He gave a small smile when she settled her head against his neck and snuggled against him.
As they rode Matt and Robbie paced their horses with Duncan. Robbie looked over.
"What happened lass."
She sighed. "It's Jessica. Lass is nice but can get annoying."
The men laughed.
"Okay Jessica. What happened? How did you get yourself in all this trouble today?"
Jess smiled and pulled the blanket closed more. "I'm not sure if I could have done anything to change today."
"Okay. But what happened?"
Jess took a deep breathe and told them her story. "The best way to tell you is to start from the beginning. My friend Vida and I are here on a vacation I guess you would call it. She invited her boyfriend Nick and his best friend James. You see I've had a crush on James and they thought, well at least Vida did, that they could get us together. We came up here for a picnic on four wheelers. James had taken me to the side. He said he liked to get to know me as he put it more intimately. Stupid me I followed him. We sat down on a log and he said he forgot something. He went back and the next thing I knew I heard the four wheeler. I ran back in time to see James disappear laughing saying "so long sweetheart!"
Duncan's arms tightened around her a little. How could anyone be so cruel? He left one hand on the reins, with the other he gently held her waist.
"What happened next?"
"I tried to head down, but as I came around that cliff where you found me. I stumbled into that bear. Out of no where she attacked me. I guess I couldn't really blame her."
Kenzie looked over. "Why?"
"She had two cubs. Beautiful little babies, but I didn't get away fast enough and she attacked. I tried to remember what you were supposed to do. I tried covering my head and acting like I was dead but it didn't work. Then you guys came in and you know the rest."
Robbie smiled. "My mom will fix you up Jess. She's a doctor."
Jess nodded and closed her eyes. Robbie shook her awake.
"You need to stay awake Jess. At least till we know you haven't gotten a concussion."
"But I'm tired."
"I know lass. Just a little bit longer."
"Okay."
Within a few minutes they were at Gu Brath. When Robbie went to get Jess from Duncan he shook his head.
"It's okay I got her."
He swung his leg over the horse's neck and slid down Jess still in his arms.
"Oh my!" Grace opened the door and looked at the woman in Duncan's arms.
Duncan walked in and laid Jess down on the couch. Libby walked up and pulled the blanket away.
"Oh dear! You poor thing. Don't worry I'll fix you right up."
Robbie looked at his mother and again mouthed 'broken' pointing at her ankle.
Libby nodded. "Okay dear close your eyes. My hands will feel hot but it's nothing to worry about."
Jess closed her eyes. Libby placed her hands on Jess's ankle and thigh. In her magical way she saw inside Jess and healed her broken ankle. She went through to make sure there was nothing else wrong.
Seeing she was alright Libby opened her eyes and called for an ice pack and a first aid kit.
Jess opened her eyes. "How bad is my ankle?"
"It's okay sweetie though it is bruised up pretty good."
Greylen handed Libby the ice pack and first aid. She gently placed the ice pack on Jess's ankle. Then she cleaned and patched the claw marks up.
When Libby was finished Jess sat up. Greylen placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Where do you think you are going lass?"
"The names Jessica and I am heading back to the hotel."
Greylen shook his head. "No ye not. Not in your condition."
She looked up at him with confusion on her face. Grace sat beside her and placed a hand on her arm. "You can stay here tonight dear. At least so we know you haven't gotten a concussion."
"I don't."
Libby looked at her. "There may be a chance. Just stay tonight here and we will talk tomorrow."
Jess sighed. "Okay I'll stay but I haven't my things."
Grace smiled. "That's okay. Your Winter's size and she is on her way. I'll see if she could let you borrow a shirt and some pants."
Jess tilted her head. "I have on shorts under these jeans so I'm good."
"Okay dear." Grace looked up at Duncan. "Duncan?"
"Yes Aunt Grace."
"Take Jess upstairs and show here were she is sleeping."
When Duncan started to ask which room when Grace answered for him. "The second largest room."
Duncan was stunned. His aunt was wanting him to put her across from his room. With a nod he stood up.
"Come on Jess. I'll show you where you will be staying."
He helped her stand up and she followed him upstairs. He led her to the door across from him.
"You'll be staying here." He opened the door and showed her in. "You'll have your own bathroom."
"Thanks."
"If you need anything I am staying across the hall."
Jess looked up at him. "You live here with your aunt you uncle?"
"For a little while, I am in the process of having my house built. It won't be ready for another two or three months."
"Oh!"
He smiled. "Maybe I could take you by sometime and let you see it."
"Maybe."
He laughed and they made their way back downstairs. When they entered the living room Grace took Jess's arm.
"Come in to the kitchen and keep me company as I cook."
Jess followed her and instead of sitting down she stood beside Grace. "Please your being so nice to me let me help you."
Grace tilted her head. "Can you cook?"
Jess laughed. "Like a five star chef. I love to cook."
"Well dear that would be wonderful. Were making roasted chicken."
"My favorite!"
