Mine

Chapter 15 "Always"

Disclaimer: I only own my made up characters!

Sunday, March 18th

"Oh man." I said, looking at the phone. Kit glanced over my shoulder as he poured some coffee.

"What?"

"They're telling Hope today." I answered, taking my bowl of cereal over to the table. Mac was already there, reading the newspaper.

"How do you feel about that?" Mac asked, putting the newspaper down. I shrugged.

"I don't know. I mean I know we have to tell her but I'm afraid of her reaction. It was a lot to handle for me, a twenty year old. How will a thirteen year old process it?" I took a bite of my cereal.

"She might handle it better than you." Kit said optimistically. "Sometimes when you're younger, it's easier to accept and she won't have all of the hurt you did. She's been raised by both her parents."

"You could be right. She could handle this way better than I did."

Mac smiled. "I thought you handled it a lot better than most."

"I guess I had to. I was running out of family." I joked and Mac shook his head with a smile.

"You have plenty of family around here." Kit said firmly, kissing my hand. I gave him a smile and then glanced at the clock.

"Oh, I have to finish getting ready! Katie and Glen will be here any minute." We were going to look at a horse that Katie was thinking of buying. I was so excited when she asked me along. I rinsed out my bowl and went to the bedroom. I changed out of my sweats and t-shirt into jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt and I slipped on a sweatshirt over it.

My phone buzzed. It was Katie. I'm here!

Be right there. I texted her back. I went back into the kitchen where Kit was eating his egg sandwich and Mac was back to reading the newspaper. Leaning down, I gave Kit a kiss on the cheek. "Love you."

"Love you more." He pulled me back down to give him a real kiss.

I squeezed Mac's shoulder in passing "See you later Mac."

"Have fun!" He called as I went out the door.

"Good morning!" Katie greeted me as I slid into the backseat. Glen was driving—and coming along as both boyfriend and Vet. Katie reached back to hand me a cup. "We stopped for coffee on the way here. Glen was feeling generous and bought for all of us."

I took the cup gratefully. It smelled heavenly. "Mmm, thank you Glen."

He smiled at me in the rearview as he backed out of Mac's driveway. "You're welcome, Molly."

"So tell me again about this horse." I said to Katie as Glen got on the highway.

"It's a little different than I usually look for but it's a…"

…..….

Kit POV

I sipped my coffee and read over the rodeo highlights. Justin was doing good on the circuit—so was Pani. Jason was making a comeback after his trip to see Lynn. I knew she was staying up at her family's ranch in Montana where they were building a house.

"Kit, I want to show you something." Grandpa said laying down his newspaper. I put my down and looked at him.

"Okay." I watched as he turned his chair around and I followed him to his bedroom. He went to his dresser and opened one of the drawers. He put something in his lap and turned to me. It was a rectangular metal box.

"Sit down." He nodded towards the bed and I did. He wheeled over to me and then opened the box. I watched as he pulled out a small red velvet box and placed it in my hand. Glancing up at him, he just pointed at the box.

I opened the box and there was an oval shaped diamond ring with a gold band sitting in the box. I swallowed hard before looking at Grandpa Mac. "Was this Grandma May's?"

He nodded with a smile. "She always wanted you to have it for the girl you were going to marry. I promised her that when I knew you had found the one you were going to spend the rest of your life with that I'd give it to you."

"Molly." My throat tightened. "You think she's the one?"

Grandpa gave me a look that said not to act dumb. "You and I both know she's the one for you. I saw it on your face the day she got back on Honor. That day…the look on your face. I've never seen someone light you up quite like she does. So when the time is right, you use that ring to make her yours, boy."

I stared at the ring, waiting for the emotion to pass before I spoke again. "I want her to be mine more than anything in this world."

Grandpa went to put the metal box in his dresser. "Well then, don't waste your time. Start planning."

…

Molly POV

I pulled my phone out as we rode back towards Darton. Katie had ended up really liking the mare we had looked at. The horse was a grey and black spotted Appaloosa with good bloodlines. Not only that, but she was a great jumping horse. Katie and I had both taken her out over the course before Glen checked her out.

