The Only

Jared eyes Grace with worry in his gaze. He believed her though. If she said she'd stop him, then he would trust her. All he had to worry about now was himself. Was she right? Could he really break old habits? 

Turning over his hand, he curls his fingers around hers, giving them a little squeeze. He searches her face for a few quiet moments, just thinking things through and calming any lingering irritation.

"Sometimes I wish I hadn't gotten my memory back," he admits softly. "But then... if I didn't remember who I'd been and all the people I'd dealt with... I wouldn't be as amazed by you as I am now." 

He turns his head back to the blank television, but keeps his hand in hers. "I'm sorry about saying I didn't want you to be my therapist anymore. I was just... scared of hurting you and I didn't know what else to do. I... really don't want you to stop coming." 

His gaze turns back to her again. "You're the only friend I've got." 

Rick just chuckles at Misty's comment, leaving his nephew to fend for himself. 

Clay lifts his hands in surrender as he quirks a grin at Misty. "I've gotten beaten up enough lately, and for some reason I think you probably pack a whallop... so I'll come. Better than sitting around listening to my uncle all evening anyway."

"Hey..." Rick smirks, although it was obvious he and his nephew had a special relationship. "You're right about Misty though, so watch it. And don't tangle with the other guys tonight either - trust me, you'll end up on the losing end."

"Sounds like... a nice bunch." Clay gives Misty a wary look, although he was pretty sure he could trust her. 

"Alright, I'm here, make it quick." Jason enters the infirmary, not even realizing he's interrupting until he sees Clay. "Oops. Sorry."

Rick rolls his eyes. "It's okay. Just barge on in. It's not like we have private offices in here." 

"Uh-huh." Jason wanders over to the table to sit, throwing Misty a wink.

Clay catches it and his eyebrow arcs at Misty. "Boyfriend or brother-in-law?"

Jason can't help laughing outright. "Ha! Don't let Alec catch you asking that. He'd - ow!" He glares at Rick as his finger is pricked. "You used to be nicer with those things."

"You used to be a better patient," Rick retorts. "Your sugar's lower than I like."

"Well I can't help it if I've got an overactive pancreas. You told me to lay off the sugar."

"The bad stuff. Eat more fruit and see me next week."

"Yeah, yeah."

Watching the two men go back and forth, Clay still wasn't sure who the guy was, but it seemed he shared the wry humor of both Rick and Misty.

A genuine smile creases Clint's lips, and he nods. "I'd like to come over very much, and I'm sure Wendy will too. Thank you."

Wandering to the door, he leans on the frame and looks out at the dark ranch. It was peaceful tonight. The dark always felt that way. Maybe that was why he worked late, and sometimes got up before the sun to work. 

"Well... another day gone," he muses, more to himself than anybody else. He couldn't remember when he'd gone to bed feeling at peace. Things had felt so overwhelming lately.

Around more

Giving a smile to Jared it was good to see his expression change a little bit. It meant he was at least accepting the face she was going to be around a little more and really thats all she could ask for. Hearing Jared's request she couldn't help but smile a litlte more as she leaned forward on his bed.

   "I'd slug you if you did just so you would remember not to do it again."

Reaching her hand out and placing it on top of Jared's Grace lets her fingers run over her or a moment before letitng them be still. She let the silence linger on a little longer before finally specifying again.

   "It wont go to far I can promise you that much Jared. Old habits can be broke, and I am willing to help and stick with you."

Cocking her at Clay and giving a slight irritated that was laced with a smile to show she was only playing around Misty leans on her desk and study's him for a long while. Making new friends would do him good or so she thought. Clay seemed lonely and with a string of bad luck like he had  Misty could see why maybe he was, but she wanted to change that for a reason she wasn't sure of.

   "If I minded or thought I was going out of my way I wouldn't have asked you at all."

Looking past Clay at Rick Misty shakes her head but still smiles. She wondered how well Clay could take teasing but there was only one way to find out and she could be the master at it. She'd take it easy on him at the start though.

   "You know if he is going to be around more he better learn quickly or there are going to be some people whacking him over the back of the head a lot. Better teach him quickly."

Wes smiles at Clint it was nice to know that the young man missed his company. Not that he really had thought any differently. But it was still nice to hear him say it. Wes really had missed working along side his nephew as well. It had always been a nice pass time and he'd enjoyed it.

   "Well that's why we made Wendy the secretary because I new she'd be bale to help you with that kind of stuff. Even I get confused when trying to figure it all out."

Heading to the office and looking around nothing much changed. a little more marginalization witch was nice and he could guess was Wendy's touch but things pretty much looked the same as always. Taking soeme of the books out and glancing through them the note had been kept good and ever transaction as well.

Taking one of the daily reports out that Rosetta printed out on everything that came in and out of the ranch giving it to each area Wes looks it over. A few donations caught his eye and it made him smile. It meant that even though Clint didn't think business was good he was doing something right for the peple he did help and they were rewarding him. 

Leaving the office and joing Clint again Wes lets out a little sigh, I really was good to be back and there way not way he would ever be able to describe it to anyone. It wa slike seeing a long lost friend ten times over again.

   "Hey I have to check it over with Cindy but I don't think she will mind to much. Would you and the family like to come over for dinner tomorrow?"

Would you?

Having his full name used, Jared finally does look at Grace, but it's with an irritated glare. He didn't have much of a rebuttal though. Whether he liked it or not, he knew deep down that she was right.

Remaining silent, his eyes follow her as she sits down. She still wanted to spend time with him...truly. What was she made out of that made her so stubborn and willing to stick with him? He didn't understand. Most women he knew wouldn't have come at all after his rejection, much less put up a fight. Grace was so very different. So strong. But was he?

Without realizing it, Jared's glare had faded, his expression softening. Caught up in studying her eyes, the silence lingers until he eventually looks away again. "Do you always argue with the guys who can't get up out of bed and defend themselves?" It was a pretty lame attempt at humor to lighten the atmosphere, but it was all he had.

His fingers return to fiddling with the bedsheets and he swallows hard. She'd neutralized his anger, but now he felt vulnerable and slightly embarrassed too. This wasn't a topic he particularly wanted to talk about, but he needed to ask...just to be sure.

"I have an awful lot of bad habits..." He pauses, hoping she understood that he was referring to other women. He didn't exactly want to spell it all out. "If I ever...cross any lines or am inappropriate with you..." He gives her a sidelong glance. He knew just from getting to know her that she was not the kind of woman who planned on giving herself to a man without being married. "Would you stop me?" 

Taken aback by Misty's offer, Clay really wasn't sure what to say at first. His eyebrows rise, and he's silent long enough for Rick to speak from the other side of the room. 

"I'd take her up on it if I were you." Rick flips through some paperwork absentmindedly. "She's a good cook." 

Clay looks to Misty, giving her a little grin. If he went home with Rick, he'd get a home-cooked meal too. Although he didn't want to be a pain to Janet. Then again, he was going to be a pain to anyone right now. that was the nature of his current position. 

"I wouldn't want to impose," he finally responds. "I mean..." Actually, meeting some new people might not be a bad idea. If Rick gave the 'OK' about going to Misty's, then she must be trustworthy, and if she was trustworthy, her brother-in-law and boyfriend must be too. He could use some friends on the right side of the tracks for once.

He shook his head, realizing he'd dropped off in the middle of a sentence. "I just hate being in this situation, ya know? I don't want anybody to hafta go out of their way for me or anything." 

Hearing Wes might become a recruiter, something flickers in Clint's eyes, and his expression dims a little, but he bites his tongue and lets Wes keep talking. Still cleaning up some tools, he chuckles. "Thanks, and yeah... Wendy's doing pretty well with this one. Just hoping things keep going alright." Memories of Cecilia still haunted him some days.

Going over to the sink to wash his hands, it was obvious that there was a lot weighing on his mind - more than he spoke to anyone about. "As far as you 'piddling around' here, I welcome the company and help." 

He was a little disappointed, knowing Wes might be busy still working for the Army, but he wouldn't voice that. He wouldn't complain about the workload either - he'd been handling it thus far. Half the profits would still go to Wes though, Clint would make sure. Just having him around for moral support would be great. After thinking he was dead... his mere presence would be appreciated like it should have been before.

