A/N: Sorry for the delay guys but my muse has only just decided to return (which I guess is actually a good thing). That issue along with family has set my writing time back. Thanks, as always to the amazing mingsmommy for the beta. Hope you like :)
Chapter 28
Sara awoke to the glorious sound of the birds signing their merry song. With a gratifying yawn, she sat up. Stretching lazily, a content smile appeared on her face and she licked her lips. She had slept all through the night and couldn't actually remember the last time she had slept so well. Not, on one single occasion did she wake during the night and that was a happening that was few and far between.
But, her smile faded when she looked around. All she could see was the remains of the smoldering fire. The horses were gone and so was Grissom. Shooting to her feet she spun around in panic, her eyes darting everywhere, the woodland, the road and back again. "Grissom!" she yelled but received no response. Clenching her fists together, she shouted again, "Grissom!"
Suddenly the sound of horses caught her ears and she turned back to the woods to see her teacher bolt from the trees on board Dante, Pandora right behind them. Holding her hand to her heart she sighed as he maneuvered around the wagon and pulled up on a skid right beside her.
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"Good Morning," he smiled heartily.
Folding her arms tightly she tapped her foot on the ground and glared at him.
"Is everything alright?" he asked slipping from his horse and removing his gloves.
"You scared me half to death," she whined. "I woke up and you weren't here."
"Oh," he stuttered. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to worry you…"
"What are you doing anyway?" She looked behind him to Dante and Pandora who were now brushing noses again and she couldn't help but smile but her smile slowly faded. "Should you be riding so aggressively with your injuries? Or even riding at all for that matter?"
"I was just giving these too a little exercise," he began. "They didn't get much yesterday so I thought I'd give them a good run before we set off and yes, Sara, I am quite capable of riding, just a little sore that's all."
"Hmmmm…" She narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why didn't you wake me?" she inquired stepping towards him. "I could have joined you."
"Well, you just looked so peaceful." He swallowed. "I just couldn't bring myself to wake you."
A soft grin passed over her lips and she looked to the ground for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "Do you know what time it is?"
Slipping his fingers into his pocket he pulled out a worn looking silver watch. Flicking open the cover he stared at the dial. "Almost seven," he informed her. "And time for us to get going."
Nodding her agreement, Sara helped Grissom pack up their camp and they boarded the wagon upon completion after tying Dante and Pandora at the rear.
"If we don't stop again we should reach my place sometime around ten, so just in time for a little late, home cooked breakfast." He looked at her. "Can you hold out that long?"
"Oh," she grinned, "I'm sure I can manage, especially if you're cooking," she giggled. "It's worth the wait just to see that."
Replicating her grin he took the reins, gave them a flick and they were on their way.
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"You slept well?" Grissom enquired as they trundled down the road.
"I did," she sighed contently, "Very well in fact. It must be the open air and…" She looked at him. "…the extra blanket no doubt."
Turning his head he gazed at her and grinned broadly. "I didn't want you to get cold," he said simply before retuning his attention to the road.
Smiling softly she also looked ahead. "Where exactly do you live?" she enquired.
"Alexandria County, it's just outside Washington," he responded. "A nice little place."
"And how long have you been living there?" she now asked with curiosity.
"About twelve years," he replied after thinking for a moment. "I spent some time here and there before I decided on a place to settle down."
"Did you…" She cleared her throat. "…ever consider coming back to The Grove?"
"Many times," Grissom admitted, keeping his eyes on the road.
Sara's brow knitted in a mixture of confusion and the unknown. "So, why didn't you?"
Shaking his head the rancher flicked the reins once more. "It is too long and difficult a story to tell right now, Sara." He turned to her. "I…" he sighed.
"Its fine," she insisted, placing a soft warm hand on his arm. "If and when you are ready to talk about it, just know I am ready to listen, alright?"
"I will keep that in mind, Sara, thank you," he half smiled. "As I said before, when the time is right."
Nodding her understanding, Sara placed her hands on her lap and looked back at the road.
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Sure enough the wagon rolled towards the town shortly after 10am. Sara smiled when she spotted the sign stating Alexandria County 1 mile but after a short distance Grissom pulled from the main road and onto a small dirt road leading into the forest.
