Lucy sulked around the house. It was rainy and cold. That wouldn't stop her. Surely it wouldn't stop Kevin either. Only problem was she couldn't find him anywhere. She looked everywhere, but his bedroom. There was no way he was still in bed. He was out somewhere just trying to annoy her.
Kevin stuck his head in the door. "Ready?"
She jumped up. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I know. I saw you."
"Saw me? From where?"

"I was fixing the roof of the stable before it rained."
"Oh."
"Get your coat and let's go."
"I don't have one."

"Well follow me." They went to the stables and Kevin gave her a poncho. It was huge on her, but Kevin didn't say anything. He knew when not to tease. They drove up to the corral.
Kevin let Lucy ride him first today, although he securely held on to the rope. They rode together. Destiny responded to her. Kevin may be training him, but she was winning his heart.
Rain came pouring down with a crash of thunder. Kevin gripped Lucy's waist and swung her down. "Get in the truck," he shouted over the rain and thunder. Kevin unsaddled Destiny and dove into the truck. She laughed. "I thought it would hold for a while longer," he said.
"Nothing's going to hold that off." She smiled.
Kevin started the truck and they drove back to the house.
Lucy looked out the window. The drops of rain were big and they sky was gray. "Look's like we're gunna have to make a run for it." They got out and ran to the porch, water splashing everywhere. He gripped her hand and pulled her up the steps to the door. They stood laughing and soaked. They took off their boots and Lucy took off her poncho and they stepped inside.
"I'll build a fire and it'll be warm in a minute."
She sat down on the couch and watched as he started the fire. "Destiny responds to me. I think he's eager to perform."
Kevin leaned against the mantel. "I don't know about eager."
"I'm certain I could ride him myself."
"No."
She huffed. "You told your father I was capable."
Kevin shrugged. "Trying to be polite."
"Why don't you just say yes. Save us the argument."
"If I do, God only knows what you'll want next."
She met his gaze, and they smiled. Warmth touched her heart and she felt safe.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lucy sat on the porch the next evening. She was alone. Kevin was gone to Denver, Marta had the day off and the cabins were empty- until tomorrow. She had painted several scenes during the day. Now she was enjoying the quiet peacefulness.
She heard tires coming up the road and saw Kevin's truck. He wasn't alone. Ben got out. Obviously he didn't take the job. Kevin went to the stable and Ben strode over to the porch. "More beautiful then ever. Did you miss me?"
"You were only gone 5 days."
"Nice to see you too. I sure missed you."
"So you didn't take the job?"
"I did. They accepted my proposal. Chicago will be my home for a while. Wanna join me? I could show you a good time."
"I don't think so Ben. I'm having a good time here."
"Rejection doesn't hurt me. Let's go somewhere; I'm only here for tonight."
Her heart started beating faster. "You came out to spend one night with me?"
"I came back for my car. But you made it worth the trip. C'mon." He pulled her off the porch and pulled her to his car. "Have you eaten?"
"No."

"Good." He pulled up to Kevin's truck and got out. He took a container from the bed and got in.
"What's this?"
"We're having a picnic."

They drove past the town and stopped at a lookout. They got out and Ben spread a blanket next to a boulder. What was he planning now? She sat down and he unpacked the container. He pulled out French bread, salad, and spaghetti. He then took out a bottle of club soda. "Not my beverage of choice but-," he nodded towards her.
"We should have invited Kevin." Ben gave her just the look she knew he would.
"So how bored are you with just Marta, Kevin and the guests?"
"Actually I'm not. We had a special guest."
"Really? Who?"

"Your dad. He came the day you left. He brought a pair of fillies for Kevin. The best part was he convinced Kevin to let me help with Destiny."
Ben grinned. "Good for dad. I bet Kevin had fits about that."
"He only convulsed a couple of times." Lucy laughed.
"So how is it?"
"What? Destiny? It's, she paused for a moment, incredible."

Ben reached across and took her hands. "Promise me one thing. While I'm gone you'll stay like you are right now. Open and honest. Don't go back into you shell."
She looked over his face and saw there something real and genuine. He truly cared. "I promise." But she didn't think she would be able to keep it.

A/N: Please review!