Drums pounded in Amy's head as she slowly woke, with eyes still squeezed shut, to the sun streaming into her room. Her head ached, mouth parched, eyes burned, her stomach turned. Her mind was fuzzy. The room began to spin so she put her foot on the ground to steady herself. Bits and pieces from the night before broke through the fog, Ashley, Soraya, dancing, laughing, pizza, talking, wine but really none of the details. Wine? Oh. Wine.
Groaning, Amy muttered to nobody. "Grrrugh. Am I hungover? Ugh." Forcing one eye to open, she glanced at the clock on the nightstand, 7:35. "Grandpa is going to kill me. Argh." Closing her eyes again, more groans, sighs.
"Okay Amy." Rising slowly, she had to steady herself, so she didn't retch. She closed her eyes briefly, stood, stumbled to the bathroom, washed her face, brushed her teeth. She had a nagging feeling, but didn't know why. Then it hit her, "Arg. Oh yea. Today is Ashley and Caleb's wedding. Oh no."
Still dressed in the clothes from the night before, she stripped, redressed in ranch jeans, tank, flannel and headed to the kitchen. Jack, Lou, Peter, and Mallory were already in the kitchen, talking much too loudly. Her head pounded even harder.
"Look what the cat dragged in!" Mallory said. "Guess the adult party got started after I went to bed, huh, Amy?"
When Jack saw her, his eyes bore into her. He simply pointed to the two empty wine bottles in the middle of the table. "So, Amy. What do you have to say for yourself?" Jack asked, his voice calm but stern, his jaw muscles twitching.
"Sorry grandpa." She croaked. She sat down heavily, put her elbows on the table, head in her hands, and groaned. "My head hurts so much." Jack softened a bit. He did not pursue his planned inquisition.
"Grandpa. Doubt she'll drink wine any time soon. Huh, lil sis?" Lou said softly rubbing Amy's shoulders.
"Never. Again." She moaned. Peter chuckled.
"Here Amy drink this and take these." Lou handed her a glass of water and some aspirin. She had a few hangovers in her own time.
"A big, greasy breakfast is always good for a hangover." Peter suggested, opening the refrigerator, pulling out eggs, bacon and orange juice. "I'll get it started."
"Where are Ashley and Soraya?" Amy asked without lifting her head.
"Still sprawled out asleep in the living room. Think they will have a rough time of it too." Jack said.
"Amy. Can't believe you didn't notice them, or trip over them, when you walked through the living room." Lou remarked.
"At least everyone's nails look good." Mallory offered.
Feeling a little nauseous, "Think I need some fresh air." Amy slowly rose, walked outside. Sitting on the front porch bench, eyes closed, she inhaled slowly, deeply through her nose. Then she exhaled through her mouth. Back and forth, trying to ease her head. The silence, stillness of the wide open space helped. Then she heard Spartan. Opening her eyes, she spied Ty leading him and Harley out of the barn and into the pasture. She raised a hand to him, but he didn't notice her. Without shoes or a coat, she crossed the yard and driveway slowly making her way to him.
"Morning sunshine." He grinned. "How are you?"
"Don't ask." She put her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for doing morning chores. Again."
"No problem. Figured after last night, you'd be slow to rise." He patted her back.
"Last night?" Amy wrinkled her brow, puzzled.
"Um. Know that you had your first drink of alcohol. How was it?" He figured she didn't need to know everything.
"My first and last." She shook her head. "Why does anyone ever drink? I feel horrible." She groaned again.
He grinned. "Come on. Let's go in. Where's your coat and boots?"
She shrugged. "Peter's making breakfast."
"Hope there's eggs and bacon. Necessary remedy in the case of a hangover."
"That what he said." She sighed. "How are you?"
"Good."
"How was your night, Caleb's party?"
"Party was pretty low key. Played pool, had a couple beers. We had been warned several times. So we all behaved." Then he chuckled. "No hangover...A little ironic, huh?"
She stuck her tongue out him, then groaned again. He laughed.
Soraya and Ashley were up, but moving slow, when Ty and Amy made their way into the kitchen. As breakfast prep was completed, Jack motioned to everyone to grab a dish and head to the dining room.
