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Chapter 30
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2022-06-15 14:05:14Related chapters
The 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 : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 34
Within fifteen minutes, Elliott parked in his driveway. He didn't bother to pull into his attached garage. He'd be leaving in a few hours anyway. He inhaled the clean mountain air, glad to be home after a long day, but wished he would have kissed Sam's rosebud mouth before he let her go.Darkness shrouded the building. He flipped the indoor switch. Hanging his red plaid coat and Stetson hat on a hook on the wall, he walked into the kitchen, pausing to drop his keys on a nearby table. The blinds over the big glass sliding door were open, looking onto a small deck with wonderful views of the snow-covered mountains and a lighted ski run off in the distance.He opened the stainless-steel fridge and took out a beer. He shifted and leaned his back on the granite countertop, twisted the lid off the bottle and took a deep swallow.Not only had he had a productive workday, but he'd also met Samantha, Sam. He turned toward the short hall leading to three bedrooms: one for sleeping, one for an
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 35
Dirty piles of snow and slush run off seemed to be everywhere, in front of the stores, beside the curbs, and even down the allies. Apparently, this area didn't pay much attention to the calendar or the arrival of spring.After paying for her breakfast, Sam ventured outside. The sun had gone behind a cloud, and she shivered, quickly slipping on her light covering. As she turned around, the snow-capped mountain peaks off in the distance and a ski run nearby caught her eye. A typical winter-type town.Meandering along the main street, she peeked in the windows of the now-open stores, sporting their wares, being careful not to go too far from her hotel and risk getting lost. She kept glancing at her watch and at ten thirty she hurried back to her hotel to freshen up and finish waiting for Elliott there.After applying some light makeup and lipstick, she stepped outside the hotel into the bright sunlight. The warmth felt good on her back so she turned, lifting her head toward the sun and
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 36
Elliott parked his truck in front of the house and helped Sam out. She had her camera out of the bag and ready before she left the truck. She stood beside him and slowly made a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn, trying to take in all the surrounding beauty."It's, it's so, so pristine out here, Elliott. Untouched except by Mother Nature. The air is so clean and the smell of horsesit's breathtaking." She laughed."I know what you mean. Every time I come out here, I feel the same way. Let's go play with the horses." Elliott took Sam's free hand, held it loosely, and strolled toward the barn. Leading her to the side of a nearby pasture, they stood in front of an old wooden fence. He let go of her hand, and placed his arms across the top rail, his one booted foot on the bottom rail.Sam started snapping away, taking pictures of frolicking colts in the nearby pasture. The horses, in various robust colors, were grazing, until they sniffed Elliott. One dapple-coated filly started to ambl
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 37
"Give me a half hour to check out the trail. I'll be right back," Elliott exclaimed as he moved out of camera sight. "I hope you didn't break your camera on pictures of me." His laugh echoed in the canyon quietness as he headed up the trail and out of sight.Sam sat on the rock Elliott had vacated and took in the stunning views, her camera always at the ready. Every now and then she took a picture of an eagle flying overhead or trees bending in the wind.She saw Elliott come over the rise before she heard him tramping through the brush.Sam continued taking photos until Elliott returned and they began their trek down to the four-wheeler."The sun will be goin' down soon and we don't want to miss a gorgeous sunset, now do we?" He held his hand out for her to help her off the rock. Then they started toward the four-wheeler, Elliott soon ahead of her."Did you get some good shots?" Elliott asked."I got some pristine photos, and I can't wait to download them onto the computer and en
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 38
"Montgomery, how the hell are you, bro? You look great. Marriage must be working well for you.""It's been great. Who's the chick you were stuck to? Huh? Huh?" Chase smiled at Elliott as he punched his shoulder."I just met her last night, so don't go and get any ideas. No wedding bells ringing here anytime soon, just 'cause you did the deed doesn't mean anything." Elliott ran his hand through his hair, trying to tame it from the cold wind whipping through the alley."Settle down, man. It's me, Chase. You can talk to me, remember?""I know, I know. Where has the time gone? It's been a while since we saw each other." Elliott looked across the street, his eyes searching."Yeah, we get tied up and busy. I understand. I took Lauren to Denver to the big sale last month, stayed a few extra days for a honeymoon.""Had a good time did ya?" Elliott asked with a big grin."Sure did. We didn't want to come home." Chase stuck his hands in his pockets and glanced at Elliott."Ranch doing ok
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
