The Ranch... Open..

[Luna-fey]

Anna

Anna was grateful for Michael's openness and for the fact that he seemed genuinely concerned for her welfare. He was matter-of-fact but kind about her announcement about the difficulties of her marriage. He made her feel comfortable. And the truth was she really didn't have anyone to talk to about any of this.

She sat across from Michael at the table, drinking some fruit juice and nibbling on a little bit of cole slaw as she spoke, candidly, about her troubles.

"John and I hardly ever see one another," she confided. "He's so wrapped up in his career. I've been wrapped up in mine too but not really because I love it. It's just been something to fill the time. I wanted to go into freelance writing but my father wouldn't hear of it. He "arranged," Anna paused, rolling her eyes, "a job for me with a large New York publishing company as one of the assistant editors. I work over 60 hours per week at something I've never liked. Ever since I was a little girl, I did everything my father wanted. I think it was just such a habit; I never questioned him. He passed away a year ago. I think, honestly, all of this has been brewing in me since then."

Anna spoke more quickly now. It was as if someone had opened up a river dam and now all of the water was rushing through.

"My husband has been having an affair. I know it. I've ignored it. In some ways I don't even blame him. We don't have a marriage. We never have. We've just gone through the motions. John is perfectly content with that. I think he'd just let things continue like this indefinitely. But I can't. I want more from life than that." She shook her head. "I think I deserve more."

Anna continued, looking around the room.

"I envy this life you all have here. Not that I'm sure you don't all have your troubles. But it all just seems less complicated. This IS a great place to think. I feel peaceful here." Anna sighed and smiled, the tension disappearing from her face. "I'm just so grateful to be here. The Renolds have given me a place to stay--but they don't know--they've given me so much more than that. Thank you...thank you for listening to me."

Anna caught Michael's gaze across the table. She looked away quickly, afraid that if she didn't, that she'd say something foolish.

 

[sparknfurter]

Michael O'Connor

OOC: In the kitchen at the O'Connor ranch house, around dinner time.
-------------------
IC:

Michael listened attentively while Anna spoke. He made sure he was always eating, so that when she finished, he'd have a bit of time to think of right thing to say - and way to say it. To buy a couple extra seconds, he took a drink of milk.

"You are right about deserving more from life than a marriage that is just going through the motions. The thing about your job, too, that doesn't seem all that good for you. I'm sorry about you losing your dad. Jay, Alice - that's my sister, she lives in Billings, and I lost our dad a few years back. Mom lives in New Mexico with her sister now; she couldn't take the winters anymore, or so she said.

"I'll be honest with you. Life here is mostly slower and simpler, but wherever you have people, you have the same sorts of problems. And it sounds like you have a couple - your job and your marriage. Those are pretty big. I don't claim to be any sort of wise man, but from where I sit you need to stand up for yourself before anything will get better. Maybe you have tried this already and it didn't work. I don't know, of course, and maybe I'm being windy and butting in.

"If you don't like your job and can afford to give something you love a try, you should. If you don't, why I think someday you'll start regretting it and that can eat at a body something fierce. I know, I've seen it. You strike me as smart and probably really good at your job. I bet if you took six months off and gave your other writing an honest shot, you'd at least know if you could make a go of it. Maybe it would take a year. I don't know. But if you can afford it, you should try. You don't want a life of 'if only.'

"The marriage, well that's a different kettle of fish and I am certainly out of my depth here. I've never even been engaged, let alone married. Is there anything at all worth saving in your marriage? I'm guessing no kids, but they would definitely complicate things. I gotta say, it's not right for him to be cheating on you. And he must be quite an idiot to be walking about on someone as terrific as you, Anna. You deserve better than an idiot. Look, it sounds like your heart was never in the marriage and you were just obeying your dad. And John maybe had no good intentions when he married you. You do deserve better than that treatment. For sure. Definitely stand up for yourself - either call it quits or put it to him that you expect a real husband out of him. Or maybe you really don't want it to work out, deep down. I should really shut up - it's not my place and you didn't ask me for advice. I am a big kibitzer - learned that one at Cornell - and it's a fault."

