What if?

McGraw Ranch

The radio hummed country music as we traveled along the mountain highway. I studied the surrounding area as we drove. The road looked like a snake wrapping around the mountains like its prey. It was a truly stunning view. George drove with one hand on the wheel and his other arm out the window resting on the dark blue sill. His red flannel shirt made him look kind of like a lumberjack. His jeans were worn and stained from use. It wasn't like anything you see people wearing in New York. I suddenly felt out of place in my heels and designer clothes. I shifted uneasily in my seat and looked back out my window.

"Are you cold?" George asks me looking over at me.

I looked over at him, we lock eyes. His brown eyes look worryingly over at me. I give him a shy smile.

"I'm okay." I answer breaking the gaze and focus my attention back outside.

The sun starts to set and the sky turns into a bright explosion of reds and pinks.  The clouds absorb the colors and look like puffs of brightly colored cotton candy. My eyelids start to get heavy and I drift into a dreamless sleep.

~George~

I glanced over at Sam. Her dirty blond hair was falling out of her tightly bound ponytail. She looked peaceful sleeping in the passenger seat. She hadn't said much since I had picked her up from the airport. Mr. McGraw, my boss had said she was a family friend and that she would be staying with them for awhile. She looked very out of place with her manicured nails and the fancy matching clothes and shoes she wore. She wasn't like anyone from around here that was for sure. We turned onto the gravel drive way and she started to stir.

~Sam~

The sudden change of gravel from the smooth pavement of the highway awoke me. A huge timber arch greeted us as we drove down the gravel driveway. The giant oak arch was impressive to say the least. Across the top McGraw Ranch was carved in sprawling cursive. I looked over at George he looked tired. I took out my stupid flip phone and looked at the digital clock. We had been on the road for 2 hours! I felt sorry for falling asleep and making George drive all the way home with nobody to talk to. The gravel driveway bumped along and I tried to focus on where we were heading. The driveway curved up to a large white ranch house sitting upon a hill. Small lights illuminated the driveway to the house. The gravel road forked and headed toward more buildings. We continued to the large house. I was a beautiful two-story house with a wrap-around porch curled around the bottom story. It took my breath away! George pulled the truck up. He jumped out and opened my door for me. I gave him a warm smile. He grabbed my bags and we walked to the front door. A lady opened the door she wore a white tank top with a plaid shirt over the top her hair was shoulder length with natural curls. Her jeans where worn and had a few specks of white paint on them. She gave me a hug. A hug! It was so weird for me. Nobody I repeat NOBODY gaves each other hugs where i'm from unless you are family or very good but defiantly not strangers. I froze with my arms by my side and stiffened like a board. She stepped back.

"I'm so sorry Sweetheart, I didn't introduce myself I'm Amy McGraw but you can just call me Amy!" She said warmly.

" Hi, I'm Sam Hart" I said back.

"Well welcome to my home. I'm sorry my husband isn't home there was an emergency at the ranch next door but he will be back tomorrow"

George stood behind me.

"Good evening Mrs. McGraw" He said

"Oh George I didn't even see you there. I can take those bags from you and I send some leftovers from dinner to the bunkhouse with David." She said talking the bags with ease from George

" Thanks ma'am" He turned to me. "Good evening Miss, Hart" He said flashing his green eyes and walking back toward the truck.

I about melted but I turned back to Amy. She ushered me into the house. The entrance was warm and welcoming a staircase was along the back wall and a large eating area and kitchen could be seen in the other room. A little girl sprinted down the stairs. She paused at the bottom of the stairs and quickly darted behind Amy. Amy looked down at the little girl and pushed her gently out in front of her. She was a miniature version of Amy.

"Can you introduce yourself to our visitor?" Amy asked the little girl.

She looked up shyly with big blue eyes. "Hi I'm Elizabeth but everyone calls me Liz"

She was adorable. I knelt down and shook her hand. " Hi i'm Sam".

She Giggled, "That's a boy's name".

"That's not nice Liz" Amy said scolding her.

"Its fine" I said giggling myself.

"Liz you need to go to bed. Why don't we show Miss Hart her room and get rested up for tomorrow?" Amy said picking up my bag and heading for the stairs Liz followed obediently behind her.

I smiled and followed; maybe it wouldn't be so bad here.

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Thank you everyone for reading. I really appreciate it! If you have any suggestions please feel free to comment.

Have a great day everyone :)