The Road Home

Part 4

"I said, I wanna touch the earth, I wanna break it in my hands. I wanna grow something wild and unruly, I wanna sleep on the hard ground in the comfort of your arms, on a pillow of blue bonnets with a blanket made of stars..."  -Dixie Chicks, Cowboy Take me Away

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  With in seconds Logan has caught up with the person and has them gripped by the collar and on the ground.  Apparently having heard the commotion Owen comes out looking around.  Seeing Logan behind the chicken coop.  We glance at each other before jogging over to where Logan is holding down a man.   I come to an abrupt stop when I see who it is.  Owen seems to realize to and tenses, stepping partially in front of me.  "What the hell are you doing here Daniel?" He snaps.  I stand perfectly still refusing to take my eyes off of Daniel, scared he might try something.  Daniel starts jerking around beneath Logan trying to get free. Logan just yanks him up holding his arms behind his back so he can't pull away.  "Did you not hear me!? Why the hell do you think you are allowed here?" Owen says, growing more and more agitated.   I finally step forward and stand next to him.  

"Her we both know why I'm here, my friend. She owes me something. She knows what I'm talking about." Daniel stares pointedly at me, with an evil smirk.  I flinch back, remembering the time he's talking about.  I had gotten caught out on a run in the rain last year, when he pulled up next to me.  I recognized him because, at the time, he was one of Owens friends and seemed fairly nice.  It was okay until we where pulling in the driveway, when he stopped.  Turning to me had said, "Now I brought you back, I need payment." I hoped I was wrong with what he was insinuating, I had  started reaching into my phone case, where I kept a few dollars.  He shook his head while reaching to try and grab my phone.  He started try to reach up my shirt when I'd seen Owens truck turning down the driveway, coming towards us.  I tried to jerk away and get out of the car I started yelling.  Owen had slammed on the breaks jumping out of the door and running to the car, where Daniel was trying to hold me down, and get his 'payment'.  I managed to hit him in the face, while I was struggling, hurting him long enough to open the door and fall out.  Owen had ripped open the door and was hitting Daniel.  I managed to pull him away and get his attention.  Daniel had gone to the cops afterwards trying to file an assault charge but failed on grounds of self defense, as I too had managed to injure him.  

Logan spoke bringing me out of my thoughts.  " I don't know what's goin' on here but you clearly aren't wanted here, and thus are trasspassing.  Have fun adding that to what ever other charges you may have." Then he proceeded to drag Daniel the rest of the way to the driveway and off the property.  Daniel then ran off the grounds looking terrified.  "Hey, you okay?" Logan questioned turning to me.  I nodded leaning into Owen as he pulled me into a hug.

Sighing I said, "Ye- Yeah I'm okay.  He's not even supposed to be in town anymore, his family moved and he did too.  Thank you, for taking care of him."  He smiled shrugging, before turning and walking back towards the barn.

XxXxXxXxXxX 4 months later XxXxXxXxXxXx (sorry for such big time skip It works better into my plans)

Groaning as my alarm went off, I rolled out of bed and got up.  Looking around my room, and realize just how much it's changed these last couple years. 

before (above)

present (above)

I walk to my computer and pull out a few files.  Glancing through I see that the Gerhos are due to pick up Moose, their large clydesdale cross who needed trailer training.  As I put my files away, I look up at the white board on my wall and see the pictures of Ethan and Jared.  Sighing I ask, "Why did you guys leave me?  It may have been in Gods plan but it wasn't in mine. I still needed you." Walking to my dresser I quickly change into a loose flannel over my tank top and throw on a pair of jeans.  I run a quick brush through my hair and go down stairs.  Since Logan refuses pay, saying he just wanted a job to help; and to keep busy, he decided he'd come for meals and except that as payment instead.  But, when I get down into the kitchen I see that Owen and he, have already made food and have it sitting on the table.  As I sit we all say a quick prayer of thanks.  Logan, Owen and I have started going to a small church group almost every Sunday.  I feel as if I am back to where I should be with God, even if I can't understand why it happened, I finally realized if it hadn't maybe, I would have been the one to die.  Or maybe I would have never gotten to where I am today with the ranch.  The Road Home for Horses is much easier to run with the extra help.  We have been able to have more time to relax.  However this month is the last that we are operating as a training facility.  Through a lot of discussion and praying; we decided operating as a rescue for horses who need somewhere safe, or just somewhere to go, can be here.  "Thanks for breakfast you guys. It's actually pretty good." I comment smirking at their scowls.  After these four months, we have all become pretty good friends, and Logan has opened up more about his life and what not.  After twenty or so minutes we have all finished and put our dishes in the sink.  I feel a hand on my shoulder, turning I see Logan watching me.

"Hey, you doin' okay?" He asks, "You didn't say much at the table."

"Oh, yeah I'm good. Just thinking about my brothers, and what the reasoning behind them being killed was." I say quietly glancing up at him and smiling. "Thanks though." He grins back before turning and walking out to where Owen's standing at the barn door.  Smiling to myself, thankful that we all get along; and that he knows what kind of things to do, unlike that Alyn girl.  I walk outside and follow after them.

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Dedicated to @iamtheladyinblack12 for the amazing new cover  THANK YOU SO MUCH