Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thanks to Janis for all your help and to everyone who reviewed.
Chapter 3: Saturday
At Sydney's
Sydney awoke safely wrapped in Gage's arms. Levering herself carefully up on one elbow, she brushed her lips gently across his cheek. Watching his mouth quirk upward at the corners, she smiled thinking how comforting it was being close to him after her nightmare, while at the same time, wondering what changes a closer personal relationship might bring to their lives.
As Gage came slowly awake his arms tightened around Syd. He opened his eyes and smiled when he caught her staring at him. Smiling back watching his baby blues light up, Syd greeted him, "Good morning, Gage. Sleep well?"
"That should be my question, don't you think? You were the one with the bad dream." Gage shot back, not allowing himself to dwell on why he was awake at midnight.
"Alright, hot shot. I slept fine, thanks."
"Anytime, Shorty. I slept well, too."
They got up to walk down the hall together going into their rooms to get dressed for the coming day. Gage returned to the kitchen as Sydney was starting the coffee.
"Gage, how long are we going to be gone today?" Syd asked when he appeared in the doorway.
"Depends on how long you want to ride. What did you have in mind, Syd?"
"I thought we could take a lunch if we planned to be gone all day."
"Sounds like a good idea, then we wouldn't have to hurry. Tell you what, I'll fix breakfast while you get lunch together."
"It's a deal…can you fix more than just toast, please?"
Gage quickly glanced at Syd to see her teasing smile. "Well, I can fix anything that's a breakfast item. What else did you have in mind?"
Sydney was laughing at the disgruntled look Gage was giving her. She calmed enough to reply, "There are bacon and eggs in the fridge we can have, if you make the bacon crisp."
"You got it, Shorty. Anything else?"
"That's plenty, don't you think? I'll fix some sandwiches, fruit and raw vegetables to take with us. Do you want anything other than water to drink?"
"Some juice may hit the spot later."
"I'll put some bottled juice in the bag then and the rest of the coffee in a Thermos. That ought to do."
In short order both breakfast and lunch were ready. Gage carried the plates of food to the table. Syd grabbed two mugs of coffee and silverware before joining him. They both tucked into their meals with hearty appetites and were soon finished, getting up to clean the dishes. Soon the kitchen was in order; the lunch bag was ready, along with water canteens and a thermos of coffee, and Syd and Gage were ready to head out to Walker's ranch by 8:30.
The Walker's Ranch
Alex woke at 7:00 and slipped out of Walker's arms without waking him. She hurried to shower and dress, before checking on Angela. Finding her still asleep, Alex went downstairs to start the coffee. Going back upstairs to make sure Walker was awake, she heard Angela start crying. Upon reaching the nursery, she heard the shower running and was able to relax and concentrate on caring for her darling baby.
By the time Alex got back downstairs, after settling Angela into her crib 30 minutes later, Walker had returned from caring for the horses. Walker and Alex fixed breakfast together, ate a leisurely meal and chatted about their plans for the day: including outside work Walker wanted to finish before the summer humidity became unbearable.
After breakfast, Walker went upstairs to take care of the once-again crying Angela, while Alex started the dishes. Hearing a car in the lane, Alex looked out the window calling, "Walker, Sydney and Gage are here."
Walker brought Angela to Alex then walked out onto the porch. Stepping down to meet them, Walker asked, "You two want some coffee?"
"Thanks, but we're fine," Gage answered for them both. "Besides Syd brought a Thermos with coffee for later."
Walker offered to help Gage saddle the horses, while Sydney went inside to see Alex. "I see you talked Sydney into coming, after all." Walker remarked while putting the tack on Cheyenne, a paint mare.
Gage, doing the same to the paint stallion, Apache, replied, "Yesterday, you know, I wasn't sure she'd welcome the idea, but when I asked her last night, she seemed almost relieved that I'd invited her."
Walker didn't reply, but smiled thinking that, regardless, of anything Sydney might say or Gage might think, she relied on him to help her through most problems she faced.
Upon getting the horses ready, Walker and Gage led them to the kitchen door where Sydney and Alex were waiting. Sydney came to mount Cheyenne, while Gage did the same to Apache.
"Where did you plan on riding, anyway?" Walker questioned.
"Thought across the fields, into the woods…maybe up in the hills. I guess wherever the horses take us." Gage replied.
Noticing the wary look on Sydney's face, Walker remarked, "I wanted an idea where to find you in case anything went wrong. That pretty much narrows it down…to the whole ranch." He finished with a grin, eliciting laughter from both Sydney and Gage.
Walker turned serious, "Both of you be careful and if you need anything call. We'll be here all day."
