Feelings

As the shadow form on the table Trey looks quickly to Kaylee almost in a pouncing fashion in case it was something that was going to harm his sister. Seeing it was Carson though Trey relaxes a little bit. He hadn't meant to get defense but maybe there was still a few things he needed to get use too. Being on guard was just second nature.

Looking back to Cindy at the mention of pizza Trey can feel his stomach grumble a little bit. He hadn't realized how hungry he was till now. The thought of the mouth watering pizza sure did sound good though. He's only had it once but he could tell it some something that was going to become his most liked food.

   "I...don't know what kind I like. I only tried pizza for the first time the other day. It had pepperoni on it and that was pretty good. Other than that though...I don't know."

Trey felt silly saying he didn't know what he liked on a pizza. It seemed so normal for so many people to have pizza here and him he had no idea what was good and what wasn't. It really at this point was trial and error.

Looking down at her glass again and than looking up at Jason Katie just study's him for a long moment. His question had so many answers and she wasn't sure what one she should say first or at all. It was a loaded question with no answer. Where they ok? Where they really?

   "I...I think we are...arnt we? I mean other than not being as close, not hanging out together as much...I guess thats what normal people do right? One person has there friends, and the other person has there friends and they dont....mingle together?"

Katie did her best not to be upset, or sound bitter. She didn't know how to explain this or what words tor really say. This whole emotionally not being connected and trying not to explain how she felt...it pretty much sucked.

   "Not to sure how this whole being normal things goes. I'm still just playing by ear."

Sitting in the grass and watching Justin fish every now and than Beth would give up and play with the dogs, pet them or throw a stick they would bring to her. Now though they were off somewhere doing something and it was her time to relax. The sun was warm and the breeze was nice not making it to hot.

   "Yes Zach is his first name. The other day was pretty fun. She showed me around the animal shelter and I think I might volunteer there once or twice a week. Than we went for ice cream and look at old antiques. It was kind of fun looking at the old stuff most people forget about."

Leaning back on her arms Beth looks out across the water watching the ripples, and the dragon flys darting to and fro. It was so peaceful here she liked it, it was quiet, and what noises there were, were soft and comforting.

   "He also asked me out on a date sometime next week. I...figured I need to branch out a little bit so I told him yes. I am kind of nervous about it because I've never been on a date before...But thanks to your help I am ready to try some new adventures so on top of being nervous I am kind of excited too."

Feeling Tyler's arms slip around her Faith gives a smile. Even if she hadn't heard him come into the house and new his touch and she could tell it was him. There was just something about it that gave her chills before he even spoke.

   "Hey there handsome, of course I missed you. I always do when your out working."

Setting the knife down that was busy cutting up some apples for a pie Faith brings her hands to Sparky's and leans back against him slightly for a moment closing her eyes and just soaking up his comfort and being close. She wasn't sure if he had more work to do or not so she would get all she could, while she could.

   "Did you and Dylan get everything done that you needed too?"

Looking down at Eric's leg Angel pokes a little, moves it a little and prods it but does it in a gentile nature unlike most doctors.  Going over to her cabnit she grabs an ointment and rubs some of it on Eric's leg before returning it to its place.

   "Don't worry nothing is wrong that was just some iceyhot to try and see if we can get the muscles loosened a little bit. You're leg is extramly stiff, and was over worked yesterday. You need to take it easy today and not be on it for long amount of time."

Angel puts her hands on her hips and looks at Eric in a stern manor. If he didn't start taking it easy he was going to never give it time to heal than it would turn into a bigger problem than need be. 

   "I'll be checking on you through out the day and if your not taking it easy I'll make Mick tie you down so you will. Understand me?"

  

Breakdown

Eric smiles and looks back to Stacy with a nod. "Yeah... I'll be around unless there's an earthquake and my bunk gets swallowed up." 

He tosses her a wink. Reaching up, he gives her shoulder a little squeeze. "G'night, Stacy." After a little pause, he finally turns and heads towards his bunkhouse. There was a part of him that was very wide awake. And a part of him that was exhausted. He knew he'd regret it in the morning if he didn't at least try to sleep. 

Once inside, he flops down on his bed with a groan. Touching his leg gingerly, he winces. He'd ignored it all day long and had a good job not favoring it - now he was paying for it. It had been worth it though... A grin creeps across his lips. Different.... very different... but worth it....

"...yeah so...I guess I was on my feet a little too much yesterday." Eric sits on Angel's table, giving her a bit of a sheepish look. He'd taken his meds last night and iced his leg down for quite a while before finally going to sleep. But by this morning it had been so stiff he'd barely been able to get out of bed. He'd made it to Angel's before most others were up and hoped he'd be able to at least work in the barn by late morning if he could loosen up enough. 

"Kinda... just stiff I guess but figured I should let you look at it."

Sparky leans on the corral fence and watches as Dylan struggles to keep Sharpshooter under control. The gelding was giving his rider a much harder time than normal, fighting the big and crow-hopping around the corners.

Dylan grits his teeth, maintaining a firm grip on his reins. Keeping his heels down and his seat planted in the saddle, he was doing all he could, but was growing more frustrated. As Sharpshooter throws his head again, Dylan gives the bit a yank, fed up with how today's ride was going.

Sparky holds up his hand, waving him over. "Bring him in, Dylan. I think that's enough for  today."

Dylan scowls but does as he's told. It was only after he'd dismounted and was untacking in the barn that Sparky approaches him. Grabbing a towel to rub down Sharpshooter, he glances over at the young man. "What's up, Dylan?"

"With what? This beast? I have no idea."

Sharpshooter lays his ears back as Dylan rubs him down a little roughly. Sparky nods. "Take a step back."

"What?"

"Step back. Do it."

Thought not understanding why, Dylan steps back from from the horse. "Yeah?"

"Take a good hard look at this horse and tell me why he's been misbehaving all morning."

It takes a few moments, but eventually, Dylan's shoulder's drop. "You're telling me he's been reacting to me, aren't you?"

"I'm not. Sharpshooter is though."

Dylan sighs and steps back up to the horse more gently this time. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ridden at all today."

"Maybe." Sparky continues working slowly. "Something bothering you?"

"No."

"Ah. Okay."

Dylan pauses and looks over at his uncle before sighing again. There was a lot bothering him. Ever since Dan had brought him back, it felt like he was at the bottom of a dark pit, and ironically, today seemed worse after last night. "I dunno. Guess I'm just thinking about last night."

"Oh? You didn't have a good time?"

"No, I did... I just..." Dylan's eyes lower. "I got to thinking about it afterward, and I figure I really didn't deserve to be included like that."

Sparky tips back his hat a little and leans on Sharpshooter. "I find very few things I actually deserve..." He cocks his head. "But that doesn't mean I'm not supposed to accept what others give."

When Dylan falls silent, Sparky studies him closely. He felt badly for the young man and knew he must be in awful turmoil much of the time. It was obvious to him that Dylan needed to release a lot of things he was keeping stuffed inside. But would he? "Got a job for you today unless you've got too much schoolwork."

"I always do," Dylan scoffs. "What'dya got?"

Sparky chuckles. "I need a hand - I gotta go work on a section of fence. Just gonna take a four-wheeler. Thought I'd do it over lunch if I can get Faith to make us a couple sandwiches."

Dylan shrugs. Sounded better than eating inside a crowded dining room or skipping and being chided for it. "Yeah sure."

"Good. Let's finish up with this brute then and I'll see you back here in a couple hours."

"...so I guess 'cause I was working as a mechanic, the nickname stuck and it's been with me ever since." Sparky struggles to tighten a strand of wire around the fence post, needing Dylan's help to hold it in place.

Dylan shakes his head. "Faith's the only one I hear call you Tyler."

Sparky chuckles. "Yeah, well... I guess when somebody's that special to ya, they can get away with more than other people."

Dylan almost grins. He'd never say so, but he thought Sparky and Faith were kind of cute together. Her being so much younger and Sparky still obviously head over heels for her. It was... refreshing. He wondered if it was a rarity. "You think everybody has a chance at having somebody... well... special like that?"

Setting the wire with a grunt, Sparky straightens and wipes his brow. "I do think so. Not everybody takes the opportunity when it's there, but I think there's a chance for everybody, yeah."

"Like... my dad and Rosetta?" Dylan's eyes had dropped to the ground as he toys with an extra piece of wire. He hadn't really meant to ask that out loud, but it had slipped. It was just the first thing that had popped into his mind since he often wondered about it - the subject of his dad and Rosetta and how they'd ended up together after all those years.

Sparky quirks an eyebrow. "Well I suppose so. I mean, they're pretty special to each other as far as I can tell."

"Yeah..."

"You don't think so?"

"Nah." Dylan shrugs. "I do. I just figure Dad loves Rosetta more than he did Mom is all. Like he was supposed to be with Rosetta all along."

Sparky frowns and takes off his gloves to lean on the fence post. "What are you getting at?"

"Well I couldn't ever see my dad abandoning her or BJ." Again the words were out before Dylan realized it.

Now Sparky understood. "But... he did abandon you and your family?"

"Well didn't he?"

Sparky sighs deeply. He could see the bitter anger in his nephew's eyes but didn't know what to do about it. "I'm not gonna pretend to know what happened. But from what I understand, due to Agency interference, your mom told him to leave."

"He coulda fought longer," Dylan grumbles. He hadn't intended to talk about any of this, but now that it was the topic of choice, he might as well ride it out, especially when he was out of Mick's earshot. "He wouldn't let the Agency win now if his life depended on it. Not when Rosetta and BJ are involved."

"Hey." Sparky looks at him sternly. "I don't know why he gave up then. But there were a lot of factors in play at the time, and you can't keep on blaming him like this. He loves you to no end. I think you know it and just aren't willing to accept it."

"But he-"

"He has fought tooth and toenail to keep you here and keep you safe. Do you know how many times he has fought your mother just to have another chance at getting to know you? Not a day goes by that I don't see him watching you just to make sure you're okay. And when he sees you working or sees you on a horse, there's not a man more proud." Sparky sets his hands on his hips. "I don't know what happened before or whether he'd do the same thing today or not. But the past is the past and the Mick I know today loves you."

Dylan fights his churning emotions and the burning behind his eyes. He digs his toe in the ground, not willing to look up at Sparky. He remembered the phone call he'd heard when Dan had brought him back, but it didn't erase what had happened prior. "He doesn't even trust me not to hurt an innocent girl."

"Ah. Still hanging onto that one too?"

"Wouldn't you?" Dylan shoots him a glare. "If roles were switched, would you have done differently?"

Sparky doesn't leave time for thinking - only praying somewhere in the split seconds between words. "Well what did you do?"

"I did the only thing I know how." Dylan's glare remains as his eyes glisten. He didn't know why he felt so angry all of a sudden, but if he didn't speak, he feared getting sick. He'd talked to no one about this, but Sparky's question was too blunt to ignore. "I went out, shot myself up with drugs, hung out with old pals and I probably slept around a bit too, although some nights I don't even remember what I did."

Stuffing his hands in his pockets he turns to hide the emotions on his face, choosing to pace a few feet away. "That's all I know how to do, ya know... that's all I did before. Drugs, booze, girls... I was younger than Ashlee when it all started. Can you imagine her going out and letting a guy have his way with her while she's shooting up on drugs? Huh? No, that would be despicable! But not for me. That's just who I am."

Sparky doesn't know what to say, so he remains silent. He wasn't sure what had triggered this explosion but he knew it was best to let it ride.

Dylan kicks at a clod of dirt. "I shoulda just killed myself when I had the chance. At least then nobody would have to keep their eye on me anymore or worry about me doing anything stupid."  He spins around and stares at Sparky. "Do you know how close I was to pulling to that trigger?" He holds up his fingers. "This close. And Dan talked me out of it."

Sparky swallows hard and tries to keep his voice steady. "I'm glad he did."

"No you're not. No one is." Dylan's words were spat in an anger he didn't even understand. "I wasn't worth fighting for when I was a kid and I'm not now."

"That's a lie!" Sparky couldn't help it that his volume rose. He couldn't imagine what would have happened if Dylan had actually ended his life. It was heartbreaking. "Don't buy into it," he orders sternly. "That's a lie from the devil himself. You are worth so much more than you think, and you're certainly worth fighting for."

Dylan turns again and slams his fist onto a fencepost. The pain in his hand didn't compare to the pain in his heart though. His jaw quivers as unwanted tears roll slowly down his face. "Maybe I was once," he counters, "but I'm not anymore."

"That's another lie." Sparky takes a step closer but doesn't yet invade the boy's space. He was talking to Dylan's back but prayed his words would be heard. "So you made some mistakes. So what? We all do."

"Not my kind of mistakes." Dylan shakes his head. "Do you even know what I've done?!"

"I know some but-"

"Do you know how many times I begged for drugs? Do you know what I did to get them? Do you know how many times I gave in to my so-called friends' demands just for one more shot?" Dylan swipes angrily at his eyes. He had not spoken of any of this since he'd admitted his past to Rosetta and Mick. But it had just been raw facts, that was all. Today... this was release. "Do you know how many girls I slept with? Do you know what they made me do in front of others just to taunt me and make fun of me before finally giving me more drugs? Do you know how many mornings I woke up without even knowing where I'd been the night before?!"

Sparky's heart ached more with each of Dylan's angry words. "No... no, I don't know. But I don't need to. Because nothing, nothing, is worth you giving up your life for. You are more than your actions. More than your past. More than your mistakes."

"Then why does my father judge me on them?!" Dylan whirls around, not caring anymore about his uncle seeing his tears. "That's all he remembers! Sure, when Dan brought me home, he was raising heck with my mom and saying all sorts of great things about me. But what about the next time I screw up? What then?" He throws up his hands. "Is he just gonna bring up my mistakes again? My bad reputation in front of my friends again? Is he just gonna use my past against me like he always does? He doesn't trust me now and he never will. So you tell me how I'm more than my mistakes."

Staring into Dylan's glare, Sparky doesn't back down. Taking another step forward, he sets his hands firmly on Dylan's shoulders. "Your father is not exempt from mistakes either." He searches Dylan's eyes for any sign of hope. "As much as you deserve forgiveness, so does he. Maybe he hasn't been the best of fathers. Maybe he doesn't even know how. But the bottom line is that he loves you. And if you think otherwise, then that's just one more lie you've chosen to believe."

Dylan tries to control his tears, finding it hard to speak. He wanted to believe his uncle. He wanted to so badly. But how could he? "When I left..." He chokes and pauses before finding his voice again. "...All I could think about was when I was a little kid. I still see him driving away and Mom holding me back from running out the door. It's one of the earliest memories I've got. And when he accused me of hurting Ashlee, all I could think about was him walking away from me again."

Drawing in a ragged breath, he shakes his head. "I knew I could find my buddies, and I did. And I knew what they'd have for me. And I hated every moment of it. I despised myself every time I stared at the needle or was enticed by one of the girls. Every moment, I loathed myself more. And I figured..." Another tear cascades down his cheek and his voice cracks. "I figured if I hated myself that much, that Dad must hate me ten times more than that. There was no point in trying to get away or to do something else. When I was left alone, there was a gun. I was scared and so I texted Dan and he talked me out of doing anything... But I wish he hadn't. I wish-"

"No!" Sparky gives his shoulders a jolt. "No you don't!" His own gaze had become a glare. "You've felt abandoned, you've made mistakes, and you've felt unloved. I am so sorry that you have gone through any of that, let alone all of it. But Dylan, so help me, if you ever think about something like that again, I'll..." He stops himself before saying anything stupid, and he shakes his head instead. "You come to me first and I'll tell you why your life is worth living."

