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Chapter 276: Taking Care of Business
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 277: Surprise Contractors
Chapter 277: Surprise ContractorsAn hour later, Jackie felt they were making some headway upstairs. They'd managed to completely outfit five rooms, which would do for the weekend. But as long as they had the momentum, she wanted to keep going.Scott and Sean had just taken a load of broken furniture out to the trash when Scott called up the stairs. "Hey, Jackie?"She came to the head of the stairs. "Yeah?"Scott nodded over his right shoulder. "Some people are here to see you. Some contractors?"Jackie frowned. "Contractors?" Dusting off her hands with a rag, she walked down the stairs. She hadn't contacted any contractors. The insurance guy had just been there the day before. She had no idea about a budget, so she couldn't imagine why anyone would stop by.Standing with Scott by the reception desk were three men and a woman. Jackie looked at Scott, then spoke to the visitors. "I'm Jackie Walker.""Ms. Walker," said the oldest of the group, "I'm Martin Grayson. This is J
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 278: Overwhelmed
Chapter 278: OverwhelmedAfter the contractors left with promises to return early the following morning, Scott followed Jackie to the office, where she sank heavily into the desk chair and stared blankly at the wall."Everything okay, Jackie?" He squatted down beside her.She nodded slowly. "It's just a little overwhelming.""You know you can lean on me, right?" He gazed at her intensely, willing her to accept his support.She focused on him, cupping his cheek with her hand. "Thanks," she said softly. Then she rolled her eyes. "But you have a lot on your plate, yourself. You have a business to get up and running, and the cabin to remodel, so…""I'm never too busy for you."Jackie breathed out sharply. "It would have been nice to know the contractors were coming, though."Scott gestured to the office phone, where a red light blinked insistently. "Do you suppose you have a voicemail message?"She looked at the phone. "Oh, for fuck's sake," she muttered, picking up the receiver
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 279: Emergency
Chapter 279: EmergencyThe cab of the truck was silent as they made their way into town. Scott's eyes were on the road, but he could see Grant and Jackie out of the corner of his eye. Stone-faced, Jackie stared out the front window, holding a clean cloth to Grant's gash and idly stroking his hair. The boy lay on the bench seat between them, wrapped in a blanket Trina had rushed down to the dock just after the accident. Trina had offered to stay with Emma while they took Grant into town. While Jackie had suggested that the staff call it a day, they'd all refused, promising to get back to work after lunch.Scott managed to trim ten minutes from the normal half-hour drive into town. When they arrived at the clinic, Scott quickly found a parking spot, then hurried around the truck to open Jackie's door and scoop up Grant. In the waiting room, Scott sat holding Grant in his lap while Jackie filled out the necessary paperwork. In short order, a triage nurse, clipboard in hand, came
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 280: Milkshakes
Chapter 280: MilkshakesTwenty minutes later, wound-care instructions and a prescription for oral antibiotics in hand, they guided a still-groggy Grant to the vintage red truck."What do you say, we stop at the diner on the way home?" Scott suggested as he backed out of the parking space."Oh, I don't know," Jackie said. "We should probably get back.""Come on," he coaxed. "We missed lunch. It'll be my treat. I hear they have milkshakes…" He raised his eyebrows."I want a milkshake," Grant piped up. "Mom, please?"Scott grinned over his head at Jackie, who tried to suppress a smile, and failed."Alright," she said. "We can bring something back to Emma.""Perfect," Scott said, pulling into an empty space in front of the Blue Moon Diner.They were shown to a booth in the front window. "Hey, we had breakfast here," Grant said, clearly beginning to feel better."Yes, we did," Jackie agreed."I wanna sit by Scott.""That's Mr. Scott," his mother corrected."I wanna sit by Mr. Scott
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 281: I've Got You, Princess
Chapter 281: I've Got You, PrincessWhile Jackie got the children tucked in with an extended bedtime routine, an allowance made due to Emma's illness and Grant's injury, Scott made a few preparations. By the time Jackie closed Grant's door, Scott was waiting for her in the hallway.She gave him a tired smile. "All I wanted was to wash my hair today, and now I'm so tired, all I can think of is to fall into bed."He nodded. "I know. Come with me." She gave a puzzled frown and he gestured. "Come on."She followed him to her bedroom door, which he opened, allowing her to precede him. The first thing she noticed was that her bed was made, in stark contrast to the disorganized heap she'd left that morning. She looked at him sharply."As long as I was making the bed anyway, I gave you fresh sheets," he explained.Her mouth flew open. "You didn't have to do that," she said quickly.He tilted his head toward her. "I know." He gestured further. "Come."He led her into her bathroom, w
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 282: Scott's Making Pancakes
Chapter 282: Scott's Making PancakesIt was nearly 8:00 when Jackie padded downstairs the next morning. She'd slept the sleep of the dead, and if either child had so much as whimpered in the night, she hadn't heard it. By the time Scott had tucked her into bed and left, she'd felt completely relaxed.As she descended the stairs, the aroma of fried batter greeted her, and the sound of happy children's voices floated from the kitchen. She came around the corner to see Grant and Emma seated at the table, while Scott, dressed in a Blue Jays t-shirt and khaki shorts, tended to something on the stove."Hey everybody, good morning," she greeted them."Hi, Mom. Scott's making pancakes," Grant told her."Is he?" she asked, smiling. "And it's Mr. Scott. We've talked about this."Scott turned and flashed her a warm smile. "Hi, Jackie. We decided to make breakfast. Hope you don't mind.""It smells great," she said, crossing over to peek at the griddle. She lay a gentle hand on his forear
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 283: Did You Miss Me?
Chapter 283: Did You Miss Me?Jackie left Scott to take care of moving his things down to the dock while she went out to check on the work being done on the ruined cabins. Stepping out on the front porch, she saw workers in hardhats swarming over the property like worker ants. The image amused her, and she laughed out loud.She recognized Martin from the previous day. He gave her a salute and walked across the clearing to meet her."Ms. Walker, I hope we didn't get started too early.""No, to be honest, I didn't realize you were already here."He handed her a white hardhat. "Let's take a little tour." For the next half-hour, the architect walked Jackie around the compound. Workers had already removed what was left of the burned cabins, leaving only charred concrete foundations. Neon orange ribbon marked fire-damaged trees that would need to come down for safety's sake. At the far south end of the property, past Blake's current cabin, a dirt foundation was in the process of bei
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 284: The Folks Arrive
Chapter 284: The Folks ArriveBy 6:30 that evening, the construction work had stopped, and the compound blissfully returned to its normal serenity. Jackie breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they had enough rooms for the guests who would be arriving the following day. Seated with the family on the back deck, she gazed around the table and caught Scott's eye. He gave her a quick wink and returned his focus to her father, who was in the middle of a fishing story. The pair had hit it off from the moment her parents had arrived that afternoon. Of course, the elder Walkers had insisted on seeing the fire damage first-hand, and although saddened at the losses the compound had sustained, they'd been impressed with the amount of work that had already been done to restore the place to better than before. They'd taken a tour of the entire property and Jackie felt that her parents seemed pleased about the direction the business was taking.Her father, in particular, had seemed impress
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 328: Epilogue
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 326: Dream Versus Reality
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 325: Warrior Princess
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 324: From Bad to Worse
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 323: Who's Missing?
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the Lodge
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 321: Blizzard Warning
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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 320: Winter Session
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