"Ladies, I hope you learned your lesson." Jack was stern, voice gruff as he addressed them. Amy, Ashley and Soraya winced as his voice, though not loud, shot through their aching heads. Eyes not meeting his, they nodded in unison.
Satisfied, "Well good then. It's behind us now."
"Not quite yet." Mallory muttered sarcastically. "Look at them. They are all hungover. Wedding pictures will be lovely memories."
"Mallory!" Jack warned. Peter and Lou broke out in laughter. Jack shot them a disapproving glare.
Changing the subject, "Ashley, today's the big day." Ty said. "You must be excited. I know Caleb is."
Ashley looked at him, sighed heavily. "Yeah. It will be great. Can't wait." Groaning she added, "Once I get over this massive headache."
"Good bachelorette party, then?" Needling her a bit.
"The best." Ashley rolled her eyes, holding her head. "But. I really expected this of you and Caleb. Not us. Go figure."
After the mostly quiet breakfast, Soraya opted to go home while Ashley laid down in Amy's room to recover alone. The girls altered their plans for the day, decided to get together after lunch to get ready for the wedding.
Pulling Amy aside, Ty asked, "Ames. I found a wildlife rehab place on the outskirts of town who will take the coyotes. Want to go with me?"
Her stomach feeling much better after greasy eggs and bacon, Amy decided to go. "Sure. I might not be the best company though. I am a little tired."
The 30 minute trip to the Wildlife Refuge was fairly quick but quiet, no radio or much talking. Amy leaned up against the window and fell asleep with her feet curled under her. Ty stole glances at her, even hungover, he thought she was beautiful.
Pulling up to the gate of the Wildlife Center, Ty had misgivings. The vegetation, grasses and weeds were overgrown, the dirt road had divots as big as a kitchen sink, the fence posts were rotted, and the few buildings were shacks in disrepair. Handmade Posted signs were nailed to trees every 15 feet or so. When he parked the truck, Amy was still sound asleep. He didn't want to wake her so he cracked his window, got out, quietly closed his door. He walked around a bit, looking for the owner, then called out. "Bob? Anyone here?"
A scruffy guy, a few years older than Ty, appeared out of a grove of dense trees. Dressed in camo, he had a bushy unkempt beard, long greasy hair, and smallish eyes. He was a bit of a hermit, he had not seen another human in some time. "Ty Borden?" He said warily.
"Yes. Are you Bob Granger?" Ty smiled. Bob nodded. Ty reached out his hand, Bob grabbed it roughly, shook it awkwardly.
"Coyotes?" Bob was not one for pleasantries.
"In cages in the bed of my truck." They walked around to the rear of old blue. Ty let down the tailgate and handed the smaller cage to Bob. "That's the pup. He's about six months old." He turned, grabbed the other cage. "This is the mom. She's pretty young herself. This may be her first litter. She was attacked by poultry and had to be stitched up."
"This way." Bob led him down a dirt trail to a concrete block building, camouflaged in green and brown paint. Inside, the room was a vet clinic with fairly modern equipment, surgical and exam tables, sink with foot pump, ultra sound, X-ray, cages, scale, various monitors, refrigeration for medications, IV and blood.
Surprised, Ty remarked. "Wow. This place is incredible. I didn't expect this level of sophistication."
"Thanks. It's taken every ounce of me to build it." Bob looked around, proud, pleased. "Let's put these two in cages over there."
Together they transferred the coyotes to their temporary homes. The animals seemed to settle quickly, especially the mom, still recovering from her wounds.
"Is this a bobcat?" Ty asked looking into the next cage. A large, muscular cat with brown fur flecked with black and a stub tail was curled into a into ball, asleep. Bob nodded. "He is gorgeous. What's he here for?"
"He was shot by a hunter, by accident. Or so he said. Removed the bullets, stitched him up."
"This is amazing. How did this place come about?" Ty's eyes were wide, his voice light, clearly impressed.
