Samantha scurried around her hotel room, fixing the pillows on the bed over and over again, making sure the chair at the desk was pushed in all the way, placed just right. She wanted everything to be perfect when Elliott arrived. She looked in the mirror too many times to count. Admitting to herself she looked good, she twirled, watching her long, red print skirt whirl about her legs and pulled down the back of her matching long red sweater.Knock, knock, knock, she heard on the door. One more glance in the mirror to make sure her necklace was centered, she took a long, deep breath and exhaled as she strutted to the door, her back straight, head held high. She put her hand on the doorknob and hesitated for only a second.Finally, she turned the knob and pulled open the door. There stood Elliott in all his resplendent glory. So happy to see him, it was all she could do to contain herself from running into his arms."Hi you, come in for a minute. I need to get my coat.""You look bea
"What happe" Allen, the hotel manager asked, his voice trailing off when he saw the disarray. "Oh I see. How did someone get in here? Did you lend your key to anyone?""Of course not. I'm as surprised as you by all this." Sam motioned with her hand to encompass the entire room. "Wait till you see the message in the bathroom."Allen stepped out of the bathroom with bewilderment written all over his face. He shook his head as he glanced around the room, as if making an assessment."Well, at least everything is reparable, nothing that can't be fixed. I assure you, ma'am, this is a very safe and secure hotel and we will get to the bottom of this. Have you called the Sheriff?""Yes," Elliott answered as Mitch walked into the room, followed by a deputy."Gentlemen let me get out of your way and find another room for Ms. Williams, so she can remove her things as soon as possible," Allen said as he hastened toward the open door."Allen, that won't be necessary. I'm taking Ms. Williams to
Elliott pulled his truck in front of the entry doors of the Travis Bed and Breakfast in Saddle Creek. Elliott's house was located catty-cornered from the large wraparound porch of the B&B and at just the right angle he could see the upstairs windows. After directing Sam where to park, he helped her from her car and up the front steps. He knocked on one of the double stained-glass doors, and then opened it. He set down one of the two pieces of luggage he'd carried in with him.Victoria Amley hurried down the winding staircase to meet her new guests. Elliott had called ahead of their arrival and explained why they'd be checking in so late. He had gone to school with her and she hadn't aged a bit. Tall and willowy, her beautiful face lit up when she looked down at Elliott. Long auburn hair hung in a long braid down her back and her bright green cat-like eyes didn't seem to miss a thing. She was dressed casually in a midnight blue velour two-piece pantsuit and slipper socks, and she looke
The next morning, Sam waited on the porch, breathing in the cool, fresh air, pacing to stay warm, for Elliott to pick her up. When he arrived, she jumped inside his already warm vehicle. He leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek. He drove a short distance before parking outside of Rosie's."Good morning, Susan. How've you been?" Elliott asked as an older woman with graying hair met them with menus and led them to an empty booth."It's a great morning so far. Haven't seen you or your friends for a while. Where have you been keeping yourselves? Out of trouble, I hope."He laughed, a loud guffaw echoing through the place. "I've been busy, helping out at the ranch every morning and working at the shop." He placed his hand on the middle of Sam's back as they followed Susan to a booth on the right side of the restaurant and helped her off with her jacket. He took off his jacket and hung them both on hooks at the outside end of the booth."Let me introduce you to Samantha, or Sam, as sh
Hues of reds, orange, and yellow streaked across the horizon. A horse in the corral whinnied and Sam caught a scent of hay and horse manure from the barn. She listened to Elliott's slow and even breathing as they sat on the front porch at his parent's house, holding hands, slowly rocking back and forth. No words necessary. As the sun lowered in the sky, the air became cooler and she shivered in her seat.Elliott's mother stuck her head out the front door, just in time."Dinner's ready, you guys. Come on in and get warm," she said before closing the door.Elliott stood and held his hand out to Sam. When she took it, her heart raced, and a shiver ran through her.****Sam looked into Elliott's blue eyes and smiled. Unclasping their hands, they stood together, and he pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him back, and wrapped her arms around his neck."Ready to go?" Elliott took her hand, and with his usual cowboy swagger drew her to the door. Stepping inside,
Elliott motioned for her to sit. He quickly joined her on the comfortable sofa, and reached for her hand. His father smoked a pipe and wisps of smoke curled around his face and the scent of cherry tobacco swirled throughout the room.His mother sat across from his father, her feet crossed at the ankles, a ball of yarn at her side and whatever she knitted or crocheted on her lap. Both appeared fine if not a little sullen."Dad, Mom, have you given any more thought to mining and mineral rights?""Sure have, son." His father turned to look at Elliott. "And your mother and I agree with you. We don't even know those two guys or what they do and wouldn't venture into something without your advice."Elliott looked at his father and then at his mother, who nodded her head. "Okay. I'll stop by their office tomorrow and take care of it." Elliott looked at both his parents for approval. After they nodded their heads at him, he said, "Right now, Sam and I need to head home. But I'll be back in
When Sam left PowerUP PR, she walked next door to Elliott's shop, gazing in casually at the gems and stones in the highlighted windows between the two stores. She looked through the storefront window of Bouchard Outfitter's and realized more new spring and summer apparel was there than previously. Before, there had been ski jackets and pants, helmets, and so on. Now spring and summer activities had arrived along with the necessary clothes. She pulled open the door and entered."Hi Randy, how're you doin' today?""Pretty good so far, it's still early, maybe too soon to tell," Randy Musser, the store manager said, always kidding."I see a lot of new merchandise, so I assume you've been really busy with it.""Yeah, it's a season change time of year. We've got some great deals for next winter, though, and I think a couple of the lifts are still running, too." Randy separated a pair of flannel shirts too close together on the round circling rack displaying some sale items. "Can I help y
"Hi, yourself." Warmth hit Sam's face as she walked through the door, unbuttoning her coat. What was that glorious smell? "Your place is very homey and dinner smells wonderful. What is it? Fresh vegetables, I think I smell cucumbers, and something in the oven?" She licked her lips and swallowed."Ah, that would be a fresh salad chilling in the fridge and potatoes baking in the oven. Are you hungry?" He ran his hand through his slightly too-long wavy hair that she loved. She wanted to run her hands through his soft hair while kissing his sweet lips."I'm starving, I had a quick lunch, seems like hours ago. How was your day?" Sam asked as she walked closer to him. Soon reaching his side, he leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek. She turned her face toward him and kissed him on the lips. Her breath shortened, her heart raced. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer."I miss you," she whispered against his lips."Me too," he muttered as he delved into her mouth ag
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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