Clint focuses on the soap suds in his hands and working at the grease stains that never did quite completely come out of his skin. Wendy never complained though, and he loved that about her. 

"Soon as I get this pickup finished, there's that jeep outside needs some work, but the guy's not in a hurry. After that, Sparky wants my help on the ranch tractor and... in the meantime, I'm hoping we'll get another car or two in to work on. Otherwise... nothing much happening. You can check the books any time you want - I've tried to keep up, though Wendy's helped me a bit."

Lay it On

   "You listen to me Jared Timothy Hawks I'm not going anywhere, and I am sticking around. So if your going to hurt me well I guess you are but I person CAN change no matter what you want to believe and you sir have."

Coming back to the chair by the bed Grace stands with her hands on her hips for a second longer before sitting down in the chair and meeting Jared's eyes. Searching them Grace's face stayed firm. Jared could try and push she away all he wanted but she wasn't going give in this time. Now she was more than just worked with Jared he was her friend too.

   "So now you can suck it up, deal with it, get your head out of your butt and get back to getting yourself better so we can do all the stuff we talked about. If not...than I guess when I come to see you our visits are going to be pretty boring."

Looking up as Clay sits down Misty had done her best to not listen into the conversation but hearing that it seemed like Clay was in trouble again she couldn't help it. It was in her nature to be caring, and maybe even the early signs of a mother in her. Whatever it was Misty felt bad and wanted to help more. Giving a soft smile to him she leans her arms on the desk.

   "I could think of worse ways to meet, but your right we do need to stop meeting like this. Maybe soon your luck will change."

Studying Clay for a long few seconds it was so easy to see the rough life he had been dealt and how it hard warn on him. Misty would guess that he was still repetitively young but the dark circles and stress line told a whole different story. 

   "Care to take up the offer of a home cook meal tonight? I have my brother in law who is going to be around and my boyfriend as well. We would love to have someone new to join us and it would give you chance to meet some new people. What do you say?"

   "He sounds like a pretty ok guy in my book. I'd like to meet him sometime."

Letting out a long sigh and shaking his head Wes already had so much running through his mind. Now the thought of having Chad come back to the ranch on his behalf so he could meet him...did he really want to start trouble with just getting back?

Having the subject changed Wed thought maybe for now it was for the best. They could talk or think on this more later for now getting to a different topic was ok with him. Hearing Clint comment about coming back from the dead Wes give a laugh. He figured it was better to laugh about it than be down and want to cry about it.

   "Well...I think I am going to relax a little and spend time with the family, and piddle around here that is if you don't mind. I was told I could take off as much time as I wanted. I wont have to do any active duty anymore but I have to at least when I am ready go into the office in town and figure out a place for me. I am thinking about maybe become a recruiter for the area. Safe, not taxting and give me the ability to be here when I need to be. Other than that...I am just taking it one day at a time and enjoying life. How about you? Congrats on the second baby...Wendy sure it poping out on this one."

Too Afraid

Jared scowls and squints his eyes against the sunlight, turning his head away from it, and away from Grace again, still refusing to look at her. 

"Apparently you haven't understood a word I've said to you," he growls. "You've got a great outlook on life and people, but it takes more than outlook to make a good person out of something as rotten as me." It hadn't been until the other day when he'd suddenly felt something more than friendship that his fear had begun to grow. It hadn't been until he'd realized he cared for Grace that he had become afraid of hurting her. 

"You keep saying you haven't given up and all that, but I have." Even so, in the very depths of his heart, a small flame of hope still flickered. He was simply too afraid of failing and hurting someone he cared about. "You can't change a leopard's spots. So there's really no point in sticking around and living on empty belief." 

This time as Clay headed across the Elite main floor, he wasn't full of cuts and bruises. But one look at his face would give away that something wasn't right. With tightened jaw, he ignores anybody looking at him, and aims straight for the hallway and the infirmary. Reaching his destination, he enters without knocking.

Standing at the counter working, Rick looks up, startled at the sudden intrusion. His eyebrows rise at seeing his nephew. "Clay... You're not due to get those stitches out for another few days."

"Aw, hang the stitches," Clay growls. "That's the least of my worries."

"What's wrong?"

"My life, that's what." Pacing in an agitated circle, Clay doesn't even realize Misty is at her desk. "What's the point of anything anymore? I do something right and all I get for it is punishment! And there's nothing anybody can do, so I'm just screwed without anybody caring about it!"

By now, Rick had abandoned his work and was quite confused. "Just calm down and tell me what happened."

"After I went home from here, I had two days of peace and quiet." He gestures with two fingers. "Just two! Then I go home from work to find my whole place ransacked. Everything was torn to bits like a tornado went through with a chainsaw. Cops couldn't find any evidence - no leads, no nothing! Even though I knew it was the same guys who bushwhacked me, they said they couldn't do anything 'cause I had no proof." He throws his hands up in the air. "Didn't have renter's insurance, so I'm out everything. Oh, and I took too long trying to clean up and got to work an hour late to find I'd been fired." He nods angrily. "Yeah, they've been wanting to get rid of me just 'cause I stand up for myself and don't take no crap from goons that like to take off with potato chips and candy bars. They'd rather take the loss in inventory than get those guys mad at 'em. So they said I'd been late three times this past month and that was cause enough to get fired. I had a legit reason each time and it hadn't bothered 'em before this, of course."

Rick sighs deeply and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. Sometimes things-"

"They stole my bows." Clay grits his teeth and moves to the counter to slam his fist down, accompanied by a curse. "The only possessions I really cared about, and they had to take them."

Rick's shoulders drop in disappointment. He knew how much Clay's bows meant to him. Archery was really the only activity he took interest in, and he was so very good at it. The bows had been very expensive and Rick knew his nephew had to have scrimped and saved to purchase them in the first place. "Maybe the police can-"

"Aw they're long gone by now." Clay had regained a little bit of control. "I'm sure they got sold and who knows where they're at by now. No... those bows are gone." He shrugs. "I'm angrier about that than I am losing my job." He scoffs. "Yeah, here I am, jobless again, I'm gonna lose my apartment 'cause I can't pay for it, and I've hardly got a set of clothes left worth wearing."

"I want to help you, Clay. May I?"

Leaning on the counter, Clay's eyes roam the bottles and vials. "That's the only reason I came," he admits. "You know how much I hate asking for help but... I didn't have anybody else to turn to." He glances over his shoulder at Rick before shaking his head. "I called Dad first, ya know."

"And?"

"He said that I got myself into this mess, I should be a man and get myself out."

Rick rolls his eyes. He could strangle his brother. "Did you drive yourself up here?"

"Yeah. At least I still got my car - for what it's worth. It's on its way out too."

"Your stuff still at your apartment?"

Clay shakes his head. "All that's... in my car. There wasn't much left that wasn't smashed or shredded. My table survived but that wasn't worth much to begin with."

"Okay. Well, I got a few hours left to work here, then after that you can come home with me and we'll figure something out, okay?"

Clay really did hate asking for help like this, but he didn't have much choice at this point, unless he wanted to go sleep in his car somewhere."Yeah... alright."

"Good. Now why don't you just sit down over there and take a breather. I've still got a lot to catch up on before I can leave today."

Clay just nods and aims for an empty chair to flop into. Only then does he spy Misty, to whom he throws a sidelong glance. "You know, we really gotta stop meeting this way - me in trouble, that is. It's not very good for my image."

"Yeah, well..." Clint shrugs. "Nothing much to do now but move on, I guess, and hope Dad gets his head out of his butt. I know you'd like Chad if you met him, but if he shows up here again, I'd hate to see what would happen." 

He tosses a wrench into a nearby toolbox. "He's from Nevada I guess, but travels a lot as a marine biologist. He and a couple others showed up a while back to vacation - apparently one of them was good friends with Katie. Anyway, Chad and Rosalyn hit it off big time and kept in touch. Rosalyn said he's on a break right now and that's why he came this time. He was staying here, but after a fiasco with Dad, he went to stay at a hotel in town instead. Which..." He gestures with his hands. "...full circle, means I took Rosalyn in to see him, Dad found out and... the rest you know."

