by Linda Bridey
“Well, I have a proposition for you. You can’t work as a bouncer, but what about helping out with Pa during the day? You know, making sure he takes his medicine and all? I’d still pay you the same,” Jake said.
“Really? You’re gonna pay me for spending time with him and making sure he takes his pills?” Sammi asked with a smile.
“Yep. Also to make sure he eats well and a maybe do a little housework,” Jake said. “Are you game?”
“Hell, yeah. Thanks, Jake,” Sammi said and hugged him again.
“You’re welcome. Now get out of here and go home to your family,” Jake said.
“Yes, boss,” Sammi said.
As Sammi left, Jake wondered who he was going to get to replace Sammi. She was one of a kind and he didn’t know of anyone who could do the kind of job she did. He’d never had to worry about keeping order with her around.
He reiterated his concern a little while later when he told Rebecca the news about Sammi. Rebecca was thrilled for the Taylors.
“You’ll find someone, Jake,” she said.
“Yeah, but they won’t be Sammi,” Jake said.
Ben sat in a nearby chair while Jake and Rebecca sat on the sofa. He looked at Jake and said, “I’ll do it.”
Rebecca laughed. “What do you know about being a bouncer?”
Ben gave her a level look and said, “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, sister dear.”
Jake said, “Do you have any experience at that sort of thing? And besides, I wouldn’t hire you anyway because you’re just here visiting. When you leave I’d just have to hire someone else anyway.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking and I really don’t have anything holding me in Atlanta. I’d like to get to know my sister better and you, too, Jake,” Ben said. “So I’m thinking a permanent change of address is in order. I’ll need a job and you have an opening.”
Jake was skeptical. Ben was in good shape, but he wasn’t any bigger than himself. Of course, neither was Sammi. “It goes back to the experience thing.”
Ben rose from his chair and stretched. “I’ll tell you what; how about I give you a demonstration?”
“Right now?” Jake said.
“Yes. You need someone pronto and I’m available. We’ll think of it as an interview,” Ben said. “So c’mon and get up.”
Jake did so and said, “Now what?”
“We’re gonna pretend that you are an out of control drunk. Come at me and don’t hold back,” Ben said.
“I’m not gonna do that,” Jake said.
“Yes, you will,” Ben said. He moved extremely fast as he came at Jake and punched him on the arm.
“Hey!” Jake said. “I wasn’t ready.”
Ben laughed. “You have to get them when they least expect it. Now come at me, unless you’re scared.”
Jake threw a punch and the next thing he knew, he was on the floor with his face pressed against the rug and his arm twisted up behind his back. Ben was applying some kind of strange pressure and Jake’s shoulder felt like it was going to pop out of the socket.
Rebecca uttered a cry of surprise.
Ben chuckled and asked, “How am I doing?”
“What the hell did you do?” Jake asked. His words were muffled by the rug.
“Oh, just one of the many tricks I know. That’s why I was interested in Sammi. I recognized a kindred spirit. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was that she’s married. So do I have the job?” Ben said.
“Yeah. It’s yours,” Jake said.
Ben released Jake and helped him up. Jake rubbed his sore shoulder. “Damn that hurt.”
“Sorry about that. That was gentle compared to what I normally do,” Ben said.
Jake eyed his brother-in-law and said, “Thanks for taking it easy on me.”
“Don’t mention it, boss,” Ben said with a big smile.
Joe had invited them out to their place for dinner. They picked up Calvin and had an entertaining day of it. Emily instantly attached herself to Calvin who said to Jake and Rebecca, “Get busy and make me one of these to bounce on my lap, ok?”
“We’ll do our best, Pa,” Jake told him as he gave Rebecca a suggestive smile.
That night as he and Rebecca lay in each other’s arms, they talked about their hopes for the future and all that had occurred over the holidays. Their love was stronger for having survived tribulation and they were looking forward to many years of happiness together.
Rebecca said, “You really did listen to me about the improvements I mentioned.”
Jake kissed her neck and said, “Yes, I did.”
“There’s only one thing you didn’t do,” she said as Jake ran his hand up her side.
“What’s that?” he asked and bit her earlobe.
“Extend the back wall of the barroom, remember? It needs to be bigger so there’s more seating,” Rebecca said as she shivered.
Jake gave her a searing kiss and then said, “Already having the blueprints drawn up. You know what I think we should do?”
“What’s that?” Rebecca asked breathlessly as her hands kneaded his shoulders.
“I think we need to expand our family,” Jake said.
“I whole heartedly agree. Oh, Jake, I want a baby so much,” Rebecca said.
“Keep talking and you’re gonna get one.”
The End
CLICK HERE to read book 9 in this series (Westward Sunrise)
Westward Sunrise Synopsis:
Abby Porter is energetic and vivacious. She dreams of finding the perfect man, but knows she won’t find him in Wabasha, Minnesota. Upon answering an ad for a mail order bride, she starts corresponding with a man she deems perfect for her.
Elliot Bradbury owns the general store in Dawson, Montana, and it captivated by Abby’s unique letters. He finds her charming, amusing, and impulsive. She’s just what he’s been looking for to help ease his loneliness.
When they meet they instantly form a strong connection full of passion and romance. Things are perfect until another man enters the picture and a major conflict within Dawson threatens to drive them apart. Can their perfect romance endure outside influence or will it be shattered and their love lost?
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Linda's other books
Westward Winds (Montana Mail Order brides Book 1) FREE BOOK
Westward Dance (Montana Mail Order brides Book 2)
Westward Bound (Montana Mail Order brides Book 3)
Westward Destiny (Montana Mail Order brides Book 4)
Westward Fortune (Montana Mail Order brides Book 5)
Westward Justice (Montana Mail Order brides Book 6)
Westward Dreams (Montana Mail Order brides Book 7)
Westward Holiday (Montana Mail Order brides Book 8)
Westward Sunrise (Montana Mail Order brides Book 9)
Westward Moon (Montana Mail Order brides Book 10)
Westward Christmas (Montana Mail Order brides Book 11)
Westward Visions (Montana Mail Order brides Book 12)
Westward Secrets (Montana Mail Order brides Book 13)
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Copyright
© 2014 by Linda Bridey
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, or places is purely coincidental.
First Printing, 2014