Three

They were sitting on chairs in the backyard chatting Mackayla watching as Brenda sat and pulled the grass out. She felt her body stir and caught a whiff of the same scent as earlier and saw a pair of black snake-skinned cowboy boots enter her line of view, slowly looked up sighing as her gaze took in the long lean legs and nice

hips, encased in blue washed out denim shorts, a washboard stomach, broad chest and

muscular arms and shoulders and a pair of green eyes with small silver specks.

She felt a strange pull in her abdomen and a soft smile curved full lips as Blake offered her a bottle of soda. "I think we got off on the wrong foot this afternoon I apologize. My only excuse is I have been having a difficult weekend but that's really no

excuse. May I join you?" She nodded and heard a few soft sighs one her own as Blake lowered his long frame into a folding chair next to Mackayla.

After a little bit William came out to start the grill, he smiled at Mackayla as he passed her, then he walked over to Leon and then they talked. Brenda stood and Mackayla noticed she had pulled off her shoes, she walked to where Blake sat and he

picked her up and set her on his lap, Mackayla gaped. "What is this her first time walking?"

"No she's not usual so open with strangers." Blake chuckled deeply, which immediately started Mackayla’s inside turning, and her mind startled. She shook her head to clear it still a little confused but amazed at her reaction wondering. After they

ate Leon went to the truck to get his guitar while William and Blake got a fire going Leon

started to play and they all sang.After an hour or so Brenda walked over to Mackayla crawled up on her lap and started to nuzzle her chest. "Molly is there a room where I can take care of Brenda

really quick."

"Of course, follow me." She and Mackayla walked into the house and up a flight of stairs into a bedroom where Molly asked if there was anything she could do to help.

"No that's okay. I'll be out in about a half an hour."

"Okay take your time no hurry." Molly walked out of the room and closed the door Mackayla settled Brenda on the bed and changed her diaper and put her into her jammies. She lay down next to Brenda slipped her shirt off and unsnapped her bra and for the next 25 minutes nursed Brenda till the baby started to drowse and then she

stood up and redid her bra.

As she was pulling her shirt on she heard William "is everything okay" as the door opened then shut again quickly.

"Yeah was just taking care of Brenda. I'll be right out." She picked up the baby who was now asleep and opened the door William was

just starting down the stairs a soft blush on his cheek.

"Sorry I did not mean to barge in on you. I didn't realize you still did that."

"I had my bra on so you really didn't see anything did you (he shook his head with a sigh of relief) see no worries" she said with a little laugh and a smile.

"I saw you and Molly leave then Molly came back out and you were still inside a bit later so I wanted to make sure everything was okay. I hope you don't think I amparanoid the last woman left unattended took off with over a thousand dollars of my

stuff."

"No of course not, sorry to hear that. You have a beautiful home." They walked back out she sat down in her chair again next to Blake who offered her a smile Mackayla smiled back. Morganna was sitting on her daddy’s lap with her head on his

shoulder she smiled at Mackayla as her eyes drifted closed.

Monday morning dawned chilly to everyone but Mackayla and Brenda and rainy Aerina was up getting ready for school. Leon was preparing eggs as Mackayla and Brenda walked into the kitchen, Sasha was sitting in a chair she smiled at Mackayla "good morning dear can I get you something to drink?"

"Some milk would be nice but I can get it."

"No just sit and relax."

"It don't pay to argue with her Mackayla." Leon said with a soft smile at Sasha who laughed and lightly punched him in the arm. Mackayla put Brenda in her chair and then sat down Leon poured some cheerio's and set them in front of Brenda "how many eggs would you like? And bacon or sausage?"

"Two eggs and two slices of bacon please."

"Okay" Le said as Sasha set a glass of milk in front of Mackayla and a Sippy cupin front of Brenda, Aerina walked in they ate and then Leon walked Aerina to school.

The two cats came out of the rooms met in the hall with hisses but Dustina just turned and walked back into Aerina's room. Siammy came out into the kitchen with a soft mewl. "Ohh I still can't believe how cute she is" said Sasha Mackayla nodded.

She helped Sasha clear the table and do the dishes.

Leon came back, he was followed by Matthew who smiled at Mackayla she smiled back "hello." So, what's on the agenda for today?"

"I think I need to get a crib for Brenda."

"Okay we can go to the store and see what they have." Leon lifted Brenda out of her chair set her down on the floor she bopped as she followed her mom to the room. Leon heard the music coming out of the room and laughed as his grand-niece kept perfect time to the beat. He followed them into the room and said, "I think she's going to

be a dancer like her mommy."

"Probably even though I haven't done any real dancing in a while." Leon shook his head. "I gotta make a few calls first."