"Well, in Vet School, I started with dogs, cats, horse, you know, the routine, boring stuff. Then one day, I worked on a grizzly that had been shot, left to die. That changed my focus. Started this a couple of years ago, now."
"Wow. I can understand why." Ty eagerly told Bob about his own experience with the coyotes. "I want to take classes in wildlife medicine."
"Once you go wild, you never go back to mild." Bob laughed. He moved onto the next cage. "Hey. I was just about to deal with this little guy's abscessed leg. Want to help?"
"Is that a mountain lion? Wow! You know I do. What happened?"
"Beaver trap. Didn't break the cub's leg but did damage to the tendons and muscle. Its infected." He pointed to the sink. "Go wash and glove up."
As Ty was washing up, he heard Amy calling him. "Ty? Ty? Where are you?"
"Hey Amy. I'm in here." As he stuck his head out of the door. Seeing her walking up the trail, he sighed happily, "Come on in."
Amy walked in the door. "Hey. I didn't know where you went. Glad I found you."
"I didn't want to wake you. Feeling rested?"
Bob interrupted, "You brought someone with you? You should have told me. It's not safe way out here." Bob was perturbed.
Seeing Bob, she stuck out her hand to him. "Hi. I'm Amy Fleming."
He shook his head. "Look. We're about to do a sterile procedure here. You'll need to sit over there." Rudely pointed to a chair in the corner. Amy was stunned.
Ty sensing growing tension. "Bob. Amy rescues and rehabs horses. She assisted with the coyotes."
"Whatever." Bob muttered.
"Amy. Bob asked me to assist with this mountain lion cub. Would that be okay? Do we have time?" He tried not beg.
"Why are you asking her? Either you want to do it or not." Bob clearly irritated that Ty's attention had shifted to Amy.
Ignoring Bob and his attitude, she encouraged him. "Of course. It's probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. We have some time, maybe ten or fifteen minutes, before we have to go."
Ty mouthed Thank You. He watched as she walked back to the corner, sat in her assigned seat, then smiled at him.
Bob snapped at him. "Come on Ty. Let's get this going." Bob anesthetized the lion cub while in the cage, then moved her to the surgical table. "See this lump, Ty? Clip the fur here and here... let's make an incision here." He nodded. "Good. Okay. Now let's drain it and remove the dead tissue." Despite his antisocial tendencies and overall gruffness, Bob was a patient and skilled teacher, walking Ty through the procedure. They worked quietly for fifteen minutes.
"Now. Rinse it with the sterile saline...Good... okay, pack the hole with gauze...good." Nodding his head.
"How's this?"
"Good. Now tack it with a suture or two."
The entire procedure took 27 minutes. "Wow. Bob. I can't believe that I just worked on a mountain lion. That was amazing. Thank you."
"Ty. You are a rare breed. You would do well in wildlife medicine. I would love to bring you on here."
"Really? I would like that." Ty was thrilled. Bob handed Ty his business card, dog-eared, smudged with dried blood.
"Call me."
"Yes! I will definitely call." He looked at Amy who was now standing patiently. "Oh. We better get going. Thanks again."
Bob tried to recapture his attention. "Oh. Hey Ty. There's a government sponsored wolf cull by helicopter next weekend. They say it's to protect the caribou. Ha." Bob shook his head in disgust. "Anyhow, we need vet volunteers to rescue and treat wolves injured during the cull. You have the special skills and drive we need. It's such important work. Interested?"
"Yes!! I am. Where is it?"
"We hear that the aerial gunning is planned for Alberta, eastern parts of BC. Don't have exact locale yet. Anyhow, we'll rough it in tents in the surrounding woods. We leave Friday."
"Wow! I would love to do that. How..?" Then he looked at Amy who was beginning to appear anxious. "Okay. Well. We got to go."
"Yeah, right." Then he muttered under his breath. "Like she'll let you go."
"I will call you. Thanks man. It's been great meeting you."
Bob shook hands with Ty, ignored Amy.
On the drive home, Ty excitedly talked about his experience. "Ever since I worked on that coyote yesterday, I've been thinking about changing my focus at school. I want to work with wildlife, not domesticated animals." He was smiling ear to ear.
