Enjoy. Thank you for reading. SBR
Exhausted from the race and gala, Amy had slept soundly and hard. Before her eyes even opened, she heard what sounded like a crowded party in the house, voices she didn't recognize, laughing, talking loudly, and even music. She suspected that she was still dreaming.
Groaning she rolled over to check the time. "For Pete's sake! It's only 6:05!" She had stayed at the gala until late, but she couldn't remember when she got home or even how.
Half asleep, she pulled on her ranch clothes, jeans, tank, flannel, and headed to the kitchen. Lou was sitting in the kitchen, stooped over her laptop, engrossed in reading and drinking her coffee.
"Amy. You've got to come see this!"
"Where is everybody? It sounded like a party in here!" Amy mumbled, essentially sleepwalking into the kitchen.
"Funny you should say that!" She got up from her seat. "Come sit. I'll get you some coffee."
"Argh. Don't make me read, I am not even awake yet." She plopped herself into the chair, elbows on the table, chin supported by her hands, eyes barely open.
"Here you go." Lou set down Amy's coffee cup on the table, reached over and clicked play.
"Thanks." Amy yawned, then took a sip of coffee. "What am I looking at?"
"Just watch." Lou chuckled.
The grainy video, obviously shot by an amateur, was set at the gala the prior night. Amy recognized the decorations, soft white lights, buffet table and even, the band. A clique of twenty-somethings were standing around a high top table enjoying the party, chatting, laughing, posing for the camera.
"Typical." Amy muttered.
After an off key rendition of the birthday song, a young woman toasted, with champagne flute raised, the birthday boy on his 25th. He lifted his glass and thanked his friends. The picture then became fuzzy and shaky as the video moved from him to scene over his shoulder. A woman was standing with her back to the group, watching the band in the distance. The sound of a James Taylor song was barely audible.
"Hey look!" Someone remarked. As the zoom refocused, a man approached her from behind, kissed her shoulder. They began to sway, dance, and spin to the music.
The video returned to the clique who started yelling, clapping and clinking their champagne flutes. "Kiss Her! "Kiss Her" they chanted. Refocusing, the couple slowly turned to face the chanters, still in an embrace, flushed, and very much smitten with each other. Ty wore a wide grin, Amy a shy smile.
Amy clicked the pause button. "Oh my gosh. That's me and Ty!"
"Okay, dish, little sister. Looks like you were having some fun!"
"How much more is there?"
"Just the part where you two kiss. Nice by the way. And some photographer takes your picture."
"Grandpa's going to kill me. Don't show him."
"Don't be ridiculous. You were just having a little fun, dancing. It was a kiss. Of course, a real nice kiss. I am jealous!"
"Who are you jealous of now?" Peter walked in rubbing his morning stubble. "Morning hon" he murmured kissing Lou. "Morning baby" he whispered to her tummy.
"Check this out!" Lou started the video over. Peter leaned over.
"Please Lou, Stop. Please don't show Grandpa!"
"Don't show me what?" Jack said as he and Ty entered the kitchen, arms full of groceries for breakfast. Embarrassed, Amy hastily got up, put on her boots, sans hat, and was out the door.
She ran straight to the barn. As soon as the groceries were deposited on the counter, Ty chased after her.
Entering the barn, it was empty, the stalls had been mucked and horses turned out. She stood in front of Spartan's half door, shoulders slumped. She needed to pet him, talk to him, to calm herself.
Just a few moments behind, Ty entered the barn. Seeing her staring into the empty stall, he stepped up behind her, touched her shoulder.
"Amy. What's wrong?" He implored her. "Are you okay?"
"Nothing." She turned to him, her voice cracked. "Everything."
"Come on now. What happened? Is it Tim? Dexter?" Ty growing concerned.
"No. Not that." She sighed. "There's another stupid video."
Confused. "Video? Of what?"
"Of the gala. Of us. Dancing. And.. you know?"
Still confused. "Okay. So there's a video of us dancing last night?" She nodded.
"Lou found it on YouTube."
"That's crazy." He laughed. "I wanna see it! Wonder if I can download a copy to my cell phone?"
"What? Why?"
"Because last night was great! You looked so beautiful. Dancing with you." He grinned. But, it quickly faded. "So, why are you upset?"
"I don't want it out there for everyone to see. Its embarrassing."
"Why? Embarassing how?"
"Okay. You remember that stupid miracle girl video?"
"Yeah, of course."
"That thing caused so many problems."