"All right I'll let you do what you need to" he said as he walked out and closed the door. He wondered again why Mackayla had stopped dancing she had always loved it and been very good at it. As he walked away he heard the water start running in the adjoining bathroom. About 45 minutes later Mackayla and Brenda walked out Brenda wearing a red jump suit and Mackayla in a soft blue dress "okay we are ready to go."

As they stood up Sasha leaned to place a soft kiss on Leon's lips "I gotta go get ready for work anyway. I'll see you later."

Leon took Brenda from Mack and offered his elbow to his niece they walked out to the truck Matthew closed and locked the door. Then he tossed the keys to Mackayla "Leon wanted me to give these to you."

"Thanks."

"Want the front or the back?" he asked as Leon buckled the baby into her car seat.

"I'll sit in back" she replied as Matthew offered to help her into the truck she accepted stiffening slightly as he placed his hand on her back to boost her. Then he shut the door and climbed into the passenger seat.

Leon turned on the radio and pushed a few buttons Brenda immediately started dancing in her seat and singing having become more comfortable with her new station in life he chuckled under his breath and smiled. "Well it's good to see someone enjoying herself already this morning."

"Yeah she's my morning sunshine no matter what the weather is like."

Matthew laughed and a few minutes they pulled out on the interstate. After a 20 minute ride they pulled into the parking lot they walked around. Leon grabbed a doll house, a new bike and a few other things for Aerina's birthday then they

checked out the cribs for Brenda. Mackayla chose a red cherry oak model then picked out a few things for her cousin's birthday also.

She went over to the electronics and was looking at some things when a deep voice behind her drawled "howdy pretty ladies out doing some shopping?" She turned to see Carson lazy standing behind her his hip propped on the kiosk beside him.

Mackayla smiled and Brenda squealed "Car" with delight then she noticed "Bake" she cried out her lips breaking into a goofy grin and she started blowing raspberries.

Mackayla laughed at her daughter's exclamation as Leon and Matthew walked around the aisle "howdy gents."

"Howdy Leon I recognized your truck parked outside. Hello Matthew" Blake's voice was laced with disdained dislike.

"How things going at the ranch?"

"Better."

Mackayla shrugged "I am gonna go look at some clothes while you gentleman chat." As her she walked away the song "Love of a Lifetime" came over the loud speakers her eyes misted a bit and she was glad she was facing away from the men.

She quickly smiled though as not to upset her daughter.

She picked out a few summer dresses and jumpers for Brenda. Then she went to see if she could find anything for Aerina, but figured that would be for naught laughing softly. A few minutes later Matthew came up and asked if she was ready to go she replied she was and they met Leon at the checkout. He placed the things on the belt and started to reach for the slip that held the info

for the crib. "I got this Uncle" he relented after a few minutes of a killing look from Mackayla "we agreed" she said. A warm shiver ran up her spine as she heard a husky chuckle behind her she turned to see Blake behind her.

As they loaded the truck and the stock boy came out with the box that held the crib Leon asked "what would you like to do for lunch?"

"Peia" Brenda shouted and Mackayla nodded as she walked to the front of the truck she noticed the red pick-up from yesterday parked beside them. Blake stood next to her door and Carson was casually sitting in the driver's seat again both men had their sun-glasses on even though it wasn't sunny at all.

"You in front or back?"

"Back" and Blake opened the door and helped her in she noticed that he held Brenda effortlessly and that her body hadn't stiffened at all at his touch. "Are you coming to lunch with us?" Mackayla asked before she really had a chance to think.

"Love to unfortunately we gotta get back to the ranch we only had a little time to spare but maybe we will see you soon" Blake replied as he walked around the truck to place Brenda in her seat and buckle her in. Mackayla blushed and shook her head at her openness even though her minded cried out in protest. She was extremely confused by her feelings Blake seemed a little too much like her ex and he obviously didn't like her.

Friday afternoon Mackayla took Daniella, Aerina, and Brenda out shopping and a birthday dinner at Aerina's favorite place. The girls played for hours and racked up lots of tickets, got their photos taken after dinner in the new matching outfits that Mackayla had brought for them. Then they went back to the apartment where they had ice cream

floats and danced till they dropped. Then Mackayla prepared the spaghetti sauce and

noodles for dinner on Saturday.

They awoke Saturday to a beautiful sunny warm day which was great considering it had been chilly again to everyone but Mackayla and Brenda, and rainy all week, which meant they could have the party at the park like Leon had originally wanted

it. They had a nice breakfast then the girls helped Mackayla pick up the kitchen and dothe dishes then ran to Aerina's room to play with the presents she had already received.

Debborrah and Susan soon came as Mackayla was listening and stretching to some music. She was doing a back bend to Reo's song "Take it on the run." "Dang wish I could do that. How do you do that?"

"Years of conditioning and practice plus I am double jointed."

"Ohhhhh."

Mackayla straightened by bringing her legs up so she was doing a hand-stand and then swing them down and pulling her body up. "Wow" she heard some wishful sighs. "I used to be able to do things like that when I was younger" she heard Sasha

say.

