Tiny Bites

by Stacy Claflin

  Instead, she narrowed her eyes. "Not funny."

  "You're right. But does it help that I haven't touched any of that stuff in years? I've been too busy cleaning horse poop and fixing broken equipment. Five hours a day, plus school and homework."

  Her eyes widened. "Serious?"

  "Everyday. Uncle Joe finally declared me fit for society, so here I am. And even if you decide you don't ever want to speak to me again, I want you to know how sorry I am." Jace widened his big, puppy-dog eyes, giving her a look she'd never been able to refuse.

  Part of her wanted him to kiss her, but the other part wanted to punch him. Why had he needed to come back? Especially now? Everything was going so well, and she'd all but forgotten about him.

  Jace batted his eyes. "What do you say, Soph?"

  She forced herself to frown. "What am I supposed to do? Welcome you with open arms and forget everything?"

  He shook his head. "I'd just like a shot at starting over. As friends."

  "Really?" She wrinkled her forehead. "Just friends?"

  "I'll take that. I know I have to earn back your trust."

  "You really hurt me, you know that?"

  Jace nodded, frowning. "I'm really sorry. When I first got to the ranch, a horse kicked me in the ribs. I always thought he was doing that for you."

  A slow smile crept on her face.

  "I love it when you smile." He brushed the back of his hand along her cheek. "Can I take you for lunch and tell you about how I've changed?"

  "Do you have more stories like that one?"

  His eyes sparkled. "You mean like getting my ribs cracked?"

  "Yeah." She laughed.

  "There was a bull who hated me. You'll probably love hearing about him."

  "Okay, you win." Sophia stood, yanked the blanket from under Jace, and shook it out. "You can take me out for lunch."

  "You always knew how to drive a hard bargain."

  She picked up her clothes and slid them on. "Where are we eating?"

  Jace smiled, the skin around his eyes crinkling just slightly. "Your choice."

  Sophia's heart fluttered. How was it that he always knew how to melt her with just a simple expression?

  "How about we just go for a walk, and see what we're in the mood for?"

  Jace took her beach bag and slung it over his shoulder. "What do you have in here? Dumbbells?"

  She laughed. "I have to stay in shape somehow. So, tell me about that bull."

  "Kahlua? Or Lucifer, as I liked to call him."

  "A bull named Kahlua?" Sophia raised an eyebrow.

  "Wasn't my idea. My nickname for him was a much better fit."

  "I'll be the judge of that," Sophia teased.

  Jace laughed. "So, where do you want to eat?"

  "Honestly, I'm not really hungry. I had a big breakfast. We can just walk around and talk."

  "Are you sure?" he asked.

  "Yeah. I wanna hear you out."

  He smiled, his expression softening. "I'm so glad. I've really regretted hurting you."

  "Why didn't you contact me at all in three years?"

  "My uncle and parents really wanted to make sure I changed. I wasn't allowed near a phone, except to call my parents." He sighed. "And I know I don't deserve a second chance."

  "Try me."

  "Well, for one thing, I suffered a lot. Not just with the manual labor, but he made me go cold turkey from the cigarettes. That was horrible." Jace shuddered. "He said the patch is for wusses and if I wanted to be man enough to smoke, I could be man enough to quit on my own. So, while I was dealing with the really bad headaches and stuff, that's when Lucifer got me."

  Sophia grimaced. "Sounds like you went through a lot."

  "Yeah, well, you'll like the next part. I couldn't work outside for a while because of my ribs, so every guy on the ranch made fun of me for doing housework."

  She giggled. "Sorry."

  He shrugged. "I'm over it. I proved them all wrong, anyway. I worked hard out there—any task they gave me. Chopping wood, weeding, cleaning machinery, you name it."

  "And no new habits?"

  "Oh, no. Uncle Joe would have never let me leave. I'd have been there until I turned eighteen. Maybe longer. I can't see him letting me go just because I had another birthday. He barely acknowledged them, anyway."

  "No birthday cakes?" she exclaimed.

  "It's not a big deal."