"And, good stuff happened too. Don't forget that."
"Yeah, but..when people mention it, it feels weird, uncomfortable."
"So what's so embarrassing about this one?"
She could see the hurt expression on his face. "Ty. No." She said honestly. "It was a wonderful night with you. But, I want it to be just our night."
"Look. Did you have fun last night?" He needed to know. "Yes or No?"
"Yes."
"Did you do any wrong, illegal,obscene, anything you regret?"
"No, absolutely not!"
"Did you enjoy being with me?"
"Yes, very much."
"Would you do it again?"
"Uh-huh!" She nodded smiling.
"Amy. Just remember that. Forget about the dumb video and everybody else."
"Yeah, I guess..."
"You know. Now that you are a famous jockey, you going have to get used to videos, paparazzi, and mics anyhow!" He teased.
"Yeah, right!" changing the subject, "Wanna go for a ride?"
"Sure. But I'm starved. Breakfast?".
"Me too. So, let's take it with us."
"Trying to avoid Jack?" He challenged.
"Argh. You know me too well." She stuck out her bottom lip which Ty wiggled with his finger like a diving board, which, of course, made her giggle.
As they headed to the house, "Hey. Thanks for doing the morning chores."
"No worries. Caleb and I did them. You needed your sleep, horsey girl. You were dead to the world when I brought you home!"
"You brought me home? What time?"
"Guess it was well past midnight."
"Really?"
"You don't remember anything, do you?" He chuckled. "Do you remember what you did?"
"No. What? Tell me!"
He laughed, took off running toward the house.
"Tell me Ty! What did I do?" She begged, running after him.
In the kitchen, Lou, Peter, Jack and Mallory crowded around the laptop, watching the race. Even though they knew the outcome, they still cheered for Amy, Sage and Dexter.
"Amy? Ty? Have you seen this?" Jack asked with his eyes still glued to the laptop. "Come watch."
As a family, they watched and rewatched the race video four times, rewinding, pausing and fast forwarding, so they could catch every aspect the the race.
"Morning Everyone." Lisa said as she entered the house.
"Well, you are a sight for sore eyes. Good morning to you, Lis!" Jack brighten at the sight of her.
She kissed him on the cheek, "Good Morning Jack. Sleep well?" he nodded, smiling wide.
"Missed you when I got home." He whispered in her ear. She demurred.
"Okay everybody. Let's all sit down and eat." Jack announced. Ty looked at Amy, she shrugged. They both sat down at the dining table which was overloaded with eggs, bacon, hash browns, fruit salad, biscuits, and Mrs. Bell's preserves.
"Wow, this is some feast, Lou." Peter scanning the table appreciatively as he began dishing and passing the food.
After loading his plate with food, Jack cleared his throat. "I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners of the Timbre Classic. In this household, we praise success that comes from hard work."
"To Lisa, for making the wise decisions to buy Old Sweet Sage, to hire Amy as her trainer and jockey, to orchestrate the successful charity event for Canter Project. Can't forget her donation too."
"To Amy, for rehabing and training two thoroughbred horses, finishing first place with both of them, and for donating her winnings to Canter Project."
To Ty, for being the unsung hero of every horse in the race by keeping them safe, healthy and ready to race and run again."
So, please raise your glass, to Lisa, to Amy and to Ty.
Congratulations to a job well done!"
"Here Here! To Lisa, Amy and Ty!" Much laughter and conversation followed.
After the toast, Amy didn't join the conversation. Eating just a few bites, she resorted to pushing her food around her plate.
"Honey, how's Dexter?" Lisa going to the heart of the matter.
"He's doing really good, considering. Grandpa, we're bringing him back to Heartland, okay?" He nodded.
"Well, good to hear. He had a tough day yesterday."
"Yeah. Meeting up with Andy to trailer Sage back to Fairfield too."
"Amy. I'll hitch the trailer to the truck." Jack offered.
"Hitch it to the Fairfield truck. Amy, we can go together, does 9 work?
"Sure. That gives Ty and me some time to ride," she said preoccupied.
Ty put his hand on Amy's knee and squeezed. He then broached the taboo topic. "Any word on the charges against Janice and Tim?"
"It's my understanding that Janice has contested the charges. So now it's up to commission." Lisa said. "This is a first time offense for her."
"What about Tim?"
"He signed a sworn statement saying he did not know about the buzzer. The track warning from Dr. Jackson doesn't help his case." Lisa reported. "Wish I had better news."
