Something New

Giving a small laugh Faith looks to Jim and gives a soft shy smile. At least Jim was trying to have a conversation with her. From the way Annie talked about her family Faith felt like she already new them anyways. A thick Thia accent comes out with her as she spoke, but her English was amazing.

"I don't think there is such thing as having to much fun."

Rolling her eyes at her brothers refuse for help or even to put something cold on his head. Watching her brother move about the kitchen and wet the cloth to clean up the rest of the mess. Under her breath mumbaling only loud enough so Sparky could hear her.

"I dont think it was me who shook you up."

Giving a small grin Annie joins Faith at the table where Jeff, and Sparky had been. Folding her hands on the table.

Thinking for a long moment about his question it was almost like she wouldnt answer but finally she did.

"Probley for a while now, a month or three, maybe longer. The mission trip we were on in
Thailand which is where Faith is from I might add is done. Not sure when the next one will start up until we get the call."

Just sitting quietly at the table Faith just takes in everything around her, listing to what was spoken. Not being able to help her eyes from roaming to Sparky every no and than admiring his features, and his good looks. Only to look away quickly when he looked up at her.

Putting the tree together with Gage was loads of fun. It reminded her of when she was little and Scott would help her with the tree. He use to love it so much, now having someone else to help once again was nice. Seeing the smile on his face was nice, and the laughs that came from his lips seemed to fill Sapphire's heart.

Gage was changing everyday, becoming more independent and learning more things about the world around him. Sapphire was happy to be part of that.

Standing back with Gage Sapphire sets her hands on her hips and looks at the tree. It was one of the best looking trees she had ever seen. It almost seemed so perfect. The way the lights lit up the branches, and reflected off the ornaments.

"Now this has to be one of the best looking trees I ever saw. You did a great job Gage, it looks so pretty."

Turning a little to look at him Sapphire's eyes sparkle just a little as the light from the tree bounces off them. She really was enjoying her time spent with Gage. It was nice to have someone she felt comfortable around.

"I got something I wanted you to try. Its called Eggnog and it only comes around this season. Have you ever had it?"

Opening her eyes just a little to try and see Jeff Katie could only get them to go so far before having to shut them again. But a small smile forms on her face, she was happy he was there.

In a horse whisper Katie manages to get a few words out to try and carry on a conversation with her father.

"Hey Dad, How are you feeling?"

Fun

Jim, tries hard not to laugh at the whole thing, and after Faith sits down, he takes his seat again. Giving her another smile, he offers conversation. "As you can see, we have a lot of fun around here." He chuckles. "Too much sometimes."


Sparky dumps his handful of coffee soaked ceramic pieces into the garbage then goes to the sink to wash his hands. Having Annie come in after him, he rolls his eyes. "I'm fine," he states flatly. Eying the bag of frozen peas, he smirks. "I am so not putting that on my head."

Grabbing a dish towel and getting it wet with a little soap, he rings it out. "My head is fine, but the floor needs to be cleaned. I was really looking forward to that coffee too." Taking his wet fingers, he flicks drops of water in Annie's direction, trying to overcome his embarrassment with teasing her. "You see what happens when you get me all shook up?"

Bravely heading back into the dining area, cloth in hand, he aims for the table again. Getting on his hands and knees, his eyes stay glued to his task. The heat was still in his face and he could kick himself. But he knew that stewing over the whole thing would do no good. He was sure he must have looked pretty ridiculous to everyone else, so if they thought it was funny, he needed to find the humor in it too.

Wiping up any leftover coffee and collecting a few more small pieces of the broken mug, only a glance or two are stolen in Faith's direction. His words though are aimed at Annie. "So, Miss Surprise, how long are you and your friend planning to stay?"


Rick purses his lips at Katie's question. "Well... I think you just took the brunt of Jason's emotions, that's what happened. Your hand will be fine - its healing nicely." He avoids the subject for now... he didn't want to overload them so soon after waking up. Offering a smile, he stands and goes back to the counter to get some mild pain medication prepared for them both. Seeing Jeff in the doorway, he gives a little nod.

Jeff wanders in slowly, realizing that Katie had not seen him yet. Easing down in the chair, he reaches over to take her unbandaged hand. "Hey, kiddo," he greets softly.


Gage really wanted to know what all it was that Sapphire had put in the fridge, but he withholds his questions for now. Seeing her take the lights and give directions, he grins. "Okay. I think I can handle that."

Going to the tree, he helps with the lights, stringing them through the branches and smiling when something goofy would happen with the string getting stuck on a limb or the tree tilting this way and that. The balls were fun to put on, and Gage's true nature shown through as he stood back and had to make sure that all of the ornaments were completely balanced in position - nothing could be out of place or crooked.

Placing the star on top as the final step, he looks at the decoration as a whole, so quite for such a long time, almost as if he'd fallen into his own little world again. But without warning, he goes and pulls the shade on the window, then turns the lights off in the room. The result was a gorgeous little tree, shining with his blue lights in the corner. Folding his arms, a new smile emerges. "That was fun." He'd never made anything pretty just to be pretty before... he wouldn't have thought it would make himself feel that good.

You never told me...

With the help of Rick Katie sits up a little. Trying to open her eyes the light was so bright it hurt.

Who every though the light could hurt this much.

Taking a sip of the cool water Katie gives a could her stomach seeming to do flip flops as the water its it. Not actully use to having anything in it again that was pretty normal.

I am going to muster all the strength I got to slap you if you keep saying your sorry over this. Its not like you could help it.

Katie sends her warm emotions Jason's way to let him know she wasnt upset and she didn't blame him. This was just something else that happened, like being on a mission and getting shot. No one wanted it to happen or had control over it.

Trying to open her eyes again Katie squints up at Rick, quiet for a moment letting the saliva in her mouth work Kaite finally opens her mouth to let the words come out, but only a horse whisper it was formed.

"My...throat, its really hard to talk, my head dosnt feel the greatest ether."

Katie wingles the fingers on her hand now realizing it stung pretty bad. She count remember hurting her hand at all.

"Hand, it hurts...what...happened?"

Giving a smile and entering the house Sapphire makes her way to the kitchen. Starting to take things out of the bags and put them into the fridge.

"Well I am happy you didnt start. I really wanted to help you."

Finishing up in the kitchen Sapphire takes her jacket and puts it over one of the chairs. Making her way over to Gage and holding up the blue lights.

"First we want to put the lights on first. I'll stand on one side if you like, and you can stand on the other. We can just go back and forth till its all covered, than we put on the balls we got and the little snowmen and than last we put the star on the top of the tree."

Giving a sly smile to her brother Annie was happy to see him suprised. Its what she had wanted, and she was glad it was received well.

"Well if I had told you I was coming than it wouldn't have been a Christmas surprised."

Reaching out and putting her brother into a strong hug Annie really had missed her family while she was away and couldnt be more than happy to be back.

"Give you a heart attack? Your to suborn for that."

Pulling away and seeing Jim looking at her friend Annie felt silly for a moment in the excitment forgetting she had come alone. Stepping to the side to have a clear path for Jim and Sparky Annie smiles.

"Jim, Sparky this is Faith Reynolds, Faith this is my brother Jim and Sparky."

Giving a little wave and a shy smile Faith words come out soft.

"Nice to meet you both."

The events that happen next cause Faith and Annie's eyes to go wide. Sparky fumbling, the glass breaking, Jim's teasing. It was very easy to see Sparky was flustered.

Bringing a hand to her mouth Faith couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped softly. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Annie's brother and could feel her own heat coming to her face. But here gave a sparkle as she watched Sparky as he headed to the kitchen.

