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Chapter 116
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 117
Lauren rinsed the lunch dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. She glanced out the side window toward the drive numerous times, expecting Chase to be back with her parents. Her cell phone rang, and she yanked it out of her back pocket."Hello," Lauren said, without checking caller ID."Lauren, it's Janelle.""Jan, it's so wonderful to hear your voice. How are you?""I'm freezing my ass off here," Janelle said."It's winter, girl. It's cold here too, with lots of snow on the ground. Great forsnowmobiling."Janelle didn't say anything, so Lauren asked, "Jan, you still there?""Yes, yes, I'm sorry. I want to tell you something and I'm not sure how to say it.""Hey, in all the years we've been friends, and there were quite a few, you've never been at a loss for words. Just spit it out." Lauren said, holding the phone under her chin. "Clint's out," Janelle spat out."What? I must have heard you wrong. Clint can't be out of prison yet. He has another yearor two." Lauren's
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 118
"Thanks for joining us, you two. Everything okay?" Lauren's mother, Charlotte, and her father Steve sat at the breakfast table with coffee cups."Yes, everything's fine," Chase answered as he and Lauren entered the kitchen holding hands."Are you hungry?" Lauren asked.Steve and Charlotte looked at each other and said simultaneously, "We're starved." "They don't feed you anything on the planes anymore. Worthless peanuts or pretzels, that'sit," Steve scoffed."How about a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup?" Lauren asked. "That sounds really good and warm," Charlotte said, rubbing her upper arms with her handsand Steve nodded."Okay, you get the soup going and I'll put the sandwiches together," Chase said to Lauren, then dropped her hand."Do you have anything planned for dinner?" Charlotte asked Lauren, wiping her mouth on a napkin. "I sure do mom. It's slow roasting in the oven. We should be smelling it any time now." Lauren set plates and bowls on the t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 119
Chase opened the back door at the same time Lauren's parents entered the kitchen. "Dinner smells good, sweetie." Chase leaned down and kissed Lauren on the lips."I don't really smell anything," Charlotte said, sniffing the air.Steve rolled his eyes. "You know you have no smell sensation, Char, so just stop it. We'll have a great dinner, right Lauren?""You're absolutely right, Dad. Once I put the baby down, I'll finish it up and get it on the table," Lauren said as she started toward the front stairs, she motioned for Chase to come with her. He followed her up the stairs.Chase closed the bedroom door as soon as they entered. "Are you okay," he asked.She laid the baby in his crib and turned to Chase; his arms outstretched. "I'm scared." She hugged his neck. "What'd you find out from Mitch?""It's true, he's out. He's on parole so he's not allowed to leave the state, but Mitch cautioned me about Clint, he could easily violate his parole. Then when or if he doesn't show up to me
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 120
Charlotte sat on the side of the tub while Lauren turned on the water and removed Cameron's clothes. Then she placed him in a sling like hammock with just enough water in the tub to touch his lower back. Cameron closed his eyes as she gently ran a soapy washcloth over his body and washed his fuzzy hair. Then she rinsed him off by pouring the tub water over him. Cameron smiled."Mom, Amos told us the other day that babies have a fart thing and when they smile it's because they just farted. Have you ever heard of such a thing?" Charlotte laughed, a deep giggle. "Yes, it's true. Think about it. It gives them relief, doesn't it? Just like adults when we have gas, same thing."Lauren giggled. "You're right. Wait till I tell Chase ole Amos was right.""What's he still doing around here? I thought he retired years ago." "He's retiring at the end of the year, moving somewhere warm. We're going to really miss him." Lauren placed a towel on her lap and wrapped the baby up. "You know he pr
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 121
"Okay, Mom. I know what I'm doing. Please, trust me." Lauren said, as her mother sat at the island giving her advice about how to chop vegetables. She'd planned on chicken stir-fry for dinner and since they were going to Janelle's Coffee to meet her girlfriends, she wanted to have everything prepared ahead of time."Sorry. Are you wearing what you have on?" Charlotte asked."My jeans are fine, but I'll change into a different sweater," Lauren answered as she placed everything in the fridge for later."I guess I'll change then, too." "No need, Mom. The pants and sweater you have on are fine, and you look great. Just relax. You're going to have a good time." Lauren tucked her hair behind her ears. "I'm gonna run upstairs to change and get Cameron ready. Be right back." Lauren hurried out of the room and up the stairs before her mother stopped her.Once Lauren opened the front door to go out and because she was taking her mother, she had to go now. Looking over her shoulder she only
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 122
Mitch called Chase and informed him that Clint had missed his PO appointment, just as Mitch had suspected, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Clint had no cash, credit cards or vehicle so there was really no way to track him. Then Chase remembered how Clint had found Lauren the last time; he'd had a cop friend who helped Chase track Lauren rough her credit card usage. If that friend was still a cop would he give him a ride or money for bus fare? What were the chances he'd get there by bus with no one recognizing him? Mitch thought they were pretty good chances.On his way back to the ranch, protecting his family was solely on his mind. To be absolutely positive Lauren and the baby would be safe he'd have to go with them himself; the only way. He'd brought two trees down from behind the house, perfect for decorating; one for the house and one for the barn. He parked his truck outside the barn and off-loaded the tree. Carter would know what to do. Then he parked the truck close
