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Chapter 83
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2022-06-15 14:05:14Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 84
Restless, Dillon paced the front porch of Chase's house. All he could think about was how much he wanted to see and talk to Avri. Now was the right time. He was ready. Past ready.Jumping over the few front steps, he jogged to the barn. The sun had already gone down and the night air had turned cold. He drove his new truck into Saddle Creek.He parked, staring at a house he almost didn't recognize. When he'd visited there many years ago, chasing one of the Sutter girls, the yard was almost bare with tall weeds growing around the front porch. Now, the yard was lush, and flowery shrubs grew along the walkway and the front porch. He wasn't familiar with this house; this house was so much more. Avri had done some renovations, and he liked what she'd done. It looked like herwarm, welcoming, and home.Walking toward the front porch steps, he hesitated and stopped, twirled around and took three steps back.No, I want to see her, talk to her. I'm ready.He pivoted and strode to the front
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 85
Dillon's eyes popped open; his body on full alert. In the darkness he could feel warm flesh against his. His hearing intense, he lay motionless in complete silence. Something woke him, but he couldn't see or hear anything. Then the scent of lavender floated in the air. He closed his eyes, searching for reality. He'd had the same dream so many times but this appeared to be real.He reached out his hand and touched soft, smooth flesh. Avri.It wasn't a dream. It was real. He was home. Home with Avri again.He didn't want to disturb her so he lifted the covers and slid out. He stood by the bed; a feeling of de ja vu compressed his chest. Grabbing his clothes from the floor, he stealthily left the room. As he dressed in the hall he listened intently for any sound of her arousal. With none, he made his way to the front door. Along the way his eyes were drawn to a small metal car, bright red, lying on the edge of a step. Did she have children? Staring at the small plaything he walked back
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 86
Josh Hawkins often worked late. He liked the solitude and knowing for sure there was no one hovering outside his open office door. Alone at his computer, he pulled up the Swiss bank account he'd created when he'd first started this gig. He'd accumulated quite a bit of money in a short period of time. Proud, he patted his chest. Although posing as a fake venture capitalist, he'd been successful after numerous jobs throughout his career. Relocation and new identity was frequently necessary, but he had a blast meeting new people from all over the country and stealing their money.As much as he hated to admit it, he'd fallen hard for Avri. He'd even tolerate her son, if it meant getting closer to her through the boy, but he'd never liked kids; never envisioned having any of his own. But for the opportunity to have Avri, he'd consider putting up with the little guy before he could get rid of the kid. Boarding school was always an option, if necessary.He'd never been able to get to second
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 87
Dillon left the office and headed out to Chase's ranch. He'd recently moved into the old Moser place to house sit for the winter while the elderly couple vacationed in a warmer climate. Arriving in town with few belongings meant getting a fully furnished place so this was perfect for him. Still kind of newlyweds, Chase and Lauren needed their privacy. Dillon unpacked a few special items into an empty drawer in the living roomstill not sure why he wasn't quite ready to part with the hand-carved, wooden-handled knife he'd stolen during his captivity or the memorable dog tags.A myriad of questions flew through Dillon's mind. Ready to ask Chase, Dillon hoped his old friend had some answers. He parked his truck beside Chase's and joined him on the front porch where he and his wife snuggled on the swing in the cool evening air.Dillon took off his hat and nodded to Lauren. "How's it going?""Good. Supposed to be a pretty sunset and get cold tonight. Not sure I'm ready for winter yet." Ch
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 88
After Drew fell asleep, Avri dozed off, half sitting, half laying on the soft comfortable love seat in the family room. Awakened by the sound of tires on gravel, she stepped to the front window in time to see a truck parked in her driveway.Dillon. It could only be him.Her hands trembled as she pulled her hair out of her face. Somehow, she needed to calm her heart and get herself under control. She jumped when she heard the knock on the front door. After a quick look up the stairs, she rushed to the door, hoping the sound hadn't disturbed Drew.She grabbed the doorknob but didn't turn it. Then she heard his voice calling her name, "Avri." The voice she'd yearned to hear call her name for far too many years. The voice she hoped could answer her many questions. The only voice that could make her nerves tingle.Avri didn't want him to wake Drew so she turned the knob and glanced up into his bright, blue eyes.She was taken aback by his appearance. Dressed in chino pants and a long-s
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 89
Avri was not going to back down from Dillon. She was a grown woman now, even with weakened knees. She moved away from him and sat on the side of the bed.Picking up her clothes, she moved to stand beside the bed while she pulled her sweater over her head, and then turned to him while zipping her skirt. "Where have you been all this time, Dillon? I need to know."He didn't answer right away, but she heard him breathing. "Why? Will it change the way you feel about me?""It would absolutely, if you have a wife and kids off somewhere." Avri stomped to the bedside table and turned on the lamp."No, no." He sat up and threw his legs over the side.Avri's hand flew to her mouth, and she gasped when she saw the crisscrossed scars on his back. Appalled, her mouth opened wide, anger fisted her hands over her lips.How could someone have done something like that to him? Her Dillon."I was trying to stay alive most of the time. There's never been anyone else for me, only you," Dillon paused
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 90
Outside Josh's house, Dillon sat in his car, patient. He'd sit here as long as he had too, eating cold pizza for breakfast if necessary. Now he was in his element. Dressed all in black, night goggles over his eyes, deputy badge on his belt with his handgun tucked in his shoulder holster, he opened his car door and stepped out on a pile of brush. Getting his bearings, he stretched and warmed up his stiff muscles.He observed the property from all sides. The houses in this neighborhood were spread outnice and quiet, no one around. The windows were open to the cool night air. Except for the windows on Josh's little house. They were closed tight, and some had bars across them. The house was dark. Maybe Josh had a make on his truck when he followed him and snuck out the back door.Making his way from cover to cover, he arrived soundlessly at the back door. He stood stock still against the aging building and listened. Hearing nothing, he proceeded to the nearest window without bars, about
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 91
Dillon, exhausted from his night of surveillance, had gone without sleep for longer periods of time. But, as he lay in bed, he couldn't remove the memory of Avri, flushed and satisfied as she lay in her king-size bed or their heated conversation after. Their words continued to swirl around in his mind, refusing to allow his brain to rest.He was troubled about how they'd parted and the last words he'd said to her. "I guess we're done here then." Hearing them again, inside his head, they sounded sofinal.He wondered why she was so upset with him. He'd left the noteshe was the one who hadn't followed up on their plans. She hadn't stopped him from leaving when he'd hesitated so she must be done with himhis greatest fear. Fear of not being wanted or loved, never good enough, not amounting to anythingresults from a childhood of bullying, beatings, and verbal abuse.Avri's love for him was what had kept him going day after day while in captivity. If he didn't have her he didn't have a lif
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