"You told me you had brothers but you never told me that one of the was a totally good looking."

Trying her best not to laugh at her brother Annie steps forward, but before she can say anything Sparky was already making his retreat. She couldnt help but feel bad for her brother. It wasnt often he got flustered but knowing her brother so well Annie could see the look in his eye, and it was cute but surprised her at the same time.

Hearing Faith's comment to her Annie just looks at her for a moment and blinks. It seemed they were both attracted to each other right away.

"Well...I think all my brothers are good looking, I just didnt think about saying anything."

Shaking her head and finally letting her laugh escape Annie looks to Faith again.

"Make yourself comfortable I promise no one will bite. I'm going to go make sure Sparky is ok. I'll be back."

As Annie walks away Faith makes her way over to the table setting her bag down and pulling out a chair. Sitting down she keeps her hands in her lap just looking around the dinning hall. It was obvious she was a little nervous, and felt awkward being here not really knowing anyone. Faith new she would be ok in a day or two after she had been here a while just right now it was some place new.

Following her brother into the kitchen Annie goes to the fridge and grabs a bag of peas for Sparky's head.

"You took quite a bump there, are you ok Sparky?"

Mortified

As Rick waits quietly, he's surprised, seeing movement from Katie. It really had worked to have Jason try and wake her up. Moving over to her side, he watches her closely, letting her wake up slowly.

It's okay, just take it slow... we've been here a while. I can't see much right now, so we'll make a nice pair.
"Rick... she wants some water."

Rick nods and leaves to bring back a small paper cup with water. Sitting down on the edge of Katie's bed, he lifts her head a little and helps her take a drink. "Easy does it, Hero."

Jason tries to open his eyes again, still having difficulty as he blinks in the lights that just seemed way too bright.
I'm sorry, Katie... I don't know what happened... It's all foggy... something happened and I just lost complete control.

Rick gives Katie's arm a gentle pat before taking her vitals. "How do you feel? Anything especially uncomfortable or hurting?"

Jeff leans on the open doorway, having just been gone for a short walk. His hands in his pockets he just watches, not wanting to get in the way. But relief was spreading over him, just seeing that his daughter was awake... finally awake.


Hearing someone at the door, Gage gets up again, wandering across the floor in his bare feet. He was a little drowsy, but having someone come was a nice distraction.

Opening all the locks and finally looking out, he sees Sapphire and smiles. He had known she'd come sometime in the next few days, but hadn't known when. "Hey." He opens the door wider so she can come in, eying her bags curiously. "I... was gonna start on the tree but..." He rubs the back of his neck and looks over to the bare tree. "I didn't know where to start."


Jim sees Annie coming, but says nothing to Sparky, barely letting a smile show. Once spoken to, Sparky gives a jump and turns his head in time to see Annie and receive the kiss on the cheek and a hug. "Annie!" He hugs her arms around him. "What on earth... I didn't know you were coming!"

The excitement in his voice was one of a brother who had missed seeing his sister around. Having a familiar face show up unexpectedly was a nice addition to the dismal day. Scooting around in his chair a little, he looks up at her with a wide smile. "You're looking as beautiful as ever. You should know better than to scare an old man like that though." He gives her a teasing backhanded whack to the arm. "You coulda given me a heart attack then there'd be no one to pick on you

Jim, seeing that Annie had the company of another woman, stands up from the table, offering her a welcoming smile and nod.

Sparky sees Jim stand and is confused for a moment. "What..." Tilting his head forward, he looks around Annie and realizes there was someone else there. Catching sight of the attractive woman, he falters for a moment - he probably wouldn't have been quite so affectionate with his sister, had he known a stranger was present.

Remembering his manners, he stands, but Annie hadn't moved back yet, so there wasn't very much room. Teetering as his foot catches the leg of the chair, he puts a hand down fast on the table to catch himself. Unfortunately, he still had his eyes on the woman and his hand goes right where he'd put his coffee mug.

The mug is thrown off balance and goes sprawling, coffee spilling all over. Whirling around, Sparky tries to get a hold on the mug before it falls off the table, but it's slippery and hot. As he fumbles, it slides through his fingers spinning towards him like a torpedo. Still trying to catch it, it's just no use and it goes right off the edge for a long ride with gravity. Ceramic pieces shoot in all directions, clattering across the hard floor.

Jim grabs a fistful of napkins to try and help, but already Sparky is so flustered that he'd rather just be left to the mess. "No, no.... I got it, I'm fine, just..." He doesn't even finish his statement as he squats down to start picking up some of the sharp pieces of the broken mug. Muttering under his breath, he keeps his face down, extremely embarrassed.

Jim clears his throat, deciding it best just to stay out of Sparky's way, so he lifts his eyebrows and looks to Annie, then to her friend. "Welcome to the R/M Ranch..." He purses his lips, trying not to laugh. "My brother doesn't usually give quite this kind of greeting to our guests, but he hasn't seen any female outsiders in so long that it probably just threw him for a loop."

Mad at Jim's teasing, Sparky's head flies, up, but he'd forgotten that it was ducked under the table. Bam! The whole table shakes as his head hits the hard rim.

Jim's eyes widen, his silliness ceasing. "Oh, man, you okay?"

"No, I'm not okay," Sparky grumbles. Finally getting to his feet, his hands are full of dripping broken pieces. His glance catches the woman, his face growing even redder as he sees a set of beautifully soft eyes staring back at him. "Excuse me," is all he can manage before turning to walk to the kitchen to clean up.

New face

One of the darkest hours is when we have to see the ones we love hurt. Not knowing if they will be ok, and all we can say is time will tell. Time...we always come back to the same thing. Time, we follow it hoping it will bring good, but sometimes it brings bad. Leave our life in times hands.

Though she felt asleep the soft emotions slips there way in. Jason's unspoken words, broke through her mind bring a warmth to the darkness she felt lost in.

J...It's quiet here other than your voice. I don't feel....like I can open my eyes yet. I'll try!

But hearing Jason's voice calling her, was a prompt, to set her eyes on the man she loved once again. Slowly, very slowly Kaite's hand gives a twitch, as she opens her eyes squinting into the light trying to bring everything into focus.

Her head hurt, and she couldn't remember to much, her throat felt dry, and her hand stun. How long had she been a sleep?

Bringing a hand to her head, Katie turns it to one side seeing Jason laying there she gave a soft smile. Opening her mouth to talk, nothing comes out but a gasp of works with no voice. Trying again still the same resalt Katie could fell her heart start racing.

J...I cant talk. My throat feels dry and the words are in my head but wont come out. What happened? Why cant I talk?

Letting her hand slid from her head down to her throat Katie lays there in the bed, continuing to try and talk but nothing coming out. Maybe she just had to warm her voice up again.

Water...can you see if Rick will get me some water. I think that might help.

Once again standing outside the familure door Sapphire gives a small smile to herself. Freeing up her day had been easy and it was only for Gage she would do so. Knowing she had a promise to help him that needed to be kept.

A bag or grocerys more than just frozen meals were in her arms. Tonight she would cook dinner for Gage, they would work on his tree and just have a nice time together like always.

Seeing the smoke coming from the chimney in the dinning hall two women cross the yard. Making no hesitation it apears that at least one knows there way around and have been here many times before.

Entering the room and letting the door close quietly the room is scanned. Seeing Sparky's back to her, and jim across from him Annie holds a finger to her lips.

Coming up close behind her brother Annie bends down just a little.

"What you cant even say hi to your own sister?"

A smile spreads on Annie's face as she gives her brother a big kiss on the cheek and wraps her arms around Sparky in a backwards hug. It had been long, to long since she had taken off for her mission trip. But now she was back and she brought a friend with her as well.

