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Chapter 71
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The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 72
"Elliott," she screamed."Go ahead, let it all out. No one's going to hear you anyways."She screamed again and tried to break loose of his hold on her. She kicked at him, but he moved too quickly, and her numb legs wouldn't do what she wanted."You ready now, Missy? Times runnin' out, and your fancy man friend didn't show with the money this mornin' so's now it's your turn. You made peace?" he asked as he pushed her even closer."What do you mean, now it's my turn? Who else have you tortured by doing this to them?" she asked, hoping for any kind of delay she could muster."Uh ha, not gonna work on me. You already have the proof in the pictures you done took of me and Ralph up here so's you know the answer already anyway. That's why it's your turn. You ready?" He jabbed and pushed her closer.Both her hands held onto his one arm. "Let go of me, you bastard. If all you wanted were the photos why didn't you ask me for them? I would have been happy to give them to you.""Oh, it's t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 73
Finally, Elliott reached the rushing rapids down the mountainside. He looked up and down on both sides for anything different or out of place where someone might have gotten out of the water. But he saw nothing than the ordinary. He headed north at a gallop, his eyes searched left, right, and straight ahead for any stomped down grass, or Sam. He couldn't, he wouldn't accept the thought he'd be too late to save her. He'd been too late to help Mariah and that was his fault. This time, he had to make it there in time to save the woman he loved.He kept north, sometimes at a slow pace and at other times he was able to go faster, letting the horse pick and choose the best way to get across the rocky path.He finally saw a dark brown object, on the bank of the raging water, just south of an overhanging cliff. He soon got near enough to see it was Sam, in her tan winter coat, now dark brown because it was wet.He sprang from the horse and rushed to her side. Checking for a pulse, he found
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 74
When Elliott glanced up and saw the flashing red and blue lights from the ambulance, as well as from police cruisers, relief fluttered through his body. He pulled up on the reins when the paramedics ran toward him with a stretcher and necessary equipment."Watch her foot. It may be broken. She's been in and out of consciousness the entire trip." Elliott carefully handed her into their capable hands, then dismounted. He walked his horse over to Mitch and handed him the reins."Thanks for everything today." Elliott shook Mitch's hand and they exchanged hat waves. Elliott rushed to the ambulance to ride to the hospital with Sam.Once the EMTs and paramedics progressed Sam to stable condition, she was set up with an IV drip and wrapped in warm blankets. With ice on her ankle, she started to thrash around. She screamed, "Elliott, Elliott, where are you?""I'm right here, Sam, right here beside you. You're going to be okay, I promise."He rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand. "Do
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 75
VOLUME THREE: SECRETS AND DECEPTIONSDillon skimmed his fingers lazily over the soft supple skin of Avri's naked thigh. The lingering fragrance of sex filled his nostrils. They only had tonight, he'd be leaving in the morning, and he couldn't get enough of her. His heart still pounded with desire, he wanted, needed to make love to her over and over again. He wanted to run his fingers over every inch of her, all night long, wanted to fill his memory with the scent of her, remember every smooth curve, every sweet hollow of her body.Her body quivered against his, her breath hitched and she gulped back a sob. He pulled her against his chest, whispering in her ear, "It's going to be all right," before kissing her neck. His throat constricted. "We've talked about thisremember? We've planned this for six months." His voice cracked slightly. "W-we need to look forward now. When I come back, I'll be able to get a job, a good one doing something I like. Everything will be fine."He blinked t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 76
Four years later, Dillon's white-knuckled grip seized the arms of his seat as the small plane descended into the Jackson, Wyoming airport. His mouth, dry as a desert in summer, made swallowing near impossible. Anxiety made his chest tighten; breath quicken. He recognized the symptoms, as his nerves began to tingle.He hadn't kept in contact with anyone in the last four years, so he wouldn't be surprised if his friends didn't want to see him. It was his own faulthis own choice. No one would be waiting for him, certainly not Avri.The plane touched down on the runway and taxied on the tarmac the short distance to the gate. Passengers stood and retrieved their overhead luggage while Dillon remained riveted in his seat until the very last passenger exited the plane.A flight attendant approached when he remained immobile and frozen in place. "Can I help you, sir?""No, no thank you. I-I'm going" He would have to get out of the plane. The cleaning crew, already on board, started in the
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 77
Avri rushed to her law office from the courthouse, a couple blocks away. The fall Wyoming air was beginning to show signs of chilling, but she was ready for winter. There was just something about that first snowfallshe looked forward to it every year. Whenever she could, she walked to handle most of her errands throughout the day. The fresh air invigorated her, and she enjoyed interacting with the people on the street who she'd known personally most of her life.She spun around at the sound of a motorcycle as it rumbled down the street. Her heart jumped into her throat while she held her breath, her eyes searchinguntil she saw the color. Black.Damn it. After all this time she still couldn't prevent her body from reacting. Why did her hopes soar on the off chance it could be Dillon, the only man who controlled her heart? He'd been gone from her life for years, and once and for all, she needed to come to grips with the fact he wasn't coming back for her like he promised. But had he pr
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 78
"I'd planned to take off to parts unknown after I retrieved my motorcycle, but now" Dillon was having second thoughts after Chase's warm welcome."Sure, buddy. Whatever you want. Your old room's ready, left it the same as it was."Dillon blinked. He should say something, but he didn't trust the chunk of emotion caught in his throat. Then Chase saved him again."If you need anything, let me know." Chase moved back and forth on the swing with Lauren, his arm around her neck rubbing her shoulder.The sun began to set, lighting up the sky in vibrant colors. Dillon missed this quiet beauty. In his youth he had taken it for granted. He never would again.When he closed his eyes, images of a dark green, swampy landscape replaced the bright sunset. He flicked his eyes open and shook his head to erase the memory, then focused on the colorful sunset as it slipped behind the mountain, rays of sunshine shooting out like rays of hope. Hope.Lauren stood and said, "I'm going inside to finish d
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 79
Days passed without incident, each one bringing a brand new sunrise. Dillon mucked stalls, fixed fences, cleaned tack, and even exercised horses. Enough work during the day tired him out and helped him sleep easier at night, but the nightmares continued. Not always the same, but they all ended in a scream for help.Chase never entered his room again. Nothing he could do. Dillon worked harder than most ranch hands to make up for waking Chase and Lauren every night with his screams.Mid morning on the fourth day after Dillon arrived, he was sweeping up straw in the barn when Chase appeared at his side. He slapped Dillon on the back."Ready to take a break and go for that bike ride? I had the boys uncover your motorcycle and gas it up. It's ready to go. Thought you'd want to take a ride into town and check on Avri."At the mention of her name, Dillon attempted to swallow but his mouth went dry, his chest suddenly ached, and his heart raced. Dillon stopped raking and stared at Chase. "
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
