***Violence/Mild Language/Fluff***

Spiraling Out of Control

A year from now you
may wish you had
started today.

~Karen Lamb

The sun was shining brightly when Enos crested the hill above the cabin with Jenny. The group paused a moment to look at the ranch below and Enos was astounded at the changes. It looked completely different. Trucks with trailers had crowded in the drive and parked in the empty pasture. The arena was wide open and a plethora of guests and friends of the Raffertys were milling about on foot and horseback.

It was tradition for the neighbors to come over and help out for a few days until the group hit the trail. It made everything more fun and gave them all a chance to catch up with each other. At the rider evaluation, the guests would be required to participate in several games and ride various patterns in the arena so Gus and his wrangler's could evaluate their abilities. He would then make sure the riders were on an appropriate horse for their skill level and address any problems before leaving tomorrow.

Before everything got underway, Emily was hosting a big lunch at the cabin. They rode through the gate and approached the large water trough. There was a man flirting shamelessly with a couple of girls by the windmill and when he saw Gus, he left the girls behind to approach.

"Howdy!" The man had a long blade of prairie grass in his mouth. "I'm looking for Gus Rafferty. The lady at the house said you were out on the trail with your godson, but she didn't say nothin' about you sweet thing." The man pointed at Jenny and winked.

Jenny tensed and looked away without speaking. She appeared to be holding her breath – and her tongue.

Enos gave the man a frosty glare for his rude behavior. He didn't like the way he looked at Jenny.

"I'm Gus Rafferty," he dismounted and extended his hand. "Welcome to th' Rafter G."

The man took his hand and pumped vigorously. "Pleasure. I'm Martin Norris, but everybody calls me Marty."

"Marty, it is then." Gus replied. "Pleased to meet ya'. I'd like ya' to meet my godson, Enos Strate, and the lady in the middle there is one of my best trail hands, Jenny Young."

Marty gave Jenny a lascivious smirk. "It's mighty nice ta' meet ya, little lady." He tipped his hat and spoke with a very poorly executed John Wayne accent. He completely ignored Enos.

Jenny stared back, clearly offended.

Enos wasn't prepared for the jealousy that surged. He couldn't stand the man or the way he was undressing Jenny with his eyes. It disgusted him to think of anyone else's hands on her. Marty didn't have the right! Jenny came to him. She belonged to…

She ain't mine...is she?

Before Enos could stop himself, he had moved Tag in front of Bella. He leaned down and offered a hand to Marty.

"Enos Strate, Deputy Enos Strate."

"Hey there! I'm Marty." He took Enos's hand and was met with a grip so powerful his mouth twitched. "S-so, you're a sheriff's deputy, huh? I run a casino in Vegas. It's like being at a big party twenty-four seven." Marty looked past Enos to Jenny. "I make real good money, too."

As if that's supposed to impress her?!

"Oh! You're that Marty!" Gus's bet with Emily was on this guy and he was about to be out twenty bucks. "Big job like that don't give ya' much free time I reckon. Why don't ya' go on up to th' cabin and let th' wife get ya' all checked in. Lunch is in about an hour. I'll fill everyone in on th' schedule and have proper introductions then. C'mon. I'll show ya' th' way."

Gus was just trying to get him out of there. He didn't like the way he was looking at Jenny either. If the idiot was going to get his ass kicked, he might as well wait until the ride started so Gus could win his bet.

"Oh, I've already checked in, but thanks." Marty's eyes swept right back to Jenny.

Gus muttered under his breath, "I should've let Emily pick ya' after all."

Enos waited for Jenny to move a safe distance away, then he moved Tag to the hitching post to dismount so he could walk her to the cabin. He wasn't about to leave her alone with this guy. When Enos looked over his shoulder, she was on the far side of the water trough and about to dismount when Marty came around to approach her again.

Jenny sat back down in the saddle and slowly moved Bella away. Unfortunately, the place was so crowded she was soon up against a trailer and had no place else to go.

Enos quickly swung out of the saddle to address the problem, but things escalated faster than he could get there.