The tall starwberry blond stood a few feet away, a smile on her face as her. Her smoky colored eyes scanning the room picking up on everything that went on around her, till her eyes land on Annie, and Sparky again. Annie talked about her family so much, it was nice to get to meet them finally.

Time goes by

Sparky just gives Rosetta a warm hug, trying to find his voice again. "Quit thanking me," he chides. "This old man is getting tired of it." Drawing back again, a grin is present on his face. "Before I leave, let me help you with the dishes."

No more is said of the past or even the future. All that could be said had been already, and there was no use in rehashing it again. The time spent in the kitchen is quiet but gradually a few smiles return, and the tension in the air dissolves into a peace... an unspoken understanding that everything had changed, yet nothing had changed at all.

And later as Sparky wanders towards his bunkhouse, he stops and looks up to the starlit sky. There was an awful lot to be thankful for. Sighing, his breath could be seen in the air as he continues his short walk. Stopping on the porch, he glances a few bunks down to see Jade bidding Dan goodnight and he smiles. Amidst the turmoil, there was still good to be found.


And good continues in certain lives, the bad filtering through to reveal itself as trials to both strong and weak. Some trials are ominous situations that are feared and create worry. Others are small, but bothersome. Yet all have an end. All must be conquered.

And as the good times and trials come and go, the clock ticks on. The hands of time turn around as constant as the sun, and days begin to pass...


Dylan paces the small room like a caged animal. Sweat runs down the sides of his face and his hands shook. Slamming his fists into the door again and hurling curses at the top of his lungs brought no relief, though he did it anyway.

Hearing the commotion going on inside the room, Adam looks at Mick with question. "You sure you want to do this?"

Mick nods. It had been two nights ago that Dylan had been brought. Since then, he had been totally uncooperative, and Mick had been told not to see him. Today, nothing had changed. If anything, it had grown worse. But Mick wanted to see if he could get through to him. He knew that if it really was unwise, Adam wouldn't let him. All Adam was concerned about was Mick's own state of mind.

"Yeah. If I get into trouble, pull me out. I just want to see if he'll respond to me."

"Alright, I'll let you. Just be careful."

Mick nods again. When the door is unlocked and opened, Mick slips inside. The thin, pale, enraged young man before him was not the boy he used to know. His stomach churns with a despair, seeing his son like this. "Dylan?"

Dylan stops his pacing only to throw Mick a glare. "You." His eyes narrow angrily. "You got me in here, now get me out."

"I can't do that."

"Yes you can!" Dylan takes several strides towards his father, his fists balled up at his sides. "You're the one that sent in your stupid little team to bring me here. You had no right - get me out of here!"

Mick stands his ground calmly, even though his own nerves were shot. It had been a rough couple days for him too, and his bloodshot eyes proved it. "No. You're going to stay here until you're better."

"I don't need to be fixed!" Dylan shouts. "Least of all by a man who was never around anyway. Get out!"

Mick felt the stab going deep into his heart as emotions flood his eyes. "I'm sorry I was never there for you, Dylan. I could stand here all day and try to justify it and explain to you all the reasons, but the bottom line is that you're right. I was never around. So if you want me to take some blame in this, go ahead and blame me. I've already blamed myself already."

Dylan didn't want Mick so willing to comply. Right now all he wanted was a fight. Adrenaline surges through him as he lunges at his father.

Mick turns quickly. Though a bit unsteady, he was still much more experienced when it came to fighting. Sidestepping Dylan's lunge, he reaches out to grab him from behind, putting him in a tight bear hug that held his arms down.

"Let me go!" Dylan shouts, hurling out another curse. "I'll kick the crap out of you for putting me in here!"

Tears stung Mick's eyes and he struggles to maintain a grip on his son. Dylan was stronger than he'd predicted. "No." His response was firm but not angry.

"Come on!" Dylan's energy was dwindling fast, his pulse racing. He fights against Mick's hold, trying to rip himself loose, but it's no good.

"Just calm down, Dylan, please. You can make it through this. You can do it. I know you can."

"What do you know?" Dylan hisses. "You don't know nothin' about me or what I'm going through. You and your perfect life, you don't know how I've lived. You don't know me at all!"

"You're right that I don't know you, but I do understand," Mick counters. He hadn't planned on doing this, but it might be the only angle left. "I do understand."

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I do!" Mick finally raises his voice, giving Dylan a jolt as he backs up against the wall. "Do you think I'm staying here just for you? I'm here for me too, Dylan. I do understand what you're going through because I'm going through it too."

Dylan stops struggling, breathing heavily. "What?"

"That's right." As much as Mick hated to admit it, maybe right now it was best. "I'm here because my drinking problem came back. It's no one's fault but my own and I've never been more ashamed in my entire life. Every night is filled with guilt and every day is torment, knowing that I'm going to give in again eventually because I'm too weak to say no. I hid it because of my shame. I'm supposed to be a leader, a husband, a father. But I turned into a drunk instead."

Mick's voice starts to waver as a tear runs down his cheek. His strength was wearing out, but Dylan wasn't fighting anymore. "I know the pain. I know the self-inflicted suffering. I know the feeling of wanting to die unless I just get one more drink. You're not alone, Dylan. You're not alone."

From his angle, he couldn't see that tears were streaming down Dylan's face too. As Dylan's knees buckle, the weight brings them both sinking to the floor, Mick still keeping him in a firm hold. Dylan clings to him as a wail breaks out and he slams a fist into Mick's arm. Sobs follow, his entire body shaking.

Mick keeps him close, rocking him slightly and leaning his head on top of his son's. "It's okay... it's okay... you're going to be okay."

Dylan didn't have the strength to try and stand. All he could do was cry the tears that had wanted to be shed for months, but he hadn't allowed them to. All he could do was sob, unable to form any words that might describe how he was feeling. He knew the shame Mick spoke of. He knew the guilt. He knew the feeling of weakness. He knew the pain. Both his body and mind were in distress and he could do nothing but sit in a heap on the floor, soaked in his own sweat and tears, clinging to the man he hated and longed for a the same time.


In one corner of the world, hearts are hurting, stretching and changing. In another corner, light begins to shine through on what had started out as a dismal day...


Jade laughs and hides around the corner of the stack of hay bales, breathing heavily as she'd run from Dan through the barn. Peeking around the corner, the sound of someone behind her makes her jump and she gives shriek. But spinning around, she's all too glad to have been caught. Wrapping her arms around Dan, she returns the kiss, thinking they're alone in this corner of the barn.

Sparky cleans a nearby stall, keeping one eye on the two "youngsters," as he hides a smile. He knew they thought they were alone, so he remains silent. As the days passed, he found himself taking on more tasks and beginning to direct the farm hands. They were looking for a direction, and he seemed to be the one they naturally turned to. He didn't mind, and stepped up to the plate, though he knew it was not permanent. He continued to assist Rosetta, filling in wherever he was needed, and at the end of each day, he was surprised to find that their relationship had grown - but in a very healthy and right direction. It felt good, so he tried to ignore the little feeling of loneliness that still existed. His plans for the future were still up in the air.


At the same time life moves on for those who were looking forward to the future, others futures are in a fog, totally unknown. Worry comes with the passage of time, and only prayers can ease that form of pain...


Rick checks Jason's and Katie's vitals once more, sighing, then returning to his work. No change. Neither was in bad shape, but neither in good shape either. Research thus far was leading them to believe it was as Rick suspected - that whatever Jason had been shot with, was some kind of amplifier. When coming into contact with his emotions, it multiplied them so rapidly that it was basically an explosion. Their only concern now was waiting to see if the result had been fatal.

