Chapter 172: Puppy ProblemsAll the following week Jessi thought about Judd. How could she not? Buddy followed her everywhere she went. She'd ordered him a bed from L.L. Bean and paid extra for expedited shipping. When it arrived, she placed it beside her bed, replacing the blanket she'd put there.She'd managed to get a reasonable amount of dog food into a one-gallon airtight container. At a pet store, she bought a large container the size of a kitchen trash can, planning to ask Judd to help her put the rest of the kibble into it when he came by on Friday.Work was work, but thankfully they were busy with five events that week. She was glad that Judd was coming on Friday rather than Saturday. There was a huge quinceanera on Saturday night, and she and Sarah would both be busy all day.From time to time, Sarah asked how she was doing. Jessi always gave the same answer. "I'm fine, just fine."She and Sarah were close friends but even so, Jessi couldn't exactly say, "Oh, you kno
Chapter 173: How Did You Know Graham?Jessi sat gazing out across the moonlit water to the red lighthouse on the opposite side of the inlet. In the cool evening breeze, she was almost cold in her casual pink and orange sundress. She thought about the ride from her house, unable to recall the last time she'd ridden alone with a man other than Graham. The uncomfortable feeling had returned, and she'd chided herself mentally.Oh, for fuck's sake, grow up! We're going out because obviously, there's nothing in the house to eat.She'd been surprised when Judd played country music on the truck's radio, although she couldn't figure why that had been surprising. She knew nothing about the man and his taste, in music, or anything else for that matter.When they'd pulled up in front of the Square Grouper, she'd also been surprised. It was not the kind of place Graham had liked, he'd been more a fan of quiet and sedate restaurants. Places that were actually indoors, unlike this bar with san
Chapter 174: A Letter For SparrowStanding at the kitchen island, he handed her an envelope. Her heart ached at the sight of Graham's familiar left-handed scrawl across the face of the envelope. 'For Sparrow.' Jessi's eyes filled with tears.Judd spoke softly. "I'll be out back when you're finished, and we can talk about it if you like." He squeezed her shoulder gently. "Come on, Buddy. Let's go outside." Happily, the puppy followed Judd out the back door. Jessi's hands shook. With her index finger she traced the writing on the front of the envelope. She glanced out the back door to see Judd kick off his shoes and sit on the edge of the pool, sinking his feet in the water. Buddy flopped down beside him and rolled over, wanting his tummy scratched, and Judd obliged.She turned her attention back to the envelope. Her irrational self told her that if she didn't open it, somehow everything could go back to normal. But curiosity won the moment, and she slid her thumb under
Chapter 175: An Odd ArrangementJudd exhaled loudly, the responsibility weighing heavily on him. On the one hand, he was pleased Jessi had agreed to accept him as Dominant, unusual circumstance though it was. It had been a long time since he'd had what he would call a genuine submissive, and between his conversations with Graham and the time he's spent with Jessi, he knew she fit the bill.At the same time, taking on a submissive was a big commitment, in spite of the fact that there would be no sex involved. He wasn't sure if that made it easier or harder. Caring for a submissive takes time and attention. But ultimately, he'd accepted the challenge the last day he'd spoken with Graham.If something should happen to me, please take care of Jessi for me. She'll be lost at first.Unbidden, a picture popped into his mind…Jessi the first day he'd come to work on the hedges. She had been utterly lost, barely dressed, hair all askew.She needs to be led. And I need to lead. Judd shoo
Chapter 176: Unexpected Party GuestsJessi scanned the banquet hall with a practiced eye. She'd spent the better part of the morning getting the table linens and place settings exactly right. The DJ was just beginning to set up in the corner of the room, and the giant cake was due to be delivered any time.Sarah's son Jason had volunteered to do the flower run, taking his mother's large SUV to pick up the pink peonies and other things Jessi had ordered from her go-to florist, Antonio. Antonio sold flowers out of a silver panel truck in Palm Beach Gardens, and had the freshest, most beautiful blooms of anyone around. And he always gave Jessi a good deal. She'd do the table arrangements herself, using vases she and Sarah had picked up at an estate sale a couple of years before.Satisfied that things were under control, she took a bottled water from a cooler on the bar and sank onto a chair to take a short break. Her mind drifted to the previous night. It almost seemed like a stran
Chapter 177: Checking UpJessi led Judd and Alex to an empty table near the kitchen and asked a server to bring them some coffee while she went to get two slices of cake. "Here you are, gentlemen. It's the least I can do for calling you all the way out here."Alex smiled. "It's not like it's that far. The station is only about two miles away.""Well, I appreciate you anyway." She smiled genuinely."The cake is great," Judd said.Jessi nodded. "I use this terrific home baker. She really puts the big commercial bakeries to shame."A server dressed in a black blouse and slacks with a white apron approached the table. "Jessi, sorry to bother you.""No problem, Carla. What's wrong?""There's a guy at Table 5 who's refusing to show ID."Jessi looked to Judd and Alex. "If you'll excuse me for a moment."Judd watched as Jessi moved purposefully across the room. He couldn't hear the conversation, but he could tell that the young man at Table 5 was not pleased with what Jessi had to s
Chapter 178: Gardening"How's your week going, Jessi?"She smiled into her phone. It was the second time Judd had called since she'd seen him Saturday night. He wasn't obtrusive, just checking in on her, making sure everything was alright. Like a good Dominant should."It's good, actually. How about yours?"He laughed lightly. "Oh, you know, the usual mayhem. I wanted to touch base with you about Saturday. This week's project is going to be putting a planting bed on the east side of the house."Jessi smiled. She'd been after Graham for years about how bare that side of the house was. "That sounds great. I've been wanting to spruce up that area.""How about you helping me out? We can take a look at the space and make a few plans before we go to the nursery to pick out plants and things."She looked down and wiggled her freshly manicured toes. "I'd love to help. That sounds like a plan.""Alright, then. I'll be by around 10:00."When Judd pulled up on Saturday morning, Jess
Chapter 179: ConsequencesJessi rushed upstairs to take a quick shower and put on clean clothes. As the shower ran over her body, she contemplated what consequence might await her.He'll probably spank me. Maybe. What else could it be? Am I really about to submit to this? This is crazy. If I told anyone, Sarah for example… They'd think I'd lost my mind.She regarded the unmade bed and feverishly considered making it. But she knew it was too late at that point. Instead, she slipped into a faded pair of jeans along with a soft purple V-neck t-shirt and headed downstairs to discover her fate.Judd went for a quick dip in the pool, putting on a clean black t-shirt he'd brought with him. He considered what he was about to do. He wondered if Graham had intended for him to take it this far, and then decided that he had. The two had talked extensively about exactly what it meant to be an effective and thoughtful Dominant.He smiled as he thought of Jessi upstairs, probably fretting
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg