Buck heard Luke and Ian in the barn working as he rode up to Willow Manor. He walked into the barn and asked, "Luke, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, Buck. What is it?"

Bucked looked uncomfortable and continued, "Uh . . . in private?"

"Sure. Ian can finish up here. We can go in the house."

Luke led Buck into the kitchen and fixed them both some coffee. "Luke, I was wondering if you could help me out on something."

"Sure, Mate. What is it?"

"I was wanting to take Corey for a ride and a picnic on my next day off, but the day after tomorrow is my next day off. So I was wondering if you could give Corey the day off. I haven't asked her yet. I wanted to see if she could get the day off if she wanted to."

"She has been working pretty hard. I can give her a paid holiday. She does deserve it."

"Thanks." Buck said as his face lit up.

Luke's face lit up and Buck could tell that he just had an idea. "Let's make it a surprise for her! Meg and I can set up the picnic while you are spending time with Corey and when ya'll come to the place, it will be all set up for you. You could come into the shop right after she gets in and ask her then."

"Luke, that's a wonderful idea! Thanks for all the help."

"Anything to help out my friends." Luke smiled.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buck waited in the restaurant until he saw Corey go into work. He walked in right behind her, and she turned around surprised to see him. "I thought you liked your long locks, Buck," she grinned.

"I do. I came in to see if you would like to go out for a ride with me?"

Corey looked surprised. "Buck, I would love to, but I have to work."

Luke spoke up, "No, you don't. You've been working too hard lately. I'm giving you the day off as a paid holiday."

Corey looked at Luke who was grinning from ear to ear. "You knew about this didn't you.?"

Luke only said, "Go have fun. I'll see you tomorrow."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buck and Corey talked and laughed as they rode. This was the first time in a long time that they had to nurture their friendship. They both enjoyed the ride and talk. Buck and Corey both were surprised when they came upon the pond. Buck had not expected Meg and Luke to go to so much trouble.

The Saunders had set up a red blanket with candles and a delicious meal with red wine. They talked some more over the meal and packed everything up and took them back to Willow Manor and thanked Meg and Luke for setting up the picnic for them.