Dylan sniffs and wipes his eyes. "Last night... when I was in town... I had a lot of fun. I got to know Eric a little better and Stacy too and... and I enjoyed hanging around Ashlee too." He swallows hard. "And when I got home, I started to realize that somewhere along the way, I missed out on being a kid, ya know?"

"I know..." Sparky nods. "I know."

"And then I realized how much innocent fun I'd missed out on... how since that one bad choice, my innocence could never be bought back. My actions were like a stain I couldn't wash off. And last night... I realized how far I was from where I should be... should have been."

Sparky nods again. "And that's okay, Dylan... it really is. I'm so proud of you for seeing that because you know what that means? It means you're ready to move on. You made mistakes, you've admitted them, and now you're going through the awful pain of realizing just what you really did. But once you get through this, that stain won't matter. You are so much more than your actions. And don't forget... you've made bad choices, but that first time... it wasn't you, remember?"

Dylan knew it. He knew he'd been forced into taking drugs and had been manipulated until he was hooked. "I still should have resisted. I should have told somebody."

"Yeah, probably. But you can't blame just yourself for what happened. You never would have gone back to that life recently if you'd never been there in the first place, and you never would have been there in the first place if it hadn't been for the Agency."

"I know... but I still... there were days... I... I did like it."

"And that's the only part you gotta work on." Sparky desperately wanted to help and had no idea if anything he was saying was making any sense. "You're okay, Dylan. You're safe, you're loved... you're going through some growing pains, but we all do at some point or another. Don't let it win... please..."

New tears spring into Dylan's eyes. "It just... it hurts..."

Pulling his nephew in, Sparky wraps his arms around him in a firm hug. "I know it hurts... there's nothing anybody can do about that. But it won't last... I promise... if you keep going and don't give up, it won't last..."

For once, Dylan was too tired to resist the comfort offered. Leaning into his uncle, the sobs that had been held back for so long, finally come spilling out.

Sparky closes his eyes and doesn't let go. The boy's pain was so intense he could almost feel it himself. And he was so thankful that Dylan had survived this long. If only he could hang on a little longer... keep going just a little more... God, please bring healing. Please... please help me help this boy. He needs You and needs to feel love so badly... don't let me fail, please...

  "...Here."

Dylan looks over at Sparky to see a sandwich being offered to him. He shakes his head and leans back against the tree, under which they were sitting. He felt utterly exhausted and just wished they were closer to home so he could sink into bed.

Sparky doesn't give up and nudges him with an elbow. "You need to eat something. Otherwise Faith will think you didn't like her cooking."

"Yeah, right." Dylan knew it was just a ploy, but he gives in anyway and finally accepts the food. After a couple bites, he takes a swig of lemonade from the thermos.

Sparky was glad Dylan was eating something - he needed it. After their time at the fence, they'd come to sit under this tree in the shade and had had a much calmer talk. A few more tears had been shed, but Sparky knew that today marked the day that true healing had begun. Dylan had a very hurt heart - but slowly, slowly the wounds would heal, and today he'd allowed the first steps to take place.

Sighing, Dylan leans his head back against the rough bark and chews his sandwich. "I'm sorry," he mumbles quietly.

"For what?"

"I dunno... everything. Venting on you. Making a fool out of myself."

Sparky pats Dylan's leg. "First off, you don't need to be sorry for venting, and second, you didn't make a fool out of yourself. On the contrary, only a fool looks in a mirror, sees a smudge of dirt, then turns around and walks away. Today you stayed and wiped that smudge off before turning back around."

Dylan thought he understood. And he was grateful. "You're not... gonna like... tell anybody, are you?"

"Hey, what happens out here stays out here. This is between you, me, God, and nobody else unless you're the one that invites them."

"Okay." Dylan glances out the corner of his eye, studying Sparky for a moment or two. "Thanks."

"Anytime, Dylan... Anytime."

It took a while to finish the work they'd set out to do, but for once, Dylan didn't mind. His body and mind were so tired, but he kept working the best he could. After all he'd just been through, he felt utterly drained. And yet... at the same time... he felt a little lighter. As if some of his burden had finally been lifted. He knew it wasn't over yet. He knew that he couldn't heal overnight. But maybe today was the first time he wanted to heal. Part of him felt embarrassed for opening up like he had... and part of him was glad. He didn't know what tomorrow would look like, but at least for today he felt like he'd finally taken a small step forward. And that was enough to give him courage to keep going...

...Pulling in on the four-wheeler near the barn, Dylan slides off from behind Sparky, ready to call it quits for the day. If he could get his mind to concentrate, he really did need to accomplish some school today. As far as any socializing went... he'd rather hibernate. Starting to walk away, Sparky stops him.

"Hey?"

Dylan turns. "Yeah?"

"Would you like to come over and eat dinner with Faith and me tonight?" Sparky shrugs. "I'm kinda not wanting the crowd tonight and I'm sure Faith wouldn't mind."

Dylan's eyebrows rise. He was being invited over? He didn't even know Faith all that well. Did he really want to be around anybody at all? A quiet supper was... kind of appealing. He finds himself nodding. "Okay. Just let me know what time or whatever."

"You got it." Sparky gives him a wave before steering the four-wheeler towards the garage. "See you later then."

Dylan rolls his leather gloves in his hands and wanders towards his bunkhouse. Once there, he retrieves a couple school books and goes to sit on his little porch, trying his best to get his mind on world history and math.

...Sparky brushes some dirt off his jeans before stepping up onto the porch and letting himself into the house. Spying Faith in the kitchen, he grins and comes up behind her, knowing she'd heard him. Slipping his arms around her waist, he leans his chin over her shoulder and gives her cheek a kiss. "Hello, my love." He gives her a loving squeeze. "Miss me?"

Justin smiles a little to himself, glad Beth was wiling to ride with him. There had been a time she wouldn't have. "Great..." He wraps up the subs and puts them in the cooler too. "I guess we're ready to go then!" 

It didn't take too long to get everything in the pickup, dogs and all, and head to the pond. It was a nice day to roll down the windows and just enjoy the fresh outdoor air. 

...Relaxed and sitting in the grass, Justin slowly reels and casts again, fingering the line and keeping his eyes squinting on the sparkling water. The dogs tramp around in the taller grass, flushing out rabbits, chasing each other, or taking turns going to Beth for attention. 

Justin looks over at Beth and grins. Though not letting things bother him today... he did want to ask. "So... how was your day hanging out with... Zach? That's his name right?" 

"Mm... the knee's doing alright." Jason shrugs. "Still some bad days but overall it's doing alright. I try to ignore it when it hurts. Rick's still breathing down my neck about taking it easy though so he still hasn't released me to work on hard cases for Reese yet." He rolls his eyes. 

It was strange, explaining to Katie all this. There had been a time when she would have already known how his knee was doing. She would have felt some of the pain herself and known.  

Fiddling with his soda pop glass, Jason clears his throat. Another awkward pause. Why?? He hated it. Finally looking up at Katie again, he sighs. The words had been on the tip of his tongue for longer than he'd care to admit. Maybe it was finally time to let them out. 

"Are we okay?" 

Cindy smiles and cocks her head. "Each day I stay away, it makes it a little harder to go back. I know I have to before I'd rather leave it all behind." 

A new look of pleasure enters her eyes at Trey's suggestion of him visiting. "I would love for you to come sometime. I really would. You're... welcome any time." 

"Yes!" Kalyee yells and throws up her hands. "Food! Hungry!" She hadn't noticed the shadow of someone behind her and when a face comes down over her shoulder she jumps, her eyes going wide before she falls into a fit of giggles. 

Carson grins and tugs her pigtails teasingly. "I think somebody needs food before they turn into a mini hulk." 

Cindy laughs. "You're probably right. We better order something." 

Straightening, Carson folds his arms, not needing a pen and paper. "What'll it be?"

