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Chapter 18
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2022-06-15 14:05:14Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 19
Lauren opened the door to the dress shop and a bell jingled above. A middle-aged woman walked out from the back. Her blackish-gray hair was pulled up on top of her head in a tight bun and her glasses dangled on her chest by a gold necklace. She was dressed casually in black slacks and a black print top. "Good morning, how can I help you today?" Her blue eyes brightened as her gaze traveled from Lauren's head to her toes. "Well, I've been invited to your town dance, and I have no idea what would be appropriate to wear. Can you make a recommendation?" Lauren began to look through the racks of clothes."Ah, the spring dance. I remember it well. It's always so much fun, and I think I've got the perfect dress for you. It comes with a matching sweater, which you'll appreciate come the chilly evening." The store assistant walked over to a rack and searched for the right size, then pulled out a simple coral sundress. "This looks about right," she said, holding the dress up next to her. "G
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 20
Lauren watched the rolling green hills, painted with wildflowers, rush past the window. She loved the dress, but was ticked off at Chase for insisting on buying it. She wanted to simultaneously kiss him and strangle him. She'd never be able to repay him unless she found a job. She had a degree in Criminal Justice and had supported herself as a legal assistant back in Michigan, but that felt like a lifetime ago. Maybe she could find something as fulfilling in Saddle Creek or somewhere close. She'd worry about locating a place to stay after her first paycheck came in. Leaving the ranchand Chasewould be hard. Her throat tightened as she held back her tears. How could she survive without seeing his face every morning or hearing him whisper her name? She wouldn't live a day without caressing his bronze body as only a woman could do with a man. She swiped away the moisture in her eyes. The cab of the truck seemed to close in around her. A knot formed in her stomach. She couldn't think stra
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 21
She stared at the barn from the open window above the sink. What was happening out there? Chase's face had turned red with anger when Amos told him about another theft, but Lauren didn't hear any yelling from the barn office. No one came flying through the door, landing on his backside. Chase was probably handling things in his usual calm and composed way.Just like he'd curbed his temper, turned to her with kindness in his eyes, and told her to go into the house. Would he always be tender to her if she lived with him day and night, during their lovemaking, when she had his babies? Oh my god! A thought struck her between the shoulder blades and knocked the breath from her lungs.She'd never really thought about their sex together resulting in a baby. What if she was pregnant already? She touched her abdomen with her hands, almost hoping there was a baby already growing inside her. What will he or she look like? Will they have his gorgeous blue eyes and blond hair or my bright eye
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 22
Lauren ran to her bedroom and closed the door. Mrs. Lauren Montgomery. She wouldn't mind if she were his to take care of for the rest of their lives. Alone in her room, his words somersaulted around in her head so fast she wondered which were hers and which were his. "Look in my eyes and tell me you don't have feelings for me, that your heart doesn't jump into your throat every time you think about me, every time you look at me." She lay on the bed, her overloaded head full of thoughts she desperately wanted to clear. She couldn't shake Chase from her mind. She tried to think of nothing, but that didn't work, because his words just kept coming back, echoing with every passing second. How could she figure out how she felt about him, and figure it out fast? Could marrying him really be the answer to all her problems, or would it cause more? How would marrying him keep Clint from invading her future? Surely Clint will give up trying to find me by then.She didn't want to be responsible
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 23
Lauren woke early, dressed, and again beat Chase to the coffeemaker. She sat at the table and watched the sun rise on a beautiful, clear, and dry day as she pondered her immediate future. She was getting married.One thing she'd learned about the handsome rancher was he didn't rush into anything. He thought everything through and through. Sometimes he thought it to death, and she surmised he'd done that before proposing to her as well. She could only hope he'd had the right idea and she'd made the right decision.She'd have to get used to the sound of Lauren Montgomery instead of Lauren McCray. She rolled her tongue around the new name. At least I'll have the same initials. Then again, maybe I won't bother changing my nameat least not till we get past the first year. * * * *Instead of jumping out of bed as soon as he smelled the coffee aroma wafting into his room from the kitchen, Chase lay there thinking about his bride-to-be. He snorted. That was nothing new. She'd been the o
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 24
Lauren smiled at all the lights adorning the town of Saddle Creek. It was lit up like a Christmas tree. Couples strolled up and down the boardwalk, coming and going to the dance. Some were decked out in jiggling silver spurs, big silver-and-gold belt buckles, and bolos, while others wore contemporary jeans and shirts. Country music echoed from the barn, and light spilled across the boardwalk, highlighting the people. They entered the barn and the aroma of fresh hay and food assailed her nostrils. In one corner, a live band played a country tune and her nerves thrummed along with the music. A table full of food and drink was set up across from the band. Pushing through the crowd, Lauren and Chase made their way to the food table to unload their contribution of food. They got a drink and loaded a plate of food and found a nearby table to sit and listen to the music. Chase greeted everyone, nodding his head or waving as they walked by. When the country band played their first slow son
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 25
Chase's anger boiled. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his heart pounded in his ears. He couldn't get there fast enough to keep Clint from smashing his fist into Lauren's beautiful face. His fury toward the man who had dared to put his hands on her again turned red hot. "You ready to pick on someone your own size now, asshole?" Chase came up swinging and threw the first punch. Clint hit the ground not far from Lauren, but pulled himself up and swung at the rancher. Chase ducked and landed a solid blow on his opponent's right side of his face. Lauren had told him that Clint had broken her jaw once before and it had to be wired shut for months. He hoped he'd broken the bastard's jaw. He hoped his mouth would have to be wired shut for months, too. Chase waited while Clint rolled to his hands and knees and staggered to his feet, then he let him have it with a left jab. Cartilage crunched, and blood spurted from Clint's nose as he fell, bruised and broken, to the dirt. Chase
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 26
A car passed going in the opposite direction with its high beams on. Lauren closed her uncovered eye in agonizing pain as a dreadful headache began pounding in her ears. She leaned her head against the window and concentrated on the hum of the tires on the road, her hands folded in her lap and relaxed.When they reached the outskirts of Saddle Creek, Chase slowed and turned left into a motel parking lot. He parked and turned off the ignition. "We're going to stay here tonight so you can get right into bed. That way, we can pick up your prescriptions in the morning, before we head back to the ranch. Stay here, and I'll be right back to get you after I check us in." He didn't wait for her to question his plans. He just opened the door and got out. Lauren kept her eyes closed and her head against the window, thankful Chase had, once again, thought of her comfort. Her body ached and the medications hadn't kicked in yet. She was glad they'd stopped for the night. The long drive would'v
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