"Where are we going?" she asked somewhat confused.
"My place is just outside town," he began, "and considering it should be market day it will be easier to avoid the town centre with the wagon. We can get to my house this way."
"Oh, alright." She looked down at the road. "Although, this road doesn't seem very wide, are you sure we can get through all the tress this way?"
His eyes flicked in her direction. "Trust me, Sara."
Without hesitation she nodded. She trusted him more than she had ever trusted anyone.
The rancher smiled and returned his attention to navigating through the woodland.
They rolled through the forest for about ten minutes until they came to a clearing and Sara immediately spotted the small wooden house a short way off in the distance, across a large patch of empty grassland. "Is that your place?" she asked pointing.
"Sure is," Grissom responded giving the reins a quick flick.
As they approached the house Sara eyed her surroundings. The house seemed small from the back but then again why would one man need a large dwelling? The structure itself was well built, clean and the outside was tidy and organized. She assumed the surrounding land came with the house as it housed a large stable, a small barn and a fenced off area no doubt used for exercising and grazing horses. She hadn't even stepped off the wagon, yet it felt homey and welcoming.
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Pulling the wagon up behind the house Grissom dismounted, shimmied around the side and held his hand out for his passenger. A broad smile passed over her lips as she slipped her hands into his and stepped from the vehicle.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"My pleasure," He smiled back. "Come on," he urged. "I'll show you around, and then we can organize some supplies."
"Sounds good," she agreed and followed him around to the front of the house. Suddenly the rancher stopped dead in his tracks and Sara bumped into the back of him, giving him a 'what are you doing?' look.
When Grissom pointed to the porch Sara followed his finger and chuckled. Sitting in a rocking chair with his feet up on the porch rail was a man, his hat covering his face, in obvious slumber.
Grissom held a finger to his lips as Sara gawked at the sleeping form. "Shushhhh…."
With an unsure nod Sara followed him as he crept up to the porch of his home.
Tip toeing up the steps with a grin on his face Grissom rubbed his chin as he contemplated his next move. Suddenly, "Hodges!" burst from his lungs and the man sleeping in the chair fell backwards and banged his head against the cabin.
"Oooof!" groaned the man as he cracked his head and his eyes opened. As his glance fell on his boss who was now towering over him, he quickly pushed himself to his feet in somewhat of a panic. "Grissom…I…um…I…"
Keeping a straight face the rancher folded his arms firmly across his chest. "Is this what you call looking after my land?" he spoke firmly. "Is this what I pay you for?"
"Well," the younger man stuttered, "I…I wasn't expecting you…your message said…I…just a quick break. I was just resting my eyes."
"Is that so?" Grissom fought hard to hide his smirk as his young aid stepped forward a little and inspected his face.
"What happened to you?" Hodges asked noting Grissom's battered features.
"Nothing," the older man replied quickly. "Just a little accident," he finished as he felt Sara's presence behind him. She looked Hodges over and the young helper did the same to her.
"You brought company with you?" the aid seemed to probe more than ask.
The older man's brow rose. "I did, Hodges, is that alright with you?"
"A little pre warning would have been nice but…" as Grissom's eyes widened the younger man took a step back. "…of course."
"Glad to hear it," the rancher retorted.
"Are you going to introduce us?" Sara asked stepping forwards.
Grissom slipped his hands into his pockets, "If I must."
"Oh, you must," she mocked, smiling at him.
Rolling his eyes the rancher softly shook his head. "Sara, this is David Hodges. Hodges, this is Sara Sidle, Captain Sidle's daughter, you have heard me speak of him."
"A pleasure to meet you," Sara held out her hand.
The young aid looked to his employer for permission and Grissom nodded his head. With a somewhat shaky hand the young man took Sara's hand and kissed the back gently, "A pleasure to meet you too."
Smiling at him Sara bobbed her head. "How long have you worked for Grissom?" she asked.
"About a year," he responded looking to his boss.
"And what exactly do you do?" she continued.
"Whatever I'm told to," he responded.
"He is training in all aspects of owning, caring for and breeding horses," the rancher cut in, "As well as farming and looking after land."
"So a proper little apprentice," Sara concluded.
