering the coin and finally looking down revealing it to be tails. Looking up and she grins again.*

"Looks like we are going on alittle hike. I guess its good I decied to bring my bag after all with some stuff in it. Like sneakers, and a bandana."

*Charlotte's excitment grew. So far the ride, company, and chating had been a blast to set the mood proving today was going to be a great day leting her grin grow on her face as her eyes catch Brets.*

"I dont know about you but I am starting to like chance and fate, more and more by the minute."

*Charlotte holds up the coin between her two fingers for Bret to take back.*

*Misty continues to cradle Carson's head on her lap. Her hand continuing to run through Carson's hair, than along his forhead, and side of his face. Her fingers running sloftly on his skin taking great care as they go over his cuts and bruses. Her other hand staying interlocked him his, clinging to them as if scaired to let go for they might be lost forever. Closing her eyes for a moment Misty gets lost in though. Thinking, wondering, hoping, trying to push those red flags from her mind. Finally opening her eyes as she feels him wince shattering her thoughts Misty looks down at Carson. Her eyes filled with the emotions she felt, the emotions that showed proof to her words. *

"I'm still here Carson. You havent lost me and I dont plane on going anywhere. I care to much about you to just say goodbye."

*BJ looks up at Con.*

"Yes you did..."

*and for a moment the small boys eyes grow dark for a moment. He was little and he was young but his memorie was good. BJ was far smarter than a normal child his age, and sometimes it showed more than other. BJ remembered one person he remembered well that he has spend much time with that never did come back.*

"...but dhat dosent always mean you will. Shank you for keeping you word."

*BJ gives Jamie and Con a hug again a little extra tight this time. Finally pulling away his eyes light up again and a smile on his face. Pointing to Con's arm that was in the sling he asks.*

"What happend? Did Jamie wrestil you wifh out me to protect you and you dot hurt on mistake?"

*Jamie cant help but laugh as she ruffles the little boys hair.*

"Hey watch it there little man, or I am gonna to tickle you to death."

*Jamie bends down to knee level and wiggles her fingers at BJ till the meet his sides.

BJ lets out squeels of laughter.*

*Wes gives a nod to Camryn.*

"Like wise."

*But had no time to say more as Mel pulls him aside. Hearing the news about Mick his eyes grow wide as he keeps his voice low.*

"You have got to be kidding me. Now...at a time like this.."

*Wes brings a hand to his head for a moment thinking. What would happen if something horrable happend to Mick. Rosetta would be crushed. This was not ment to happen on a wedding day. Wes new, and prayed though that it was nothing, it had to be nothing. Rosetta and Mick had gone through so much, and waited so long for this it had to work out. Looking back at Mel he gives a sigh.*

"Ok..I'll go take a count of who we have here and who we are still waiting for. Can you check on Rosetta for me? Make sure she isent having normal geting married day freakouts. We have time to find Mick. I am sure everything is going to be ok. And if you hear anything alse let me know."

*Wes heads out of the shop and disapears trying to take a count of who they had, greeting others along the way.*

*Wendy gives a playful elbow to Clint as she smiles at Camryn.*

"Yeah I hold my own pretty well."

*Wendy thinks for a moment about everything that still needed to be done on her own list she had wrote up of stuff to do.*

"Actully, I do have something I could use some help with. I need to finish puting up some of the table decarations if you want to help me do that. It will give me alittle bit of comapny to"

*Wendy looks back at Clint a smile playing on her lips.*

"..And you get dressed all ready."

*The next truck to pull in and park behind Adam's was Damiens. For a long moment he just sits in the truck feeling a bit akward by beng here. He dident feel it was his place, but was honnered to have been welcomed anywas. Finally gives alittle sigh Damien's steps out. Mick and Rosetta were going to be adopting his son, that in its self was an honer to him. To keep the little boy in the family, and to know at least he could see his son when he wanted and get to know him. It would be good to see Wendy again as well. Slowly he was geting to know his daughter too. It still felt stange at times but not nearly as bad as it use to be. Not to mention Annie had invite him to be her date. It made Damien feel good to be wanted, and to know he had come a long way.