Marty swaggered up to Jenny. "Let me give you a hand pretty lady. My goodness you're a tiny little thing, but your curves are in the right places."

Jenny snapped, "Just back off, mister."

"Aw, don't be like that little girl." Marty ran his hand up her thigh as he reached for her waist. He intended to pick her up like some rag doll.

"Hey!" Enos yelled. "Just what do ya' think you're doing!? Get your hands off her!"

Jenny had already kicked her feet free and she snatched his hand off her thigh. She bent three fingers back until she heard them snap before letting him go. Her leg swung over the horn and she vaulted out of the saddle, kicking Marty square in the chest. She made a rather graceful landing on her feet and stood in a defensive fighter's stance.

She wouldn't need it. Marty was sent flying backwards and landed in the water trough with a large splash. There was a huge uproar of laughter from all directions, except Jenny's.

She marched over to him and screamed. "Keep your filthy paws to yourself! Next time I'll dislocate your shoulder! I didn't do anything to give you the impression that I needed or wanted your help! Don't you ever put a hand on me again!"

Enos couldn't believe what he was seeing and he rushed towards her.

Gus grabbed his arm. "Slow down."

"Huh!?" Enos stared back in disbelief. "Gus, what are ya' doing?"

He kept his voice down, "Do ya' remember what I said about Jenny bein' guarded?"

"Yes sir, but I-"

"Just take her to th' barn and let her cool off, but don't touch her until ya' get her attention. Make sure she knows it's you, understand? I'll deal with Romeo."

"Yes sir." Enos rushed over to find Jenny glaring at Marty. "Jenny?"

She didn't answer. Jenny was so focused in on Marty, who was swearing a blue streak, that she didn't hear him.

Marty swore from the water, "Why you little bit-"

Gus pushed Marty's head under the water before he got the rest of that word out of his mouth and Jenny put him in the hospital.

He looked to his godson, "Enos what are ya' waitin' for!? Take her to th' barn!"

"C'mon, Jenny." She was running on adrenaline and reacting on instinct, so Enos stepped in her line of sight. "Look at me, Jenny. Let's go to th' barn, okay?"

Jenny blinked rapidly and seemed to come out of her defensive mode.

"Deputy." Jenny sighed. "Yeah, let's go to the barn."

Remembering Gus's caution he offered his hand. When she took it, he quickly put his arm around her to lead her away. Behind them, Gus was giving Marty a lesson on appropriate behavior towards women and threatened to have him thrown off the property, without a refund, if he didn't shape up.

When they reached the barn, she climbed the hayloft ladder quickly and Enos followed. She moved to a dark corner, way out of site, then plopped down in the hay.

Jenny looked up with sad eyes. "I owe you an apology. I'm sorry for embarrassing you." With a heavy sigh she dropped her face into her hands. "You must think I'm a horrible person."

"No, I think Marty is a horrible person."

After what Enos witnessed, it became clear that he was different. Otherwise, Jenny would have thrown him off the hayloft last night.

Enos lowered to the hay beside her. "I'm sorry I didn't get to him before he touched ya'. I didn't think he would be that, that…"

"Foolish?"

"Disrespectful." Enos leaned back in the hay and offered his hand. "Come here."

Her fingers wove into his and she turned to face him. "Deputy, I…" Long lashes lowered to her cheeks.

Enos pulled her into his arms and her head came to rest on his shoulder.

"Aw, Jenny. Tell me what's botherin' ya'."

"It's just that I never know if...um…" Jenny exhaled a tired sigh. "People think I'm helpless because I'm small. There's always one guy that thinks I'm some paper doll."

"I don't think you're helpless and ya' sure ain't no paper doll." Enos snickered. "I reckon Marty figured it out, too. I thought that was mighty impressive how ya' handled yourself."

"That's because you're special, Deputy. You're a good person. I could tell right away and I know I can trust you." Jenny snuggled closer and draped an arm across his chest as she yawned.

"Shoot, I ain't nothin' special. My world is awful messed up right now. I sure hope this mornin' was th' last big surprise Beth has for me. It still don't seem real."