"Has anyone even heard from Tim? I mean, shouldn't he have called? Do you think he's hiding something?" Asked Mallory
"Mallory!" Hushed Jack.
"She right, Grandpa. He should have called. He just ran. It just makes him look guilty." Amy retorted.
"Maybe they didn't do it, maybe he didn't know." Lou suggested.
"Ha. Well, there's track video of Janice. If he didn't know then, he knows now." She answered back at her.
"Ty, what happened with Dr. Jackson? Why the warning?" Peter asked.
"Dexter was last to be checked. Tim was mad when we got there. It went down hill from there. He didn't want me to exam Dexter. He said stuff. Stuart scratched him initially for behavior. Tim backed off and submitted to the exam, so Stuart just gave him a warning."
"Lou, sounds like he brought some of this on himself." Peter suggested.
"He really did." Ty agreed.
"Grandpa, our work shouldn't involve dad anymore. No boarding, training, rehab, riding, exercising, jumping, racing, nothing. His horses should not be in our fields." Amy stated.
"We should wait for the outcome before we make those rash decisions." Said Jack.
"No Grandpa. Dr. Jackson told me that Heartland horse operations must remain separate and apart from dad starting now." Amy countered.
"What if the racing commission finds him innocent?" Asked Lou.
"Look. I don't want to work with dad. He and Janice were cruel to Dexter. That's not healing, that's hurting." Amy was adamant. Ty squeezed her knee conveying his support.
"Jack, Amy's right. You need to protect Heartland's reputation. Amy has to protect her own." Lisa nodded at Amy.
"What about the dude ranch?" Lou quipped.
"What about it?" Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Lou, would a company have a retreat here if they thought the trail horses were handled by someone accused of animal cruelty?"
"Yeah. You're right. What a mess."
"Okay then. Amy, we will defer to your judgement in this." Jack reconsidered looking at Amy. "Could you take on the trail horses too?" Lou smiled as if she were the Cheshire Cat.
"Thank you Grandpa for the vote confidence, I think...about the trail horses, I don't know. Lou, we need to agree on a few things first.
"Sure."
Right after doing breakfast dishes, Ty and Amy saddled up Spartan and Harley and headed out for a ride. After racing to the river, horses drank and rested while Ty and Amy spread a plaid blanket on the ground and settled in.
"Beautiful day." Amy took in a deep breath of fresh, cool air.
"Yeah."
"I just love watching the sun sparkle and dance on the river." She sighed relaxed.
"Yeah." Ty ran his hands through his hair, now sticking up all over.
"You seem stressed. What's on tap today?"
"Big exam tomorrow. Not close to ready. So, have to study. Probably all day." He grimaced. "You?"
"Well, no studying for me." She smiled. "Trailer Sage and Dexter and work with Silk and Star...oh yeah. Scott and I are looking at some stray and feral horses this afternoon. Should be interesting."
"More horses to rehome?"
"Yep. Wanna come?"
"Want to but can't. I really got hit the books. How about instead we watch a movie tonight?"
"Sure. Okay. After dinner?"
"After night check?"
"Really? Do you think you can stay awake that long?" Teasing him a bit.
"Of course!" Bumping his shoulder into hers. "Hey, talked to Caleb this morning."
"Wedding is next weekend. Bet he's excited."
"Yes. Yes, he is!" Mimicking Caleb.
"Funny. That reminds me, I have to pick up my dress."
"Um. Amy. Caleb and Ashley are going to Italy for a month on their honeymoon."
"Jealous!! I always wanted to go. Hear the food is amazing."
Laughing Ty said, "What is it with you, Caleb and food? He said that too." He paused more serious. "Anyhow, he'll be gone for a month, then rodeo and I'll be busy with school and working for Scott. So, we need another hand."
"Hmm. Guess I need to talk to Grandpa."
"Good. Speaking of Jack. You stood up for yourself. Good job."
"You mean at breakfast? Dad makes me so angry. How could he do that? And, you heard what Dr. Jackson said. We need to keep our horse business separate from dad's."
"You spoke your mind, you didn't back down. Amy, from a month ago, wouldn't have done that."
"Thanks...you know, it's much easier to do when your hand is in my knee." She grinned and patted his leg. "We best get back, I have to meet Lisa."
As Amy drove the Fairfield truck pulling a Heartland trailer to the racetrack, she was deep in thought.
