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Caleb followed the two of them. "Hey!" He said to Jaxon, grabbing his arm. "What the hell?" He asked, making sure Jaxon stopped |
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Jaxon pushed him back. "You don't get to touch my sister" Jaxon raised his voice at him. Cass now on the verge of tears again as they swung round to face Caleb. "Jaxon, its fine! He meant well" Cass tried to shrug Jaxon off but his grip remained firm. The door to the house went, when John joined them. "What's going on here!" He exclaimed gruffly. Jaxon spoke up and pointed at Caleb "He had his arms around her" "Yes and I said it was fine" Cass said breaking free of his grip, turning to stand by Caleb's side. "He's innocent, please dad..." The tears streaming down her cheeks. |
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"Sir, I understand if you want me to leave, but Cass and I were just talking. I had sympathy for her, so yes, I did hold her. I wasn't meaning it in any sort of innappropriete way, sir. I promise you I wouldn't ever do anything to hurt a woman, least of all your daughter." Caleb said, resisting the urge to put his arm around Cass |
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John looked at him and scratched his head and then sighed "Jaxon, take Cass inside" He said abruptly. Cass opened her mouth to protest, anger flashing on her face "Now!" Jaxon waited for Cass to head into the house first and followed. John followed with his gaze and then turned back to Caleb after they were gone. "Walk with me" He said his tone softening, as he turned to head back towards the barn. He looked at Caleb with a sharp look of sincerety. "I don't need you to leave. Hell I don't want you to leave. I know what Cass saw in you that day at the fair" He pauses scratching his head. "Its been tough since - I presume she told you of the incident" He paused again waiting for Caleb's response. "Jaxon is overly protective and the pair of them are like a team, looking out for this family, looking out for Beau, so it never happens again" He sighed. "I let Cassie down that day" He bunched his fists in anger but then released them to fall at his sides. "There are no words and will never be the words to allow for Cassie to forgive me". He patted Caleb on the shoulder. "Go on son, I'll short it out, it'll be right by the morning, go get some rest" He paused turning back to the house. "Just take care of my daughter" He said before wandering back down the gravel path. |
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"Yes, sir." He said when John mentioned the incident. "Thank you, sir." He said, walking back to his room. He sighed, knowing Jaxon would watch him different but still feeling bad for him because he didn't know what was happening. Caleb didn't either, really. He wanted Cass but he also wanted Jaxon's forgiveness. |
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The next day came. Jaxon and Cass were already out working the ranch. Nowhere to be seen. Beau comes in with John into the barn, so she could pat all the remaining ponies in their stalls. |
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Caleb walked up to John and Beau, smiling at the little girl. "What would you like for me to do?" He asked in referance of the ranch duties. He really wanted to act like nothing had happened last night, but he couldn't stop thinking about Cass and Jaxon. "I'm sorry again for last night, sir. I truly didn't mean any harm." He said, trying his best to not look down |
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John picked up Beau, giggling as she flew into his arms. He looked at Caleb. "Oh don't worry about it. I made sure Jaxon doesn't mention it again" He pauses and then says with a light humour to his tone "I've told him to be nice..." He tickles Beau in his arms as she laughs. "Ummm well, there are a couple of fences that need fixing up on the southern perimeter. Turn your mare out today you won't need her. Just drive the truck down there, it's already loaded up with everything you need and then if you could come back up and muck the stalls out and get the barn clean and tidy, I would very much appreciate it" He said. |
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"Of course." Caleb said, nodding. He quickly fed Splash, turned her out with the other mares, and jumped into the truck to go fix the fence. Once he had finished that, he drove back half hoping he would see Cass before dinner. He walked into the barn, inhaling the calming smell of horses and hay. He mucked out the stalls and swept the aisle, along with cleaned all the bridles. He saw a couple of the guys coming back in time for dinner and followed them once he had finished with cleaning the now dirty saddles. He sighed as he went through the front door and took an open seat. He hoped Cass would forgive him. |
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John, Mal and Beau were present at dinner. But about half way through the evening a truck pulled up, the headlights shining through the window. Jaxon came in through the door first, followed by Cass. They sat down at the table, talking to the others like nothing had happened. Cass traded glances with Caleb and smiled softly at him. She turned her head fully and mouthed "Tomorrow" She smiled weakly again and then returned to the conversation with her Mal and a few of the others. |
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Afternoon Storms, then Clearing
