“If you think it’s necessary, then let’s do it.” She said, determined to listen to his advice.
Garrett set up some targets, and they spent the afternoon, shooting at cans. Sabrina to her shock and surprise, found that she actually liked shooting the gun. She was even pretty good, hitting the targets more often than she missed.
She was beaming from ear to ear, when her last shot, knocked the can off the rock, Garrett had set it on. She’d increased her accuracy enough that he’d had to move the cans back three times already.
“I think you’ve just shown some real skill, I’ve got a little sharp shooter on my hands.” He said, taking the gun from her hands.
“That was a blast. I'm happy admit that I was wrong.” She said, taking his hand as they made their way back to the cabin.
“I was right about the shooting, now let’s see if I’m right about the rabbit.” He said, as they walked to the shack.
When they got back to the shack, Garrett took the rabbit meat and put it in a big cast iron pot, then seared it. While it was browning he went to the cabinet and came back with his arms full of cans. “My grandmother came up with recipe years ago when she was running the cattle with my grandfather.” He said.
Once the meat was browned, he added all the canned goods to the pot, a mix of vegetables and several cans of tomatoes. Then he added a packet of seasoning, stirred the whole thing for a few minutes, put the lid on the pot and moved it to the back of the stove.
“In a few hours this will be ready. You’ll be surprised how good it is.” He said, wiping his hands off on a towel. “You feel like taking a ride. We should go see if we’ll be able to use the crossing. The water is probably still too high, but we need to see what happened to that snarl. There’s always a chance that it moved farther downstream.”
“What if we can’t use the crossing?” She asked, following him out to the barn.
“We’ll have to find another way home.” He said, handing her Stormy’s saddle.
They had the horses saddled and were on their way before she spoke again. “Is there another trail?”
“There are actually several, I’ll just have to figure out which one is going to be best.”
They rode in silence, the small streams and puddles had dried up, but as they approached the streams, she could still hear the water rushing. The first of the steams was no problem to cross, but as they approached the second, it was clear that the debris and the tree were still firmly in place. They rode up and down the stream but there was no other safe place to cross on either side.
“Well, that’s out. Looks like we’re going to have to go home the long way.” Garrett said, once they were back across the water. “I need to check the traps on the way back, you okay with that?”
“Yeah, we’ve got to eat, and that stew didn’t look too bad.” She said. “But I’m still not doing anything but cooking and eating it.”
They stopped at each trap, Garrett pleased to find that each had a fat rabbit in it. By the time they got back to the cabin, they had enough rabbits to eat for several days. Sabrina was glad because the cabinets were getting a little bare. Garrett cleaned the rabbits while she went inside to check on the stew and the fire.
They’d need to restock the wood pile on the porch soon, it was getting low and the temperature was already starting to drop. After she added more wood to the fire, she lifted the lid off the pot of stew and a delicious smell came wafting up. She stirred it, then took a little taste, she had to admit that it was delicious.
Garrett came in just as she was putting the lid back on. “Let’s brown these and add them in, should make enough stew for tonight and tomorrow. Think you can manage that?”
“I just tasted it and I think it’s great. Your grandmother was a genius. What was in that packet?” She asked, getting a skillet out of the cabinet and setting it on the stove.
He handed her the rabbit pieces, which she browned and threw into the pot. “That’s a family secret.” He said, tasting the stew. Satisfied, he sat down on the bed and took his shoes off, then laid down on the bed, releasing a big sigh.
It had already been a busy day, so Sabrina joined him on the bed, snuggled up and put her head on his chest. “So, I’m assuming that the trip out of here isn’t going to be a cup of tea.” She said.
“No, it’s going to be a pain in the butt. We’re going to have to go over that ridge to the south, then drop down into the valley. It’s going to take a few extra days.” He said, rubbing her back.
“We’re going to need food. There’s not much left in the cabinet. I can make some biscuits to take along, that would help.”
“We can trap and fish along the way, but we’re going to have to climb in elevation the first few days, so I’m thinking we should hit the lake tomorrow and catch as many fish as possible. We can smoke them and they’ll be good for days.”
“There are still some berries, I could do something with them too.” She was warming to the idea of foraging for food.
“I reset the traps too, so there might be more rabbits. We’ll get up early tomorrow and go fishing, then see what else we can come up with. It’s going to be cold in the morning, we should see what else might be in the barn. We usually keep a few coats around, we're going to need them.”
“Okay sounds like a plan.” She said, closing her eyes for a second.
When she woke, Garrett was snoring softly beside her. He must have been just as exhausted as she was. It had been a long few days, and there were more difficult one’s to come. She knew that they didn’t have a tent, but she’d seen tarps in the barn and they could rig something up with that. But if they were going higher, the nights would be very cold.
She slipped out of bed and covered him with a blanket, added more wood to the stove, then stirred the stew. Her mouth watered at the smell, but she’d wait for Garrett to eat, this might be a perfect time to try making some biscuits. She had everything she needed, except eggs, but she could still come up with something edible.