"You got it, Walker. Thanks," Gage answered.
With that the two partners expertly turned their mounts, heading for the pasture gate, while Walker and Alex stood arm in arm watching.
Giving Apache and Cheyenne free rein, Syd and Gage raced across the pasture, enjoying the fresh air rushing past their faces. Upon reaching the trees, the horses slowed to a walk allowing them to enjoy the ride without worrying about low-hanging branches. Gage was leading the way on the trail. Suddenly, Syd exclaimed, "Gage, look quick!"
Halting Apache, he turned to see Syd pointing into the trees wearing an animated smile. Moving beside her, Gage followed her gaze, catching sight of two fox kits playing in the shadows. After a few minutes enjoyment, the mother returned to the kits; catching sight of the rangers she froze, warily watching them. As she realized they meant no harm, she relaxed and started playing with her babies. Gage and Syd watched a few minutes more then rode on, keeping their eyes open for any other wildlife.
Around midday, Gage and Syd came to a clearing beside the creek, where they stopped for lunch. When Sydney pulled a bag with four apples, in addition to the insulated lunch pack, from her saddlebag Gage's curiosity was piqued, especially, after Syd pulled more apples out while unpacking their lunch.
"Okay Syd, I'll bite. What are those apples for?" Gage asked motioning to the separate bag of apples.
"For Apache and Cheyenne, that's their treat for taking care of us." Syd answered, slightly surprised he had to ask. "You know, I usually bring something special for them whenever we go riding."
"Usually, you give it to them when we get here, too."
"Well, I wasn't available then, remember? Walker took care of Cheyenne for me, while I visited with Alex."
Meeting each other's twinkling eyes, neither could hold back any longer and burst out laughing. Upon calming down, they began to eat lunch, both drinking coffee and a bottle of juice.
After repacking the lunch bag, Sydney grabbed the bag of apples. "Here, Gage," luckily Syd looked before tossing the apple. Gage's attention was focused on something above them.
"Look, Syd. There's an eagle."
Sydney glanced up after appreciating the awed look on her partner's face. "It's always so peaceful, watching them soar on the air currents, isn't it? Looks like they're floating."
"Yeah, I've always enjoyed the sense of freedom they seem to exude while soaring. What did you need a minute ago?"
"Hmm?" Sydney gave him a puzzled look, before remembering. "Oh! The apples for Apache, I was going to give them to you."
Gage stood and held a hand out to help Syd. Pulling her to standing, he said, "Better not keep them waiting. They may decide to make a break for home without us." Laughing they moved to the horses with their treats.
Walker's Ranch house
At noon, Alex called out the door, "Walker, lunch is ready!" Realizing she hadn't heard a sound from him in a couple of hours, she stepped out the kitchen door. Looking toward the barn, she called, "Walker?"
When a pair of arms snaked around her waist from behind, Alex let out a shriek before hearing her husband's voice. "I've got you now, my pretty," Walker growled, followed by a Wicked Witch of the West laugh.
"Walker, you nearly scared me to death! Get inside and wash up, before I feed your lunch to the horses."
"Yes, ma'am." Grinning, Walker kissed her cheek on his way inside.
While eating a lunch of soup and sandwiches, Alex said, "Walker, I had an idea earlier. Since Sydney and Gage are already here, let's invite Jimmy and Erika and have all of them to dinner tonight."
"Alex, if we had everyone here tonight, you'd spend the rest of the day cooking. You need to rest. I don't want you overexerting yourself. Anyway, you couldn't ask Sydney and Gage until they get back, and they may have other plans."
"I could call Sydney's cell, it wouldn't take a minute to check about staying. Erika could come early to help with the cooking." Alex was already on her feet, heading for the phone as she spoke. Walker grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap before she could reach the phone.
"Tell you what, let's compromise. Instead of getting everyone here tonight, we'll meet them in town tomorrow night for dinner, then here for dessert and coffee. That way, I won't worry about you overdoing it and you won't bother Sydney and Gage during their ride."
"That's an acceptable compromise," Alex answered then jumped on the last part that Walker said. "Why did you say I wouldn't bother Sydney and Gage? This morning you were glad they had their phones in case of an emergency."
"An EMERGENCY, Alex! Asking them to dinner isn't one." Looking into his wife's upturned face, he knew she wouldn't be satisfied with that answer. "Yesterday, at Connie's, Gage told us he's been worried about Sydney this week. She hasn't talked to him about much of anything that wasn't work-related since Monday. He's hoping she'll open up to him today while they're away from everything. I wanted to be able to call them if a storm was brewing, or an escaped convict headed this way and could be on the ranch. Something dangerous, not staying for supper."
