The Unwanted Runaway

Tackling The Problem

Denton’s POV

it takes about an hour and a half to get to that special fishing spot. James and I unhook the boat from the back of Evans truck. My cousinCarter helped guided us into the water. We hop in the boat get all our fishing gear and for next couple hours trying to catch something home and fried up. As the guys were getting their fishing poles ready, I opened my tacklebox noticed I’m missing a couple of things. at first thinking, perhaps the Tackle box got kicked over and it dumped out in the truck and I don’t recall seeing it laying on side or upside down. I asked Carter when he grabbed the box and put in the boat .Did he see it upside down we’re on its side?

Carter tells me no it i was secured with the rest of them. I asked my nephew Ej when he picked it up this morning and put it in the back of the truck . Did he knock anything out.? EJ says No , so I trust his word. James has a double extra hooks and bait in his box hands some to me as I start getting my fishing pole ready I noticed that the line and the fishing reel is jacked up. Carter with his investigator skills asked if I think it’s possible that Sarah was so pissed off that she decided to damage my stuff . no I don’t think she was stoop that low .But now her son, Seth perhaps could maybe?

I don’t recall seeing Seth last night so I ask Ej since Seth does like to go bother him at times. EJ says he was at the ranch yesterday hanging out with or should I say, bothering and getting on Jason one of my cousins and ranch hands nerves . So then I shoot Jason a text hoping I could shed some light on this matter.

Denton- hey Jason you busy ?

Jason- yeah feeding horses .

Denton- real quick was Seth with you last night ?

I wait a few moments for his response . set my phone down beside me, getting back to untangling the knots, and the fishing line.

I had my phone pinging I pick it up and read Jason’s reply

Jason- Yea that kid wouldn’t leave me a lone thinks it’s fun to rattles the horses up . well, I was trying to work with them .

Denton-did he mention anything about the fishing trip today?

Jason-yea he said something about you gonna be the only one not catching anything

Denton- that it ?

Jason- No he wasn’t happy that he didn’t get to go .The kid mumbled about teaching you a lesson.

Denton- thanks

Jason that kid can a little to much sometimes.

after the texting back and forth with Jason . I knew Seth had something to do with it . I I’m gonna marry his mom I gonna try and spend more time with the kid. He is definitely craving attention bad.

But I’m pissed off that he thinks it okay to mess with my stuff . Tomorrow after Ej’s party Seth and I gonna have a talk . His behavior is getting out of hand .

After what felt like an eternity of trying to fix my fishing reels, we were finally back in business. Luckily, no one had caught anything yet, so we didn't miss out on any epic catches. James, our self-proclaimed captain, steered the boat a little further up the lake, hoping for better luck.

As we settled into another spot, I couldn't help but channel my inner Dory and sing "Just keep swimming" under my breath. Ej finally got a bite and we all gathered around, eagerly watching him try to reel in the mysterious catch. It was shaping up to be a real whopper, at least 30 pounds of feisty bass.

Evan, being the awesome Dad that he is, jumped in to assist Ej with the reeling. Meanwhile, Carter, ever the hero, grabbed the net and leaned over the side of the boat to try and snag the fish as it got closer. Just when we thought everything was under control, James got that crazy look in his eye and a mischievous smile spread across his face.

Before anyone could even process what was happening, James had set his pole down and pushed Carter overboard. We all erupted into laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation. But Carter wasn't about to let James get away with it. He quickly reminded him that he was lucky to be married to Carter's sister Carly, or else he'd be in some serious trouble.

James just shrugged and replied, "Well, at least you won't murder me." To which Carter, always quick with a comeback, retorted, "Remember, James, I'm a sheriff. I know how to hide a body." We all burst into hysterics at their playful banter.

Finally, I helped Carter back into the boat, making sure to avoid any lingering fish guts. Despite the unexpected dip in the lake, it was all worth it for the laughs and memories we were making on this epic fishing trip. By the time we head back to land we caught quite a few fish . Carter was dry and only stunk a little like the lake. .

Pulling in to Dukes Bar & Grill , Carter calls his Mom Aunt Casey to see if Ej’s cakes ready . She tells Carter that Carly has it ready . Ej is super excited to see his Birthday cake .

Before anyone could exit the truck, I was already itching to go home after this supposedly "nice" fishing trip. But, as luck would have it, my phone starts ringing in my pocket. And of course, I have to be the first one to open my door and get out. But as I swing it open, WHAM! I hit something or someone. Oh, the joys of being clumsy. Cue the guys' uncontrollable laughter at my expense. I turn to see a curvy young lady sprawled on her back. I can't decide whether to be amused or frustrated. I mean, seriously, how could she not see where she was going? I offer my hand to help her up, but she just stares at me with a blank expression, giving me major heebie-jeebies. As my phone rings for a second time, I choose to ignore it. I'm too busy being annoyed with this woman who took a hard hit from a moving door to the hard dirt floor. I hope she's okay, but come on, who does that? Eventually, she takes my hand and I can't help but notice how perfectly it fits in mine. Suddenly, a sense of calm washes over me and I find myself looking at her differently. But before I can dwell on it any longer, I tell her she needs to be more careful and immediately drop her hand. I watch as she gathers her backpack, duffel bag, and suitcase and walks straight into the Bar and Grill. My Brother Evan , always the observant one, says to me, "You know, Denton, I think the poor girl was smitten with you." To which Ej, my , adds, "Dad, she looked sad. It wasn't because Uncle Denton hit her with the door. Most likely James replied holding back a laugh, we all walk inside . Taking seat at the bar area . James gos behind the counter to give his Wife Carly kiss on the cheek. .

My phones Rings for a third time I get up and walk outside to take the call knowing I have to answer it .