She smiled "if I don't do it every day my back tends to tense up and start hurting really bad, also happens when I overdo things." What she didn't mention was that if had already begun because she had been unable to do her normal walking every day. Leon was leery about it and it had been rainy.

Sasha nodded at that "I can believe that exercise is good for you. Looks like we'll be able to set up the party outside it's supposed to be sunny and in the 80's today." So, they started preparing the food and drinks and got out the decorations and games.

Then Mackayla finished wrapping up the birthday presents.

Chuck, Blake, and Carson showed up around noon and they loaded up the trucks with the stuff and then Mackayla went and woke Leon up and they went to the park and set up for the party, and at about two the other kids started showing up. There

was lots of squealing and excited laughter as the ten girls raced around on the play-ground occasionally stopping for some fruits or veggiesse. Blake's three oldest sons chased the girls and would sometimes come over and steal some fruit or candy.

Tanner however sat by his dad or Molly quietly "he okay?"

"No, he wasn't feeling too well this morning but he still wanted to come."

"Oh, I am so sorry to hear that you don't feel good. Is there anything I can do for you?" Mackayla asked the small boy he shook his head and leaned against Molly. Mackayla poured him a small glass of Sprite and put it down in front of him, along with a mint. "Wanna know a secret cure that I use when Brenda or I don't feel so well?" Tanner smiled weakly up at her and nodded "put the mint in your mouth, and take a small sip of Sprite" he did so and then he giggled as he swallowed.

She caught Blake's smile of approval out of the corner of her eye and smiled herself. She let the girls play for a bit more before she called "time to open presents and then eat." Aerina received lots of dolls and doll clothes and accessories, some

Jeweled Fairies books, some console game. After that Mackayla served cake and ice cream, then Leon took over leading the kids in games; pin the tail on the donkey, a piñata, ring toss, and a few others.

Then they went back to the apartment and Mackayla finished making the spaghetti she had started yesterday. Sasha served the meal after she noticed that Mackayla looked a little peaked "why don't you sit down for a while, you been working

all morning." Mackayla smiled at her and said thanks.

The other girls' parents came about 7 pm. Everyone soon left shortly after that leaving just Leon, Sasha, Mackayla and the two girls. Leon who had also noticed Mackayla's appearance before and how straight she sat on the couch, "I think you

should talk with Matthew on Sunday he has a chiropractor clinic in town and he can help

you with your back."

He knew about the horse ride that had paralyzed his niece and that her back still bothered her at times, but not about what had happened to Mackayla recently to aggravate it more. "But in the meantime if you would like I can give you a massage to try to work it out."

Sasha added "if you need I can get you a sample for some good pain killers."

"Yeah I will do that no that's not necessary at this time." Leon turned on the TV and then settled down on the couch, Sasha and his daughter curled up next one of each side of him, Brenda crawled into his lap, and Mackayla laughed as she settled down in the recliner.

Sunday dawned clear and warm but Mackayla and Brenda hadn't gotten much sleep, Mackayla due somewhat to her back and her dreams. Brenda because she sensed her Mommy's mood and she missed her grandparents and aunt. Mackayla woke up a little later than usual to the smell of coffee and the sound of voices. She

quickly checked on Brenda who was still fast asleep.

Mackayla threw on her robe and slippers brushed her hair and walked down the hall. As she was walking her nipples tightened and heat begin to spread as she sensed Blake, but yet her body stiffened and she wanted to run back to her room close the door and not come out till he left. She stopped, swallowed and took a few deep breaths to calm herself then continued on toward the kitchen.

"I am sorry did we wake you" Leon asked?

She shook her head "no what time is it?"

"9:30" came the reply.

"You sounded like you were having a bad night, everything all right? You’re not in any pain?" Leon asked concerned.

Mackayla shrugged and started to walk over to the stove to start the tea pot. "Sit down and let me do that" Blake said as he stood and pulled out a chair. He sensed the change and despair that ran through the young woman as she sat. He wanted to put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her but also sensed the fear.

Blake had keen sense of hearing, smell, touch, taste and eyesight and most of the time he could read people, but yet he couldn't hear Mackayla's thoughts and that confused him. He also figured that was another reason why he was so attracted to her. He glanced over to see Carson's eyes watching both him and Mackayla a smile on his

lips, he wondered if Carson could read Mackayla at all and he nodded. One of the reasons Blake and Carson were so close was they shared a link of minds. He knew also that Mackayla was lying to her uncle about being in pain not that she had denied it, his felt his incisors elongate at the rush of pain both physical and emotional that racked the woman that sat stone still. He also heard a soft growl emerge from Carson's lip as he felt it too. He walked over to start the tea pot as Leon pulled down another mug and a tea pack.

