Kenin sighed as she leaned against the tree, glad at least for the shade it provided. Henry was munching contentedly on the low grass, his front left foot cocked at an awkward angle, evidence of the wound there. The sun was getting low on the horizon, and if she didn´t get started soon it would be dark before she could make the walk home.

“Well,” she said to the horse, “rest is over.” She stood and brushed dirt from her pants, then gathered Henry´s reins. The horse limped behind her as she started to walk.

What had started as a simple ride had turned into a tiring trek when Henry had slid and cut his leg on a twig. Part of the wood was still in the wound, and she needed to get him back to the barn and really look at the wound and clean it up, maybe get him on some antibiotics.

She sighed and picked up her pace a bit. It was getting dark. At the sound of hoofbeats behind her, she turned. A smile crossed her face as she recognized Chris.

“Need a lift?” he asked.

Kenin nodded. “Yeah. Henry got cut. I don´t want to ride him until I can get a better look.”

Chris smiled. “Always glad to help a damsel in distress.” He kicked free of the stirrups and slid behind the saddle. Kenin handed him Henry´s reins, then swung onto his horse and settled in front of him. She couldn´t help the slight shudder as he reached around her for the reins and turned Blackie toward her house.

“I´m not really a damsel,” she chuckled. “And it´s my horse that´s in distress.”

“Well, now that I know the truth, I may have to arrest you for impersonating a damsel,” Chris said seriously.

Playfully, Kenin leaned against him. “Can you be bribed, officer?”

“I don´t know,” he replied, his tone husky. “Maybe you should try it and see.”

Kenin turned to look back at him. “Maybe I will.” She shifted so that he could reach her, letting him kiss her deeply. His left hand dropped the rein, moving to caress her breast.

She gasped, breathing in the scent of sweat and Stetson, both alarmed and pleased to discover that she was beginning to associate the heady combination of aromas no longer with her deceased husband, but with a very alive Chris Lababee.

Vin turned his face up toward the high Arizona sun, it's strong rays beating down on him, and yet, he smiled. He loved the warmth on his face, the prickling sensation that caressed his skin as the sun heated it up. Life was good, and he was happy.

A loud crash brought Vin from his silent reverie. Turning his attention toward the stable, he saw Ridley stomping her feet. "Aw shit," she yelled, kicking at the bucket that lay in front of her. Shaking his head side to side, Vin smiled to himself.

He knew Ridley was partly responsible for his mood. 'Hell,' he thought to himself. 'She's completely responsible.' Leaning back against the black wrought iron railing that fenced off the pool, Vin tilted his head to one side as he watched the young woman that had captured his heart.

Ridley took her black cowboy hat off, her eyes fixed on the mess in front of her as her brow furrowed in frustration. Absently, she ran her forearm across her head, mopping at the perspiration that covered it. Her shoulder length brown hair hung in two loose braids on her shoulders as perspiration stained the armpits of her white snug fitting tank. Her form fitting black jeans were covered with dirt and stray as she bent forward, grabbing a medium size hay bale and balancing it on her thigh. But the bundle proved too much. It tumbled to the ground. "Son of a....." Ridley shouted, throwing her hands up in the air. "I give."

"Now what would your daddy say if he heard you say that Rid?" he asked playfully as he started toward the barn.

Ridley turned toward him, a puzzled look on her face. She looked at him as if she were seeing him for the first time. The sun filtered through a high window in the barn and sprinkled down on her like magic. Suddenly, she smiled as she turned her body toward him and Vin nearly stopped in mid-step. It was radiant the way her smile lit her face, small dimples appearing in the sides of her cheeks. 'Had they always been there?' he thought to himself as he allowed his eyes to trail over her body.

Since the day he met her, Ridley had been a mystery. He never knew what to expect from her. There were days that she seemed like she wanted nothing more than to be with him. They would work on the house together, hanging curtains or fixing a window. They would laugh and talk for hours.

But other days.....they were a different story. She was skittish and nervous, her thoughts so distant and troubled. They had sat by the pool for several hours one night after a long days work and never spoke more than two words to each other. Despite the lack of communication, Vin had still enjoyed himself; if for no other reason than just so he could be close to her.

"My 'daddy' ain't here yet," she replied sarcastically as she pulled off her leather work gloves, shoving them in her back pocket. "And who said you could take a break anyway?"

Meeting Vin half way to the house, Ridley looked up at him under thick black lashes. "Have I told you how much I appreciate all your help around here? I could have never gotten this place together without you."

"Is that so?" he asked slyly, holding out a hand and slipping it into Ridley's. He moved slowly, waiting to see her reaction before he continued. A deep blush ran through her olive complexion, but she didn't pull away. Encouraged, Vin continued. "Show me," he said, slipping his free arm around her waist as he pulled her to him. "Have dinner with me tonight?"