"Okay, Walker. I'll call Erika to invite her and Jimmy, then we can ask Sydney and Gage when they get back."
"Thanks, Alex." Walker smiled as he kissed her. "I knew you'd understand."
Jimmy and Erika's
Erika called to her fiancé, "Jimmy, daddy wants us to come over tomorrow."
"Sure, Erika." Jimmy came into the living room after lunch. "Is he going to give me the lecture about taking care of his little girl?"
"JIMMY! Sorry, daddy. What?" Erika smiled mischievously, as she informed Jimmy. "Daddy said he wants to find out how honorable your intentions are."
"Tell Fred, he can see the ring tomorrow and that I'm not letting you go this time."
Erika just laughed, listening to the phone a minute. "Daddy says good. We'll see you in the morning. Love you, too. Bye."
Erika, no sooner, disconnected the call, than it rang again. "That better not be Walker wanting you for work. Hello? Hi, Alex. How's Angela?"
"She's doing great, Erika. Walker and I wanted to check about getting together for dinner tomorrow night, then back here for dessert. Are you and Jimmy free?"
"Hold on, let me check with Jimmy. Honey, want to meet Walker and Alex for dinner tomorrow?"
"Yeah, that'll be good. What time?"
"I'll find out all the details, just wanted to check with you before committing us." Erika responded, before speaking into the phone once again. "Alex, we would be delighted, what time?"
"Is 5:30, at CD's alright with you? Angela should eat around 4:30, so she'll be fine until around 7:30 or close to 8:00. We should be back here in plenty of time. If the need arises, though, I can feed her if you and Sydney helped with the dessert and coffee."
"Are Sydney and Gage going to meet us too, then?"
"We haven't asked them yet, but they usually do. They could have plans, I suppose, but I'm going to ask them later about joining us. I'll let you go now. Bye."
"Bye, Alex. See you tomorrow." With that Erika hung up with a puzzled look on her face.
Noticing, Jimmy asked, "Erika? Is something the matter?"
"Not really, Alex hasn't asked Sydney and Gage about tomorrow yet, but she sounds like she's expecting them to be there." Erika chuckled, "It's silly to worry about that. She said she was asking them later, but why expect them if she hasn't even invited them?"
"Honey, Sydney and Gage have never missed getting together with us, that's why. Alex, naturally, expects them. Walker probably wouldn't let her call them right now, anyway."
"Why would Walker stop Alex from calling Sydney and Gage, if she wanted?"
"Gage took Sydney riding on the ranch, today. He's worried about her, because she hasn't talked about much except work this week. They're best friends; she usually opens up to Gage about things that she wouldn't to me and Walker."
"She didn't act quite herself, yesterday, either. She was more withdrawn and quieter than normal."
"That's what Gage was saying, too. He's hoping she'll relax and talk about whatever's bothering her."
"I'd bet he finds out what's wrong. She depends on him for support."
"I know she does on the job. You're talking like it's more than work-related, though. Want to explain?"
"Yesterday, she kept looking towards him at Connie's. It was almost as if she was checking to make sure he was still there with her. Her mind seemed elsewhere several times."
"Gage sneaked glances at her, too." Jimmy's voice trailed off in thought. After a few minutes, he came out of his reverie. "Hey, why don't we go to a movie tonight?"
"Sounds wonderful, do I have to drive?" Erika couldn't resist teasing.
"Just until Tuesday, that's when I get this brace off my leg." Jimmy and Erika snuggled on the couch to rest after deciding on which movie to see that night.
Sydney and Gage
Around 2:30, Sydney and Gage had lapsed into a comfortable silence, heading back through the forest toward the ranch house. Gage heard a sniffling sound from Syd's direction. When he looked her way, he realized there were tears in her eyes, something he wasn't used to from his 'tough' girl. "Syd, are you okay?"
"No." Just the one word was cause enough for concern, most especially, answering that particular question.
Gage stopped Apache as he caught Cheyenne's reins to halt her. "Care to tell me what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Gage." Sydney was trying to keep her tears at bay, and failing miserably. "We need to get back, if I'm going to fix dinner tonight."
"Wait a minute, Syd." Gage dismounted, ground-tying Apache by leaving the reins trailing. Doing the same with Cheyenne, he reached up, pulling his partner to his side. "Syd, you haven't talked to me much or been yourself all week, now you're crying. What's wrong?"
Trying to keep his probing questions at bay, Syd jumped to the defensive. "I've talked to you this week. We're partners, remember? I wouldn't be a very good one if I didn't talk to you."