"Oh Ty." She giggled. "You are like a kid at Christmas. I haven't seen you this excited in awhile. You should definitely look into it. Do it. "
"I know, right. I can take wildlife classes. And, there's a student club for wildlife medicine. I can really make a difference."
"Wow. Good for you. Taking the elk by the antlers! I am proud of you." She chuckled at her attempted at funny.
Ty didn't laugh. He was on a roll. "I could work some hours with Bob and some with Scott. Or, maybe full-time with Bob. That would be so great."
Amy got more serious. "Look Ty. I'm happy for you. I am glad you found your passion. You should take those classes, join that student club. Do what you really love."
"But?"
She paused. "But, don't you think Bob is a little odd. There is something about him that is off."
"He spends all his time out there by himself, so yeah, he is a little weird. But, his set-up is first rate. He is a good teacher. And it's a once in a life time opportunity for me to work with wildlife." Ty laid out his case. "You said so yourself."
She nodded. "Okay. Promise me that you'll talk with Scott first. He may know more about Bob and his work. He's invested a lot in you."
"Okay. Promise. Scott's practice doesn't handle wild animals so it wouldn't be like I was taking his business or anything. Imagine working with lions, tigers and bears." He grinned.
"Lions, and tigers and bears...oh no." She laughed again at her own joke, patted his thigh.
Then she looked at the time. "Ty, you got to hurry, I am going to be very late if you don't." He nodded but he was already in another world.
Running into the house, she could hear Jack strumming a guitar in the living room. Amy was 25 minutes late. "Oh my gosh. I am so late. Where is Ashley?"
"She's in the shower." He muttered absently.
"Oh good." Relieved. "What song are you playing? I haven't heard that one before." She asked.
"I found it in Lyndy's old guitar case in the back of your mom's closet. It's one she didn't finish."
"May I see?" Jack handed her the tattered paper, old, yellowed. She read the words and musical notes, began humming the melody.
She then looked at him. ""Walk Me Over The Bridge?" This is a really pretty song, a little melancholy, but sweet Grandpa." She read it again. "Did you add some lines to finish it?"
"Yeah. The other night. I had a little inspiration." He looked off in distance.
"When do you think she wrote this?"
"When Marion was first born. I was working the ranch, she was home alone with the baby. After all those years of singing and traveling with the band, it was hard for her to give it all up. To stay at home."
"It is hard to give up something you love. I can't imagine not working with horses." Amy said empathically.
Jack frowned, admitted. "Yeah. It really wasn't a good time for Lyndy and me." His shoulders slumped a little.
"Oh grandpa. You and Lyndy loved each other, you made it through."
He nodded. "We worked through it together. You got to do that in marriage, Amy. Any relationship, really."
"I'm thinking about singing it at Caleb and Ashley's wedding. Would you join me?"
"I would love that. Could we practice?" They sang through it twice by the time Ashley exited the bathroom.
She was refreshed, glowing. "Oh hi Amy. You are here!" She did a little happy dance.
"You must be feeling better?" Amy ventured.
"Absolutely. It's my wedding day! I am so excited. Just 3 hours away. And I'll be Mrs. Caleb Odell...Again!" Ashley squealed, went into Amy's bedroom, closed the door. They could hear her humming happily.
"Got to go. Need to help her get ready. And, get ready myself. When Soraya gets here, send her to my room." Amy kissed his cheek. "I love you Grandpa," she said then headed to her room.
Caleb and Ashley's wedding ceremony was simple, intimate, lovely. Held at their trailer looking over the valley and mountains beyond, the day was crisp, bright blue skies. Only their closest friends and family joined the celebration. With Ty as best man, Amy as maid of honor, and Soraya as bridesmaid, Caleb and Ashley vowed to love, honor and cherish all the days of their lives together.
Throughout the ceremony, Amy stole several looks at Ty, handsome in his sport coat, his wide grin, shining green eyes, watching his best friend get married. He was so wonderful, perfect, even sexy in her eyes, sometimes he just took her breath away. When he caught her staring, she tried to look elsewhere, then blushed.
