Chapter 184: A Young WidowTwo hours later, the pool pump restored to proper working condition, Judd carried his toolbox back to his pick-up parked on the street. Jessi followed along behind him.He set the battered red box in the bed of the truck and glanced back at the house. "How did it go?" His brown eyes were soft with concern.Feeling more emotional than she wanted to, Jessi crossed her arms and shrugged. "Oh, you know, it was okay." When she looked up at him, her eyes radiated pain."I'm so sorry, little one. And with your houseguests, I don't guess we'll get knee time in today."Jessi blinked back tears and swallowed hard, attempting to dislodge the lump in her throat."Could you use a hug, though?"She blinked again as a tear ran down her face, and she nodded vigorously.He smiled warmly. "Come here, then," he said, opening his arms, pulling her close beneath his chin, and lightly kissing the top of her head. He could feel the shuddering of her silent sobs. "I'm proud
Chapter 185: Details"So, what do you think about Amanda?" Alex asked, shouting above the pounding music."She's nice," Judd replied noncommittally. "I'll say she's nice. Nice and stacked. When the girls get back from the bathroom, do you want me and Trish to head out so you can work your Judd Farris magic?" Alex grinned gleefully."No, no need to do that. Let's all hang out. Do you want to go someplace quieter?"Alex laughed. "Young folks and their crazy rock and roll bothering you, old man?""No, it's just…""Well, the fact that they didn't ditch us while we were in the bathroom is a good sign," Trish joked as she and Amanda returned from the ladies' room. "Where would I go, baby, you know I love you," Alex cooed. "Come on, let's show these two how it's done." He took Trish's hand and twirled her once, before leading her out to the dancefloor. Judd leaned closer to Amanda. "Would you like another beer?"She nodded. "Yeah, that would be great."Judd stood, nodding towa
Chapter 186: GaryGary Wayne Gentry stood watching as firefighters fought to extinguish the blaze in Parson's Hardware on the main street of Baker City, Oregon. He was merely one in a crowd of lookie-loos that had gathered on the opposite side of the street, a guy so nondescript that no one would ever remark on the short, balding man with a slight paunch. No one would even notice him. Which used to bother Gary. Used to. But he'd learned that being unnoticeable could be an asset.He watched as the supervisor barked out orders to the firefighters on the ground. Hoses were deployed, plans were followed. Soon enough, thick black smoke turned white. Which meant the fire was out, there were merely a few hot spots that merited attention. He knew this because Gary had always wanted to be a firefighter. Or a cop. Or a soldier. Some damn thing with a uniform. He'd actually been in the Army for a short time. Until he'd been involved in an altercation with a fellow recruit. It ha
Chapter 187: Be Careful"Come on, partner, I want to know." Alex and Judd were in the back of their rescue truck refilling supplies in their down time."Want to know what?" Judd studiously feigned interest in a drawer of cotton dressings."Who did you have to call so badly that you had to leave the lovely Amanda all by her lonesome?"Judd huffed slightly as he slid the drawer closed and looked back to Alex. "She wasn't all by her lonesome, she was with you and Trish. Jessi texted me, so I called just to make sure she was okay."Alex frowned slightly. "Jessi?" Understanding lit his face and he smiled. "That hot redhead from the birthday party?""Jessi. The event planner from the party.""So, what's the deal with the redhead?""There's no deal. We're friends, that's all."Alex laughed. "The smile on your face last night said 'more than friends,' homie. Besides, she's smoking. No wonder you weren't feeling it for Amanda. You should have told me."Judd shook his head. "I told
Chapter 188: Comfortable FriendshipThe following weekend, with Jessi's kids having returned to their lives, she and Judd once again fell into the rhythm of working together, this time on painting the exterior doors including the garage door. When they were finished, doors returned to their original terracotta that mimicked the barrel tiles on the roof, Judd suggested they head to the inlet for burgers, something they did from time to time. Jessi happily agreed. Square Grouper had become one of her favorite places, although she couldn't see herself ever going there without Judd. But she loved the casual atmosphere of the place, loved to sit by the water with a cocktail and feel the tension from a busy week ebb away. If they were lucky, there would be live music on the stage.And it was the case, while she sat at the table at the edge of the seawall, and Judd strolled to the bar to order their dinner, a lone guitarist strummed Jimmy Buffett covers from the tiki stage. "Here you
Chapter 189: Maintenance SpankingWhen they parked the F-150 in Jessi's driveway, Judd insisted on coming around and getting Jessi's door."Can I get you some coffee?" Jessi asked as they stepped into the foyer.Judd considered the innocent-enough question, but he didn't miss the look in her eye. At first, he thought it was a delay tactic—she knew she was in for a maintenance spanking. But tonight, there was something different. Something he wasn't sure he wanted to acknowledge.He shook his head. "No, thanks, little one. No putting off the inevitable. Get into position." He arched an eyebrow dramatically.Jessi's eyes popped wide. "Oh, yes, Sir."While he gave Jessi time to transition, he took Buddy outside for a potty break. As he watched the dog sniff around the yard, Judd considered the gleam he'd seen in Jessi's eye. Did she want him? Or was that just wishful thinking on his part? He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. It was maddening, really. The intimacy of a
Chapter 190: A New PartyAs he drove the distance between Jessi's house and his own, Judd's mind raced. She likes it rough? If she had any idea what was going through my mind… But it was almost like she did know. Or, the same thing was going through hers, he considered. Graham's voice echoed through his mind. Jessi is a passionate woman, Judd. She craves great sex, and anymore, it's difficult for me to give her what she needs."Graham, what kind of position have you put me in, old friend?" Judd asked out loud.Once he was home, he grabbed a Blue Moon from the fridge and sank onto a cushioned chair on the patio. The sound of the waves and the gentle breeze on his face usually helped him relax. But his fantasy and Jessi's words nagged at him. "Maybe I just need to get laid." He raised his eyebrows. There was an idea. How long has it been? Not since… He thought for a moment. Not since he'd started spending time with Jessi. He tried to remember his last visit to the K
Chapter 191: Family Visit"Uncle Judd!" The squeal came from a pint-sized brunette as she ran out of the secure area of the concourse and leapt into Judd's arms."How are you, Olivia? How did you get so big?""Cuz I growed, that's how," came the matter-of-fact response, blue eyes all seriousness."I guess you did. Where's your mom?"The little girl wriggled out of his embrace and pointed behind her. Judd spied Angie making her way through the crowd of passengers just off the flight from Charlotte."Hi, big brother," Angie smiled warmly."Hi, sis. It's great to see you!" The pair embraced fondly. "Now, what do you say, we get your bags and blow this pop stand?"Olivia giggled gleefully as Judd scooped up the little girl and plopped her on his shoulders.A few hours later, Judd and Angie were relaxing on beach chairs, toes in the sand as they watched Olivia skirt in and out of the gentle surf washing up on Juno Beach behind Judd's townhouse."So, you have a great new job opportuni
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