Another worried figure sits by Katie's bed, her hand in his. "Come back to us Kate," were his soft words, spoke more than once, in between his prayers.

Rick looks over his shoulder at Jeff, wishing that he were in better shape himself. Though functioning, he was still quite thin and pale, making one wonder if he would ever be the same again after his recent hard bout. Only time would tell. Time... loved and hated.


While the hands of time manipulate the passing of the days, some hearts yearn for more. Some hearts yearn for rest...


"No, he still won't talk." Adam shakes his head as he sip a cup of hot tea. He and Mick were back in front of the fireplace. It always seemed to become their normal place of rest and discussion.

Mick sighs deeply. "Not even after he broke down, huh?"

"Nope. It's strange though." Adam runs his finger along the rim of his cup. "He wants to get through this. He won't say so, but he's doing all he can. Last night was one of the worse ones. Brenda stayed up all hours with him, and she said she could see that even though his body wanted the drugs, his mind was fighting it for all he was worth. Didn't utter one complaint."

Mick frowns. "Then why won't he talk?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's protecting someone."

"Maybe. But he knows those other three were arrested. And he knows that I've worked out a deal with Reese so he won't have to serve time. So why? What's he still hiding?"

"Perhaps he's just too ashamed of what happened." Adam gives Mick a knowing look. "How about you? How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay." Mick nods. "Shakes have stopped. It's getting better."

"Glad to hear it. Have you thought about when you go back?"

"A bit." Mick lets out a long sigh. He felt so weak. "I guess all I can do is make sure everyone is aware of my problem so that I can't fool anybody. I'll have to set some pretty thick boundaries for myself and make sure the others help me keep them, even if I give them a bad time."

Adam smiles. "Good for you. I know it doesn't get easier each time you fall but... you've come a long way, Mick."

"Will I always have this fight?"

"Yes." Adam states the fact plainly. "This second time around proves it. But as long as you stay away from the things that will cause you to fail, you won't have these problems."

Mick falls silent again, allowing his mind to think through everything. He was glad he'd come. He'd needed to get away from everything and come somewhere he could sit, think, and get through this without hurting the ones he loved any more than he already had. He missed them though. But he had to stay until his confidence was back, and until Adam agreed he was ready to leave.


But in the end, no one knows the future. Everyone hopes for the outcome they want, and sometimes it comes. And sometimes disappointments come instead. But no matter what, time brings adventure - for that's what life is. It is an adventure to be ridden out with the thrill of the ride.


Jason's ears gradually pick up sounds around him. There was the slight whirring of computers, the soft buzz of florescent lights and the clicking of chair casters and heels on the tiled floor. In a sudden panic, he sits bolt upright, his eyes blinking rapidly as the bright lights hurt and everything is blurry. Opening his mouth to speak, he feels his throat dry and scratchy. Unable to see or talk clearly makes his heart rate pick up and he fumbles with the blanket, only finding that he's hooked up to an iv. Before he can pull it out though, two strong hands press him back down to his pillows.

"Easy, easy," Rick soothes. "It's alright, Jase."

Jason continues to blink. He just couldn't focus. "Rick?" he finally manages to ask hoarsely.

"Yes, it's me. You're in the infirmary. You're okay."

Jason eases back, relaxing a little bit, though his mind races. "Where... what..."

Rick starts checking his vitals. "Just take it slow. How do you feel?"

"I hurt all over," Jason mumbles.

"Anything in particular?"

"My head... eyes hurt... and my hand especially."

"Mm." Rick looks closely at Jason's eyes, using a pen light. He waves it slowly back and forth. "Can you see this?"

Jason does his best to focus, but the light from the ceiling was just so bright and it made his eyes water. "It hurts."

"Alright, it's okay, just close your eyes for now."

Jason gives another sudden lurch. "Katie."

"She's right here," Rick assures. "Four feet away."

"Is she okay?"

"She will be. Just like you."

Jason tries to relax again. Searching the emotional flow, it felt a little off kilter, almost like it was worn out, but nothing seemed wrong. He sensed Katie was asleep, but not in trouble, so he remained silent to her. "What happened?"

"Well, what do you remember?"

Jason frowns. "Um... Texas. We got ambushed and..." He stops, swallowing and wincing. "Can I have some water?"

"Sure." Rick moves to bring back a small glass of water, also waving Misty over in case he needed her, then helps Jason sip the water slowly. "Do you remember anything else?"

"I got hit... and then..." Jason shakes his head. "All I remember is pain, and Katie trying to get me to stop but I couldn't."

"Mm-hmm. That's about what Wyatt said."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"About a week. Just like Katie."

"A week?" Jason found it hard to believe. "Wow."

"Yeah." Rick wasn't about to tell him how scared he'd been, and how close they'd come to taking them both to the hospital. He'd been worried that both of them would slip into comas, unable to wake at all.

Jason moves the fingers in his left hand, feeling the bandage. "I hurt my hand?"

Rick purses his lips. "Um... yeah. But it's healing well." He sets a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Can you wake Katie?"

"I... don't know. Why?"

"I need to know if she's going to wake up too. You both were in real bad shape, and she needs to wake up if she can."

Jason thinks for a moment, then nods. Everything was still pretty fuzzy, but he does his best to concentrate.
Katie? Rick's trying to get you up, Babe. Can you hear me?


Gage cocks his head at the white tree in the corner of the room. It wasn't very big, but it took up a lot of space in the tiny room. He didn't mind though. Sapphire had helped him pick it out, and it had been a fun outing with her. Now he stood with a box of blue lights in his hands, not really knowing how to go about this. Sapphire said she'd help, but she'd been busy, then he'd been too tired. Now he didn't know where to start. Lights first? Or those shiny blue balls they'd picked out?

Sighing, he sets the decorations aside again and flops down on his mattress. He was tired from a day of helping put up a shed behind the community building downtown. He was hungry, but his frozen dinner just wasn't appealing enough for him to eat it. He'd rather just sit and maybe nap for a few minutes.


Sparky scoots some chairs up to the tables in the dining hall, picking up a few pieces of garbage to throw away and straightening the salt and pepper shakers. He didn't normally do these kinds of tasks, but it was a slow day in the barn, and he was trying to keep busy. It got pretty quiet around the ranch this time of the year, but he always forgot until it came around again. He wasn't bored, but he didn't want to be left alone with his own thoughts either. Unfortunately, this small task did leave him too much time to think.

They'd heard from Brenda McClain about Mick. She said he was doing well and that he loved and missed everyone. The message was especially for Rosetta. Though he couldn't talk to anyone himself yet, Brenda was confident that he would pull through and would be able to return home soon. It had given people hope... but the more days that passed, the more tiresome it became. Ten days didn't seem so long, until you realized how much had already been missed out on.

Puttering around the kitchen, Sparky finally warms a pot of coffee to pour himself a cup. Sitting out at one of the tables by himself, he's eventually joined by Jim, though conversation is pretty quiet.

Strength

Just letting the silence linger for a long while Rosetta's own mind drifts. Thinking about the past and everything her family had been through. Sparky, Wes, Mick through it all they had always been there but her heart had always lead her back to the one person.

The what ifs and what could had clouded her mind in this moment of weakness. Being alone, having no one to turn to Rosetta had lost sight of what was important and could of lost more than her brother in law if she had crossed a line here tonight. She could of lost her family too.

Maybe she would of be happy with Sparky, and maybe they would of had a happy and peaceful life together, but what she would have sacrificed for that? No this is what God wanted and though thing were hairy, and she felt down, and alone God would see her relationship with her husband though.