When the minister told him to "kiss his bride", Caleb, sensitive, sentimental and a bit goofy, got choked up and stood there gazing at his wife. Suddenly, he took Ashley lovingly in his arms, dipped her low, kissed her long and passionately to the delight of the guests. Amy caught Ty's eye, held it. Her heart swelled.
After the ceremony, Jack toasted the newlyweds with a lovely sentiment about marriage, it's difficulties, it's thrills, its slow and quick passage of time. For Caleb, he likened marriage to a 8 second bronc ride, how both were well worth the hard work.
Jack grabbed his guitar, the guests gathered round, then Amy and Jack sang her grandmother's sweet, sentimental song.
"There's things I've been meanin to tell you,
There's things i've just gotta say,
So let's go for a walk somewhere
Quiet to talk maybe you'll see it my way
I felt for a while we been driftin,
with no where to stay or to go,
But I hope that what ever will put us
Together, we're stronger than we'll ever know
So walk me over this bridge,
with the river so deep and so wide,
Just walk me over the bridge my darlin
we'll get to the other side
There's times I know inside and
Outside there's times I don't know you at all.
But what ever we go through I'll be here
Lovin you, even times you don't hear me call
I know what we have is worth havin
and I know what's ahead worth more
So let's go for a walk
somewhere quiet to talk
we'll see just what life's got in store
So walk me over this bridge,
the river so deep and so wide,
Just walk me over the bridge my darlin,
please be my place to hide
Walk me over this bridge
the river so deep and so wide
just walk me over the bridge my darlin
We'll get to the other side...…"
Many of the guests shed tears, listening to the words of the song. Amy thought about Ty as she sang, about their relationship. He was truly her best friend, she loved him like no other. He was always there for her, taking care of her, protecting her, supporting her. She caught his eye again, sang to directly to him.
As the party continued, guests talked, laughed, danced. A band of three musicians, strumming a guitar and a couple mandolins, sang soft country music. Mason jars holding wildflowers adorned folding tables covered with white cotton cloth. White twinkling lights strewn between the trailer and the tent, gave the yard a romantic, festive feel.
Amy found herself standing apart from the celebration, reflecting, staring into the deep, wide valley just below, into the pinks and purples of the setting sun just above. She shivered a bit, wrapped her arms around herself, as the sinking star took the day's warmth with it.
He watched her, the slight breeze rippling her skirt, setting a few strands of silky hair to flight. He loved her like no other. Ty came up behind, put his arms around her. "Beautiful." he whispered in her ear, her hair tickling his lips.
"Yeah. It is." She whispered back.
"You. Are. Beautiful." He squeezed her a little tighter. "Mind if I join you?"
"Please." She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart. Her hands held onto his arms. She wanted the moment to last.
"What are you doing, standing here all by yourself?"
"Thinking about that song. About us."
"Oh?" He smiled, "Us?"
"Yes. Us. Me. You." She sighed. "We've been through a lot lately."
He stiffened, he didn't want to rehash Blair. "Amy, Please don't. I'm so sorry." He let go of her.
She turned to face him, worried. "No Ty. Not that. Anyways, that's done." She's shook her head. "I mean, since then, things have changed between us. We're stronger, I think." Amy didn't like the way it was coming out.
"Yeah. We are." He nodded in agreement, relieved but his brow was creased with worry.
She continued "Though it's been hard, taken some time. We trust each other, again. Right? Maybe more, somehow."
"Yeah." He agreed.
"Maybe we're even more honest with each other. About what we want, our goals." She was trying her best to say what she was feeling, thinking. "Even when they change."
"Yeah. I guess." He was wary. "What are you trying to say?"
"Ty. Today, you said you want to work wild animals. I want you to know that I support you, your dreams. I want you to be happy. I don't want to hold you back. Ever." She put her arms around his neck.
"Thanks Amy. That means a lot." His hands held her waist.
She continued. "And, if you want to work with Bob. If you want to go on trips to rescue wolves or whatever, I support you." Her breath caught. "Even if it means you have to go away." she said quietly. "Okay?"