Annie smile as she see the truck enter the lot. Walking over to Damien she smiles.*

"You made it."

*Damien smiles back taking Annie's hand in his and walking with her twords the tent and group of people.*

"I wouldent miss it for anything."

*Angel cant help but laugh as she sits with Luke. His arms wrapped around her felt nice. Looking up at Jeff Angel shakes her head.*

"Sorry Jeff, I cant help you on that one. He has a mind of his own and I rather think its kind of funny watchign you."

*Angel sticks her toung out at Jeff and laughs.*

Missing

Bret eyes what Charlotte bought with approval and starts up the car again, pulling back onto the road. He looks at her with surprise. “What are you asking me for? I don’t have a clue where we’re going.”

Tossing her a sly grin, he steers north again, letting the open windows be their air conditioner. After a while he has her break out some of the food and pop. The road he chose has little stops and seems deserted for the most part with rarely another car in sight.

Finally a sign comes into view and Bret pulls off onto the gravel shoulder, staring up at it. “Alright, copilot, we got some choices now. Heads we go right and visit that aquarium and see some sharks and dolphins. Tails we go left and hike up the trail to Sparkling Falls for the view.”

He hands Charlotte a quarter. “Let chance have its way, mademoiselle.”


Carson was planning on getting up and trying to forget about how miserable he was feeling, but as Misty sits and cradles his head, running her fingers through his hair, he gives in to just lying still for a while longer. His eyes drift shut, her touch so soothing.

He reaches up slowly, taking her hand that’s resting on his chest, and interlocking her fingers with his. “I feel like I’m losing everything, Misty,” he whispers. “And I don’t know how to stop it.”

He starts to take in a breath to sigh deeply, but stops suddenly as he’s reminded of the break in his ribs. “Am I losing you too?”


Jason returns Wes’ handshake, offering a small smile. “Wes. Yeah, I made it. Gotta leave tonight, but figured it was worth the flight.”

He nods to Camryn. “This is my friend, Camryn. She came along for…”

“…To keep him in line,” Camryn finishes with a laugh. She shakes her head, accepting Wes’ handshake too. “No, really, he was just gracious enough to let me tag along. I’ve heard a lot about you, Wes…nice to meet you.”

Clint’s eyes widen as he hears his name being shouted. “Uh oh…” He cringes at Wendy’s threats. “Well I… I was almost…it’s…. I got hours left yet!!”

Noting that she has suddenly stopped and realized there were other people there, it’s his turn to give her a kiss. “If you would have given me enough time to speak, I would have told you we weren’t alone, my dear.”

Jason quirks a grin at her. “Hi, Wendy.” He nods to the side. “Wendy, Camryn, Camryn, Wendy.”

Camryn giggles, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Nice to meet you, Wendy. I see you have everything under control.” She winks at Clint. “Let her win this one. It’ll do you good in the long run.”

Clint eyes her for a moment, almost getting embarrassed, then recovering. He lifts an eyebrow at Jason. “Where did you say you found her?”

“I have no idea.” Jason throws Camryn a look. “But I’m about ready to stop claiming I know her if she keeps this up.”

Camryn giggles. “Sorry, sorry. I promised I would behave myself.” Knowing that even though Jason had said it was alright for her to follow him around, she didn’t want to keep him from doing what he wanted with the others at the ranch. She looks at Wendy with question. “Is there anything I can do to help?”


“For pete’s sake!” Sparky throws up his hand. “Where is Mick?!!!”

Mel’s own face shows concern now and she doesn’t try to calm Sparky down this time. “How long have you been looking for him?”

“No one has seen him in at least two hours.”

Mel glances around the barn where they stood, then outside. “His truck is here, right?”

“Yeah…I already checked that. All vehicles that are supposed to be here are here, so it’s not like he ran off or something.” Sparky sighs. “Where could that scoundrel be?”

