found the answers - payton

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 443
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Mistakes I Haven't Made by A Rocket To The Moon

Wyatt was in the empty round pen, snow sticking to the toes on his boots as he moved around on the snow-covered ground. Alongside him an eight month old colt tugged at the lead. Dee grunted and held his head high, standing quite tall next to Wyatt as he was led around the pen. Wyatt was training Dee to be led. They'd gone through the motions of getting him used to the halter and now that he was nearly a yearling he needed to be trained with the lead so that when the time came to it, he could be separated from his dam for longer periods.

Dee. C'mon, boy.

Wyatt let out a low whistle to calm the colt as he fussed with the lead. He was being led around the perimeter of the fence and being taught to obey the leads given to him by anyone holding the rope latched onto his halter. Wildcat was in the paddock but whilst taking her break she was also watching the pair intently. She had nearly followed Dee out of the paddock as Wyatt led him and when shut off by the gate she had paced for about fifteen minutes before finally settling. Jump Scat, her twin medicine hat brother, was standing close by with his head dipped low - apparently also watching.

We're taking everything for granted
Replacing everything with heavy hearts
Now I'm losing my mind
And losing everything I've had

Stay awake, I've found the answers
To everything you've ever asked
I'm cleaning up mistakes I've made
And replacing them with ones i've not made yet

We won't let this fall apart
I'm not leaving this alone
I thought forever meant forever
Not tomorrow or today

Wyatt had put out an ad in newspapers, not only in Westin but in surrounding towns as well, for extra help. It was supposed to be temporary what with the cattle drive coming up, which he would be unable to head. And with his resident ranch hands gone he would need help around the ranch. There were over twenty horses and handling them all by himself was going to be a task he knew he wouldn't be able to manage, as well as attending the hospital with his wife. Lily was going into the stages where she might be cleared of cancer and he didn't want to miss it.

Wyatt's stetson sat low over his forehead and prevented the winter sun from glaring off of the snow and into his eyes. He had both hands on the lead rope, one beneath Dee's chin and the other holding the other end of the rope. He guided Dee and then pulled him to a stop. The colt took the guide well but after standing still for a moment he shifted on his hind legs, his ears pricking backwards towards his dam and then his nostrils began to flare. The sound of car tyres on the snow rung through the air and Wyatt looked up, having not expected any visitors that cold winter morning.

[Payton Meier]

Payton turned the music down a bit and drove slower, trying to focus on where to turn to get to the exact address given on the add. Hazel optics spotted the sign and she turned left. It was early in the morning, and really cold too. Noone was out, except for a few blanket-covered horses. Finally, a male appeared, leading a young equine.Payton zipped her coat up all the way and climbed out of her Volkswagen, holding the ad in her left hand. She wind blew so hard at one point that it was hard to breathe and she turned to walk backwards for a few seconds. Then, she turned back and headed towards the man. Morning. she spoke, crossing her arms for warmth, but it didn't really help doing that. I'm looking for..she glanced at the ad ... Wyatt Parker? she finished. It's about the um, stable hand job. she explained and shifted her weight from left foot to right.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 320
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt kept his hand firm on the lead rope even when Dee shifted, keeping him in line and teaching him some manners when being held at a standstill. A woman got out of the car that had been driven right up into Wyatt's yard. He was the only one in view and watched her as she walked all the way to the round pen where he was standing.

She was holding a piece of paper in her hand and Wyatt could only guess that that newspaper clipping was his advertisement for some extra help around the ranch. He tilted up his stetson and waited until she had finished.

Mornin', I'm Wyatt Parker.

He had walked to the fence by then, clicking his tongue and urging Dee to move forwards with Wyatt and to follow alongside him. He held his hand through the fence to shake her hand.

Glad to see someone answered so soon.

He offered her a relaxed smile with just one corner of his mouth lifting up and revealing his dimples.

How long you been workin' with horses?

Wyatt had retracted his hand and laid it down over Dee's growing mane. The colt was only just growing out of his long, skinny legs and was filling out. He was growing into his looks and his shine of silver grulla was coming through more every day now. It wouldn't be long before he looked like a miniaturised version of his adult self. Dee turned his head and nibbled at Wyatt's sleeve, showing obvious signs of affection towards the man. Behind them Wildcat had become more anxious with the approach of a stranger and was stamping her hoof. It was about time Wyatt returned her foal to her before she grew any more anxious.

I've gotta get this boy back to his dam. I'll show you 'round the yard.

He offered, guiding Dee towards the gate and undoing the latch.

[Payton Meier]

Payton quickly stuffed the piece of paper into her left coat pocket and took a step forward to shake the man's hand. And I'm Payton Meier. she introduced herself. She smiled right after he did and took a step back. About 12 years she answered as her eyes scanned the open area…it was nothing like Chicago. No buildings, cars, people, traffic, loud noise. No, it was the exact opposite here. Open space, peace and quiet. It was almost like another planet, but it felt good to be here. Payton glanced back towards her vehicle… Cha-Chi, her huge black and white Great Dane, was sitting in the driver’s seat, paws on the steering wheel and wagging his tail. Payton rolled her eyes at him…he could wait, plus, he might spook the horses, knowing him and his crazy, playful nature. Payton worried that her dog might be an issue; where would she leave him when she worked? A dog hotel? No, that would be way too expensive. She decided to worry about the big creature later on, and focused her attention back to Wyatt. Sounds good she answered as he offered showing her around, and followed right behind him.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 352
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt was not a particularly friendly man upon the first introductions nor was he completely rude. He kept people at a distance until he knew where he stood with them. So, her name was Payton and she had twelve years of experience.