Turning around, he leans back on the tool bench and folds his arms across his chest. Studying his uncle for a few moments, he manages a small smile. "But that's too much of a downer for a guy who's just returned from the dead."

He goes to shut the hood on the truck. "You gonna enjoy life a while, or jump right back into work, or...?" 

Not

Listening to Jared it started to make a little more sense to her now what was going on and why he had said what he did. If she had been thinking a little harder she could of guessed it without him even having to tell her. She thought it was silly really he thought this but on the same hand she understood in a way where he was coming from. Still though Grace wondered when it would get stuck into his head she was not going anywhere.

   "Sorry Jared but a friend doesn't work that way. You can't just throw them away because your scared. I might not have a say if you want a different person to work on your leg, but I do have a say on our friendship and I am not throwing it away."

Standing again and going to the blinds Grace opens them letting the nice sunlight flood into the room. It was to dark in the room and if Jared was letting himself slip into depression again than he needed more sunshine. She wasn't going to give up on Jared. She told him that when they first started and she meant it.

   "I told you before you have changed even if you don't think so and I know you would be able to stop yourself. Your not the same person anymore and I am not giving up on you so your just going to have to deal with it."

Listing to Clint Wes could feel himself start to get upset at his brothers actions. Clint was like a son to him, and Rosalyn was his fav niece. To hear how Jim had been treating them hurt and he didn't under \stand why he would be like this. Wes didn't know if it would help or make things worse talking to Jim. He didn't want to make it worse on them both but if he saw something like this happen again or Jim treating them like crap in front of them than he would say something.

     "I think its great your there for your sister. You guys have been through so much you both deserve to be happy and have that chance. It's wrong you got a black eye as a result of it."

Looking back into the young man's eyes Wes could see the hurt and pain, the little boy that was crying on the inside and it pained Wes even more. He wondered if Jim even realized what he was doing to his kids and how this could affect them, and there relationship with him. It was sad, and Wes hated being on the outside looking in.

   "No matter what happens though Clint, never lose you sights, your sense of right. I'm also sorry your dad is acting like this. It's not right, and I know it might not help but I don't think you did anything wrong at all."

Deserve Better

As soon as Grace mentions the issue of her not being his therapist, Jared's eyes move to stare at a blank television screen. And he regrets having turned it off. Though Grace continues, his eyes don't move. What was he supposed to say now? He'd hoped she would find out he didn't want her anymore, and just not come again. It would have been better. It would have been easier. Why did she have to come see him today? Why did she have to keep pushing? Why couldn't she just forget about him and move on to something else? 

As Jared continues to focus on the blank television, the silence becomes unbearable. "I had to think of some good reason," he eventually answers quietly. A new knot forms in his stomach, making him feel queezy. "I couldn't just tell them that I..." 

He stops and turns his head completely to find a small crack in the window blinds where sunshine was trying its hardest to get through. His heart hurt. More than he wanted to admit. "...that I didn't want you around anymore because I was afraid I'd hurt you." His fingers fiddle with the bed sheets. "When we kiss, I... it... I like it... too much. And I've never been able to control myself before, but you're different... and I don't want you to get hurt." 

Leaving his head turned, he refuses to look back at Grace. "Guys like me don't break their habits... and you deserve better than someone who will take what they want and leave, like I'm so good at." Emotions churn within him to the point of making his voice waver. "You're out of my league, Grace. Move on. Please."  

 
Clint gains a small bit of a smile, hoping what Wes said was true about the bad business. As far as the shop went, he was proud of himself for doing well enough that Wes would hand everything over to him, but he'd never forgotten the deal was 50/50. Even when they believed Wes to be dead, Clint had made sure Cindy had received half the profits.

With the subject back on Jim, Clint shouldn't have been surprised Wes had figured it out that quickly. Sighing, he shrugs. "Yeah well... he's done a lot of things unlike him lately."

Moving to the tool bench, he starts cleaning up a few things and putting some tools away, mostly just to keep his hands occupied so he wouldn't have to look at his uncle. "We got in an argument about Rosalyn and Chad. I told him he was just jealous. I shouldn't have, but I did. I was mad at how he was treating Rosalyn. In response, he just hauled off and hit me."

It still stung. Not just his eye, but on the inside. His dad had struck him. And the part of him deep down that was still a little boy hurt the worst. "I'm not even sure he was sorry. At that point, I just walked away from him. Rosalyn doesn't know about it though, and I'm not sure about Mom. She's staying neutral in the whole thing, and I can't blame her. As far as me though... I'm getting pretty tired of my sister getting hurt. She deserves better, ya know?"

Finally turning around, Clint's eyes meet Wes. "Unfortunately when I help her, I get black eyes in return."

Hunter chuckles and shakes his head. "I could be wrong but... I think I'm the lucky one in all this. You're the one that saved my life, remember?" Winking, he gives her hand a squeeze. 

"But yes. You definitely should come sometime. Lots of hype. Lots of stupid people. But lots of fun too. At least I think so. I'm rather addicted to it."

Unlike

Wes was sad to see Clint so down and that he felt like he wasn't doing well here. To him Clint was amazing at working on things, and fit in well. He was sure than the lack of people coming in really had nothing to do Clint and how he worked. The ranch just went through slow times, and this was one of them. It was something everyone here got use too. The winter and back end of fall were when things slowed down. Only the braves souls who liked the cold.

   "I do not think its you Clint that keeps people from coming. The ranch goes through spirits it always has as far as I can remember. Maybe we can think of ways to promote business during these times. I'd hate to lose you, after all this place is yours now."

Moving around to the other side of the car Wes leans inside again tinkering with a few things. Hearing Clint start to talk again about Rosalyn and there dad Wes stops straightening and looking at Clint. Not saying anything for a long moment he could see the pain in his nephews eyes and in his voice.

   "Well first off I was to say congrats to Rosalyn she deserves to be happy and if this guy treats her well than who I am I to not be happy till he gives me reason not to be."

Wes really was happy for Rosalyn that she found happyness. She had turned into a young woman quickly and given up so much. It was starting to become her time to be happy now and not work her whole life away. On the same hand though Wes was sad to hear about the way Jim was acting. That didn't sound like his brother at all. Jim was never one who was quick to judge someone before getting to know them. Had something happened over the last year he was gone to change that?

   "So...it was Jim that gave you the shiner? I believe it just...sounds so unlike him."

Giving a smile to Jared Grace nods at him. She figured he was bored and tired. That was pretty normal after having your body go through something like this. On top of being suck here with nothing to do Grace herself would be bored.

   "Yeah, I figured since you wanted a new therapist and I haven't been able to talk to you about it I could at least keep coming as your friend."

Pulling a chair over to the bed and sitting down Grace just watches Jared for a long moment. She wondered what was going through his head. What he was thinking. She just didn't understand the whole not getting along thing still.

   "I have to say I was a little shocked thought that we were not geting along. I thought we were. what happened?"

Feeling Hunter's arms wrap around her and his lips press against her Katie can't help the smile that spread across her face. He was warm and tender, he made her feel safe and Katie loved every moment of it.  It was something she looked forward too along with his sense of humor.

   "As long as I am the the ends up with you, you could be waiting for the easter bunny."

Heading inside with Hunter Katie gave him a quick lowdown of her day as boring as it was. Hearing about his race was far more exciting. Katie had to hand it to him how he got the car and than resold it was pretty smart and a good business move on his part. Hearing Hunter's comment about her though sent a new wave of chills through her and put another smile on her lips. It made her feel special and good.

   "Mmm...I sure am lucky than. You could pick from a whole group and you picked me. How did I get so lucky? As for coming to the races...I'd love to join you sometime. See what all the hype is about."

Aren't too different

Clint manages a soft laugh, but lowers his gaze again. No, the other person didn't have a black eye to match. Clint was upset, but he was not ready to strike his father.

"I've missed our talks too..." Tossing his rag aside, he folds his arms and sighs, finally looking back to his uncle. "Things could be better," he admits. "Business hasn't been great - went downhill after you left. Not your fault, but I don't think people trust me like they trusted you. I've blamed the lack of business on gas prices and people not wanting to drive this far but I think probably the truth is I'm still too young to run a successful business like this. Thought I might have to find work at a shop in town, but... now that your back, maybe things will change again."

