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Chapter 209
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The 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 : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 211
John sat on the couch on the end, he really wanted to loosen his jeans, he was so full of a fabulous dinner. He sipped his coffee and then set it on the side table. He patted the seat beside him. "Come on over here. That's enough work. Bring your coffee and sit with me."Susan sat in the middle of the couch. This had become a routine: eat dinner, clean up, snuggle on the couch with coffee. One or both of them would fall asleep. He carried her to bed and then lay down beside her. He always left before she woke. But, tonight, he had other plans."You wanna watch TV?" Susan asked."No, not really. Probably nothing on anyway.""What do you want to do?" Susan moved closer to him."I know this is a surprise, but I want to talk. To you. Just you and me," John explained.Man, he was nervous. What if she didn't like his ideas? She'd tell him, and that would be the end of that."Okay, what about? You begin." Susan put her mug on the coffee table with his."A number of things, act
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 212
"There you are," John said from behind her. "What a view, huh?""It sure is." Susan, up on her tiptoes gave him a light kiss. "What's the news on the heat pump?""Not good. Hank, who is the owner of the company, by the way, thinks it's worn out. He's going to try replacing some parts, but otherwise we're looking at a big price tag and another delay. We can only do so much in the cold." John rubbed his hands together. "We should've added a fireplace in this room, huh?""That would've been nice, but it would be hard to get the guests to leave." She chuckled. "I do have some space heaters, or I should say I did. I don't remember seeing them in the large storage area by the back door."The front door opened. "Susan, I heard you were back." A nice-looking man, muscles in all the right places and always smelled like horse flesh. He was a natural with them, according to Chase, who would know since Carter was his ranch manager, and breeding specialist."Carter Weaver, it's so nice to
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After a much-needed long nap, at about five am something, maybe a loud noise woke them. "I can't believe we slept the entire night." She shook her head."Me either." John swung his legs to the side of the bed. "I'm going to see what or who woke us up." And he left the room.A minute later, the front door open and close. She lay in bed, missing his body heat, which reminded her of the headache with the heat pump at the diner, which led her to facing another bank meeting with the loan officer, Janet Trumpey.Oh dear, what a mess I've made. This was supposed to be a simple upgrade, so what happened? John had no control over the dishwasher or the extra party/meeting room, or the heating issue. Nor did she. She hoped and prayed the customers would come back and bring all their friends and family.The door opened and closed again. "John, is that you?""Yes, it is." He stuck his head through the bedroom doorway."Find anything?"He shook his head. "It may have been a car backfir
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 214
Susan stuck her head inside the party, and everyone seemed to be laughing and talking at once. They were passing Sam and Elliott's baby girl around. Definitely enough room for all of them, even if they kept having babies. Susan waved, and no one seemed to notice, so she headed back to the front.Ben came through the front door carrying the baby in a carrier. Angela followed close behind."Merry, Merry Christmas. I'm so glad you could make it," Susan said. John hurried to her side and shook Ben's hand while Angela removed five-week-old Logan from the carrier. Logan's cheeks were kissed and pinched. There were so many smells and loud noises."Okay everybody, please find a seat. The food will be served momentarily." Susan headed to the kitchen. The catering staff were ready and, in fact, had already served those in the extra room.When Susan returned to the other party in the front of the diner, Edie was holding Ben's baby Logan, with Tom cooing over him.Suddenly, Ben stood and
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 215
Sheriff Mitch Rogers held his wife's hand as they went over to talk to John and Susan. "I sent an old friend over. He's a little younger than us." He pointed his head toward the kitchen. "Anyway, he's looking for a job, and I told him about you. Did he happen to stop in?""Yes, he did, and he got the cook's job. He's had more experience than I've had," Susan said. "No, I'm kidding, but he does have a lot. We think he'll fit in fine.""Are you ready for opening, then?" Chase joined Mitch.Susan said, "Yes, next Sunday we'll be open all day. Six am to ten pm, the usual hours. And meatloaf is the main feature."Yay," Elliott carried his daughter to the front.Drew stood with Chase and Lauren and made a point to get Susan's attention. When he did, he pointed to Lauren's middle. "There's a baby in there too."Lauren concurred."Congratulations!" Susan leaned down to Drew's height. "My goodness. What are we going to do with all these babies?""Love them. That's what I'm going
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 216
Book 2: A Christmas RenewalTom Miles stepped inside Janelle's Coffee and Tasty Pastries. Alice's heart racing, she picked up a cloth, needing to keep busy so she wouldn't lose it in front of him. "Mornin', Tom. What can I get for you?" Alice had had a crush on Tom ever since she'd moved to Saddle Creek a few months ago. He came in every day. She hoped it was to see her, but, so far, nothing had come of it. Usually he wore his deputy's uniform, but today he was dressed casual in blue jeans and a sweatshirt. Must be his day off. She continued wiping the glass of a display case filled with beautifully decorated and decadent pastries."Uh, a coffee and one of those apple pie things Janelle makes with all the crumbles on top," Tom said, after studying all the goodies."You mean the apple strudel? That one right there?" Alice pointed to one of the delicacies placed strategically in the glass case."Yeah, that's it. For some unknown reason I cannot remember the name, dang it." Tom hu
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 217
Edie Benner parked in front of the Saddle Creek Dress Shop. The sign above the door read, Founded in 1939. "I sure hope the original owner isn't still running the place," Edie said while she checked her makeup in the driver's mirror. She touched up her lipstick then stepped out of the car. As she approached the store, she smoothed the wrinkles from the front of her dress pants and fluffed her hair. The front windows had a display of beautiful summer dresses in light flowery prints. She liked them all.She paused, cleared her throat, and opened the door. A little bell jingled, and a small elderly woman came out from the back."Hello, can I help you find something?"Edie wasn't impressed with her. She had a sour look on her face, and that didn't help sales. The typical medium build, middle-aged woman wore a dark mid-length skirt with a beige sweater. Her dull, brown hair was held at the nape of her neck with a barrette, and her tired bloodshot eyes were hazel. Deep wrinkles in her
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
