Life Continues

Two Months Later

Kris walked around the small bunkhouse looking for her helmet, which she hadn't seen in days.

"Junior," she called "Have you seen my helmet?"

"No" she heard him call out in reply.

Moving the blankets off of the floor, she let a soft sigh escape her lips. Things were strained enough as it was and she was tired of never being able to find her things.

Getting on her knees and reaching under the bed her fingers met the cool round metal of her helmet and she pulled it out.

"Finally," Kris mumbled to herself as she threw the helmet on the bed and changed into some proper riding clothes.

Looking at the clock she realized she was late to meet Tina and Omar. Running her hands through her hair, she quickly threw it up into a ponytail as she made her way out the door.

"See you later" she called out.

"Yup," Junior replied as she closed the door behind her.

--

Kris made it there in record time and hopped on Firefly before Tina could get a snippy word out. Pushing her knees into his side she slowly walked him to the track.

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

Kris felt her head whip around and her eyes met those of Junior who stood quietly staring at her.

Kris heard the front door slam and she turned and met Pablo, Jean, and Matt's stare as well.

"Kris?" Jean asked quietly "I think it is time that you tell us what is going on."

"I I can't" she whispered quietly.

"It's ok Kris, you can tell us." Matt stated softly.

"I can't ride for Raintree." Kris stated throwing her hands up into the air.

"What do you mean?" Jean asked disappointedly.

"I can't ride for Raintree because I am riding for Tina Sharp and Sheik Omar." Kris stated softly.

"Kris," Junior stated "do you remember what happened last time you got involved with Sheik O?"

She could feel her blood boiling and she turned to look at Junior again. "If I recall, you had something to do with that too."

Junior nodded his head quietly and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, I guess I did." He whispered.

She sped Firefly up and she could feel the wind whipping against her face.

"Kris," Jean stated softly "why would you involve yourself with Tina again? You know what happened last time."

"I'm older and wiser now," Kris replied "that won't happen again."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Jean replied as she turned and walked away.

"Pablo?" Kris asked.

"I know I should trust you Kris, but this just doesn't seem right." Pablo replied as he turned to follow Jean.

She dug her knees and heels in urging him to run faster.

"Matt?" Kris asked.

"I'm not sure what you want me to say, Kris. You're welcome to stay here, always will be. I need to go check on Dani." Matt replied as he made his way towards the house.

Junior reached over and pulled her into a small hug. "I trust you, but Tina Sharp? Be careful Kris."

"I will" Kris replied softly "I promise I will."

"That's a boy," Kris whispered in Firefly's ear as they came to a stop in front of Tina and Omar.

"Great time Kris," Omar replied as he walked out and helped her off the horse.

"Thanks," Kris replied softly as she brushed her loose hair back onto her head.

"Same time, same place tomorrow." Tina stated as she turned and quickly walked away. "Oh and try not to be late this time!"

--

"Matt" Dani whispered as she sat next to him in bed "do you think we could talk?"

"Of course" Matt replied pulling himself up and sitting back against his pillow.

"Um," Dani stated and a nervous laugh escaped her lips "well."

Matt turned and looked at her, gently brushing his hand along her arm.

"What is it, babe?" He asked gently.

"Well you know how I haven't been feeling well and I made that doctor's appointment?"

"Yeah," he replied softly "you're ok though, right?"

Dani looked at him and smiled softly "more than ok!" she stated enthusiastically.

"Well, tell me already!" Matt replied matching her enthusiasm.

"I'm pregnant!" Dani squealed as she clapped her hands together and gently bounced on the bed.

"You're what?!" Matt asked a bit surprised.

"Pregnant, isn't that wonderful baby!"

"Wonderful?" Matt asked.

"Well don't sound so enthusiastic," Dani fumed looking at her husband.

"I'm sorry," Matt replied "I am just a bit shocked."

"We have been trying for awhile; this shouldn't come as a surprise." Dani replied.

"I know, I guess I just thought it would take a little longer." Matt responded softly.

"Great, Matt just great! Are you telling me your not ready?!" Dani asked angrily.

"I'm just saying it is going to take me some time to get used to, that's all." Matt stated. "Please don't get upset or be mad. I'm being honest."