"Did you know…" Jenny yawned again. "Excuse me. Did you know I was with you this morning?"

"Of course ya' were! Ya' kissed me and brought me breakfast and then ya' really kissed-"

"No, silly! Not then, it was before," she giggled and nuzzled against him. "I woke up when Gus was yelling at Nelson. I didn't know for sure if you were aware that I was with you. I just wanted you to know. You are special, Deputy Strate. Beth must have been so proud of you." Jenny's heavy lidded eyes closed with another sigh.

"Possum on a gumbush. I thought I was imaginin' that." Enos ran his hand slowly up and down her back.

"You say such funny things." Jenny exhaled a deep breath. "You were hurting. I'm sorry if I intruded, but I couldn't just walk away."

"Oh, Jenny. Ya' sure are nice to me." Enos was humbled and held her quietly. A few minutes of contemplation later, he whispered, "I think you're th' most thoughtful person I've ever met and I really like being with ya'. I mean, I really like you. Jenny, you're th' best thing that's happened to me since...since...well, a long time."

When she didn't reply, he glanced down. "Jenny?"

What he saw took his breath away. Jenny was sleeping peacefully, her long lashes rested against her cheeks and a content smile graced her soft lips. It was the most adorable thing he had seen in ages.

Enos's thoughts went back to the situation with Daisy. He would feel horrible if it caused Jenny pain. He didn't understand what he was feeling for her, but it was powerful. He had enjoyed every moment of their ride together and he wanted to know more. Maybe he should tell her about Daisy after all. He owed her the truth.

Enos set the alarm on his watch for thirty minutes and kissed Jenny's forehead. Then wrapping his arms around her tenderly, he drifted off to sleep.

From thirty thousand feet, the city of Nashville looked like a massive spider web against the ground. Daisy gazed out the window, awestruck by the display of God's creation below her. They hadn't been in the air long, but this was destined to be a very long day.

Because they were forced to book their tickets at the last minute, Daisy had to take what was available. Unable to get a direct flight, Luke and Daisy were on their way to St. Louis, where they had a four-hour layover before flying into Jackson Hole late tonight.

Luke was spending the time going through the O'Connell file, trying to discover as much as possible about the woman who made Enos a wealthy man. Hopefully he could arm Daisy with enough knowledge to put Enos's feet back on the ground. Glancing out the window, he noticed the conflicted look in Daisy's eyes.

He closed the file and took her hand. "Daisy, are ya' having second thoughts?"

She pulled her gaze from the window. "Do ya' think I'm makin' a mistake comin' out here?"

Luke shrugged a shoulder. "What I think ain't important. Do you think it's a mistake?"

"I made Emily a promise." Daisy tapped her finger against the arm of the chair. "I know him, Luke. This feels like he's pushing me out, like he did when we were little. I know he loves me. If he was prepared to marry me on Wednesday, ain't no way he's outta love with me already. We need to talk it out face to face." Daisy chuckled. "I reckon I just answered my own question, huh."

"Yep." Luke patted her hand. "You'll see him tomorrow, try not to worry. He's been in love with you since high school, if not before. We just have to remind him."

Daisy took the small pillow and watched the barges on the Cumberland River below. It would be heaven to have Enos's arms around her, to hear him say he loved her and that he wanted her. It would happen. She would make it happen. Daisy's eyes grew heavy and she slipped into a peaceful sleep, thinking of those hazel eyes looking back at her with love.

Enos awoke with a soft weight on his chest and opened his eyes to a set of twinkling emeralds. Jenny's chin rested on her wrists as she lay across him. She tipped her head to the side and smiled.

"Hey, you." A slow, smoldering blink followed. "I think Gus knows what he's talking about when he suggested this nap."

Enos smiled back. "Maybe I should let him treat me like I'm still in pre-school more often." He reached out and wrapped a strand of her soft hair around his finger. "Did ya' get some sleep?"

"I did, but I have a confession." That playful smile returned. "We missed lunch and have about twenty minutes before the ride starts. You slept through your alarm and I didn't have the heart to wake you. I know how tired you've been. Emily will still feed you."