"We'll let her do her thing on the jumping circuit for a few years and then we can breed her to Cloud Cap!" Katie said excitedly, talking about their Appaloosa stallion. "Imagine the babies they would make!"

"They would be cute." I said distractedly as I noticed I had a text from Tia.

Hope knows now. She'd like to talk with you, if that's okay?

"Hey Katie, do you mind if I borrow a few horses so Hope and I can go riding?" I leaned forward to ask. Katie looked back at me.

"She knows now?"

I nodded. "Tia says she wants to talk with me. I thought I'd suggest we go for a ride."

"Good with me. Take Tinkerbell will you? He could use some time on the trails."

"The—you want me to take the giant out riding?" I asked with a laugh. Katie and Glen laughed too, in the front.

"I know he's big but you know he's a smooth ride."

"Yeah, okay. I'll take him. I think I'll put Hope on Monkey if that's good with you."

"Sounds good."

"Why again, do you call him Monkey exactly?" Glen asked and I took the time to text Tia back.

Of course. If she's okay with it, she can meet me at the stables and we'll go for a ride.

"Because he's loved bananas ever since he was a baby. So we started calling him Monkey and it stuck." Katie explained and I smiled at the story.

Perfect! We'll see you soon. Tia replied.

Ten minutes later, we pulled into Sterling Stables. I waved goodbye to Glen as he and Katie were saying a longer goodbye as he was off to make house calls.

I saw Tia, Hope, and Paul standing by their car. Hope saw me first and waved. I waved back, wondering what exactly was her reaction.

"Hey." I greeted them as I got closer. I didn't know what else to say—or do.

"Thanks for offering to take Hope on a ride." Tia said with a smile and she gave Hope a little push forward.

"No problem. It should be fun. I thought you could ride Monkey." I said to Hope and she nodded quietly. I gestured towards the barn. "Let's get saddled up."

Hope followed me to where Tinkerbell and Monkey were. Before we pulled the horses out of the stall, Hope turned to me. "I can't believe you're my sister."

I smiled understandingly. "Me either. It was a big shock for me—as I'm sure it was for you."

"Yeah, but…" Hope looked down. "But if I had to find out about a secret sister, I can't imagine anyone I'd rather have than you."

Taking a chance, I reached out and hugged Hope. She hugged me tightly back. "Same here, sister. Same here."

I pulled back. "Now let's get these horses tacked up, huh?"

"Yes!" She said excitedly, getting Monkey out. Tinkerbell came out of his stall eagerly and soon they were both tacked up. "I can't believe you're riding him. He's so big!"

I laughed. "He is, but draft horses are sweethearts. Tinkerbell is a great ride."

"Hey there! Looking for one more?" We both turned to see Joe walking towards us. "I can tack up Major and keep you two pretty girls company."

Hope giggled at Joe's words and I smiled. "Thanks for the offer but this is kind of…a girls only ride."

Joe grinned as he stopped beside me. "I understand. No boys allowed. Need a leg up?"

"Why don't you help Hope first?" I said and watched as Hope grinned at me as Joe came to help her. I knew the girls thought Joe was pretty cute. And to be fair, he was cute.

Joe helped Hope into the saddle and patted her leg before coming back to me. "Let's get you up on Tink." He cupped his hands together and boosted me into Tinkerbell's saddle. He put his hand on my thigh and smiled at both of us. "You ladies have a good ride."

"See ya, Joe!" Hope waved as we moved the horses towards the trail. We used a different trail than the one used back in December—when Mac's incident happened. No one wanted a repeat.

"So when did you find out—about my, I mean our, mom?" Hope asked as the horses walked side by side.

"A week and a half ago, maybe?" I said unsure. "Not that long ago."

"Wow. I can't believe we've known you since October. Why didn't Mom say anything?" Hope seemed frustrated.

I sighed. "She was, understandably, nervous about approaching me. I was mad at first—but honestly, can you imagine? I can't."

Hope nodded. "She and my dad left out some parts, I think, but it sounded awful she went through. No offense of course to your dad." Hope added.

I shrugged. "None taken. It was awful and right now…" I sighed. "My dad and I aren't talking."

"Parents." Hope sighed and I had to smile. Hope turned to me. "Can we jump that?" She pointed at a fall tree a little bit ahead.

