"With all my heart," Faith answered.
"Congratulations. I love you both."
Brett and Faith headed inside while Megan ventured to the corral. A friend she had found in this fence; a comfort zone. Though ecstatic for her cousin, a strange vibe surrounded her, almost as if the smoke was a sign of impending danger. What or whom would bring them danger? What she would not give to have another dream to show her what to look for? Thoughts kept her preoccupied and she never heard Colby approach.
"Megan, hello?"
"Hey, Colby," she mumbled. An offbeat heart and smile that looked like an upside down frown showed her true feelings.
"Today shook you up," he said.
"No. I'm fine." She glanced his way, but did not want to stare into a somber face; a face that said I would find answers for you, if you look deep enough. What could she ask? How did he hold the key to unlock all hidden away in her? Without knowing what bothered her, how could Colby decipher it?
"You don't have to fear talking to me," Colby said.
"I don't."
"Yes, you do, but we're working on it."
Her surface deep smile showed something amiss. His gaze lingered on her eyes a minute too long. She looked away knowing doubt and fear loomed large. Tonight was not the time to start unraveling the mysteries of the Circle M and how it connected to her.
"Thanks again for today, Colby. Good night." She kissed him on the cheek and headed towards the cabin.
"Good night, Megan," she heard him say.
Part of her wanted to run into his arms and ask him to take away her doubts and fears, but her legs refused to return that direction. Tomorrow, everything will make sense. As she opened the cabin door, the sun rising above the mountains brought an opportunity for a new day. Though confusion lingered, Megan vowed to push it aside and have fun today. "I'll meet you at the house," Megan said to the girls as she left the cabin.
Thick mud greeted her with no way around. "Great. The kids will have a field day with this." Laughter filled her body as she remembered yesterday's rain dance and her own relinquishing of pride. This emotion kept her from enjoying all aspects of life. "It's the Circle M's fault. It makes you find your inner child."
Her joyous mood vanished upon seeing Brett, Faith, and Colby. Smiles, pats on the back, and hugs showed a celebration of good news. Fear and jealousy had no roles in this matter; this emotion remained nameless. It dealt with an unknown territory deep in the recesses of her mind. When she locked gazes with Colby, she half-smiled.