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Chapter 25
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The 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 : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 27
Lauren stirred. Chase opened his eyes to the early morning sunlight shining through the blinds. He looked at her beautiful face. Though marred on one side, she was as flawless to him as the day he'd met her at Rosie's Diner. Her hand moved on his chest and played with a patch of hair. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer, ran his hand through her luxurious hair, and pushed it behind her ear. She groaned but didn't open her eyes."How are you feeling this morning, sleepyhead?" He caressed her arm. "I hurt all over. I know he only hit my face, but I must have landed hard on the ground.""You need to rest and let your body heal. Even Doc said so.""Uh-huh." She moaned as she wiggled deeper into the blankets."We'll have to get up soon and start back to the ranch. I'll go get your prescriptions at the drugstore while you get a hot shower. You'll feel much better then, I'm sure." He attempted to sit up, but she held him close."Do we really have to go? Can't we stay here a
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 28
"Lauren, I'm back," Chase yelled from the other room."Okay, I'll be right out."She quickly dressed and stepped outside the bathroom. The scent of fresh-brewed coffee and pastries almost sent her to her knees. Chase stood at the table where he'd placed the bag of goodies beside two steaming cups of coffee. He studied her from head to toe. "You look refreshed.""And you look happy, even cheerful. What's up?""I called Amos back." He pulled out a chair for her and took the lids off both cups. Lauren didn't know what smelled better, the hot coffee or the sugary aroma coming from the bakery bag. She sat at the table and pulled a glazed donut from the bag. It was still warm. Oh, God. Her mouth watered so badly she had to swallow before she could ask. "So, what did he say?"While they shared donuts and coffee, Chase relayed the news from Amos."That's fantastic!" Her words came out through a mouthful of donut.Chase grinned. "Anyway, I want to get back to the ranch and talk to th
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 29
VOLUME TWO: AN UPTOWN GIRL AND A COWBOYMaybe being passed over for the coveted promotion of Sales Manager at PowerUP PR firm was the best thing that would ever happen to her.Samantha William's suitcases sat by the door. A horn blasted outside Traveston Towers, one of New York's modern apartment complexes, announcing the cabbie's arrival. She took one last look around what she'd called home for the past four years, marveling at the bright, clear light shining through the large windows. Dust motes drifted over the few remaining packing boxes stacked against a wall. The rays reflected off the protective glass in a picture frame, which held a picture of her late parents, left standing alone on the mantle, a reminder of the immense upcoming change in her life. She hurried over to wrap up the frame and shoved it into her oversize carryon. The taxi honked again.Time to go. There was no time to change out of her work suit or torturous heels after an early morning meeting at the office.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 30
Twisting side to side, Samantha looked up and down the road, but didn't see another car coming either way. Damn it. She would have to walk. After all, it was only two miles to the nearest town. The sound of her heels on the asphalt sounded like gunshots as she headed toward the silhouette of the towering mountains looming in front of her. Her eyes, now adjusted to the dark, scanned the dim area. No buildings nearby, no lights at all. She shivered. The air, cooling off now since the sun had gone down, would only get colder. She longed for her heavy jacket she'd placed in one of her missing suitcases.No stores in sight. So isolated. No barn or shed for shelter. No hotels, or motels, no open-all-night 7-Elevens, no gas stations, no shopping malls, no people, and no traffic to flag someone for help. How do people live out here?She twisted her foot on a small rock on the road, kicking it aside, and heard a crack. She put her now heelless shoe onto the pavement, glanced down, and perused
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 31
Sam glanced at the cowboy again and was pinned to the spot when his blue eyes bored into hers, as if sending a message of magnetism. Her nerve endings tingled. She inhaled deeply and exhaled. She slowly smiled at him."It's yours now," Elliott nodded toward the bar stool with a big smile. "II'm Elliott Bouchard." He stood and held out his right hand."Samantha Williams, but everyone calls me Sam. Nice to meet you, Elliott." She shook his work-calloused hand. Triggers of electricity surged through her fingertips, up her arm, and traveled throughout her body. Her heart jumped into her throat, and she couldn't breathe. A tingle ran down her spine. She quickly pulled her hand away.Sam dropped her bags on the floor at her feet and settled onto the stool next to Mr. Handsome. From the corner of her eye she could see his worn-in jeans fit his muscular thighs just right, and with a red plaid shirt-jacket over a white T-shirt, he reminded her of the actor who played the part of Wyatt Earp i
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 32
Sam sat up straight and looked up at Elliott. "Thank you very much, Elliott, but you really don't need to do this. I have money and I can take care of it myself.""I'm sure you can," Elliott explained, "but I want to buy your supper. Look, it's your first night in town. You're exhausted from your trip and your long walk to the diner. Tell you what. You can pick up the bill the next time. Okay?"She looked deeply in his eyes and saw only sincerity. "Okay," she agreed, "but I'll definitely get the next one.""Good! Would you like to have a drink somewhere? Jackson has some great places open late.""I'm sure they do, but I'm drained and ready for a good night's sleep. I only have a few days to find a permanent place to live and get to know my way around town. I have so much to do before I start work." She laid her head on her forearm lying on the bar. "Whew!" she said as she lifted her head. "I also have to make arrangements with the rental car company to get another car.""Let's get
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 33
Elliott wanted to wrap his arms around her and chase away her chill. "Before you know it, it'll be the Fourth of July," he said, wondering how long she'd be there.Most city slickers didn't last too long after the short summer and the long, snowy, cold winter. He couldn't, he wouldn't, get his heart involved again. He'd learned his lesson with Mariah. He'd fallen instantly and hard for her. His life changed when he'd met her. She wanted the same things in life he dida life with him and wildlife in her backyard. Home grown and beautiful, even on the day she died.Sam interrupted his thoughts when she stopped and turned to him. "I've had a wonderful time getting to know you tonight and I appreciate your hospitality." She turned with him as they walked toward the hotel's front double doors.Elliott stopped and stared into her eyes, pinning her to the spot. "I know we've just met but I feel like I've known you for a long time." He placed his hands in his coat pockets."Me, too. I feel
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
