Gunner just grinned and accepted Bree's kiss, tightening his arms around her again. Returning her sweet affection, he said no more about her worry or what might be bothering him...and he ignored his own thoughts that were looming in the back of his mind.
After a short while of just cuddling and enjoying each other's attention, Gunner finally settled in on the couch with Bree in his arms. It had been a tiring day, even if he hadn't done much, and sleep came more easily than he thought it would. It felt nicer here than alone in his apartment. It felt...safer.
Night, though, has a way of bringing to mind the things we fear the most...
Gunner woke with a start, his mind in a thick fog. Not knowing where he was, he sat bolt upright, accidentally knocking Bree around without even realizing it. With racing pulse, he untangled himself from her and stood abruptly, his eyes trying to adjust to the dark living room. Somehow figuring out where he was, he stumbled towards the hallway. If anything was said to him, he didn't hear.
By the time he made it to the bathroom, he'd woken up enough to gain his full bearings, but that didn't stop his pounding heart, or the fact that he was shaking all over. After shedding his sweat-soaked t-shirt, he leaned on the sink, turning on the cold water to splash on his face. Just staring at the swirling water, he tried to regain control, but it wasn't easy. The images were still too fresh in his mind.
Reese reached over to place a finger under Angelica's chin and turn her face towards his. Smiling, he leaned in for a tender kiss. "Yes, it's a thought, and I haven't had such a hairbrained one in years." His eyes started to twinkle. If there was one thing Angelica did, it was bring out the fun in him. Around her, he could just be himself and live without worrying about what others might think. It was a side of him that few saw, and that she so expertly brought out in him. Tonight was just further proof.
"I say we throw caution into the wind and do it." Standing, he took both her hands and pulled her up too, before swinging her around in a little circle. "All I've been doing lately is putting my personal life, including you, on the back burner, and I'm tired of it. We can go the traditional route if you want - I'll do whatever you want, as far as a wedding is concerned. But if you really like the idea of Vegas...I think we should do it."
Eventually gaining back control of her emotions, Rosalyn sniffed and just let her head rest against Chad's shoulder, letting him continue to hold her. "That sounds terrible," she mumbled. "About me not having anything to worry about once you're gone. None of this is your fault, and you know I'll miss you."
Sighing deeply, she finally pulled herself away so she could look up at Chad's face and study his eyes. Those beautiful, deep, alluring, shining eyes. "I'm sorry...I hope I didn't ruin your evening. I really have had a wonderful time, and I'm so happy you came for a visit. I just wish things were different."
Her eyes lowered and her fingers found one of his shirt buttons to fiddle with. A little giggle surfaced, even though tears still lingered in her eyes. "You're gonna have to come back so I can fix more of your buttons."
Clint slowly wandered from the shop after cleaning up and putting a
few tools away. It was late by now, and the ranch was quiet. Peaceful.
As peaceful as it could be with all the inner turmoil he was feeling.
Heading
home, he slipped inside quietly. It was the norm now for him to get
home after Wendy and Chase were in bed. Some nights he felt badly about
it. He was working, but that still left Wendy alone and getting Chase to
bed on her own. She never complained, but Clint wished he could settle
down sooner in the evenings so he could spend more time with her. Lately
though, he just felt...uneasy. Unsettled. Stifled.
After
a quick shower and changing into some comfy clothes, rather than going
to bed, he flopped down on the couch and turned the tv on without sound.
All he'd do if he went to bed would be toss and turn anyway, and he
didn't want to keep Wendy awake with him.
Though his
eyes focused on the screen, his mind was busy with thoughts of his
dad...his sister...even his brother whom he never saw. He thought of
Wes...the shop...things he couldn't do anymore because they lived and
worked here. It wasn't that he was ungrateful or that he didn't know the
good things he had here. He had so much and he loved his family dearly.
But...wasn't there more to life than this ranch?
"Wow."
Though he should be in bed by now, Mick was still up with Rosetta,
going through today's mail that he hadn't had time to look at until now.
It wasn't the most romantic thing to do, but since BJ was in bed, at
least it was a little time with Rosetta before heading to bed
themselves.
He held up a letter and a check. "Listen to this...
Mick, We probably texted already today..."
He paused and nodded with a chuckle. "We did.
...so
I won't waste your time chatting. I just wanted to send you this check
for the ranch. I know things can be tight and I wanted to help. Hit it
big at a race the other night, and I figured sending part of my profit
to you guys instead of blowing it on partying was the better option this
time. You all help a lot of people (this I know) and I just wanted to
give back. Tell everyone hi. Can't wait to come visit again. - Hunter."
Mick
shook his head and smiled as he showed Rosetta the check for two
thousand dollars. "I was just asking God this morning how we were going
to finish making this month's payments."
