Scott didn’t let go of Kinsey’s arm as the trio maneuvered their way back down through the rocks to solid ground. Nor did he let go as he propelled Kinsey a bit faster than normal towards the wagon.
Johnny hung back to survey his brother’s posture. Rigid. Strict. Unyielding. Military. Kinsey hasn’t a clue to what is about to happen. Johnny mounted Barranca and settled in. This should be interesting.
Stopping Kinsey short of boarding the wagon Scott spun her around.
“Front and center young lady.”
Placing his hands on his hips he began.
“YOU will not pull another stunt like that again. YOU do not know this countryside or the dangers it can provide to someone who obviously doesn’t stop and think about her actions. From now on YOU will be sticking to my side like glue and if I’m not around you will be sticking to Johnny’s side like glue.” Johnny smiled as he visualized that one.
Kinsey’s hands went to her hips, her face slowly darkened and her eyes narrowed. Scott immediately recognized what was coming.
“Oh no. No you DON’T! You will not attempt to pull a tantrum like an 8 year old over a stupid tea party.”
“You remember the tea party?”
“Do I remember?! You threw such a fit my best friend George ran home to take cover.”
Dropping her hands to her side Kinsey let out a sigh. Her apology was sincere; admitting that Scott was right and she was wrong. She was overcome by the beauty of the valley and wasn’t thinking. Not an excuse but possibly Scott could accept it as a reason.
Scott relaxed his stance and nodded. “Apology accepted.” Pointing a finger at Kinsey he reiterated “Like glue. I mean it.”
Johnny watched Kinsey’s apologetic eyes cross to make a face as soon as Scott turned his back. She then winked at the younger brother and flashed him a grin. Muffling a laugh Johnny looked up at the sky.
The rest of the ride was uneventful which Scott was grateful for. Upon arriving home Teresa was the first to run out to meet their guest. The two girls promptly started with the art of finishing each other’s sentences and he was pleased to see they had become fast friends under thirty seconds.
All activity stopped as Murdoch came into view. Scott put his arm around Kinsey’s shoulder. “Come meet my father.”
Coming toe-to-toe with the patriarch, 5 foot 1 Kinsey gazed up at the 6 foot 5 Murdoch.
“Mr. Lancer…you are one tall drink of water.”
“Miss Furlong….I believe you measure out to be about a half a pint.”
Scott caught Johnny crossing his arms, smiling and staring down at the ground. Kinsey just got her nickname.
During the evening meal, as everyone got to know each other better, the stories became more animated and belly laughs replaced giggles. Later when Scott was about to retire he stopped by Kinsey’s room to be certain she didn’t need anything. When there was no answer after his soft knock he opened the door to find an empty room.
“Where is she?”
Concerned, he made his way back down the stairs and finally drifted to the study where he discovered Murdoch and Kinsey. Not wanting to interrupt he hung back in the shadows and for the next few minutes observed the two in a quiet conversation punctuated with an occasional nod or smile. Offering his own smile and nod to their discussion, Scott turned and made his way back up the stairs.