He shrugs. "Aside from that... just keeping up with Wendy and Chase, and getting ready for the baby." He shifts his weight nervously before his eyes find something on the floor to focus on. Wes would find out sooner or later about the family stress going on. "Trying to help Rosalyn too... She's got a new boyfriend and dad doesn't approve." He pauses. "Well, that's an understatement. Dad's furious about the whole thing."

He glances up at Wes out of the corner of his eye. "Chad's older and been divorced, which apparently makes him undesirable. Personally, I like him. Seems like a fine godly man, and Rosalyn is head over heels for him. It's just, um... with Dad being stubborn, it's... stressful. I do what I can, but... I've, um... gotten on Dad's bad side now too for helping Rosalyn see Chad."

Clint swallows hard and turns back around to look in the engine again, even though he wasn't trying to fix anything more tonight. The emotional wound of Jim lashing out at him was still fresh. Would Wes put two and two together and figure out it was Jim that had struck him? Clint wasn't sure, but he knew his uncle wasn't a dumb guy.

"Otherwise... things aren't too different from when you left," he concludes lamely. 

Looking up quickly and seeing Grace, for just a moment, Jared wonders if she'd been told he wanted another therapist. She seemed her happy self though. Apart from being dressed more casually than ever - which, he found quite cute - things seemed normal. 

Smiling just a little, he shrugs with one shoulder. "I guess so. Kinda tired, but supposedly that's normal." 

Turning off the television, he rests his head back in his pillow again, while his eyes remain on Grace, just studying her for several seconds. This might be one of the last times he'd ever see her after the decision he'd made. "Looks like you're off duty today." 

Hunter grins at Katie, just making her wait for him. "Well... I mighta been waiting for somebody, but... since you're so irresistible, I'll let you steal me away, how's that?" 

Sliding off the hood of his car, he wraps his arms around Katie and pulls her close for a kiss. "Mm... I've been waiting all day for that." Still grinning, he slings an arm over her shoulders to walk her to the door. 

Getting inside and finding a table, Hunter was glad to end the day with Katie, even if it was late. Besides, he was dying to tell her about the race he'd won, how someone had said he couldn't do it again, and how he'd ended up accepting a bet he usually didn't...which resulted in him winning the other guy's car, then selling it back to him and ending up with a hefty sum of money. 

"...You know the best part though?" Hunter grins as he slips his hand across the table to take Katie's. "The looks on all them girls' faces when they wanted my attention but I told them I was taken." A little laugh slips out. "One of these nights, I'm gonna get you to go with me so I can show them I got the better end of the deal." 

Really

Walking the hall Grace was far from dressed up today. She had a pare of jeans on with holes in the knees and a t-shirt on with her sneakers. Her mission today was not to come to Jared as his dr but as his friend. She wanted him to see that even if he didn't want her as his Dr she was still going to be his friend. That was not something he could ask to have replaced.

Entering the room and seeing Jared awake Grace was happy for that. She would be able to chat with him, and seeing him awake meant he was on the mend. The sooner he could go home the better he would be and Grace new that for a fact. He hated being here, and at least at home is was a little better than here.

   "Hey there. Good to see you somewhat awake today. How are you feeling any better?"

Happy Hunter was still up for coffee Katie talks a little more before having up the phone and gets into her car. She figured  he would get there before her so going home and cleaning up a little was out of the question. Hunter would just have to deal with the less than perfect her. 

Pulling up to the coffee shop and seeing Hunter sitting on the hood Katie can't help the smile that spreads across her face. It usally did when she saw Hunter. There was just something about him that caused her to smile seeing him.

   "Hey, you look lost. are you looking for someone or can I steal you away  for my own?"

Katie can't help the small laugh as she gets out of her car coming closer to him she stands inches away smile. No matter what Hunter always looked good and standing next to him car just made it even better. He'd been so great to her and slowly Katie could see him changing again into a stronger man once again. His old habits slowly disappearing. She was proud she got to see this and help where she could.

Facing Clint and seeing his eye a little better Wes cringes on the inside a little more. It wasn't like Clint to get in a fight and let alone have a black eye left to prove he had. It made him worry slightly about his nephew. So much had happened while he was gone what else was really going on too?

   "I think it was the eye that gave it away. Now I just hope whoever gave that to you has one to match."

Giving a small laugh Wes gives a chuckle looking around the shop. A few things looked a little different but Clint really had did a good job. He really was proud of him and everything had accomplished.

   "It's good to be back, and I would hardly say the shop is a mess. Your doing a great job. So...how are things really with you? I've missed out talks."







  

Messy Shop

Startled by Wes' voice, Clint spins around. He'd thought he was still alone. A smile automatically comes to his lips though. "Yeah, well... that's not to say I didn't start a few fires myself," he teases.

Seeing Wes fiddle with the engine, Clint's smile remains. It suddenly felt like old times again. Wandering a little closer, he continues to try and clean grease off his hands. It felt good to hear that Wes had been looking forward to seeing him - it was a feeling Clint had missed.

Wes' question is left in silence for a few moments as Clint reaches in the engine and fixes a loose wire. "What gave you the idea things were rough?" He turns full-face to his uncle, putting his black eye in plain view for the first time. "The messy shop or my shiner?"

Giving him a wry grin, he shakes his head. "It's good to have you back, Wes. Handling the shop on my own hasn't been nearly as much fun."

Jason chuckles as he heads out of TJY. "Okay. I gotta run home and let Trooper out, then I'll be over. Keep the couch warm." He was rather glad that Alec had finally moved into his shed... that just gave him and Misty more freedom to take over the couch. 

It didn't take him too long to go home then over to Misty's, and ice cream was more to stay awake than anything else. Once the movie was under way though, it was awfully hard not to get too comfortable. And once getting too comfortable, it was awfully hard to stay awake at all. 

By the time the credits were rolling, Jason was barely awake. Lying on his side on the couch with Misty tucked in front of him, he sighs deeply. Nestling a little deeper into the couch, his arm tightens slightly around her waist. "Do I have to get up?" he mumbles. "I think my body died."

"Shoot, I'm always up for coffee with you." Hunter grins as he stops his car at a red light. "You're timing is good anyway. I've had quite the evening and am already on my way across town. Meet you there." 

Since he was already driving, he makes it to the coffee shop first. Deciding to wait outside, he takes up a perch on the hood of his car, keeping a lookout for Katie.

Lydia nods slowly, softly running her fingers through Jared's matted hair. "When he was a boy, he was so full of life and energy." She smiles at the memories. "Always such a mind of his own. When he had an idea or wanted to do something, there was no stopping him. I only wish he would have put his energy towards the good things in life." She sighs deeply. "He has been through so much lately. I hope it is not too late for him to find real happiness." 

Was it? Lydia didn't know. She just wanted to see her son pull through this and be healthy and happy. She wanted him to take advantage of his second chance to live life the right way. But that would be up to him and no one else. Would he make the right decisions now? Lydia could only pray he would. 

Jared continued to drift in and out of sleep the rest of the day, never really being fully aware of what was going on around him. The next day he started showing signs of improvement, but still slept most of the time with so little energy, he wasn't even bored. Finally though, the day after that, his body began to recover. Though still tired, his fever was down, and his mind was clear enough to complain to the nurses about being cooped up.

Sitting up in bed, he flips through television channels, finally landing on an old black and white movie to fill the silence. It looked like a nice day out... at least there was a little sunshine coming in through the cracks around the drawn curtains. It was hard to be too enthusiastic though. His shoulder hurt, and his back was stiff from lack of movement. He wished he could go home, but the doctor said he'd be here at least another day until they were sure the infection really was being defeated. 

Sinking his head back into his pillow, he stares numbly at the television. He wondered if anyone would visit today. He sort of remembered people being in and out during the last couple days, but he was pretty foggy on the details. He knew his mother had been there... had Grace? He thought she maybe had been too. She really was an amazing woman. It was too bad he was such a scumbag. 