Blake caught Leon's gaze and set lips and nodded to the older man, Leon reached out and clapped Blake's shoulder "she takes a sugar and tbsp. of milk in it" he said softly. Blake heard some soft music and turned to see that Mackayla had pulled

out a white iPod and put some ear buds in.

"What happened to Mackayla" he asked Leon?

Le shrugged "she won't tell me. We used to be pretty close when she was younger I guess time just isn't on my side anymore. But if I know my niece, she'll pop out of it in no time."

Blake set Mackayla's tea down in front of her and she said thanks with a half-smile that definitely didn't reach her eyes. About half an hour later Brenda woke up and Mackayla went to tend to her Aerina walked behind her "can I help?”

"Sure" but Brenda would have none of it she was cranky and clingy. So Mackayla let Aerina pick out their outfits kind of figuring that today Aerina

would be sticking pretty close to her she asked Aerina to make some cereal for Brenda.

She took her time showering Brenda playing at her feet in the mist and bubbles. Then she dressed them smiling appreciatively at her cousin's fashion sense, braided their hair her mood starting to lift a bit. She loved playing with hair, almost as much as she loved dancing but unfortunately she didn't do that too much anymore and hadn’t in a few

years. She walked out to the kitchen to let Brenda eat.

The boys were out on the deck talking she could see them through the window above the sink. She started the dishes watching them Brenda finished her cereal then started fussing. Mackayla's mood dropped a bit "why are you so sad today" her cousin asked?

"Oh sweetie it's a long story and not fit for small ears to hear."

"Oh okay" Aerina replied a little disappointed.

Mackayla turned around and dropped to her knees to hug her cousin tight. "I am sorry honey I know you just want to help and I really do appreciate it with all my heart. I just need some time to think things through and then maybe someday I can talk about it." Aerina smiled and nodded then walked away.

She was unaware that Carson had stepped back into the house and heard everything Mackayla had said to her cousin. "Would you like some help?" He asked as he walked back into the kitchen. Mackayla said sure and as he walked by Brenda she whimpered to get out, so Carson picked her up outta the chair and set her down on the counter next to Mackayla then grabbed a towel and dried the dishes.

His friendliness and easy going attitude didn't alarm Mackayla so she easily struck up a casual banter with him. He reminded her a lot of her best friend she but was unaware of the fact that he was testing out a theory for himself and Blake. Carson kept up a steady conversation as Mackayla lowered her guard and he caught a few thoughts she was lonely and depressed.

They were just finishing up when she again felt her body heat and chill at the same time as Leon and Blake walked back in. Carson noticed the change in her and wondered if Blake noted it and he nodded his own body a little tenser, "hey Blake was

asking if we wanted to go swimming at the ranch before practice" Leon said.

“I don't know I am not really feeling like doing much right now."

"Im Ma Ma" Brenda cried with a frown on her face.

Brenda had moved from the counter where Carson had put her next to her mom a little bit after he had set her down and had been constantly reaching for her mom demanding to be picked up. Mackayla had refused her gently saying she was busy. Carson had almost immediately picked up on the little girls thoughts of her being mad at

her mommy and had also been impressed with the fact that Mackayla had not giving in. He had also picked up on the latest test of Brenda's for her mom.

"Well we could take Brenda with us to let you have a few hours of quiet." Blake suggested he sensed the small battle brewing between Brenda and Mackayla "think you could manage that Leon (Blake chuckled)?”

"Of course."

"Would you like to go with them sweetie?"

Brenda balked at that "no mama im."

"I don't want to right now baby but you'll be okay with Uncle Leon won't you" Mackayla's voice was firm. Yet Blake felt the frustration that was coursing through her as Punk demanded

"Mama im."

"No if you want to swim you will have to go with Uncle."

Carson thought she's been dealing with this all day and with how she was this morning I am surprised that she hasn't given in and Blake eyebrows raised and he grimaced a bit.

Mackayla knelt down in front of her daughter she pulled out a Kleenex to dry Brenda's tears and whispered "you can have Pankcake if that will help." Brenda nodded and Mackayla picked her up and said "let me get her ready."

"Did you still wanna come to practice if so I can come get you?"

"I will call you a bit later and let you know okay." She walked to the bedroom and after a bit she and Brenda came back out, Brenda had a red nuk with little red ribbon that attached to a small pink bear clipped to her white and yellow striped suit with

a ruffled skirt. Mackayla in a light blue butterfly patterned sleeveless shirt and snug fitting white shorts that ended just above her knees.

"You sure you don’t want to come?"

"Don't start that please. I love you Punkie, you be a good girl."

“Uv mama" Mackayla kissed her daughter as she handed her over to her uncle's waiting arms.

She stood on tiptoe and kissed Leo's cheek "if she gets too much you can always bring her back. Love you" she said to her uncle and Aerina giving them both a kiss and a quick hug.