Crescent Acres (Steve Rogers AU)

14

Steve

The next few days pass by in its usual busy blur, so much that I didn't even have time to answer Sharon's call yesterday. Instead I quickly shot her a message that I'd call once I was done for the evening, but instead tiredness overcame me and I ended up passing out as soon as I laid down on the bed.

Needless to say I woke up to a couple more missed calls and some texts asking whether I was ok.

Fell asleep, long day - call you tonight x I quickly send the message to her and then once more the day begins.

You wouldn't be able to tell at this time though. The sounds of the birds and the river nearby make for the ambient setting that every holidaymaker would like to wake up to. The sun is already up and its light is already reflecting off the water and illuminating the morning dew that's settled upon some of the petals on flowers that are either growing in their dozens on the ground, or those made up by mom that sit in baskets or pots on the porches of the guest cabins.

I like the sound of the river the most. It was there when I needed it. When I wanted a place to go to reflect upon everything.

I still do of course, but not as much.

There's a familiar figure ahead of me and now I smile to myself a little, calling out to her. "Still not got that hat right have we?"

Darby turns and gives a small laugh. I've noticed her nose scrunches up a little when she does. It's kinda cute. "That all you gonna do? Keep scolding me about not getting the angle of my hat right".

"There's a way to wear it Darbs, and we don't do things by halves here - you know that". I tease and set it right once more.

I haven't seen her in a few days as things have been hectic, but that's not to say that I haven't been looking out for her. "So what are your boss man plans for today?" She asks.

"I'm gonna pretend you didn't just say that - and stuck in the office. What about you?"

She shrugs. "I actually don't know. Last couple of days have been jam packed, so I thought I might just take it easy. Maybe go hike on one of the trails this afternoon if I feel like it".

I think to myself for a moment. Screw paperwork, I need to make the most of spending time with Darby while she's here. "You fancy joining me for a ride later? A slow one if you're still not feeling confident on the horse".

"Okay", she smiles."After lunch? If you have stuff to wrap up first?"

"How about I rustle up something that we can take with us? It's a nice day and I know a lot of the spots that guests don't".

"I'd like that, do you want me to bring anything?"

"Yourself. Meet you outside the lodge at noon? There's an area that's not too far for us to trek, I'll have the horses ready".

She nods. "I'll see you then, can't promise that I still won't fall off my horse though".

I grin. "Just as well that I'll be there to catch you if you do".

**

"How are your parents?" I ask as Darby and I trot along one of the trails away from the ranch a few hours later.

"Divorced". She confirms. "They can't even be in the same room as one another now so you can imagine how they were at my wedding. It was awkward as hell".

I wince, "Sorry...how long they been apart for?"

"A year after we came here. Things weren't great even while we were here last, but they always tried to hide it from me". She looks around, admiring the view that surrounds us. "Can't hide the screaming at one another though. Came home from school one day and dad was gone..."

"I'm sorry Darbs..." I remember her dad, he was always pretty friendly and often spoke to mine. Her mom was more particular about things though, so it comes as no surprise that behind closed doors, things weren't rosy.

She says nothing for a short while as we ride along, but then breaks the silence. "We had planned to come back..." her voice is quiet.

"What?" I ask.

"After we got home from here, we had planned to come back the next year, but instead that money ended up going on divorce attorneys. I've always hated them for it. Tearing the family apart instead of bringing us together to try and work on it. Being here could have helped".

I glance across at her. "But if you had come back, it may not have been as happy as you remember it. Especially if they were fighting. You really want your memories of this place to be of your parents arguing? Because I wouldn't".

She nods. "I know, but it's hard not to feel some resentment about it all. I could've been back sooner, we could've had another summer - even endless summers here if they'd have just stayed together. Then life happened, grown up shit we all have to deal with and I told myself my own marriage wouldn't end up like theirs..." She now laughs. "And look what happened!"

And people wonder why I've been avoiding the subject. This is just another factor as well as the fact I've been thinking through everything for the last couple of months. Re-evaluating my own life and relationship. Marriage won't be happening, I've fully decided that.

"Anyway...the proposition for the barn? You're against your mom and Sharon's idea for it?" The conversation reverts to me.

"It's not that I'm against it..." I start.

Her looks she throws at me tells me that she calls bullshit. Darby Reeve could always read me so well, and apparently still can.

"So what is it really?" She asks, however I can't exactly admit to her that I feel that things have run their course with Sharon. Well I could, but I'm worried she'd think I'm a total asshole.

"I guess it's just a big gamble..."

You're an idiot, and she's not gonna believe that excuse for a second. You could've made it sound a little more convincing.

Darby tugs the reins and her horse comes to a stop, now looking at me like I really am an idiot. "People come here for their honeymoon right?"She now asks.

"Yeah?"

"So why not let them get married here? This kind of backdrop with the mountains? It would look so beautiful in the pictures. The river, even Vormir Point! You could even have a honeymoon cabin or a bridal suite in the lodge? Ok you would have to look at stuff with regards to other guests staying at that time and stuff, but it's not like you can't do it. Hotels can, so why can't the ranch?"

How is it that this woman can convince me whereas everybody else can't? From the way she explained it instead of just shoving it down my throat? The more I think on it, the more I feel that maybe it would be a good idea. Sure we'd need licences, but we could make it happen.

I chuckle and shake my head in disbelief. "You know what? I think you just convinced me".

She looks surprised. "Really?"

I look at her seriously. "Really...you said you had ideas for the barn? I still want to see and hear them by the way".

"I could show you them when we get back? If you don't have to go on a hayride or anything?"

"I have one tonight, but how about we have dinner at my place one evening? I'll have to check my agenda, but at least then we'll be able to talk without Rocket yelling over us".

Darby agrees. "That would be nice...you're really on board with this?"

"If I wasn't then I'd tell it to you straight".

"Everything? Because I know that something is eating away at you".

Ha, I wish.

I coax both the horses to start walking again and keep on looking straight ahead at the trail that is canopied by the trees, providing us with the comfortable shade we need for a hot day like this.

"That's a conversation best saved for another day".