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Chapter 218
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 225
Edie woke a few times during the night when the wind blew hard and wiggled the screens in the windows. She thought of Gramps and how much she'd miss him. Her chest hurt and she thought about how she was going to get through the rest of her life without him. She cried herself into exhaustion and back to sleep. She tossed and turned, waking frequently, and was wide awake when the alarm went off. Throwing on a bathrobe and stepping into her slippers she hurried downstairs. Tom was awake and sitting on the couch. "So, it's true. It wasn't a dream, was it? Gramps is gone.""I'm sorry, but it is true." Tom patted the couch beside him.Tears formed again. "I'm going to make coffee." She left the living room for the kitchen.Coffee brewed while she made toast. She'd gotten the jelly out of the fridge when Tom walked into the kitchen, so good looking in his jeans and white shirt with his sheriff's badge on it.He embraced her. She felt his heat emanating through her body and she relaxed
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 226
A few days later, the graveside service was over, and everyone came back to the house to celebrate her grandfather's long life. And to eat all the food that was dropped off earlier. She closed the front door after the last guest left and looked around the empty room. So, this was how it was going to be for the rest of her life. Quiet, cold, and alone.Then Tom popped out through the kitchen doorway, his arms raised in the air. "Everything's cleaned up and ready to go back to the neighbors. We can deliver the dishes in the next few days.""Tom, thank you so much." She hugged him."I have an idea I'd like you to listen to."Edie leaned back and looked into his eyes. "I hope it's good," she said."I was thinking you need a change of scenery. My place is small, nothing like this, but it would be different. Sometimes it helps to get away and put things into perspective. You could come to my place for a day or so."Edie bobbed her head."I'll sleep on the couch, and you can hav
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
