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 192: Cleaning Out Graham's ThingsJessi had arrived home Friday evening following a successful anniversary party. The event had gone off flawlessly, and she and Sarah had high-fived each other in the privacy of the empty parking lot following the celebration. Years ago, who would have thought their little venture would be supporting both of them?As she dropped her bag and purse onto the kitchen island, she glanced at the clock on the microwave and saw that it was barely after 10:00. The good thing about 50th wedding anniversaries, she chuckled to herself, was that the honorees and their guests weren't exactly the 'party all night' kind of clients. Upstairs in the bedroom, Jessi kicked off her shoes and shucked the black dress she'd worn to the party. As she pondered whether she favored a shower or a bath, her eyes came to rest on the door of Graham's closet. She'd mentioned to Judd that she planned on taking care of that this weekend. Judd. Who isn't coming by tomorr
Chapter 193: Thoughts of the Future"It makes you think, bro," Alex said to Judd, slamming closed the driver's side door of the boxy red truck. Having just handed off a car accident victim to the capable hands of the trauma staff at St. Mary's, the pair had stopped off for a late lunch. Judd frowned as they made their way into the fast-food outlet which was unusually crowded for a Monday afternoon. The previous day, he'd dropped Angie and Olivia at Palm Beach International before heading in for his 24-hour shift. With any luck, he'd be home by dinnertime. While he'd enjoyed his sister's visit, he'd be happy to have the place to himself once again. "Now tell me again what happened?" Judd asked as they settled into a booth by the window, their burgers and fries resting on brown plastic trays."Oklahoma City. Local FD was called out on a goer, and two first responders were shot—a cop and a probie smoke eater."Eyebrows knit in thought as he sipped his soda, Judd considered Alex's
Chapter 194: MemorialJessi chugged happily through the rest of her week. It wasn't until Thursday that Sarah noticed the absence of her wedding rings. "It was time," she quietly responded to Sarah's question.By Friday, Jessi had nailed down a venue for the Chief's retirement party. The Doubletree was only too happy to deeply discount one of their ballrooms for the cause. The bargain venue left money in the budget to go over the top with decorations, including flowers. Jessi knew that Antonio could do wonders with the budget she had set aside.Since the night she'd talked to Judd, she kept eyeing the ornate burlwood box, wondering what he would suggest she do with the items inside. So she was excited when she heard him pull into the driveway Saturday morning.Not more excited than Buddy, however, who whined incessantly until Jessi opened the door and allowed him to tear across the lawn to greet Judd."Howdy, killer," he grinned, kneeling to ruffle the dog's ears."Hi, Judd! Can
Chapter 195: AdventureBack inside the house, Judd washed up in the kitchen sink. Jessi handed him a dishtowel to dry his hands. He eyed the old dishwasher, then looked to Jessi."I don't really feel like messing with a dishwasher today, do you?"Jessi's eyes widened. "Oh, well, no, of course not. I'm sure you have plenty to do. Don't worry about it at all," she said quickly.Judd shook his head. "It's a beautiful day. Why spend it inside?" He stood straight, hands on his hips. "How do you feel about stand-up paddleboarding?"She worked her mouth for a moment, frowning. "I don't guess I'm opposed to it, as an activity, you know. I'm sure people enjoy it. Live and let live," she giggled nervously."I mean," he cupped her elbow gently, "how do you feel about going? With me. Today.""Oh, I don't know, Judd. I'm kind of the queen of klutz." Jessi's face turned bright pink. "I don't know if I'd be any good at it."Judd's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not sure I like my little o
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