Word of her return had come in quickly. The buzzing of gossip followed me everywhere and even though people no longer mentioned her name when I was around I knew by the look in their eyes who they were talking to.She had arrived hours ago, and most likely was in bed by now. Staring at the darkened house told me everything I needed to know. Her father's second heart attack had finally drawn her home. But she didn’t seek sanctuary at my house, no she’d chosen her old home. Funny, it was mine but that was semantics. Ours was a set-to-fail relationship, she was too tame and I was too wild, for a second she almost got me to settle, to care but the more I cared and the more I wanted to get away. I didn’t blame her for running away from me and adding to it the constant calls from Cynthia. The arrangement had been her idea but it had stayed with me days later, and when she said no. That got me thinking, a pretty wife and land because she was pretty, too pretty and innocent.Had she stayed i

After letting Buddy out for the second time I leave her locked inside my room while I prepare breakfast for Cameron. He barely says a word as I move about the kitchen. His eyes are full of curiosity, but he occupies himself with the black cup of coffee as I finish the eggs and toast. “Where’s your shadow?”“Upstairs.”“Don’t worry about me, let her out.”“She gets too riled up in new spaces, once you’re gone I will let her explore.” Once the steamy plate of eggs touches the table he pulls in and thanks me. We might not have been able to get along before but now we can at least civil towards each other. He praised my food and I smiled, we talked a little about nothing at all and then continue eating in silence. “McKinnon came by.” Until he said that. I froze, my fork in mid-air, his expression serious. “He almost walked into your bedroom.” An awkward silence followed until we both heard a loud bark coming from upstairs. “Buddy.” He nodded. “That would have stopped anyone.”I had b

What a couple of years can change or that’s what I thought as I watched the scenery in front of me. We were no longer heading towards the house I almost called home for six months, instead, we just passed it and continued north. Behind the tall trees, a big two-story structure could be seen from the distance. Apparently, he bought the old Rice place and with that united the land from what it seemed. Which meant that he had been very busy while I had been gone. The big house had pillars on the front, a big circular driveway, and a huge lawn, all was covered in snow but still, I could see that once summer came it would be covered with flowers and shrubs. The massive house became larger and larger as we came closer, he stopped a few feet from the entrance, and without a single word, he got out and proceeded to call someone. Soon two people appeared from the darkness, my suitcase was already sitting on the wet ground when I hopped out. Grabbing Buddy by her collar I stood frozen watchin

Once I started talking I couldn’t stop.She dabbed her eyes with a crumpled paper napkin as I told her about Melanie’s last days, how Buddy was gifted to me, and how I couldn’t leave her after seeing how much she needed a friend.“Poor family.”“I wanted to come back, I really did but…”“I understand.” Our cups are half full most likely lukewarm, with the dog at my feet we conversed. I told her about my friends back in the little town. How Connie had taken me in and about my job and the kids. How much I loved my independence and how much I dreaded their hate. “But I could never hate you.”“Lacey,” I started licking my lips, tasting the salt of my tears. “She came and she definitely hates me.”“You had your reasons.”“He doesn’t want me.” There it is, telling one person doesn’t give me peace but lifts a little weight off my shoulders. “He just wanted the land.”“No, Rebecca, you can’t say that.”“He never touched me or treated me like his wife. We pretended for his sake and then the m

The big three in the backyard provided enough shadow for a picnic. The sun is out, is hot enough to sit on the plastic chairs laid out and enjoy the little warmth the day offers after days and days of rain.Buddy trots from here and there, while I skim the pages of a romance book. Looking over my shoulder every time I’m outside has become a habit, right now I know I’m safe but knowing he’s around on the property gives me a sense of anxiety. “Rebecca.” Buddy barks and runs toward the old woman. “I have been calling your name for a while now.”“I’m sorry, I was lost in my thoughts.”“I can see that.” She holds a big brown bag. Is Thursday, and she usually comes Wednesday but with guests staying at the old house she’s been busy.“What are we making today?”“Something simple, spaghetti, and vanilla muffins.” For two months she and I have our small meetings, girl's days. Sometimes Andreas drops us off. Ever since that comment, and John Clark being at the ranch he hardly ever leaves me