Author's notes: I've been so excited reading the new stories popping up on this fandom. With so many people loving this it makes me wish we could have made the difference to keep this show on the air. Gosh knows we could use more family friendly shows now. Watch for the foreshadowing for events in the series. It was fun writing knowing what will happen in the future.

Thanks for the reviews. It really makes me excited when I see them. I am really open to feedback, so if something doesn't seem right let me know.

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After she had left the house she shared with Craig, Linda hurried over to Debbie's house to talk about what had happened.

The two girls were very similar in personalities and had been friends since the second grade. Both were young and didn't have a problem with being thought of as party girls. Both were hoping to move away from small town life and find the excitement that was lacking.

"So did Andy call you today?" Linda took a drink of her wine cooler.

"No, but he said he was working so I wouldn't expect a call until later." Debbie brushed another coat of nail polish onto her fingers. "So how pissed was Craig?"

"He was screaming about me being unfaithful, but I told him Brian was just a friend."

"He bought that?"

"I have him wrapped around my little finger."

Debbie laughed, "You think. He still hasn't offered to move you to the city. He is just another guy like Ronnie; looking for a girl to keep house and pop out babies."

"I'll admit Ronnie was a dud." Linda thought about her most recent ex-boyfriend. "But I think Craig might have potential. He's got a really good job."

"Yeah, but that Brian was so hot. That dark hair and those eyes, it's too bad he's just a rancher."

"Ranchers can be rich." Linda replied. "Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to make my decision."

"I don't think Craig will take that news very well. Remember last time you threatened to break up with him? I thought he was going to kill someone."

"Oh, he's just a big talker. Besides, if nothing else, maybe it will make him jealous enough that he decides to move out of this one horse town."

"Well, just let me know what you are going to do. Last time you wanted me to back your story you didn't tell me your most recent version and I almost said the wrong thing."

"I promise. Thanks for listening Debbie, you are such a good friend."

"You're welcome." She blew on her nails. "So what's the plan for tonight?"

"Craig will probably want to go hang out at the bar so he can see his friends. At least there is a band."

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It was after eight already and the town of Murphys looked as if someone had already rolled up the sidewalk. Very few cars were parked on the main street. When he got to the bar, Brian pulled into the parking lot. Looking around he didn't recognize Paul's vehicle. Not wanting to put up with any shit from Andy or any of the other guys, Brian didn't pull into a space. Hell, if he wanted that he could have stayed home and let Adam continue to yell at him.

Knowing that Paul had hit it off with Debbie, Brian decided to drive over to Claussen's. After all, last night had been enjoyable and maybe Linda would be there again. Perhaps if he played his cards right, he might not make the mistake of sleeping on the couch again.

The drive over to Angel's Camp was uneventful and by the look of the crowd at the bar; everyone must have decided that Claussen's was the place to be. He didn't notice Paul's car, but he wasn't worried. Chances were he would know someone.

Walking into the bar he could see why it was a popular spot that evening; a band was playing. Making his way through the crowd, he squeezed between a couple of patrons sitting at the bar. Gaining the attention of the bartender, he ordered a beer and then turned to scan the crowd.

The music was good and he found himself tapping a toe in time with the beat. It was after his third beer that he saw two familiar faces on the dance floor. Debbie and Linda were out dancing with some other girls.

Brian smiled to himself and downed the rest of his beer. Sitting the mug on the bar, he turned and made his way to the dance floor.

Debbie's face paled as she recognized the tall cowboy making his way onto the dance floor. She reached out and nudged her friend's arm. Linda turned to see Brian smiling at her as he slid between the dancers. She smiled back.

"Hey, how are you feeling tonight?" He leaned down to speak in her ear. The band's volume made it difficult to converse normally. "Sorry I couldn't stay to talk this morning. Andy was running late and didn't give me any time to wake you."

"That's ok. " Linda paused. "I'm sorry Brian, I'm here with a date. He asked me out last week and well, since I only met you last night…" She trailed off innocently. "I really did have fun last night. Maybe we can see each other again. That is if you are interested."

"Yeah, that would be great." Brian nodded. "So on a date, why isn't he out here dancing with you then? A pretty girl shouldn't have to dance alone."

"He is drinking with his buddies and he told me he doesn't really like to dance."

"Well, if he isn't going to take advantage of this opportunity to be with you, may I have this dance?"

"I don't see why not." Linda turned and let Brian pull her slightly closer.

"You look nice tonight." Brian dipped his head towards her. "Of course you looked good last night too."

Linda ran her hand up Brian's chest. "I'm just sorry we didn't have the chance to get to know each other even better."

