Chapter 49
Sam looped George's reins over the hitching rail and loosened the bay's cinch. George blew out through his nose as he relaxed. Sam gave him a pat before turning and heading towards the big stone house at Three Ponies.
Kit was leaving today.
Sam was sad that her oldest brother, and that's how she thought of him, was leaving. Even though he said he'd be back in ten years, Sam had no idea how long that really was. She knew she was nine years old, but she couldn't comprehend how long ten years was.
The front door opened and Jake was standing there.
"Hey, Brat," he greeted her. "Come on in. Kit's just about ready to leave. Mom's hangin' on with both arms, so it might take awhile before he can pry himself loose."
Sam scuffed her boots on the porch before following Jake into the house. The Three Ponies house was so much bigger than her house. Of course, there were a lot more people living it in too.
"Mom's pretty upset," Jake told Sam quietly.
Sam nodded. Jake pointed at the coat rack near the door and Sam hung her hat on it.
"They're all in the family room," Jake said, leading her through the kitchen to the family room.
Sam was surprised to see their grandfather there too.
"Well hello, Samantha," Mac greeted her.
"Hi Mr. Ely," Sam gave a small wave before putting her hands in her front pockets.
"Now I can leave," Kit came over to where she was standing and picked her up. "My favorite little sister is here."
Sam put her arms around his neck and hugged him.
"Are you sure you have to go?" Mrs. Ely asked her eldest son.
"I've entered a competition for this weekend, Mom," Kit put Sam down. "I really need to get going."
Sam trailed after the family as they accompanied Kit. Jake glanced back at her, making sure she was coming. He didn't wait for her, but Sam knew he wasn't walking as fast as he normally did.
"Please be careful, honey," Mrs. Ely hugged Kit.
"I will, Mom," Kit promised, tolerating his mother's hug.
His father clapped his oldest son on the shoulder and gave him a man hug. Mac did the same, smiling as he murmured his good wishes to his grandson.
The rest of the Ely men gave Kit man hugs before Kit picked Sam up again and hugged her. Sam hugged him back.
"I'll think of you every time I hug Jingles," Sam told him.
Kit laughed.
"If you don't have a boyfriend when I come back, I'll be your boyfriend," Kit said.
"You're too old," Sam made a face, causing his parents and four of his brothers to start laughing. Only Mac and Jake didn't laugh.
"I won't be too old ten years from now," Kit responded.
Sam tilted her head at him. "Okay."
Jake's eyes narrowed. Kit was and always would be too old for Sam.
"Remember what we talked about," Kit glanced at Adam.
"I'll let you know if it happens before," Adam promised.
Kit nodded, putting Sam back down.
He tossed his bags into the truck that his parents had given him for his high school graduation.
"Well, see you," Kit said, then sighed. His mother was crying and he hated to see her cry.
"Bye Kit," everyone answered him.
With one last look at everyone, Kit got into his truck and started the engine. With a final wave, he pulled out and left to find his fortune with the rodeo.
© 2008 – LB
Characters © - Terri Farley