By your own choice

For just a moment, Mick doesn't respond as he studies Chad's face. Finally though, he nods. Leaning both arms on the fence, he looks out across the pasture. "I'm not going to tell you to leave, Chad. I might think it was dumb of you and Rosalyn to spend the night together - innocent or not - but that doesn't warrant me kicking you out, in my mind." 

He pauses, his eyes continuing to roam the field. When speaking again, his voice remains quiet and steady. "I do wonder though if you've considered leaving by your own choice, for Rosalyn's sake. Not to run away or break things off, but..." He shrugs and finally turns his gaze back to Chad, locking eyes with him. 

"I guess the way I figure it, if I didn't like seeing her torn in two like this, I might think it would be a good idea to swallow some pride and go grab a hotel in town instead. I don't agree with the way Jim's handling things. But I care a great deal about my niece, and I just want to make sure she doesn't get any more hurt for the sake of pride. Sticking around isn't going to show Jim anything other than you disrespecting him - true or not." 

He stops again, letting Chad consider his words. "I'm not going to try and force you to do anything. It's just something to think about. I can't control my brother and I don't want anybody to get any more hurt than they already have been."

Still grinning, Eric shakes his head. "Naw... I don't need nothin." He pauses in thought. "Well... another kiss might be nice..." 

Bringing his good leg up, it nudges Stacy back down on him. Slipping his hand behind her head, he coaxes her close enough to kiss her lips again, holding her for several long moments. They didn't often get time alone to be affectionate. On nightly walks, it was a job to do, and getting up to the hayloft didn't happen but once in a while. It was kind of nice to have just a few quiet moments now.

"Okay," he finally relents. "That should hold me over for a while." He smiles, running his hand down her cheek. "In the meantime, just tell Ash I can't ride with her today."

Getting situated on the floor and using the bed as a backrest, another smile creases Jared's lips. "Mm.... this really looks good." 

And it was. He really did like Grace's cooking... and her company. Despite the pain in his shoulder, he tried to be in a good mood. 

"So.... what do you do when you're not working?" Jared takes a bite of chicken, glancing over at her. He new a lot about her, but at the same time, there was a whole lot he didn't know. He really didn't know her much apart from her job and... if they were going to be... friends... he was curious.