"I feel the same way darling." He stroked her hair away from her face and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Stop it now," She laughed. "You ranchers are all the same. You think you can ride in with your hat and your darlings and sweep a girl right off their feet."

"Maybe. Is it working?" Brian raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner.

Looking over at the table where Craig was sitting with his friend, she saw him look up. He scanned the dance floor looking for her and when he saw her dancing, she could see the rage building in his expression.

"Oh, oh. My date is looking for me. Brian, can you come back here next Friday and we can have ourselves a real date?"

"Why sure. What time?"

"Meet me at 8:00 pm." With that Linda moved off the dance floor and was able to intercept Craig.

"Who the hell was that?"

"Some cowboy. He tried to get fresh, but I told him I had a real man waiting for me." She steered him back to the table and took a set upon his lap. "How about some shots!"

Brian had watched Linda retreat to the tables and felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking back he saw Debbie smiling. "I think she really likes you."

"She tell you that?"

"She didn't have to, I can tell." Debbie smiled knowingly.

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Adam had come back into the house shortly after Brian had left. He wasn't sure what had caused his rotten mood as of late, but he knew it was affecting not only his relationship with Brian, but the others as well. Entering the kitchen he had made a promise to himself that he would try to throw this mood off.

In the kitchen Crane was helping finish the dishes and the others had gathered around the table playing a card game. Guthrie looked up at Adam and smiled. "I'm winning!"

Ford rolled his eyes, "We've played two hands Guthrie."

"Sounds like you have finally got the hang of poker."

"It ain't poker Adam, its go fish." Guthrie frowned as he looked at his hand.

"Probably for the best. Wouldn't want you hustling the kids in second grade." Adam turned towards Crane. "What do you say to squeezing everyone into the station wagon and going to get ice cream?"

"Ice cream!" Both Ford and Guthrie shouted.

"Sounds like you have your answer Adam." Crane hung up his dishtowel. "I'm calling shotgun!"

And with that, the scramble to get out to the vehicle was on. Adam hated driving the station wagon only for the memories that it held. His parents had come home with the vehicle just before Ford had been born. Before that they had all squeezed into an old Chevy. This new vehicle had a back cargo area with two flip up seats and most times Brian and him would claim that area for their own.

Vacations were rare on the ranch, but Adam could remember the family piling in and going to the Grand Canyon and another trip to see the ocean in San Francisco. This was the type of car for a family; dad, mom and kids. Not for a pack of brothers.

"Hell with it," Adam thought. "Only vehicle around here that can hold most of us."

Climbing in and making sure everyone was accounted for, the boys headed to town.

It was just after midnight when Brian let himself in. A light was on in the front room and he made his way quietly in. He was surprised to see Adam sitting on the couch reading.

"Waiting up to yell at me?" Brian couldn't help his mouth for speaking before his brain started working.

Adam thought about rising to the argument, but shook his head and remembered his vow to himself. "Nope, thought I would apologize for being such a dickhead lately."

"Aliens didn't land here tonight? You are my brother, aren't you?"

"Funny Brian. I'm really sorry. I don't know what's got into me lately."

Brian sat in the chair opposite him and then looked around. "Where's Guthrie?"

"He wanted to sleep with Crane, so I told him to take our bed. I'll sleep in his bed and you can have Guthrie's."

"Damn, I hate sleeping on the couch."

"Sorry, but I figured if you didn't come home it wouldn't be that big of a deal."

"Yeah, about that." Brian looked embarrassed. "I was telling the truth about sleeping on the couch at that girls house. In fact I went back tonight to look for her and to talk with her."

"How did that go?" Adam was cautious. He knew that Brian had made a fair number of women mad with his love'em and leave'em policy.

"Good. She wants to go out next Friday. If that's alright with you, meaning, me going out again. I know that things have been pretty busy around here."

"Hell yes it's alright Brian. At least one of us should work on finding a girl. I don't like the thought of all seven of us being old bachelors with beards and running around like we were raised by wolves. " Adam looked at his brother, "So what is she like?"

"Good looking."

"Of course she is. Does she have a name?"

"Linda. She is a hairstylist."

"Does she give quantity discounts? Your brothers all need haircuts."

"I'll have to ask. Don't feel bad if I don't bring her around yet. Finding out a guy lives with six brothers is a little hard to swallow all at once."

"It's probably a good idea. I wouldn't tell her until I was married, then she couldn't back out so easy."

"Hard to believe you don't have a woman Adam." Brian stood up. "I'm going to use the bathroom and head to sleep, so you better get off my bed."

"Another plus, if you get married, you would move out." Adam smiled at his brother.

Brian headed off towards the bathroom. "Nope, I'll move her in with us. More the merrier, right?"