The Ranch... Open..

[bullshot]

George & Sam

George had broken the kiss and suggested they set up camp to cover his embarrassment at taking advantage of the fact they were alone. Although he wanted to kiss her again he felt that he’d gone too far too fast, because Sam hadn’t made any comment he was even more confused.

Sam sounded upset as she started to look for wood for the fire, causing George to think she was upset with him. He started to unload the pack horses and unsaddle Damion and Sheba, as he finished he could hear Sam humming softly as she gathered the wood. Now he really was confused, she’d sounded upset now she sounded happy, as he set everything in place and ground hitched the horses so they could graze and drink from the stream he wondered what to do next.

He went upstream from the horses and filled a kettle with water so they could have a hot drink once the fire was lit. Sam had suggested that there was game around so he set some snares on what where obviously rabbit runs a little way into the wood before returning and digging a shallow hole for the fire.

As Sam returned with an armful of wood he wondered if he should apologise or ignore his actions as she had, deciding that an apology was in order.

“Sam I sorry if I upset you with the kiss, I just couldn’t resist any longer I’ve wanted to do that since we first met, but the opportunity has never been there. If you’re upset please tell me and I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said sounding really sorry.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

“Sam I sorry if I upset you with the kiss, I just couldn’t resist any longer I’ve wanted to do that since we first met, but the opportunity has never been there. If you’re upset please tell me and I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again,”

Turning at the sound of George's voice I couldn't but smile even more, he was reading my thoughts again only this time he hadn't heard all of them. Sitting down next to George quietly as I continue to listen to him. Before looking at him directly saying, "Damion thinks his mistress likes you just as much as you like her."

As I watch the light come on above George's head my smile grows even more. I didn't want George thinking that I had been upset, in truth I wanted him to know how much I respected him. And how in just a short amount of time he had come to capture my heart like no one else could. Not just as a friend but if it happened and god knew I wanted it to.. Something much, much more, but I wasn't going to rush in like I had the first time. This time I wanted to take my time and fall in love the right way.

 

[bullshot]

George & Sam

George put his arm around Sam’s shoulders and gave her a hug.

“I’m so glad that Damion has more sense than I have,” he says with a laugh. “I really was worried that I’d upset you, now I know differently I feel a lot better,” he added and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Let’s get the fire started, then I can see if my snares have caught us dinner or if we’ll have to eat what Carolyn has supplied. I’m sure she’s done us proud, but it would be nice to save some of the good food for the next couple of days,” he suggested waiting for Sam to make a move. He felt so comfortable now he wasn’t really bothered about food and could stay holding Sam all night.

Finally he got up and offered his hand to Sam to pull her upright as well, making sure he pulled just a little too hard so that he had to put his arms around her to steady her. Smiling he lit the tinder and between them they put small pieces of wood on top of it until they had a small fire going. Larger pieces of wood where then put on top and George made a tripod with three large branches over the fire, hanging the kettle he’d filled onto it so that it would boil for a hot drink.

“Let’s go and see if the snares have caught anything while the kettle boils,” he said taking her hand and leading her towards the woods where the snares had been set.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

I was beginning to think that I never wanted to leave this magical place, now that George knew how I felt things just seemed to be falling into place. Walking hand in hand with George I started telling him about all the times that Kat and I spent time together here. Enjoying the rich sound of his laughter, the feel of his hand in mine and the peace in my heart.

"Look, it seems that we will have roasted rabbit for dinner," pointing to one of his snares I watch the poor creature flop about trying to get free. A normal person would have felt shame for seeing such a sight. But those of us out here in the country knew that wild animals meant the difference between life and death sometimes. Even though we had food it just seemed right to depend upon ourselves to provide the nurishment that we would need.

"You make a very good provider George," smiling as I say this. Moving closer to the scared rabbit, hoping that his other snares would be just as lucky.

 

[bullshot]

George & Sam

George laughed as Sam recounted the times she and Katherin had spent together at this camping spot, it was obvious to George that this was a really special place for her. He was so pleased that she was willing to share it with him, he didn’t say anything for fear of breaking the spell.

"Look, it seems that we will have roasted rabbit for dinner,"

George laughed again at the excitement in her voice.