"Amy, you've been very quiet. Everything ok, sweetheart?" Lisa inquired, concerned.
"Just thinking."
"Do you want to talk? Sometimes it's easier to solve a problem by talking."
"Okay...You know, I've always focused on the horses and Lou on the business."
"Seems like a good division based upon your strengths."
"I have no idea how to run a horse business. Cost of feed, hay, ranch hands. Service charges. I don't even know if we can pay our bills or not."
"You should know that, at least. But, what's driving this?"
"Grandpa wants me to take on 6 trail horses. If I do, will have the time or income to do the kind of work I really want to do?" She lamented.
"I see."
"Heartland has 6 ranch horses, 6 trail horses and 2 client horses that need upkeep. We charge boarding fees for the 2 client horses, Star and Silk." She just shook her head. "Income from those two has to pay for upkeep for 14 horses. So I guess we are in the hole this very minute." She sighed.
She laughed at herself. "Funny, I asked Lou to be paid 50% of every job after expenses were covered. It sounded great until I realized that 50% of nothing is still nothing."
"Don't forget your income from Sage."
"I haven't. That will help."
"Your purse winnings?"
"Still the best decision for me."
"Good for you. And Canter." Lisa then asked. "Amy, what kind of work do you want to do?"
"I don't know exactly. Helping, healing horses, of all kinds, is important to me. Giving them a good home, strong bonds, meaningful purpose. Working with their owners. I'd like to spread my mom's methods and remedies."
"Sounds like you do know. What about racing, jumping, shows?
"Maybe. How can I make all that work?"
"First, you should go over the books with Lou and Jack. You're an adult now. You're a big part of operations." Lisa reflected. "You need to start there."
"Okay then. I will ask to go over Heartland's books first. Maybe you can tell me about Fairfield?"
"Of course, Amy." Lisa smiled. "What about Sage?"
"She needs to rest, hang out the the field and stable for a couple of days."
"Will you continue to work with her?"
"Lisa, I hope you know how much I appreciated the opportunity. I loved every moment. Now that Sage is "fixed", your trainers and jockeys can take over."
"Can't say that I am not disappointed or surprised. I like working with you Amy...a lot."
"Me too. I will miss our veranda talks."
"Would you consider traveling with me to look at some new horses? Maybe Virginia, Kentucky and France?"
"I would, especially short trips. Plus, any horse healing, just call."
"Good. The office here is still yours. And use the truck, as long as you need it."
"Thank you Lisa. For so many things. You help me think through things, not just react."
"Let me know if you ever want to talk."
"Some day, we'll talk about dad but it's too soon."
"Understand. One suggestion. Think through what you would to say to him when you see him next." She advised. "Be a step ahead of your emotions."
"I like that. Be a step ahead of my emotions."
Arriving at the racetrack, Amy parked. She reached over, hugged Lisa tightly. "Lisa, you have been so incredibly wonderful to me. Thank you."
With Dexter settled in a Heartland field, Amy headed to the ranch house. Peter was finishing his conference call, "Thanks Jerry. Yeah, I'll see you in Vancouver on Wednesday. Bye."
Stationed at his makeshift office in the kitchen, he glanced up from his laptop. "Hey Amy. How's it going?"
"Hey Peter." Opening the refrigerator, getting the orange juice, she poured herself a glass. "Vancouver on Wednesday?" She took a long drink.
"Yeah. Just a day trip, thankfully." He paused. "You okay? Know this thing with Tim is.."
Pulling out a chair and taking a seat next to him. "Yeah, well, it's a mess. He makes me so angry...and sad."
"Amy. His choices, his behaviors, are not yours." He patted her hand. "Just be true to you and your own convictions." He tried to catch her eye and smile.
Breaking into the conversation, "Finally. Let's hear everything. Don't leave anything out." Lou took a seat at the table.
"That's my cue to leave." Rising, he leaned over and whispered to Lou. "Go easy on her." Glancing at Amy, he smiled and left the room.
"Soooo?"
"There's really nothing to tell beyond the video. We danced and had fun."
"I saw that. So, you kissed?"
"Only once, and only because those people made us."
"Come on. I saw the look on both of your faces. You are smitten, you both are."
Amy took a deep breath. "You know how I feel about Ty. But.."
"But what?"
"He disappeared for 4 months, came back, dated Kit, disappeared for 3 months, came back with Blair, all within 3 years."
"You don't want to get hurt again. I get it."
"He knows me better than anyone. He's my best friend. I do love him. But, I don't want to go right back where we were."