"Amy. Um. I.." He closed his eyes. He hadn't thought about going away, leaving her. Maybe that's what she wanted.
"Ty. You always take care of me. Support me. Encourage me. I want to be there for you. Please let me." She pulled him closed, squeezed him tightly.
"Okay." He whispered in her ear.
Amy broke away, "Let's dance." He pulled her into him, one hand around her waist, one hand holding hers. He searched her blues eyes for more. As they started to sway, to melt into each other, she put her head in his shoulder. He breathed the sweet smell of her hair, her skin. He closed his eyes. She sighed, feeling a bit sad, but determined. They swayed for three or four songs, not changing their steps or tempo to match the music. They just were together.
"May we cut in?" Ashley tapped Ty's shoulder, she had a huge grin on her face.
"Of course, Mrs. Odell!" Ty released Amy to Caleb and took Ashley into a two step routine. "You look lovely tonight, Ash. Marriage agrees with you."
She laughed. "Why thank you. It always has. I love Caleb so much." He twirled her away from him, then she was back in his embrace. "You and Amy, pretty tight, dancing close, got a little thing going on. Huh?"
He chuckled. "Nah. Still just friends, but she's very special to me."
"Friends? You two are ridiculous?" She laughed. "When are you going to open your eyes? Ty Borden, for such a smart guy, you can be real dumb."
"We're best friends. That's all. That what Amy wants." Ty responded half heartedly.
"Ty. You just fooling yourself. You are in love with her."
He shook his head. "Amy's not ready for more."
"Really? Last night she said something very different." Ashley informed him.
"She was drinking." He said, dismissing her.
"Whatever. Just ask her. Do yourself a favor." As the song ended, she winked at him, kissed his cheek like good friends do.
The band had played their last song, and just a few guests were left mingling. Caleb, Ashley, Amy, Ty, Val, Jack, and Lisa were sitting round a table rehashing the wedding, talking about their honeymoon.
"When do you leave for Italy?" Ty asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon. We arrive in Rome Monday afternoon at 1. It's going to take 24 hours to get there." Ashley said.
"Its gonna be awful. 24 hours strapped to a tin can hurdling through the air." Caleb muttered.
Jack tried to hide his smile of agreement.
"It's not so bad. You can catch up on reading or sleeping. They usually show a film." Lisa said. "Its a small price to pay to go some place so fabulous."
"And Italy is fabulous, amazing, incredible. You don't know how lucky you are. The architecture, history, churches, mountains, people." Val perked up
"The food, the pizza, spaghetti, lasagna. That's what I am looking forward to." Ashley glared at him, clearing her throat. Caleb quickly added. "After some serious honeymooning with Ash. Right babe?" She rolled her eyes, everyone laughed.
"Oh Cowboy. I love you." She kissed his neck.
"Some day I will travel out of Canada. See more of the world. I'd like that." Amy mused.
"Well, Amy. I am going to France in a few weeks. I'd love it if you joined me." She said sincerely.
"Grandpa?" Surprised, she had to ask.
Jack leaned over, kissed Lisa's cheek, grabbed her hand. "Amy. Honey. Lis and I decided that I wouldn't go this time." He glanced at Lisa. "If it works for you and Lisa, you should go." Jack suggested.
"Yeah Amy. You should go. The trip would be a once in a lifetime opportunity." Ty said, trying sound supportive, hide his dismay.
"Maybe." She said thoughtfully.
The conversation drifted, old stories, funny sayings, bad jokes, laughing, talking. The bride and groom fretted sleepiness. So after many hugs, kisses, best wishes, good nights, everyone headed home.
It was well after dark when Ty drove Amy home in old blue. She sat in the passenger side, as they talked quietly about nothing. He kept his eyes on the road mostly, stealing side glances at Amy. Driving up to the ranch, barely at a full stop, she immediately hopped out, "See you later," she called, waved and ran into the house. He couldn't believe it, no good night, no nothing, just another night check. Alone.