Burn

Seeing Lydia come in Grace smiles. She was happy she made it ok, and than she would be able to spend a little time with Jared while he was here. Grace new how worried Lydia got when it came to her kids so to put her mind at ease was important for her own health.

   "He was awake a little bit when I got here, and has been in an our but no more than a few seconds. The nurses have been in and its pretty normal they said since his infection was so bad. It's better for him to sleep so his body can try and heal than move around to much and use his energy."

Giving a smile and looking up at Lydia Grace tried to look as confidant as she could. Jared was in good hands and would be ok, but the matter that was spoken of earlier was heavy on her mind. She didn't want to worry Lydia anymore than she already was right so so it would go unspoken but still that didn't mean she wasn't thinking of it.

Laying on the couch with the tv on in the background Misty holds the phone to her ear. She new Jason had been busy all day and she was doing her best to stay awake not to hear form him. Finally getting the call she did her best not to fall asleep on the phone with him. Though that wouldn't keep her from seeing him tonight anyways.

   "Mmmm...if you think you can keep me awake your more than welcome to come over. I would never say no to seeing you."

It was the truth too. Misty loved spending time with Jason no matter what they were doing. Even if they did pass out on the couch together, the key word she loved was together. And being with, and around Jason just felt so safe, comfortable, and warm. 

Getting Hunter's note Katie gives a smile shaking her head a little bit. It had been a long day and coming back to Hunters note was nice and Katie was happy he'd left it. Pulling out her phone and dialing his number Katie waits for him to answer.

   "Hey sorry it's so late we just got back. If your still up or coffee I could use some myself. Meet you at the coffee shope in fifteen?"

Getting to see everyone again had been nice, fellowship was great, and the food...oh how he has missed the ranch food. Though he didn't want to make a big deal he was kind of happy they had. It was just a nice time all in all. Now as everything was winding down Cindy had gone home to put Kaylee to bed and Wes had stayed back at the ranch just for a little while longer.

Passing by the shop and seeing a light on Wes was happy to see Clint was awake. He wanted to talk to him more tonight as dinner but it had been hard with seeing everyone else and Clint seemed to keep his distance. Maybe there was just so many people he thought it better but Wes couldn't help but sense something else.

Entering then shop and taking a deep breath the smell of oil and rubber hit his nose. It was one of the many smells he had missed. There was just something about being here in the shop again he liked. Standing a little ways  away and watching Clint Wes cocks his head just watching. Taking his nephew in, and seeing how much he'd grown in the time he'd been gone. 

   "Well it looks like you have taken good care of the shop. I sure am happy I left it in your hands and noe someone else who probable would of set it on fire."

Coming more and coming around to the front of the car Clint had been working on. Leaning against the car and looking at everything Wes reaches in and fiddles with a few things. Working on a car was like riding a bike really you never forgot how to do it.

  "I was happy to see you awake still, I think out of everyone next to my wife and child I wanted to talk to you the most. How have you been? Looks like things have been a little rough."

Late night

Jared stirs slightly at the sound of Grace's voice, but doesn't wake. Though his mind was trying desperately to pull itself out of the fog, his body was just too weak. 

It would be about half an hour before Lydia would arrive, and she enters the room quietly, smiling at Grace. She was happy that the younger woman was here - she'd done so much for Jared, not just with his legs.

Lydia goes over to the bed and gently strokes Jared's cheek while he slept. "He is so pale." She turns to look at Grace. "Has he been awake at all?" 

"Yeah, we just got back." Jason stifles a yawn, his keys jingling in his hand as he locked up his office. He'd just grabbed a few things and was ready to head out. Besides Ty and Hal, he and Katie were the only ones on the main floor... which wasn't surprising, since it was after midnight. Their stakeout had lasted longer than anticipated, and had then turned into them tailing the guy for several hours after that. Only now had Jason been able to call Misty. "I know it's late, but if you're up to a movie and some ice cream..." He grins, even though he couldn't see her. "I could think of something to keep you awake."

On Katie's desk, a handwritten note had been stuck to her computer:

So much for surprising you at work. Oops. They said you were gonna be on a case. til late. I'm off to the races. Wish me luck and text when you can. Late night coffee?

Hunter  

"It won't happen again." Clint would be ready for it next time... if there was a next time. Standing again, he picks the ice pack back up. "Thanks for your help." 

Heading for the door, he stops and looks over his shoulder at Angel. "And thanks for not saying anything. I'll see you later." Leaving, he aims for the garage. He knew he could trust Angel not to tell anybody, just like she'd said. And for that, he was grateful. This didn't need to become something bigger than it was.

Kaylee giggles again and gives Wes' other cheek another kiss. "Mwah! Now ah better!" 

Luke laughs and shakes his head. "Well, I'll leave you guys at it. I'll catch you later." 

Cindy just grins and tugs one of Kaylee's pigtails. "Lets get you inside, you big ham." 

In the dining hall, there were a few more people to greet who were so glad to see Wes again. Before long, the day had slipped away, and evening had arrived. Planned festivities really only consisted of good food and fellowship, though there was a bigger group than usual as no one stayed in their own homes tonight. Everyone was so happy to have Wes back in their midst, it was such a wonderful reunion. The laughter and chatting lasted late into the evening when finally people started to disperse - even though they wanted to stay, the morning would come early, and reality still existed. The best part was though, that Wes would be back tomorrow as well. 

There was only one person who had hardly been seen all evening. Clint had shown up for supper, but only after the meal had started, so a wave across the room was the only greeting he'd been able to give Wes. Sticking close to Wendy and Chase back in the corner, he'd made himself scarce before disappearing altogether.

Now it was getting late and everyone was going to their own homes and to bed. But in the garage, lights were on. 

Clint leans into the pickup's engine, still having difficulties finding all that was wrong. It didn't help that his mind was wandering though. He'd wanted to see and talk to Wes so badly. He'd been more than an uncle... he'd been a mentor, and Clint had missed him more than he'd told anybody. Every day in the shop, he'd thought of Wes. Every time he worked on another car, or found a new customer... everything here had Wes' fingerprints on it, and even if Clint had never told anyone, there were many days he'd just sat and listened to the quiet, missing his uncle. Tonight though, he'd just stayed out of the way. The Henson brother's had stuck together like glue, and that included Jim... and Clint was not going to socialize with him. Not to mention, a little bit of makeup had hidden his black eye if he was at a distance, but up close, it had still been pretty obvious, and he had not wanted anyone to ask questions. 

Alone in the garage, the makeup had long since worn off, and the bruise had spread, giving him a nice dark purple shiner. He'd told Wendy what happened, but she and Angel were the only ones who knew anything. The hard part would be tomorrow when more people would see him and it would be impossible to hide his eye. 

As his wrench slips and drops down through the engine, he growls in frustration. Going over to the work bench, he leans on it, looking down at his greasy hands. What was the point anymore? The business was going to go in the hole pretty soon, bills weren't getting paid, his own father couldn't care less if he was here or not... Why was he? Why couldn't he and Wendy find their own place closer to town? They'd be closer to friends, closer to church, closer to everything they wanted to do. He could find a job with regular hours... a while after the baby was born, Wendy could pick up painting again. Why did they stay here? 

Sighing, Clint takes his rag from his back pocket and tries to clean his hands. Maybe this whole thing with his dad was getting to him more than he thought.

Lost

Listing to Clint as he explains what happened Angel can feel her heart pound in her chest. Jim would really do that to Clint? To Rosalyn? Because he didn't want Rosalyn to see a man that she enjoyed spending her time with. As far as Angel new she hadn't dont anything wrong with Chad and both of them had good heads on there shoulders.

   "Searously?"

The more Angel thought about it the more it made her angry. How could he be so angry because he daughter wanted happiness? This was not right and Jim should not take out his anger on his kids. Rosalyn  was a grown woman  and she new what she was doing, Jim couldn't treat her like a little child anymore.

   "Clint, I am so sorry. That was not right of your dad at all and I think someone else should know about it, but I wont say anything. You can't let this go on longer if it happens again."

Angel wouldn't say anything but that didn't mean she had to like what happened. It boiled her blood and it wasn't fair to either of the kids. Whatever was Jim's problem she wasn't sure but she hoped he would snap out of it soon before he lost both his kids.