Michael could tell he was blushing and hoped that Anna couldn't see the nervous quiver in his hands before he put them down in his lap out of sight. What was he doing? His heart was racing a hundred miles an hour but his brain kept saying SHUT UP.

 

[Luna-fey]

Anna listened attentively as Michael spoke to her. She was surprised at how much she had disclosed to this man who was practically a stranger--yet he didn't feel that way to her. To be able to confide in someone kind, someone whom she could trust, was an immense comfort.

"Maybe I should be more eager to make things work," Anna responded, "but it was never a real marriage from the beginning. We don't love each other and if a marriage is based on anything, it should be based on that. I can't erase these years but I can start my life over again, so to speak. I'm ready to do that."

Anna continued, "I'm not ready to go back to New York yet though. It just feels right to be here. I need some more time. Michael, thank you for listening to me." She reached over and brushed her fingertips over his forearm, "I mean it. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality."

She pulled back, her heart racing. "Hey, let me at least help you with these dishes."

Anna bustled around the kitchen. She was too aware of the handsome, kind man so near her. Even with her back to him, as she moved, she could "feel" his presence. She felt as if there was so much more she wanted to say and she knew that she shouldn't.

"What patients are on your roster, tomorrow?" she asked, smiling. "I've heard there are some beautiful covered bridges in the area and a river not too far off. I may do some sightseeing if weather permits tomorrow. Not sure yet."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Mags shakes her hand, "pleasure meetin you as well, and lunch was really good. As for where I'm heading, pretty much where ever I'm needed. I've never been one to just sit around not doing anything..."

"Well, thank you. I really didn't do that much though. Well ... I suppose I should get into the kitchen. I ... imagine Kat needs my help with dinner."

She paused for a moment rather than actually leaving, however ....

 

[Cathleen]

She saw the ranch in sight and hit the gas. Carolyn was glad to be back. The business at home was so unpleasant but needed to be addressed. With the help and support of her siblings it was done. She told them she loved them but that she wanted to go back to the Ranch. Montana, she said, was peaceful, clear and beautiful and she wanted to go back.

When she pulled into the Ranch she noticed a few more new faces as well as her friends. She had a big smile on her face and grabbed the bags in the back and headed in. She had ordered a surprise for dinner and the bags held the items to accompany the meal.

She opened the porch door, "Hello!" She was excited, "Penny? Is that you? I'm back." She gave Penny a hug and kiss, "I'm glad to see you Penny. I'm glad to be back."

She told Penny about doing what was needed at home and that her siblings could tell she wanted to return to the ranch. So here she was.

Carolyn was smiling and happy in the kitchen.

OCC: thanks for the patience friends.

 

[JustyW]

"Well, thank you. I really didn't do that much though. Well ... I suppose I should get into the kitchen. I ... imagine Kat needs my help with dinner."

She paused for a moment rather than actually leaving, however ....

Mags smiles, "well, how 'bout I lend a hand? Might as well be useful..."

She opened the porch door, "Hello!" She was excited, "Penny? Is that you? I'm back." She gave Penny a hug and kiss, "I'm glad to see you Penny. I'm glad to be back."

She told Penny about doing what was needed at home and that her siblings could tell she wanted to return to the ranch. So here she was.

Carolyn was smiling and happy in the kitchen.

Mags smiles, "hi, I'm Maggie, or Mags, Sam's sister," she says, holding out her hand.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Glad you're back, Carolyn!"

Penny smiled quite happily to see her friend (after so short a time, Penny was surprised a little, but she did think of her as a friend!) back.

"We're helping Kat make burgers and fried potatos. Want to lend a hand? Like 'old times?' "

Penny grinned widely at Carolyn ....

 

[sparknfurter]

Michael

"...I can start my life over again, so to speak. I'm ready to do that."

Start over, yes, that's right. Michael's mind began to form visions...

"I'm not ready to go back to New York yet though. It just feels right to be here."

Right to be here, yes... The visions cleared into fantasies of Anna here on the ranch, with him, looking out over some future sunrise...

