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Chapter 272
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2022-06-15 14:05:16Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 1
VOLUME ONE: RUSTLERS AND ROMANCELauren McCray's nose exploded with a walloping pain that radiated upward. The room faded away in slow, loopy waves as she spun around. She yelped as her swollen, bloody cheeks met the hard, cold tile floor. Fear manifested itself in the form of violent shaking and rolled over every inch of her body. She lay unmoving in a fetal position to protect herself from further blows to her already beaten body. Her throat burned with agony and her neck throbbed where Clint had tried to strangle her. Her vision blurred, and her stomach churned. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she gasped for air. Her bruised ribs assaulted her with every attempted breath. Lauren reached one trembling hand to her face, touching the place where his meaty fists turned into lethal weapons and hit her as if she were his personal punching bag. She drew her hand away and stared at the blood. She swore this would be the last time, if she lived through it. No, this won't be like
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 2
Chase Montgomery entered his coordinates into the GPS to check his location. Out here in the middle of nowhere, it could sometimes be hard to tell how far he'd come since the last sign. Next time he would remember to check the odometer. Dammit! Still eighty-eight miles to get to his ranch. He needed a break from his nonstop drive from Colorado. Heading back from the big horse sale in Denver, he was beat and anxious to get to his home not far outside the small town of Saddle Creek, Wyoming. He needed to stable the new horses whinnying impatiently in the trailer, who were just as desperate for a break, too. His backside was numb and the rumbling in his belly reminded him of Rosie's Diner. His mouth watered thinking about the restaurant's belly-filling comfort food they served. He decided to stretch his legs and grab some food from his favorite stop.A few miles later, he parked the truck and trailer outside the back door of the family diner. He shoved the truck door open and inhaled
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 3
Lauren watched the good-looking cowboy hold the door open and tip his hat to a lady coming into Rosie's as she wiped the counter. She hated being so secretive, but she didn't feel comfortable answering the guy's personal questions. She wished she hadn't given everyone in town her real name.Chase disappeared around the corner of the building and her eyes scanned the parking lot. Her heart jumped to her throat. A red Ford F-150, just like Clint's, pulled up and stopped next to her car. Pressure built in her chest. She couldn't breathe. Her body began to tremble. What were the odds someone in Saddle Creek had an identical truck? Surely I'm safe this far away from Michiganright? He couldn't have followed me. How could he have found me already? Desperately hoping her eyes were just playing tricks on her, she looked out the window again and sucked in a breath. Her heart lurched. Every ounce of air rushed out of her chest.Clint stood looking into her car. Fear swept through her, t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 4
Lauren woke when the truck stopped, and lay shivering, listening to the evening sounds. She heard two men talking, but their voices were too far away to be distinguishable. She peeked out through the hole in the tarp and realized it was getting dark. Suddenly the tarp jerked roughly out of her hand. Like a frightened puppy in the back of a kennel, she cringed in a corner of the truck."Oh my God! Oh my God, I'm so, so sorry, sir. IIwell, see, I was only trying to hitch a ride to the next town, and I must have fallen asleep, and""It's okay now," a man said in a soft and calm voice. Again, the voice sounded familiar. Lauren dared to look up at him and realized he was the meat-loaf-eating friend of the manager at Rosie's Diner, the one she'd so admired with the blue eyes and the drawl and manners that would have made his mama proud. Now, his gaze was even softer and more compassionate than it had been, and her fear dissolved. "It'syou!" "And you'reyou!" His bright blue eyes twinkl
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 5
Clint Jackson had followed Lauren across the country, with the help of his cop friend, Bill, trailing her by her credit card receipts. Every time she stopped for food or gas, he immediately knew where she was, right down to what road she was on and what hour. Whenever she stopped for the night, he drove, lessening the distance between them. She was always one step ahead of him, though, until one morning he found her car parked at a diner in the small town of Saddle Creek, Wyoming. It didn't take him long to make friends with the right people. All he had to do was buy them a few drinks, and they were more than willing to help him find out where she'd gone. He had scoured the wide-open space of the ranch owned by the cowboya man he was sure Lauren was sleeping with. He'd even helped some of his new friends rustle some of the man's herd, just to mess with him. The cowboy's old girlfriend, Edie, was dead set on revenge, and he was more than willing to help her get it. Clint figured t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 6
When Chase saw Lauren come out of the house, his heart jumped. She looked well-rested. He hoped a few days away from town and whoever or whatever messed with her would be the best thing for her. He just wanted to give her a chance to get her pretty little head on straight. As he stood beside her, he smelled her sweet, fresh fragrance. Her thick hair whipped around her face in the soft spring breeze as she smiled at the frolicking colts in the paddock. When she spoke, her voice was melodic and lyrical. He liked the sound of it.What the hell are you doing? You have work to do! Yet at the same time, he knew what it was that held him captive. Those eyes! God, those beautiful green eyes. They called to the deepest part of him. His heart hammered as an inexplicable surge of lust expanded in his chest. He wanted herjust one wild night with a sultry woman who could stroke his libido like no one had in a long time, a night he could walk away from, no strings attached."So, uhdo you know ho
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 7
"What's going on, Amos?" Lauren asked as the four-wheelers left in a cloud of dust. He studied her face for a minute, as if trying to decide if he should divulge the ranch's business. "Boss says somebody stole some of the herd. He's takin' the sheriff out there to see if they can figure out who did it so they can get 'em back."She wrinkled her brow. "Are you telling me people are still stealing horses in this day and age? I thought horse thieving was something that only happened in old Western movies." Amos laughed, wheezing a bit in the process. "It ain't happened 'round here for years, best I can recall, but my mama always told me the devil never really goes away, even if he does sleep for a while." "Do you think it has anything to do withwith me?" She turned her face away from him."Why in heaven's name would ya think that, ma'am?" the old man asked her. "Surely you ain't the horse-thievin' kind if you ain't even learned how to ride one!" "Well, the truth is, I come with
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
Latest chapter
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