Enos giggled. "So we got time to catch up."

"Catch up?"

"Yeah, on that kiss that Gus interrupted this mornin'."

As if he were on the uphill climb of a roller coaster, a thrilling anticipation fluttered deep inside.

Jenny blushed. "Why Deputy Strate. I believe you're flirting with me sir."

The ride gained momentum. "Oh, no ma'am. I intend to make a flat out pass at ya'."

Jenny tossed her head back and laughed, a purely joyous, spontaneous laugh. Enos laughed with her. He reached out and caressed her cheek with his fingers then buried them deep into that rich mahogany hair. He moved closer, pressing his lips to hers.

He moaned softly. His free arm went around her diminutive waist and he rolled her over in the hay. He went deeper with the kiss. Jenny moved and responded in anticipation of his every desire. The coaster reached the peak, her lips parted, Enos plunged down the other side and explored the soft warmth on the other side as she did the same. The universe shifted around him, his blood rushed through his veins at an astounding rate. He reached an even higher peak when she made the sweetest sounds, tiny, feminine, calling to him for more.

Stop, stop…ya' can't do this.

Enos pulled back but what he saw tempted him to continue the ride. Her eyes were mesmerizing pools of desire, her soft hands had reached the bare skin of his chest.

"Jenny, I shouldn't. What if I…um…c-can't stop and-"

"Deputy," her voice was a sultry whisper as her fingers touched and teased his skin beneath his t-shirt. "I trust you. I do. Nothing will happen that we don't want to happen. Precious moments are rare. You're an amazing man. Just be with me."

That was it. Enos's coaster was out of control, completely and totally out of control. He dove into her like a cool spring on a hot summer day. She arched her back, he pulled her close, every feminine curve pressed against him and reality shifted to the background. A hand went to the safe territory of her neck. His lips traced her jaw with warm kisses. His fingers found the chain of her necklace and followed it down to the pendant.

He pulled back, breathless, and searched her eyes. Was she feeling the same deep pull? The same sense of utter harmony? Beneath him, he was acutely aware of the dramatic rise and fall of her breathing. She looked up with such adoration, such...trust. He pulled her collar aside and kissed her neck. She gave a surrendering moan and he began to kiss his way along her throat, lower, lower, he paused at the gentle swells below her pendant. He had to stop. He had too.

"Oh, Deputy," she cooed. Her fingers raked over his shoulders and she shuddered beneath him in anticipation.

Later.

He didn't want to stop. Enos hadn't wanted a woman so badly in his life, but he couldn't disrespect her. He couldn't. Jenny trusted him. She was so beautiful. He kissed her again. Those tiny hands pushed his shirt off his shoulders and began working his t-shirt up to explore his muscles. Her fingernails ran across his chest and sent a burst of need from head to toe. Closer. He needed to be closer, to feel her skin against his, to connect, bond, possess. He reached for the button on her blouse and-

"Enos! Jenny! Y'all quit funnin' around! It's time to ride! Be at the arena ASAP!"

"Oh, ding dang it!" Enos felt like the floor had fallen out from under him and quickly rolled away. He straightened his shirt and tried to calm his out of control hormones.

"Enos? Jenny?"

Jenny called out, "We'll be right there, Gus!"

"Y'all get a move on!"

"Yes sir!" Jenny giggled and rolled to her side to gaze into Enos's eyes. "Sorry. Are you okay?"

"I'm great, but I...need a second to um...relax." Enos blushed and ran his thumb across her chin. "Jenny, I care for ya'. I really do. I see how special you are."

"Oh, Deputy." Jenny's cheeks turned a lovely ripe peach color. "You're special to me, too. When the time is right, we'll have our moment together. We have plenty of…of time."

Jenny suddenly looked away and stood to pull herself together.

Enos frowned as he quickly buttoned his shirt. She kept her back to him while fixing her hair in a messy chignon. What was wrong? He was on his feet in a flash, turned her around and took her hands.

