The next morning apologies were given which were accepted on both sides and the thunderstorm passed between son and father. However, both men secretly felt lightning could strike again.
Scott readied the buckboard to travel into town. As he prepared to head out, Johnny and Barranca joined Kinsey’s welcoming party.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Thought I would ride in with you, Boston.”
“Why?”
“Guess I’m……curious.”
“What did I discuss with you about curiosity?”
“It makes the heart grow fonder.”
“Little brother, you are getting my advice mixed up.”
“Oh, I dunno. Seems like my way makes more sense.”
Standing in what little shade they could find Scott and Johnny watched the noon stage ride into town.
Johnny pointed. “Looks like Hank’s got a full load of passengers. Ever see that much baggage strapped to the top?”
Scott had to agree. The stagecoach looked so top heavy that one wrong turn could put it on its side. He remembered the first time he and Johnny had taken that long, hot, bumpy ride together under cramped conditions. Scott started feeling sorry for Kinsey. The poor girl must be absolutely miserable.
The stage had barely come to a stop when the door flew open and out popped Kinsey.
“Scott!”
Scott watched what looked like a small whirlwind of flying auburn hair, gesturing hands taking flight, a blur of petticoats and lace, all headed his way. He braced for impact. Kinsey stopped at the last moment, looked up and smiled.
“Isn’t this wonderful? I’m speechless. Just speechless.”
Meanwhile, Johnny glanced inside the stagecoach with the expression of a man that just saw the most amazing disappearing magic act on God’s green earth.
“Hank, where did the rest of the passengers go?”
“Just had that one.”
“All of this baggage belongs to her?”
Hank merely grunted, climbed down off his perch and informed Johnny they can unload the lady’s belongings; he was going to sooth his dry throat with a cold beer.
As Kinsey continued to confirm she was anything but speechless Scott came to the conclusion the girl must have gills. It was the only reasonable explanation he could think of on why she hasn’t stopped to take a breath.
“Kinsey let me introduce you to my brother, Johnny. Johnny, say hello to my cousin Kinsey Rose Furlong. By the way, she’s speechless.”
Kinsey chatted on assisting with the sorting of her bags’ various shapes and sizes while Scott and Johnny finished unloading the stage.
“So little brother, how are you feeling about curiosity now?”
“I believe the cat died. Scott, I swear I haven’t seen this many trunks since the traveling circus came to Stockton.”
“Oh Johnny!“ Kinsey squealed with delight. “The elephants were your favorite part too?”
Scott watched his brother smile, shake his head and announce he was going to bring around the buckboard. Poor Kinsey. Johnny’s sarcasm is lost on her. He will be relentless.
And then…
Kinsey turned to Scott with a devilish grin and winked.
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