And what kind of experience do ya have?

He queried, opening the gate and leading Dee through.

Stand.

Wyatt's voice commanded the young colt and with a little jolt of his head the excited mustang halted alongside Wyatt. He was taking the directions well and this was only his second time being led. He knew what to do - he just needed a little manners. Wyatt walked with Payton until they reached the paddock. The medicine hat mare was at the gate and dancing on the tips of her hooves. Usually you would have expected a mare to take a break but Wildcat seemed to fret constantly. Goodness knows how he was going to separate these two. Wildcat was an affectionate horse and seeing as she was raised a twin she had the nature to be paired off. Dee had become a part of her little herd and was unaccustomed to it being any smaller than it already was.

Wyatt opened the gate into the paddock with Dee following closely at his heels and grunting. Once in the paddock Wyatt undid the halter and pulled it off of the colts head. He immediately spun on his back legs to greet his dam who was standing close by. Wildcat inspected her foal, eventually licking his hindquarters and nudging him off in the opposite direction.

Wyatt turned back towards Payton after closing the gate and kept the small halter in hand.

So long as you know how to handle a pitch fork and a difficult horse, you're in. You got all that? I don't take slackers.

He was leaning on the fencing, his elbow resting on the pole whilst his other arm was relaxed at his side. He was looking out at Payton from beneath the shade of his stetson and his eyes were narrow, seeing as the sun was behind her.

[Payton Meier]

So, this Wyatt guy didn’t seem like the nicest person in the world, but Payton could understand why. Hell, if she was hiring a complete stranger to work on her property, then she would be careful too. Well, let’s just say there’s nothing I haven’t seen or done when it comes to horses. she told him, smiling to herself for a moment. I’ve mostly worked with English horses, though, I don’t have much experience with Western. But otherwise, I’ve done just about everything…she continued, growing more serious. Hazel eyes glanced at the horse he was leading, then looked back at Wyatt. She frowned a bit at his next words. I wouldn’t be here if I was a slacker. she answered, and looked around the property. Hell, this place was huge. She thought about how she would finally be able to sleep in a warm bed if she got this job and earned some money…sleeping in a Volkswagen in the middle of January wasn’t fun. Well, at least she had her dog to keep her warm. Her head turned a bit at the sound of Cha- Chi’s bark, but she ignored it, praying that he wouldn’t get in the way of things. Oh my God, Cha- Chi. Shut up she thought to herself. The money her parents gave her was coming to an end, and she desperately needed cash for food and gas. Plus, the damn dog was so huge and he ate like an elephant. Still, she loved the creature very much, and he was the only family she had…her folks weren’t really fans of her voyages around the country. Payton loved it though…the adventure, seeing the country, meeting new people, not knowing what to expect. All of it.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 448
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt's expression was quite steely the way his eyes were narrowed. He was a fairly large man, with a broad chest, strong shoulders and thick arms. His muscles along his arms were fairly defined and powerful but they weren't visible from beneath his jacket. He could be intimidating if he wished but Wyatt hardly ever used intimidation as a tactic unless he was fending someone off. For now he wasn't the friendliest, but he wasn't exactly unfriendly either. It was underestandable. He was keeping this woman at a distance until he knew her. Until then he would be watching her like a hawk. Speaking of.

If you haven't ridden western before then you can practice. I'll need you riding in the saddle. They say going from english to western is difficult. Just make sure you know what you're doin' once I need ya in the saddle. Hawk'll be your horse.

Wyatt rubbed his jaw where the stubble had grown out. He hadn't shaved that morning after waking up in the freezing cold. Most other days his face was clean shaven and he looked neat, but today he looked a little roughed up and like he really belonged in this scenery. He had turned by that time, looking towards the pasture and pointing out Hawk. Hawk was a mare with a chocolate body coat and flaxen mane and tail. She was one of the moodier mares but at the same time she could be one of the easiest to ride. She had a smooth gait and good instinct when it came to cattle.

You have a dog?

He had returned his eyes to Payton after examining the window of her car, inside which a dog was moving around on the seat. His own dog was dwarfed in comparison to her great dane but at the same time Gunner caused quite a fuss.

Just as big as Dee.

Wyatt mused, and for the first time he cracked a smile. It was lazy and lifted up one corner of his mouth, showing off his handsome dimples. It was then that Wyatt looked a little friendlier but he didn't open the conversation to any funny lines.

You gonna stay here on the ranch?

The bunkers were available but the real motive behind his question was to know whether or not she would be bringing her dog. The great dane caused the frown wrinkles on his forehead but Wyatt was considering allowing the dog on his property. The horses might be uneasy at first with the large animal but if they were accustomed to its presence then they would quieten down. Then again, they'd never had a great dane on the ranch before.