Jackson flipped on the radio, and they rode in comfortable silence. They passed the Center Tree, and River's car came into view, sitting right where she'd left it, unscathed by the storm. He pulled up in front of it and they got out.

"Hey, can I use your phone?" she asked, realizing she should call her Mom to let her know she'd be on her way soon.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to her, then went to tend to her car.

She dialed the farm and her Dad answered. "Hey, Dad. It's me," she said, thanking her lucky stars he had answered and not her Mom.

"Hey there Sassafras. Some people around here have been missing you."

"So I've heard." She turned around to lean against the truck, kicking at the rocky ground.

"Everything okay?"

Best thing about Dad, he was uncomplicated. "Ya, everything's fine. Well except for my car. Jackson's taking a look at it now."

He grunted agreeably. "Nobody better."

A thought entered her mind and she frowned. "How'd Jilly handle the storm?"

"Oh... she's fine. She hunkered down with Maverick and they rode it out together behind the Lazyboy and then both fell asleep. Mom's makin' dinner so we'll wake her up here before long."

She kicked herself for not being there for her the first time Frank wasn't. When Jilly was three she developed a fear of storms. Frank had gone into her room to soothe her, singing her an old Irish poem about rainbows after showers. Every time there was a storm after that, she'd insisted on him singing her the rainbow song, even if it meant calling him at work in the middle of the night. "Kiss her for me, will you? And have her call me before she goes to bed?"

"Will do. See ya tomorrow, Peanut," he said, and hung up.

She tucked the phone into her pocket. Jackson had the hoods up on both her car, and his truck, cables running between them. He opened the door to the truck and leaned in, starting the ignition. She watched him get into her car and about did a happy dance right then and there when it started right up.

He got out and walked over to her, dusting off his hands. "Battery," he said simply. "We'll let it charge for a couple minutes then I'll follow you over to the Auto Parts store in Brightland. They're open on Sunday."

She crossed her arms over her chest as he settled against the truck next to her, mimicking her stance. "Thank you," she said, looking at him, squinting against the setting sun.

"No problem." He shrugged, kicking at the ground awkwardly.

"Are you sure you have time to follow me all the way to Brightland and back?"

"Ya. If you don't get it swapped out today, you're just gonna have the same problem tomorrow. Won't take us but an hour there and back."

She nodded in agreement. "I never asked you, what were you doing at the Oasis this afternoon?"

"Del had an engine rebuild and none of his guys have worked on muscle cars before. Whenever he gets an older model like that he gives it to me. Can't beat the extra cash. That and he knows I can't resist getting my hands on a classic. That reminds me," He reached into his pocket. "I'm surprised he hasn't called yet. I left him a message back at the house."

"Oh!" She reached for the phone she had pocketed without even thinking about it earlier. "I almost forgot," she said, holding it out to him.

He took it, fingers running along hers. "Thanks." A smile crept its way across his face and he looked at her then pushed off the truck. Standing in front of her, he held out his hand. "Come on," he said, tilting his head, twinkle in his eye.

River looked at him strangely.

He waggled his fingers, hand still outstretched. "Come with me," he said. "I wanna do something."

Hesitantly she took his hand and they started walking down the damp gravel road. "What are you up to?" she asked, and he squeezed her hand, moving just a little closer, arm brushing against hers. He nodded ahead, and it hit her. The Center Tree. She slowed and stopped. "Oh no. No way."

He pulled her hand gently. "Come on," he said, marching them underneath the shade of the giant cottonwood. "Repeat after me," he started and she shook her head.

"Nope."

"I, River Barnett," he continued, refusing to be deterred.

She eyed him skeptically. "I don't need any more bad juju right now. The universe is already coming after me."

"Screw the universe. I'll protect you from it. Besides, if you don't break your promise you don't have anything to worry about, right?" He waited for a beat with a gleam in his eye that she was starting to find irresistible, then started again. "I, River Barnett..."

"What exactly am I promising?"

"Trust me," he took her other hand and held them both. "I, River Barnett," he repeated in a softer, slower voice.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, smile quirking the corner of her lips. "I, River Barnett..."

Satisfied, he continued. "Promise to let Jackson take me out tonight."

"Promise to let Jackson take me out." He raised an eyebrow. "Tonight," she added with an eye roll for effect.

He squeezed her hands and moved them up to wrap around his neck, smiling down at her. She splayed her fingers against his skin, smoothing them against the nicks that were now raised up into small welts. Her brow furrowed with concern. "You should let me take care of these when we get back."

"I'm fine. Don't try to change the subject." He smirked and lowered his face to hers. "Your promise isn't done yet."