"Why did Brett and Faith go to the lake?" Colby asked, spreading mustard on the ham sandwiches.
She breathed a sigh of relief to be discussing something other than herself. "He's proposing to her."
"I knew it." He licked the mustard off of his fingers. "Faith never tagged along with us, but she watched Brett trying to learn him and his attitude and ways of doing things. We all lost touch for years, but it took one time of seeing them together to know they are meant to be together."
"Are you saying you believe there's a special someone for each of us?"
His soft smile left her breathless, and then he carried the tray to the Great Room.
Lingering behind, looking out the window, Megan whispered, "Where are you?"
"They're all right," Colby said, massaging her shoulders. "They're celebrating in the rain."
"How do you know?"
"Instinct," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned against him relishing the safety and security he offered. Thoughts about Brett and Faith remained in the forefront and she shuddered. Tears fell without thought.
"What's wrong?" he said, turning Megan towards him. She refused to look at him. Colby put his hand under her chin and lifted her head. "Why the tears?"
"I sent Brett to the lake. We don't know if there are other fires. What if they're hurt?"
Colby wiped the tears from her cheek. "You have to remain positive. If they haven't returned in an hour, I'll search for them."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Thank you," she said, sniffling.
After splashing cold water on her face, Megan joined the gang in the Great Room. Her gaze fixed on the front door, which remained closed. Time stopped, despite the sky growing darker. "Where are you?" she silently shouted. "Please don't make me send Colby out there. I need him here."
Jason interrupted her thoughts. "Let's tell ghost stories," he said.
"Cool idea, man," Danny said. "Why don't you start?"
Megan liked this newfound civility between the boys. They both found their own place in the ranch and learned to respect each other's differences. "I swear, this stuff only happens here," she thought.
Kids scrambled to the floor and formed a circle. Jason, who sat cross-legged, closed his eyes for a few seconds. Megan snickered at the miniature version of Gray Cloud. She spotted Colby looking out the Great Room window. She could not read his thoughts. He kept it hidden, even in his stance. She exhaled and focused on Jason.