Jason awoke with a start, heart racing and sweat beading on his forehead. His eyes flew open and he sat up. It took him a few moments to remember where he was. He wasn't on the trail all alone in the blazing sun at high noon, and the voices of his loved ones were not calling out to him. He was in the Harden's barn and it was morning.

"It was just a dream," Jason muttered to himself. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh. Such a dream could be rightfully called a nightmare. He shuddered as his mind replayed the agonizing screams, the pleas for help from Dixie and Pa. But no matter where he had went, he couldn't find them. Then Tavin and the twins called out to him as dust blew up in his face. His Ma whispered his name, and then it all went black. He willed the memory away, running his fingers through his hair.

"Lord, be with them," Jason prayed aloud, standing up and dusting the straw off. He knew he probably looked a wreck. His shirt, once a bright yellow, was almost light brown from all the grime and his pants weren't any better. He was in need of a good scrubbing, but that would have to wait until he talked to Charles. At least he'd brought a fresh change of clothes.

Shrugging off his dirty clothes, he grabbed his pants from where they sat folded on the crates. That's weird, he thought as he pulled them on. I don't remember foldin' them or puttin' them there. Did Dixie come and check on me while I was asleep?

The very thought warmed his heart to no ends.

After putting on his belt and securing his pistol in its holster, Jason tugged on his boots and put on his Stetson. He reached for his shirt, but paused when he heard a noise from behind. Looking back at the front entrance, he found Dixie standing there as red as a beet.

"I. . .J-Jason," Dixie stammered, at a loss for words seeing Jason without a shirt.

Jason grinned, tugging on the brim of his hat. "Good mornin'. Do excuse my absence of a shirt. Ya kinda caught me in the middle of dressin'."

When Dixie nodded mutely, Jason grabbed his shirt and slipped it on.

Dixie watched as he buttoned the light blue shirt up, the image of his muscular back burned into her mind. She was pretty sure nothing could ever remove that from her thoughts. Not that she was complaining.

After making quick work of tucking in his shirt, Jason walked over to where Dixie stood in the sunshine wearing a simple calico dress. "You look lovely as always."

"Why thank you, sir." Dixie gave a half bow, her cheeks pink.

"I apologise for the. . .unsightly scene you walked in to. If I had known you were comin'. . ."

Dixie shook her head, a pleasant smile on her face. "Think nothin' of it. It wasn't unsightly."

Jason raised his eyebrows with a handsome smirk. "Oh?"

Dixie turned around, her braid swinging along her shoulders. "I didn't come to tell you how good you look."

Jason chuckled. "Who would've guessed? Well, lil' missy, why did you come?"

"To tell you breakfast is ready," Dixie answered as she went out. "The others are waitin' on us."

Jason followed, catching up to her in a few strides. "What're we havin' for breakfast? I'm starvin'!"

"Food."

Jason shook his head with a small laugh. She never ceased to amaze him. "What kind of food?"

Dixie glanced over at him with such a mischievous look in her eyes Jason wondered if he should be scared. "The kind ya eat."

Jason made a scene of looking heavenward. "Lord, thank You from blessin' me with a woman that's got personality!"

Dixie placed a hand on her hip. "I've got more personality from where that came from."

Jason tipped his hat as they entered the house. "I'm sure you do, and I'm lookin' forward to it."

"Lookin' forward to what? These biscuits? I know I sure am!" Tavin asked, staring at the buttery biscuits with longing.

"You always look forward to food, Tae." Leroy chuckled while Jason and Dixie sat in their places.

"That he does," Jason agreed with a wide smile. "Sorry for makin y'all wait so long."

Charles gave a bright smile. "No harm done, son. Thought there for a while I'd have to send Tavin after the two of you."

"And Tavin was prayin' and fastin' that he wouldn't have to 'cause he was afraid of what he'd find!" Leroy added, laughter evident in his tone.

"Yeah right." Tavin rolled his eyes. "Like I was afraid to walk down there and find them standin' at the barn door gabbin'."

Jason nodded. "And that's exactly how you would've found us, too."

"I don't doubt that one bit," Annalyn chimed in.

"Me either," Charles agreed. "Now, Tavin, since you were in such a rush to eat, why don't you say the blessin'?"

Tavin bowed his head. "Lord, I thank You for this beautiful day. Bless this food, and my amazin' sister who fixed it. I don't see how she does it, but I thank You for blessin' her with that talent and then blessin' us with her. I ask that You keep Your hand of protection upon each of us today, and let Your will be done. Guide our steps so we always walk in Your ways. Thank You for the blessin's You have bestowed on us, and the miracles that are in the makin'. We can't thank You enough for all that You've done for us. Amen."

"Amen," the others said in agreement.

"Man, Tavin, maybe you should preach instead," Jason teased with a big grin as he heaped his plate full of the ham, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. "I believe the food done went plumb cold."

Tavin gave a playful scowl. "If the food's cold it's 'cause we had to wait on you so long."

Leroy grinned. "Naw, I think it's 'cause of your long-winded sermon."

Annalyn and Dixie shared a look, the same smile on their faces. They both knew the boys were some kind of crazy.

Charles lowered his eyebrows, a thoughtful look on his face as he stuffed jelly into his biscuit. "Tavin you could be a preacher. Y'know there's no church anymore since the preacher up and left."

"Yes Pa, I know that. I'm just not so sure I'm supposed to preach," Tavin admitted with a small shrug.

"But--" Dixie interjected tossing her head toward her brother-- "you do a mighty fine job here on Sundays."

Leroy grinned over at Tavin. "Sounds to me like you've got what it takes. If you ain't sure, all you gotta do is pray. God will let you know what to do."

Tavin nodded with a smile. He couldn't argue with that.

After most of the meal was devoured, Jason related the incident at his house that night, pausing halfway to comfort his sister.

Charles stroked his chin. "Hmm. How do you know his saddle was rigged?"

"Easy. There was some strong glue in the stirrup, and you could tell that the back cinch had been cut partway," Jason explained.

Charles nodded. "Gotcha. Any idea who done it?"

"Not a clue. I plan on goin' back home to investigate after I stop by Doctor Ross's to check on Pa."

"Wish I could come and help you, Jase, but I've got some business to attend to," Tavin said as he stood. "I'll try to ride over when I get done."

Jason gave a small nod. "I appreciate it."

"Pa, I wanna go with them. I'm sure his ma and Annalyn needs help around the house, and I'd be happy to do what I can. I've even made cookies for the boys," Dixie said as she returned from the kitchen with a small pack. She put her hand on Annalyn's shoulder and gave her a smile.

Charles leaned back against his chair. "By all means, go with them. Please tell Emily my prayers are with her and her family."

Dixie gave her father a hug and blew a kiss to Tavin before walking with Annalyn and Leroy to the door. "I will! See y'all later!"