Whisper In The Wind

Back at her apartment, a stack of mail awaited her. She thumbed through it and stopped upon seeing a letter from Garrett. She ripped it open.

Dear Caitlin, You were right when you said the past months have been difficult, in more ways than we can count. As I listen to the radio, each song reminds me of you. Without you in my life, the days are endless and the nights are even longer. It's easy to remember your childhood days, because we spent many of those days together. You have grown into a beautiful and strong woman. Please don't forget the way home so we can share a lifetime of memories. You changed my world; a world that seems right when you're beside me. Though you haven't been gone long, it seems a lifetime. Please let me know that you think about me. I miss you, Caitlin, and need you in my life. I want you in my life. Yes, I hurt you, but please forgive me. You will have space and time to heal. Remember, I am here for you. Please learn to trust me again. Please come home. Love, Garrett. The tears continued to fall as Caitlin folded his letter and put it in the trunk. "I belong at the ranch, especially now that I have family. It's my life. It's what I was born to do. How do I do it?"

Without another thought, she got in her car and drove home wondering if it was as simple as speaking the words. Garrett's words replayed in her mind like a favorite song, and she prayed they would trust in each other and not worry about the future.

Seeing the ranch brought bittersweet emotions to the forefront. Despite knowing the place would thrive again, it pained her to not see the house. Yet, somehow, through the destruction, she found light and a new-found peace that all would be fine; better than before. "No matter where you go, the Double C calls you back," a voice whispered. "Garrett. He knows me better than I know myself."

Youthful days moved to the forefront as she roamed the ranch. A carefree, lighthearted world with no worries was what she once had. "I made each day fun never worrying about tomorrow. How do I reclaim the innocence and live again? Grandma Emmaline never worried, not even when she was sick. She found the positive in every situation and ran with it."

Her thoughts carried her back to where the house once stood. "So I lost my house, but we will rebuild a larger, more modern house." Then her positive thoughts turned dismal. "If Scott can't handle whoever it is who wants my land, what happens to me and this ranch? Am I walking into a trap?" Her mind flashed back to the conversation with Mrs. Carrington. For many years the woman stayed on the sidelines to protect Caitlin. What if his man who wanted the ranch knew the truth about the family? Would he use it to make her sell the ranch?"