Feeling Sparky sit next to her Rosetta is pulled from her thought, but as she is pulled that one desire that had been held on to is left behind being swallowed up by the fog. Her brother in law, her friend, that is what remained, and that was something special in itself.

Leaning into Sparky's brotherly arm Rosetta rests her head on his shoulder for a moment. His words were soft, and comforting. As Sparky pulls away a little and Rosetta looks up into his eyes, listing to his words seemed to give her a new strength.

"I'm doing my best to keep my head up here Sparky."

Not really knowing what else to say knowing Sparky would at least stay around till Mick got back she felt honored. Just knowing there was another man around the ranch really helped even though this was probley one of the safest places to be.

Not knowing what else To really say and seeing Sparky's own eyes become a little wet Rosetta reaches out taking him in a embrace. Even at there age they had growing pains.

"Thank you Sparky. It means a lot to me."

Flame

Somehow, Sparky's eyes drift down to the table once more as Rosetta talks. It wasn't that he was trying to disrespect her, or ignore her... but being here right now with her... alone... when he could offer her comfort... it was a temptation that he wasn't so sure he should be allowing.

Hearing what she had to say about him leaving makes his mind reel in a whole new direction. But even that halts as he suddenly hears her voice falter. Glancing up, he realizes that the tears had come again. And he couldn't blame her.

Not even sure what to say, he just sits, wishing he were better at knowing what to do... wishing he had the answers... wishing that he could take away the hurt that his friend was going through. Even when Rosetta apologizes unnecessarily, he's still quiet, at a total loss. His heart hurt. Regrets swarmed over him, haunting him like they had in the past.

And then his eyes catch sight of a toy of BJ's on the counter that hadn't yet been put away. His line of sight moves towards the door, seeing one of Mick's jackets hanging up, and a pair of his boots, still with paddock mud dried and caked on them. Turning his head a little, he sees the same photo that Rosetta had been looking at over the fireplace.

Then shifting his gaze back to Rosetta, he studies her for the longest moment... And all of the pieces seem to fall into place. She had what she deserved - a family... a family that loved her. There were bumps, and Sparky was very upset with Mick for what had happened... but it was just a bump... a small spec in the middle of the big picture. And the big picture was of the family Rosetta had. Maybe she had questions about what could have been. Maybe Sparky had questions about what might have happened, had he had more guts. But in the end, there was no point in asking those questions, or trying to figure out the answers. Because an answer would never come. It never could be, and was no longer in the plan.

God had laid out certain paths for all of them. And perhaps there had been forks in the road that would both have led to pleasing results. But what was now was what God was working with and working through to bring good. Whether Sparky and Rosetta could have had something or not just wasn't the point. The point was that she had chosen to go left instead of right, and God had blessed her with Mick - her best friend and husband. Why would Sparky wish that she did not have that? It was only selfishness that created the temptations in his heart.

Sparky was here now as a friend... a brother-in-law... a brother in Christ. There was a barrier that should not, and would not be crossed. Temptation had been born of regret and on a minor level, jealousy - neither of which were godly. Perhaps it had been good for him to voice his feelings... if only to hear them himself and realize that it was all for naught. His job was not to replace Mick - his job was to make the burden lighter while he was gone. His job was not to support Rosetta - his job was to support this family as a whole, including Mick.

And in that single instance of revelation, a small, lingering flame dies within Sparky's eyes. It was a flame he had allowed to burn for too long, hiding it in the corner and hoping no one saw. Tonight it had been exposed, and in being brought forth, he was given the opportunity to finally let it die.

But with the death of a flame that should not have been, that small hole that was left was immediately filled with the peace God had been trying to offer for so long. He'd been waiting for this very moment, waiting for Sparky to let go. And now, finally, He had the chance to let a new bit of peace be released in that hidden corner of Sparky's heart.

As if he'd been in an hour-long dream, Sparky blinks, realizing now only seconds had passed. But a time so short could be an eternity in God's eyes - and in those few seconds, new perspectives had risen. New realizations had been born. And new feelings had replaced those which had been thought impossible to remove.

Seeing Rosetta's tears, Sparky leaves his coffee mug and moves around the table to sit next to her. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulls her into a warm hug. "Don't apologize," he directs softly. "You have a right to cry." His embrace was one of a brother... one of a friend... one of someone who wanted to help, but not create a bigger chasm.

Moving back a little, he wipes a tear from Rosetta's cheek and looks her in the eye. "We can't change the past, but the future is ours to make. You have a family that needs you... and a husband who loves you more than anything else in the world. I know it's tough, but you can't give up... you can't live in regrets and you can't ask the impossible 'what if' questions. What's done is over and shouldn't be dwelt on. What should be dwelt on is the future... when Mick comes home and when your family will be together again. God's not gonna let you down.."

He pauses, his gaze going deep into Rosetta's eyes. "And satan's not gonna get a foothold between you and me either. You'll always be a sister to me. And I wouldn't want it any other way."

Maybe those words still stung just a little bit. And maybe he didn't notice that his own eyes had become just a little wet. But he spoke the truth. He spoke what he truly did desire, when he stripped away the regrets and selfishness.

Holding Rosetta's hand, Sparky nods. "I can't promise I won't leave. But you have my word... I won't leave before Mick comes home."

Leave

Hearing Sparky's words is a bit of a surprise to Rosetta. She never even relized he had felt this way before. Maybe it was because he never wanted to step in the way of Wes, and Mick, for that is was honorable But if only she had known.

"Don't be sorry. We are adults and we are talking, its nothing to be shamed about. Your a great guy Sparky and who knows we might of worked out. But I guess God had other plans, even if we look back now and wonder how happy we could of been."

Looking down for a moment and than back up to the small picture of the family that was on the fireplace harth gives a little shake of her head. Changing the subject Rosetta could tell Sparky was uncomfortable with this one.

"I know you have been talking about leaveing. I'd really miss you if you did. But you deserve to be happy. Your to great of a guy not to be and if that happiness is somewhere else out there, I'll stand behind you. Just dont be a stranger around here. This will always be your home, and I still care a great dail for you. When something happens I know I can always call on you Sparky."

Setting her coffee cup down for a moment Rosetta runs a hand through her hair. The tears she had been holding at bay all night seemed not to spring into her eyes as a few rolls down her cheek. Sparky had liked her to and she never new, her husband was so far away and she couldn't even talk to him. One of her best friends might be leaving the ranch it was just everything piling up again.

Taking a swip at her eyes Rosetta sits up straight and looks at Sparky giving a smile. Doing her best to stop her tears again.

"Sorry, just got kind of down there for a moment on ya."

Shouldn't be

Sparky's eyes shoot up to meet Rosetta's, focusing on her comment. He could feel a bit of heat creeping up the back of his neck and wondered if it was the room temperature that had risen, or if it was just him.

Swallowing another mouthful of coffee, he lets drinking be the filler for a moment of quiet until words form again. "Yeah... yeah, I know. I've had my own share of ideas for what my future was supposed to look like." He shrugs. "But... seems my plans usually get twisted around one way or the other."

Staring into his mug, he tries to figure out if it was half empty or half full. "Sometimes... I wish I'da had the guts to ask you to dinner too."

Even though his face was warm, he finally looks back up to Rosetta. "Maybe I let one too many chances slip through my fingers. Or maybe it was God 'cause he knew what was better. But..."

He stops, having vowed never to voice these feelings. But here he was, spilling it all out. "...sometimes I... wish I woulda found out if He would have minded so much had I not been so passive with two of my brothers."

Once the words are out of his mouth, he regrets them and his eyes move elsewhere as a rueful chuckle surface. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be saying these things."