"Pizza, of course. What else?" 

He grins again. "Right." 

Cindy nods at Trey. "What kind do you like?"

Head out

Walking with Eric talk was limited but Stacy didn't mind one bit. The whole night had been filled with chatter and just having Eric walking with her now was nice. The silence wasn't awkward and just simple looks, and gestures spoke louder than any would possible could have.

Giving a smile to Eric as they came to a stop by the bunks Stacy didn't want the night to end but she new it must. Normal people wernt use to staying up this late, and when it came to the people at the ranch waking up at six was late, so staying up till two or three was a no go.

   "I need to get use to ranch life bed early up early, but than again...I guess that will never be my life, since rounds are always at this time."

Stacy gives another smile to show she was not sad about it. Habits were hard to break and she often wondered if she ever would. Something told her no though. It was the job and she loved it more than anything.

   "Good Night Eric. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Going to the fridge Beth grabs the bottles of water and walks over to the cooler. Moving them around in the ice a little bit to get them extra cold she smiles looking to Justin. She was happy he wouldn't mind if she came to church with him again. She liked it there and having someone she new that she could talk too if she had questions was nice too.

   "I think...I'll ride with you. Not point in taking two cars if we are going to the same place."

Scarlet lets out a chuckle at Eli's comment. It was fun to be able to tease each other and know that thats all it was. It was just a nice feeling to know the respect was there and there understanding was the same so there was no worry. That was important to Scarlet and she liked knowing Eli was on the same page.

   "Good, because I don't think I ever do want to get rid of you."

Leaning in and giving Eli another kiss on the lips quick Scarlet pulls away and finally slips down off his bike letting her hand linger on his before walking over to her bike and getting on taking her helmet in her hands.

   "Alright, lets head out before its to late for a movie."

Hearing there was concert coming up Katie gives a nod. She would never miss it for anything. She always liked playing the bodyguard and she didn't plan on stopping now. As Jason mentions Sandy though Katie can't help but tense a little bit. Happy he quickly moved on her did her best to just move on with it. She didn't want to right, upset or put a sour taste in anyones mouth today.

   "Of course I will be there. I wouldn't miss it for anything. I'd call you crazy if you think I would."

Taking a sip of her water Katie looks down at swishes the ice cubes around a little bit before putting the glass down. Looking up at Jason again Katie gives a small smile. So far today it had been an enjoyable one. Maybe things were starting to change, maybe...just maybe things would be ok.

   "So hows you knee feeling?"

Looking across the table at his mother Trey could see the sad look in his mother eyes about going home. What a feeling it must be to miss home but know when you get there ghosts and memories where the only thing waiting for you. 

   "Maybe you should stay a few more days? Couldn't hurt right?"

Glancing over at Kaylee as she squirms around in her chair and babbles away about nothing special Trey laughs to himself. He wondered if he had that much energy when he was a kid. Something told him though that Kaylee got all her's from her father. From what Cindy had said about Wes he seemed like a good guy who had loved life, and never slowed down a bit never wanting to miss anything. 

   "Once you do leave though...maybe...I can come see you. I've never been to Texas before."

Goodnight?

As Stacy takes his hand, Eric automatically closes his fingers and a new little smile emerges. He was glad that she wouldn't mind his company after being with him all evening. He wasn't ready to go to bed yet anyway. 

Walking silently with her, Eric knew her route well. Though words were few, it was just nice to enjoy the night air and... be with someone. 

By the time they had circled back towards the bunkhouses, Eric's arm had slipped around Stacy's shoulders. Stopping near his bunk, he sighs. "Well... I guess it's about time for me to get some sleep if I'm gonna be any good tomorrow." His arm slips from Stacy and his eyes make their way to the ground as he shifts his weight awkwardly, not sure exactly how to end this evening. "So, um... goodnight, I s'pose." 

Justin was thrilled that Beth had enjoyed church, but he doesn't want to make too big of a deal out of it for her sake. So instead, he smiles and nods. "Well sure - anytime you wanna come is great."

Finishing up the subs, he thinks for a moment. "Um... there are a couple bottles of water in the fridge that can go in the cooler and... I guess that's it, unless you want to take something else. The fishing gear is all ready to go. You wanna drive or ride with me?"

"Mmm, I'd love to sit here and think a while." Eli laughs and wriggles his fingers to tickle Scarlet's ribs. "However, if we do, you maybe shouldn't risk taking me to your place later," he teases. "You might not get rid of me."

Kissing her nose, he lets her loose so she can get up. Though he often teased her, he knew good and well where they both stood and he was okay with it. He'd lived with a girl for a while once and though tempted at other times to do the same, he enjoyed the fact that he and Scarlet could have a respectable relationship and still have plenty of good clean fun. Scarlet kept him on his toes and he loved it. He wouldn't know what to do if she had less energy - it kept him going... made him feel alive. He even owed her for him starting back to church again. Everything about her was just... bliss.

Realizing he was staring at her, he grins and shakes his head. "Well... you're really never gonna get rid of me."

Jason shakes his head and returns his focus to his plate of food. "Nah... not much. Mostly paperwork on my end since I'm not a hundred percent yet." He shrugs. "At least we got that concert coming up next week. Phil and Mike keep thinking up new things to do. Jen can't make it though so I think Axel's gonna come run sound for us." 

Pausing to take a sip of his water, he cocks his head. "You're planning on coming, right? I was telling Sandy just the..."  His sentence trails off before rephrasing. "Well, I figure I always want my bodyguard hero around."

Kaylee giggles as Trey rubs her cheek before turning back around and blowing sloppy raspberries and shaking her head, making her pigtails bounce and start to fall out of the tiny hair bands. 

Cindy smiles at Trey and rolls her eyes. "I'm doing great, if this little turkey would settle down. I even fed her differently this morning, thinking that might help but she's still going a hundred miles an hour." 

Sighing, her smile remains as she shrugs. "Otherwise... I'm not really sure I'm ready to go back to Texas but I know I have to."

Little Time

Gently without say anything about it Stacy slips her hand it Eric's and curls her fingers around his. Looking up at him she gives a smile her eyes twinkling. She didn't want the night to end so having him come with her was perfect.

   "I wouldn't mind at all. The continued company would be nice."

Still holding his hand Stacy leads the way on witch she normally started out. Once on the rout though she lets Eric lead and slows down the pace. It was a nice night out, warm with a cool breeze tonight...she was in no hurry.

Once back at Justin's apartment Beth helps but putting paper plates, cups, and utencles into a basket her had brought from her place. They could of gone in the cooler but they could of gotten damaged there and than they would be out of luck. Once finished with that she grabs the stuff to make some pasta salad and sets to work as Justin works on there subs.

Stopping for a moment at Justin question Beth looks up at him and gives a smile. Beth was in a great mood today and she couldn't help but feel being at church this morning had something to do with that. It really felt great like she been refreshed.

   "I had a wonderful time Justin. I'd like to go again if you wouldn't mind me being there with you. The sermon was good, your church is not to big and everyone you introduced me to seemed very nice."

Going back to mixing everything together Beth takes a little spoon and tastes it.  Tilting her head a little bit deep in thought about what else it might need she goes to Justin's fridge to see what he had. Grabbing the mustard and than going to the cubord to grab the pepper she returns. Adding a little of this and that she tastes it once more being giving a nod.

   "Now its perfect. What else do we have to bring?"

Putting her arms around Eli's neck Scarlet gives a laugh and she leans in a kiss him a little more before pulling away her eyes twinkling. Becoming closer and closer to Eli it was getting harder and harder to leave him behind each time she went on a job. Even if she new she would be back she missed him something horrible.

   "I think...coming over to my place would be a good idea. Let your sister be for one night so she can have a little bit of her own time."

Leaning her forehead against Eli's Scarlet looks into his eyes for a long moment before giving the tip of his nose a kiss, than his cheek, than his lips letting the kiss linger quiet a bit longer thing time before pulling away.