I nodded. "I think we have to."

Hope grinned at me and turned Monkey towards it.

Maybe it would be really fun to have a sister.

…..…..

Kit POV

Katie and I watched in happy silence as Molly and Hope rode toward us laughing. "Well that seems to be going well." Katie said, her voice absent of the coldness she had been having towards me lately.

"It does. With Tia too. I'm really happy for Molly." I smiled watching my girl come this way.

"Hey you two!" Molly called out as she got closer. "You should have seen this one flying over this fallen tree! She did so good."

Molly sounded like a proud sister—and coach. "Runs in the family doesn't it?" Katie called out with a smile.

"Sure does!" They both called back in unison.

"I should probably call my parents so they can start heading over while I cool out Monkey." Hope said, pulling out a phone.

Molly glanced at me and I could tell what she was going to ask so I nodded. Molly turned to Hope. "Kit and I can give you a ride home if you'd like."

"That'd be great!" Hope replied, smiling. I helped Molly and Hope with untacking, putting their saddles and blankets back into the tack room.

"Did Mac go over your parents?" Molly asked as the three of us got into the truck.

"Yeah, we'll swing by to pick him up after we drop off Hope."

…..…..

Molly POV

As Kit drove, Hope asked him all kinds of questions about his career. "Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?"

Kit shrugged. "I don't tend to think about it. I've been injured a few times in the previous years but nothing too bad. I just think about sticking for those eight seconds."

"I've never even been on a bucking horse." Hope said shaking her head.

"It can be fun." Kit grinned at her through rearview mirror.

I rolled my eyes. "Says the bronc rider."

"What, you don't think riding a bucking horse is fun?" Kit scoffed and reached over to shake my leg.

I laughed. "Not that fun that I'd make a career out of it. I can handle a few bucks here and there, but I'm not looking forward to them."

"And you want to train a mustang?" Kit raised his eyebrows at me. "Shoot, all it's gonna do is try to get you off."

I looked at him sweetly, batting my eyelashes. "But that's what I have my bronc rider boyfriend for."

Hope and Kit laughed. "Alright, we'll make it a team effort then."

As we were driving through Alkali, Kit pulled into Clara's lot unexpectedly. "How 'bout some ice cream?" He looked at me and Hope as he parked.

I glanced back at her and she smiled. "I could use some ice cream!"

When we got to Hope's house, Hope and I were still drinking our milkshakes—which we had opted for once we saw there were new flavors. I had gotten yellow cake batter and she had gotten mint chocolate chip.

"Mom!" Hope waved at Tia and Paul as they stepped out on their porch. "Clara's has new milkshake flavors!"

Hope started to rush off but then she turned and hugged me. "Thanks for the ride, Molly and thanks for the milkshake, Kit! This was so fun!" Kit returned her high-five before she ran off saying she was going to call Destiny.

Tia and Paul turned to us. "I take it that it went well then?" Tia asked.

I nodded. "The ride was good. She asked a few questions, wanted to know some stuff. Made a few jokes that now that I was her sister I could give her extra lessons."

Tia smiled and Paul laughed. "Sounds like her."

Paul gestured towards the milkshakes. "It was nice of y'all to stop at Clara's with her. You didn't have to do that."

Kit slid his arm around me and waved off Paul's words. "It was no problem. I thought it'd be fun and Hope seemed to enjoy herself."

"She's in love with that place." Tia said with a chuckle.

"Who isn't?" I joked. "It's been my go-to place ever since I moved here."

"I hear that you're staying on at Sterling Stables." Paul commented, smiling.

I nodded. "I am. Katie just asked me yesterday actually, after the show. My internship is up in a few weeks."

"When do you graduate?" Paul asked.

"I think the official date is May 12th though I won't be attending the ceremony." I told him.

"Oh why not?" Tia questioned with a frown.

"The actual college is in Northern California and I'm just not that worried about going to the ceremony. Getting the degree is more what I'm worried about." I shrugged.

"Sensible." Paul nodded and Tia poked him in the ribs with an elbow. "But you do only graduate college once." He added quickly.

I laughed. "I know, but I haven't been in a physical school this whole time and so it's not the same for me."