"You know I'm not talking about work. Every time I've tried to bring up anything outside of the office, you're too busy to talk, and don't try to dodge the question. I know you too well, Cooke. Now talk to me. Please Syd, I know something's bothering you. Does this have something to do with the dream last night?" After a short pause for Sydney to answer, Gage continued when she remained silent. "Syd, you know you'll feel better if you talk about it."
"Alright, Gage. This has everything to do with last night, but it wasn't just a dream. Ever since Cliff was shot Monday then Wade and Betsy on Tuesday, I've had this recurring nightmare." With her partner's arms wrapped snugly around her, Syd related the events of her nightmare. By the time, she finished tears were rolling unchecked down both cheeks.
"Shh, Syd. It's okay. I'm here." The words of comfort were coming automatically from Gage, who was unsettled by her tears.
After a few minutes, Syd calmed enough to pull from Gage's arms. Looking into her partner's face, Syd had to make sure he was really with her and that this was not a dream. Reaching up she slid her arms around his neck, bringing his lips down to hers.
Gage's first reaction to the gentle kiss was shock and before he could respond fully Syd was pulling away. When Sydney looked into his stunned face after ending the kiss, she was instantly convinced she had done the wrong thing, by revealing her feelings for him. Stepping back, she looked away saying, "I'm sorry, Gage. That was shock reaction, nothing else. It won't happen again, I…" Syd's words broke off as Gage cupped her face, bringing her gaze to his. Looking deeply into her beautiful eyes, Gage slowly lowered his head to hers, their lips meeting once again. At first, the kiss was gentle, before deepening into one of passion. For several minutes, the only sound was of the horses grazing and the buzzing sounds of insects in the forest. Finally, Gage pulled slowly away from Syd, still resting one of his hands on her cheek, caressing it softly. "Syd, I'm sorry. When you kissed me, it was as if all my dreams came true. I love you, Syd. Honestly, I can't remember a time when I haven't. I'm sorry if this is too soon, but…"
Gage's voice trailed off at the touch of Syd's fingers against his lips as she responded with a small smile. "Shh, Gage. It's okay and it's only fair to tell you I love you, too. I guess I have ever since I looked into your eyes, shining with delight from the first joke you pulled on me, your whole face lit up. So…what do we do now?"
"With our relationship?" Getting an affirmative nod from Syd, Gage replied. "We keep on at work same as always. Outside of work, we can explore our new relationship, and see where it's leading us. Agreed?"
"Agreed. It would be nice to get our personal emotions on an even keel, and stay partners wouldn't it?"
"Yeah, but let's not worry about that right now, okay?"
"Gage, we can't lie to Walker and Trivette, though."
"I didn't say anything about lying to anyone, did I? We just won't tell anyone, unless they ask, at least until we know where all of this is heading, okay?"
Syd nodded her head in agreement and after another gentle kiss, Gage assisted her in remounting Cheyenne. After handing Syd Cheyenne's reins, he gathered Apache's and remounted. Winking at Syd playfully, they started back down the forest trail.
Back at the Ranch house
Around 4:00, Angela cried, demanding food, waking her parents from a much-needed nap. Half an hour later, Alex finished feeding and changing Angela and was settling her back in the nursery when she heard racing hoof beats. Looking out the nursery window, she spied Sydney and Gage halting their horses at the barn, where Walker waited for them with Amigo.
"How was your ride?" Walker asked when they had dismounted and led the horses inside.
"It was great!" Sydney answered enthusiastically.
"Everything went according to plan, Walker. Nothing out of the ordinary happened." Gage replied, grinning at his partner. At the grin, Walker noticed Sydney blush before turning quickly to unsaddle Cheyenne. While the younger rangers brushed their mounts, Walker brought the other horses into their stalls.
After feeding all of the horses, Walker, Sydney and Gage left the barn, heading toward the house just as Alex stepped onto the porch. When they were near the house, Alex questioned, "Walker, did you invite them?"
Gage and Syd glanced at Walker then back at Alex. Syd queried, "Invite us where?"
"For dinner…with Erika, Jimmy and us."
Syd looked uneasy, not wanting to hurt her friend's feelings. "Oh, Alex…we already had plans for tonight."
Alex laughed, "I'm sorry, Sydney. I meant tomorrow night in town."
Gage and Syd looked at each other in relief and smiled, as Sydney answered. "We'd love to. What time and where?"
"How about 5:30 at CD's? We haven't been there since Marta reopened."
"Sounds great, Alex." Gage answered for them both.
Smiling at Gage's enthusiasm, Sydney stated. "We'll see you tomorrow night, Alex, Walker. Gage…we really need to be going."
Waving to the Walkers, they got in Gage's car heading home.