"How can I not get mad Matt, this is what we talked about." Dani replied as her voice continued to rise.

"I'm just surprised Dani, it's not like I'm disappointed." Matt stated now yelling as well.

"Get out!" Dani screamed pointing her finger towards the door.

"What?!" Matt asked as he got out of bed and threw a shirt on "You have got to be kidding me."

"I'm not!" Dani replied looking at the wall behind him "get out of my sight now."

"Dani," Matt replied walking towards her with his hand extended.

"I need some time," Dani mocked as she looked into his eyes "just great Matt."

He looked at her and lifted his arms gently raising his shoulder. "I was being honest Dani, you can't be mad at me for that."

"Actually," Dani replied "I can."

"Fine," Matt stated softly "I guess I will go for a walk."

"Maybe it will give you some time to get used to it!" Dani mocked back at him.

Nodding his head quietly he left the room, closing the door behind him.

--

Kris pulled the car into Raintree, slowing as she hit the gravel.

It had been a long day, and it wasn't even 2 yet. She momentarily debated on taking a nap but knew that Junior and Jason would probably not make that possible. Plus the bunkhouse was a mess, and no matter how small it was she was having a hard time picking up and keeping this tidy.

Getting out of the car, she blew the small tuff of bangs in her face away and looked around the ranch that she had grown to love.

Her eyes met a very tired and sad looking Matt sitting on the swing and she momentarily considered ignoring him, but couldn't.

"Hey," Kris called out.

Matt lifted his head and his eyes met Kris'.

"Hey," he replied softly as he leaned his head back letting it rest on the back of the swing.

"Is everything ok?" Kris asked softly, making her way to the porch.

"Not to be rude," Matt replied "but why would you care?"

"Matt, I know we haven't talked a lot these past few months and I know that you don't agree with what I am doing, but can't you give me the benefit of the doubt? Plus we're still friends, aren't we?"

"Kris," Matt stated as he lifted his head and his eyes met hers "Dani is pregnant."

"Congratulations," Kris replied sitting down on the swing next to him, "but why are you so sad looking then."

"We kind of got into a fight," Matt stated.

"About what, if you don't mind me asking." Kris replied softly.

"The baby," Matt replied.

"You just found out and you are already fighting about it?" Kris asked confused.

"I wasn't as enthusiastic as she hoped," Matt replied.

"Matt," Kris stated softly, "I know you better than that. You can tell me what is bothering you."

He let a gentle sigh escape his lips before looking at her.

"Can I tell you something, honestly tell you and you won't say anything to anyone?" Matt asked.

"Of course," Kris replied gently.

"I'm terrified." Matt replied softly his eyes meeting hers again.

A small smile fluttered across Kris' face and she gently placed her hand on his arm.

"Matt," Kris replied "I was terrified when I first found out about Jason as well. I know exactly what you are going through. Dani is probably experiencing the same thing."

"I just," Matt looked at his hands for a moment before continuing, "what if I am not a good dad?"

"Impossible," Kris replied "look at how great you are with Jason. You're going to be nervous and terrified but the minute you hold that baby, all those worries and fears go out the window. It's an indescribable love."

"But what if I make mistakes?" Matt asked.

"You probably will," Kris replied smiling "but that is ok. Did I ever tell you about the first time I tried to change Jason's diaper? Believe me it should have been videotaped for a what-not-to-do segment and he peed on me."

A small chuckle escaped Matt's lips causing Kris to smile even bigger.

"But you have a support system Matt. You have people such as your mom, Pablo, Junior, and I to be there to help you. Not that you and Dani are going to need any help."

A small sigh escaped his lips and Kris noticed that the weight on his shoulders seemed to be a bit lighter.

"Go back to her Matt, and talk to her. Let her know what you are feeling and thinking because she is probably thinking and feeling the same thing. You guys will work it out together."

Matt nodded his head and hopped up. "I am excited about it." He stated turning and looking at Kris.

"I know," Kris replied softly as she smiled back at him.

Opening the door he turned to look back her.

"Oh and Kris," Matt stated "thanks. You could have just walked away but you came over even though we haven't been on the best of terms. And to answer your question from earlier I do trust you, I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I know Matt, but maybe I don't have a choice." Kris replied softly.