I noticed that Tia and Kit shared a look. "What are you two doing?"

"Nothing." They said at the same time and shrugged.

Tia reached out and I hugged her. "Thank you for taking the time to talk with Hope. She took it really well and she's so curious."

I stepped back. "It's no problem, really, like Kit said. Hope's a good girl and she's my sister. We have time to make up for. Thank you, both of you, for sharing her with me."

"Anytime." Paul patted my shoulder and then shook Kit's hand.

We said our goodbyes and then went to head to Three Ponies where Mac was waiting.

Today had been a really good day.

….….

Friday, April 5th Molly POV

"Did you pack your vest too?" I asked Kit as he loaded up his truck. After almost two glorious months spending time together, Kit was hitting the road again. He—or I guess we—had made the decision last weekend. If he wanted to qualify for the Nationals this year, he needed to go and get some wins.

"Got it." He said gesturing to the truck. He shut the door and faced the little group seeing him off. Me—of course, his mom and dad, Mac, and Nate. "Feels so weird leaving again."

Maxine moved forward and hugged him. Kit gave her a hug and then shook his Dad's hand. Mac gave him a one armed hug and Nate gave him a pat on the back.

Kit turned to me and he sighed. "I hate leaving you."

I smiled and put my arms around his waist. "I know but we've had two wonderful months together. It'll hold us over until we can spend some more time together."

He leaned his forehead against mine. "You're coming to visit in two weeks right?"

I nodded. "You'll be in New Mexico and I'll be coming to see you. And compete."

Kit smiled. "So glad you're getting back into it."

"Me too. It should be fun."

Kit kissed me then, pulling me close to him. "I love you." He murmured before he kissed me again.

"I love you too, cowboy. Go win some rodeos." I stepped back and he sighed. I knew how he felt—a part of me felt like I was breaking. I didn't want him to leave either. But competing was his life—and mine was here in Darton, teaching.

Just as I went to let go of his hand, he yanked me back to him, kissing me once again. I heard Maxine's teary chuckle and Nate's gagging sounds.

"All right, enough already. You'll see each other in two weeks." Nate came and stood beside me. "I got your girl man, now go. Do the Ely name proud."

I laughed and Kit smiled. He gave a wave as he got into his truck and then he was heading for the highway.

"You okay?" Nate asked and I realized that I had placed my hand over my heart—as if it could stop the ache that Kit leaving caused.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay."

"Good. Now you can take me on a ride in that new truck of yours." Nate grinned and I rolled my eyes. One thing Kit had insisted on doing before he left, was helping me get my own vehicle. I had told him that I wanted to get one—especially now that I'd be working full-time for Katie and since Mac had started regaining feeling in his legs.

I thought back to the night he had yelled for me. I came running, thinking he had fallen. He hadn't. He showed me something that made me cry. He could wiggle his toes. The doctors weren't sure whether it was the physical therapy or just his body healing from the accident, but it was great news they had said.

They were working with him now on re-building the muscles in his legs. He was still using the wheelchair, though they were hopeful he'd moved to a cane soon.

Maxine came over and hugged me. "Feels like he's been here forever, doesn't it?"

I sighed. "It does. It's been really nice."

"Yes it has." She agreed. Luke was waiting for her by the car and she squeezed me one last time. "Let's get lunch together this weekend. Maybe go out of town for it."

"Sounds good. Text me?"

She nodded. "Will do. See you both later." She waved at me and Nate. I glanced over at Mac.

"Hey, are you coming with me and Nate or staying here?" I asked, fishing my keys out of my jacket pocket.

"I'm staying here. Marianne is coming over this morning." Mac said, talking about one of his friends who lived on the reservation. Sometimes she would come over and her and Mac would spend time together.

"Alright, well call me if you need anything okay?" I helped him into the house and then went back to catch up with Nate. I stopped beside him as he admired my truck.

I had bought a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500. It was black and a four door, it also had a towing package already so that made me happy. Kit had helped me negotiate for the truck—the guy selling was an old friend of his from high school—and I had purchased the truck in full, using a good chunk of my savings. But I didn't have a car payment and that's what I wanted.

