Author: GMoM66
Summary: want to explore what would have happened if Caleb had never answered the call (from Ashley) in 509 while meeting up with Kelly James. He is clearly smitten by this wonderful beauty. Could there be a relationship in the making, will he train her to bull ride or saddle bronc. What, and give you the answer now? Find out and read on
Rated: K+
Authors Note: I would like to take this opportunity to thank GKB for the wonderful feedback. Since you were not signed in I thought I would give you a huge shout out here (Thank You). Yeah, chapter 6 is finally here, enjoy
Ch. 6
Caleb rose the next morning with Kelly on his mind;
thinking of her spitting out her beer with laughter, playing with his hands under the water, lightly brushing her lips to his. Hearing her say "Here you go cowboy", and kissing him good bye.
He was a mess, enjoying the memories of last night unaware of the smile creasing his mouth as he brushed his teeth. He got dressed with his newest prize winning belt buckle that soaked in the light of the morning sun. Gleaming, and shimmering with his proud achievement, he then called Jack.
"Hey Jack"
"Caleb, what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could stop by, I need to talk to you."
"What – do you need your job back?"
Laughing and not expecting Jack to say that, "Uh, no – well yes, but that's not it. I have something more to ask you, in person."
I'll probably regret this, but I'll be here, so come on by."
"Thanks Jack, I'll be right over."
"Yep, see ya Caleb!"
Walking into the Bartlett house Caleb noticed Jack sitting at the kitchen table reading his paper while sipping on his coffee. Caleb took a seat across from Jack, and the sun caught Caleb's shiny new belt buckle just right so that it gleamed in Jack's eye. Curious, yet annoyed by that, Jack asked
"So what brings you by?"
"Well Jack, you know I've been gone on the circuit right?"
Sitting back in his seat now and looking at Caleb
"Yep, I suppose you won, by the blinding glare of that shiny buckle you've got there. That's a nice buckle."
Smiling at himself for his win, Caleb answered "
"Hey, you noticed."
"Hard not to, but you didn't come here to prance around like a proud peacock. What's on your mind?"
"Well I have to ask a favor, for my friend. See Jack, Luke, was on that circuit too, but he didn't do so good. His head smacked with the bull's head, and he was knocked unconscious. He was still attached to the bull while it dragged him around. He was finally let go and the bull turned around real sharp and quick and stomped on him hard. Luke got racked up pretty bad."
Jack was intently listening and shocked with concern. He was surprised Luke had survived such a tragic accident, and Caleb continued:
"He's got to have lots of rest while he recovers. He can't be active and all. So, I suggested that – maybe he could stay at the Dude Ranch. It's quiet and peaceful out there, and I just thought – Well Jack do you remember my accident. I was real lucky to have recovered there."
Jack felt real sorry for Luke, and he did remember Caleb's accident and how bad his recovery had been. Jack wasn't going to have Lou or Amy take care of Luke. If he did allow Luke to stay he would have conditions that Caleb would have to meet.
"Ya, I remember your accident. I also remember that cabin you stayed in… That was a wreck, too."
Leaning forward now with his arms square on the table, Jack continued;
"I don't mind him staying there, but Lou and Amy will not be his maid, waitress, or anything else. You will take care of him while doing your job attending to the yard duties and the barn stalls too. He can stay here and you can have your job. I can go over the expenses with Lou. But you will be taking him food and towels and anything else he needs, understood."
"Yes I do. Thanks Jack, I'll call his mother right away."
"Then you'll start by mucking out those stalls. Today!" Jack added.
Picking up his phone Caleb dialed Linda's number while walking out to the barn. After it rang a couple of times he began to wonder if this was a bad time to call, telling himself, "C'mon, pick up the phone." Then, he heard Linda's voice,
"Hello"
"Linda, this is Caleb Odell." He said happily grinning, "I have some good news for you,"
She was happy to hear from Caleb and was glad that Jack had agreed, and she told him they could be there in a couple of weeks.
"That sounds great Linda. Bye" He added after she said good bye.
Starting on the barn chores Caleb's phone rang. Picking it up he saw the number displayed was Kelly's. A smile creased his mouth causing the balls of his cheeks to rise.
"Hello, Kelly. This is Caleb Odell." He couldn't help but smile with delight.
