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Chapter 202
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 203
"Sorry, I guess I got carried away." John turned toward the counter where he'd placed his clipboard."It's okay, I-it was good. It felt good. We're celebrating, aren't we?" Susan followed and stood beside him. "What do we do first?""I already have the wall down and the new one ready to go, so I need to figure out how much lumber I need and schedule the electrician. You probably know the best in town, so why don't you schedule him and a plumber. We want all the innards of the place to be clean and ready to go." John picked up the clipboard and moved over to where he intended to build the wall."Okay, I can make those calls. Any preferred time?" she asked."No, I'll be here all day, so anytime is fine.""When are you going to pick up the lumber?" Susan asked."I'm not. We'll have it delivered. Don't have a truck big enough anyway. I hope I can get it soon.""Yeah, me. too. Since we have the money it's work, work, work. I've been wanting to do a deep clean on the grill and
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 204
"We never had any children. How about you?" Susan stood and bent over at the waist. Her lower back was giving her fits today."We never did either. I guess we weren't parent material." John put his plate in the garbage and stood beside Susan."I guess so, but we'll never know what we missed then, will we?""You're right. But is it too late?" John extended his arms in dance position."What? What do you mean?""Is it too late to do the things you've always loved doing, like dancing?""No, I don't think so." Susan stepped into his embrace.He put his arm around her waist and hummed. He led her around the front dining area, twirled her under his arm through the open kitchen doors then into the room addition, which was wide open. Susan stared into his deep blue eyes. Mesmerized, stymied.Heat streamed through her veins, her breaths short and erratic. Then she realized he'd slowed, and they simply stood in place and swayed. She thought he was going to kiss her when he leaned
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 205
"Hi, there. I noticed you're doing some renovations, and I'm looking for some work for a little extra money. My wife's pregnant with our first baby and had to quit working, so we're a little short of cash right.""What's your name?" Susan knew almost everybody in town, since they'd all at one time or another eaten at her establishment. He sure did look familiar. The patterned blue shirt worn over dirt streaked T-shirt and knee-torn blue jeans indicated they'd already seen an eight hour or more day."I'm Ben Paige, my folks live at - "Susan said, "I know your folks, looks like you grew up when I wasn't looking.""Yes, ma'am, I guess I did," Ben answered."What type of work do you like to do?" John crossed his arms over his chest."I'm open to anything. I have a full-time job, so I could only work nights and weekends but, as you know, every little bit helps."Susan and John looked at each other. "Yes, we do know.""How's your balance, Ben?" John asked."It's fine, I wo
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 206
John came by around seven p.m. with a pizza he'd driven all the way into Jackson to pick up. He knocked on Susan's apartment door and surveyed the surrounding buildings and plants. Susan deserved better than this.When Susan opened the door, John was dazed. She sure was pretty with her hair going every which way. The dark circles underneath her eyes stood out on her pale, almost luminescent skin. She wore blue jogging pants with a matching top in a pretty blue-green matching her eyes."Come on in." Susan took the pizza from him, stepped aside, heading to the kitchen.John admired her cute ass as he followed her, but he'd also observed her limp. He shook his head. "You should make an appointment with your doctor. You may need x-rays. You realize you're limping, right? You've got all those nerves riled up, too.""Yes, I know, and yes I need to see the doctor. But, I'm starving, so let's have dinner."They sat at the kitchen table and they talked a few minutes about the diner. B
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 207
At lunch, John arrived with sandwiches and salads for each of them, and they ate at the kitchen table. Susan winced as she sat down and was ready for ice again and bed rest. "My back's hurt before, but I've never had this much pain in an all-encompassing area. It feels like my back is on fire.""Before when your back went 'out, you took it easy and, slowly, the muscles relaxed, and your back was fine. But I think you've strained them, and they are mad." He tangled his fingers all together, and she guffawed at him. "They're all twisted up and hollering at each other. What's so funny?""You are. You're silly. You make me laugh.""Is it a good thing?" He asked."Yes, it is, John. I want to be happy, but for some reason I feel I'm cheating on Eddy. Don't you feel similar with your Liz?""This is probably terrible to say, but I don't. I lost my Liz a long time before she drew her last breath. I watched her die a little bit every day and, in the end, it wasn't her. When she chose n
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 208
John and Ben walked into the kitchen, talking about what needed to be done next. They worked good together. Ben could've been his son. He was about the right age, and John hoped he could hire him on when his current job expired. While they worked together, John asked him questions one would ask in a job interview. He had the feeling the labor-intensive jobs Ben worked weren't in his future. They were weekly paycheck producing, and that was it. Ben had a number of years of college behind him and some good ideas about management. He might be a great assistant manager for the diner, but they had to get it up and running first."Why don't you tackle the paint jobs while I finish this wall. Then you can prep it for paint.""Sounds good," Ben answered and went straight to work.John had already talked to Susan and Mitch about scouting out some other contracting jobs. He needed to follow up on some of them. He could send Ben to do some work without him there to oversee him constantly.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 209
Only two weeks till Thanksgiving. She'd noticed the cooler air this morning when she came to work. Pretty soon, she'd have to park her car in the garage, so she wouldn't have to shovel or sweep the snow off it.The new windows were clear and bright, and she envisioned the celebration on Christmas Eve. Her boys - Chase, Elliott, Dillon, and Sheriff Mitch - would all be there like they've been from the beginning. Except three of them had children, and Mitch and Ronnie were still newlyweds. Oh yeah, and then there were Tom and Edie, who they'd already invited, and Carter and Janelle. She'd spoke with Janelle today about it. They should be able to attend and then there were Ben and Angela with the new baby.Susan needed another list for invitations and RSVPs and additional food. Or what about having the meal catered? She'd have to ask Janelle for a quote, and talk to John, Avri and Lauren. Dillon's wife Avri, an attorney and Chase's wife, Lauren, were usually the two representing the g
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 210
Susan departed the diner early, leaving John to secure everything. They usually left at the same time but today she'd mixed the ingredients of her famous meatloaf and put it in the slow cooker. When she opened the door, she was overwhelmed by the delicious aroma. She quickly finished the meal and was setting the table when John walked in."You're right on time," Susan waved him in and took his jacket."What smells so good?" John sniffed the air."That delectable aroma is my meatloaf that everybody loves at the diner. Remember, I think I told you about it.""Yes, I remember." John swept a large bouquet of flowers from behind his back. "These, sweetie, are for you.""I haven't received flowers in so long, John. Thank you." She leaned up and kissed his lips. "These are gorgeous, too. Let me find a vase to put them in, and dinner will be on the table in a couple of minutes.""Sure, take your time."There was a partial opening between the kitchen and the living room. John move
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
