scene 20

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EXT. MANUFACTURED HOME IN THE WOODS - DAY

SESS and CLAIRE, 40ish, cowgirls from boots to belt buckle and hats, sit on a log bench on the front deck of the home facing the two-lane road that leads to the hardpack dirt driveway to the carport covering A Dodge Ram 3500 dually pickup truck with New Mexico plates and a mid-80s Jeep with Oklahoma plates. Behind the house a four-horse trailer next to a barn near a corral and SIX SADDLED HORSES tied to a hitching post. Forest surrounds the clearing. 

CLAIRE: How did they meet?

SESS: Flight from Denver to A-B-Q.

CLAIRE: What does Hunter do?

SESS: Writer.

CLAIRE: Writer of what?

SESS: The book your dad is reading and two others. 

Claire shoots Sess a look then turns her attention to the SOUND OF THE ROVER as it comes into view. They stand, wave at Jackie who waves out the window, walk the steps down and to where Hunter parks at the port. Hunter, Jackie, Chloe and Tom walk to meet them.

CLAIRE: Do you know how the cowboy's related?

SESS: I do not.

Tom removes hat, Jackie opens her arms as she nears Claire. 

JACKIE: What a wonderful surprise.

Jackie and Claire embrace.

CLAIRE: Hey sweetheart. 

JACKIE: When did you get in?

CLAIRE: An hour ago.

Jackie and Sess embrace.

SESS: You made it.

JACKIE: And saw horses a half-mile this side of the ranger station.

CLAIRE: I did too.

SESS: Good start to the day.

JACKIE: So, introductions. Hunter, Chloe and Tom, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Claire and my cousin Cecilia.

Handshakes, hellos, variations of nice to meet you.

SESS: And Sess is fine, thank you. Tom, I'm guessing this is not your first rodeo.

TOM: I been to a couple.

JACKIE: Sess was a champion barrel racer back in the day.

TOM: What's the fastest barrel y'ever raced?

Tom winks, Sess smiles.

SESS: There was one in Fort Worth that could giddyup. Ever do any rodeo?

TOM: Juniors. Did a little tie-down ropin'.

SESS: Alright. Up for some riding?

TOM: I sure am. And i wanna thank y'all for lettin' me tag along.

SESS: The more the merrier. Let's saddle up.

They walk to the horses, Tom puts on his hat.