Wonder

Turning and giving a smile to Gage Sapphire gives a slight nod. Blue happend to be her fav color too.

"Ohhh...blue ones are nice. Would you want the tree white or Green? I think we could work with both."

Just letting the coversation lay for the moment Sapphire new that this wouldnt be the last on it. She was having fun just thinking about what kind of tree to get Gage and excited he said he would come alone as well.

"I think your going to have fun putting the tree up."

Taking a sip of her own Coffee a bit of color comes to Rosetta's face. Was Sparky saying if Mick wasnt coming back he'd try to peruse her? Surly she must be mistaken on that one...right?

"Its good some where in my heart I...know he is coming back too. Right now its just really hard you know? There are some good people here to help me out, one of them being you. You have always helped me Sparky. Sometimes I wish I had, had the guts to ask you to dinner before I was married. Not saying I regret being married to Mick because I dont...just sometimes I wonder what things would of been like."

Drawing quiet for a moment Rosetta just looks down into her mug watching the hot liquid for a long moment. Finally looking up into Sparky's eyes searching them before she spoke again.

"Its strange to grow up thinking things will be one way, and than they turn out differently."

Rosetta lets out a long sigh taking another sip of her coffee. More stuff entered her mind just adding to what was already there.

Honest!

Gage continues just to sit, even when Sapphire rises to clean things up. His brow is furrowed as he tries to understand what she's saying. The whole story felt so unreal, yet real at the same time. Someone loved him? God? Love... really? It was as if he knew it was the truth, but it was just too good to be true at the same time. He'd never thought about what would happen after he died... now all of a sudden it seemed like a pretty important thing to ponder. But there was so much he didn't understand.

"Oh." Bringing his legs up on his chair to sit Indian style, he picks at a thread in in his jeans around a hole that had appeared in the knee.

Quiet for several minutes, he finally looks up at Sapphire again. "I like blue." Pausing, he then realizes that he'd jumped topics. "Um, lights, I mean. You know, the trees with all-blue lights. Those are my favorites."


"Oh, yeah, sure." Clint's voice is muffled against the floor. "Never better."

Becky looks over and down to her son, trying not to laugh as well. "You sure you're alright? Do you need help?"

"Nope." Getting to his hands and knees, Clint shakes off the shock of landing on the floor, then finally stands, wobbling just a little. His face was red as he turns back to the little group at his table. "If you'll excuse me... I have to go dry myself off... and round me up a new chair - one that doesn't buck so high."

As he walks away, Jade flops her head down on the table, still trying to stop laughing. "It was all my fault," she manages. "I didn't mean to knock over his water - honest!"


"Uh, yeah." Sparky nods as he takes a bite of meat. "Day wasn't bad. Got a lot done. Remington threw a fit being left in his stall today so I let him out for a while and gave him a workout. Otherwise, things were quiet."

Pausing, he closes his eyes, savoring the taste of the food. "Mmm... this tastes even better than it smelled. I don't know what you do, but you do it right."

Just enjoying the meal, talk is kept light - the weather, horses, BJ, who was at church on Sunday, and the fences that needed to be fixed. Before Sparky knew it, he'd had two helpings of dinner and the dishes were cleared away.

Now sipping a hot cup of coffee, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. Leaning back in his chair, he gets a softer look in his eye. "Ya know... I always though Mick was a lucky guy... now I know he is." A wry grin curves his lips and he gives a quiet laugh. "It's a good thing I know he's coming back."

Laughing

Placing all the food on the table Rosetta gives a smile heading back to the kitchen one last time to get the drinks putting one at each place before sitting.

"I don't cook nearly as much as I use too. More often than not we would eat at the dinning hall, sometimes its just easier. But your right I am surprised he is not fatter."

Rosetta did miss cooking like she used to, but it seemed like there was not enough hours in a day between the business, and taking care of BJ.

Thinking about Mick for just that moment let a sad look pass in her eyes. But looking up again and giving a smile to Sparky Rosetta was determined not to get down tonight. Not when she had great company over. A little color comes to her face at Sparky's comment.

"Thank you! I figured it would be nice to dress up a little. Your very welcome by the way."

A prayer was said for the food, and than it was dished out. Rosetta making sure to give Sparky some hearty helpings. Sitting down again and placing her napkin in her lap.

"You look good tonight as well. Did you have a good day?"

Wendy's eyes go wide as Clint goes head over heals not one time but two. Not being able to help the laugh that escapes her lips. She was worryed about her husband but it was so funny at the same time.

Looking at Chase Wendy speaks loud enough Clint could hear her but soft still.

"Let this be a lesson little Chase. Never mess with chairs. Once your Dad have to save me with a fork aganst one."

Pushing the chair back and standing leaning on the table a little to be able to see Clint better Wendy shakes her head her eyes sparkling.

"Clint, darling are you ok?"

Thinking for another moment Sapphire sits back in the chair and puts her hands in her lap for a moment. Choosing her words wisly here would be important. She didn't want to confuse Gage even more, or even scare him away. Not when they had come so far.

"Well Gage, thats the nice think about Jesus. He loves us no matter who we are. "

Sapphire gives a smile standing and starting to clear the table while she talks.

"As long as we believe in him, and ask him to come into out lifes, he can wash out sins away. No matter what you have done in the past in God's eyes it will be gone. Because Gage, he does love you."

People like me

Seeing Rosetta as she answers the door, Sparky unintentionally does a double-take before he can get himself to reply. "Oh well, you know me... Mr. perfect timing." He rolls his eyes and grins, following her to the kitchen. "Boy, something sure smells good."

Standing with his hands in his pockets a moment, he finally sits down, watching Rosetta finish up dinner. "Um... water's fine, thanks."

He picks up a fork, fiddling with the tines, seeming a little more on edge than normal. As the table is set, he chuckles. "It's a good thing Mick's got plenty to keep him active... with you cooking a spread like this, he's got to work hard just so he doesn't gain fifty pounds." His wink in Rosetta's direction, proves the tease is really a compliment.

Once both are seated, he looks across the table at her, cocking his head. "You look nice tonight, Rosetta... thank you for having me over."


Cindy laughs as she is guided from the front door through the house. She steps carefully without being able to see a thing, having no idea what her husband was doing.

When she's finally allowed to see, she puts a hand to her mouth, her eyes starting to fill. Turning to look up at Wes, a smile spreads on her face, her gaze full of love. "Oh, Wes..." Wrapping her arms around him, she kisses his lips then just hugs him, nestling her face into his arms. "You make me feel so special." And he did... he made her feel just as special today as he had while they had dated. She knew she was a blessed woman to have a man like that. She would miss him so much when he had to leave to go overseas.

But trying not to dwell on that unhappy thought, she pulls away, leaning down to smother Kaylee in kisses. Kaylee squeals with delight and bangs her spoon on the high chair, very ready to eat.

Cindy laughs and takes her seat across from Wes, her smile making her glow. "Thank you... this is the best 'thank you' I could ever receive."


"Ah!" Clint squirms at the elbow to his ribs, which tickled more than it hurt. Seeing Chase gurgling in amusement, he smirks. "Yeah, side with your mother, will you? That's not fair"

Jade giggles at her cousin from across the table. "He's already showing smarts, Clint."

"Heeeey." Clint warns her teasingly. "Watch it." His foot kicks her shin under the table.

"Ow!" Jade jumps and goes to slap Clint's hand, but as she reaches across, her arm hits his glass of water. The drink goes flying, spilling all over the table... all in Clint's direction.

