Chapter 52- Decision Making and Consequences

A/N-Here it is… Thanks to those of you that patiently waited and to those of you who continue to review and encourage me. I really appreciate getting responses and comments and knowing that you guys love to read the story and like it. Your enthusiasm makes me want to write!

Kris woke, blissfully content with the way things were going in her life. She had a beautiful son, a loving fiancée, and friends who loved her like family.

Rolling over onto her back, she gently bumped Junior with her arm trying to wake him. When he didn't budge she yelled "HEY" and he instantly woke.

As his eyes slowly opened he looked at her and smiled. "Cute, very cute."

"I try," she stated as she blinked her eyelashes at him causing him to laugh.

"It feels wrong to be this happy," Junior stated looking at Kris as he smiled once again.

"I know," Kris replied as she leaned over and placed a gentle peck onto his lips. "I am going to go get Jason!" She stated as she jumped out of bed.

"You do that," Junior replied rolling back onto his back "I am going to stay in bed."

"Now that is a surprise," Kris replied sarcastically as she made her way out the door.

--

"You have GOT to be kidding me," Dani almost screamed at the man standing in front of her.

"I'm not Dani, I'm sorry it upsets you but someone had to tell you."

"Yeah, I just can't believe it is you that is telling me and not her. I mean I am supposed to be her best friend. I should have been the first person she told about their marriage being voided."

"I have always wanted a sister, and now I have one." Dani stated as tears brimmed on her eyes. She leaned in and hugged Kris causing both girls to tear up. "No crying." They stated to each other as they pulled away and looked at each other. She watched her walk down the aisle and had a hard time not letting the tears fall. As they announced the new couple a smile lit up her face and she clapped with excitement. She had a sister now.

He looked at her for a moment and nodded his head quietly. "I really am sorry." He stated again looking down at his hands. "I had to do the right thing."

"I just," she became quiet for a moment before looking off in the distance "I guess I didn't expect to be this upset about it."

"You had to have some idea that it was coming though," Ken Davis stated as he pulled his daughter into a hug.

She nodded her head as the tears stung at the back of her eyes.

"Unfortunately that is not the only news I have for you." Ken replied looking into his daughters eyes.

She took a deep breath before replying. "Lay it on me."

"Do you know where exactly Kris is going when she goes on her "errands"? "

Dani looked at her father for a minute, very confused. "Uh no, dad, I don't keep tabs on Kris all the time, unlike you."

Ken looked at his daughter once more and a small smile played over his face. "Well I think it is about time you were educated," he stated as he placed his arm around his daughter and quickly led her into the house.

--

"Pablo" Kris cried out as she ran the small distance between them to catch up with him.

"Hey Kris." He replied as he smiled gently at her before putting his attention back on the horse in front of him.

"How's he doing?" Kris asked as she gently stroked Flame's head.

"Good, he rides better with you though." Pablo replied softly.

Kris nodded her head in acknowledgement as she ran a hand through her hair.

"Have you thought about the offer anymore?" Pablo asked cautiously.

"I have," Kris replied "and I have an answer for you."

--

As Pablo made his way into the house to share the news with Jean, Kris stayed behind with Flame gently stroking the horse.

"I don't know what I have gotten myself into." She whispered as she scratched his nose.

"I can't ride for Raintree: that was part of the deal."

Flame gently stomped his foot and she slowly continued to lead him around near an open field. Looking in the distance she saw Junior, Matt, Jean and Pablo all standing together and chatting. She couldn't help but notice how happy they all looked.

"I love it here though," Kris replied gently sighing "almost as much as I love my house."

Flame neighed in response and she laughed slightly.

"You are just like your dear old dad," Kris whispered as she kissed him on the nose.

--

Dani pulled up her car and quickly slammed on the breaks before shoving the gear into park. Looking around Raintree she found Kris standing by the field with Flame. She looked to be deep in conversation with the horse.

"YOU!" Dani stated as she stormed up to the woman standing in front of her. She noticed the smile immediately fall from the girls face.

"Dani," Kris asked softly "is something wrong?"

"What do you think?" Dani snapped as she stomped over and stood next to Matt. "I think you need to leave, NOW."

"Dani?" Kris asked more confused than ever.

Dani looked to her husband for support but only saw confusion on his face as well.

"Dani," Junior stated stepping forward towards his sister "I have no idea what is wrong with you, but you need to back off now."

"Junior, stay out of this." Dani barked as she pointed her finger at him angrily.

"I mean it, get out of my sight!" she screamed at Kris.

Kris stepped forward momentarily and looked at Junior before turning and looking at Dani once again.

"I don't know what the hell your problem is, but I just agreed to move into the bunkhouse." Kris replied bitterly.

"The offer has been revoked." Dani stated simply glaring at the woman in front of her.

"DANI!" Jean replied stunned by the actions of the woman in front of her.

"Jean, with all due respect this doesn't concern you." Dani replied looking at the shocked face of the woman in front of her.

"I believe it does since I still own half of this property." Jean replied haughtily and somewhat angrily.

"What did I do?" Kris asked somewhat saddened by her friend's actions. She looked into her best friends face searching for answers.

"If you can't answer that question yourself than something is seriously wrong." Dani replied.

Kris looked at the woman in front of her mouth agape. What in the world was going on?

"How could you?" Dani asked looking distraught as she shook her finger at the woman in front of her.

"Dani," Kris stated "I'm a bit confused about what is going on but you need to back off."

Dani could feel Matt gently tugging on the side of her shirt trying to pull her back, but that only seemed to egg her on.

"And to think," Dani continued "I thought of you like a sister." She let a soft scoff escape her lips. She turned and looked at her husband before stating "say goodbye to Kris honey. She is leaving."

Everyone stood mouth agape at what was transpiring in front of them

"I'm not going anywhere." Kris stated standing up for herself.

"Then why don't you tell everyone where you have been sneaking off to lately! How you have been betraying our trust, Junior's trust."

Kris could feel a slow throbbing in the back of her head. There was no way Dani could know, she had been so careful.

"Kris?" Junior questioned and she could feel her heart beginning to race.

"Baby, please tell me what Dani is talking about." Junior questioned as he looked her in the eyes.

"I can't" Kris stated simply looking down at her feet "I wish I could but I can't."

He shook his head quietly almost in frustration. "More secrets?" he asked.

"No," Kris replied "the same ones."

She heard Junior let out a small sigh and he quietly nodded his head. "I'm sorry Dani," Junior whispered "but I am with Kris on this one."

Dani looked at her brother in a stunned silence. "So you are just going to continue to let her keep secrets from you?" Dani whispered in response.

"I am, I trust her and there must be a good reason why she isn't telling us."

Dani looked at the people around her and noticed similar looks of determination as that on the face of Junior.

"SO I guess I am out ruled then." Dani replied as she turned on her heals and stomped away.

Stopping at the door to the house she turned around and called out "By the way Tina Sharp says hello."