  Sophia thought about her party. "Yeah, it is. Let's get you a cake. We have to make up for three missed cakes."

  "No, really."

  "I'm going to buy you a cake."

  Jace shook his head. "I'm not going to let you do that."

  "You're not going to stop me. Everyone deserves their birthdays to be special, and you probably flung manure on your last ones."

  "How about we have ice cream instead? There's a stand not far away. We can go down to the water and have some cones. I'll even let you sing to me." He laughed.

  "That's not a cake."

  "My big one-seven is coming up in a few months. If you still like me then, you can try to make up for my 'missed' birthdays."

  Her mind spun with ideas. "Okay, but you're not getting out of ice cream."

  "I'm buying."

  "You're still impossible." She shook her head.

  "Some things never change."

  She slid her hand in his. "Good. I never really had that many complaints about you, and if they fixed the smoking and destructiveness, I don't see what's left to gripe about."

  He squeezed her hand. "I never did deserve you."

  "Oh, stop saying crap like that." Sophia narrowed her eyes at him.

  "Okay, okay." He held up his free hand. "I give up."

  They came up to the ice cream stand and got in line.

  "Bubblegum still your favorite flavor?" he asked.

  "Mint chocolate chip."

  "Your tastes are growing up."

  "I'm not thirteen anymore."

  They got their double-scoop cones—at his insistence—and walked over to the shore.

  "You sure you want to keep carrying my bag?" she asked. "It's kind of girly."

  "I don't care what anyone thinks."

  "Guess I'm not the only one who has matured."

  They walked in silence as they ate their cones and watched kids build castles and teens play Frisbee. Some kids Jace had been friends with—the ones who had urged him into misbehaving—walked by.

  "Don't you want to say hi?" Sophia asked.

  He shook his head. "I'm better off staying away. I don't want to fall into my old ways."

  She arched a brow, impressed.

  "Have you ever ridden a horse?" he asked.

  "Can't say that I have. I don't think the ponies at the state fair count."

  Jace shook his head. "Definitely not. There's a place not far from here. I'd love to take you."

  "You mean, like now?"

  "Sure. I met the owner several times, and he said I was welcome to come by anytime."

  Sophia's pulse raced. She'd always wanted to ride a horse. "Okay. I'm up for an adventure."

  Seaside Memories

  Chapter Three

  Sophia closed her eyes as Jace clipped her helmet, adjusting around the braid he'd insisted she wear for safety.

  "Ready to climb on?" he asked.

  "I was born ready." She adjusted the riding vest over her shirt. "Do I really need to wear this?"

  "Yes. You'll thank me for the body protector if you take a tumble. It's just as important as the helmet."

  "You don't have one."

  "I know what I'm doing. And if we were going to have the horses jump, I'd wear one, too. Ready?"

  Sweaty, but ready. Sophia nodded.

  He put a hand on each side and helped her up. She swung her leg around and slid her foot into the other stirrup.

  "You feel comfortable?" Jace asked.

  She nodded and stroked the horse's brown mane. "This is going to be fun."

  He patted the horse's
neck. "It sure will be, and like Bill said, Flower here is as gentle as they come. Give me a minute to get set up with Gorilla, and then we'll walk them around inside the corral. If you feel up to it, we can try the trail leading through the woods."

  Sophia gave him a thumbs up. Her pulse raced at the anticipation. "And Jace, thanks so much for bringing me here."

  "My pleasure. I always hoped I'd be able to take you riding one day." He tipped his cowboy hat.

  "Why do you get a straw hat, and I have to wear a helmet?"

  "Because it's your first time out there. I've been doing this for years. You remember everything we went over?"

  She recited the first few things he'd gone over with her.

  "Okay, good," he interrupted, grinning. "And remember to raise your hand up like this,"—he put his hand in the air and waved with an open palm—"and I'll stop to help you. But I won't be far, anyway."

  "Got it, captain." She saluted him.

  Jace shook his head, went over to a shiny black horse, and climbed on like he owned the beast. Sophia couldn't help admiring him. He'd really changed a lot over their three year separation. Her heart fluttered just watching him.