“All I’ve got to do is skin and gut it then we’ll let it roast slowly over the fire while we enjoy the evening,” George told her. “If we get any more I think I’ll make one into a stew, I’m sure Carolyn packed some vegetables,” he added smiling at the look on Sam’s face.

Both the other snares had caught rabbits as well, so they had three to skin and gut, George was surprised at how good Sam was skinning and gutting, they had the three ready in a very short time. George had removed the snares as they collected the rabbits as three would last them until the following evening, when they could try again if they wanted more roast rabbit.

George filled a large pot with water and put one of the rabbits into it along with carrots and potatoes, then put the pot over the fire to simmer. Another rabbit he pushed a straight branch right through it and fitted it over the fire like a spit so it could be turned and cooked right through.

“Well are you happy?” he asked Sam as he finally sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat drove the jeep into town Kasey and Meg sat in back while Josh sat in the passanger set next to her. The drive didnt take long maybe 15 - 20 min tops. On the way in she turned the radio station over to which ever station happend to come in the clearest out on the back roads.

Kat drove by the Gazebo on main street so that they would know where to meet up at when she was finnished at the bank. Parking the Jeep she got out and Smiled as she said. Ok all if you want to come with me your more than welcome.. otherwise i'll meet you at the Gazebo when i am done.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

Leaning into George's arm smiling happily up at him and his question. "Happy yes, very happy actually I can't exactly remember a time when I was happier. You have made me very happy just by being here for me to share this moment with me." Turning my head towards George's cheek I place a light kiss upon it, lingering only a moment before moving my lips away from him.

Leaning once more back into the soft comforting cradle of him arm watching the fire flicker before then setting the mood to peace and tranquility. The night had closed in on them fast and the setting sun was making a spectacular sight for them. Sending rays of orange, red, purple and blue across the sky to disappear behind the bluff of the waterfalls.

I couldn't remember a time like this one, where I was totally comfortable within a man's arms. One that I barely knew, realizing this fact it was only right for me to ask him about his self. "George tell me about yourself please, I would like to hear something of your past that you would feel comfortable telling me. Then if you don't mind maybe some of your dislikes and likes."

 

[bullshot]

"George tell me about yourself please, I would like to hear something of your past that you would feel comfortable telling me. Then if you don't mind maybe some of your dislikes and likes."

George sat and thought for a few minutes before starting.

"I was brought up on the ranch that I had to leave before coming here. My father was a hand there and mother was the cook. When I was old enough and big enough I started helping around the ranch. Unfortunately when I was 15 my parents went out to town one night and were never seen again. The wagon they'd gone out on was found but they and the horses had vanished. Because of the tracks around the wagon its assumed they were attacked by a number of big cats, it had been a hard winter and the cats were taking cattle and anything they could get. After that I was sort of adopted by the hands on the ranch and worked my way up to forman there.

As for likes and dislikes, I like most things and it takes a lot to get me mad. Its difficukt to say what I dislike because until it happens I just don't know," George related a quick version of his life to Sam.

"I know I like you and Katherin, I like it here with you. I wish we could stay here but tomorrow we have to ride some of the fence and do any repairs that are needed. That's something I don't like is somebody not doing the job properly," he told her. As he looked at her he could see that she was looking at him, so once again he took the plunge and leaned over and kissed her on the lips, only this time he didn't pull away he kept kissing her waiting for her reaction

 

[redbaron05]

Ok all if you want to come with me your more than welcome.. otherwise i'll meet you at the Gazebo when i am done

Josh says "I'll go with you Kat you dont need to be alone with large sums of money on you that way i can watch your back"

 

[DarkLdyElectra]

Kasey

As I get out of the jeep I tell Kat that I am going to go look as some clothes at one of the stores.Meg would you like to come with me I might need you to let me know how I look if I try something on.

Don't want to buy it if I don't look good in it.I also need to buy some things for when I take my riding lessons.

 

[LadyFairy]

Great sounds good to me thanks Josh i could use the company. She said smiling as she listened to Kasey ask Meg to join her.

Walking up the steps to the bank with Josh at her side they went inside the bank and Kat walked up to one of the tellers. I would like to see someone about paying off the loan on Renolds Ranch please... She asked the woman behind the counter when the lady infront of them was finnished. This way please.. The woman said.