Ridley's heart beat wildly in her chest as she pressed against him. Deep blue eyes peered down at her and Ridley felt as if she were floating on air. "Vin," she said, clearing her voice. "You know, when my father gets here....."

Vin knew where she was going and stopped her before she could finish. "I know. I'll make myself scarce when your father is here. I'm sure you'll want to be spending your time with him anyway."

The smile slipped from Ridley's face. "Why on earth would I want you to become scarce?"

It was Vin's turn to be surprised. "Well, I just thought that....you know, with your father here, that you wouldn't want....."

A slow smile turned up the corners of Ridley's lips. "You think too much Vin Tanner. I want you to meet my father. I want him to know how wonderful the people of Four Corners are....how wonderful you are...."

Vin smiled as Ridley turned the deepest shade of crimson he had ever seen. "So that's a yes to dinner?"

"All right," she said softly, laying her hands on Vin's taut chest. "But you have to cook. Deal?"

Vin laughed heartily. "I've seen how you cook. That's not a hard sell."

Ridley playfully slapped Vin's arm, her bottom lip puckering out. "You think you're funny, don't you?"

But the smile slipped from Vin's face as his eyes fixed on Ridley's full lips. Ridley could see the shift in Vin's attention, the desire in his eyes and for the first time, she didn't pull away. "Please don't hurt me Vin," Ridley said softly, pressing her check into the palm of his hand as he cupped her face.

Vin took in every detail of her beautiful face, mentally tracing each line and curve. "Never," he whispered as he drew her closer, licking his lips in anticipation.

Ridley met his gaze just as her lips brushed his, sending chills throughout her entire body. "Never," he whispered again, barely audible over his own labored breath. Just as he was about to take her lips in his, Vin's cell phone rang.

A startled yipe escaped Ridley as she clutched at her chest. "Dammit," Vin cursed, yanking his phone from the case attached to his belt. "This had better be good."

A rich deep laugh sounded from the other end. "Well, hello to you too," Buck said playfully. "Did I interrupt somethin'?"

Vin rolled his eyes as he tightened his hold on Ridley's waist. It had taken him months to get that close to her; he wasn't about to let her get away. "Your timing sucks...as usual Bucklin. What do you want?"

"Tell Ridley hi for me cowboy," Buck said with a laugh, knowing full well that only she could have Vin in such a huff. "And it's not what I want pard. It's what the county wants."

Vin was puzzled. "Buck, I ain't got time for riddles. What....."

"You're late for work Vin. You were supposed to be here an hour ago. JD's got a thing with Alley tonight so you need to get your romancing butt here pronto," Buck said, spelling it out.

Vin closed his eyes as Ridley watched his face intently. She traced her index finger along the firm muscles of his chest absently as she listened to him talk. "What? Is everything okay? Drew?" Ridley asked, not liking the expression on Tanner's face.

"Buck, can you stay? Rid and I were gonna have dinner," Vin asked pleadingly.

"No can do pard. Going out with my girl," Buck said with a kick. He liked the way that sounded. 'His girl'. Though he was quite certain that Drew wouldn't take kindly to that term of endearment.

"Damn," Vin cursed again, looking down into Ridley's upturned face. "Okay, I'll be right in." He slapped the phone closed and stuck it back in the case before slipping his arm back around Ridley's waist. "I'm so sorry."

Ridley shook her head. "I know. I heard. You have to work." Slipping her arms around his neck, she smiled. "Another night?"

Vin placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. "You are the best. Another night," he said, kissing her quickly on the lips before heading toward his car. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Ridley pressed her fingers to her lips, still feeling the brief peck he had given her. "Be careful," she called after him, watching as he climbed into the old Dodge Dakota. Pulling from the driveway, Vin reached an arm out the window and waved before disappearing toward town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ridley stuck her head inside the open clinic door. 'What a mess,' she thought to herself as she rapped loudly on the door. "Karol? You here?"

Karol came around the corner, wiping dust and dirt from her hands as she stepped into the small front office. "It's about damn time you got your butt up here Rid," Karol said, embracing her friend. "Where have you been keeping yourself? I haven't seen you since Drew's party."

Guilt weighing heavily on her, Ridley dropped her eyes to the floor in front of her as she shoved her hands into the back pockets of her faded Levis. "I know. I'm sorry Karol. It's just that we been working on the house, and with dad coming up with the horses....."

A mischievous smirk crossed the vet's face. "We?"

Ridley had been so deep in thought that the enunciation of the word 'we' nearly passed her by. But it was the raised eyebrow coupled with the knowing expression that caused Ridley to turn three shades of red. "Vin Tanner's been helping me. He's a contractor, you know?"

Karol shook her head as she folded her arms across her chest. "Hmmm, yeah, I think I heard that. So it's strictly professional then?"

Ridley could see from the look on Karol's face that she would no more believe that then she would believe in Santa Claus. Slowly a smile spread across Ridley's youthful features. "We are just friends."