The touch of her hand on his arm snapped Michael back into the moment, as each finger sent little shocks to his already tense nerves. Michael held his breath as Anna spoke of thanking him for his hospitality. His eyes focused in on her lips as she looked down.

And then it was over.

"Hey, let me at least help you with these dishes," she said.

Michael cleared his head and let his breath out. Whoa boy, he thought. Pull back on your reins now.

Michael did the dishes with Anna, trying to avoid her gaze, but he could barely take his eyes off her form. Desire clouded his mind, distracting him - nearly costing his brother a plate.

"What patients are on your roster, tomorrow?" she asked, smiling.

"Ummm...well some of my work is emergencies, but what I have scheduled is mostly visits to cattle herds for routine health checks and some maintenance work. The biggest part of my work is beef cattle, so getting variety with horses is a nice break. There's nothing glamorous about working herds, but I like it. The people here are good folk, and that's what matters the most."

"I've heard there are some beautiful covered bridges in the area and a river not too far off. I may do some sightseeing if weather permits tomorrow. Not sure yet."

"There are some nice bridges, I can give you a map. Hold on." Michael left the kitchen for a minute and came back with a county map. "Here, here, and here," marking with a pencil, "are some good bridges you can get to without a 4 X 4. The Mussellshell is here, south east of Harlowton. The fly fishing's good. If you want to borrow my gear, go ahead. You can get a license in town easily. Just ask at the courthouse. Not sure what sights are close, other than that. If you want to go farther away, you can get into some of the smaller mountains northwest of here."

Michael decided to go for broke. At least what passed for 'growing for broke' to him.

"I'm going by a couple of the bridges and will be going into town after my first stop tomorrow. I'd be happy for the company if you wanted to tag along. I'd guarantee some time for writing while I'm working. Fishing's best in the morning or evening. Maybe we could head over there after my rounds. That way we could 'share' my gear and I could show you some good spots. What do you say?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat smiled at Penny, and Megan as they came into the kitchen to lend a hand and was surprised and delghted to see that Carolyn had returned as well. Hello I handnt expected you back so soon.. Its good to have you back.. Kat said using a fork to flip over the slices of potato's in the skillet.

 

[bullshot]

George // Stable - His room

George had everything ready so that he and Sam could leave as soon as she returned from giving Kasey her lesson. He knew she'd want a little while before they set off so all he had left to do was saddle Sheba.

He left the stable and returned to the house going to his room and collecting a clean set of clothing before going to the bathroom. He had a leisurely shower, putting on his clean clothes after he'd finished and then returned to his room to relax while he waited for Sam.

There were a lot of questions on his mind besides how she felt about him. For starters he wanted to know why Katherin was so against her brother, what had he done to Sam to upset Katherin.

Why didn't Sam get in touch with Katherin so she could go to the funeral, how did Tom die. Plus lots more questions about Tom.

Only Sam could answer them, if she chose to. She might just tell him it was something in the past that she wanted to forget.

 

[Luna-fey]

Anna was delighted with Michael's suggestion that they get together tomorrow for some sightseeing and fishing. She had been working up the courage to invite him so she couldn't be more tickled when he invited her.

"I'm going by a couple of the bridges and will be going into town after my first stop tomorrow. I'd be happy for the company if you wanted to tag along. I'd guarantee some time for writing while I'm working. Fishing's best in the morning or evening. Maybe we could head over there after my rounds. That way we could 'share' my gear and I could show you some good spots. What do you say?"

Anna smiled brightly. "I'd love to!" she answered enthusiastically. Anna could not remember ever feeling this way. She felt shy and insecure but elated and excited too. More than anything, she wanted to be near Michael. Her mind was ever preoccupied with his handsome face and his wonderful voice. She knew it wasn't just a pure romantic attraction; it was a physical attraction too. Her heartbeat seemed to quicken whenever he was near her and she felt a warm flush on her cheeks.

"I warn you though; I've never fished in my life...you're going to have your work cut out for you teaching me." She laughed softly. "Do you want to head on over to the Renolds after your rounds are over? I'll be ready."

Anna headed back to the ranch. She felt oddly lonely in the absence of Michael but she looked forward to tomorrow.