Katherin looked at Josh and relaxed when he gave her a reasuring smile, and they followed the woman into one of the offices near buy. If you will wait here Mr. Danvenro will be right with you. She said and left them alone in the office.

Turning to Josh Kat said. I am happy because the ranch is going to be paid off but at the same time i hate banks.. its too stuffy and closed in..I never feel comfortable. How about you?

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

I melted there was no other way to describe my reaction to George's kiss. There could have been a herd of elephants storm right by me and I wouldn't have noticed. Soft and yet with a touch of passion George kept me at that brink of not knowing whether to fall over the edge or to hang back and wait to see what was to come next.

Pulling back this time it was I who broke the kiss, even though I didn't want to I had this feeling that if I didn't I would want so much more. My heated my body exclaimed its protest but that only increased my desire to take things slow. I wanted to make sure that George knew I just didn't give my heart to anyone and when I did it was for more then a one nighter. Though I got the impression that George was into it for long term I didn't think it would look good if I threw myself at him and yelled, 'TAKE ME'...

"George, please don't take this wrong, I enjoy your kisses. Actually to be honest I love them and want more of them. But I need you to understand, I am in for a long term not short. I don't think you are in it for short term either but I want to make sure that I don't screw up and give my heart to someone who can't handle it again."

I knew my voice was pleading with him to understand my dilemma. But George meant a lot to me now and even though it was a short amount of time since he and I had met, there were sparks between us and I didn’t want to lose something that could be special by not making my needs known.

 

[bullshot]

George and Sam

"If you want to know how I feel I think you should have a talk with Katherin when you get back. We had a good talk while we were waiting for you today and I told her how I felt and what I hoped would happen while we're riding the fences. So its happened a bit sooner than I hoped, but you can be certain that its gone as far as I intend to let it. Kissing and hugging are Ok from now on but don't think that we can go further, I want you to be really sure of yourself before we think about anything else," George told Sam hoping to reasure her that he was for the long term as well.

"That rabbit looks as if its ready to eat, lets get some of it inside us," he suggested looking at the well roasted rabbit. "Then we can relax and enjoy each others company," he finished. He got up and cut the rabbit in half putting the two halves onto plates he'd dug out of his saddle bags, handing one plate to Sam before sitting next to her again with the other plate for himself.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

Smiling happily at George I take the offered plate from him telling him thank you. The smell of the roasted rabbit reminds me how hungry I am and soon we both are engrossed with the rabbit. Licking our fingers of the juices and laughing at each other with the primative scene we make.

"The is one of the best nights I can ever remember sharing with someone. Thank you George I am glad we have had this time to find out about each other." Saying this as I finish off the last of the delicious rabbit. Cleaning my fingers off I let my gaze fall upon George once more thinking about what he had said earlier.

If he had talked to Kat, then he was serious about a long term commitment. I couldn't help but giggle slightly with my thoughts about how Kat would have reacted to George and hers talk. Just like the sisterly type, much like Megs had reacted to her and I's talk. Seeing the questioning look upon George's face I quickly explain my giggles.

"You know Megs caught me and asked me about you as well, we had our little talk before I left to. She likes you and think you will be good for me not like.. Well lets just say she likes to see me smiling and happy again and thinks that you are doing wonderfully."

I hadn't meant to bring up Tom again, it had almost came out that he was better then Tom. Which in being honest with myself I had to agree with it, but I felt like I was being disloyal to Tom's memory. And even though Tom and I hadn't been perfect for each other he was dead and it just seemed wrong to compare George and Tom.

Giving myself a mental shake to clear away my thoughts I look once more at the fire. Sighing softly with the peace of the evening knowing that my feelings were being returned by someone..

 

[bullshot]

George & Sam

"The is one of the best nights I can ever remember sharing with someone. Thank you George I am glad we have had this time to find out about each other."

George laughed at this he felt exactly the same.

"I was hoping we'd find out about each other, while we were alone. Surprisingly every thing seems to have taken a giant leap forward instead of small steps as I'd intended," he replied.

George was sure they would enjoy their time together over the next couple of days, they didn't need to pussyfoot around each other anymore. There wouldn't be any misunderstanding from chance remarks, such as was this meant or that.

