"Here, Megan." Jason handed her a blue bandana.
"Thank you," she said, opening the cloth. An eagle whittled out of a piece of wood lay in the cloth. "This is beautiful."
"Thanks," Jason said, blushing. "Charlie taught me."
Danny looked at it. "Cool."
Megan looked at Jason and he shrugged. "Maybe," Jason said. They would never be "brothers" or best friends, but Danny and Jason would learn to tolerate each other.
After everyone said good-bye, the kids loaded into the van. Tracy hugged Jason again and thanked him for his help. His red cheeks flamed like a branding iron. He then quickly kissed Rose on the forehead and then rushed to the van. Megan thought about the stories he could tell at school.
As the van drove away, Brett put his arm around his cousin. "It gets harder every year," he said. "I enjoyed this group. Plus it was nice not having so many crazy situations like last summer." She nodded but remained silent. Missed time can never be replaced, but the kids had fun with Charlie, Brett, and Faith. This summer was my chance to spend time alone and help Gray Cloud and Colby.
Stretching his arms over his head, adjusting his Stetson, Brett said, "Got chores to do. Want to help?"
"No," she said seriously then laughed. "Yes, I'll help, and then I'm taking Misty riding."
Footsteps on straw stopped Megan's work. She turned. "Hi, Clay. Do you need something?"
"I wanted to tell you that I won't bother you over the next two weeks. Good luck with school and with Colby. You two are great together." He grabbed the tool belt and headed out the door.
"Wait," she yelled, following him. Clay stopped and turned around. "I'm sorry about last summer," she said. "Actually, I take that back. Thank you for last summer."
"Did you hit your head? Did Misty kick you? Do you need a doctor?" Clay asked, confusion filling his dark eyes.
"No. You helped guide me towards my dreams, though I didn't understand it until a few days ago." After taking a deep breath, she said, "Clay, give Colby a chance. Don't let the past destroy the present or the future. You will only ever have one brother. Let the past go."
Clay shrugged. "Maybe, but don't hold your breath," he said with a smile.
Brett joined them. "Is everything okay?"