 Returning the small smile to the Dr. Grace lets out a sigh once he was gone. She wasn't sure what was going on or why Jared was acting like out of the blue. It confused her, and at the same time hurt too. Turning and heading back into his room she wasn't sure when his mom was coming but she would wait. Coming closer to the bed and laying a hand ontop of Jared's again she lets out a sigh.

   "Whats going on in that head of yours Jared? I'm not just going to go away that easy I wish you would understand that."

Pulling one of the chairs closer to the bed Grace sits down. She'd rest a little till Jared woke up or till Lydia got there. Than she would have a little company and things would work themselves out. It was just waiting not to figured out who she would talk to first.

Shaking Luke's hand the best he could Wes gives a smile keeping Kaylee safe holding her in his other. He was happy for everyone in the ranch who had been part of Kaylee's life while he was gone and filling the hole her might have had without her father. It made him feel good to know that no matter who here had taken care of her she was in good hands and would be taught the right path, and good ways he wanted his child to follow.

   "Well we all know trouble is your middle name Luke so it probable wasn't har...."

Having his words cut off by getting waked in the face with the small little hand on Kaylee's Wes looks at her for a moment and blinks. Seeing her laughter and then getting the sloppy kiss he can't hold his own laughter and smile back any longer. Kaylee was to preasous to even try to be upset with.

   "I don't know there kiddo...I might need another one of those kiss' just to make sure its all better. What do you say? Another one for good measure!"

Trying to be happy

"I'm not in trouble," Clint quickly responds. "Least ways not that kind of trouble."

Sighing, he returns to the examining table and sets down the ice pack. He knew Angel simply cared. He knew she was just trying to do her job and didn't want to see him hurt. Not to mention her obligations as the ranch doctor. He couldn't blame her for wanting answers.

Finally glancing over at her again, he studies her face. He'd always been able to trust her... what was different about today?

Turning and sitting once more, his shoulders slouch as his hands rest awkwardly in his lap. His eyes find the floor. "It was Dad. We had a fight about me taking Rosalyn to town this morning. He said I was..." He sighs again. "....that I was just encouraging her to make the same mistakes as me before I was married." He shrugs lamely. "When I told him he was just jealous..." He gestures to his eye. "I just walked away after that."

Swallowing hard, he couldn't look up at Angel anymore. "It would just kill Rosalyn - she'd blame herself and I can't let that happen. She's not doing anything wrong with Chad... she's just trying to be happy is all."


Dr. Harvor nods his agreement to Grace. "Okay. I hope you can get to the bottom of it, since it sounds like you two really do get along well. Please let me know what happens so I'll know what to do with my records."

Checking his watch, he straightens. "I need to go check on some other patients so I'll leave you be for now." He offers Grace a small smile. "I'll catch you later." 


Kaylee blinks and studies Wes' face, not really sure what he was talking about, but she gives him a silly grin anyway. "Otay. Choc ilk now." 

Cindy rolls her eyes. "Come on. We'll get you some before you die of thirst." 

Luke had kept his distance, letting the little family reunite. He smiles as they near the dining hall though, and reaches out to shake Wes' one hand that was free. "Good to have you home, Wes." 

Cindy can't help the smile that was pasted on her face, and she wipes away another tear. "Thanks for keeping Kaylee occupied."

"Eh, it was nothing. Wendy had her hands full with an ornery Chase this morning, so we decided to go off and find some trouble on our own." 

"Trouble!" Kaylee throws up her hands, accidentally smacking Wes in the face. Looking at him, her eyes go wide. "Oops." Giggling, she gives his cheek a sloppy kiss. "Ah better."

Never Again

Walking with Cindy Wes content and happy to see the people they passed. Having them stop giving him handshakes, hugs it was nice to see everyone smile. After knowing how broken up everyone was they thought he was dead Wes was happy to put some smiles on there faces.

Stopping hearing the laughter that rang in his ears Wes just stood still watching his daughter play. She was so big now, he'd missed so much, to see her now it was an over whelming feeling of emotions. As Kaylee runs to Cindy and turns to him Wes can feel his heart beat out of his chest. She didn't remember him...or...did she?

   "Hey there Peanut."

As Kaylee reaches out and runs a finger down his cheek Wes gives a smile smile. He hoped his scars wouldn't mask who he was, or scar his little girl. His heart was beating so fast right now he wondered if anyone else could hear it. So many emotions played in his eyes, so many things he felt.

Taken by surprise as Kaylee jumps into his arms Wes is quick to hold her and keep her close. As her arms wrap around him he can't help but finally let his tears flow. So many emotions and and he just wanted them free. His little girl, his little baby girl remembered him.

   "Oh Hunny....I think I can come get chocolate milk with you and Mommy can come too. I love you both so very much and promise never to leave for an extended amount of time again."

Still leaning against the wall Grace wasn't sure what to do. This whole thing with Jared was like a roller coaster but she didn't want to give up. That just wasn't her to give up but she needed to remember what was best for Jared too.

   "Let me talk to him and see whats up. If he really wants someone else than...I guess I have to respect that but maybe I can get him to change his mind."

Still looking at  Clint Angel couldn't help but be worried about Clint and why he was trying to hid things. Was he really in trouble? Did she need to say something to someone? This wasn't normal for him and she didn't like it.

   "I wont tell Rosalyn but you need to give me some kind of information so I don't have to tell someone Clint. This is not like you, and if your in trouble someone needs to know."

Unca Uke

Accused of lying, Clint really had no defense, and he knew it. He also knew it had been stupid to even try. Angel could read him far too well for him to be able to get away with something like this.

With slouched shoulders, he stands and wanders to the window with his back to Angel. Lowering the ice pack, his fingers fiddle with it nervously. Eventually he turns back around to reveal his gaze that bore an incredible amount of suffering... suffering that was being locked inside and not allowed to be released. There were no tears, but only because he willed them not to surface.

"I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly. "It's just, um... the truth is something I don't feel comfortable sharing. I shouldn't have lied though." He shrugs lamely. "Please, just... don't say anything to anybody, okay? I can't let Rosalyn find out."

Dr. Harvor sighs and purses his lips as he thinks. He trusted Grace - she had an unblemished record, she worked well with people, she was honest, and it was obvious that she had done good work with Jared's physical therapy. That's why this whole thing felt odd.

"Hmm... well, I suppose that's a possibility." He really had no idea of the young man's emotional state, let alone feelings about any kind of rocky past. "Do you think I should try reasoning with him - when he's pulled through this current situation, of course - or do you think he would benefit more from some other kind of psychiatric help? Or do you think you should speak to him directly? You know him better than I do... If what you say is true, do you believe he simply needs to talk about it? I'd really hate to reassign a different therapist - one, if you're right, and two, because you already have made so much headway with him, it would be hard for someone else to pick up where you left off."

Standing beside her, he leans back against the wall too, and nods as a nurse walks by, pausing until she was out of earshot again. "I'm willing to act on your recommendation before filing his complaint."

"Yeah, well... Reese has been giving me more and more work lately with less and less information." Jason shakes his head. "I think he's just too busy to keep up with it all. I'm not even sure he's been taking any days off at all, and I'm sure that hasn't done anything good for him and Angelica." 

Capping his Mountain Dew, he sets it aside for later. "He said something recently that gave me the idea he was thinking about making some changes at TJY but he hasn't said anything more. Only thing I know is he's had a lot of contact with the other Elite chiefs at other locations lately, but he's tried to keep it quiet." 

Still keeping an eye on the house they were watching, Jason realizes that's about as much as he'd said to Katie all at once in quite a while. Maybe this whole being friends thing really could work. It felt rather unnatural, but... it did feel better than being at odds. 

"Nooooo!" Kaylee squealed with laughter as she took off across the yard with Luke in hot pursuit. He couldn't move very fast, but it was at least fast enough to keep up with Kaylee's toddler-sized legs. 

"Aha!" Luke snatches her up around her waist and swings her high in the air. "Gotcha!" 

"Unca Uke! Pu' me down!" Kaylee shrieked as he swung her around before falling into another fit of giggles. Finally set down, she reaches up to him again. "More! Again!" 

