Chapter 54: Her Two Favorite PeopleBella finished her song to the raucous appreciation of the Pale Eddie's crowd. She returned to Luke and Tre smiling triumphantly."That was…impressive, m'lady," Luke smiled.She threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Let's go back to the townhouse and open that bottle of Scotch," she said. "Luke, tell Bubba all about our time in Edinburgh." She turned and walked out of the bar, leaving the men to close out their tab and follow her out into the night.By the time they caught up with her, she was nearly to the townhouse. She unlocked the gate and the front door, and the men followed her in. She hit light switches and dropped her purse, followed by her shoes, leaving them where they fell. Motioning to the bottle of Scotch, she headed to the kitchen to fetch three glasses. Luke filled the glasses and handed one to her.Tre put up a hand. "I don't know, I've already had quite a bit," he said hesitantly.Bella rolled her eyes. "Don't be
Chapter 55: Hangovers and ConsequencesBella woke up aware of two things: an extreme headache and the need to have him. She glanced over at Luke. Asleep in her bed. In her house. And she wanted him.She tiptoed to the bathroom, found the ibuprofen, and quickly slammed three. She brushed her teeth and got into the shower. Hot water and lavender-scented lather washed over her body, and her headache was rinsed away as she imagined his hands on her, caressing her skin, cupping her breasts, teasing her nipples. And she wanted him.Her hands slid down her stomach then further down. She began touching herself, thinking of the last time they made love, on the plane home. Guess we're in the mile-high club now, she thought to herself, smiling at the memory. Turning off the water, she opened the shower door and reached for her towel. Her hand landed on an empty towel bar."Looking for this, baby girl?" Luke was leaning against the bathroom counter, completely dressed in faded jeans and
Chapter 56: A Final GoodbyeLuke glanced at Bella in the rearview mirror. She was watching him, so he winked. She smiled that lazy smile of hers that never failed to arouse him. If he'd had any apprehension about how she'd be able to transition into being his submissive, their time this morning reassured him. Afterward, he'd held her for a long time, and then soothed her stinging behind with her favorite lavender body lotion. He sighed with contentment.Tre was prattling on about something, but Bella wasn't listening. She appreciated Luke's wink. This morning had been startling, but it had also been amazingly erotic, and she'd thoroughly enjoyed herself. Now, though, she was feeling that familiar dread as she thought about seeing Daddy again. He's dying, she told herself. Just suck it up and go with it.She looked down, suddenly unsure about her choice of outfit, jeans with a red sweater and grey cardigan. Tre and Cornelia were hosting a barbeque in the afternoon and she'd t
Chapter 57: An Elegant BarbequeWhen they arrived at the house, preparations were well underway. The party had been planned for months, so even with their father in the hospital, canceling it had not been considered. Cornelia was, of course, having the event catered. Bella couldn't imagine why that fact surprised her so much, but it did. When Tre had mentioned a barbeque, she'd pictured them outside grilling. But of course, creating events was Cornelia's forte.A giant white tent had been erected on the back lawn. It was filled with large round tables covered with red and white checked tablecloths. A dance floor was placed in the center and a DJ was setting up at one end. Big Daddy's BBQ had been hired to provide the casual fare. They were set up discreetly off to the side under a smaller white tent and the aroma of roasting meat along with hickory smoke filled the air. Bella went to find Cornelia to see how she could help. Tre and Luke found the beer and settled on the back
Chapter 58: Saba InsteadLuke looked across at Bella and through the window on her side of the DeHavilland Twin Otter. Below them, the turquoise water of the Caribbean sparkled like a jewel. They'd flown commercial from Birmingham to St. Maarten and had booked the connecting flight to Saba.While on St. Maarten, they'd shot the intro for the episode. "Hello! I'm Bella Grant and we're on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Maarten. This, however, is not our final destination. Today on Two Streets Over, we're actually heading two islands over, to the small island of Saba. We're about to board a little bush plane for the final leg of our trip, and I don't mind telling you, I'm a little freaked out."During the brief flight, Bella kept up nervous chatter with their pilot, Rick, who as it turned out, was Canadian. He told her that he had grown weary of the long cold winters five years before and had moved his flight service to the Caribbean. Luke dutifully shot the conversation,
Chapter 59: IntimacyThey made their way back to their suite, managing to close the door before wrapping each other in deep passionate kisses. Luke pushed her up against the door and lightly nipped the side of her neck. She moaned, luxuriating in his touch."I want you, Cowboy," Bella whispered against his neck."Let's see about that jacuzzi," Luke murmured.Stepping back, he said, "I want to watch you take off your clothes, baby girl."She smiled at him and slowly undid the tie of her halter dress and let it fall, uncovering her full breasts with their erect pink buds. He groaned. "Oh, baby girl…" She lightly moved her palms down her sides and slid the dress down over her hips. It pooled on the floor around her feet and she stood clad only in black lace panties. He took in the sight of her, his desire growing more intense with each passing moment.Luke stepped toward her and stopped, not quite close enough to touch her. "On your knees, baby girl," he quietly instructed. "I'm
Chapter 60: Finding the StoriesThe next day, Bella and Luke spent the morning getting footage around the island of Saba, venturing into the capital, known locally as The Bottom. The town of about five hundred was home to government offices, a few churches, a handful of shops, a hospital, and a medical school.Bella had diligently tracked down Connie de Jong, owner of a company that produced and sold famous Saban lace, a major export of the island. Connie took them on a tour of the small factory, describing the history of the fabric and the process by which it is currently produced. Off-camera, Bella purchased a set of tea towels, thinking they would make a perfect Christmas gift for Cornelia.As they left the lace works, Luke turned to Bella. "We have about an hour to kill before we meet the botanist at the reserve. Let's get something to eat." She quickly agreed and they found themselves at the Saba Coffee House, enjoying sandwiches and fresh-brewed coffee. Naturally, Bella str
Chapter 61: So It's Back to Birmingham"Shit, Bubba!" Bella exclaimed. "What do you mean the funeral is tomorrow morning at 10:00? How did it get arranged so quickly?""You know Daddy," Tre said. "He had it planned for months. He specifically wanted his funeral scheduled for the morning after he died.""Well, we're working. I just got back out on the road. I can't simply…"Tre interrupted, "Sissy, you can be here less than twenty-four hours. It would look bad if you didn't come home."Bella couldn't care less how it looked, but she didn't say so. She realized it would add to Tre's stress and she knew that wasn't fair. God knows, he'd been the one who'd had to deal with their father while she'd been off pursuing her career. "Alright, Bubba, I'll see what we can do. I'll call and let you know." They disconnected.Bella called Rick, the shuttle pilot, and made arrangements for them to be picked up at 4:00, an hour and a half away. She was getting ready to call the airline to
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