Author's Note: See disclaimer in first chapter.

Part 4

Matt and Sarah held hands as they walked around the riding area. Ruthie fell in love with Ed at first sight and tried to convince Matt and Sarah to let her ride Ed alone. Matt and Sarah were about to protest when a young woman riding a horse slowed to a stop.

"Sarah, I can ride with her if you want. Sable here is in the mood for a nice long walk so it won't be a problem with me," the woman said.

"Karen, thank you so much. This is my fiancee Matt and his sister Ruthie," said Sarah pointing to each of them.

"As I said before, I don't mind. Congradulations on being engaged- you need to call me more often," Karen said as she shook her finger at Sarah. She and Ruthie then took Sable and Ed around the ring.

"Can you believe that we are finally alone again and can act like husband and wife?" Matt wondered aloud as he and Sarah watched Karen and Ruthie rode Ed and Sable around the ring.

"Ruthie's in safe hands, Matt" Sarah whispered, and pulled him off toward a path that led around the arena. "How long have you known Karen?" Matt asked, curious to know more about his wife.

"Since ninth grade. She used to live in the house next to mine until her parents divorced and she changed schools. I got Ed from my grandfather for Hannukah, and I rehooked up with her again. I found out that her stepfather owns these stables so I decided to board Ed here. Once I did that, she and I have talked off and on for the last two years," Sarah said as she and Matt joined hands and started walking.

"When do you ride Ed?" asked Matt.

"I usually ride Ed on the days when I have nothing better to do, or to blow off steam. When I broke up with Kenny, I came here to ride him. That was the last time Karen and I really talked before now," Sarah responded as she gently led Matt toward one of the walking paths that led around the property.

"So, what's the plan now?" Matt asked as he and Sarah stopped underneath a nearby tree.

"Well, Karen is moving to Nevada in April. I'll still board him here, but I won't have the time to come ride him. Do you think Ruthie would like to take care of Ed and ride him once and awhile for me while I'm at Columbia?" asked Sarah, gently poking Matt in the ribs.

"Of course she would, "Matt answered reaching over to tickle her. Sarah burst out laughing and put her arms around his neck.

Matt leaned down and their lips met in a passionate kiss. He reached his arms around her waist and pulled her close against his chest.

"I love you so much" Sarah whispered when the two of them finally parted lips.

"I love you Sarah, more than you will ever know," Matt whispered and met her lips in another tender passionate kiss. The two of them slowly began to french kiss- allowing their tongues to explore each other. As the fire began to grow within them, Matt pulled back as he realized that the two of them were in a public space, albeit hidden in the tree.

"We better not keep kissing like that if we are going to keep up the story that we are only engaged. My parents would not be happy to hear about me having sex with my fiancee in the woods from somebody whom may be watching the two of us, " Matt said as he gently pulled out of Sarah's embrace.

As Sarah marveled at the wonder of who her husband was, she remembered her camera. As she pulled it out, she told him to stand up against the tree. He did and she snapped a picture of him. As Sarah eyed the number of exposures remaining, Matt snuck up on her and grabbed the camera.

"Matt," Sarah said, laughing at him. Matt leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.

"Give me a cute pose," Matt whispered as he let her go.

Sarah nodded and leaned up against the tree. Matt then took the picture of her. As he did, he noticed Karen and Ruthie walking the horses toward them. Karen reached out and grabbed the camera from Matt and motioned the two of them to stand near the tree and take another picture. The two of them did, with Sarah leaning her head against Matt's shoulder. After the picture had been taken, the four of them took various pictures together to use up the rest of Sarah's film.

After Matt handed the camera over to Sarah, Sarah grinned and said, "This is going to Wal-Mart tonight so I can get these pictures developed."

Preview: work and Wal-mart Fun.

Author's Note: You know the drill by now. This one should be finished within the next week as well. I have two more chapters to go.