Author's Note:

Hey guys! This is my first story that isn't a one-shot. Flames welcomed and encouraged.

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So, I'm sitting in my dad's truck on the way home from the airport. I had spent the last two years with my uncle in San Francisco because of a riding accident that occurred when I was thirteen. I ended up with bad head injuries, so my dad sent me to live with my mother's brother. I'm sitting there thinking about that day. I don't remember much because I suffered from a severe concussion. I had been training my colt with Jake, and I was on the colt's back. We were trying to get him to go through a gate. As we were trying to do that, a black plastic bag flew through across the ground. I'm not really sure exactly how I fell, but in some form or fashion, the colt's hoof struck my head and ended up cracking my skull. My father made me leave for San Francisco as soon as I was cleared to get out of bed. I have been gone for two years, and I am really nervous to get back to the ranch. I haven't ridden since my accident, and I have forgotten lots of things due to my head injury. I remember Chris and his brothers, my Gram, my Dad, and Bolt, our dog, but not much else.

As we pull over a bridge into the ranch yard, a memory crosses my mind. The day Blackie was born. I smile to myself, but then I remember than no one has seen him since my accident. As I get out of the truck, a dark skinned, black haired cowboy walks my way. He is tall and handsome with a strong jaw, but the rest of his face is hidden under his hat. Once he is standing in front of me, he pushes his hat back, and I gasp. Holy cow! It's Jake. Dang. He has changed. He is now taller than me.

He smiles and says "hey brat". I don't know why, but I just burst out laughing. He looks at me funny, but he laughs with me. Once I stop laughing, I realize how much deeper his voice is. I pull him into a hug, and he rubs the back of his neck. I instantly remember that this is something that he does when he is uncomfortable, so I just pull him in tighter. He sighs and hugs me back, knowing that the sooner that he does, the sooner I will let go of him. My Gram comes running out of the house and hugs me. I laugh and hug her back.

She turns to Jake. " Dear, will you stay for dinner?" He rubs the back of his neck. I look at him pleadingly, and he sighs.

"Yes ma'am". I laugh at the way he says it because I know that there was no chance that he would turn her cooking down.

Both she and my father return to the house and I follow Jake into the barn. My dad sticks his head out and yells, "Jake, show her that horse you have been working with for her." I glance at Jake and see his tan face color.