All Chapters of The Saddle Creek Series: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Mitch called Chase and informed him that Clint had missed his PO appointment, just as Mitch had suspected, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Clint had no cash, credit cards or vehicle so there was really no way to track him. Then Chase remembered how Clint had found Lauren the last time; he'd had a cop friend who helped Chase track Lauren rough her credit card usage. If that friend was still a cop would he give him a ride or money for bus fare? What were the chances he'd get there by bus with no one recognizing him? Mitch thought they were pretty good chances.On his way back to the ranch, protecting his family was solely on his mind. To be absolutely positive Lauren and the baby would be safe he'd have to go with them himself; the only way. He'd brought two trees down from behind the house, perfect for decorating; one for the house and one for the barn. He parked his truck outside the barn and off-loaded the tree. Carter would know what to do. Then he parked the truck close

"That was some shindig you had tonight," Charlotte said while hanging up her coat."Yes, it was worth all the work and extra effort, wasn't it?" Lauren asked her parents. She laid the baby in the bassinet in the living room and removed some of the extra layers of blankets. Cameron was wide-awake, his arms and legs flying every which way."You are so cute, baby boy. I'm going to change your diaper and get you ready for bed. Then mommy's going to get a hot shower.""Goodnight, Lauren," her father called to her as she started up the stairs."'Night Mom and Dad. Thanks for all your help. See you in the morning." Lauren relaxed as she closed the door to the master bedroom and exhaled, safe at last. She'd felt exposed during the party among men, some she didn't recognize; afraid the next man she'd see would be Clint. Memories of him assaulting her consumed her. She sat on the edge of the bed, Cameron still in her arms.She blew out a series of short breaths to gain control, her stomach

VOLUME FOUR-PART TWO-CHRISTMAS DECISIONS-AN UPTOWN GIRL AND A COWBOYDecember 20"Good morning, good morning," Elliott sang to Sam as he entered their bedroom, but the bed was empty. He set the tray on the bed when he heard her throwing up in the bathroom. With a pack of crackers in his hand he opened the door. "Oh, Sam, I'm so sorry you have to go through this every morning. I thought morning sickness lasted only the first three months."Sam's rinsed out her mouth with water and accepted the offered crackers. Once back in bed, she said, "It usually is but some women have it the entire nine months. There's also the possibility we calculated wrong. Anyway, I'm seeing the doctor this afternoon. I've had enough of this." She stuffed another cracker in her mouth."Are you going to the gallery today? I don't have any trips scheduled so I'll be in the office all day and can go to the doctor with you." Elliott kissed her cheek and tucked a tendril of her light brown hair behind her ear.

They treaded up the back stairs to their small apartment, glad they had two bedrooms and two baths; the required number for out of town family."I can't believe you're here," Sam said to Morgan as she led her to the second bedroom through a short hallway. "The bath is just across the hall. Please let me know if you need anything. Elliott's grilling steaks tonight so you have some time to shower, change, freshen up whatever, and then we can talk." Sam started toward the door, but Morgan caught her arm and swung her around, hugging her close. "Thanks for not asking questions, Sam, and for taking me in. I really don't have anywhere else to go."Sam leaned back and searched Morgan's face. You're my family and family help each other through the rough patches. Everything's going to be fine." Sam slowly stepped away and closed the door.When Sam entered the kitchen Elliott asked, "Where did you put that fancy dude's card? I want Mitch to do a background check on him before Morgan meets h

Elliott crushed Sam to his chest. He kissed her lips, and then tongued his way along her neck, around her ear, and then to her collarbone. Sam closed her eyes and concentrated on feeling; the emotion of love so large in her heart. When his thumb and index finger he tweaked a nipple, and she groaned. "Sshhhh, we aren't alone, remember.""But both doors are closed, and my sister has to know we have sex, especially when I throw up early tomorrow morning." Sam giggled. "I don't care who knows now anyway.""Me either." Elliott kissed her lips, as his hand held her breast, his fingers lightly dancing on a nipple.When his hand strayed south, his fingers played with her feminine curls and then her opening, inserting one finger and then two. Sam arched her hips toward his fingers. She wanted more; she wanted him, all of him.He moved to lay between her thighs, ready to enter her. She lifted her hips and he pushed forward. She met him thrust for thrust, in unison and they climaxed simulta