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Chapter 179
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 180
She held open the front door until Carter entered then closed it. The warm air from inside hit her face, and she realized it was freezing outside.Lauren stepped from behind the kitchen island and gave them both a smile."Lauren, which room do these go in?" Carter asked "You can put her things in the guest room, the bigger one. Thanks." Lauren hugged Janelle again as Carter headed upstairs. "I want to make sure I'm not dreaming." She laughed."Me, too," Janelle hugged her. "The house smells so good, cinnamon, beef roasting, and baby powder." She glanced around the modern house, very warm and cozy. "Thank you, Jan." "But I need a hug from him, too." She moved toward him sitting in the high chair, "What's for lunch, kiddo?" Cameron giggled, food running down his chin."Actually, we're trying some homemade veggies and fruits today.""Oh, my goodness. I didn't know he was eating real food yet. Is he old enough?" Janelle asked.Lauren laughed. "Of course, he's old enoug
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 181
Dinner was casual, with discussions ensuing about ranch issues, horse breeding, and plans for the next day, Sunday."Do you go to church?" Janelle asked.Chase and Lauren glanced at each other and answered simultaneously, "Sometimes.""The church isn't far away, and if you want to go, you're more than welcome to take my car," Lauren said, before stuffing a big bite of bread in her mouth."No, no it's okay. I just wondered. I didn't really bring any dress-up clothes, thinking we'd go shopping for them. After all, it is one of the things we do best, right?"Once Lauren chewed and swallowed, she said, "I have plans to take you downtown, see the sights as well as taking you to all my favorite shops. We can make a day of it.""Perfect. Do you have many chores to do around the house?" Janelle didn't want to take her away from her work. "I'm here to help, not just sit around and take up space.""I'm awake early and get most of it done before the baby gets up. And if I ever need
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 182
Lauren chuckled. "You know, you should ask Carter to teach you how to shoot. What if you're out riding, your horse gets spooked, you're thrown to the ground, and a bear is right there? What do you do?" Lauren raised her eyebrows."You're right. I'm sure Carter would do it, too.""And it could be a lot of fun. In a beautiful meadow or pasture, deserted except for the horses, cows, birds, and bees. Taking a break after nailing it, in a secluded hideaway under a big tree with a blanket of fragrant grasses. It could be a very intimate lesson and so romantic." Lauren pushed Janelle's shoulder, and they both fell over in a fit of giggles.Once calmed down, they lay on the bed and talked about their younger years; who touched and what influenced their lives to help them become the women they are now.An hour or so later, Lauren glanced at her watch. "I can't believe how late it is. I have to get in a few hours of sleep. I gotta run, Janelle. If you need anything, just yell." Exhaus
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 183
"Carter, Janelle, are you in here?" Lauren called out from the front door of the barn.It took a few seconds to register, since she'd forgotten her surroundings and lost track of time. They leaped away from each other. Janelle answered, "Yes, we're here in the grooming area. Come on back."Lauren and Cameron were dressed warm. "Thanks for starting dinner for me, Jan. I really needed another hour of sleep.""No problem. I'm glad to help." Janelle squeezed Cameron's pudgy cheeks. "And how's my little man today?" Cameron smiled at her, jumping in his mother's arms, and Janelle laughed. "We're running into town for some groceries. Do you want to come along," Lauren asked."Not really. I agreed to groom Pretty Girl, and I just started. You know I can't go back on my word." Janelle ran her hand over the horse's side."That's fine. I won't be gone long. Do you want anything?""I'd like to make some cookies, so I'll need whatever baking supplies you don't have on hand," Janelle
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 184
When Janelle turned the corner, Carter was opening a door; with glass of the top half. A large wooden desk sat in the middle of the room with two worn chairs in front and a row of file cabinets along the back wall. An older couch was placed along the other wall."Come on in. Take a seat," Carter said, motioning with his arm to the couch."Thanks." Janelle sat on the end of the sofa and placed the basket on a small table in front. She filled the mugs with steaming coffee and removed the napkins from on top of the rolls. "What do you do in here?""This is where we keep all the breeding records, bloodlines, birth records, like who fathered who. Breeding is a big part of the ranch. Brings in a ton of money. We want strong bloodlines, so we lend out male stud services to someone else's mare to carry on the bloodline at their ranch, for a price of course - usually a big price.""I had no idea it was this involved.""These smell so good, I gotta have one." Carter sat in the middle o
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 185
The next day, Janelle stayed in the house, away from the barn and Carter for two reasons. She couldn't guarantee she'd keep her hands off him, and she never wanted to run into Pete again. He gave her the creeps. Her stomach had been in knots the rest of the day.She spent the day browsing through recipes, and making a list of ingredients she needed for grocery shopping. Carter avoided her at dinner and that made her uncomfortable. She couldn't wait to get to her room and breathe freely again.Plopping on the bed, she wished she was with Carter in his cabin or even the office. He intrigued her like no other, and it had been a while since she'd even wanted to be with a man at all. But she had to admit, she wanted Carter.All of him.After sulking a few more minutes, she showered and slid under between the sheets. She looked forward to another riding lesson tomorrow, and this time she'd actually ride the horse.****Janelle woke early, rested and raring to go. She baked oatmea
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 186
After she helped Lauren with some laundry and to prepare slow-cooker chili, they shared a quick sandwich for lunch. Janelle changed her tennis shoes for a pair of Lauren's boots and headed to the barn and a riding lesson. "Carter, are you here?" Janelle yelled into the barn.Carter walked out with Pretty Girl saddled and ready to go. "I thought we'd jump right into a ride. I want to show you some amazing views that can only be admired from the back of a horse. Are you ready?" He handed the reins to her and retrieved Goodfellow, from a nearby stall.After a full nose scratch, Janelle said, "Sure, I've never been more ready." Janelle stepped into a stirrup and lifted herself into the saddle, just like Carter had shown her. "I love you, Pretty Girl," she said in a soft tone as she patted the mare's neck. "We're going to have a great ride today, aren't we?""Yes we are." Carter mounted as well. "Okay, I'll be right beside you. Are you good?""Yup, I'm ready." She squeezed her thigh
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 187
Carter set two places at the countertop bar in his small kitchen. His cabin offered no space for a dining room. He tossed the salad, prepared the dressing, and marinated the steaks. He built a small fire in the cast-iron stove that served to heat the entire house during the winter. He surveyed the living/kitchen combo for any dirty clothes or dust he may have overlooked, but he saw none.He'd assigned the evening feeding to a couple of reliable hands and allowed extra time to clean his house, especially his bedroom and bath. He looked out the window facing the big house. No Janelle yet, and it was a couple of minutes past six. But women expected to make a special attract-attention entry.As nervous as a teenager on his first date, he paced in front of the fire. When he thought about it, it was his first real date in about two years. His long hours of work had paid off in the growth of the breeding program of the ranch, but his love life had taken a direct hit.At a light knock on
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
