"Faith saw you and Colby sitting together by the River of Hope. I told you to stay away from him. Are you purposely looking to get your heart broken?" Brett's formidable stance with his chin jutted out made her laugh.
Gripping the saddle horn helped stifle the giggle. Why further aggravate him? "We were talking," Megan said. "I know there's a story involving the two of you, and yes, I know you won't tell me. Geez, Brett, it happened years ago, didn't it? Let it go. Why can't the two of you be friends?"
"Megan." Brett smacked his leg with his Stetson. "You don't know him. It's a long story." He thrust the hat back on his head and stormed towards the house.
"Fine." She dismounted and took the reins, leading Misty to the barn. "What's a girl to do?" she said, brushing the horse. "Brett doesn't like Colby; Colby won't reconcile with Gray Cloud; but yet I care so much that I have to reverse it."
As if Colby stood beside her, Megan remembered his hand brushing across her cheek. A strange, exciting feeling rushed through her stomach and caused her heart to beat faster. "How can I like someone I don't know?" Leaned against Misty, the horse's breathing calmed her. Warm air from her nostrils hit Megan's hand. "One day I'm bound to understand these new feelings." Megan snickered. "Gray Cloud's wisdom and words are now part of me. I said, 'one day', without thinking." Strumming guitars pulled her from the stable. Gray Cloud prayed to the four directions, sat cross-legged, and began another journey into the Blackfoot world. Listening to his lyrical voice tell stories about his people, Megan envisioned herself setting up teepees, tanning leather, and making moccasins. A different voice jumbled the visions and returned her to present day.
"May I join?" Colby asked.
With Gray Cloud's nod, Colby sat opposite his grandfather. Looking to her left, Megan wondered why he chose tonight to visit. Was he here for her; his grandfather; or himself? She watched, waiting for an expression to answer her question. Instead, Colby smiled and heat rushed to her face.
Megan looked down, furious at being caught staring, again. How did one resist eyes that led to the soul? With Colby, though, the path remained blocked. He built a bigger wall than I ever did. Being here at the ranch, teaching the kids, and meeting Gray Cloud helped me tear down those walls. What do I do if Colby refuses my help? As Gray Cloud told stories about his youth, Colby's expression changed to sadness. Within minutes, he left. Megan moved, wanting to follow him, but she saw the old man shake his head. Her heavy heart ached. I know he has to decide when to approach his grandfather, but why can't I nudge him; give him a push in that direction? Gray Cloud finished his story and the kids begged for more. "We have many days for stories," he said. "My old bones and voice need rest, as do you. Good night."