By the time Garrett woke up she’d managed to make a decent biscuit, they were a little dry, but with addition of some canned milk, they were edible. She’d be able to make enough with the supplies she had in the kitchen to last for several days. She’d even found a jar of peanut butter way back on one of the shelves.
Garrett awoke to the smell of fresh biscuits, taking a sniff of the air, he smelled the rabbit stew as well. Stomach growling he sat up, amazed that he had slept for so long. Sabrina was just pulling a tray of biscuits from the oven on the stove. She looked beautiful in the firelight and his breath caught in his throat for a second.
It was hard to believe that only a few weeks ago, she’d been his number one enemy, now he couldn’t imagine life without her. “Hey beautiful. Do I smell biscuits?” He asked, sitting up and putting his boots back on.
“Yep, I’ve managed to come up with something we can eat. They’re a little dry, but I can make us enough for days.” She said, triumphantly.
“Good those will come in handy on the way home. I’m starving, let’s eat.” He said, going to the kitchen and bringing out bowls and spoons.
They both polished off two bowls of stew and a couple of biscuits, then finished off the raspberry desert she’d made. Both satisfied by the meal, they had a cup of coffee, then curled up on the bed.
“We still need to get some things done tonight, but I’m so full I can’t move.” Garrett said, pulling Sabrina into his arms.
“I have to admit that I’ve become a fan of rabbit.”
“And dry biscuits.” He said.
She slapped him, then got out of the bed to clean up the mess she’d made cooking. “I’m going to put some water on to boil, then fill up the wood pile.” She said, taking their dirty dishes and the lantern to the kitchen.
Garrett reluctantly got out of bed, “I’ll see to the horses and get the fishing gear ready. Then I’m taking you to bed, we won’t have one for a while.” He said, coming up behind her where she was
pumping water into a kettle.
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of his neck. Shivers went down her spine, as Garrett rubbed himself against her butt, his erection obvious. She turned in his arms and kissed him, desire building in her loins. His hands found her breasts and even through the heavy shirt she wore, her nipples stiffened at his touch.
They broke the kiss, breathing heavily, then laughed. “You had better get out of here, if we’re going to get anything done.” She said, turning back to the pump.
“I’m just putting that on hold until later. He said, reaching between her legs and rubbing her through her pants.
She sucked in her breath and said. “Promise.”
“Definitely.” He said, kissing her once more before she left.
They finished their chores as quickly as they could, anxious to be in each other’s arms. They spent the rest of the night, feasting on each other’s bodies, then fell asleep exhausted but satisfied. As she fell asleep, she marveled at how much her life had changed.
Only a few short weeks ago, Garrett had been a huge thorn in her side, but now he was an essential part of her life. She had no idea what the future might bring but she’d enjoy the time they had together now.
Chapter 9
They were up and out of the shack by dawn the next morning, the fishing would be best early in the day, and they were hoping for a big haul. The fish would represent most of their food for the next few days, along with the biscuits she’d made.
When they arrived at the lake, Garrett was pleased to see the fish jumping, he explained that he had the lake stocked each spring. It gave them an available source of food when they were out with the cows, eating out of a can could get old after a while.
By the end of the morning, they had a huge haul of fish, most weren’t huge but once smoked they would last for at least three days. Garrett had pointed out the route they would be taking over the ridge and Sabrina was glad they’d have some food with them. The trail, was mostly above the tree line, they’d be spending at least one night out in the open.
They got back to the cabin just in time to have some of the rabbit stew for lunch, then Garrett showed her how to smoke the fish. The rest of the afternoon they scavenged for fresh greens in the meadow and picked the rest of the berries. By the end of the day, they had a good supply of food ready for the trip, and just enough stew left for dinner. Sabrina took several of the biscuits and filled them with peanut butter for the next day.
They collapsed into bed, as ready as they would ever be for the trip down the mountain. It would be hard, but they were both rested and well fed.
*****
Sabrina had been right, the trip across the ridge was a cold and grueling experience, the nights had been the worst. With no tent, Garrett had put up a lean to with a tarp, but it did little to protect them from the cold. It had taken far longer than either would have liked to get back to the tree line. The trail was still very muddy, and they had to move slowly.
When they finally descended into the forest again, Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief, the temperature was already warmer. They found a little cave to spend the night in, and with the fire, she was finally warm again.
“You did great up there, for a flat lander.” Garret said that night when they were tucked into the sleeping bags, the fire keeping them warm and cozy.
“I’d like to say it was fun, but next time I go above the tree line, it better be the middle of summer.” She said, tucking her hands into the sleeping bag.
“That’s a deal.” He said.
They drifted off to sleep to the sound of the night and the fire crackling. Sabrina slept soundly and they were on their way early the next morning, they were basically back where they started a good three days from the ranch. The rest of the roundup should have reached the ranch today, even with a day off for the weather.
Garrett had a satellite phone, but it only had enough charge left for one call and he wanted to wait until they were closer before using it. Sabrina was sure that everyone had made it home fine, Joe would have taken over for Garrett and he was highly capable.