   "So, shall we hit the road or sit here and think a little bit more?"

Taking a sip of her water Katie sets it down than looks across the table and gives a smile to Jason. It seemed even small conversation was getting harder and harder but they were trying and that was important...right?

   "At the moment he's got me helping Gunner with the races outside of town he thinks the Agency might be in on. We haven't come across anything solid yet and if we don't soon than that case will more than likely be done. I wouldn't be superied though if they were part of it and have just covered it up good."

 Spooning some rice into her mouth Katie chews it studying Jason across the table. The topic of Sandy and Hunter had not come up yet and for that she was happy. Carson had told her to talk to Jason about her feels but she just didn't know how. Maybe not saying anything at all was a good thing and it was just fade with times.

Feeling what becoming a little easier now though most of her feelings were not alwasy good ones good ones it was a start. Now to just figure out how to get more good ones around Jason and she would be set. Surely they where there, she new she loved him, it was just trying to fine them, understand them, and work through them that was the hard part.

   "How about you anything fun and exciting?"

Entering Mom and Pop's and hearing his name a grin couldn't help but come across Trey's lips. He new that little voice already from once a few times, and he'd never forget it as long as he lived. Coming over to the booth and looking down at Kaylee he brings a finger to her cheek to give it a soft rub.

   "Hey there Squirt! Sure looks like your keeping mom on her toes today huh?"

Sitting down and taking his jacket off Trey leans his arms on the table and looks across the table at his mom giving a small smile. He felt...good about being here today. He'd been able to drive himself and spending a little bit of time with his mom and sister before they left would be nice.

The change had happened quickly, and still Trey himself could hardly believe that he was liking being here now. But it had happened and he was thankful...He's always wanted a sister, and his mom seemed so nice. 

   "How are you doing today?"

Unpleasant topics

Looking down into Stacy's eyes, Eric smiles a little then shakes his head. "I don't know why you're thanking me," he muses quietly. "All I did was come along for the ride. I'm the one that should be thanking you for..." He thinks for a moment then shrugs. "I guess giving me some new hope." 

Falling silent, his gaze meets hers and he bites his lip. "Mind if I tag along on your rounds?" 

Dylan flops down on his bed before changing his clothes, and stares up a the dark ceiling. It was strange... for having such a good time tonight, he figured he'd feel better than this. Why did he feel so empty? So lonely? It didn't seem right. He'd enjoyed his time with Ashlee and Stacy and even Eric. So what was his problem?

Rolling over onto his side, Dylan curls around his pillow. He missed family. He missed fun. He missed friends. He missed innocence - of which he could never gain back...

Justin could tell Beth was a bit nervous, but he was proud of her for coming in spite of it. Motioning to another room, he nods. "We've got Sunday school in here... come on and I'll introduce you to a few people and we'll find somewhere to sit..." 

Most people seemed warm and friendly, and the few people that Justin introduced Beth to welcomed her with smiles. Justin made sure Beth could stick as closely as she wanted, but didn't crowd her. After Sunday school there was a short break before the main service, and Justin found a spot off to the side to sit. Afterward though, there wasn't a whole lot of time to talk since they drove separately back to his place, and it wasn't until after they'd changed clothes and were in the kitchen making sandwiches that Justin found a good opportunity to talk. 

Putting on another slice of ham onto the sandwich he was working on at the kitchen counter, he gives Beth a sidelong glance. "So I hope you had a good time at church." 

Recalling the incident of Ryan going to Alec's, Eli's stomach churns and he looks away for a moment. There was more than one reason it bothered him, and he didn't want to talk about it. He was glad when Scarlet moved on, and nodded, also hoping that Tal's recovery would be quick. Tal hadn't complained once since being in the hospital, and he was more than determined to get out of there and get on with his life. He never talked about Alec either, and Eli had often wondered if there was fear there, but he'd kept that thought to himself. 

Looking up as Scarlet nears, he returns her kiss then grins. "You? What about me? I'm the poor boyfriend that gets left behind all the time." 

Reaching out, he pulls her down to sit sideways in front of him on his bike, his arms around her waist. "You owe me more than one measly little kiss ya know - for leaving me alone days on end..." He grins slyly and gives her another kiss just a bit longer this time. "Mm... nope, that won't do either..." Another kiss follows but he still shakes his head. "Nah, it just isn't enough. You're gonna have to come over tonight for a movie so we can ignore it while we occupy the couch. Unless you wanted to go to your place, in which case I wouldn't have to kick out my sister..." A teasing glint sparkles in his eyes. 

Jason leans back in the booth at Tou Han's, and closes his eyes with a sigh. "I begged Reese to let me back to work, and now all I want is a vacation. Go figure." 

Opening his eyes again, he straightens and gives Katie a wry grin. Today almost felt normal... kind of. At least they were eating lunch together. Nowadays that was saying something. 

"We haven't had any of the same cases lately," he comments. "What's the boss got you working on now?" It was easier to talk about work so they didn't touch on any unpleasant topics... like Sandy... or Hunter. 

"Trey!" Kaylee giggles and bounces in her highchair as she sees Trey come into Mom and Pop's. "Hi!" Throwing her arms in the air, she almost knocks over her cup of juice, which Cindy manages to catch before it falls. 

Cindy rolls her eyes but smiles anyway, waving at Trey. She'd gotten there early, and had chosen a booth off to the side that would be fairly quiet... that is, aside from Kaylee, who was apparently high on energy today.

Miss the most

   "I don't know. Rumor has it Alec felt a few fists to the face from Ryan and that alone would be only the tip of the wrath. I would guess thats a good thing its all he felt after all two wrongs don't make a right. But I don't blame Ryan at all."

Scarlet gives a nod as she listen's to Eli. He's given her a pretty good run down on everything that had happened and she could understand why he wanted to make sure Tal was truly ok to go home. Scarlet wouldn't be surprised if Eli or Ryan was stay with Tal a few nights at first just to make sure he could get around ok. The McKade's could be rough around the edges but they had hearts of gold and once you became a friend they would bend over backwards for you. Thats one thing Scarlet loved about Eli.

"Well thats good he can go home soon. With you and Ryan looking out for him there is no doubt he'll be ok and heal in no time."

Finishing off her bottle of water Scarlet walks to a near by garbage bin and tosses it in. Turning she leans her head to the side before pushing some of her hair out of the way. Looking back at Eli for a long moment she just smiles before walking over to him and lays a hand on his leg. Leaning in she gives him a kiss to the lips before pulling away a little bit.

   "Mmmmm...I've been waiting a few days now for that. I think thats what I miss the most when I am gone."

Giving a smile to Justin and a nod Beth shifts her weight a little bit. She was excited to be here, and a little nervous at the same time. She was as ready as she was going to get so it was now or never and she'd rather not have never come. She'd been travailing down that road for to long.

     "I'm all set. You lead the way and I will follow."

Giving a smile to Eric and pulling her stuff from the back of the truck to bring into the bunk Ashlee gives a smile. She was sleepy for sure but the day had been well worth it and she was happy.

   "I really did have a blast. Thank you so much for sharing it with me."

Offering a little wave Ashlee turns and slowly makes her way to the bunk. She new her mom would be up a while yet as she did her round and she was far to tired to even try to wait up. Once her head hit that pillow she'd be out and she new it.

Watching her daughter head twords the bunk house Stacy gives a smile before turning back to Eric. Tonight had been special for more than one reason and it would not be a night Stacy would soon forget. This would be one she would remember for a while.

   "Thank you Eric for making this night special, for Ash and myself."

Walking over to him Stacy study's his face for a moment wonder in her gaze. Would tomorrow be a different day and would everything tonight be forgotten? She didn't think so but the wonder was there anyways. She hoped tonight would not be the last.

   "I guess I should start my rounds."