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 123
"Mitch called you today, didn't he?" Lauren asked."Yes, I did speak to Mitch today. Clint didn't show up for his appointment with his parole officer," Lauren gasped, covered her mouth with her hand, and rubbed her forehead."They issued a warrant for his arrest. Mitch and I discussed the possibilities. Since he has no money, no vehicle, no means to get anywhere except......""His cop friend, right? Like last time." Lauren's hand grasped Chase's thigh. "Yes, Mitch asked the local PD in Detroit to check it out. As soon as they know anything, Mitch will know and notify us. BOLO's were issued so every cop has a picture of him and is on the lookout, like we are.""Staying in the house sounds better and better, Lauren." Charlotte said, holding her head in her hand; elbow propped on the table."Mom, when I first heard Clint was released for good behavior, I was scared to death, I'm still scared. But I have to be strong and accept that Chase, Carter and Amos have put everything in plac
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 124
"That was some shindig you had tonight," Charlotte said while hanging up her coat."Yes, it was worth all the work and extra effort, wasn't it?" Lauren asked her parents. She laid the baby in the bassinet in the living room and removed some of the extra layers of blankets. Cameron was wide-awake, his arms and legs flying every which way."You are so cute, baby boy. I'm going to change your diaper and get you ready for bed. Then mommy's going to get a hot shower.""Goodnight, Lauren," her father called to her as she started up the stairs."'Night Mom and Dad. Thanks for all your help. See you in the morning." Lauren relaxed as she closed the door to the master bedroom and exhaled, safe at last. She'd felt exposed during the party among men, some she didn't recognize; afraid the next man she'd see would be Clint. Memories of him assaulting her consumed her. She sat on the edge of the bed, Cameron still in her arms.She blew out a series of short breaths to gain control, her stomach
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 273
This would be Mitch's first time of attending the entire celebration with his three best friends and their growing families. He'd get to hear all the news first-hand and share his own. Last year he and Ronnie barely had time to stop in and say Merry Christmas but this year, he had news to announce. He was married to the love of his life, and already had a six-year-old son. He smiled as he buttoned his Christmas vest. This was about as Christmas as he got, and it would have to do.Wyatt blasted through their closed bedroom door, "Slow down there, son. Where's the fire?" Mitch asked."I'm ready to go." "I see that. Where'd you get that beautiful Christmas sweater? I love it." Mitch asked."Ron'er, Mom laid clothes on the bed and put on everything.""That was nice," Mitch said, as the bathroom door opened, and Ronnie stepped out.Mitch smiled; his wife was so beautiful, her eyes wide and her face glowed. She twirled around in her red sweater with a green print Christmas scarf
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 272
December 24thRonnie woke, still tired. She moved closer to Mitch and he automatically pulled her closer. "I'm still tired. Is it really time to get up?"Mitch rubbed her arm, "Me too," he mumbled. "What's all the noise out in the kitchen?""I don't know, it's probably Mom, Marie and maybe Tory making breakfast. Wyatt, hopefully, is still asleep," Ronnie said, her voice hoarse."So many things to do today. I need to wrap presents," Ronnie yawned stretched her arms over her head. "Maybe you can take Wyatt to the office.""Don't need to, I hired two new deputies who are working the next few days. I actually have a few days of vacation now. Maybe your mom and Tory could keep him occupied out there.""Maybe," Ronnie said, then Mitch kissed her neck. "Oh, a little frisky this morning.""Every morning, but we never have time, remember?""Oh, I remember, then I can't take my eyes off you while I'm at work.""Do I distract you?" Mitch said in a sing songy voice."Yes, you d
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 271
December 23rdRonnie helped clear the table and put leftovers away. "Wyatt, will you please go and get your shower and ready for bed now?"Wyatt did a double take and screwed up his nose. Ronnie wasn't giving him a chance to ask why or to say, "it's too early." She explained it, "I know it's early, but we have to share the water with everyone else who wants a shower.""Okay," Wyatt said before he scurried up the stairs.Mitch came up behind Ronnie, wrapping his arms around her waist. She tilted her head back and kissed his lips. "Still nine?" She asked."Yup, I'll be getting a shower next while you tuck him in and then it'll be nine, I'm hoping anyway.""Sounds good. I'll play with the baby until Wyatt is done and then after a story, I'll meet you in bed." Ronnie smiled when Mitch kissed her neck. The anticipation was unnerving. Marie and Janet were having after dinner coffee at the breakfast table back and suggested playing cards. Tory handed Angelina to Ronnie while Ma
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 270