Clint is on his feet in an instant, but it was too late - the water had gotten him down the front of his shirt and onto his jeans... in the worst place possible. If that wasn't bad enough, in too much of a hurry to stand, his foot catches the leg of his chair. Overcompensating so he doesn't fall into Wendy and Chase, he goes the opposite direction... all the way to the floor.

Jade stands quickly, her eyes wide. "Oh, Clint!"

The crash of him and his chair is loud enough that most heads in the room turn to see what in the world is going on. Jim and Becky are just at the next table over, and Jim looks down at his son in surprise. "What on earth are you doing?"

Clint blinks, a little dazed from hitting his head on the hard floor. Before he can answer, laughter hits his ears.

Jade tries... she really does, but it's no use. Even though a hand is over her mouth, the laughter just won't be held back. "Are... are you okay?"

Clint's eyes narrow and he sits up, throwing his arms in the air. "I'm fine," he states loudly. "Everything is under control. You may all go back to eating now. There's nothing more to see here!"

Jade sinks down in her chair, her laughing making her sides hurt as she shakes. Leaning into Dan, she turns to hide her face against him, feeling terrible that Clint fell, but it had been way too funny not to laugh... especially when he stands up, revealing what the water had done.

Clint's eyes start to water from his own laughter that he was not allowing to come out. Eying Wendy, then Jade and Dan, he lifts his chin in defiance and picks up his chair. "If you all will excuse me for a moment." Lifting the chair above his head, he starts to take it away, but alas... water on the floor had created a slick spot he hadn't seen. Down he goes all over again, but this time the chair is flung as he falls, shooting in between the other tables all the way to the wall where it lands with a resounding bang.

Before Clint lets his head drop, he can only mutter one thing. "Chairs. I hate chairs."


Gage listens quietly as Sapphire explains the meaning of the holiday, finishing his breakfast, then just sitting, intent on understanding what she was saying.

When Sapphire is finished, his hands are in his lap, his shoulders down and his eyes holding the most thoughtful look. For a long time, he just tries to process. Once could almost see the wheels turning in his mind as he tries to put all the pieces together and understand.

"So that story... about God... and Jesus..." He cocks his head. "I mean... the one about Santa Claus... people have just made up a lot of stuff like based on legend. But... the one about God... you're saying that one is true?" Confusion clouds his mind and frustrates him a little because he wasn't sure how to ask what he wanted to know. "I mean... you said Jesus came to save people... like, so they could go to Heaven? But you mean the good people... right?" He didn't have to say what the rest of the question was behind his eyes... his body language said enough... had it been words, the rest of the statement would have been, "not people like me."

Just in time!

Giving a smile and a nod rubbing her head into Wyatt hand Aerith gives a tiny chuckle.

"I'll make sure to tell Carson I cant. Your orders."

Stealing another quick kiss Aerith watchs Wyatt leave before turning to head back to her own work, and help Thirteen out with a tray she was struggling with.

Another soft smile comes to Sapphire's face at Gage's innocent question. She could see how he would get confused. It wasnt something easy to understand with out getting the meaning behind it.

"Well, you see...the trees and gifts, lights and Santa Claus, really have nothing to do with that barn or as we like to call it manger scene."

Sapphire is quiet for a moment as she sips some OJ through her straw forming her words together in her head.

"You see, a long time ago in a little town there was a woman and her name was Mary...."

For the next half hour Sapphire sate talking with Gage about Mary, and Baby Jesus, the Angels, Shepard, and the reason God had sent his son. Doing her best to offer information in a way that wouldnt offent Gage, or make him feel dumb.

"...So the lights, the trees, and the gifts really have nothing to do with the real reason we have Christmas. Its only a tradition someone thought up a long time ago that is fun. As for the mangers you see, they remind us what the real reason for Christmas is so we dont get wrapped up in the little things and remember the day God came to save us."

Sapphire cocks her head as she finishes off her food giving a soft smile to Gage. She wasnt sure if he would understand or not? Be if he didnt she hoped he would ask some question.

Without any warning the day slowly turns to night as the darkness sets in earlyer now that is was close to winter time. Time seemed to slip away when we least exspect it leaving us to wonder what we did with out day.

Laughter and great smells filled the dinning hall tonight as everyone gathered around to talk, fellowship, and just have a great time.

A playful jab to Clint's side by Wendy as she trys to feel the baby sends him into a fit of laughter as he shook his little fists in the air thinking everyone was there because of him.

Dan sat next to Jade not being able to help but pick on her and make her blush at the same time. Only to end it with slipping his hand under the table and taking Jade's giving it a gentile squeeze. His smile reassuring he was only joking.

Than down just a ways in the little house across from the dinning hall Rosetta moved around her kitchen making the last preparations for dinner. Roast and potatoes, along with Carrots and some Italian bread was on the menu tonight.

Hearing the knock on the door Rosetta goes to answer it. Dressed in one of her nicer black shirts with the scoop neck, a nice pare of blue jeans and her black boots. Giving a small smile as she answered it.

"You have good timing, I was just about to pull the roast out and cut it."

Stepping aside so Sparky would come in Rosetta closed the door behind him and walked back into the kitchen knowing he would follow, or make himself at him. She would have put him to work but really there wasnt much left to do. The table was already set and dinner was almost done.

"What would you like to drink Sparky? We have water, juice, milk...pretty much anything."

Though it seemed like Rosetta was in a good mood and felt herself on the inside her heart was still hurting. It was nice making up such a grand meal tonight giving her something to do to take her mind off a lot of things.

Farther down and into the woods just a little ways another house was lit up, a suprise waiting for a special person. The table was set, and two candles were placed with care. Steak, peas, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate cake was for desert.

A little child sits in her high chair girggling, dressed in a little red dress, and her hair up in two little pig tails. Kaylee had spend the day with Daddy, while mom went out and ran around doing a few things. This had been planned but father and Daughter tonight.

With his hands over Cindy's eyes Wes leads her into the room, looking at his daughter and giving a small nod he removed his hands.

"Kaylee and I just wanted to say thank you for being the best mom and wife in the world."

Supper time

Wyatt musters up a small smile and returns Aerith's kiss. Giving a slight nod, he slides out of the booth and stands. "Okay... thanks."

Cradling her face a moment with his palm, he gives her cheek a rub with his thumb. "I'll call you later about supper. Don't work too hard."


Sparky almost seems to hesitate, then nods at Rosetta's answer. "Okay. I'm gonna take one of the guys with me to run some errands in town later, but I'll be back in the afternoon. If I don't see you before supper, I'll wander in when my stomach starts to growl."

Offering the best smile he can, Sparky tries to relay that things would be okay. Another nod, and he was out the door, heading to the barn.


"Oh." Gage seems to try and figure out why he'd want a tree, but he could see it was something Sapphire enjoyed, so maybe he would too. "Okay. I guess we could do that then. But you will have to show me how to decorate it."

Chewing his food thoughtfully, he furrows his brow, deep in thought like he was much of the time. He often took a long time to shape his words before he spoke, trying to put the pieces together before asking questions or giving answers. "I don't see how everything is connected..." He continues to ponder. "I see like, lights and trees and all that stuff... and then there's santa claus or whatnot that kinda seems silly... then I see these little scenes... like.... a barn or something. I've seen a lot of them when Officer Drake has driven me through town. It's got like, these people and a baby and usually a star or something on top. It looks religious 'cause sometimes they have these angels around it too. I haven't figured out yet what that has to do with santa claus and Christmas trees though..."

He glances to Sapphire with innocent ignorance. "Do you know what I'm talking about?"


Gunner sits at his desk, fooling with some paperwork until he stops, staring off into space. He'd been there two hours now, and hearing about Jason and Katie, a new burden was in the air. He wished he would have been able to go... then maybe it wouldn't have happened.