Don't care

"Yeah..." Dylan nods, mulling over Ashlee's reaction to her mom and Eric. He was kind of impressed that she was taking the whole thing in stride. He knew lots of girls who wouldn't. But then... not every mom was like Stacy, and not every guy like Eric either. And Dylan... liked them both. 

Turning to the course, he points. "Ladies first. Looks like we're on our own for a while." 

They were, but only until the last course when Eric insisted he and Stacy take a turn too. Of course, Dylan and Ashlee won by a landslide, though Eric wouldn't be called a loser - he'd "graciously stepped aside." 

The evening didn't end there though - once ice cream was mentioned, it became a must, continuing the fun for a little while longer. No one talked about the change between Eric and Stacy, but it was just as well that attention wasn't drawn to it. All four of them knew it had happened anyway, and there wasn't really much to say. 

By the time they were all ready to head home, sleepy eyes were present and Eric offered to drive. Halfway back to the ranch, Dylan and Ashlee had both nodded off, providing a perfect opportunity for Eric to slip his hand over to Stacy's to hold the rest of the way... 

"...Night..." Dylan nods to Stacy, Ashlee and Eric after they'd arrived back at the ranch. It was late - dark, and time for bed. "And, um... thanks. I... had fun." Not waiting for a response, he turns and slowly ambles towards his bunkhouse. 

Leaning on the car, Eric gives Ashlee a wink. "G'night, birthday girl... hope you had a good time." 

Seeing Beth, Justin was glad she'd made it, and he smiles. "Hey there. I'm pretty good. Better now, knowing I gave you okay directions to get here." He chuckles. "Follow me and I'll show you where we're headed if you're ready."

Eli scoffs a little and shakes his head as he sits straddling his parked bike. "Yeah well... so far Alec's escaped the McKade wrath. I don't care though." He shrugs. "Maybe I do. I don't know." The truth was, he still felt hurt and angry, and he didn't want to talk about Alec. 

"Tal should be able to go home soon though. Least that's what the doctor says. Now that he's had his surgeries on his leg and hand and had a few metal pins put in here and there... I guess they just wanna make sure he'll stay stable and they'll release him."

Other End

As Eric slips he arm around her again Stacy leans into it slightly. For so long she had been on her own, no comfort, no encouragement, so strong arms to make her safe. She'd learned to deal with it, to build a wall to take care of herself and now...now so quickly Eric had been able to push that all away and she could feel herself melt into him. To accept the comfort, to soak it up like a dried out sponge.

There was just something about Eric that Stacy couldn't deny, it was just him and who he was. There was a fear there of the unknown but some how deep down there was a comfort. Something told her it would be ok and no Eric wouldn't hurt her. It was just a matter of time to let that sink in so she could truly believe that giving herself to him would be ok.

Watching the kids for a moment Stacy smiles. This moment made everything feel complete...it was like a family. God sure did know what he was doing when he brought Stacy and Ashlee here. Ashlee had found a father figure, she'd made a friend...and even there presence here had helped some people. It was perfect and it made Stacy happy.

Ashlee study's Dylan's face for a moment as he talked. It often held no expression but his eyes betrayed him. In one single look there was so much emotion, there was a twinkle, there was a hint of humor. It turn if made Ashlee smile even more. It was so nice to see Dylan at least start to open up.

   "Well...Its strange in a way thinking of my mom with someone. It's only been me and her for a long time But on the other hand I really like Eric. He's nice, and he's funny and he sure can make my mom smile. Thats something I haven't seen in a long time."

Looking at the next hole while Dylan did Ashlee tried to run through her mind how she would putt. How would everything work if she hit the ball one way, or if she hit it another. Where would it land would the water take it away. She tried to do what Dylan said and just vision all the movement. Finally She continues the conversation.

   "So I guess all in all I don't mind at all. I like Eric, we get along, my mom is happy and thats all that really matters. I never new my father, he never cared enough to stick around or even try to know me. So really all in all there is nothing for me to miss, or feel bad about. It will take some getting use to not just being me and mom...but its not like they are going to get married tomorrow. So I have time!"

Pulling into the church parking lot Beth glances around for a moment before flipping down her visor and pushing some lose hair behind her ear moving her head back into place a little more. This would be one of her first times back to church in a while and though she new that looks didn't matter when worshiping God she still wanted to look presentable.

Finally satisfied Beth flips the visor up again and open the car door stepping out. Brushing off her lite blue sheer blouse that had a white tank top underneath it, and straightening her black slacks she shuts the car door and takes in a deep breath. She could do this, church was good, it was something she needed again and Justin would be there. She would be fine.

...Stepping inside the building and looking around quickly. Spotting Justin a smile spreads across her face as she walks over to him giving a small wave. She was happy to be here with him today. It was nice he didn't mind and she felt...good about it. To her church was important but she never got the courage to start going again.

   "Good Morning Justin! How are you today?"

Looking back up at Clint Wendy's eyes twinkled with joy, hope, love, and life. It always amazed her how God could turn something around and make good out of it. She was happy he did too. Clint and her might have started off there family wrong but good came out of it and there son was everything she could ask for. Now to be expecting another child Wendy was over joyed to be able to start this path once again with Clint.

   "I love you too. Thank you, for sticking it out through everything."

   "So, hows your buddy doing? Does he get to come home soon?"

Scarlet leans against her bike and takes a swig of water as she looks out across the park. This was her weekend home finally and the first time she had seen Eli in days. It seemed with the warm weather there were more and more jobs opening up. But they had set this night aside to go for a bike ride and there was no way she was passing it up.

   "You and Ryan holding up ok with the whole thing? I can only imagine how this must be for her. I really feel bad for even one involved even Alec. There is no way I would want to be on the other end of a McKade's fist."

Church

Eric nods his agreement to Stacy's suggestion of sitting on the bench. On one hand, it felt like they'd just completely abandoned the kids. On the other, it looked as though they were having even more fun just the two of them, and if they really wanted their teammates back, they'd ask. And on a third hand... Eric was just as glad to let a little bit of time pass. After having Ashlee and Dylan both witness his and Stacy's rather intimate moment... he needed a few more minutes to not be as embarrassed. 

 Easing down on the bench, Eric sighs with content. This would be an evening to remember... for more than one reason. 

Looking to Stacy out of the corner of his eye, he grins a little sheepishly before slipping his arm back around her shoulders. If she didn't mind... he certainly didn't. They could deal with the kids' questions or teasing later.

Dylan rolls his eyes. "I may be good but that doesn't mean anybody else doesn't have a chance at beating me." 

He sets up for a long putt and successfully hits it in the hole. Bending to pick up the ball, his eyebrows rise a little. "Ice cream huh?" Even though he'd felt stuffed after dinner, being out here and moving around had helped. "I think I've got some room left for that. As far as your mom goes..." 

Glancing over off the side of the course, he sees Eric and Stacy sit down on the bench. He turns to look at Ashlee, his face without expression, except his eyes that held an amused twinkle. "I think she's in a good enough mood to agree to just about anything." 

Taking a few steps towards the next little course, he sizes up the multiple water traps. "So what do you think of those two anyway? Your mom and Eric together like that, I mean." 


In his pickup driving home, Justin lets his phone ring. He recognized the ringtone, but opts to let his voicemail pick it up. He wasn't in the best of moods and wanted to avoid the chance of taking it out on Beth. 

Once he hears the beep that told him he had a message, he flips the phone open to listen, while keeping one hand on the wheel. He smiles a little. Yes, they were still on for tomorrow, and he was glad she was thinking about it too. 

A while later after he got home, he called her back to confirm their plans, then set to work on his household tasks that had been put off for too long. By the time he fell into bed that night, it was much later than planned, but at least he was too exhausted to think about Jared or Beth or his mom or anything else... 