"Oh, this is nice." Nate said as he got in and looked around. "It's so clean—and it seats six instead of five."

I smiled as it started smoothly. "The guy who owned it before used it to drive to work and so he kept it really clean."

"Man, you got a really nice deal." Nate said as we drove towards Three Ponies, where I'd drop Nate off before heading to Sterling Stables.

"Thanks. Kit helped. He really wanted to be there when I bought my first vehicle."

"So what are you doing this weekend?" Nate asked, changing the subject as he fiddled with my radio.

"Well Katie and Glen invited me to go to the movies and dinner with them tonight but I'm not sure I want to be a third wheel." I smiled and shrugged.

"How about if I come and then it's equal?" Nate offered and I turned to him as we parked at Three Ponies.

"That would be great. I would love that."

"It's a date." He winked at me before getting out. "Thanks for the ride. Text me the info about tonight—and give me a ride."

"Should I bring you flowers when I pick you up?" I teased and he grinned.

"Roses are my fav."

Laughing, I turned around and headed for work.

…..…

Kit POV

"Wait, who're you going with?" I asked Molly as I sat with Jason in a parking lot of a restaurant. I had picked him up at an airport along the way to New Mexico and we were stopping for lunch.

"Katie, Glen, and Nate. We're going to dinner then we're going to the movies." Molly said and I could hear tack jingling in the background. She must be tacking up—or untacking.

"Sounds like a date." Jason teased as he could hear everything since my phone was hooked up to the Bluetooth through the radio.

"Oh yes, I thought I'd try out the different Ely boys, compare their dating styles." Molly answered sarcastically and I could practically hear her rolling her eyes.

Jason and I laughed. "Don't think Nate's your guy." I told her. "He's not really the boyfriend type."

"Isn't that the truth." Molly muttered and she sighed. "Well I've got Princess all tacked up. Katie wants me to take her over this new course she and Ryan Slocum set up. I may be hauling a third horse with me to New Mexico."

"Competing on three horses. You'll have a busy time down here." I said thinking that Molly was competing in barrel racing with Honor, jumpers with Bailey—and now maybe Princess, Katie's new appaloosa mare.

"Sure will. But I'll have time for you too. Don't worry." I could hear the smile in her voice.

"You better. Well have fun. I'll be sure to call you when we get to New Mexico. I love you."

"Love you too, handsome. You two drive safe."

"Bye Molly." Jason said and she ended the call. He looked at me with a smile. "So—I love you, huh?"

I smiled and nodded. "She's the one, man. I'm hooked."

Jason patted me on the shoulder. "After only six months. Man, I guess when you know, you know."

After we were sat at a booth, I decided to tell him exactly how much I knew. "Grandpa Mac gave me my grandmother's engagement ring to propose to Molly with."

Jason paused with his drink in mid-air, looking shocked. "Propose? You're that serious?"

I chuckled. "I told you, she's the one."

"Wow. I've seen you with a lot of women, I didn't think you'd settle down so early, stop competing." Jason took a drink.

"Well settle down as in get married—I mean I'm still gonna compete."

Jason raised his eyebrows. "You don't think that'll be an issue for Molly once you're married?"

I shrugged. "Well not for another few years. She's young still—I don't think she's planning on kids anytime soon."

Jason looked like he was going to say something but changed his mind. "When are you going to ask her?"

"I don't know yet." I admitted. I was in a bit of a mess—did I tell her about the kiss? I don't know that she'd say yes if she knew. But then again, Katie and Joe knew. Katie might be willing to let it go—but Joe…I don't think he would. "I don't know whether to wait until we've been together a year or just go for it. I want it to be special, ya know?"

Jason nodded. "I get it. You could always propose on your one year, which is also her birthday right?"

I smiled. "If you want to be technical, yeah. I guess that's when it became official."

Jason looked over at me, confidence in his voice as he said, "You'll know when it's the right time—and let me know if you need any help in that category."

"Of course." I replied then thought of something. "So…we both know Molly is pretty traditional in the way of saving herself for marriage and all. Given the current situation with her dad, do you think I should still attempt to ask him for his blessing?"

Jason laughed and raised his eyebrows. "Well I don't think you'd get it."

