“Gonna get on repairin’ those two turbines we lost last winter, if I can,” he grinned. “Still tryin’ t’ figure it out. I think I got it this time, though. You girls gettin’ Jennifer situated?”
“About to,” Bailey switched on the small cart, adjusting herself into the seat. “Thank you for getting this thing running. It’s come in very handy these last few months, and I was afraid it was broken down for good.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he tipped an imaginary hat to her, “It’s rechargeable, an’ that’s the best part; had to get it runnin’ for sure.”
“I guess so,” she patted the seat next to her, “Want to ride with us?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” he swung under the canopy and plopped down onto the cushion, “But I can’t stay long. I really need t’ get as much done as I can before the weather changes.”
“We all do,” Bailey agreed, “Are we having fireworks again this year? You know tomorrow’s the Fourth of July.”
“I dunno,” he held onto the support pole while she swung their ride around, “After all tha’s happened, I’m not sure what everyone will think o’ that.”
“All the more reason to do it, baby,” the girl grinned, a warm feeling overtaking her, “It’s our freedom and our survival that we’re celebrating, after all.”
Pulling up in front of the med center, he slid over behind the wheel when she vacated the spot, “I’ll wait for you here.”
The two girls inside had been watching for her, and came out as soon as they pulled up. Taking the two seats in the back, the pair chattered about baby talk, while Bailey rode in the front, feeling a little left out at the moment. But it’ll be my turn, soon enough, she smiled to herself, her hand running across her belly, and the small pooch that had begun to form.
Climbing the steps to her porch, Jen gripped the railing, then made her way inside. “Wow!” she exclaimed, “Sunshine an’ daisies, a perfect homecomin’ for my new angel!”
Bailey beamed, glad her surprise had been noticed. Sliding his arms around his wife’s waist, Caleb whispered in her ear, “I’ll see what I can do about the celebration. After all, you’re right. We’ve come a long way, an’ I’m so glad t’ have you by my side, Mrs. Cross.”
She smiled at her married name, still not fully accustomed to it. “You better get back to work,” she twisted in his arms, planting a firm kiss on his lips, “Before you end up at home in the middle of the day.”
He laughed loudly, “Boy, you sure turned out t’ be a horn dog,” he mocked her.
“Only for you,” she snickered, with another quick kiss before she pushed him away. “I’ll see you tonight.” Turning to the girls, she announced, “Well, now that my secret is out, I feel like celebrating. Who’s with me?”
“Not me,” Jen puttered around her kitchen at the moment, “But thank you for puttin’ things in order. I’m gonna get me a nap while Jacob’s asleep.”
“Tha’s a great idea,” her sister waggled a finger at her, “You’re gonna need it. Babies ’re hard work.” Turning to Bailey, she looped an arm with hers, “Whatcha got in mind, little bit?”
“Let’s go over to the diner; see if they need a hand with dinner, or whatever's on the agenda for today.”
“Tha’s not celebrating!” Amanda laughed loudly. “Get a nap, sis, we’ll see you later,” she called, ushering her auburn haired companion outside. “You sure have settled in here,” she complimented as they strolled to the larger structure. “I have t’ admit, I didn’ think you’d make it.”
“Yes,” Bailey sighed. “But come to find out, this is the perfect place for me. I used to wonder why anyone would choose to live this way. Now,” she shrugged, grinning at the tall blonde, “Now, I can’t imagine ever going back to the way things were, even if we could.”
“Amen,” Amanda nodded, opening the door so they could join the rest of the women of the small community.
“Amen,” Bailey echoed under her breath, smiling at the group who were working to provide their collective with the things that mattered most; and more than just a hot meal, or survival. The girl knew Lawson was about far more than that. This is about people; family and friends… It’s about real life, and all the wonderful things one might find in a desert in the middle of nowhere.
Maps & Flowcharts
About the Author
Anyone who knows me could tell you, I am a friendly kind of person, never met a stranger and take up conversations anywhere at any time. I work hard, and my mind never seems to shut down, as I wake up often in the middle of the night with ideas pouring out and demanding to be dealt with. Of course that means much of my books were written in the middle of the night.
I grew up and still live in the great state of Texas where everything is bigger, where we have warm weather and a central location. I love my state, my town, and my family, which includes my four sons, my significant other, and many friends as well.
I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this story and hope that you will love reading it just as much. And of course, there will be many more adventures to come.
You can follow Samantha Jacobey at:
Website: www.SamJacobey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamJacobey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamJacobey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/samanthajacobey/
Other works by Samantha Jacobey
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00GEB5LX0
A New Life Series – an epic adventure, TORI FARRELL’s life IS one wild story... escaped from a biker gang and running from drug lords... used by the FBI and hoping to protect her present from her past... IT'S DARK - IT'S BRUTAL, and it's WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! (Mature read, 18+ for graphic sexual content and violence, including rape)
Summer Spirit Novella Series - no one EVER had a summer romance like this… Charlie visits another plane, parallel to our own, where Summer Angels and Dark Angels battle over the fate of man. A unique twist on an old idea that will keep you guessing; will Charlie and Clarisse ever find their HEA? (New adult)
Teach Me to Prey – in this standalone thriller, JASON TRUITT and his friends have gotten their way for years. Deceit, sex, and foul play aren’t normally covered in the curriculum, but they’re doing whatever it takes to get under BECKY STEWART’s skin. When one of the boys turns up dead, it’s a race against time to save the others; a STUNNING STORY that will get your heart racing and leave you breathless by the end… (New Adult)
The Wicked Awakened – a Halloween novel, a five hundred year old witch wants to turn SARAH MATTHEWS’ body into her new home… A twisted tale involving a coven hell bent on seeing that she succeeds. Who will come out on top in this epic battle of wills? (Mature read, 18+ for sexual content and violence)
The Irrevocable Series Boxed Set Page 49