"Gunner?" Susanne comes around the corner of his cubicle. She smirks at him a little. "You gonna do any work today or just stay in your own little world?"

"Oh." He reaches for several stacks of papers. "This is for you - those printouts you wanted. And I also filled out those three reports and got that profile paperwork done. Umm..." He flips some pages with his thumb. "These are for Reese. I compiled those figures he wanted. If you could pass those along, that would be great. I've also almost completed that list of queries so as soon as that's done, I'll get that to him."

Susanne's eyes widen as she takes the stack of papers. "I guess I was wrong. Who put a bee under your butt this morning?"

Gunner gives her a grin. "Guess I finally had a good night's sleep."

"Well good. I hope you have another one. At this rate, you're gonna have a week's worth of work done in one morning!"

As she walks away, Gunner's eyes follow her, a smile still on his face. Taking a deep breath, he dives into work again, his eye on the clock.


Things in Texas move steadily. Though awkward without Mick around, everyone pitches in, making things as easy as possible. Chores are done, errands are run, breaks are taken, and the normal day-to-day tasks are completed. Jeff takes on BJ for most of the day, filling time with nature walks, a hunt for "the great last grasshopper" from some story, and stealing cookies from the kitchen like two stealthy cat burglars. It's only late in the day that Jim and Becky take back over again, playing some games and making popcorn balls at the house.

Jade spends her time in and out of the barn, stealing free moments with Dan, then winding up with Wendy, Angel then Becky to help out with little tasks. Another irate call from her mother goes ignored, as for the first time, Jade leaves her cell phone in the bunkhouse. She'd found refuge in one of the empty bunks, quietly moving her things from the main house. She didn't want to be a burden to Rosetta, and finding her own alone time was nice too.

Eventually, seven o'clock rolls around and most are starting to gather in the main dining room. All the visitors had their own supper at their normal visitor's dining room, while the main hall for all the ranch personnel was filled up as usual. Chattering, laughing and dishes clanging fills the air as it did most nights. Clint had convinced Wendy to join everyone else tonight, so they wind up at a table with Jade, while Jim and Becky keep an eye on BJ. Jade makes sure a spot is saved for Dan too, forming the "younger corner" of the room. Soup and sandwiches are served and everyone is hungry.

Outside, Sparky's boots crunch on the gravel as he heads to the main house. He'd squeezed in time for a shower and a change of clothes after chores, though he knew he'd have to make a few more rounds after supper before bedding down for the night.

Getting to the porch, he pauses at the door. Hesitating with his hand in the air, he finally rings the doorbell. He'd walked right in this morning, but tonight... tonight, he leaned more toward formality, at least for now.

Tradition

Looking at Wyatt with stern eyes for a moment Aerith brings her head close to Wyatt's.

"Don't blame yourself. No one new what was going to happen, and you cant beat yourself up over it ok?"

Though her words were strong they still had there soft edge, and her face held the look of love on it like always. Something that never faded when she looked at Wyatt. Giving him a small kiss on the lips to show her love.

Slipping out of the booth again so Wyatt could get up as well. It was a bummer there lunch was cut short but dinner sounded like a great plan. Though it wasnt out of the ordinary Aerith and Wyatt were insepratable.

"I don't see why he would have a problem. I have a bit of over time I need to cut anyways. Just name the time and place and I will be there."

Not being able to help the laugh that escaped her lips Bree shakes her head, her own cheek a crimson color.

"Oh, I guess I can save a little for you. What fun would it be if I took all the glory for myself right?"

Taking Gunner's glass and putting it in the sink Bree follows him to the door before heading to take her own shower.

"Have a good day at work, and I'll see you tonight."

Giving a wave Bree closes the door behind Gunner and locks it double checking to make sure it was locked. Than heads down to the spair bed room to grab some clean clothing than head to the shower to start her day.

Looking at Sparky Rosetta thinks for a moment before answering. She wasnt the greatest company right now and she would hate to have BJ see her like this. It really was not something a little boy his age should have to. Especially when she couldn't predict the tears would turn on.

"BJ has been having alot of fun with Becky and Jim. Right now that what he needs and I can't give it to him. Becky and Jim already offered to watch him another day or two for me and I figured that would be good. Than he will come back here."

Taking another sjp of her coffee Rosetta gives a small sigh and than a nod.

"So it will just be me and you. If you dont mind that is ok."

Smile with satifaction in seeing that Gage likes the meal Sapphire felt good. She liked being able to help Gage, and show him new things to experience. Being able to shair things with another and seeing if they liked it, having them give there honest thought about it was nice.

"Oh yeah, they have alot of differnt things there. Sometime we will just have to take a tip so you can see everything they have. Pie, cookies, shakes, chicken..there is alot."

Taking a bit out of her crassont Sapphire is quiet for a moment thinking about Gage's question about a Christmas tree.

"Well because its pretty to have one, and fun to put it up. I figured it might be fun to put one up. Not to mention I enjoying doing it myself and its just a tradition thats fun. There is no ryme or reason to it."

Never been told

Wyatt sighs deeply, letting Aerith soothe him. She had a way of doing that, that he'd never figured out. She was always so calm... so quiet.

Finally straightening again, Wyatt shakes his head. "I don't have time... I gotta get to work and start on the report. I'm... the only one who can write it right now."

Turning his gaze he searches Aerith's deep eyes. "Thanks for letting me talk a few minutes though... just... pray that Jason and Katie will be alright. If I woulda just reacted one second sooner..." He shakes his head again. He knew he'd be blaming himself for a while. It wasn't the first time. "Think Carson would let you off early so we could go have dinner tonight?"


As Bree withdraws from her light kiss, Gunner holds back a pleased smile. He'd like to try that again, but he didn't have time. "Yeah... I will. I'll see you after work then."

Gathering the last few things, then remembering to return and put his glass in the sink, he starts to leave, then turns back around again. "Oh, what the hey."

Leaning down, he gives Bree one more quick kiss, still grinning as his face burns. "Don't give the waitress too hard of a time about that float... save some of her annoyance for me."


Sparky is just turning to leave, when Rosetta's offer for dinner hits his ears. Turning back around, he cocks his head. "Boy you know your cooking is hard to pass up."

Looking down a moment, his gaze eventually wanders back up to her face. A long, quiet moment passes before he finally speaks again. "Yeah... yeah, okay." A smile creases his lips. "You don't have to do it to thank me though. You know good and well you don't owe me a thing."

Turning again, he fishes his leather gloves from his back pocket, pausing before the door. "You want Jim and Becky to watch BJ all day and night again or, you want him back here for supper?"


Gage's grin widens, a spark finally coming to his eye. It didn't show very often - mostly when Sapphire was around because she was one of the few that made him feel good enough to smile. "Sounds great." He nods, referring to the food. "And... thank you." He knew she didn't need thanks. And he was too appreciative to turn anything down, even though she regularly had surprises for him. He only wished that sometime he could give her something in return.

Taking a bite of breakfast, he sighs with content. "Mmm... this is good. I've never had breakfast from Burger King before. I always just had what anybody else had... I guess I didn't even know they had more than a couple different kinds of hamburgers."

Sipping the orange juice, he suddenly stops at Sapphire's mention of shopping. "Christmas tree?" He looks at her, a bit confused. He knew Christmas was a holiday, and apparently some people gave gifts and the like, and he'd seen a few Christmas trees here and there, but at the Agency compound, holidays didn't exist. He'd never celebrated anything, let alone the December holiday, and he never really had figured out the point of it all. "Why... would I want one?"