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Chapter 72
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The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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. "
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 80
When Dillon returned to the ranch, Chase was working with a horse in the round pen. He coasted the bike into the barn to the same place where it had been parked for the last four years. Rubbing his sleeve across the chrome gas tank, he wiped away the slight dust that had accumulated from his ride. Man, I sure have missed you.Dillon removed his helmet and stood beside the bike while Chase strolled over."How was the ride?" Chase asked, as he coiled a rope in his gloved hands."Great. I'd forgotten how much I love to ride. Brought back some great memories.""Did you visit with Avri?"Dillon couldn't look Chase in the eye."Well, how'd it go?" Chase muttered, turning his head toward the setting sun. "Did you talk to her?"Dillon glanced at Chase, dumbfounded. Didn't his best friend know him at all? "I couldn't. I just sat there on my bike and stared at her. Then I tore off without even a wave. I'm such a dick." Dillon ran his hand through his hair."Wanna go for another ride, thi
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