“No. I put it on the stand yesterday when Shawny and I returned from our ride, but it’s not there today. I was wondering if maybe you moved it.”
“No, I didn’t. In fact, I haven’t been in the barn yet this morning. The saddler was here yesterday, wasn’t he? Maybe he thought it needed repair and took it back to his shop.”
Maggie stopped in front of Jordan. Her curly red hair splayed in several directions from beneath her cowboy hat. “Hmm. That’s possible, I suppose. I need to check on the horses in the north pasture and you know Shawny doesn’t do well with saddles he’s not used to.”
“Why don’t you take my horse? I’m sure Sally would love the exercise.”
Maggie smiled. “You’re so sweet. I just might do that.” Maggie stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss on Jordan’s lips.
Jordan’s arms immediately circled Maggie’s waist and her hands found their way into the waistband of Maggie’s jeans as the kiss deepened. Jordan’s hands delved deep, firmly grasping Maggie’s buttocks and pulling the woman close to her own heated core.
“Hmm,” Jordan moaned. “I want you again.”
Maggie drew her lips away from Jordan’s to catch her breath. ”God! If you keep that up, I’ll never get out to the north pasture.”
“You could always send Jan out to check on the horses while we make better use of our time,” Jordan suggested slyly.
“I would, but she doesn’t seem to be around right now. She’s been behaving pretty erratically. One moment she’s stuck to me like glue and the next, she’s nowhere to be found.”
Jordan picked up her hammer and dropped it into the sling attached to her tool-belt. “If you ask me, I think she’s trying to win you back.”
Maggie blushed then gently punched Jordan’s shoulder. “She is not.”
Jordan advanced one step in Maggie’s direction and took the Maggie’s face between her hands as their eyes locked. “Trust me love, she wants something. Why else would she stay?”
“Well, lover, you have nothing to worry about. She can try all she wants. It’s you I love and nothing she can do will change that.”
“The feeling’s mutual. Now go on, take Sally to the north pasture. I’ll call the saddler for you while you’re gone, okay?”
Maggie turned to head back to the barn. “Okay. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
Jordan’s eyes were glued to Maggie’s swaying hips as she made her way back to the barn. After a few minutes, Maggie reemerged riding Jordan’s horse and waving her hat in Jordan’s direction as she galloped toward the north pasture.
When Maggie was finally out of sight, Jordan entered the house and called the saddler. “Are you sure you don’t have it? She left it on the rail by the horse stalls. It wasn’t there this morning so I thought maybe you picked it up by mistake yesterday. No? Well, okay. I’m sure it’s in the barn somewhere. Thanks anyway.”
Jordan hung up the phone then went into the kitchen for a glass of water before continuing the repairs on the front porch. As she was filling her glass, she caught a glimpse of a figure covertly exiting the barn on foot. Suspicious, she decided to investigate.
So as to not call any attention to herself, Jordan sauntered toward the barn as she had done countless times before. She searched the horse stalls, but found nothing unusual. She even spent a short amount of time petting Maggie’s horse, Shawny. Strangely, upon exiting Shawny’s stall, she immediately noticed that Maggie’s saddle was hanging on the rail, right where Maggie said she always put it.
Was this saddle really not here earlier today or are you losing your marbles, girlfriend?
The saddle was hanging over the rail with the right side facing the rider. Jordan inspected the saddle, then turned to walk away, but stopped when something caught her eye. She turned back and in one movement, she lifted the saddle, spun it around, and placed it back on the rail so that the left side of the saddle was facing outward.
Jordan lifted the stirrup and threw it over the top of the saddle, then reached down to grasp the belly strap. “What the hell? How did this get here?” Jordan reached under the saddle and released the buckle holding the belly strap. With the strap in hand, she crossed the barnyard toward the bunkhouse. She stopped before the bunkhouse door and banged loudly. “Open this goddamned door!”
The door flew open and Jordan came face to face with Jan. Jordan thrust the belly strap toward her. “Care to explain this?”
