The night went by quickly as Caitlin and I waited for our time to leave for the ranch. We went to sleep early and got up early to make triple sure that we had everything we would need. Normally, I wouldn't be so worried about what clothes I brought;I mean, it was still all t-shirts, tank tops, and jean shorts; but I took more care in which ones I picked, and making sure that I had some cute tanks thrown in. It couldn't hurt...
Once we got all the bags rechecked, we hit the road with my dad. On the way, we stopped for some breakfast and munchies for the hour we'd be spending in the Stang. With music blasting, and wind blowing through the car, it went by fast, but by the time we got within 10-15 minutes of the property, I was basically half asleep.
My eyes brighten as I start to see familiar roadside stops. The "Donuts, Guns, & Roses" sign stands high as ever, right over the gazeebo we used to make the halfway point between the ranch and my house. The bumps from the train tracks shake the whole car as we roll over them. The rundown hog-shop sits on the corner of the highway, Harley's lined up along the front. The little, old, fire-engine-red barn lights the turn onto that old rocky-road. Half a mile down, a tall green sign reads "Kalispell Creek": the entrance to the ranch. I'm finally home...
We don't even wait to get our bags out of the trunk. Caitlin and I just leave them as we race up to the main house. As soon as our feet touch the rock covered gound, a little dog dashes around them in a black and white blur. It's Pal! My grandparents little ADHD fail of a hunting dog, but he's still just about the cutest thing you'd ever see. I scoop him up in my arms and walk into the house. My Memaw sits at the island counter in the middle of the kitchen reading the paper. She turns to see us. It's like someone just turned on a bunch of flourescent lights hidden beneath her skin as it brightens. We hug and proceed with introductions. Eventually we do have to go get our bags to put in the bedroom. We do so, and go back to exploring. Papa and Nicole are out, for lord knows how long, so we don't bother waiting. I take Cait back to meet the best parts of my family. We decide it's a good idea to take a ride before Allie and Cutter get here that afternoon, so nobody looks like a dumb, little greenhorn.
YOU ARE READING
You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like That
Non-FictionYou know that moment when you see someone for the first time, and all you can think about is "they're the one"? Well, that's how I felt at my aunt's wedding when I saw him walk in. This is the true story of the trials and tribulations that came alon...