They made good time, the trail getting better the lower down they got, Garrett wasn’t sure he wanted their time together to end. Once they got back to the ranch, they would be back in the real world and Sabrina would have to go back to the city.
He had to find a way to make this work, but he wasn’t sure if she’d be willing to give up the life she’d built, for him. He knew he’d never leave the ranch, but maybe she’d move closer to him. Money certainly wasn’t a problem, he had plenty of that and he’d use it to keep Sabrina in his life if he had too.
On the last night, they stumbled onto a little cabin, it was unlocked and they happily brought their meager belongings inside. There was no furniture, but there was a fireplace. Sabrina was happy to have a roof over her head, the nights had been chilly and she was tired of being cold. Knowing that it was their last night alone together neither wanted it to end.
Garrett decided it was a good time to explore Sabrina’s plans for the future. “So, tell me about your dreams. If money wasn’t a problem, what would you do with your life?” He asked, probing.
“Well, when I was younger I would have said, write a book. But now, I have dreams of opening a school, one that would give those kids that have been overlooked a place to learn and grow. I’ve been volunteering in the low income schools in the city and there’s so much potential, but no money to develop it.”
“Wow that’s a big dream.” He said, a new level of respect forming in his heart. “You never cease to amaze me. Tell me more.”
They talked about her dreams for the school and other hopes they had for life, talking like they never had before. The time they’d enjoyed alone was almost over and each wanted to cement their connection before the world intruded. They made gentle love as the fire burned to ashes, then fell asleep, content.
They arrived at the ranch the next afternoon, exhausted, hungry and filthy. They had been wearing the same clothes for nearly a week and Sabrina had every intention of throwing them away. The family was still at the ranch, no one leaving until they were safely home, but they had sent the kids home as planned, since there was no reason for them to stay.
Daphne was the first one to the barn, the girls and Scott hot on her heels. She threw her arms around them and exclaimed. “I was so worried....” but then noticing the kids, she said instead. “How was the trip? You look exhausted and dirty. Let’s get you back to the house.”
Marie raced into Sabrina’s arms as soon as Daphne was out of the way, she immediately started chattering about all that they’d done on the way home, apparently unaware that Sabrina had been in any jeopardy. She sent a look to Daphne, thanking her silently for taking care of Marie.
Scott, much too old to embrace his father, instead slapped him on the back and asked what they’d been eating. Garrett wrapped his arm around his son, while Sabrina took Marie’s hand as they headed to the cabin. Once inside, Daphne sent them both to the showers with orders not to come back until they were clean.
Marie followed Sabrina, keeping up a steady stream of chatter, it felt good to be home. She stopped in her tracks, just outside the bathroom, when had she started thinking of the ranch as home. She stripped of her filthy clothes and started to throw them into the trash, but at the last second she stopped. They were probably ruined, but they were a reminder of the time she’d shared with Garrett.
She had no idea what the future would bring, but she would always have wonderful memories of the time they’d spent together. Keeping the clothes would be one way to remember their time together if things couldn’t be worked out in the real world. She showered off all the dirt and grime, hoping that she wasn’t washing away what they had shared.
They were the center of attention at dinner, everyone eager to hear about their adventure. Marie never left Sabrina’s side and was happy to be put to bed in her room that night, she’d been staying with Daphne, but want
ed to be with her mother that night. After she’d fallen asleep, Sabrina went to the porch, sure she’d find Garrett there.
She went into his arms the minute he opened them to her. There were still people up and about, but since they’d just spent a week in the wilderness together, she didn’t think anyone would be shocked. Sabrina had a hundred questions swirling around in her mind, but didn’t know which one to ask first.
“Feels good to be home, I bet.” She finally said.
“Yeah, but now you and I have to deal with the real world.” He said, tipping her chin up and kissing her.
“But not until tomorrow, tonight let’s just look at the stars and be happy that we’re home.”
He liked the fact that she called the ranch home, it was a good sign. “Tomorrow then. When will you leave?” He asked, needing to know how much longer they had together.
“Not for a few days, the school agreed that I should take a couple of days to recover. I don’t think I need it, but....” She trailed off.
“I know.” He said, pulling her close.
The next morning she slept late, more exhausted than she thought, Marie slept on beside her as well. When she finally made it downstairs, Daphne and the girls were the only ones in the kitchen. The girls had school books spread out in front of them, obviously studying.
“School time.” Daphne said, gesturing to the girls.
“I didn’t know you homeschooled them.”
“Yeah, it’s easier and the school here isn’t that great. That’s why Scott doesn’t go to school here either.”
“I always wondered, but never asked. Will you send the girls away too?” She asked, getting Marie some cereal and herself some coffee.
“I don’t know, we haven’t decided. I still want to have another baby, one more try for a boy, it’s nice to have them home and they get plenty of time with other kids because of the ranch.
“Garrett told me that you do these trips with groups of kids a lot.”
“Yeah, the ranch gives us a pretty good living, but the extra money it generates helps. Plus it gives us a chance to educate people about the mountains and why we have to protect them.”
You Complete Me: A BWWM Single Parent Older Couple Romance (Brothers From Money Book 1) Page 9