Chapter 34
Jan looked at the belly strap Jordan held in her hand. “It’s a belly strap. Surely you know that,” Jan said sarcastically.
Jordan turned the strap over in her hand. “No, I mean this.”
On the underside of the strap was a metal burr, embedded deep in the leather.
Jan took the strap from Jordan and looked at it closely. “It looks like a burr to me.”
“That’s exactly what it is. Care to tell me how it got there?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know that?” Jan replied.
Jordan grabbed the strap from Jan and folded it in half. “This strap came off Maggie’s saddle, which, by the way, went missing this morning and then miraculously reappeared just after I saw you sneak out of the barn. If she had ridden Shawny with this burr in the belly strap, he would have thrown her. She could have been seriously hurt—or worse.”
Jan crossed her arms and cocked her head to one side. “So? Why are you telling me this?”
Jordan leaned in close. “Because if anything happens to Maggie, I will hold you personally responsible,” she answered vehemently.
“Why would I want to harm Maggie?” Jan asked.
“That’s the part I haven’t figured out yet. I would have half-expected me to be your target, not her,” Jordan replied.
Jan stepped in defiantly close. “Then I guess maybe you’re the one who should watch her back.”
“What’s going on here?”
Jordan turned to see Maggie standing on the bunkhouse porch behind her. She turned back to Jan and stared directly into her face while addressing Maggie’s question. “Nothing. Everything’s fine. Jan and I were just making sure we’re on the same page.”
Jordan looked down at the strap in her hand then shoved it inside her jacket before she turned to face Maggie once more. “Are you ready for brunch?”
Maggie smiled broadly. “You bet I am. I’m famished.” She looked over Jordan’s shoulder. “Would you like to join us, Jan?” she asked.
“No, thanks,” Jan replied. “I’ve had breakfast already.”
Maggie linked her arm into the crook of Jordan’s elbow. “All right then, let’s eat.”
* * *
“Hmm, this is wonderful. I thought you said you couldn’t cook,” Maggie said as she chewed a forkful of French toast.
Jordan chuckled. “This happens to be one of the few things I can make without poisoning myself. My friend Kale taught me how to make it.”
“Kale? That’s an unusual name. Male... right?”
“Definitely male,” Jordan replied. “He’s my best friend in the world, and my surrogate little brother. He’s such a sweet guy. He’s kind and considerate. We shared a house together for a couple of years. For the longest time he was convinced he was in love with me, until Andi came along.”
“Andi? Pretty androgynous name. Male or female?”
“Andi is all girl. A very beautiful one at that, and smart. She’s a physicist. Andi, Kale, and I all worked together at the lab.” Jordan smiled wistfully as she thought about her friends.
“You haven’t seen them in a while, I take it?”
Jordan pushed her food around on the plate as she shook her head. “No... and you’re right, it’s been a while. I didn’t realize until now how much I miss them.”
“Maybe we can invite them to visit. Do you think?”
Jordan looked at Maggie and smiled. “Maybe,” she replied.
“When I came back from the north pasture, I noticed you found my saddle. Where was it?”
&
nbsp; “Actually, I didn’t find it. It was right where you always put it.”
“No way. I swear to you, it was not there when I went to saddle Shawny this morning.”
“For what it’s worth, I believe you,” Jordan said.
“Who would have taken it? And who brought it back?”
“I’m guessing it was Jan.” John is on vacation until after the holidays and she’s the only other one around besides you and me.”
“What would she want with my saddle?” Maggie questioned.
“That’s what I was trying to find out when you interrupted us a while ago.”
“What I interrupted was some type of confrontation. I’m not blind, you know. I could have sworn Jan was dealing okay with the breakup. Want to tell me what you were discussing?” Maggie prompted.
Jordan sat back in her chair. “Nothing, really. I was just making sure she and I understood each other.”
Maggie narrowed her eyes at Jordan. “Why don’t I believe you?”