He huffed, put the truck in reverse and headed to the barn. "Oh well." He climbed the loft stairs, sat heavily on the bed, perplexed, frustrated. He tried to make sense of what Amy was trying to tell him. He took his time changing into his old ranch dungarees. He turned on the radio, laid down on the bed, closed his eyes. He fell into a deep sleep.
Downstairs, there was a disturbance amongst the horses, snorting, stomping. "Hey Spartan, how's my boy? Don't be mad at me. I know I've missed a few night and morning checks." She cooed and rubbed his muzzle. "Will you ever forgive me? I know Ty took good care of you. He's good at that. He takes good care of me." She reached, retrieved his water bucket and feed bag. She filled both, settling them back in his stall. "Tonight was Ashley and Caleb's wedding. She was really beautiful, so was the wedding. Ty was there, he was the best man, I was the maid of honor. We danced. He is a good man."
She started to hum. "Grandpa and I sang a song that grandma Lyndy wrote. The song was very sweet. Let me sing it for you. "There are things that I've been meaning to tell you..""
She finished up her chores, and glanced up at the loft. The lights were blazing, the radio was playing a Who song. She debated whether to go upstairs, check on Ty. So she sat down in the stairs heavily, elbows in knees, head in hands, listening for movement. "He must be asleep." She said to herself.
She crept upstairs, trying to be quiet, found him lying crossways on the bed with his feet dragging to the floor. His position seemed terribly uncomfortable. Turning off the radio, she heard him stir. "Horsey girl? What are you doing here?"
"Doing night check. Figured you were tired of doing it."
He sat up, looked at her, sighed. "Only tired of doing it alone." He gave her a tight smile. She nodded. Walking over the bed, she sat down next to him. Her hand rested on his thigh. Without thought, her thumb began to slowly move back and forth, rub lightly. She leaned in, just a little, drawn in by his scent. He smelled of soap, fresh but also sleep, warm, comfortable. She shivered, not cold but nervous, maybe anticipation.
He felt her quiver, so he put his left arm around her, to warm her, resting his hand on her shoulder. Her hair had a hint of lavender, clean and fresh, intoxicating. He leaned slightly forward to look into her blue eyes, study her face. A few silken strands had fallen across her face. Reaching across, he brushed them away lightly caressing her cheek with his rough fingertips. His fingers traveled slowly, across her cheek, pushing the strands behind her ear, then tracing the outside, then the lobe of her ear. As he lingered there, rubbing the soft skin, the tiny earring hole, his breath quicken. His fingers traveling slowly, lightly to her neck. He felt her heart pulsing.
Her breath quicken. Her hand, her fingers on his thigh quickened as well, moving gently, up and down. She could sense his muscles tensing, relaxing in response. She smiled at him. Her pink lips, no longer painted, parted slightly, involuntarily. She sighed, her warm sweet breath exhaled through her soft mouth.
He smiled back, his eyes softened as he gazed at her lips. His thumb slowly traced small circles, just below her cheekbone gently, raising the tensions. He breathed her in deeply. His fingers pulled her to him, her lips close to his, her warm breath tickling his lip. He whispered. "May I kiss you?"
She swallowed, pleaded "Please." She shuttered with anticipation. "Oh Ty."
He smiled, waited briefly until his heart beat again. Then he touched his lips to hers, like a butterfly landing. Lingering touch, sweet, warm. He withdrew slightly, smiled at her.
She smiled back. She didn't want it to end, wouldn't let the kiss end. She reached behind his head, her fingers tangled in his hair, pulled him into her. Her turn. She kissed him tenderly, at first. His touch, his fingers stoking her neck, his breath, her breath, everything quicken. Her lips parted, his parted, her tongue touched his. Teeth nipped, touched, bit. She sighed, tried to catch her breath, their lips parted.
He nibbled on her earlobe, he couldn't resist, slowly took it into his mouth, bathed it tenderly. Whispered a moan in her ear. His hands pulled her onto his lap, she straddled him. His hands were stroking her hair, foreheads together. Their rapid breathing slowed.
"Ty."
"Amy. I love you. We can be friends. Best friends. But, we can be more. I want to be more." He kissed her once more gently. She put her head on his shoulder, as they embraced.
"I love you, Ty Borden."