“Yeah, but maybe one of these kooks has been approached by this guy. Maybe he could lead us right to him,” Mac said.
Ben agreed that was a remote possibility. After inquiring about the rest of the family and offering to postpone Chance’s statement until he was released from the hospital, Ben took his leave.
Mac went in to explain Ben’s conclusions to the rest of the family. Dixie headed for the stables. A few minutes, later Mac joined her. Grabbing her hand, he led her for a short walk to a grassy knoll overlooking the farm and orchard. “We need to talk about what happened at the fire Dix.”
“I know,” she murmured as she slipped away from him to take a stand against an old oak tree. Every time she thought about how close she came to losing him, she alternated between bone shaking terror and burning rage.
“I realize you were upset and afraid for me, honey, but I could no more have left my brother to die in that place without trying to help them out than you could of let those children defend themselves against that boy with the gun. Our protective instincts are too strong. If we think there’s even though the remotest possibility of success, we have to help the people we care about when they’re in need.” Mac walked over and pulled her into his arms.
“I know you’re right, Mac. But I could never promise not to get angry. The reason I was so upset when I found you had entered that building was because I felt so helpless. The anger and frustration of being unable to help you, of standing there doing nothing, was too much. I know that was exactly how you were feeling as we waited for Chance to appear. When you made it out alive with Chance, my feelings were just too wound up and intense. I guess they needed an outlet. Unfortunately, you became my target.”
“There may be times when we can’t do anything but watch and pray for those we love, but if we can help, no matter what, we’re going to do that. It’s in our blood.” Mac smiled. “If that means that I have to be a whipping post for your paltry hits, so be it. Just remember that I need an outlet for my intense emotions, too.” He grabbed her for a soul shattering kiss.
Dixie wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him tenderly, telling him that all was forgiven. Mac returned her passion, kiss for kiss, until they were both breathless with longing. With a rueful smile, Dixie pulled her arms from around his neck. In full view of his parents house was not the proper place to make love.
Mac kissed her forehead. “We are so fortunate. Many people don’t even have one person to love them and care for them, while we have so many. I didn’t think I could ever find someone to share my life with. You waltzed into my office and into my dreams, when I didn’t believe the loving relationship my parents enjoying even existed anymore. Looking at the love in your eyes, I realize that I’ve found it. You made my every wish come true.” He laughed. “And I even got another brother in the bargain. I love you so much, I can’t even think about what I would have become without you in my life, but I know I could never be this complete without you by my side.”
Dixie wiped away her tears of love. There was so much she needed to say about her love for him, and yet, she couldn’t find the words. Everything seemed to pale in comparison to her feelings for this wonderful man. She kissed the dimple in his chin. “Well, not only are you going to have me in your life, in about seven months you’re going to have a child. That’s why I fainted. I’m pregnant.” She waited for Mac’s reaction. They had never really discussed when to have children, just the fact that they wanted them.
“A baby? We’re going to have… Are you sure? What am I saying, of course you’re sure.” Mac showered her with kisses as he repeated the good news over and over again.
“I was going to wait a while to broach the subject of a family to you because you’re so young,” she told him saucily. She touched the bit of gray at his temple, “But I can tell you’re just as happy as I am.” In answer to her cheekiness, he picked her up and swung her around until she laughingly begged him to stop.
When she finally caught her breath, Dixie looked into Mac’s loving eyes. “My grandpa always said life shouldn’t be measured in years; it should be measured in happiness. If that’s true, I can guarantee a long life of love and joy is in store for us. I love you, Mac Coalson, and I love the fact that our child is growing inside me, a living testimony of our love for each other.”
“Speaking of love,” Mac grinned wickedly. “There’s a hayloft in the barn over there just waiting for a couple of lovers. What do you say, Mrs. Coalson?”
Dixie was running down the hill toward the barn in a flash. She yelled over her shoulder, “I say, last one naked is a rotten egg, Mr. Coalson!”
Join the Coalson Family in the next installment of the Tempered Steel series, Leather and Lace, as they continue their search for answers to the vandalism while Sam and Angel try to find love again.
Sam’s Peanut Butter Squares
1/3 lb. graham crackers, finely crushed (1 pkg crackers)
2 sticks melted butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 pkg milk chocolate chips, melted
Mix all ingredients, except chips, together.
Smooth into 13x9 pan.
Melt chips in microwave until smooth.
Spread over graham mixture.
Refrigerate for one hour.
Cut into squares and serve.
Acknowledgements
It’s so hard to make sure everyone that has supported me is acknowledged. I could be writing personal thanks for days! So I’ll just say that I love you! I appreciate you! And if you’re ever in trouble (and I’m not sitting in jail with you), I’ve got bail money and a great alibi!
A special acknowledgement to my talented daughter. It was my job as a parent to teach you, but you have taught me so much; not only about daughters and friends, but about who I can aspire to be. I hope you will always be as proud of me as I am of you. I love you!
Another special thanks to my tech savvy son. Without you, I would still be floundering in cyberspace, trying to tweet on Facebook (yes, I know the difference now). Your calm acceptance of my quirkiness and loving support of everything I do lets me know that even if nothing else in my life is good, I still have my greatest accomplishment – my children. I love you!
And, of course, to my husband, Ned, who told me to “just write the damn book already!” So I did.
This series is dedicated to the people in my life who believed in me; Tammy Bugger – my shoulder to cry on and cheerleader; Jenn, and all the wonderful people at the Killion Group, Inc.; My friends and family; thank you for your love and support. You made this book possible with your encouragement, your smiles, and your honest critiques.
It is also dedicated to the people who said I’d never do it – to my face or behind my back. Thank you for bringing out my fighting spirit. As my daughter is fond of saying, “Just watch me!”
Author Bio
Hi! I'm Maggie Adams. I live near St. Louis, MO with my high school sweetheart, Ned, and my wonderful kids, Katie (m. Kyle) and Ross (gf Valerie). My life is like a walking, talking sitcom from I Love Lucy, but I love it, although people do tend to keep their distance from me! Writing has always been my dream, with reading my favorite hobby. I try to include a little bit of my life in everything I write, so when you read my books, keep your eyes wide open - I'm in there somewhere! Happy reading!
WHISTLIN’ DIXIE
Copyright 2014 Maggie Adams
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Cover Design and Interior format by The Killion Group
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Photography by Lucy Wellen Photography
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Whistlin' Dixie (Tempered Steel Book 1) Page 15