"Dating, then?"
"Ty and I are not together together. We have a pack not to date others either."
"You are so young. You have time. You need to get out there, see and do, figure out what you want, before you tie yourself down.
She laughed. "You, Grandpa, Lisa. You say the same thing, but different words!"
"You're only 18 after all."
"Soon to be 19."
"That's right your birthday is in a couple of weeks." Lou continued, "Amy, one more thing, or rather three."
"What?
"Look at these headlines, "Just Horsing Around: Winning Jockey, Amy Fleming, trotting with Vet Ty Borden."
"Ugh!"
"Here's another: "Derby Dancing: Amy Fleming gets dirty with Ty Borden."
"Derby Dancing...oh, Dirty Dancing!"
And one more, "Jockey Fleming Joins Up with Vet Borden"."
"Those headlines are awful...but funny."
"Check out the pictures though. You two make a handsome couple." They both giggle.
"Hey. Lou. I really love my dress and sandals. Thank you so much. What a great surprise. Just wearing that dress made me feel beautiful." She gave her a hug and kissed her cheek.
"You are welcome Amy. Dress or jeans, you are beautiful."
Amy blushed, then kidded. "Lou. You will always be my favorite sister."
"Haha."
Jack walked in, "Amy, the Davis family is here."
"Thanks Grandpa. Bye Lou."
She was almost out of door, and turned back. "Hey Lou and Grandpa. When could you two go over the Heartland books with me?"
"Sure. How about after dinner?"
"Good, thanks." She was out the door.
Jack and Lou just looked at each other. "Well. It's about time." Lou remarked.
Walking across the yard quickly, Rebecca met her halfway, wrapped her arms around her waist. "Hi Amy. We watched you win yesterday!"
"Hey Rebecca! Were you at the racetrack?"
"Yes. It was so much fun!"
"Yes, it was!"
As Shawn and a young man joined them, Amy reached out her hand to shake his hand, "Hello Shawn, Happy Sunday!"
"Hello! Congratulations on your big win yesterday!" Shawn added.
"Thank you. It was an exciting race for sure."
"Amy, this my son Matthew."
Shaking his hand, "Nice to meet you Matthew. Amy Fleming."
"Same. Matt, please."
"Matt, you look very familiar. Have we met before?"
"Maybe. Did you attend Hudson High? I attended there two years ago. I graduated in Vancouver this year."
"That must be it. I graduated this year too."
"Matt has lived with his mom for the last couple of years. He's back in Hudson. He hoped to get a groom job at Briar Ridge Stables."
"Oh, do you have experience with horses?"
"Yes. I was in the Equestrian Team for Vancouver High."
"So, you'll be working for Val Stanton?"
"I don't have the job yet."
"Oh?"
"In the meanwhile, Matt will bring Becca over to Heartland to see the horses from time to time."
"Sounds good." She started walking toward the barn. "Well, let's go see Star and Silk. They are in their stalls. Both have settled in pretty well. So, today we are going to do some work in the training pen."
"Let's get them out of their stall, one at a time."
Stopping at the half door of Silk Stockings stalk. "Hey Silk! How are you doing pretty girl? You remember Rebecca? She saw you at the old farm and called so we could rescue you. And, this is Matt. He's Rebecca's brother." She motioned to them to pet and talk with Silk. The three of them led her to the training pen. Next it was Star's turn.
After a hour workout the two horses were led back to the barn and clipped for grooming. Amy and Rebecca worked on Silk, picked her hooves, brush her coat, mane and tail and cleaned her face. Matt did the same with Star as Amy checked in his progress. Both horses received mints.
"Matt, why did you decided to apply to Briar Ridge?"
"They posted a part time opening and I needed a job. I would like to work with horses."
"Are you open to working with other horse operations?"
"Yes, why?"
"Heartland may have a ranch hand position open in the future. Would you be interested if we did?"
"Yes, of course,"
"We require that each new hand work with us and our current hands for 1 week before we make a decision. Would that work for you?"
"Yes, that would work."
As she was waving bye to the Davis family, Scott drove up with his truck and trailer. "Hey Amy."
"Hey Scott. Looks like your trailer is full."
"Yep. If you are willing to take these two, there's no needed to go to the event. Mr. Watkins found these two in his cow pasture."
"Oh. Are they in good shape?"
"Yes. But, a little underfed, a little traumatized. We guess that mare was dumped and let loose to fend for herself." The trailed rocked as the horses snorted and stomped.
