JT felt like his heart would crumble right then and there. It had been a long time since he'd seen his niece in this state, and it hurt so much to see it now. She and Gunner had become attached to each other so fast and JT knew that Gunner was her best friend and more. And now, not knowing if he was going to get out of jail, and not even being able to talk to him or see him... it had to be terrible for her.
Though unsure, he nods. "I'll try to make it happen for you, okay? I don't know how, but there's some friends I can call who maybe can help."
He gives her arm a squeeze then rises from the bed. "Get some rest... Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we're gonna make it special even if things aren't straightened out yet."
Ryder chuckles and gets to his feet, offering Thirteen a hand. "Alright. Let's check out our new quarters."
Slapping his hat on and bidding everyone a good night, he heads for the door with Thirteen, having Jim lead the way to show them to the bunk houses. Once they're there and shown where everything was, Ryder stands with Thirteen in her bunkhouse. "Katie's in the main house with Rosetta and BJ and I'm right next door," he assures. "All you gotta do is holler if you need anything, okay?"
He cradles the side of her face, offering her reassurance. "Sleep well."
Still at his own bunkhouse, Trent looks down a ways to where Jasmine and Ryder were. He was glad at least that they were at a safe place. But why did they have to come here? Jasmine was just that much closer to the truth, and it was just that much harder to keep it hidden. Trent wanted it hidden. He didn't want her to know he was her father. He didn't deserve to be anybody's father, let alone of a young woman with such an innocent heart.
He watches for a few more moments, his mind oh-so far from the aches and stiffness in his body that the cold night air was bringing on.
Jeff watches Katie and Jason quietly as Ryder and Thirteen leave. He studies his daughter, pride showing in his eyes. He as glad to see her still with Jason. The young man still had a lot of life to live but it was obvious he cared deeply for Katie.
Jeff clears his throat. "You two gonna hit the hay?"
Jason had just been responding silently to Katie and he raises his eyes to Jeff. "You kidding me? We got a card game to play."
Jeff laughs and shakes his head. "I'll regret it, but count me in."
Eric stares out the truck stop window, watching the howling snow. "Doggone it." Shaking his head, he moves back to the little table and his hot drink that tasted more like flavored water than brewed coffee.
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