Marie wiped her hands on her apron and then pretended to cry; her knuckles rounded in her eyes. "Don't I get a hug? I missed you the entire time you were gone." "Sure," Wyatt said as he left Ronnie's side to hug her."Oh, that felt so good. Thank you." Marie said."Something smells good. Are you baking cookies?" Wyatt asked."No, I did that earlier and don't worry, I left some for you to decorate. And do you know what we're going to do with all the cookies then?" Marie asked."Eat them till they're all gone," Wyatt guessed."No, silly, we, you and I, and maybe Janet here if she wants to help, are going to put them in these pretty containers and deliver them." Marie explained, her hands on her hips."Why would we deliver them? To who? I thought they were for all of us." Wyatt's eyes welled with tears."Oh, dear boy, don't worry. There will be plenty for us, we aren't giving them all away. The people we deliver them to aren't able to celebrate Christmas, they elderly and
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 269
After a quick hug for Ronnie's parents when she met them at baggage claim, she said, "Hi Mom, and Dad, how was your flight?""It was a long, I can tell you that much." Her father, John Travis exclaimed. "I'm ready for a nap.""You're in luck. I happen to know a great B&B that has a room with your name on the door." Ronnie chuckled as she helped load their suitcases into the trunk. "How's Tory and the baby?""The baby really getting cute, and you can talk to Tory yourself and find out how she's doing." Ronnie's mother Janet said, her voice tailing off at the end.Once settled in the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Do you need to pick up anything before we head home?""Nope, I'm anxious to get to that bed you talked about." He father mumbled.During the quiet drive home, Ronnie explained Wyatt's appearance to them and that he may become their adopted son, hence their grandson. When there was no response from the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Is that okay with you?""Oh honey, of cour
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 268
Ronnie stepped out of the bathroom, saw Wyatt standing right where she'd left him, "Oh Wyatt, why didn't you go the kitchen and find Marie?" She asked him.He was immobile, his head hung, staring at the ground. She reached out her hand and said, "Come on, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'm not going to run off or disappear, I promise."He grasped her hand and squeezed, then they walked to the kitchen together. Marie was putting something in the oven to slow cook for dinner. "Good morning, you two. How are you doing today, Wyatt?""I'm not in trouble yet, am I?" He looked at Ronnie."Of course not. I can't even think of anything you've done since you've been here to be in trouble about. And just so you know, if or when you are in trouble, I'll make sure you know why and what the punishment of any is. Now let's eat." Ronnie smiled at him."How about French toast, Wyatt? Do you like that?"He shrugged. "Let's give it a try if you've already made it, otherwise we can have
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 267
The following morning, Ronnie woke up late, or so she thought, because there was more light poking in her squinted eyes. She tried to move but something heavy was laying halfway across her chest. "Mugsy, come on, time to get up." But there wasn't any change. She opened her eyes and looked in the childish face of Wyatt. He was laying on her left shoulder, rolled into a fetal position and hanging onto his teddy bear's one arm. Awe! She smiled.There was no way she could get out of bed without waking him. She reached for her phone and checked the time. It was after eight, Mitch had already gone to work, and Mugsy probably got up with him for breakfast. She caressed Wyatt's baby-soft cheek and brushed his light brown hair off his forward. He needed a haircut, she thought. Then his hand released the bear from his grasp and wrapped his arm around her neck. I love you too, Wyatt, my sweet innocent boy. She rubbed his arm that lay across her neck and studied his face. He smiled in his sle
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 266
Ronnie ran into a number a shops, and bought underwear and socks for Wyatt as well as deodorant. She also found a toy store and, with the help of the clerk, was able to provide her with an assortment of games and toys for her to select from. Her choices filled two bags. "Can I leave these here until my husband can bring the car around? We're parked a couple blocks over." Ronnie asked the store clerk while on the lookout for Mitch or Wyatt. They had to be done by now and waiting on her."Sure, I'll put your name on them and keep them behind the counter. What's your name?" She asked."Rogers," Ronnie answered and smiled."Like the Sheriff?" She asked."Yes, exactly, I'm his wife." Ronnie said."I heard about him getting married, but I didn't realize he had any children," the clerk stapled the paper onto their bags."Thank you and Merry Christmas!" Ronnie said as she turned and headed out the door. She stopped in front of a store that cut off the bitter cold wind and called
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 265
Ronnie took everything out of Wyatt's small suitcase and placed it on the bed to take inventory. He only had a few shirts and some 'hi-water' short pants. No sweaters, or long pants. He'd have to wear the pants and every shirt he had. Two pair of clean underwear included but looked way too small. "Okay, sweetie, this is what we're going to do. You can wear all these shirts today, so which one is your favorite?" Ronnie asked.Wyatt looked them over like he'd never seen them before, then chose a blue Batman one. Ronnie helped him remove his pajama top and get the T-shirts on one after the other. The outer one he chose was long sleeve and fit perfectly over the others. Then she handed him a pair of pants, the longest ones she could find. "You put clean underwear on last night after your bath, right?" Ronnie asked. Wyatt nodded."You look nice and warm," Mitch proclaimed from the doorway. "Maybe we ell be able to sled ride later after all.""After a few stores, he'll be fine
