Baby girl

So lost in his own world, Scott doesn't even realize Hope's car has pulled up next to his. Once she's already close and touching his hand, he gives a start before realizing it's her. The panic leaves his eyes quickly though, and he musters up a little smile.

"Hey. Good to see you too." Scooting his thin frame over, he pats the hood of his car. It was a good enough spot for now, and at the moment, he didn't feel like walking.

"I'm sorry, Hope... for... being so evasive. I just... I don't even know where to start."


Seeing the look on Ryan's face, Leo was immediately sorry for his biting remark. Enough hurt and anger remained though to keep him from apologizing. Looking back at his own car, he sighs. He needed to get to work - if not to win a race, then to make sure he kept his job.


Mick nods and takes Rosetta's hand in his, giving it a light kiss. He knew that whatever he decided, Rosetta would follow. But he still appreciated her words and advice. "I won't jump too quickly," he promises. "I just... gotta talk to them. Not sure what I'm gonna say yet, but I promise I won't fire Dan or send Jade away. They're far enough now that you're right - saying no is just gonna make things worse. I just... gotta say something before we meet again. I don't want to live in awkward silence."

Getting up from the table, Mick bends to kiss Rosetta's head. "Thank you... for being calm with me." He can't help a little chuckle. "You and the wood pile."

...It was a few minutes later and Mick was wandering through the barn, looking for Dan. What he said was true... he needed to talk to both Dan and Jade before it became an awkward mess.

Finally finding him near the stack of hay, he stops, watching him for a moment. Approaching slowly, he stops again and sets his hands on his hips, looking Dan in the eye. For the longest time, he just stares, searching for the man he'd been told was inside... the man he wanted to see inside, for his daughter's sake.

Stepping even closer, he doesn't break eye contact. His voice is firm but not angry and almost soft. "Don't break her heart, Dan Palmer. That's my baby girl you're gonna marry and... I don't want to have to kill my son-in-law."

Reaching out his hand, he offers it to Dan.