Author: mlcsped

Summary: I want to explore what would have happened if Caleb had never answered the call (from Ashley) in 509, "Cover Me" 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. We shall see.

Rated: K+

Authors Note: I am so excited to be giving you Caleb and Kelly. They are so much fun for me to write, and now you get to finally meet Luke and Linda Collins (who were taken directly from the book 'The Longest Ride'). While reading the book my first thought was how nicely they would have fit into Heartland. They have a ranch too, in North Carolina and Luke is a Bull Rider like Caleb. So it wasn't to far fetched (in my mind) that they would be friends, and competing in the same circuits. This is where the birth of this story came from. So, I really hope you enjoy meeting Luke & Linda. (p.s. The movie is nowhere as good as the book, there are too many differences to post.) Sincerely, mlcsped

Ch. 11
Caleb remembered Luke's physical state three and a half weeks ago:
His face badly black and blue from the impact and stiches. His torso was tightly wrapped from several broken ribs and broken colerbone; plus, he was connected to machines, tubes and needles. It brought Caleb back to his own accident and how hard his recovery had been.

What a stark contrast from then to now, Caleb thought about that day as he happily watched Luke interacting with Jack, Lou, Amy and Ty. Three and a half weeks ago he left Luke in a hospital where he fought for his life. Caleb wasn't sure Luke would ever recover from that. Due to the injuries he sustained Caleb never thought Lukes recovery would be this successful.

Seeing him now, Caleb was relieved and in awe of Lukes inner strength. He had survived the worst accident in his life; nevertheless, he couldn't even tell that Luke was trampled by a 1,800 pound bull.

Looking back at his own recovery, he couldn't dismiss the fact that he had been addicted to his pain medication-a fact that he never really forgave himself for. Luke's spirit for life made him appreciate the Tim Fleming's tough-love style. He was glad Tim was there for him and now he could be there for Luke, if he needed it.

Caleb's mind now drifted to the one person who was currently missing. He wished Kelly was here! He wanted to show his friends the girl he loved, and wondered if she was coming.

***

Exhuasted from her long day, Kelly stepped out of the soothing shower which seemed to wash her anxieties away. She was getting ready to go to Heartland becuse she knew how important today was for Caleb, no matter how terrible a day she might have personally had. So she put on her favorite pair of jeans, a dark green spagetti strap blouse and her brown leather jacket, while letting her hair dry naturally. She ran her fingers through her hair for a quick fluff while looking in the mirror. Kelly wanted to look her best, so she decided to put on some lip gloss. Now she was ready, and headed out the door. She couldn't wait to tell Caleb about her day and the two week paid vacation.

Kelly was amazed at how easy their relationship was. Her feelings for Caleb grew naturally since she wasn't contiuously walking on eggshells around him and there wasn't any need to pretend. He was her breath of fresh air, and she loved him. For her, she felt this relationship could lead to marriage. But she didn't want her feelings to take command. Her heart had been broken before with Hunter, it had been her feelings leading the way back then. Caleb was so completely different from Hunter. She had to be careful. Scolding herslf she thought, "Oh my god, marriage? You're insaine, toying with the idea of marriage. Chill girl, it's only been one month. Holy crap!"
She seriously needed to restrain her emotions for as long as they needed to be, or else she would lose her head, doing something she would never be able to forgive herself for. Moving too fast always leads to a trian wreck, she thought, "Been there, done that. Ain't gonna go there again!"
If marriage were possible they would slowly and gently arrive at that bridge together, on their own terms and at their own pace. They wouldn't just take a flying leap of off Mt. Logan, then during the free fall suddenly think, "What if we go, 'splat'?" At that point would be too late.She needed her emotions to shut up and wait their turn, letting her heart lead the way this time, straight to Caleb.

***

"Why on earth are you so nervous?" she chidded herself as she parked her truck. Looking one last time in the rear view mirror for some peace of mind, she was satisfied and stepped out of her truck to walk to the front door. Stopping before she knocked, Kelly readjusted her blouse and jacket, fidgeting around as she smoothed her jeans. Then with an anxious sigh, she rapped her knuckles on the door.

In the house Linda was telling them all about their ranch in North Carolina saying;
"I have the same amount of acreage as you do except your property is so beautiful. When Luke's father died, managing the day-to-day chores and upkeep of the out buildings fell on Luke. He's done a fine job, too. But the expenses didn't go away; they just seemed to increase. It's been difficult to maintain, but together we've done it. We're lucky to have each other."

Luke wanted to add to this, but there was a knock at the door.

