CHAPTER 9

Saturday morning found Ellie and the family sitting around the kitchen table eating breakfast and discussing their plans. Dr. Mike was going to town with Katie to do something's at the clinic. Sully was going to see Cloud Dancing.

"What are you going to do today Brian? Do you have to work with Dorothy today?" Michaela asked.

Brian's mouth was full of eggs so there was a pause while he finished swallowing before he said,

"No, I finished the article I was working on yesterday so she said I didn't need to come in today. I think I am going to go fishing. Can you come later Sully?"

"I don't think so Brian. I'm not sure how long I will be."

Brian nodded his understanding with slight disappointment. Ellie took notice and piped up, "Can I go?"

Katie chimed in, "I want to go to!"

Michaela knew the only reason Katie wanted to go was because Ellie had asked to. She smiled and said, "No, Katie. I thought you were excited to help me at the clinic? You can be mama's little nurse today."

Katie seemed torn between equally exciting things. The little girl couldn't resist her mothers pleas however and said, "OK mama. I will be the best nurse ever! Can I bring my doll with me?"

"Of course sweetheart."

"You know how to fish?" Brian asked Ellie in surprise.

"Well, no." Ellie confessed. She continued, "But there's no reason I couldn't learn is there? I mean, if you're willing to teach me."

Brian shrugged and said with a grin, "Sure, I'll teach ya!"

Michaela said, "I'll be taking the wagon so you can ride Flash if you want to Ellie." She watched a wide smile and an excited look spread over the young woman's face.

"Thank you."

"Well, you two better get going, the lake's a little ways out." Sully said.

"I'll go get the horses ready." Brain announced as he rose from the table.

Ellie got up as well and began clearing breakfast. She went to the sink to start washing dishes.

"You don't have to do that." Michaela said coming over to help.

"It's the least I can do for you. I've really appreciated everything you've done for me." Ellie said sincerely. "Besides, it's good for a Boston girl to get her hands dirty once in a while, right?" There was a mischievous and charming look in her eyes.

Michaela laughed lightly and said, "Yes, I suppose so. I had to learn a lot when I came here. You should have seen the first time I tried to cook on my own!"

Ellie laughed at the exasperated expression on Dr. Mike's face. The doctor continued, "But you already know how to cook it seems. That pie was delicious the other night."

Ellie pronounced without shame, "Truth be told it's really the only thing I can make very well!"

Both women smiled and continued cleaning up the kitchen.

"Ready?" Brian asked as he came in the door.

"Yep!" Ellie quickly dried her hands on a towel.

Katie said to her mother, "Brian's gonna catch a big fish right?"

"Hope so Katie." Brian answered her.

"Have fun. I'll see you later." Michaela said as they were leaving.

"If you catch anything, we'll fix it up for dinner." Sully said.

"OK pa." Brian waved as he shut the door behind them.

Ellie and Brian mounted their horses and headed off. A little way down the road Ellie asked, "How far is it?"

"Not too far. About another couple of miles I guess. You tired of riding?"

Ellie smiled and said, "Nope! Actually I was wondering if you wanted to race?!"

"Really?" Brian asked surprised.

"Yeah!" She saw Brian give her a skeptical look so she said, "Don't worry I know how to ride.... Or are you just afraid of loosing to a girl?" She teased.

Brian smirked at her and said, "You're on!"

"Good!" Ellie gave Flash a little kick and urged her on. Flash took off in a streaking gallop. Brian was momentarily caught off guard by her abrupt take off but soon got his horse into a gallop as well. Ellie let Flash go and she leaned low over her neck, breathing in the swift moving air. She looked back to see Brian close behind.

Brian watched as Ellie expertly kept her balance and leaned over the horse. He could see her long hair flying wildly behind her. He urged his horse faster and drew up along side of her. "You cheated!" All he got in response was a laugh and then she urged Flash on even faster, pulling ahead once again. Brian wasn't going to let her get far. He came up on her and began to pass her. Ellie let him go and just enjoyed the wind her face. Looking ahead Brian began to slow down so she pulled Flash out of her stride and into a slow trot. Ellie stopped her horse next to Brian's and said, "Good race!"

"Yeah, you're a good rider! But why'd you let me win?" Brian asked shrewdly as he tied his horse to a tree.

Ellie shrugged and said, "I didn't know how far to go."

Brain smiled and shook his head. Ellie jumped down easily from her sattle. "Are we here?"

Brian took the reins from her and tied up Flash along side his horse. "Yeah, we take that trail there for a little while. It'll take us up the canyon and to the lake. Hope you're up for a little hike."

"Definitely! Lead the way."