I sighed. "Me neither. Her mom then, do you think?" I knew Jason and Lynn were aware of Molly finding her Mom.

"You could do that. I'm sure she'd appreciate the thought either way."

Nodding, I said, "Yeah…I guess it's just too much of a dream to think her and her dad might make up anytime soon."

"If ever. I mean, first it was him not speaking to her—but now she wants nothing to do with him. They're both stubborn as hell." Jason exhaled, shaking his head.

"Ain't that the truth." I muttered. Well maybe I'd make the attempt—even if it would most likely earn me a punch in the face.

….….

Molly POV

I waved at Luke and Quinn as I saw them coming from the barn. Nate had just come out of the house, prepared for our 'date'.

"Wow, look at you." Nate said as he got into the truck. I looked down self-consciously at what I was wearing. Dark blue skinny jeans, a gold and white sweater, and black ankle boots. "And is that makeup?"

I flushed. "Just a bit of eyeliner and eyeshadow—and lip gloss. Katie begged me to wear some so she didn't feel so out of place." Katie had also insisted on helping with my hair. It was slightly curled, in big open curls. I glanced over Nate. He wore good jeans, sneakers, and a fresh white t-shirt underneath his jacket. His cologne was strong—but good.

"Man, I feel like I should have gotten you flowers." Nate grinned as we left Three Ponies.

"This isn't a real date." I laughed, turning towards Darton.

"I guess not or Kit might kill me." Nate joked.

When we got to the restaurant, Nate put his arm around my shoulder and held up his phone. "Smile for the 'gram." I laughed but then smiled brightly, putting my arm around Nate's waist. "Oh yeah, that's a good one. Think Kit will get mad if I put hashtag new girlfriend?"

I chuckled. "You just want to irritate him don't you?"

"He's my older brother. What else am I supposed to do?" Nate said, uploading the picture and tagging me.

Katie and Glen pulled in next to us. "Sorry if we're late—my calls ran a bit later than usual." Glen said, helping Katie out of the car.

"No, we just got here too." I assured him. We went into the restaurant—Longhorn Steakhouse—and got seated almost immediately in a cozy booth. I slid in first and Nate slid in beside me.

"Hmph, your boyfriend already shot me a text." Nate grinned and handed me his phone. I saw the message from Kit.

Very funny Instagram post. Love the hashtag—not. The message included an eye-rolling emoji.

I laughed. "I knew it would irritate him."

"What would irritate who?" Katie asked as she shrugged out of her jacket. I pulled up the picture and handed her my phone. She giggled as she saw the hashtag and then handed me the phone back after showing Glen. "Well that's a really good picture of you two."

I texted Kit. Don't worry, the only Ely boy that I want is you. I love you!

Kit texted back. Always, I hope. I love you too. Have fun tonight. Text me when you're home, in bed.

Putting my phone away, I set out to do what Kit told me to—have fun.

Life was going pretty great. I didn't know there were storms on the horizon.

…..

AN: Hey readers! Back with another update, sorry it took a month! Working on getting all my stories updated. If you haven't, check out my other stories (Quite a few Phantom Stallion—including a Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island one!—stories). If you read Saving You, please check out the poll on my profile. It's in regards to Charlie's age. I'll be closing it in a few days!

What do you think of the chapter? Glad that Hope took it so well? Happy to hear Mac is regaining feeling in his legs? What do you think of Mac giving Kit a ring to propose? Anything you'd like to see more of? (I'm sure some more Sake—Sam and Jake—and I promise you'll get some!) Buckle up for some stormy weather ahead y'all.

To my reviewers:

Jessica: As always, thank you for your review! I have a feeling this secret will be coming out before long! We shall see. It will be interesting for sure. Not sure who will be more devastated—me or Molly when she finds out! Thanks again for your review and following along!

*Readers, please let me know if there's a specific story you want to see updated soon if I haven't already updated it. I'm going by last update date to determine my updates (usually unless I get inspired for a certain story…like this) but if there's one you're really wanting to see, let me know! I work in my physical office next week (commute is about 2-3 hours round trip) so next week may be a little quiet on the updates.

Always,

QuinnandSethsgirl15