Intrusion

Sparky's lips break into a genuine smile that reveals the emotions he felt. There were risks here and he knew it. They had a significant age difference, culture differences, and the fact that Faith might not make it through her next surgery. But it just didn't seem to matter. Not this time.

He leans his face into Faith's hand, enjoying her so much. It had happened quickly and he'd been sick half the time... but even so, the angel in his dreams was real and he knew who she was.

Sighing deeply, he gives her face one last brush with his fingers. "Then I guess it's up to our hearts to take us in the right direction."

A clatter signals that Twilight had shifted her weight, sending the forgotten brushes to the floor. Sparky chuckles. "We better finish cleaning this little girl first though. But after that, I get first dibs on that chair next to you at supper."

Jim leans back against the wall around the corner, his mind going in so many directions at once. This was none of his business and he knew that. But... there were a whole lot of red flags here that concerned him. Was Sparky really serious about this? About Faith? Who just got there? Who was so much younger than he? Jim knew it didn't really matter but...

Pushing off the wall, he ambles in the opposite direction from where he'd seen Faith and Sparky standing together. He wouldn't say anything... for now.

It was several hours later. Darkness was upon the ranch, and people were starting to gather for supper once again.

Sparky held back in the barn, waiting to see if Faith would show up and walk with him to the dining hall. After finishing up with Twilight earlier, they hadn't talked too much as they'd been interrupted with other tasks. But even with as much time as they'd spent together, he was looking forward to siting with her again at supper. As far as he knew, their relationship was still pretty quiet... and he was okay with that. They were just playing things by ear and he liked it that way.

As the ranch prepared for the night, a car comes down the road. Never had weary eyes been so thankful to see the sign for the ranch. JT was behind the wheel again and relieved to have finally arrived.

Pulling into the driveway, he scans the area. He'd only been here a few times and it had been many years ago. Things had changed a lot, but the layout was still similar. "Here we are." He gives a sidelong glance to Amanda. "Pray they're as inviting as I'd hoped."

Parking near the garage, he sees a few figures moving inside the dining hall. Shadows moved by the barn too. He wasn't sure if anyone had noticed their presence yet or not, but a barking dog proved that surely someone knew they were there.

JT gets out of the car and moves around to the back again, leaning down to Bree. "Bree, hon... we're here... we're going to get you into a nice bed, okay? But you gotta get up first."

Helping her gently, he gets her up, but doesn't make her walk. Instead he takes her in his arms, keeping the warm blanket around her. He nods to Amanda. "Get the door, woulda ya? Thanks."

Taking a deep breath, he looks to the dining hall. That's where the lights were on... he could head for the main house but he didn't know if anyone was there or not. Walking slowly, he heads up the porch, letting Amanda take the lead, then open the door.

Uninvited, he steps inside with Amanda, holding Bree close. He knew they must all look a sight. But as his eyes scan the surprised faces, he finds Rosetta. He'd seen her last when Katie had been in the hospital and was glad of it. Otherwise his intrusion might not be taken well. At least it hadn't been so many years for them... just for some of the others.

"Rosetta?" His eyes begged her, his voice filled with desperation. "We need your help... please?"