The next morning dawned bright and warm. It was going to be a hot one, but there was a slight breeze to stir the air. Justin busies himself with preparing a cooler and putting some bottles of water in the fridge to get cold, along with gathering all the necessary fishing equipment. Once satisfied, he cleans himself up for church. He and Beth could come back here after church to change clothes, maybe make a couple sandwiches, then head out to the pond. 

It doesn't take too long for him to be on his way out the door and then to church. Hanging around the foyer, he keeps an eye out for Beth, not wanting her to have to go hunting for him when she arrived. It was a pretty small church and everybody was friendly, but Justin knew that it could still feel a little overwhelming to Beth.

Clint chuckles and runs a hand through Wendy's hair. "Yeah I think my mom's already getting a little suspicious but she's been trying not to ask." He laughs again. "I say we don't say anything and just wait to see who has guts enough to ask first." 

Grinning, he leans down and gives her a tender kiss on the lips. For as rough a start to marriage as they'd had, God had certainly blessed them and allowed them to work it out. Clint knew he and Wendy hadn't started things right - they had done wrong in God's eyes and statistically speaking, it had been the recipe for disaster. But in spite of it all, Clint now couldn't be happier, and he had faith that God would continue to bless them as long as he and Wendy both would strive to please Him. 

Drawing back, Clint lays a hand on top of Wendy's on her belly. His smile returns. "Thank you... for making me the happiest man alive." A few years ago, he would never have said that he felt any kind of desire to have a family. But after experiencing the birth of his children and being able to raise Chase... he'd come to realize a happiness he hadn't even known existed. He didn't have as much freedom, sure... but for once, he didn't mind. He'd rather be home than off gallivanting around anyway. "I love you."

Hard

   "Ha, I doubt I'll ever be better than you, but it is a nice though."

 Ashlee laughs as she goes to her ball and does the easy putt into the hole.  It was the easy ones she had no problem with and it was with Dylan's help that made this hole a par 2, and not 6.

   "Think after this I can convince my mom to let us have some ice cream? All of a sudden I got a hankering...but than again...She might be to busy still?"

Watching her daughter and Dylan play golf together Stacy just taken in what she saw. Eric was right to a normal person they might think Dylan wasn't having much for or that he hated being here with the younger girl but to her she saw a boy who wanted a childhood and maybe had find a small way to have one.

   "I think I saw him smile once or twice myself. Maybe we should go sit on a bench over there and let them have fun. I've been kinda trying not to be on top of Dylan so he fells like he has some space."

Tonight she had agreed to let Dylan come not so she could watch him but to keep Ashlee company. She now didn't want Dylan to think she would be watching his every moment. He needed a chance to live too no matter his mistakes.

Taking Zach's hand to stand Beth gives a smile as she brushes the grass off of her. It had been a very nice afternoon and she was excited about next week. She would be going on her first real date. A million things races through her mind. What would she ware, how would she do her hair...Beth couldn't help but wonder if this was the stuff every girl thought about.

   "That sounds good to me. Thanks so much for the great day, and I look forward to getting your call about next week."

Walking back with Zach to the cars Beth didn't want the evening to end so soon. If she had her way she would want it to last at least an hour longer. Time spent with Zach was always enjoyable. Just being out was nice in itself. 

Giving a wave to Zach as he pulled away Beth sat in her car for a long moment a smile pasted on her face. Today had been great, tomorrow would be even better with church and fishing with Justin than next week...a date...a real date.

Pulling out her phone and dialing Justin Beth waits to hear his voice mail before talking. She figured he might be busy right now so she could just leave a message.

   "Hey Justin its Beth. I wanted to make sure we were still on tomorrow for church and fishing. I'm looking forward to it. Talk to ya soon."

Grace gives a nod to Jared. Today he been a nice day with a twist. She'd helped Jared in a few different ways and even in one that was unexpected. There was something about Jared Grace enjoyed. Though he was a bit lost he could hold an intelligent conversation and that told her he was smart. 

   "I'll be here tomorrow. A little bit later but not by much."

Laying on the couch her head in Clint's lap. Chase had gone to bed hours ago and now it was just time to relax and enjoy some time with her husband. A smile planted on her face as she looked up at him. Life was good right now, and she couldn't have asked for more. There secret sat on the tip of her toung just waiting for the right time.

   "So when do you think we should tell everyone? I'm surprised we have been able to keep it quiet this long."

Wendy lays a hand on her stomach. They had known for a while now another little one was on the way but they had kept it from everyone for more than one reason. She was excited and bless and it was hard keeping something like this from her parents.

   "It's starting to get hard to hide it simply for the fact of the baby bump starting to show."

Special

A faint grin shows on Dylan's lips at Ashlee's excitement. In a strange sort of way, it was fun just watching her have fun. He wasn't really used to being around somebody like her. Even though she was younger, he kind of liked being able to just... be a kid. 

"Alright..." Setting up and hitting his own ball, it goes bouncing around and winds up even further away from the hole than Ashlee's ball had. 

Quirking one eyebrow, he throws her a smirk. "I better stop teaching you, or you're gonna wind up beating me."

Eric wouldn't soon forget Stacy's words. They were serious... heartfelt... deep words. They felt too serious for two people just having discovered five minutes ago that they'd like to be more than friends. And yet her words also felt right. There was something different here. Something unexplainable. Her words confirmed that while they could easily take a casual approach to dating, there was still an underlying understanding between them that could only be seen and felt by them. They shared common ground within their wounded hearts. And somehow, somewhere along the way, they'd formed a closer bond than they'd realized... until now.

Even after a few late-night strolls, heart-to-heart conversations and time gazing at the stars, Eric wouldn't have guessed that he and Stacy would have ended up like this tonight. But he was glad. He was more than glad. He was... happy. And it was a real happiness he hadn't experienced for a very long time. 

He chuckles and keeps his arm around Stacy as they walk. "No, I think they knew better than to stick around." Going past the windmill, he spots Dylan and Ashlee working on the next hole. "Oh there they are." 

Stopping still a ways away, he cocks his head and smiles. "Looks like they're having fun. Any stranger would think Dylan was being a stick in the mud, but this is the most I've ever seen him relax. I think I even spotted a smile or two and that's really saying something." 

"Um..." Zach thinks for a moment then nods. "Yes... yes, I'd say wear something nice. I'll figure out where we're going, but after all, if you're gonna make me do things right for your first date, then I will, so it will definitely have to be somewhere nice." 

Smiling, he stands and offers Beth a hand up too. It was a couple blocks back to their cars. "In the meantime... I hope you have a good weekend and... I'll call you about the day and time and for your address so I can pick you up." 

Jared gives Grace a little smile. "Yeah... I had fun too... thanks." 

He felt kind of tired all of a sudden, and a bit lost after those harsh memories. But it was time for him to sit here alone again for a while. 

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow?" 

Carson nods, knowing that he and Katie need not say more. It was strange in a way. After such a past, they should be enemies. But instead, they were friends. And though they didn't interact very much... there was just something a little special there that Carson kept tucked away in a corner of his heart. 

"Thanks, Katie. Take it easy, ay?" 

He nods as she leaves before looking back over his paperwork and sighing. Only then does he realize an incorrect number he'd written when Katie had come in and rattled off random figures. He grins and shakes his head before erasing the mistake.

Natural

As Dylan stands behind her and helps her position herself Ashlee could feel a little color come to her cheeks. Having a crush on Dylan made Ashlee not mind to much on top of being thankful for the help. It was almost like a dream though to have him with his arms around her even though it was innocent Ashlee couldn't help but feel her heart beat a little faster.

   "So just picture where its going to go, how its going to hit, and than shoot?"

Standing and just letting Dylan guide her Ashlee watches, lines everything up and just lets his hand guide her own. As the ball shoots down the green and bounces and zig zags she gives a little laugh. It didn't make it in first short but it was much better than she had planned.

   "Hey Hey look at that, at least I got it through on the first shot."

