Total Control

Another tear rolled down Rosalyn's face as the happiest smile ever formed on her face. She'd been so insecure about their relationship for so long... now she knew for sure that he really did love her and really did want her in his life. 

"Of course it's a yes." She slid back a little and straddled his lap to sit up, letting him sit up as well. Her hands went to his face as she kissed him again, then wrapped her arms around him and just hugged him close. "I love you so much." Realizing she'd totally forgotten about the ring, she pulled back again and looked down to his hand where he still held the open box. Still smiling, she sniffed and wiped her eyes before taking a closer look. "It's beautiful. And absolutely perfect." 

She looked into his eyes, unable to do anything but continue smiling. "I  really didn't think fairytales could come true but... you just proved me wrong." 


Taking the chalk from Sam, Hal's eyes automatically dropped to where her hand was on his arm, then up again to meet her own gaze. And he knew right then that he wasn't doing a good enough job at hiding his discomfort. She'd noticed. Her touch was soft...a comfort in the midst of his current inner turmoil, and he swallowed hard, trying to ignore the slight shiver in his spine.

Looking away again, he nodded before chalking the end of his stick. "Fresh air sounds like a good idea," he agreed. Actually, it was the best idea anyone could have come up with. 

It really wasn't too long before they'd played a couple games, and that fresh air was sounding even better. Weaving through the crowd of people, Hal walked just ahead of Sam until they reached the door, which he held open for her. Outside, the night air that felt warm before, now felt cool compared to the inside of the club. Hal leaned back against the brick wall and closed his eyes, just taking a deep breath. His head hurt, and he really didn't want to go back inside. But he was too polite to abandon the small group. 

Opening his eyes again, he looked over at Sam and gave her half a smile. It bore the look of an apology. "I... don't think I've been the best of company tonight. I'm sorry." 


Back inside, Kirk leaned on his pool stick as his eyes watched across the room at the exit. "Just me, or is Hal totally uneasy tonight? I mean... maybe that's his norm. I haven't socialized with him much at work, but I didn't think he was this tense."


Hunter kept a close eye on Ryan as they rode at a steady, slow walk. Turning this way and that, he let Ryan and Buttons follow along in different patterns so it would be more interesting than just riding along the fence. He was pleased that Ryan was doing well and starting to relax. There was a whole lot more to riding than just sitting and steering, and he wouldn't do this outside the corral, but Buttons was such an easy going mare, and Ryan was doing well enough that there were no worries. 

After riding for a while, Hunter brought Bonzai to a halt and looked over and down at Ryan. "If you wanna go out in the field again, we can. I can either lead you like I did earlier, or we can ride double again. Up to you. Or we can stay right here if you're having fun. Or we can quit for the day." He grinned. "Basically you're in total control."