Alone

Accepting and returning Chad's kiss, Rosalyn knew that he was not going to give up that easily, even if her dad was going to be that hard on him. It made her fearful of what might happen, but, in a way it also made her feel good... like she was worth the effort. 

Mustering up a smile, she nods. "A walk sounds nice... thank you." Turning to his side, she takes his hand, linking her fingers with his as they start to walk. The outdoors were peaceful today, beckoning a quietness to the scene. Rosalyn found little to say, but little reason to spoil the quiet. She knew so much about Chad, yet so little as well... but it didn't seem to matter. Today, the silence was nice. 

Eventually, they did have to return to the ranch. Rosalyn felt a bit better by now though - at least well enough to face the rest of the day. Still holding Chad's hand as they come up the path, she sees someone standing near the fence. It looks as though whoever it was, was waiting for them, and her stomach churns. Getting closer, she realizes that it's Mick. 

Seeing Chad and Rosalyn returning, Mick straightens, still leaning on the fence. He hadn't been waiting too long, but long enough to have hoped the couple would actually be seen again today. Not that he could blame them if they didn't return - news of that morning's incident had spread quickly. 

"Hey, guys." A thin smile is present on his lips, but his eyes tell a different story. 

As they approach, Rosalyn's grip on Chad's hand tightens. "Hi, Mick." 

Mick gives them a slow nod, the wheels in his mind turning. He glances at his niece. "Would you mind if I had a word with Chad alone?"

Rosalyn grows even more tense. "You're not gonna-"

"It's fine," Mick assures gently. "I just want to talk to him."

Rosalyn isn't so sure, but she finally lets go of Chad's hand. "Okay..." She looks up at Chad, hoping that he wasn't going to get raked over the coals again. "I'll be in the dining hall probably, so you can find me when you're done." 

Mick patiently waits, not wanting anyone to get upset all over again.


Eric smirks at Stacy's question before sighing. "It's okay. I'm gonna live. But I gotta stay off it today. I begged Angel for permission to go to town tomorrow though, and she said yes, as long as I take it easy, so..." His eyes gain a teasing glint, as he takes her arm and pulls her down on his chest, his face inches from hers. 

"No roughhousing," he concludes. "I ain't gonna be fast enough to go running after ya for a few days."


"You kidding?" Jared pulls himself up in bed a little more so he could sit straighter. "Everything you bring sounds good." He quirks an eyebrow. "Maybe some of your little taste testing sessions actually did me some good, even though now I remember stuff I like or don't like. I'm pretty sure you had me try things I never had before, and... regardless... whatever you do to the food just makes it better anyway."