Stay With Me

July 17

***Amie's POV***

I forgot how much I love riding. Once I was in the saddle, I forgot all of my troubles. I forgot about the baby, the walkers, everything. Carl, however, wasn't doing as well. After he fell of the third time, I pulled him up so he was sitting behind my saddle.

"When did you get so strong?"

"Swim team. I was one of the best. And I would throw hay bales at my barn. And recent events have enhanced my abilities. So I don't have any problems."

"I see. How long have you been riding? No one gets this good without riding for a long time."

"You're right. My birth parents gave me up just after I turned 1. I started riding when I was 7 months old. My mom grew up on a farm, so she rode. My adopted parents went to high school with them, so they were trusted. My parent had bad judgement. But my adopted parents let me do what I want, so I can't complain. I had a horse. I was gonna join high school rodeo."

"I see. Can I try this again? I need to at least be able to stay on."

"Yeah. Keep your heels down. Grip with your knees. Not hard, just enough to keep your balance. Good. Now take the reins. To turn, move your hand down a few inches and pull a little. Not a lot, just enough to create tension. Okay. That's what you need to know."

"Seriously? It's that easy? I fell off three times and you tell me what to do and I get it? I hate you."

"No you don't. You love me. And you know it."

"Yeah. Wanna race?"

"You aren't that good yet Sheriff."

"Okayyy. Fine."

"Don't whine. I'll DiNozzo slap you."

"Since when do you get to be Gibbs?"

"Since you have proved that you can't ride to save your ass."

"Touche. I'll be Gibbs eventually."

"Uh huh. When they find a cure for this."

"You are a pessimist. But I like it."

"I know you do. That's because I'm the center of your universe," I said as I circled him on my horse.

"Stalker."

"Trapping my prey. Can't let him get away. I need a snack."

"Naughty naughty Amie. You should know that I can escape easier than you think," he said as his head followed me.

"Try me."

Before I could react, he had spun the little Quarter Horse mare around and was heading for the other end of the pasture at a full gallop. I spurred my Arab into motion and soon caught them.

"I think I won," he said, grinning.

"Au contraire, my young fiance. I, the predator, caught you, my prey. Therefore, I won."

"Your reasoning is invalid."

"How so?"

"Because I said so."

"Whatever you say Sheriff." I leaned across the space between us and kissed him. We heard tires on gravel and saw the car Glenn and Maggie took to town.

"Race you?"

"Sure. I'm gonna beat you though."

"I don't think so Princess."