Luke laughs and shakes his head. "I'm afraid you're wearing me out, Junebug."

Kaylee giggles again, her face flushed red from playing, and her pigtails all askew. She'd been passed between several people since last night, but she took it in stride. As far as she was concerned, everyone here was her family, and she was used to being taken care of by any of them. Besides home, her favorite place to stay was with Clint and Wendy though, and Luke and Angel were a close second.

"Come on." Luke takes Kaylee's hot little hand and starts back to the dining hall. "How 'bout some chocolate milk!" 

"Yes!" Kaylee nods her agreement. "Choc ilk." 

"Chocolate milk."

"Choclee ilk." 

Chocolate milk."

"Yes!" 

Luke laughs and shakes his head as they slowly walk. Stopping near the porch though, he and Kaylee spot Cindy at just about the same time. 

"Mama!" Kaylee lets go of Luke's hand and takes off running for Cindy. Tripping halfway there, she sprawls in the grass, just to pick herself up and keep going like nothing happened. 

Luke's smile widens as he sees Cindy is not alone. He'd been looking forward to seeing Wes again... and just laying eyes on him now and seeing for himself that he was not dead... it was a good feeling. 

Kaylee doesn't stop until she's been picked up by Cindy. Giggling, she gives her mother a sloppy kiss on the cheek. "Hi, hi." 

Cindy laughs and hugs her tight. "Hey, you. Looks like you've been wearing out poor Uncle Luke." 

Kaylee scrunches up her nose as she gives her a silly grin. "Yes." 

Cindy just grins and rolls her eyes. Turning towards Wes, she catches his eye, giving him reassurance. "Look who's here, Pumpkin."

Kaylee hadn't been paying any attention, and had been so focused on Cindy that she hadn't noticed the man with her. Studying him now, her sparkling eyes roam his face. Her hand clutches Cindy's shirt tightly, to make sure she stayed with her mother. "Who da?" 

"This is Daddy... do you remember him? Daddy's home now, Sweetheart." 

"Daddy?" Kaylee tries out the word as her brow furrows while trying to figure all this out. 

"That's right," Cindy encourages. Did her daughter even remember at all? 

Kaylee's expression remains inquisitive, almost confused as she reaches out with her hand and touches Wes' face. Her finger gently feels his cheek, and her eyes continue to study each little detail. Then all at once, without any warning, she lets go of Cindy and throws herself at Wes, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Daddy!" 

Cindy almost drops her before she's safely in Wes' arms, and a laugh sticks in her throat, mixed with overwhelming emotions. 

Kaylee giggles as she hugs Wes' neck. "Yes. Daddy." Pulling back a little she points to the dining hall, perfectly content in the new perch of his arms. "Choc ilk." 

Cindy wipes away a tear as she laughs. "Did Luke promise you chocolate milk?" 

"Yes." Kaylee nods, making her messy pigtails bob all over. "Daddy." She taps Wes' shoulder. "Go wif." She points to the dining hall again. "Choc ilk wif us?"

I'm sorry

Hearing what Dr. Harvor had to say Grace was a little shocked. She had no knowledge of this at all or even a inkling that this might be coming. It completely blindsided her and the look on her face she new said so. Why would Jared say they were not getting along when clearly they had been. They had even had a nice lunch together the day before the last. 

   "We...I'm sorry Dr but I don't know what I can tell you other than Jared and I have been getting along. This have been looking up, his spirits have been higher, and we've been getting along better than when we first started out. I have been doing myself to stay positive with him."

Stopping for a second Grace leans against the wall. She was happy the hospital wasn't busy today and all eyes were not on her. She didn't like to be the center of thing specially when it came to something like this. Going over everything in her head it finally hits her. Was Jared doing this because he didn't think he was good enough to have there friendship? It was the only thing that made sence.

   "I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I know he made mention the other day that with his past he wasn't good enough to have friends like me. Honestly that's the only thing I can even think of that might have anything to do with it." 

Leaning against the counter and looking at Clint Angel is silent for a long second. It was strange hearing her son in law lie to her. It was very unlike him to say the least. Even with everything that happened with him and Wendy he never lied about anything or made an excuse so why would he now?

   "Those doors can be tricky, but I think it needs to hit you again in the face if you keep lying to me."

Shifting and coming up next to Clint Angel sits down cocking her head to look him in the eyes. What had happened that he felt he needed to lie to her? Could it really be something that bad? Was he in trouble or the family? There were so many questions to ask.

   "So...lets try this again. What happened Clint?"

Shaking her head Katie new what Jason was going to say before he even said it. She has spend far to long with his emotions running around inside of her to not know. This could be long, and it could be short but it would be boring for sure. Steakouts always were but with Jason they seemed to be ok at least. 

   "Ok, that sounds like a fair deal to me. I still can't believe Reese sent us here without really knowing anything."

Katie couldn't help but wonder if there had been another motive here somewhere. Maybe she was wrong but it just seemed to fit with how everything was going down and she couldn't help the feeling. For now though all they could do was wait and see what would happen.

Not lying

"Okay." Dr. Harvor gestured to the door. "Let's step out into the hall." It was quiet on this floor today, so there was little traffic. 

"I had some information I was supposed process several days ago, but it got lost in the cracks and I neglected to get it done in a timely manner." He tucks his hands in the pockets of his smock, his facial expression remaining thoughtful. "I was a little surprised to find you in Jared's room just now. When he came in for his shoulder surgery, he asked if he could be assigned with a different physical therapist from now on. His reason was that you and he weren't getting along, and he'd be more comfortable with a man."

Dr. Harvor shrugs. "As far as I was concerned, you were one of the best we had, without a mark on your record, so naturally I was confused. I figured it was his right though, so I started that paperwork I never finished."

Pausing, he studies Grace's face. "I've never heard a complaint about you until now. Would you... mind telling me what happened?" 

Clint avoids answering Angel's question, and simply accepts the ice pack and Tylenol, which he downs easily. Putting the ice over his eye, he winces a little as the pressure stings. 

"I gotta fix that door on the shop," he muses. "That spring is too tight and it likes to snap back in people's faces." 

While he spoke though, he refused to look at Angel. It was a lame effort at not lying and not telling the truth either.

"No, he didn't." Jason rolls his eyes. "This could shape up to be quite a long day..." And night. But he really didn't want to say that. 

"I vote if by the time the sun goes down we haven't seen movement, we call in to see what on earth we're supposed to be doing." 

Mick laughs and holds up his hands in surrender. "It was both of them... but the rest of us jumped on board pretty quick. Don't worry though - we know you don't like big deals, so we're really just using it as an excuse for some good food and fellowship time."

Nodding at Wes' question, he starts back towards the barn. "I gotta keep working anyway, so I'll walk with you. Just be glad Cindy called... otherwise we might have a lot of heart attacks..." He pauses when he suddenly remembers Jeff. "...And we've had one too many of those around here already."  

Start

Looking down at Jared and shaking her head Grace would of said more but seeing Jared was fast asleep again there was no point. If he happened to say it again when he was awake she would be sure to set him straight. Moving as the Dr comes in Grace lets him do his thing. Hearing his comment he needed to talk to her Grace got a strange feeling that she didn't like. Almost like she new a wave of bad news was coming.

   "We can talk now if you like. Jared is sleeping and I am waiting for his mom anyways so now is as good a time as ever."

Hearing Clint's voice and look up Angel was a bit shocked to see the bruise forming on Clint's face. He wasn't one to get into fights all the time so seeing something like that was shocking. Standing and coming over to him quickly Angel looks over his face.

   "Clint...what happened?"

Going to her cabnit and grabbing an ice pack Angel brings it back to Clint along with a cup of water and some Tylenol. It would help with the swelling but sadly there would be a mark still. It didn't look to bad but it looked bad enough she new for sure Wendy would see it and thats why Clint was looking for something.

Katie gives a small laugh. She understood what Jason was saying about it being strange but it was better than nothing and Katie was happy about that. It was a start and they had to start somewhere, sometimes that was the hardest part was knowing where to pick up again.

   "We always did make a pretty good team if I do say so myself. I think its a good place to start anyways." 