 

[Hanalia]

Breanne

"Nice to meet you too Josh. Name's Breanne." she smiled and shook Josh's hand. "Let's get on with it. Branding isn't my favorite past time. But sure beats gelding. Bre waved to everyone else and headed outside, Josh following behind.

 

[sparknfurter]

Michael & Anna

Michael//O'Connor ranch house

Michael's heart leaped at Anna's acceptance of his invitation.

"I'll do my best with the fishing. It's not hard to pick up, really. I'll head over to the Renolds after my rounds are over and get you. Have a great night, and thanks again for the food."

Michael saw Anna out of the house and watched her head back. He thought about walking her back, but it was safe here and he didn't want to overdo it. As he got ready for the next day, his mind kept drifting back to Anna. Wow.

 

[LadyChance]

Ooc:::

Sorry all, I know most are in other threads with me so they know but I had a certain someone worried that they had done something wrong.. So hun and for the rest this is to let you know that Lady Fairy and I are in the process of moving... We should be all moved by tomorrow and hopefully back on the boards Saturday and Sunday to continue on where we left off..

We miss you and and send hugs... *smiles*


OH Carolyn..... Hey *hugs* Welcome back its good that you have rejoined us...

 

[Luna-fey]

Anna walked leisurely back to the ranch. Her mind was oddly peaceful. She focused on tomorrow when she would get to spend more time with Michael. She was happy to see that Carolyn had returned to the ranch. Penny was there, too. The women fixing dinner gave Anna that sense of family that she had always longed for growing up.

"Hi Carolyn. Welcome back!," she smiled. "Hello Penny," she added. "I hope you've had a good day. Need any help with dinner?"

Anna helped out with dinner but retired to her room early. She had a light in her smile and in her face that hadn't been there before. Sitting down on her bed, she put on the lamp and started writing.

 

[redbaron05]

"Nice to meet you too Josh. Name's Breanne." she smiled and shook Josh's hand. "Let's get on with it. Branding isn't my favorite past time. But sure beats gelding. Bre waved to everyone else and headed outside, Josh following behind.

Josh smiles as he shakes Breanne's hand Following her he mounts and rides back to where the branding had been going on and dismounts and ask Bre if she would cut out the unbranded horse in the other pen and herd them to him one at a time he would do the actual branding?

 

[LadyChance]

Sam/Riding Lessons

Riding lessons didn't take as long as I had thought they would. Kasey was a fast learner and though I was to have another person there, I figured she may have gotten caught up with other things. This was a ranch after all and lots of sights to see.

Smiling at that thought, sights to see, yeah George was a sight to see and I couldn't wait to get out on the ranges. I wanted to know more about him, about his likes and dislikes, what made him happy. Things that would keep his interest and things that made him bored.

"That was a good start Kasey you did very well for a first timer. Just remember talk to them they love to hear our voices as much as we enjoy petting them." Reaching up to scratch between Ghosts eyes, she was such a peaceful mare and a good choice for Kasey to begin with.

"Shall we see about putting the mares away for now? I need to speak with Kat before I leave and then George and I have got to get on our way otherwise it will be another day before we head out."

Giving Kasey a grin as I move to take the lead watching her move the mare about and walking it slowly towards the stables. "Thats good just lead she will follow," opening the doors and heading for the far stall. I reach up and grab a brush as we pass by. "The final part of your lesson is this, you always walk a horse after exercising him, brush him so he cools off. Make sure there is always plenty of water and I like to personally give them a small hand full of oats so they know that they have done a good job." Doing each thing as I say it, seeing Kasey follow each step of my instructions as well.

I didn't bother to remove Damions saddle, leaving him ready to leave as soon as I caught up with George and Kat. Nodding my head as Kasey walks around the front of the mare instead of the back of her, keeping her hand brushing softly upon the horse so as not to spook her with the movements.

"Now we will put her down for the night, I should be home in a few days and we'll have you up and riding on her next lesson. Your a fast learner and thats good, this way you will be able to ride on your own before you leave from vacation with us. Now tomorrow come out and talk to her, give her one of these while you do." Reaching out I hand Kasey a sugar cube, laughing as Damion nickers softly at me over my shoulder.