"Hey, I'll be waitin' for ya' at th' horses, okay? Will ya' meet me there?" He searched her eyes for some explanation and kissed her fingers tenderly. "Jenny, I didn't upset ya' did I?"

"Oh, no. Of course not." She looked up with a carefree smile. "Deputy, I want to know you. Life is…unpredictable." Jenny cleared her throat and pressed her hands against his chest. "I'll meet you at the horses. I just have to grab my things from the cabin. I want to make the most of every moment together on the ride, okay?"

"Oh, yes ma'am." Enos placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. He lingered there and murmured, "Every single moment."

She nuzzled against him. Whatever he thought he sensed, or saw, was gone. Jenny patted his chest and turned away. He watched her closely as she climbed down the ladder.

"Time," he whispered. "I got time before I have to tell her about Daisy."

Didn't he? Enos didn't want to lose what they had by letting her think she was a rebound. She wasn't. She couldn't be. Something this…magical?

It couldn't be, but he owed Jenny the truth. Enos heaved a sigh and decided to ask Emily to come with him to tell Jenny about Daisy. Tonight. She would help her understand how special he thought she was. Then there would be nothing stopping them from sharing the next several weeks learning everything there was to know about each other.

At the airport in St. Louis, Daisy and Luke were waiting to board the plane for the long stretch to Jackson Hole. This was a smaller plane with fewer passengers, but it was still booked solid. While Daisy slept on the vinyl bench beside him, Luke passed the time by watching the variety of people checking in at the gate.

He was bored out of his mind.

There was a newlywed couple, a set of grandparents, a middle-aged woman with two children and a man in a business suit. They were all normal, run-of-the-mill people.

A few minutes later, a man approached the gate that made everyone look twice. He was big, built like a marine, or maybe a freight train and wore a long black duster. He carried what looked like a rifle case with his overnight bag and had to be at least 6' 3". He was perhaps late 20's, early 30's with dark brown hair.

His senses were sharp, too. It took no time at all for him to catch Luke watching him. The man raised an eyebrow and gave Luke an icy stare. Not wanting any trouble, Luke grabbed a magazine and looked away. He heard the man grunt rudely before he marched to the corner and took a seat.

Luke tried to keep one eye on the man. There was something suspicious about him. He stared down every person that met his gaze and cowered from no one. He had a rugged arrogance about him and clearly didn't care what anyone might think. Having enough trouble to deal with, Luke kept his distance.

"Hi!"

Luke's eyes snapped across the aisle. "Howdy."

A man sat down in the seat across from him with a million-dollar smile and a matching leather jacket.

"I'm Reid Duncan," he announced and sat back to cross an ankle over his knee. He gestured to Daisy. "Is your wife all right?"

"Nice to meet ya', Reid." Luke put down his magazine and extended his hand. "I'm Luke. This here sleepin' beauty is my cousin, Daisy. She's had a tough week and is really worn out. I appreciate ya' asking. Thank you."

Reid took his hand in a firm but friendly shake. "It's nice to meet you, too. I didn't catch your last name, Luke. Where are you from?"

"Duke. Luke Duke. We live on a farm in Hazzard County, Georgia."

"Ahhh." Reid drawled slowly and flashed that million-dollar smile again. "Pretty place, Georgia. I assume you're traveling to Wyoming, too. Have you been there before?"

"No, sir. It was a last minute...vacation." He seems friendly enough. Polite.

"Oh, you're in for a treat then." Reid clasped his hands around his knee. "I've been there several times. My boss told me I needed a vacation. Said I work too hard, so he's sending me up to some dude ranch for a couple weeks to have fun. I was supposed to be there today, but business, you know how it is."

"Sure, so what ranch did ya' pick? There's a bunch out there."

"Oh, yes. There are several, but I'm going to one of the best. Maybe you've heard of it. The Rafter G? My boss tells me this one has some of the best horses, great views and it's well managed. I hear th' owner's wife is a top notch cook, too! I'm really looking forward to it. So where are you two headed?"