"I try," Hodges replied with a nod.
"Yes," Grissom half laughed. "He tries. A little too hard sometimes or…" he looked to the fallen chair, "…sometimes, not enough?"
Clearing his throat, the young worker bowed his head.
"Well," Grissom clapped his hands together. "Why don't you try redeeming yourself and go and start to unload the wagon. I will be over shortly to help you with the trunks."
"Yes, sir." The younger man nodded his head in agreement and bent down to pick up his hat which still lay on the floor.
"You can let Dante and Pandora wander around for a while but take the other two horses to the stable, please," the rancher instructed.
"Will do," he replied and rushed down the steps.
Once he was out of sight, Sara grinned broadly. "Quite a character you have there."
"Indeed," the rancher half smiled, placing the fallen chair upright. "But, he does work hard. Even if sometimes, he is a pain in the rear."
Laughing heartily, Sara looked out over the small estate. "This is all yours?" she asked opening her arms.
"Yes, it is. Almost ten acres to be precise and a lot of hard work went into paying for it," he said on a contented sigh.
"I don't doubt it."
Smiling broadly at her, he looked out over his land. "Would you like a tour?"
"Sure," she giggled. "How about if we start in there?" She pointed to the house.
"Hmmmm…." He frowned looking down to the wooden flooring beneath his feet for a moment. "I have to warn you, Sara, it…isn't much…I…"
Feeling a tender hand on his shoulder, he looked at her. "I'm sure it is more than adequate," she began. "I know you have worked very hard to acquire what you have so please, for me, don't feel embarrassed, alright?"
Taking a light breath, he smiled softly and opened the door, "After you."
Sara offered him a warm smile in return and walked through the door. He followed and pinned it open in order to allow some fresh air to circulate through the stuffy accommodation.
The house was indeed small, very similar to the cabin at the estate, actually. But Grissom showed her around nonetheless.
The building was made up of one large room with a small room off to it, which was used as the kitchen. The main room housed a double bed in the far left hand corner. Not too far away from the bed, built into the wall, was a stone fire place with a mantel above. A table and chairs sat near the door and several dressers were scattered around the room.
"This is perfectly fine, Grissom," Sara said turning to him. "The place is clean and tidy and there is more than enough room." Suddenly her eyes fell to the bed before they sprang back to him.
"I'll be sleeping in the barn," he cut in quickly.
"Oh," she sighed. "You really don't have to do that."
"Why?" he chuckled. "Do you want to?"
"No," she retorted quickly. "It's just there is plenty of room in here." She spread her arms out. "Surely we can work something out."
"There isn't anything to work out," he replied folding his arms. "My home is now your home and you need privacy, so, I will be fine with the outer lodgings during your stay."
Pouting somewhat, Sara nodded on a sigh, "Fine."
"Come on," he urged. "I need to help Hodges, so I'll show you where things are outside."
"Alright," she replied and followed him from the house.
"The washing facilities, well and outhouse are over there," Grissom pointed to a small hut as he descended the steps. "I have a copper bath if you wish to bathe; I can boil water on the stove. It takes time but the offer is there." He turned to look at her as she followed and stopped as she stared at him somewhat dumbstruck. "What?" he asked.
"You," she smiled warmly. "Do you always go out of your way to try and please everyone?"
"Not everyone," was all he offered in response before turning and continuing towards the back of the house.
As they turned the corner of the house and approached the wagon, Dante and Pandora happily trotted past and Sara laughed. "You know we are going to have to get those two a room soon."
"It's odd," Grissom replied. "Dante has never taken to a filly before. He never really seemed interested but now…"
"He's found his perfect match," Sara finished for him and he turned his head to look at her.
"Maybe."
The sound of grunting broke up their conversation and they watched as Hodges attempted to lift one of the trunks from the wagon.
"Wait!" Grissom said quickly and stepped forward. "Or you'll break your back."
Nodding quickly, Hodges winced as he held a hand to his back.
"Sara," the rancher began, "why don't you have a walk around while we get the luggage unloaded?"
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" She looked him over with a slightly crinkled brow. "You know, to lift, considering you are still quite tender?"