"How could someone do that?" Slowly Scott unbolted the latch and opened the back door to the trailer. "Oh my. They are beautiful."
First out was a chestnut mare, broad chest and strong hind quarters, but her ribs were showing. Her coat was dirty and mane and tail matted. Her head held high, she voiced her displeasure of the trailer. Amy grabbed her bridle, "Hey pretty girl. Welcome to Heartland!"
Amy and the mare stopped to watch Scott led a month old foal, a miniature of the dam, out of the trailer. She was skittish, anxiously looked for her mom. "Oh my goodness. She is precious."
"Let's take them to the Quonset hut. I set up some stable space so they can be quarantined. How many weeks two?"
"If you can, three is best."
"Okay. Anything else I should know?"
"The usual. Check for fever or illness. Don't share pastures, equipment. Keep them away from the other horses. They have all their vaccinations."
"Sounds good."
"Good. I will check back in a week. Call if you need anything."
"Thanks Scott. Talk to you soon."
Sunday night dinner was usually a big affair. This night it was just three, Jack, Lou and Amy.
Jack had made his traditional stew. "So, Amy, why are you interested in the Heartland books?" Asked Jack.
"It's time I understood the finances associated with my horse work. Some day I'd like to run the business myself. So who best to teach me than the two of you."
"Amy, Grandpa and I are so happy that you want to learn about our family business. So, let's clear the dishes and dig into the books."
Ty was in the loft still studying when Amy finished night check. She went up to check on him. He was fast asleep with his book on his chest. So she quietly put his book away and gently pull off his boots. She covered him with the blanket, leaned over and kissed him in the forehead.
"Hmmm. Amy?" He sat up, yawned, "What time is it?"
"A little after 9."
"Come sit next to me. Ready to watch a movie?" He pulled out his laptop.
"You need to sleep. Be well rested for your exam."
"No, just had a nap. I'm good. You'll love this." He flashed that grin that she couldn't resist.
"I will? What's the movie called?" She pulled off her boots and got in bed beside him. "It's chilly up here."
"Here, get under." He held the blanket up and she nestled in next to him. "Comfy?"
"Hmmm." She smiled.
"Okay, ready?" She nodded and he pressed the play on the video.
"Hey, that's not a movie, that's the video of the gala. What happened to the sound?" She pouted.
"Come on, Amy. I want to watch this with you. To tell you what I saw that night."
"Okay."
"Amy, when I saw you standing there, in the middle of a sea of people, my heart skipped a beat. You were so beautiful, so very beautiful. I watched you watching the band, listening to the music, swaying to our song. I saw only you, everybody else disappeared."
He kissed her forehead. "As I approached you, you smelled so good, like lavender. Your bare shoulder, so inviting, I couldn't resist. I had to kiss you in that spot." He touched her shoulder.
"You weren't surprised, you knew it was me. You asked me to dance. Holding you, dancing felt like coming home. We fit."
"Your blue dress was so pretty. Perfect. It made the blue of your eyes bluer. The skirt had those thingies that moved as you moved. Your long blonde hair. You were breathtaking."
"When they chanted Kiss Her and you said Yes! My heart skipped again. Kissing your lips was incredible. Do you know you taste like strawberries?"
"When my hearted cheered, they cheered. And, when the photographer asked my name. You responded with such pride, love really."
"So Amy, this movie is short, a little grainy. But, it is the best movie I have ever lived. I am going to keep this video."
Her eyes were shining, her lips smiled. "Oh Ty."
"Amy, may I kiss you again?" She nodded, barely able to breath.
Putting his laptop to the side, he moved closer so he could gaze in her face, so sweet, fresh, and her eyes so blue. He reached, stroked her silky hair. Lifting her chin with his finger, he bent closer. His thumb traced her lips, first the bottom one, then the top. He lowed his lips onto hers slowly, gently, breathing her in. One kiss, then he pulled away, still just inches away. They gazed at each other's eyes, lost in each other. Wrapping her hands around his neck she pulled him back as she leaned forward, found his lips wanting, and kissed him back. She closed her eyes. Inhaled him. And slowly pulled back. She tucked her head under his chin, curled into his chest. "Oh Amy. You make me happy."
"Oh Ty." She said quietly, then wrapped her arms around his waist, snuggled deeper. "This is my favorite movie too."
"Even better than Black Stallion?"
"Okay. Maybe it's a tie." They laughed.