"Well…"

Luke learned a lot from their talk. Reid was like an open book with his information. He was originally from Sacramento, but on his way back from a conference in New York. He managed a chain of high-end restaurants and was well traveled. He knew his way around Wyoming and when he learned the Dukes were going to the Rafter G, he suggested they meet for breakfast tomorrow and caravan to the ranch.

Time passed quickly. When the plane arrived at the gate, Luke woke Daisy and they boarded their flight. He was so caught up in his conversation with Reid, that he hadn't noticed the dark haired man from earlier hadn't taken his eyes off them since Reid sat down.

Why? Why did this happen? He was supposed to have time! It wasn't fair! Why wouldn't Daisy give him the time he needed? Now someone innocent, someone he cared for, had been deeply hurt.

Enos pushed Tag onward, faster, harder. He had topped the hill just in time to see Jenny dart into the woods on Bella. Tag tore up the ground as he chased after her. They were gaining.

They flew into the forest and swerved through the trees as Enos kept Tag at his frenzied pace. Tag seemed to sense the urgent nature of the pursuit, moving on his own, chasing after Bella in the same way Enos chased after Jenny.

Enos gave him his head and they moved together as one. They blew around a sharp curve in the trail, dirt flying in his wake, and he caught sight of Bella's tail. She charged the next ridge and disappeared. Jenny was right there.

"Come on, Tag! Go! GO!"

Tag dug deeper. He found more power. When they crested the ridge, Enos caught site of her ahead of him. He had to reach her! He had to explain! He never wanted this to happen! He was trying to do everything to keep her from being hurt this way, but he hadn't acted fast enough. Emily said she was "crushed."

Enos couldn't stand it. He had done this to her. He felt filthy. Like he had disrespected her in the most humiliating way a man could disrespect a woman. He fought the urge to call out to her and focused on every detail of the ride. One mistake and she would be gone.

Suddenly, Jenny and Bella darted to the left. They jumped a fallen tree, landed in a clearing and put on an incredible burst of speed. Bella barely touched the ground as she flew across the open meadow.

Enos had no choice but to follow. If Tag refused that jump, he'd lose her. He hadn't jumped in six years and never on Tag, but he committed and hoped Tag would follow through.

He did.

When they hit open ground Tag dug deep and powered across the meadow. They were gaining on Bella when the unthinkable happened.

Jenny pulled Bella up. She spun the horse around and he watched in shock as Jenny pumped the shotgun and loaded the shell into the chamber. She raised her weapon. Just before squeezing the trigger she averted the barrel to the side.

"Jenny no!"

[BOOM]

The shot landed to his left, the sound spooked Tag hard to the side. She was angry, but she wasn't going to kill him. Jenny didn't miss her target. Ever. If she planned to kill him she would have hit him with the first shot.

Enos kept riding and called out, "Jenny! Please talk to me!"

A furious scowl on her face, Jenny pumped the shotgun again and aimed at her target. This time the look in her eyes told him it was time to stop.

Enos pulled on the reins and Tag slid to a stop. There they were, less than fifteen feet from each other. Her shotgun aimed directly at him.

Her face was covered with dirt from the run. The barrel of the shotgun never wavered, expertly aimed and wielded by the woman he held in his arms not an hour ago. He could see where her tears had spilled down her cheeks, leaving tracks in their path - and he knew he was the cause.

Part of him wanted her to just shoot him. Put him out of his misery. She had been so trusting, so kind. She had given him so much compassion and tenderness when he needed it without asking anything in return - except honesty. A non-negotiable code of honor that should have gone without saying. Enos was in the wrong. He should have told her everything.

Ding dang it! I was gonna tell her!

They stood at an impasse, both horses lathered and breathless, both riders in agony and pain. Anything he said wouldn't be enough to fix the hurt. There was no excuse for what he had done to her. He should turn and leave, but he couldn't.

She wasn't going to shoot him. He would wait her out.

Thunder crashed in the distance. Enos wasn't sure how far they had traveled, but he knew they were far up by the temperature alone. The storm would be here any moment. They couldn't stay in this open field in high elevations. That shotgun might as well be a lightning rod.