Watching the car disappear, Alex asked, "How did their ride go?"
"From what they told me, Sydney enjoyed herself. I think they got things straightened out, Gage seemed more at ease than yesterday."
"She looks more relaxed, too. Well Cowboy, we'd better get inside and eat dinner." Alex replied, "You never know when our daughter will want something." Laughing the couple headed inside, with their arms around each other.
At Sydney's
Sydney and Gage entered her apartment to the strident ringing of the telephone. Sydney rushed to answer, "Hello?"
To her surprise, the caller was Julie Gage. "Hi, Sydney. I hate to bother you, but do you know where Francis is? I've been calling his apartment since yesterday with no answer."
"Julie, you aren't bothering me. In fact, your timing's perfect; your brother is here right now. Hold on and I'll put him on."
Upon hearing his sister's name, Gage had come over to stand by Syd, wearing a worried frown. Syd covered the mouthpiece, explaining, "It's Julie, she called me because she's tried your place since yesterday, without an answer. While you talk to her, I'll grab a shower, then start dinner while you take one."
Gage nodded as Syd handed him the phone. She went to her room, gathering clean clothes then to the bathroom for a hot, relaxing shower. Getting dressed, she stepped out of the bathroom, meeting Gage coming down the hall. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, Syd," Gage answered with a grin. "Everything's fine. Julie just wanted to chat a few minutes to see how things were going after the funerals. I'll just be a few minutes, then I can help you with dinner."
Syd gave him a mock serious glare, "I'm supposed to be making dinner…but I might let you help, anyway. Now get cleaned up." With that, she headed to the kitchen, feeling Gage's eyes trained on her retreating figure.
By the time Gage entered the kitchen 20 minutes later, Syd had steaks broiling, potatoes with butter and herbs roasting, and onions and peppers sautéing. She glanced up with an impish smile, "Feeling better?"
Gage answered, with a cocky grin, "Feeling cleaner, at least, I have been fine all day. So, did you decide about me helping?"
"Actually, if you could finish sautéing these, I'll set the table. I just put the steaks in and they ought to be done about the time the potatoes are."
Setting the table, Syd added two candles, at the last minute, for a more romantic touch. She reentered the kitchen as Gage turned the fire off under the burner. Going to the stove, she moved him aside checking the potatoes and steaks, turning the latter over to cook on the other side. Syd then put Gage to work, buttering slices of French bread to toast, while she transferred the steaks onto their plates. Putting the bread under the broiler to toast lightly, Syd pulled the roasting pan from the oven. Setting the pan on the stovetop and removing the lid sent a flood of mouth-watering scents floating through the kitchen. Gage noticing Syd was occupied took the bread from under the broiler, placing it in the breadbasket that was ready on the counter. Noticing Gage's helpful action, Syd hid a smile saying, "There's a bottle of wine in the fridge. How about you open it while I carry the plates in."
"Where are the glasses, Syd?" Gage called out as she was lighting the candles.
"In here Gage. Could you bring the bread too, please?"
Gage paused in the doorway, somewhat taken aback by the romantic setting. He quickly caught himself and moved to the table, filling the wine glasses sitting there. "Everything looks great, Syd."
Shooting him a glance as they sat, Syd asked, "Alright Gage, what's on your mind?"
"Nothing, Syd. What makes you…" he trailed off, catching her 'yeah, right' look and gave in. "What made you think of candles?"
Coloring slightly, she replied, "They were a last-minute addition. It seemed appropriate when I set the table."
Gage let out a sudden laugh, "I didn't mean to embarrass you, Syd. The candles are very appropriate right now." With that they shared a long look, both thinking of the afternoon's revelations. They enjoyed a leisurely meal, while talking of the day's adventures.
After dinner, Gage teased Syd mercilessly, while they cleaned the kitchen. After the dishes were done, they cuddled together on the couch to watch TV and relax. Soon Syd's eyes had closed as she fell asleep; Gage noticed shortly. Turning the TV off using the remote, he, carefully, picked her up in his arms. Carrying Syd into her bedroom, he pulled the cover back on the bed and gently laid her down. Gage removed his arms from around his sleeping partner and started to straighten when her arms wound around his neck, as she demanded drowsily, "Don't leave."
"Syd, just go back to sleep. I'm going to bed, too, I'll just be down the hall."
"Please, Gage. Stay with me. At least, I can sleep, if you're close."
Not able to fight the temptation of being close to her, Gage slipped his shoes off and laid down beside Syd, wrapping her in his arms. "Now can you go back to sleep?"
Syd nodded sleepily, as she cuddled closer to her partner's muscular body, both of them falling asleep instantly.
TBC