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Chapter 216
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The 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
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 218
Edie changed clothes three times. Her wardrobe wasn't as up to date as she'd like, but with a job, she'd have the money to change all that. Tonight, she wanted to look her best. It seemed important.She put on her only red dress. It was short, midway up her thigh, and she felt uncomfortable. Taking it off over her head, then threw it on the bed. Searching through her closet, she found a black dress she'd forgotten she even had. It still had the tags on it, too, so she hadn't worn it yet. She slipped it on over her head and tugged it down. When she looked in the mirror, she couldn't believe what she saw. It was provocative, low cut in the back, and clung to her in all the right placesA pair of black patent leather high heels she'd worn many times before finished her outfit. She fixed her hair, added a little blush to her too-pale cheeks, a little mascara, and a swipe of pink lipstick, and she was ready. What would Gramps think, she wondered as she slowly descended the stairs."Gr
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 219
When Tom parked in front of Edie's house, she wasn't sure what to do. Did she just get out and walk in the house? Would Tom see her to the door and come in, have sex. That's not going to happen."I'll walk you to the door, make sure you get inside." Tom jumped out of the driver's side, walked around the car, and opened her door. They walked to the porch side by side.Approaching the front door, Edie said, "Thank you so much for a nice time. I really enj - "Tom covered her mouth with his. She quivered as chills ran down her spine. Her heart pounded so loudly she thought he would hear it. His lips were soft and tender and tasted of wine. When he pushed his tongue into her mouth, she felt a spark deep down inside her core. Her arms encircled his neck, and she ran her fingers through his thick hair.When he finally broke the kiss, she was breathless and speechless.Tom turned away then back to her. "I'm sorry. I never meant for that to happen. I-I just couldn't resist. Your lips
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 220
"That would be nice. I'll help you, if that's okay," Tom said."Great, I could use the help. Gramps, why don't you sit in your recliner here and relax until I have dinner ready? It won't be long, okay?" She helped him sit then turned to go."Not much for me, Edie, girl. You know I don't like eating all those weeds." He chuckled."You got it. I'll put extra tomatoes and carrots in yours." Edie smiled at him."Not too much," he huffed."Don't worry, it'll be just the right amount." She went to the kitchen. Tom followed close behind her."Okay, what do you want me to do first?" Tom asked."Let me get the cutting board and some plates. I thought about putting some cooked chicken or tuna on top, so Gramps has some protein. He's looking so frail - " A tear trickled down her cheek, and she brushed it away."It's okay, Edie." Tom pulled her into his arms. "He needs someone like you to give him some love and affection. I'm sure he missed you and has spent too much time all alone
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 221
Edie's alarm woke her with Alan Jackson singing "I'll go on loving you," one of her favorites. She lay and listened to the song and imagined Tom's handsome face in front of her. Then quiet.Wonder where Gramps is? He usually has the coffee going, and I don't even smell it.She grabbed her robe from the floor where it had fallen during the night and headed down the steps. In the kitchen, she saw everything exactly the same as she left it last night."Gramps, where are you?" she hollered as she reached the bottom of the steps. When she stood outside his bedroom door, she breathed deeply. Surely, he was okay. She knocked and yelled, "Gramps." No answer.She slowly opened the door. He was in his bed, covered with one of Grandma's quilts. He must have overslept. He looked so comfortable. She hurried to his side and shook his shoulder. "Gramps, come on, wake up, sleepyhead." No response. Then she ran her fingertips over his cheek, it was cold. Oh no! She held his hand and then laid h
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 222
Edie attempted to stand but Tom put his hand on her shoulder. "I'll get it for you. Just breathe. That's all you have to do." He went to the kitchen, and she leaned back. Wiggling deeper into the sofa, she concentrated on breathing and focused on that's all she had to do.In a few minutes, Tom returned with a steaming cup of coffee, with cream and sugar. She smelled it. "Thank you." She took a small sip. "It's the perfect amount of cream and sugar. How did you know?""I watched you do it a number of times, and I guess I remembered."Tom sat beside her on the couch but didn't say anything."Tell me what you're thinking, Tom.""Do you really want to know?""Yes, yes, I do.""I was thinking you should call Ralph at the funeral home and let him know what's happened. In my experience with these situations, once they know, they take over from there.""What all has to be done there? I mean, I don't think we have any money to buy a casket or flowers or pay the preacher." Edie's
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 223
Edie read the first page, past the obtrusive name, and then went on to the next. The aroma of fresh coffee perked her up, and she continued. When Tom returned with the coffee, she accepted it gratefully. "Thank you, Tom. It smells so good.""I made a fresh pot. I don't like it when it's old." Tom sat in the chair facing her. "Have you had enough time to read it entirely?"Edie sipped her coffee."What do you think?""Gramps took care of everything, didn't he?""He sure did. All the things you feared you'd have to do are already done." Tom sipped his coffee."Let me get this straight and make sure I understand everything. If Gramps had passed while I was in prison, Chase Montgomery would be the executor of the estate, but only until I was released. Once I was released, I was or am the executor, right?""Yes, go on.""Upon Gramps' death, Chase has agreed to purchase the ranch for the fairest value, and all proceeds go to me to do with whatever." She glanced at Tom. "The f
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 224
A number of friends and neighbors stopped by throughout the remainder of the day and dropped off cakes, cookies, pies, sandwiches, casseroles, and paper products. Edie accepted their generosity with gratitude and invited them to the funeral."Are you hungry?" Tom asked Edie, as he rubbed his tired eyes."Not really, I really wanted to sleep longer but-""Why don't I get out the makings of a sandwich, and we'll snack on whatever it is we want?" Tom asked."Sounds good to me."They snacked around the coffee table in the living room until dusk. Each time Edie glanced through the front door at the encroaching darkness, she had an ache in the pit of her stomach. Then her heart would race, and sweat would trickle down her back. She had a headache and knew she must look a fright."What're you thinking about?" Tom cleared the table."It's getting dark, and I'll have to sleep here alone. Gramps was always here, you know." Her swollen eyes filled with tears.Tom sat beside her on
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