Jordan stood and collected their dishes, then placed an inviting kiss on Maggie’s lips. “Trust me, sweetheart. I’m just looking out for things, especially for you.”
“I don’t need looking out for. I’m a big girl, and I can take care of myself.”
Jordan carried the coffee pot back to the table and refilled their cups. “I’m sure you can, but it never hurts to have help. Tell me about your ride this morning. How are the horses?”
“I stopped at the new barn to check on the foals. They’re doing really well.”
Jordan sat down and enjoyed her coffee as Maggie talked excitedly about the foals, the farm, and life in general. For Maggie’s benefit, she maintained the smile on her face, but inside, she was seething.
Jan, I won’t let you screw this up. That’s a promise.
* * *
Maggie sat at the kitchen table studying several official-looking documents. As she read, she jotted notes on a pad of paper nearby. She looked up at the sound of stamping feet on the porch just outside the kitchen door.
Jordan pushed the kitchen door open and stepped inside. “Damn, it’s colder than a witch’s tit out there,” she cussed as she bent over to remove her boots.
Maggie chuckled. “And just how cold is a witch’s tit?” she asked coyly.
“Cold enough to produce milkshakes.” Jordan grinned. “Sometimes I think your parents have the right idea. Florida in January sounds like a wonderful thing.” Jordan hung her coat up on one of the hooks by the door then rubbed her hands together as she approached Maggie. She stood behind her and looked over her shoulder.
“What are you reading?” she asked.
Maggie glanced up at Jordan. “I’m just reviewing the Planning Commission guidelines before I draft the proposal for the riding school,” she said, returning her attention to the documents.
“I can imagine there will be a lot of rules and regulations we’ll have to follow and safety upgrades to make the farm safe and suitable for the kids,” Jordan said.
“I’m afraid you’re right. The problem I’m having, though, is trying to put limits on the definition of ‘handicapped’ that don’t exclude too many of the more disabled children. I really don’t want to limit any child with a disability from taking lessons, but I guess it will be unavoidable if we can’t make it totally safe for them.”
Jordan leaned over Maggie as she read and nuzzled Maggie’s neck.
“Yeeow!” Maggie screamed as she squirmed away. “Your nose is cold.”
Jordan laughed evilly as she shoved her cold hands into the neckline of Maggie’s shirt.
Maggie jumped up from the table. “Jordan Lewis,” she shouted. “Stop that!”
Jordan was apologetic as she opened her arms to Maggie. “I’m sorry, love. Come here and I’ll make it up to you.”
Maggie stepped into the circle of Jordan’s arms. After a few moments, she relaxed and returned the hug.
Without warning, Jordan pulled Maggie’s shirt up and planted her cold hands in the middle of Maggie’s back.
“Ah!” Maggie protested as she wiggled out of Jordan’s embrace. “Why, you little shit,” she yelled.
Jordan grinned. “Uh-oh. Time for a hasty retreat.” She made a quick exit into the living room with Maggie hot on her tail. Once in the living room, she threw herself on the couch and put her arms up to protect herself as Maggie grabbed a throw pillow and pummeled her with it. In between hits, Jordan managed to work a pillow out from behind her to enter into the battle. Before long they were both on their feet and engaged in a full-fledged pillow fight. Many minutes later, and laughing so hard their sides hurt, the two women dropped side-by-side onto the couch.
Jordan moved to the end of the couch and half-reclined. She beckoned to Maggie. “Come here, you.”
Maggie delved into Jordan’s arms. They lay there entwined with Maggie’s cheek resting on Jordan’s chest.
“Hmm, this feels good,” Maggie said. “I love listening to your heart beat.”
Jordan kissed the top of Maggie’s head. “It beats only for you, love.”
“How is it that you so easily walked into my life and stole my heart?” Maggie asked.
“Actually, I didn’t walk into your life... I transported into it. You see, I’m really a scientist from the future and I traveled here via a time machine to intentionally invade your life,” Jordan replied. She waited for what felt like an eternity for Maggie to absorb what she had just said.