"You know Megs caught me and asked me about you as well, we had our little talk before I left to. She likes you and think you will be good for me not like.. Well lets just say she likes to see me smiling and happy again and thinks that you are doing wonderfully."

So both Katherin and Mags where watching over Sam, well at least he'd put Katerin's mind at rest, maybe Mags would tackle him when they returned. He'd cross that bridge if and when it arrived.

"We need to set off early in the morning so I think we should get some sleep," he suggested getting up and putting enough wood on the fire to keep it going all night. He set their sleeping bags out so they were at right angles to each other with the heads only a foot apart.

 

[redbaron05]

Josh and Kat in the bank

Great sounds good to me thanks Josh i could use the company. She said smiling as she listened to Kasey ask Meg to join her

My pleasure Josh replies as he steps down from the jeep. Following Kat into the bank holding the door open for her as they enter Josh cant help but notice how pretty Kat is again and smiles. As Kat talks to the teller Josh looks around the bank thinking how these places make him nervous with all their money being a country boy money and rich folks made him nervous. He follows Kat and the bank lady into a office and smiles at Kat reassuringly to let her know hes there for her. As the teller leaves to go tell someone they are waiting Kat turns to Josh and says

I am happy because the ranch is going to be paid off but at the same time i hate banks.. its too stuffy and closed in..I never feel comfortable. How about you? Me either Josh replies I'd rather be out in the wide open spaces all these stuffy rich folks and their money make this cowboy nervous.

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat laughed lightly at Josh's response to her question glad she wasn't the only one who felt that way. If she were a betting girl she would bet that allot of people felt that way when they were in a bank. Looking Josh over she realized he wasn't bad looking at all. She hadn't really noticed before because she had been concentrating on getting the horses branded, and then she had to start dinner, as Carolyn had to leave on a family emergency.

Kat was about to tell him that he looked real good when the banker came in and introduced himself to them both and sat down. What can I do for you today Miss Renolds
? Here to make another payment? Kat smiled at the banker and at the same time as she handed him the two checks said. Actually I am hear to pay off the whole thing with the first check Signed by my sister In-law Samantha Renolds, and with the other check that is signed by my partner and head Forman George Williams. I would like to open a checking account for the Ranch, in Samantha, George, and Mine’s names please.

The banker looked at her a moment and cleared his throat. “ I can take care of what you owe to the bank but i cannot open an account for the ranch in all three of your names without the other two here to verify i am sorry miss but it is pollicy. “ Kat nodded that she understood George and Sam would be back in two days it wouldnt hurt anything for it to wait until they returned. “ Thank you Mr. Danvenro I appreceate your help.” Kat said as they left the bank she slid the recept for the lone having been paid off into her back jeans pocket along with George’s check.

Smiling at Josh as they went outside Kat breathed in the fresh air and said. “ Well shall we go find the others? Or would you like to walk around a bit?”

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

Curling up in my sleeping bag I think back over the last few days, how nice my time with George has been. Sharing the memories with him, knowing how he felt about me and how I felt about him. But he had said something about things moving faster then he had wanted. Did that mean he was now regretting kissing me? Or just that things needed to be much slower?

Shifting quietly around in my sleeping bag, I turn and face the fire watching it silently before long my eyes are dropping and sleep starts to fuzzle my mind. The one thing that remains clear though is the fact that I am here with George alone in one of my most favorite places.

Smiling softly I whisper to George, "Goodnight & Thank you for the nice evening George today has been very nice." Before letting sleep claim me taking me into sweet dreams of the man sleeping just a foot away from me.

 

[redbaron05]

Smiling at Josh as they went outside Kat breathed in the fresh air and said. “ Well shall we go find the others? Or would you like to walk around a bit

Returning Kat's smile as they leave the bank and hearing her question Josh replies "Lets take a walk around town its nice being here with you and if i may be so bold alone with you" fearing he has said too much Josh gets quite and blushes

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat nodded Its nice being with you too .. Being as busy as we are at the ranch its a little hard to get to know everyone. she said as they walked down to a park near by. Kat smiled watching the kids play on the equipment, and wondered if one of these days if she would ever settle down enough to get married and have one of her own.. Blushing at her thoughts she wondered if Josh were married and had kids. Are you married Josh?