Somehow, he had to convince her to come with him to find shelter, but she was so upset with him. Angry didn't quite cover it.

"Jen-"

"Shut up!"

[BOOM]

This shot landed to the other side. Enos brought Tag back under control and looked back to Jenny. She had pumped her shotgun and had it trained back on him in a split second. His stomach lurched sideways at the dead look in her eyes. He put it there. He was so ashamed.

All he had to do was tell her. That's all. If he had just told her himself, she wouldn't have walked in before the ride to hear Emily on the phone with Jesse Duke. He didn't and she had. He thought he had time.

Everything was ruined. Daisy would be here tomorrow and Jenny had heard words like, fiancé, engagement ring, love and the nail in his coffin:

"This past Wednesday."

His heart sank, but he wasn't leaving. Enos was going to take his chances. He looked at the shotgun and did the math. Fast.

Mossberg 500, she had to chamber th' first round, so she's got three more shots.

"Jenny! I ain't leavin' until we talk about this! Ya' gotta let me explain!"

She stiffened to fire, but didn't. Instead her lip quivered and tears began to fall. Enos's heart cracked down the middle. If he could just hold her, tell her how sorry he was, he wanted another chance! He wanted to start over!

"Enos, turn around and go back! Please, don't make this any harder. I have to go!"

Enos. He wasn't Deputy to her anymore.

"Jenny, why!? Where are ya' gonna go!? I'm sorry I didn't tell ya' about Daisy sooner, but it don't change nothin' between us! I was gonna-"

"Stop it! It doesn't matter! It was a mistake to get involved with you! I'm glad it happened! It proved that I don't know you and you don't know me!"

Enos shook his head, adamantly. "No! That ain't true! I don't believe that and neither do you! I see ya', Jenny. I know how I feel!"

"It's not that simple!" Jenny called out, clearly conflicted. "Enos, you have no idea what you're getting into! It's not fair, but I can't do this! Just leave, it's for your own good!"

"Wh-what are ya' talkin' about!? What's for my own good!? What we have is good and there ain't nothin' standin' in our way! Hon, please, come talk with me, before th' storm gets here! Would ya' help me understand? Please!?"

Jenny choked and went rigid as she willed her desires into oblivion. "Shut up and go back, Enos!"

"No! Not without-"

[BOOM]

The pump slid back and forth with a quick clacking sound.

The sky opened and rain fell in a torrential downpour. Enos had to reach her and get her out of this field! It wasn't safe here!

Another voice called out in the storm. "Jenny! Girl, ya' calm down and look at me!"

Gus had caught up after making his way behind Jenny in the tree line. He sat on Pete just a few yards away.

Jenny didn't flinch. "Go away, Gus."

Gus aimed his shotgun – at Jenny. "Now, ya' hurt him and I swear I'll shoot ya'. Just calm down and lower that gun."

"No!" Enos panicked. "Don't Gus! Please don't hurt her!"

"I ain't gonna sit here and let her accidently shoot ya', son." Gus moved a little closer and spoke with all the love of a compassionate father. "Jenny, I know how bad you're hurtin' sweetheart and I know why. Put the gun down and come with me. I don't wanna hurt ya', darlin'."

Jenny's eyes never left her target. "Then make him leave. He won't listen to me."

"All right." Gus replied, "I'll send him back to the cabin, but you can't run forever, sweetheart. That ain't a life. Don't throw this chance away. We'll go talk, but ya' need to tell him what you're goin' through."

Enos bristled, "I ain't goin' back to th' cabin! I ain't leavin'! Jenny, I-"

"Stop it!" Jenny screamed, "Just stay away from me, Enos!"

"No! I ain't goin' until we talk!"

[BOOM]

Jenny fired another shot to the right. Tag went up on his back legs in his panic. Enos barely stayed on, clinging to the saddle horn with one hand and Tag's mane with the other.

Everything began to move in slow motion. It wasn't real! It couldn't be real!

Gus raised his shotgun.

"No! Gus don't!"

Enos heard the shotgun fire and watched in terror as Jenny fell to the ground.