Ashlee can't help but laugh as she looks at Dylan with a silly face. Maybe if they took a little more time he'd be able to help her more before the adults came back. She was proud of herself with Dylan's help making that shot.

   "Ok, now its your turn."

Looking up at Eric's still and watching the lights dance in his eyes something about this whole thing seemed magic and right. There was something different here than when she had been married the first time, there was feelings much deeper than she had felt with Rich.

   "Keep being yourself, keep your arms open, and never hide anything from me, be respectful to my daughter though I don't think you will have a problem with that one, and you wont ever have to worry about failing."

Stacy new any relationship starting out or one that had gone one for years would have its faults. There would be problems and misunderstanding but it was being able to get over them that was important. Sticking together, having open communication and being there when they would fall was important. Also putting God first in there relationship was one of the most important things. 

Than there would be Ashlee and making sure she was ok with it, making sure there was understanding there and that everything would be alright. Though that part Stacy wasn't worried about. Ashlee had already grown attachen to Eric, and Eric her so there was no worrys about them getting along.

   "I guess we should find the kids...something tells me they didn't wait around to long for us."

Just letting Eric's arm rest around her Stacy slips her one free arm around his wast as they move forward. A smile seemed to be painted on her face as this just seemed natural. It had been a long time Stacy walked with anyone like this. But it felt...right!

Expectations

"Right. We can keep score. Besides, they won't know anyway." Dylan sticks out his tongue a little before moving on to the next hole. 

Scanning all the little blocks that were set up before the hole, he nods. "See on this one, the ball is gonna have to bounce through all those and zig-zag. Otherwise it would take ten putts just to get to the hole." 

He moves Ashlee up first and sets his club aside. Coming up behind her, he reaches around to hold the putter with her. "Okay so you have to hit the block at an angle and imagine the line where it will bounce and go to next."

Eric wasn't sure that later he would be able to describe what he felt right now. It was happy. Warm. Terrifying. Safe. Comforting. Dangerous. Hopeful. He had determined not that long ago that he would not risk his heart again after Dana. After she had taken advantage, fooled him completely and torn him in two. His love had blinded him. Was he blind now too? 

Staring into Stacy's eyes, he hoped beyond hope that what he saw was true. That it wasn't his imagination. That he wasn't falling into this blindly. They had had many quiet talks. Heart-to-heart conversations. He had come to respect her. Appreciate her. Surely it was not fake. 

Her final comment hits him down deep in his heart. Stacy adored her daughter like no other. To have her compare him to that... his heart yearned to leap at this chance. He'd felt so alone. So unwanted. So out of place and in the way. Was he truly of value to her? Was he really that special that she would honor him with a chance like this? They were far from anything serious, but even he could sense there was something more here than a casual invitation to date. It was deeper than that. How or why, he didn't know. But it was there. And he would be a fool to let it slip by.

Eric's eyes glisten in the colored lights around the golf course. Not caring where they were, he pulls Stacy into a strong hug, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace. The feeling of her in his arms... just felt.... right. 

Kissing the top of her head, he pulls back and gives her a sheepish little grin. "You're an amazing woman, Stacy. I just hope I can live up to your expectations." Deeper, more serious words were on the tip of his tongue, but he holds back. This whole thing might just be in the heat of the moment and she might feel differently tomorrow or the next day. No, though his heart felt as if it would beat out of his chest, he had to play it safe. 

Glancing around the course, he takes a step back but leaves one arm slung around Stacy's shoulders. "I suppose we should move on before we're accused of making a scene," he teases.

Suprise

Following Dylan to the other side Ashlee can't help but laugh a little. He never lied when he has said he wasn't all that great he just didn't tell the whole truth either. It was funny though thinking about it now he could teach her how to play better.

   "Well, maybe you can show me a few things. Since everyone else is busy I'd say we are on our own at the moment with..."

Ashlee looks up and around the course taking a quick count to how many holes were left to play.

   "...thirteen more holes to go I think mom and Eric will catch up sooner or later. Right?"

She was having such a blast today even if right now her mom was busy. Just spending a little time with Dylan and having some fun was nice. She really did enjoy it and was happy this night had happened. Dylan had learned to smile a little more, her mom was happy, Eric was happy and that in turn made Ashlee very happy too.

Feeling Eric's lips on her palm they were so soft, so gentile Stacy's eyes never leave his own. His eyes held so much in them, so much that she felt like she could fall forever never growing tired of searching for each emotion, for each world that they held. 

At thee arms that held her tightened just a little Stacy could feel Eric's words held true. It was a nice feeling, a warm feeling something she really hadn't felt in so long. She just wanted to move even closer to Eric and lay her head on his shoulder feeling his shelter around her. It had been a long time of standing on her own and protecting her daughter would this be her second chance to be protected herself?

   "I can handle yours with care, and help mend it. God has given a second chance maybe to find the happiness we so long for. Even in the most unexpected places who are we to turn away a gift from God."

Stacy lets the smile pass over her face again. Her words soft, strong but true. There meaning coming from deep within her. There was a sparkle of hope in her eyes, though she new that moving slow was the best option for both of them it was a joyful one.

   "Next to my daughter, your the second best surprise God has given me."

Great Care

Dylan bites his lip to keep himself from laughing and he nods at Ashlee. "Of course... making it through there is the hardest part."

Wandering to the other side of the windmill, they were now out of sight of Stacy and Eric. "I gotta admit..." Dylan gains a sheepish expression. "Back home, I used to play mini golf all the time. Me and some buddies would hang out at the local course. Kinda.... caused some trouble sometimes...." He shrugs. "But I wound up playing a lot and learning a few tricks."


Eric's heart beat hard within his chest, his eyes never leaving Stacy's. Great care. Oh, how he had great care. He knew what pain felt like. He knew how hard it was to pick up the pieces. He knew the same need to be handled with that same great care. She had a fragile heart - so did he.

As Stacy's hand moves up to his face and then to his hair, his eyes fall shut for a moment. Her touch sent shivers down his spine as if she possessed great power in such a simple gesture. As her hand moves down a little, he turns his head to stop it, his lips meeting her palm to kiss it gently.

Turning his eyes back to hers, he moves his arms tighter around her so she was closer and the gap between them was no more. She did something to him nobody else did. She made his heart beat a new rhythm that was exciting and scary at the same time. He hadn't wanted this. He hadn't expected this. It felt oh so sudden and out of the blue. But he couldn't deny the bolts of electricity that shot through his veins. His lips longed to kiss her again... his arms longed to hold her closer, tighter.

But he knew he mustn't. Not here. Not now. Not so soon. Not with fragile hearts.

"I can try," he whispers. "Two broken hearts can find it hard to mend at the same time... but... but I'll handle yours with great care.... if you do the same for me."

Willing

Watching Dylan Ashlee can't believe how easy he made it look. If Ashlee didn't know better she would think Dylan had been practicing for a long long time.

   "I can't believe..how...GAH!"

Going over to where her ball had stopped Ashlee picks it up and than looks around before returning it to the start and setting it down. Watching the windmill she did her best to try and time is. Taking aim she puts getting it through it hits one of the side and bounces so it dosnt make it in the cup but does make it through.

   "Well at least I go it to the other side...right?"

As the soft wind blew Stacy can't help the smile that spreads on her lips to go with the red color to her cheeks. She could feel her heart beating fast, and faster. His words hitting her ears...he..wanted a chance? Did she dare give any man the chance to touch her heart again? Could she take that risk?

   "Even a heart with many scars still beats the same. A body that has been broken still needs love. A chance is hard to give but it something that will come as long as great care is taken to hold the heart."

Was this crazy to talk like this? To take a liking so quickly to Eric? She playing it safe had always worked, but now with Eric...where was that safe net? Why did her heart thump, and why did she feel like her stomach was in knots.

Bringing her hand to Eric's face Stacy runs it along the side and than her fingers through his hair. Feeling the soft stands under her fingers. Maybe it was because he was like her...that she was willing to trust.