Maggie raised her head and looked directly into Jordan’s eyes. She smiled widely. “You’re such a kook sometimes,” she said. She leaned in and kissed Jordan on the nose then laid her head back onto Jordan’s chest. “Don’t ever change, sweetheart. I love you just the way you are.”
* * *
February 16th, 2019
Dear Andi and Kale,
Damn, it’s cold here! I don’t remember it being this cold in 2105. I never thought I would say thank God for global warming. Anyway, time is becoming shorter with each passing day. We’re only six weeks away from Maggie’s death. I find myself being very protective of her. I am so in love with her, she owns me, heart and soul. She is the most beautiful creature on the face of the earth. How is it I’m so lucky to have found her? How is it I’m so lucky that she actually loves me too?
Guys, I’ve said this before, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I found those diaries. I truly believe Maggie had been trying to contact me for several years, even way back when I was a kid and having nightmares. The diaries provided a portal for her to reach out to me. Kale, you’ll remember when the dreams first started they were just that—dreams. I was more of an observer than anything else. I think Maggie was planting those dreams in my mind in an attempt to contact me. Later on, they became more like visions and I appeared to take a more and more active role in them. Well, several of those visions have happened while I’ve been here. I can’t help but think that I dreamed about them because my traveling back in time made me part of Maggie’s past. Does that make sense? Anyway, talk about déjà-vu!
Okay, I just wanted to keep you up-to-date on what’s going on with me. I am in love... way over my head in love and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I have never been happier and I owe it all to you. You have my undying love and gratitude. I’ll write again as D-day approaches. I love you guys, and I miss you lots. Later!
Jordan
* * *
Maggie and Jordan had chosen to spend a cold winter evening reading in bed. Maggie lowered the book she was reading into her lap and looked at the woman sitting in bed beside her. “Jordan?”
Jordan looked away from her book. “Yeah?”
“Will you marry me?”
Jordan’s head snapped back. She was surprised by Maggie’s unexpected question and was left speechless.
“Don’t look so shocked.”
“Uh... Um... I’m sorry. Your question just took me by surprise,” Jordan replied.
“I don’t know why it should. I mean, you’ve been her
e for five months now, right? I don’t know about you, but I pretty much felt the attraction the minute I set eyes on you.”
Jordan nodded. “I think I was in love with you before I met you,” she said.
“Come on,” Maggie said. “How could you possibly have loved me before you met me?”
Jordan was so tempted to confess all to Maggie at that very minute. “Let’s just say an angel visited me in my sleep. She had wild curly red hair, and looked an awful lot like you. She told me everything about you. I couldn’t help but fall in love the moment I saw you.”
Maggie smiled. “I love you so much. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I can’t begin to tell you what your smile does to me. There are so many emotions that run through me when you look at me. It seems that you can see deep into my soul.”
Jordan leaned in and placed a delicate kiss on Maggie’s lips. “I’m so glad you love me, Mags. I’ve wanted this for so long. You have no idea what I’ve been through to get here.”
Maggie blinked rapidly to clear the moisture from her eyes. “I do love you. I love you beyond anything in my life’s experience. I want so badly to be the object of your desire, your partner in heart and in soul. I dream of a life together in body, in spirit, and in name.”
Jordan took Maggie’s hand and kissed it. She felt Maggie quiver as she looked up into her eyes. “I want to share your life, my love. I want to laugh with you and cry with you. I want to help you achieve everything you’ve ever wanted in life. I want to be by your side through all the good things, and the bad things too. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life looking into your beautiful green eyes, even when we’re old and gray and rocking beside each other in our chairs on the front porch, even when we have just one tooth between us and you have to change my diapers. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.”
Maggie wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as she laughed at Jordan’s words. “You’re such a goofball sometimes. So, as one member of the mutual admiration society to another, does that mean you’ll marry me?”
Karen D. Badger - Yesterday Once More Page 32