“What on earth do you need him for now?”

“I don’t need him for anything now…I just want to make sure he’s okay!”

A voice comes down from the hay loft. “Hey – you guys looking for Mick?”

Sparky stands back and looks up to see Eric. “Yeah. You seen him?”

“About an hour an a half ago he took out back on Zoe, ponying Trebble.”

Sparky grits his teeth. “That dang idiot.” He knew Mick had been training Trebble all week, but this was ridiculous. “I can’t believe he did that! Does he not know that a horse can skip one day of training and be fine? He’ll be gone for a week for pete’s sake!”

Eric shrugs. “Don’t look at me. I’m just the messenger.”

Sparky sighs. “At any rate, he should have been back by now.” Despite his irritation, a little bit of worry grows. He looks at Mel. “What do you think?”

“I don’t know, but we only have a couple hours, so make up your mind quick.”

Before Sparky can make up his mind, he looks out the back open door and freezes. Zoe was loping back through the field. Fully saddled. Without a rider. “Oh no…” Sprinting out the back, he heads off the mare, bringing her to a halt. She was hot and sweaty from a run, proving she must have been a bit of a distance away. Sparky keeps a hand on her reins as he checks her over, noting several gashes on her legs. What on earth had happened. Fear courses through his veins.

Taking the mare back inside, he hands her off to Mel. “Get her cooled off and put away. Eric, you’re coming with me.”

Within minutes, both have their own horses saddled and are mounting up out back beyond the eyesight of others. Sparky looks down at Mel, trying not to let his worry get the best of him. “Tell someone else what’s happened, but for heaven’s sake keep it down. It’s probably nothing, and I don’t want anybody panicking.”

With that final statement, Sparky and Eric take off across the field in the direction Zoe had come from.

Mel watches them for a moment, then heads around the front of the barn again, scanning the people mulling around. Finally, she aims for the shop. Getting inside, she sees several others there with Wes, and after offering a greeting, she pulls him to the side. “Mick’s horse came back without him,” she whispers. “He had Trebble out too… Sparky and Eric just rode out to find him.” She looks up at Wes, begging him to keep quiet. “Whatever we do, we can’t tell Rosetta.”


Another truck pulls into the driveway and parks with the growing number of vehicles. Adam gets out and scans the scene, a pleasant smile on his face. He’d gotten to know Mick pretty well, and knowing all that he’d gone through, to know that Mick had gotten this far left a good feeling.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, he starts to wander towards the mess hall.


Jason splits off from the others to scout out the surroundings and find his grandfather. As he nears the mess hall, he spots Adam.

Adam sees him and stops, giving a wave and a smile. “Well, Jason…I didn’t expect to see you here.” He stretches out his hand.

Jason accepts the handshake. “Couldn’t resist. How are you?”

“I’m great. Things are going real good. And you?”

Jason hesitates. “I’m alright.”

Adam quirks an eyebrow. “I get the feeling that’s not the whole truth.”

“You can still read people like an open book.”

“Once you got it, you don’t lose it.”

“Yeah, well…I guess things aren’t perfect, but…I’m surviving.”

Adam cocks his head as he looks up at the younger man. “There’s a big difference between surviving and living…”


Con smiles from ear to ear as BJ comes running up. “Hey, there he is!” Roughing up the boy’s hair, he laughs. “Of course we came back! We said we wouldn’t didn’t we?”


Luke manages a smile as Angel sits next to him, and slips his arm around her shoulders to bring her close, planting a kiss on her head. "I'm better now..."

Giving a little sigh, he knows her question wasn't just the normal casual inquiry. "I'm okay...as long as the guys are around to help me around." His eyes drift to the ground. He knew he could be using a wheelchair to get himself around, but just the thought of it depressed him. "I got a good job though." He points to the decorations, forcing another smile and raising his voice a little. "As long as Jeff listens to me!"

Jeff looks down from his ladder and smirks. "Angel, will you tell that man of yours to have a little more mercy?!"

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.