"Just make sure to hold your hand arched like this when you give it to her, its not that she will try to bite its just that your fingers are small and she won't know if she catches them. So safety first and then all the rest will fall into place. Letting head in now and see where everyone else is shall we?"

Seeing Kasey's nod of approval, as she turns and heads for the house. Me bringing up the rear with Damion, I planned on just leaving him hitched to the post just outside the door for when George and I left.

OOC::
Sorry if I missed anything, trying to get back into the swing of this.. *smiles* Please just bare with me.. hehe

 

[bullshot]

George // porch

When George heard Sam and Kasey ride into the yard, he collected the few things that he needed from his room and went out onto the porch, arriving as Sam and Kasey came across the yard with Sam leading Damion. His face lit up with a big smile when he saw Damion still saddled, hoping that it meant Sam was as keen as himself to get away and spend some time together.

“Hi Sam, Hi Kasey, how did the riding lesson go?” He asked giving Sam an extra smile. “I think everybody is in the kitchen,” he added.

He watched Sam hitch Damion to the rail.

“You've hitched Damion there still saddled, does that mean we’re almost ready to leave?” he asked Sam hopefully.

 

[neoaurelius]

Apologies

Hi all...my internet connection has become erratic, I was dropped again for a few weeks...i'm going to pull out of the thread so now one will be left in the middle of a story line with me while everybody else is pushing it forward. Apologies for the inconvenience, I'm real sorry.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam/George/Porch

"As soon as I can talk to Kat we should be ready to go if you would like. I know I am anxious to get on our way, I was thinking of this spot up the range a little ways that we can bunk down for the night. It isn't to open but has a small pond on it for fresh water for the horses." Giving George a quick grin as I say this, he seemed to be just as much in a hurry as I was to leave. But then again I knew his secret, he just didn't know mine, but that was sure to change if I could help it before the end of this trip.

"Oh and the lesson went great Kasey is a natural with the horses, I think she even has gotten ole Ghost under her thumb." Winking playfully at Kasey with a grin, adding on as an after thought, "I must admit teaching someone the basics about horses has reminded me about all that I had forgotten or just slipped past without noticing." I felt good, this day was a good day and soon I would be riding the range with this man that I was so curious about.

"Lets see if we can locate Kat really fast and get Kasey here settled into the kitchen with the rest then we should be able to head out, sound good to you?" Looking first to George and then to Kasey smiling at both of them before opening the door and holding it for them to enter before me.

Catching up with Kat was easy enough, we found her in the kitchen with the others sitting there. Stepping over to Kat I hand her the letter that I had been holding all day. "Here ya go sis, Merry Christmas... Happy New Years... Birthday.... Valentines Day... So on and so forth.." Laughing as I watch her face light up with the amount of the check in her hand. "I signed the back of it and called the bank here already earlier, they know who you are and who I am. They will cash it as soon as you go in, then the payment will be taken out of it and they will set up an account in the ranch's name for us with the remaining amount."

Giving Kat a quick hug before stepping back, bumping slightly into George as I do. Instead of moving away from him I lean a bit more into him enjoying the stolen second of comfort against his lean muscular body. As I watch Kat's facial expression, I smile softly knowing how she must be feeling.

 

[LadyFairy]

Catching up with Kat was easy enough, we found her in the kitchen with the others sitting there. Stepping over to Kat I hand her the letter that I had been holding all day. "Here ya go sis, Merry Christmas... Happy New Years... Birthday.... Valentines Day... So on and so forth.." Laughing as I watch her face light up with the amount of the check in her hand. "I signed the back of it and called the bank here already earlier, they know who you are and who I am. They will cash it as soon as you go in, then the payment will be taken out of it and they will set up an account in the ranch's name for us with the remaining amount."

Giving Kat a quick hug before stepping back, bumping slightly into George as I do. Instead of moving away from him I lean a bit more into him enjoying the stolen second of comfort against his lean muscular body. As I watch Kat's facial expression, I smile softly knowing how she must be feeling.