  Gorilla and Jace came over to her and Flower. "Ready?"

  She nodded, clutched the leather strap of the bridle, and tapped her foot. Flower began walking. Even though they weren't moving very fast, a thrill ran through Sophia. She was actually riding a horse.

  They went around in circles inside the fence half a dozen times before Sophia was ready for more. She raised her hand, and Jace came over.

  "Problem?"

  "I'm ready to try the trail."

  "Already?"

  "Yeah. Let's go."

  "Okay." He led his horse over to the gate, and Sophia tapped Flower with her borrowed boot. They followed Jace and Gorilla. Jace opened the fence, led both horses out, closed the gate, and climbed back on. He gestured to the start of the trail and told her to stay close.

  The horses both whinnied as they followed the path, seeming to be as happy about the outing as Sophia. The tall trees provided a nice shade, especially since she had on all that gear and clothing. Sunlight poked through some of the branches, casting a relaxing light as they went.

  Sophia hoped it would last forever, but just as it seemed like they were only beginning, Jace stopped his horse and turned around. "Time to go back. We definitely missed lunch."

  "Can't we stay a little longer?"

  "I can always bring you back."

  Sophia smiled and then guided Flower to turn around. She tried to enjoy every moment, taking in all the sights and sounds. Just as they almost reached the end of the trail, a noise sounded to the left, startling her. Two raccoons rolled out in front of them, hissing and biting each other.

  Flower snorted and raised her two front legs from the ground. Sophia clutched the leather strap, heart pounding. As soon as the hooves hit the ground, the horse broke into a run. Once out of the trees, Flower ran in the opposite direction of the pen.

  Sophia was tempted to scream, but feared that would only spook the creature more. They were headed straight for a large pond. Her eyes widened, refusing to blink. She looked around, trying to decide if jumping would be a good idea. The path was rocky and would be painful even with all her protective gear.

  Jace shouted something, but she couldn't understand a word of it. The wind rushed past her ears as the horse seemed to pick up even more speed. Flower turned away from the water with a sudden jerk, causing Sophia to lose her balance. She half-hung over the right side of Flower.

  Something poked Sophia's sides. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She screamed.

  She flew through the air. No. She was being pulled. Suddenly, she was on another horse. A black one. And they were headed back to the corral.

  "You're okay," Jace said. "I've got you."

  Sophia looked around. Flower ran farther away from her home.

  She tried to steady her breathing. "Wh… what about her?"

  "Once she calms down, she'll probably return. More than likely, Bill or his farmhands will go find her. Are you okay?"

  "I will be." She slumped against Jace, her body limp. "That was a lot more than I bargained for."

  "Yeah, me, too. I'm just glad you're okay."

  They reached the gate, and Jace helped her down. He opened the gate and led Gorilla in before taking Sophia's hand.

  "I say we call it a day."

  Sophia nodded.

  Bill and a couple guys wearing cowboy gear ran out.

  "What happened?" Bill demanded.

  "Flower got spooked and ran that way." Jace pointed down the rocky, dirt road. "Past the pond."

  The three men jumped over the gate and ran after the horse.

  "Let's get you out of the gear." Jace directed her to the barn, where she'd put it all on.

  It was all a blur, and before Sophia knew what was going on, they were sitting at a table inside the farmhouse, drinking some cocoa with Bill's wife.

  Soon, Bill came in. "We got Flower back. What spooked her? She's never done that before."

  Jace described the two raccoons.

  Bill shook his head and turned to Sophia. "I'm sorry about that. Usually, nothing scares her."

  Sophia shrugged. "It was an adventure. And besides, Jace saved me."

  "Good for you," Bill said. "I'm sure your Uncle Joe will be proud when he hears that."

  "I just did what I needed to." Jace glanced down into his mug.

  Bill turned to Sophia. "He's too humble. Not many guys would risk their own necks like that."

  Her cheeks burned. "Really?" She took his hand.

  Jace's gaze met hers. "I couldn't let you get hurt."

  A slow smile spread across her face. "You're definitely getting a huge birthday celebration."

