Caitlin awoke, stretched her long arms overhead and breathed. Though this had never been home, it felt like it this morning. Those few days in Richmond helped her see what she wanted and where she belonged. There was no denying the seductive look in Garrett's eyes when he looked at her. He was truly glad she had come home. "I knew we needed a short respite. Now, life goes on." For the first time in a while she awoke refreshed and eager to help her friend and grandma transform this place into a boarding house. "Good morning," she said, rushing into the kitchen for bacon and eggs.
"Good morning. Hungry?"
"Famished." They devoured the ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches. After wiping mouths and hands, they tackled the job of cleaning. Boxes were packed, garbage bags filled, and in each room, Rachel asked, "Wallpaper or paint?" Caitlin laughed at her grandma and knew neither would forget these days.
"Am I crazy for doing this now?" Rachel asked, holding paint and wallpaper samples against the dining room wall.
"No. You are never too old to realize your dreams and make them come true. While I'm taking the garbage outside would you please get me a glass of your delicious lemonade?"
Whistling tunes kept her preoccupied and unexpected of visitors.
"Hello," a man's voice said.
"Hello," Caitlin said. When she looked up her hand went to her head and she cringed. In one swift movement, the red bandana came off and she used her fingers to comb her hair.
"I'm glad to see you're okay. You didn't stop over to ride. When you didn't call I assumed something happened." Panic radiated through the wrinkled brow and she wanted to soothe it, but thought better about it as they were on the sidewalk in the middle of downtown.
"Things are great. Come in," she said, tugging on Garrett's shirtsleeve. Stepping inside, Caitlin hollered above the blaring country music, "We have a visitor."
"Missing Caitlin, are you?" Rachel said with a wink, as she turned the radio volume down.
Blushing, Garrett mumbled, "Worried."
"Nothing to worry about over here. She's not gallivanting around town or sporting a new beau. I'm keeping her busy." Rachel snuggled against Garrett and put her arm through the crook of his, holding on tight. Garrett saw every room and was made to give an opinion on paint or wallpaper.
After an hour he said, "Enough. You ladies are having the time of your life. Anything you choose will look wonderful. Bye." Garrett inched his way to the door. With his hand on the doorknob he said, "I've got horses to tend. See you later."