The seatting arrangement was tight as Jack was in his chair and Lou was in Lyndy's, while Caleb, Ty and Amy sat on the hearth. Linda and Luke were on the couch. Amy excused herself to answer the door.
" Kelly, come on in. We're all in the family room with Luke and Linda." she said in greeting.
"Thank you Amy." Kelly said giving her a hug.

As they walked in, Caleb and Kelly caught each other's eye. She looked so beautiful and he looked so handsome. Kelly was taken by his cowboy good looks and just wanted to,... Thinking to herself , "Snap out of it girl, but... look at that delicious grin, look at those jeans,..Stop it!"
The energy between these two was hard to ignore. Caleb could feel his face blushing with a hot firey red that seemed to expose his vulnerability. He thought for sure the others could see his heart beating out of his chest. He told himself, "Man, pull it together,.. just breathe!"

Jack and Lou watched with fascination as Caleb rose and nervously walked to Kelly. Lou wasn't aware they were this close and she wondered if they were an official couple. But whatever this was, she approved with a grin.
Jack rose to greet Kelly with a hug " Kelly, come on in, we're sure glad you're here." He said fondly as Ty approached and greeted her with a hand shake.
Caleb escorted Kelly to the family room and introduced her to Luke and Linda.
Linda greeted Kelly with a smile. "I'm glad to meet you, Kelly. Just be good to Cale;, he's a good man."

Kelly smiled back. "Oh, I will," she said in agreement. "You don't have to worry about that," and winked at Caleb.

The one thing that concerned Luke more than anything was Caleb's genuinely good heart. He did not want to see Caleb crushed again because he'd never seen Caleb like this before, not even with Ashley. With Kelly, Luke could see that they were in love. He was looking forward to getting to know her better. He wanted to know who this pretty lady was that caused such a reaction from his closest friend. Looking at Caleb with a big grin, he said: "Very pleased to meet you, Kelly."
He wanted to add "And if you hurt him, I'll kill you." but he thought it better to not joke around with her just yet. He would save his lopsided humor for later.

Caleb had to fight with everything inside of him to not blurt out: "Hey everyone, this is My girlfriend !" which would have disrespectfully thrown her under the bus. It was too intimate a conversation and he wanted to have with her alone. However, he couldn't help softly kissing her cheek, saying "I'm glad you're here."
Kelly gently caressed his arm. Smiling she said, "You're welcome, Cowboy!"

With that Amy asked Kelly if she wanted to join her in the kitchen where Lou was fussing around, waiting for the pot roast to finish cooking.
Kelly nodded and the two headed for the kitchen to ask if Lou needed any help.
"No it's almost done, thank you though. But I do want to know: what's going on with you and Caleb." Lou asked as she looked at Kelly.
Kelly was a bit shocked, and somewhat embarrassed.
"Is it that obvious?" she said shyly looking down.
Amy chided Kelly. "Well yeah," she answered with a nod. " Not to be embarrassed about it, though." She looked unsure, an eyebrow raised in question.

Kelly pulled out a chair and sat down and she tried to explain, "There really isn't that much to tell," she began to say. "We ran into each other in town, about three-and-a-half weeks ago. He grilled some stakes for us, and we just hung out. We've been dating ever since. Now here we are."

Lou blurted out, "I don't believe it!" Shaking her head, she added: "Not the way you two were looking at each other. No, there has to be more."

Kelly pleaded with them "You guy's can't say anything, please. I like him a lot."
Looking at her hands while twirling her fingers she added, "I think I'm falling in love with him, but he doesn't know yet. No one does, except you two."

Lou and Amy looked at each other and exchanged smiles. They were happy for Kelly and Caleb!

" He has fallen head over heels in love with you," Lou said. "Just tell him."
With the tone in her voice rising an octave, "Caleb, I love you'!" causing both Kelly and Amy to laugh.

Amy shook her head, "Lou, she can't just blurt it out like that. The timimg has to be right. But I agree with Lou: he has definitely fallen for you, Kelly. But let him tell you first."

Lou checked on the pot roast one last time and saw it was done. She told Amy to get everyone seated while handing Kelly the mashed potatoes and salad. After placing the pot roast in the center of the table Lou picked up her wine glass and propossed a toast, raising her glass, she said looked around the table and made eye contact with Luke and Linda.
"Here's to family; to friends," she declared. Then with a subtle glance towards Caleb and Kelly, she said: "Here's to love. Cheers!"

With clinks all around and echoes of "Cheers", dinner was served and all were impressed with Lou's good cooking.

To Be Continued