"I still don't understand him, Ace." Samantha Forster continued speaking to the gelding, as though he could give her advice. Sam sighed, patting the bay's neck and breaking into a gentle trot, then giving Ace his head as they neared Gold Dust Ranch. Jen was standing at the foreman's house, waving at her urgently.

"Sam, come on!" She shouted, making Ace shy slightly. This, more than anything, worried Sam. Jen knew horses, and knew not to shout abruptly. Something must really be wrong. Dismounting and ground tying Ace outside Jen's house, she joined her as she ran back towards the stables.

Eyes adjusting to the fainter light, Sam didn't see Hotspot. Her eyes widened in worry. "Did the Phantom steal her?" She whispered.

"I'm afraid not." An accented voice came from Hotspot's stall and Sam stiffened, casting a glare at Jen, who avoided her gaze. Ryan Slocum emerged, a red mark on his face from where Sam had slapped him. He didn't speak of it, but the grief and worry was completely masking his face.

"Hotspot won't eat, she barely drinks, and now she can't stand on her own. I've tried everything, and Dr. Scott-"

"Get her lead rope." A voice from the doorway of the stables caused Jen and Sam to turn. Sam smiled as she saw Jake standing there.

"What? She can't even stand and you want to walk her?" Ryan looked puzzled and slightly doubtful, making it clear he didn't want to further injure his horse.

"I'm going to pony her down to the river where she can wade in. It will take most of the weight off her injured leg." Jake's voice was quiet, and as Jen handed him the lead rope, he ignored Ryan's protests and slid into the stall, silent and still.

Jen spoke in an undertone to Ryan. "He knows what he's doing. He'd never hurt Hotspot." She murmured.

Sam watched them with a frown on her face as Ryan slid his arm around her and rested his head against hers. Seeing the smile on Jen's face, Sam said nothing, and turned to watch Jake as he clipped the lead rope onto Hotspot's halter. After a few minutes of coaxing, Hotspot scrambled to her feet with a low nicker of discomfort. Jake led her out of the stall, mounting Ace. Sam frowned. "Jake…?" She said, but he shook his head and spoke quietly.

"Witch would kill her if I tried to pony Hotspot alongside. You ride Witch and follow behind me." He told her as he started out of the stables.

Sam blinked in shock, then moved towards Witch. The mare seemed tired and willing to cooperate. But more than anything, Sam guessed she wanted to stay near Jake as she started trotting after him. Jen followed on Silly, and Ryan remained behind with Shy Boots.

Half an hour later, all four horses were splashing in the river. Jake had plopped into the sand beside Jen and Sam, and was staring at Jen. Finally, he spoke.

"You should know better than to go out with Ryan Slocum." He said.

She looked at him, surprised. "I appreciate your opinion."

Jake looked as though he was about to offer an angry reply, but Jen stood and moved forward to catch Silly.

"Thanks for trying." Sam whispered, resting her forehead briefly on Jake's shoulder. She realized Jake wasn't stiff, it seemed as though he didn't mind.

"Sam, I'm ready for us." He said softly.

"What? I thought I was like your sister and-"

With that, Jake cut her off by kissing her gently on the mouth. It grew more intense until Sam was lost in it, everything else dissolved into nothing, and she felt nothing else was relevant. After what could have been hours, they broke apart.

"I said I was ready." There was a small, teasing tone in his voice, and he was smiling as he pulled away. "Spring dance on Friday." He said curtly.

Sam frowned, turning to look at him. "I know. I have to cover it for the paper." She said slowly.

"I'll drive you then." Jake said simply, standing and catching Hotspot, mounting Ace and starting back towards Gold Dust as Sam stared after him, dumbstruck.

"Hey Jen?" She called to her friend, who was mounted on Silk Stockings, waiting patiently for Sam to get on Witch.

"Yeah?" The smirk on Jen's face told Sam she already knew what she was going to ask.

"Did Jake Ely just offer to go to the Spring Dance with me?" Sam moved towards Witch, trying to clear her head as she mounted the Quarter Horse.

"I believe he did." Jen said calmly, and the pair rode back towards Gold Dust at a gentle trot.

((Again, a bit short. I decided to begin wrapping this one up. Tell me what you think.))