Chapter 48
Sam thought she'd remember this campout for the rest of her life. They had so much fun that she had forgotten that Kit was leaving soon afterwards. It wasn't until they were riding home that she remembered. She glanced over at Kit as he rode.
"What's wrong, Sammy?" Kit had noticed the looks.
"You're leaving," Sam said, the sadness in her voice.
"Yep," Kit nodded. "It's part of life, sweetheart."
"I don't want you to leave," Sam told him.
Kit smiled softly at her. "It's not like I'll be gone forever."
"How long?"
"Adam and I have something going on in ten years," Kit told her. "So I'll be back for sure then."
Adam barked out a laugh and Kit grinned at him.
"Why?"
"I can't tell you that now, Sammy," Kit said.
"In ten years?" Sam wondered.
"Yes," Kit nodded. His eyes flicked to Jake who had been listening. Jake saw Kit glance at him.
"Hopefully," Adam put in.
"I'm betting it will," Kit told him.
"Betting what?" Jake asked.
"You'll find out too in ten years, little man," Kit promised with a laugh.
Sam and Jake glanced at each other. Sam shrugged.
"When are you leaving, Kit?" Quinn asked.
"Tomorrow," Kit responded.
"Tomorrow?" Bryan yelped. "Does Mom know?"
Kit shook his head. "I figured surprising her is best."
"You live dangerously," Nate said.
"Story of my life," Kit laughed.
"What are you going to do with the bronc you ride?" Jake asked.
Kit shrugged. "I guess Dad will sell him. He'll never make a saddle horse."
"Why?" Sam asked. Jake looked at her sharply.
Kit went into an explanation, most of which Sam didn't understand. She noticed that Jake was listening intently to what Kit was saying. Jake nodded every once in awhile as if he were storing the information.
"Can I come by tomorrow to say goodbye?" Sam asked Kit.
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," Kit smiled at her.
"Okay, I'll be there," Sam told him, smiling back at him.
"Do you know what time he's leaving, Sammy?" Bryan laughed.
"No," Sam shook her head. "I figured he'd tell me." She gave Bryan a smirk.
The six Elys laughed.
"10:30," Kit said.
Sam gave a nod.
"You can tell time, right Sammy?" Quinn teased.
Sam gave him a look of outrage.
"Watch your back, Quinn," Jake laughed.
Sam hit Jake.
"Ow, why'd you hit me?" Jake rubbed his arm.
"Because I can't reach him," Sam said sensibly.
"Oh, that makes sense," Jake laughed, earning him another punch.
Sam stuck her tongue out at him.
"Is that the best you have, Brat?" Jake teased.
He spurred his horse out of the way when she tried to hit him again. Sam urged her horse after his as they took off over the range, Jake shouting insults over his shoulder at her. Sam yelled right back at him as she chased him.
"Anyone else get the feeling that those two are perfect for each other?" Nate asked.
Kit and Adam glanced at each other and grinned.
"Why do you think so?" Quinn wondered.
"Look at them," Kit and Adam said together.
The five guys all turned as one to look at the two youngsters as they rode, shouting insults at each other, but laughing the whole time they were doing it.