  "I wouldn't dare try to stop you." He turned to Bill. "I should get her home. We didn't even tell anyone we were coming here."

  "I'm sixteen," Sophia said. "I don't have to tell anyone where I'm at."

  Jace rose, took their mugs, and washed them in the sink. Sophia tried to help, but he wouldn't let her.

  When they were back in his car, he turned to her. "You probably don't want to ride again anytime soon."

  Her eyes lit up. "I can't wait to come back."

  Jace stared into her eyes. "You're something else."

  "I hope that's good."

  "You better believe it."

  "And you better kiss me." She smiled, inching closer to him.

  "Oh? Is that a threat?"

  Sophia nodded. "It is."

  Jace leaned over and brushed his lips against hers.

  She returned the kiss and then leaned back and smiled. "Your return was the best birthday present of them all."

  Seaside Treasures

  Chapter One

  Allen Tisdale made the last of his notes for Sunday's sermon and exited his office, closing the door behind him. He glanced up and down the sparkling hallway of the restored church building with pride. It had taken a lot of work, but it was even better than he'd imagined—and some had thought it couldn't have been done.

  He checked his watch. Another hour until he was to meet with the other pastor in Kittle Falls to discuss their combined annual Easter egg hunt. He went into the sanctuary and walked down the aisle, checking to make sure the song books were all straight in their places on the backs of the pews.

  Maybe this would be a good time to wash the stained glass windows—before they got dusty. Allen turned around and headed for the supply closet. As he entered the entry, one of the front doors creaked as though being opened. He arched a brow, curious. He wasn't expecting anyone.

  The door opened and in walked a woman about his age with tousled reddish-brown hair. She smiled when they made eye contact. Lines around her eyes showed the tell-tale sign of a hard life.

  "Pastor," she said. "I was hoping to find you here."

  He gave her a warm smile. "You certainly came to the right place. Come on in,
Jackie."

  She nodded thanks and closed the door behind her. "I hope I'm not bothering you. I can come back another time."

  "I happen to have the next hour free. Do you have something on your mind?"

  "Yes, actually. You probably get that a lot."

  "From time to time." He smiled. "Would you like to go into the sanctuary, or perhaps my office?"

  Jackie appeared conflicted.

  "How about my office?" he asked. She nodded, so he led the way and gestured for her to sit in the leather chair in front of his desk. He went around and sat in his spot. "Can I get you anything? Tea? Water?"

  She shook her head. "No. I have a confession. Is that okay?"

  "That's what I'm here for. Your secrets are safe with me."

  Jackie took a deep breath and played with a strand of hair. "Well, for starters, Jackie isn't my real name. I mean, it's my legal name. Now. But it hasn't always been."

  She glanced at him, her eyes wide. Allen knew that expression well. She was testing the waters. Checking to see how he'd react. He gave her a reassuring nod. "My name isn't Pastor, either."

  The corners of her mouth twitched and she seemed to relax. She leaned back in the chair. "My name… well." She paused. "Logan Hunter, the lawyer, he suggested I change my name. My husband—I mean, my ex-husband—he was abusive, and he didn't want me leaving. He was furious when I filed for divorce."

  Allen picked up his coffee mug from earlier and took a sip. It was more to give Jackie a moment to figure out what to say next. He certainly didn't need the now-cold drink.

  "I just… I don't know. I'm confused, Pastor."

  "About what?"

  Jackie frowned. "Everything. My entire life, it's been… full of conflict. Yelling, name calling, cursing."

  She caught his gaze again.

  "That sounds really painful," Allen said.

  "I always dreamed of getting away from that as a girl, but then I married right back into it and didn't know how to get out." She took a deep breath. "I suppose I thought I deserved it."

  He shook his head. "No one does."

  Jackie twisted her face, the inner conflict coming out. "Are you sure?"

  "Completely. Have you heard the expression 'hurting people hurt people?'"

  "No."

  "It's the cycle of abuse," Allen said. "When that's all someone knows, they lash out on others, never having learned how to treat people well."