“After this little lady, there are no next times. She tops them all.” Duncan kissed Melanie on the forehead.
“You make a striking couple. Melanie, I hope it’s okay to call you by your first name.”
“You may.” Melanie leaned over and kissed Spencer’s cheek. “That was the first clue I got about Ramon. He called me by my first name. Hargrove didn’t start out calling me that. Nor did you. Then I remembered the phone call, and there was something in that voice. When I thought of how close he’d been to us when things started happening, I put the missing pieces together.”
“Better watch her, Duncan. She may take your job one day. She’d make a good agent.”
“You’re right about that.”
“I better go. Got to meet the others at the entrance of the park. We’ll go over things with you later, Duncan. This is one operation I’m glad to see behind us.” He shook Duncan’s hand, and gave Melanie a hug before joining the others in the car.
Melanie waved as they drove away.
“Want me to take you young ‘uns up to your cabin?” Bufford asked.
“You know, it’s so pretty out and the morning’s young, I think we’ll walk. It’s not too far. You up for it, Melanie? I can carry you when you get tired. When the other car arrives, we’ll head to the hospital.”
“Yes, Duncan. I am. Thanks for all your help, Bufford.”
“Any time, little lady.”
Duncan handed him a card. “I know I gave you one before, but here’s another one. You never know when it might come in handy. If you ever need anything, you call me.”
Bufford put the card in his pocket. “I will. Of course they did sent me a nice care package last time. I really appreciate it, Duncan. I had my trusty shotgun to help out, but you boys handled it well. It was a pleasure.” Bufford replied as he walked away.
“Sweetheart, I hope I never get separated from you again.”
“You won’t have to worry about that, Duncan.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I’m changing professions. Well, I can still be a therapist. But I’m going to help you from now on with all your missions.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes. You have to admit that I make a pretty good helper.”
Duncan looked deep into her eyes. “There’s a truth to that. We still have a lot of healing to do. I don’t like the thought of you helping in the dangerous situations, but something tells me that you’ll make a point to include yourself in all my missions.”
Melanie’s hands cupped the back of his neck. “You can count on that. As for the healing process, yes, dear, we do have a lot of healing to do. Not only us, but the children as well. When we return we’ll have to explain the death of their father. I don’t want any secrets ever, from each other or from the children.”
“You and I will sit down and explain everything. We will also have to invest any money coming to them for their future. Matt wishes to be a detective, and Tiffany has her whole chef thing. We have to think of our children’s future. Also any other children we might want to have.” His lips pressed to hers with a burning passion. “I like the sound of that.”
“We might end up with lots of children, Duncan.”
“We could start with a nice shower.”
“Yes, we could.”
“But you have to take it slow until your body heals. Just because you say you feel good, doesn’t mean something won’t hit you later. You never know about those tests and you did go through a lot.”
“I’ll be extra careful. You have to do one thing for me.”
He arched his brow.
“Make sure to keep that watch on.”
“I still say you’re timing me.”
She giggled. “And I say you’re wrong.”
“I love to hear you laugh. And that smile…”
“What about my smile?” She rested her hands on her hips.
“Most infectious.” He kissed her again.
When they finally came up for air, they both were breathless. “Whew Duncan, that was a potent kiss.” She looked to see Bufford still standing beside his truck.
“What’s that look for, Melanie?”
“Would you mind if we do something?”
“Are you thinking the same as me?”
She smiled.
“Want me to still search you like the first day we met?” He arched a brow.
“I meant my vehicle.”
“Liar.”
“Are you always right?”
“Yes, and I always get my man. Or woman,” he said grinning from ear to ear.
Melanie’s smile widened. “Thank you for getting me.”
“You’re most welcome, sweetheart. Now, if you’re serious about this, we’d best hurry. Or have you changed that little mind of yours again?”
“No, I really want this. Let’s go.”
Duncan lifted her in his arms and lumbered over to Bufford.
“Hey, you kids change your mind?”
“We sure did, Bufford. Do you mind?”
“No way, just climb inside. To the cabin?”
“Actually, Bufford, we’ve had a change of plans. Melanie and I have decided to go be with our children. Can you take us to the airport, unless you would like to drive as far as Atlanta? Come to think of it, you and my dad would get along great. He loves to hunt.”
“Got no one waiting home for me. I’m game. Let’s go.”
Melanie searched Duncan’s eyes. “Yes, dear, let’s go home to our family.”
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About Linda Lattimer
www.lyricalpress.com/lindalattimer
Linda Lattimer lives in southern Georgia, not too far from Ft. Benning, GA. She has always had a passion for writing. Growing up, reading was a part of her life. It led her to composing some of her own stories. She enjoys traveling, especially visiting the West, particularly areas in southern and northern Arizona. Her frequent location to travel and stay has been at Raymond Gary State Park, in Ft. Towson, Oklahoma. The beauty of the lake is tranquil and allows her to do some fishing, while coming up with great stories ideas. Every place she visits, lends her great inspiration for her stories. She is glad to be published with Lyrical Press and have her stories find a home with them. An avid reader of just about anything, she also reviews books. In her spare time, she likes to go fishing in the Chattahoochee River. They have good size catfish; just have to watch out for the alligators.
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Running On Fear Page 28