Drover's Run ….One month later….
The arrival of Tess and Nick had shifted Stevie's sorrow but not erased it completely.
Only time would allow her to learn to live with her loss.
Slowly and tenderly they had helped steer her back to strength.
She was still extremely protective of the baby but that was also normal.
These days she actually let others hold him.
They'd all become accustomed to her hovering nearby and that was ok too.
She needed time and they were all willing to give her space and let her do things in her own time as she'd always done.
Nick and Tess had work to do on Drover's Run so Stevie and the baby had come along for the day.
….
"You all saddled up?" Nick asks as Grace walks in the back door.
"Yeah we are but Taylor's crook so we're a rider down." Grace replies.
"Tess can come with you I'll mind Claire I've got the accounts to do." Nick replies.
Stevie sits feeding Xander with Tess close beside her.
"They were already counting me Nick remember I told you Moira is minding Claire." Tess replies.
"Oh is that today I thought that was next week."
"Yes next week as well." Tess agrees.
Xander has fallen asleep and Stevie is holding him and watching him sleep.
…
"What about you Stevie?" Nick asks.
Her head snaps up and she responds. "No I can't leave the baby."
"It's only for an hour Stevie and we could really use your help." Regan encourages.
Stevie shakes her head slowly.
'What about if we put him in the car and I follow you." Nick suggests.
"Well that's just silly and anyway you said you have accounts to do."" Stevie remarks.
"The mob is more important than the accounts at this point." Nick replies.
….
"Come on Stevie it'll be fun. You haven't ridden in months." Tess pushes.
Stevie frowns and looks around at the expectant faces.
"Which paddock?"
Grace answers.
"Should only take forty minutes out and back." Stevie states.
"Less if we leave Regan behind." Grace jokes.
Stevie smiles and quips. "If you're as good as you think you are Kingston, Regan shouldn't be too much of a handicap."
"Hey I'm standing right here you know." Regan comments.
They all laugh.
…..
"Go on Stevie it'll be good for you. Load the little guy into the capsule and put him in the car." Nick suggest.
Stevie shakes her head.
The girls are all disappointed but don't verbalise it.
"No he's already asleep and full to the brim I'm sure I can trust you to look after him here for an hour." Stevie tells Nick.
"I'll guard him with my life Stevie." Nick responds.
Stevie smiles at him and nods knowing it to be the truth.
….
Ten minutes later a gaggle of women walk out the gate and over to the horse yard.
Stevie looks at Tess and remarks. "You planned this didn't you?"
Tess grins at her and replies." No what makes you think that?"
"What the fact that Sherpa is here and saddled is coincidence?" Stevie answers with a smile on her face.
As they near the yards Stevie frowns wondering who is holding her horse.
…
"Oh my goodness Kate! What are you doing here?' Stevie exclaims wrapping her arms around her friend.
"I heard there was going to be some fancy riding being done and I didn't want to miss the spectacle." Kate teases.
Stevie laughs and quips. "I haven't ridden in months Kate you may just witness a spectacular crash."
Kate laughs and hugs her again.
"I've kept all your letters Kate they give me great comfort." Stevie says.
"As long as we talk about him Stevie he isn't really gone." Kate states.
Tearfully Stevie smiles and wipes her cheeks." Maybe I should call you Fred then?'
Kate laughs and questions. "Maybe? Maybe not!"
Stevie nods and takes the reins from Kate. "It's going to be a good day."
"Well I'm here of course it is." Kate chuckles.
Stevie nudges her.
…..
Up on top of Sherpa Stevie waits for the girls to mount up.
The chatter seeps into her soul and even though her sadness is with her constantly she feels happy too.
"Righto you lot less chatter and more work." Stevie orders.
Kate salutes her and replies. "Yes boss."
In a united bunch they ride out.
…..
As the five horses and riders move up over the hill Nick walks slowly across the yard and stands at the gate.
Inhaling deeply he exhales and whispers. "Just baby steps Alex but we've got your Cowgirl back in the saddle. It's a good day."
His phone rings in his pocket.
Fumbling to answer it the ringing stops.
Glancing at the screen he notes it was Marcus.
He pushes redial.
"Marcus! It's Nick! Sorry I missed your call. What's up? No just then …No it says Marcus and you're the only Marcus I know….So you didn't ring? …Well that's odd… Yeah….What's that? Yes she did they just left….She left him with me….Yeah it is a relief, she loves riding.. It's only a small step but it's something… That's right I thought the same thing, he'd be really happy she's riding again…. Yep me too. Right we'll be home around four….Ok see you then. Bye."
Hanging up Nick looks at his phone, shakes his head and walks back towards the house.
…..
Four chapters and not many reviews? Should I continue this one? kepc