The Cowgirl's Dreams [COMPLETED]

1• Off to Montana

                Skyler's POV
                        ~~~
Hugging my best friend, I bounce up and down excitedly.

"I wish y'all could come, Jayce."

"Nah, it's your aunt going into labor! Long car rides ain't my thing." Jaycee shrugs. I nod and sigh.

"Ready to go, Sky?" My dad asks as he walks up to me.

"Yeah. I'll be there in a sec." He nods and steps over to Jesse, his blue roan quarter horse gelding. Then he walks down the isle of stalls, checking the food and water buckets in each.

"Aright, let's let them out." Daddy says softly. I nod and sprint out to the pasture fence. I pull it closed and check how the creek is running. Nicely.

I run back and help Daddy let the horses into the Jingle Pasture. Jaycee helps us let them out and we hug and do our not-so-secretive secret handshake.

"BFFs for life?" I start.

"BFFs for life." She finishes. We wave bye and she drives off in her tiny Nissan.

I slide over and go back to Daddy in the barn. I nod and we walk out together.

After loading the suitcases in the backseat of the truck, we take off down the road.

"So when's Aunt Becca's due date?" I ask, looking at his short mustache. He's focused on the paved highway in front.

"I think July 22. So in about a week. But since she's your mom's sister, your mom left a week ago." He smiles. I nod and look through my purse. Pulling out an opened white envelope with the title Cheyenne Christian Equestrian College, I sigh. It has been my DREAM to go to CCEC. I'd applied some time ago and when I got this acceptance letter, I was just breathless. But I'm not sure how easy it would be to leave our horses, my family...my home state. But I can't let that stress taunt me. I'll have a new cousin soon! Aunt Becca and Uncle Jason decided they didn't want to know the gender till the baby was born. I can't wait! If it's a boy, I like the name Spencer or Mikah. If it's a girl, I like Natasha or Serenity. I dunno what everyone else is thinking though.

My phone buzzes as I put the letter back in my purse. I pull my phone out and check it. Jaycee texted.

Jayce-hey! Its been 90 seconds and I already miss ya

Me-right? The longest we've ever been apart is like...a week!

Jayce- i know! call me when u get there

Me-k I gtg now

Jayce-k by =)

Me- bye

I grin and look at Dad.

***

After hours of driving, and in my case sleeping, dusk threatens to fall on the horizon. Daddy pulls into a hotel parking lot, and grins at the thought of sleep and a break from driving.

"Okay. I'll go get us checked in, if you'll go fuel up." He offers. I nod as he kisses my cheek and runs into the lobby. I hop out and sit in the driver's seat, then drive the short 20 yards to the gas station.

After fueling up the truck and getting our overnight bags in the hotel room, Daddy and I relax and watch a movie.

"I'll be right back, baby girl." He nods, walking out the door. Moments later, he comes back in with Cali, his border collie.

"Cali? Daddy! I didn't know you put her in!" I exclaim, cuddling on the nine month old collie.

"I didn't know either. She must've jumped in the back last minute." He laughs. How did he not see her in the back when he looked in the rearview mirror?