Receiving the letter and check from Sam, and hearing her comments Kat laughed slightly knowing what it was and what it was about. Moving away fromt he stove and letting Carolyn take over she looked down at the check in her hand and nearly fell over. Raising her eyes as Samantha hugged her Kat new she had a huge grin on her face, and sat down.

I'll take this into the bank right away then if Carolyn dosent mind taking over on dinner, and i've seen the two of you off ... Kat said feeling almost as if she were dreaming and was going to wake up at anymoment and the check and Sam, George and everyone else was going to dissapear and she would still be working the ranch on her own.

Ohh wow Sam.. thank you so much with this the bank will be taken care of and with what is left and what George adds well.... it almost dosent seem real. I am at a loss for words for the first time in a long time. Kat said noticing the way Sam leaned into George causing her to smile even more.

Jumping back to her feet she hugged both Samantha and George Thank you both... Blushing as she reolized that she was rambling and had just thrown herself at George and Sam. Kat sobered and pulled back Sorry.. she said still grinning... Lets get you two out of here... Looking over at Carolyn she could see that dinner was almost done and still smiling said. I'll be back shortly hun if you dont mind taking over i am going to run... or rather drive to the bank.

 

[bullshot]

George-Sam-Kat/Porch // George/Stable // 3.00pm

Jumping back to her feet she hugged both Samantha and George Thank you both... Blushing as she reolized that she was rambling and had just thrown herself at George and Sam. Kat sobered and pulled back Sorry.. she said still grinning... Lets get you two out of here... Looking over at Carolyn she could see that dinner was almost done and still smiling said. I'll be back shortly hun if you dont mind taking over i am going to run... or rather drive to the bank.

As George followed Sam and the bubbling Katherin out onto the porch, he took Katherin by the arm and stopped her.

"While you're at the bank it might help if you pay this cheque in as well," he said handing her a cheque for $30,000.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, I've just got to saddle Sheba and collect the pack horses," he added laughing at the startled look on Katherin's face as she read the ammount on the cheque.

"You and Sam have a few minutes to yourselves while I'm away," he told Katerin as he headed to the stable to collect Sheba and the pack horses.

 

[LadyChance]

Sam

Laughing at the look now on Kat's face I turn and look to George noticing how pleased he looks with himself. Grinning and giving him a wink before saying, "thank you that was so cute." Watching George walk off towards the stables I can't help but think how excited I am about this trip I am about to take with him.

Turning back to Kat I see her raised eyebrow as she watches the exchange between George and I. "Relax we are just friends, although I won't mind exploring that friendship a bit more deeply if I ever get the chance to." Giving a good natured laugh as I hug Kat.

"The checks should help hold down the ranch until we get things up and going. At least that is what I am hoping that we can pull off. And Kat please I know you well enough, don't worry yourself to death over us being gone. I know my way around out there and George is a smart man, we'll take care of each other as well as get the fences fixed."

 

[bullshot]

George

As George walked towards the stables he felt like he was walking on air. He couldn't believe that they were finally going to get away from the hustle and bustle of the ranch. They were going to get some time alone together to find their real feelings for each other.

He entered the stables and was greeted with a whinny from Sheba, she was ready for some exercise. He saddled her and collected the two pack horses making sure their loads were secure. The loads were on in such a way so they could be removed and refitted quickly.

He led the three horses out of the stables and across the yard to where Damion was hitched.

"That's it, I'm ready when you are," he said to Sam with a big smile on his face.

 

[JustyW]

Maggie Reed

Maggie did what she could to help with dinner, mostly staying quiet and listening to what was going on around her, especially her sister.

"Relax we are just friends, although I won't mind exploring that friendship a bit more deeply if I ever get the chance to." Giving a good natured laugh as I hug Kat.

"The checks should help hold down the ranch until we get things up and going. At least that is what I am hoping that we can pull off. And Kat please I know you well enough, don't worry yourself to death over us being gone. I know my way around out there and George is a smart man, we'll take care of each other as well as get the fences fixed."

Maggie smiles at the exchange, especially the shared looks between her sister and George. Stepping up to her sister, she gives her a hug, "make the most of your time sis, don't let life pass ya by. I know you'll be safe and in good hands, so enjoy yourself..."