"He disappeared before I had a chance to explain."
Faith smiled at Megan and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "He'll return. Remember, he's your soul mate."
Brett raced forward, scooping Faith into his arms. After he kissed her forehead he whispered, "Time to take you home." She snuggled against his chest as she relaxed.
Megan shed a tear at the romance. "My cousin will forever amaze me."
"Women," Jason said.
"Excuse me?" Megan said as they followed behind.
"All that mushy stuff about being swept away by a man. Please."
"One day, Jason, you'll understand. For now, stay Jason."
He gave her a strange look, shrugged, and then ran ahead. Despite the rain, Megan's thoughts kept her pace slow. "I have to explain to Colby that his brother has no part in my life. Colby is the man I want. Whether Faith's perception is accurate or not, it doesn't matter. I like Colby and want to explore a relationship with him."
After a hot shower and hot soup, Megan sat outside listening to the rain. Her troubled spirit quieted, though she sensed the peace was temporary.
"Hear you've been busy this summer," Clay said, interrupting the serenity. He leaned against the post, his ankles crossed. "Tell me something, tenderfoot, why do you do so much for these kids and the people at the ranch?"
"It's called being a friend. Wait," she said, tapping her head. "I forgot. You don't understand that term. Why don't you leave?"
"I would, but I have a job." The smug look on his face and the way his gaze bored deep inside her, reminded her of a burr stuck underneath a saddle. It caused constant irritation to the horse. Clay was her burr.
"I forgot," she said.
"You'll like having me around," he whispered in her ear. "Colby's wrong for you. I'm what you need and want."
"Leave me alone." Megan pushed Clay and then ran to the cabin, his sinister laugh echoing throughout the ranch. Shivers raced through her body as she realized his presence would cause further heartbreak and confusion. That voice leaves me unsteady and confused. I have to get back to who I was becoming before he arrived.She was grateful for the girls being at the house for movie night.
A knock at the cabin door startled her. She ignored it, knowing Clay stood on the other side. "Megan, it's me, Brett. We need to talk."