"I'll be fine, Sara," he insisted. "I'm feeling much better. Just take a walk and enjoy the scenery."
"Alright," she concurred. "I guess I can do that."
"I'll come and find you when I'm done," Grissom finished, jumping up onto the wagon.
Nodding her agreement, Sara deeply inhaled the fresh air and lazily walked towards the barn.
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After having a quick peek in the barn, Sara headed for the stables. She was still trying to get used to the fact that for the first time in her life she was away from the estate and its surrounding lands. Well, without her parents anyway. It felt good and the actuality that she was with Grissom made her tingle with excitement every time she was near him.
Slipping into the stable, she found herself reasonably impressed. It was much bigger than she expected and housed twelve stalls. Walking to each one in turn she inspected and patted each horse as she went. Nine stalls were occupied, three were empty. At the far end of the stable was a large work bench beneath the numerous saddles and straps that hung to the wall. Another object hanging above the right of the bench caught her eye and she walked forward to get a closer look. It was a photograph.
Reaching out she carefully pulled the picture from the wall and closely inspected it. She smiled as soon as her eyes passed over the small group looking back at her. She wasn't quite sure how old the picture was but she knew it was taken some time ago as it included Grissom outside of the house at the estate, along with him stood her mother and father, Robbins and Ecklie.
"Finding your way around?" The words broke into her thoughts and she turned to see Grissom walking towards her.
"Yes." She nodded, holding the photograph to her chest. "You have quite a place here."
"Thank you," he returned on a smile but then he noticed the photograph in her hand and his smile faltered a little.
She noticed and looked back at the picture. "This is nice," she said passing it to him. He took it and looked at it with a slender sigh. "When was it taken?" she asked.
"About a year before I left the Grove," he replied.
"You all look so happy," she said taking a step towards him.
"We were, well," he grinned, "all apart from your mother. She wasn't too happy about the photograph."
Scrunching her brow in confusion Sara stepped right next to him to look at the picture again. "Why was that?"
"Well who is missing from the photograph?" he asked.
It only took Sara a few moments to realize she wasn't actually in the picture. "Oh," she began, "I'm missing. Why am I not in it?" She looked at him with a quizzical expression now.
"You were unwell," he started as he placed the photograph onto the work bench. "Laura wanted to wait until you were fit but your father insisted on the shoot continuing as the photographer had traveled and would require payment for the journey."
"Hum…" Sara folded her arms in a huff, "Typical Father, always thinking with his money."
Sniggering Grissom shook his head, picked up the picture and placed it back onto the wall. "But…" he held up a finger. "…your mother was so infuriated that you weren't in the picture she called the photographer back the following week when the captain was out of town and got him to take a photograph of you. You don't remember?"
Thinking long and hard for a moment Sara shook her head. "No, I don't."
"It was a long time ago."
"So…" Sara looked around. "…did you get a copy of the photograph?"
Straightening the picture on the wall he turned back to her. "I did."
"So, why isn't it with that one?" She pointed to the photograph.
"Because…" He stepped away and walked towards the nearest horse, giving the panting animal a loving pet. "…it is with a special little collection. Maybe I can show it to you later?"
As he faced her again Sara felt a sudden giddiness run through her. "I'd like that," she replied warmly.
Bowing his head somewhat bashfully the rancher smiled before returning his gaze to hers. "So would I."
There was a long pause between the two until the sound of Hodges tripping into the stable broke their moment. Rolling his eyes Grissom turned to his aid as he approached and Sara smirked to herself.
"Everything is off the wagon now," the young worker informed his employer.
"Good," Grissom replied. "Have the horses had any exercise yet?" he then asked looking to the stalls.
"No, sir, not yet."
"Then you better get to it, yes?" the rancher urged.
"Right away," the younger man agreed and headed for the first stall.
"Shall we," Grissom looked back to Sara, "go into town and get a few supplies? Then we can do whatever you want."
"Really?" she grinned. "Whatever I want?"
With his right brow raising, he now held up a finger, "Within reason, my dear, within reason."
"Then," she chuckled, "I guess we should go and get some supplies."
A/N: Hmmmm, think they sold condoms back then? Lol. Sorry couldn't resist. Let me know what you think :)
