Whisper In The Wind

As she thought about this, she wondered if, one day, she would find this rhythm with Garrett. "If I don't, does it mean we are not meant to be together?"

By lunchtime, the barn stalls were half-finished. Piles of sawdust lay on the floor, the sweet smell of wood permeating the air. "Looking good," Caitlin said, running her hand over the new boards. At this rate she would be ready to open her ranch in spring. "Thanks again for your help," Caitlin said.

"No problem," Scott said looking her directly in the eyes. She smiled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hungry?" she asked.

"Starved."

Caitlin turned to head to the house to make sandwiches but curiosity stopped her. She glanced back at Scott. "How did you know I was repairing the barn?"

"Saw the lumber when I came asking for a job. I didn't know you were starting today, but I took a chance." He moved to the sink and washed up while Caitlin went to the house.

Inside the kitchen, Caitlin looked out and saw him sitting on the porch, one leg up and his arm resting on that leg. A contented look filled his face as he gazed out over the open field. Water droplets lingered on his forehead, and when he ran his long fingers through his short, brown hair it stuck up. There was something boyish in his mannerisms, yet sexy. "Don't go there, kiddo. Remember you are in love with Garrett." Something about this stranger kept her looking and wondering why he landed in Valley View. What had he meant at the party about needing to talk? Was today the right time to delve into it?

As they devoured turkey sandwiches and iced tea, Caitlin turned into interviewer mode. "Where are you from?"

"Texas."

"Any brothers or sisters?"

"No."

"How did you get that scar?"

He shook his head. "Nothing glamorous like a gang fight or protecting my one true love. I was seven or eight and trying my hand at skateboarding tricks. I fell and gashed my face on a piece of pipe lying in the road. The doctor told me I was lucky I didn't lose my eye."

Caitlin cringed and hurried to change the subject before she saw any more visions. "What brings you to Valley View?"

He shrugged and then gulped the rest of the tea. "Got on the bus and this is where I landed." He looked at the house as if taking measurements and photographs. A slow smile crept across his lips, as if imagining a family inside, but he quickly shook it off. "I heard around town your granddaddy was a business man and gentleman rancher. How is that possible?" He stretched his long legs out in front of him and clasped his hands behind his head.