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 62: Luke On His OwnLuke returned to the suite after seeing Bella off at the airport. He wandered around feeling a bit lost, aware of the deafening silence. Not that she's noisy, he mused. She's just so…full of life. Her absence left a void not simply in the room but in his soul."You really do have it bad, Cowboy," he murmured to himself.He sat on the terrace smoking a cigar, watching the sun drift lower in the sky, ever closer to the water. In his mind, he replayed some of their recent conversations. He thought about the firm way he'd dismissed the idea of marriage. Why had he done that? Not that he thought he was ready for so big a step. But now, if he ever was, clearly, she'd refuse.He shook his head. I wanted to avoid complications, he thought. Bella was nothing but complications. Yeah, but not necessarily in a bad way, he thought to himself. She was the perfect sub to his Dom. They fit together flawlessly. He sighed. "I'd have been a shit mother anyway,"
Chapter 63: Those Odd RitualsPoole Funeral Chapel, which had buried Grants for generations, was located only a few blocks from Bella's townhouse. As they drove up, it was clear that the place was packed.Bella gripped Tre's hand before they entered the building. "How are you, Bubba? Really?" she asked him, concerned.He looked down at her and sighed. "Really? I'm tired. And," he looked down before continuing, "I'm relieved. I can't say that to anybody but you. It's been a long haul. And you and I both know he was a son of a bitch."She hugged him tightly. "It's just you and me, Bubba. I love you so much.""Thanks, Sissy," he said, emotion causing his voice to crack slightly. "I love you, too."Tre walked Bella into the room dedicated to their father's remains. It was actually three expanded adjoining rooms, befitting the status of the dearly departed. Bella thought to herself that the wake more resembled a high-end cocktail party than a funerary ritual. All these design
Chapter 64: Face TimeWhat am I wearing? Bella grinned. She could lie, make up something sexy and erotic. Looking down at herself she laughed again."I'm wearing exactly what I was wearing when you dropped me at the airport. Sans the shoes," she keyed into her phone.Her phone blipped a moment later. "That short black skirt with the tight black sweater? Sweet!"She looked down at herself again and texted, "The skirt's not too short, is it?""Not for me," he texted in reply. Then, "Skype with me."Bella went upstairs to her bedroom and fired up her laptop. Luke was already online, waiting for her, smiling that lazy Cowboy smile. She'd forgotten how handsome he was. Instinctively she touched his face on the screen.He knew she was sitting at her desk; he could see her bed behind her. Memories of their time together on that bed filled his thoughts."Hello, there, baby girl! You're looking sexy as ever. How was everything tonight?" he asked.She rolled her eyes. "Excruciating
Chapter 65: Inappropriate Funeral FashionAfter they said their good nights, Bella slept fitfully. How long has it been since I've slept alone, she wondered. She finally drifted off about half an hour before her alarm sounded and she found herself hitting the snooze button repeatedly. Her ringing phone startled her awake."Hello?" she answered sleepily."Sissy, I'm downstairs. Are you ready?" Tre asked."Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "Give me ten minutes," she shouted into the phone, disconnecting before he could reply. She took the fastest shower of her life and threw on the first black dress she found in the closet, running down the stairs with her shoes in her hand.Tre was waiting at the curb and she jumped into the giant SUV. He stared at her for a moment, his expression incredulous. "Is that what you're wearing?" he finally said.Bella looked down. The dress was more low-cut than she realized, and she tried to pull the v-neckline more closed. "Oh, for God's sake, we're lat
Chapter 66: Plans for Bella's Return to the RoadLuke arrived in Buenos Aires at 6:00 pm local time. Bella wasn't scheduled to arrive until 9:00 which was perfect for what he had planned. He checked into the Royal Suite at the Alvear Palace Hotel and immediately spoke to the concierge to make the necessary arrangements. He hadn't heard from her today and he hoped that everything had gone well.He walked out of the hotel just as the sun was disappearing and the lights of the city were beginning to blink on, changing the feel of the place immediately. Lighting a cigar, he was considering asking the doorman to get a cab for him when he turned to face the building, noticing for the first time a small shop next to the hotel. He walked to the display window, drawn to an item that caught his eye. It was exquisite; delicate and vintage, everything that reminded him of Bella. It's a crazy idea, Cowboy, he thought. We just had this conversation. Still…Impulsively, he entered the shop a
Chapter 67: Knee TimeFive minutes later, she was nude and kneeling on the floor of the bedroom, waiting for her Sir. Like the sitting room, the bedroom was filled with candlelight. Rose petals littered the floor and trailed across the bed.He hadn't said anything about the necklace, so she'd left it on. Her head was bowed, and she rested her hands lightly on her thighs, palms up and loosely open. Closing her eyes, she simply breathed and let go of everything else except this moment.She didn't look up when she heard him enter the room. She heard him, no, she felt him, circle her slowly, then he slipped the mask down over her eyes. He stood before her, one bare foot between her thighs, the other to her right. He pulled her head to his leg and gently stroked her hair. She sighed and gave herself over to the feeling of comfort and peace."How are you, baby girl?" he asked."I'm so much better now, Sir," she whispered, her voice breaking."I missed you, you know," he said."Oh, Si
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