That's Okay

For a moment, Jeff simply wasn't sure how to end the evening. The moment is short-lived though, as Stacy asks if he'd join her.

A new smile forms and he nods. "Yeah... yeah, I would, if you wouldn't mind the company." He glances to the bunkhouses. "Just give me a second or two to change my boots and grab a jacket." He knew she'd probably want to change as well...

...True to his word, within minutes, Jeff had changed into his more comfortable boots and donned his leather jacket. He meets back up with Stacy outside her own bunkhouse, rather looking forward to a walk in the fresh air.

"I'm glad you suggested this," he admits. "It'll help me walk off some of that steak." Grinning, he starts forward with her, the ground crunching softly under his step. The sky was so clear tonight that a million stars shone. A light breeze blew and a full moon lit the ranch in a soft glow.


Eric chuckles. He could only imagine what his brother's antics had been tonight. "He does have a silly side. I guess maybe he's found a way to not let life be so serious all the time. Sometimes I wish I had a little more of that."

Seeing Ashlee catch the unlocked stall, Eric smiles to himself. She was a good little helper.

Stopping with her and hearing she'd felt awkward, Eric realizes he hadn't even thought of that. Tucking his hands in his jacket pockets for a moment, he cocks his head. "It's okay to feel that way. I know Jeff probably just wanted to make sure you and your mom had some fun away from here - we all need that every once in a while."

Did he really believe that was Jeff's only motive? Maybe deep down he didn't. But that wasn't something to discuss with Ashlee.

Leaning back against the stall beside her, he looks down at her for a moment or two. "Ya know... your mom needs to have friends, just like you do. Sometimes she just needs somebody closer to her age to hang out with. It's just the way people are." He offers her an encouraging smile. "Maybe it feels a little weird now, but you'll get used to it. I bet even if it woulda been me tonight, you still woulda felt funny. But that's okay. You'll never lose your place with your mom."