"Friends huh?" Karol said, shaking her head. "Who you trying to kid? I saw the way you two danced at Drew's party. That didn't look like just friends to me."

Ridley smiled, memories of that night flooding back to her. She had been reluctant to attend the party, despite her growing fondness for the people of Four Corners. Since her accident, Ridley tried to avoid crowds, keeping things simple. Too much noise always led to blinding headaches, or worse, fainting spells.

But Ridley really liked Drew and wanted to be there to share in her special day. It also didn't hurt that Vin had slid up next to her, securing his arms around her waist when he asked her to attend. It was all she could do to even think straight. Ridley had to say yes.

With a far away look in her eyes, Ridley shrugged her shoulders. "Just friends."

"Okay," Karol said, her voice laden with disbelief. "If you say so." Karol decided to drop the subject. She knew that Ridley was head over heels for the quiet deputy; could see it in the way she blushed at the mere mention of his name. But Karol knew that the insecurity that had plagued Ridley since her accident would keep the young woman from ever acting on her desire. 'Let's just hope Vin's smart enough for both of you,' Karol thought to herself with a smirk. "So when is your father due in?"

"Next week some time," Ridley said, her voice full of excitement. "He's bringing Storm and a couple of my other horses."

"That's great Rid," Karol said as she bent over a box, rifling through its contents. "How is your father these days?"

"He's good," Ridley said absently, waving the line of conversation off. "But that's sort of why I came here. I've got a proposition for you Karol."

Karol stood up. There was something in Ridley's voice that Karol hadn't heard in ages. It was confidence. Meeting Ridley's dark brown eyes, Karol raised her brows inquisitively "A proposition?"

Ridley swallowed hard. "Yeah, I was thinking." Ridley stopped, not knowing why she was so nervous with Karol. "You need help putting this place together, and I need a job." Ridley stopped, waiting for some indication of Karol's reaction. Seeing nothing, she continued. "You don't have to pay me. It's not for the money. You know I have a BS in Biology so I know some stuff. And I'm real good with animals." Looking around the cluttered room, Ridley shrugged her shoulders. "And it's not like you can't use the help."

"Rid, that's a great idea. I could totally use the help." Karol stopped, the smile slipping from her face. "But I have to pay you. I can't take your charity Rid."

"I thought about this because I knew you'd have a problem with it Karol. How about this? Storm needs lots of therapy, and you need lots of help here. We can trade services. I work here with you....just part time even, and you work with Storm." Ridley licked her lips, hoping that it was as convincing coming out of her mouth as it was in her own head. "So what do you say?"

Karol smiled grandly as she clapped her hands together. "I love it. Rid, this could work out great. Lord knows I need help putting this together." Not wasting any time, Karol bent over and grabbed a box. Lifting it, she thrust it forward to Ridley. "Let's start now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ridley dropped the keys on the small hallway table as she stepped into the courtyard of her house. Letting out a sigh, she dropped her handbag on the floor by the door. She was tired. 'But it's a good tired,' she thought to herself as she stretched her arms up over her head, letting an exhausted little moan escape her lips.

She had spent all afternoon at the clinic, unpacking things, moving things, setting them up and tearing them back down. All the while, she talked of old times with Karol. It wasn't the romantic dinner with Vin that she had hoped for, but it was great to spend time with her old friend.

Ridley couldn't remember feeling so at ease with anyone as she did with Karol. Talking with her, even after all the years apart, was just as comfortable as it always had been when she had been working for Ridley's father. It just reminded Ridley how much she had missed having a friend around.

A loud grumble interrupted her thoughts as Ridley held a hand to her stomach. "All right already," she said to the empty house as she headed for the kitchen. It wasn't until she entered the large open area that she caught the strong scent of baked bread. "What the....."

A soft flickering light drew Ridley's attention and the fresh baked bread was all but forgotten. The light bounced off the far wall, casting large and looming shadows. Ridley followed the light, pulling open the large French doors that led on to the patio. What lay before her left Ridley speechless, her mouth hanging open in surprise.

The metal patio table was covered with a dark red table cloth as a soft jazzy, salsa tune filled the night. A large bouquet of wild flowers stood tall on the table and candles flickered on either side of it. A place was set with the most delicious looking pasta primavera, a side salad and a fresh loaf of bread. A bottle of wine stood chilling beside the table.

Ridley couldn't believe her eyes. A large envelope lay against the vase of flowers and Ridley carefully plucked it from the table. She ran her fingers across the smooth surface of the envelope, her mind a blank as she inhaled deeply on the bread's succulent aroma.

Pulling the card from it's holder, she smiled at the simple design of the card. A raised red rose lay across a plain cream colored background with the words 'Thinking of you' across the bottom. "Oh Vin," she whispered as she opened the card.

It read:

Dinner as promised.

Yours always,
Vin

.