 

[redbaron05]

Josh and Kat alone

Its nice being with you too

Hearing her words Josh smiles as he follows her down the street to a nearby park. Standing there with her as they watch the kids playing Josh notices the look on her face and smiles as he wonders what shes thinking. Then she speaks again and asks Are you married Josh?

Josh smiles as he replies " No ma'am have'nt found a filly willing to try and tame this cowboy. What about you Miss Kat is there a lucky cowboy out threre wrangling to land your heart?" Josh smiles at her as he awaits her answer

 

[JustyW]

As I get out of the jeep I tell Kat that I am going to go look as some clothes at one of the stores.Meg would you like to come with me I might need you to let me know how I look if I try something on.

Don't want to buy it if I don't look good in it.I also need to buy some things for when I take my riding lessons.

Meg smiles, "sure, sounds good to me. I should warn ya though, I'm not the most stylish person in the world. Never been much for dressin up." Still smiling, she walks with Kasey, looking around at the people and shops as they walk.

 

[bullshot]

George & Sam

Smiling softly I whisper to George, "Goodnight & Thank you for the nice evening George today has been very nice." Before letting sleep claim me taking me into sweet dreams of the man sleeping just a foot away from me.

"Goodnight Sam" George replied as he settled down in his sleeping bag, he drifted off to sleep thinking about the wonderful girl sleeoing so close to him. He dreamt of a future that contained the two of them living together in the Ranch.

As usual George woke at the crack of dawn, he carefully got out of his sleeping bag so as not to wake Sam. Putting more wood on the fire he put the kettle on to boil and the stew on to warm for their breakfast. Having done this he saw to the horses letting them drink at the stream and giving each an oat cake to supplement their grazing. Once they were seen to he returned to the fire finding Sam still asleep, he knelt beside her and gently kissed her until she stired.

"Time to get up, breakfast is nearly ready," he told her, before getting bread rolls from Carolyn's supplies to go with the rabbit stew.

 

[LadyFairy]

Its nice being with you too

Hearing her words Josh smiles as he follows her down the street to a nearby park. Standing there with her as they watch the kids playing Josh notices the look on her face and smiles as he wonders what shes thinking. Then she speaks again and asks Are you married Josh?

Josh smiles as he replies " No ma'am have'nt found a filly willing to try and tame this cowboy. What about you Miss Kat is there a lucky cowboy out threre wrangling to land your heart?" Josh smiles at her as he awaits her answer

Kat smiled at Josh's statement for some reason hearing that he wasnt married stirred feelings in her that she hadnt allowed herself to feel in a long time. Sliding her hand through his arm. They continued watching the kids for a few moments while she awncered him No i havent met my Mr right as of yet ether... but now that i have help with the ranch maybe i can slow down enough to actually start looking.

Walking through the park with Josh Kat pointed out her favorite places when she was little and where she and a few places where of corse she and Sam had gotten into all kids of trouble.

Walking near the pond as they sat down on one of the park benches to rest their feet. Kat spotted a flyer for Macy Joe's Big Barn dance and a huge grin spread on her face.

Looking at Josh she asked. Do you think the Ranch hands would like a few days off at the end of the week to beable to go to the Barn dance. They could meet the towns folk that way and relax alittle?

The Joe's Ushually through a big Barn dance and then in July for the 4th we have a huge watermellon fest here in the park... Reolizing she was rambling a little Kat blushed and stopped talking so that Josh would have a chance to awncer her question.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam & George

Stretching and smiling as George's kisses awaken me leaving me happily warm. Tom had never done that before and it gave me a special warmth in the region of my heart. "Good Morning to you as well good looking."

Climbing out of my bedroll, folding and rolling the material as I do. I wanted to be ready to get started as soon as George was. He had said that was something he didn't like was people not doing their given jobs. So I was more then willing to show that I was up to making him happy.

Stashing my bedroll on the packy I head for the fire smelling the delicious aromas coming from the simmering pot. "Mmm, smells good George, your a fantastic cook I see. Is there anything you can't do perfectly?" It was going to be a good morning I decide as I sit down accepting a plate of food from George. Smiling my appreciation to him, taking my first bite of rabbit stew.