Looking to Jason again for a second with a smile Katie looks out the window again and gives a smile before looking out the window once again. Letting out a small sigh this really was a boring steakout and sometimes they were always like that but this time around there was hardly even any movment too.

   "Reese say how long we had to stay?"

Hearing about the little party Wes can't help but roll his eyes. He really didn't want to make such a big deal about this but how could he not expect this with this family. It's just how it worked and he was thankful at least they cared.

   "Do I owe the thanks to your wife or Becky? If it wasn't one of those two I'd be hiding."

Giving a laugh and wrapping his arm around Cindy Wes shakes his head before leaning down and giving her a kiss. His eyes smiled so much it was easy to see how happy he was to be home.

   "So shall we find more people to shock?"

Loyal

Eric grins and slips his arms around Stacy as she comes nearer. Returning her kiss, he gives her a little squeeze. "Mm... maybe I shoulda got my hair cut sooner." 

Still grinning, he looks down at her, his eyes twinkling. And he wasn't so sure that he'd ever tire of seeing that look of affection in her gaze. He hoped he wouldn't. It was too precious a feeling. 

Ashlee's remark just makes Dylan's face even redder, and he chokes on some sort of laugh. "Well, um... thanks... I guess?" Eric reaches over and thumps the back of his head, making him flinch. "Hey, what was that for?"

"You gotta learn to take a compliment." 

Dylan rolls his eyes. "Yeah, like you?" 

Eric looks down to find his arms still around Stacy, and he laughs. "Well I don't want you going overboard." 

"Can we like... eat? I'm starving."

"Nice change of subject." Eric relents though, and lets Stacy go, but keeps one arm slung over her shoulders. Wandering back to the table, he takes a seat next to her, leaving the other side for the kids. 

Letting Ashlee slide in the booth first, Dylan slips in next to her, extra careful not to crowd her, and quite aware of her mother sitting right across from them. 

Mick has a hard time letting go of Wes, but he does, stepping back and just giving him a long look, his smile returning. "There's nothing to be sorry for." He pauses. "Just don't do it again." 

Cindy chuckles and links her arm with Wes'. "I'll make sure of that." 

"Good." Mick thumbs to the barn. "Well, a bunch of the guys are in the barn if you want to head that direction. We, um... expect both of you for supper for sort of a welcome back party. Nothing big, but we wanted to do something." 

"Angel?" Clint taps on her office door lightly before opening it cautiously and peeking inside. Entering slowly, he makes sure the door shuts behind him. He hadn't been back from town long, and had since dropped Rosalyn off at the dining hall so she could work the rest of the day. 

"I just... um... well, I was wondering if... if you had something..." He glances down and finally turns his face so she could see his eye that was quickly turning a nice shade of purple. "...that might help so this wouldn't get too nasty?"

Jason cocks his head and gently touches his pop bottle to Katie's before taking a long swig. Thinking about what she'd said, he nods slowly. "I... guess I do hope we can stay friends," he admits. "Kinda weird still but... I dunno... maybe time does heal wounds." 

He moves his gaze to the window, quiet again for several minutes. "Maybe we'll at least still make a good Elite team, huh?"

Jared gives Grace a little smirk before his eyes fall shut again. "You'll... get tired... v'nt...v...vently..." He gives up on trying to pronounce "eventually" in his state. "I'm... not... not worth it." 

"Knock knock." Dr. Harvor enters the room slowly, approaching Jared's bed to check his vitals. "Sorry to interrupt." Not that he was interrupting much - Jared had just fallen asleep again. "You're a pretty loyal therapist." 

Leaving Jared be, Dr. Harvor pauses at the foot of the bed, still studying Grace. "I'd like to speak with you... if now's not a good time, then at least before you leave." 

Not Suprised

Smiling down at Jared and seeing him away even if it was in a state of a fever she was still happy to have proof he was ok. Jared was going to pull through this, after everything he had too and Grace would be there every step of the way.

   "I could hardly get tired of seeing you. Even if you are in a mess."

Grace really did enjoy spending time with Jared.  Even if it was in a different way than she liked it was still nice. The conversation was good, the laughing was good it was just a complete package.

Hearing Eli's comment Ryan can't help but shrink  a little as her smile grows bigger. Looking at Alec and the others again for a quick second she looks away and back to her brother shaking her head.

   "Sometimes tells me I would not be surprised if you did have the room bugged."

Moving her leg under the table and bumping Tal's with her own Ryan smiles to him again. They were going to be kept busy while Eli was gone for sure. So while she as going to miss her brother at the same time she new it would go by quickly.

   "First things first after they leave...camera hunt. I dont need my big brother seeing any of this stuff."

Being pulled into Eli Scarlet gives a laugh. Leaning her hand on Eli's chest and standing on her tip toes to giving him a kiss she pulls away and smiles. She was so happy he was coming with her on this trip. It was business but they would be able to have fun as well and sharing it with the man she loved was better than doing it alone.

   "Yes I think we will be to busy. But we do need to bring them back something or we might never live it down."

   "I've got to, I know you always forget at least one thing. So if I don't pick up the slack than where would that get us?"

Giving a smile Katie retrieves her own bottle and cracks it open. Taking a sip she lets the pop slip down her throat laughing at the bubbles tickle her nose for a second. She didn't drink to much pop anymore so when she did it always felt strange. This was one of those times though that she couldn't turn it down. It was just tradition.

Hearing Jason's comment about moving forward Katie gives a little nod of her head still looking forward for a long moment. Moving forward, it seemed easy and hard at the same time. Katie new that they both were doing that already with there lives and yet something great seemed to be missing. Katie new that it was because she and Jason just wernt the same anymore. They only talked when they had too and there was such great tension in the air. She hated this feeling she had when they use to be so close. 

   "Moving forward is important and looking into the past really wont change anything. Even if its hard not to sometimes and feel regret."

Finally looking away Katie looks to Jason. Seeing he wanted to toast Katie lets out a small sigh. Maybe they would be ok, and they could be friends. It was something she hoped and wished for more than anything. She wasn't upset wit Misty and was happy that at least Jason had ended up with someone so nice and sweet even if she felt bad for Carson. She couldn't see anyone else she'd rather see Jason with.

   "To the future, and to friendship no matter how slow it goes, at least there is still that."

Looking up and seeing Eric enter the dinner Stacy can't help her smile. Standing and going over to him she runs er hand though his hair. She liked his longer hair so the face he didn't get it all cut off made her feel good.

   "Short, but not to short, its perfect. Than again you always are good looking in your rugged way."

Standing up on her tip toes Stacy leans into Eric and places a kiss on his lips before pulling away a little bit and looking into Eric's eyes. She sure was going to miss him while he was on the road. The only comfort she had was the fact that he'd be back soon, that had been his promise.

Rolling her eyes as she mom kissed Eric Ashlee couldn't help the little smile too. She might play like it was disgusting but she was happy her mom and was happy. Seeing Dylan she smile grew a little more. Dylan was cute to start with but he sure did clean up nice and looked even better/

   "You pass the test. You look amazing more than normal."

Giving a laugh and starting forward Wes was happy Cindy was with him. She gave him the strength, she always had to face everything head on and just take things as they came. God had given him Cindy for many reasons and one was to be his lifesaver when he felt like he was drowning. Wes couldn't imagen where he would be without her.

Getting to the ranch yard and scaning the area himself his smile grows a little more. He's missed it here for sure and to be back felt amazing. There safe haven, there life, there home, this was a place many only dreamed about but they had made it possible, had made a life, and community. Wes couldn't thank God enough for giving him more time  to continue to enjoy this life.

Seeing Mick come over Wes' heart pounded in his chest, in his ears. His brother, it was good to see him again and it was good to see him well. Giving a nod still holding Cindy's hand Wes found the words through his own emotions to talk.

   "I like to make an entrance...I am a Henson after all."

Finally letting go of Cindy's hand and stepping forward Wes returns Mick's hug his own tears rolling down his cheek. So many emotions ran free it was hard to pick witch one was witch so crying seem the best option to let them all out at the moment.

    "It's good to see you again Mick. Sorry for the scare."