Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 261 - Chapitre 270

Chapter 261: If You Break Her Heart, I'll Have to Kick Your AssThe following morning, Scott was up early, enjoying a breakfast of steel-cut oatmeal and fresh blueberries in the tiny kitchenette of his cabin.After breakfast, Blake stopped by, and the two men headed across the lake to the island to see to the damaged cabin. In the boat, Blake had placed the tools they'd need, plus the new window he'd picked up in town the previous day. Arriving at the small dock across from the lodge, the pair carried everything to the cabin situated at the crest of the island."So, my brother, you look like one exceptionally satisfied man," Scott smirked knowingly at Blake as, together, they lifted the new window into place. "Everything went well last night, I take it."Blake's face lit up in a huge grin. "Very well. Amy loved the collar, knew exactly what it meant." He shook his head as he gazed out across the water. "She's the one, I feel it in my soul. I know it's crazy; she's a movie star

Chapter 263: A Proper DateAt 5:00, Scott climbed the steps to the lodge's back deck and knocked on the kitchen door. Small pounding feet preceded the moment Grant opened the door."Hi, Mr. Scott!""Hi, there, young Jedi," he grinned."We're gonna have popcorn and watch a movie before bedtime," the boy told him. "Uncle Blake said so."Scott nodded. "Well, if your Uncle Blake said so, I believe it."Blake entered the kitchen, Emma giggling as she rode on his shoulders. Blake scanned Scott from head to toe. He'd pulled his hair into a knot at the back of his head. His light blue button-down topped dark skinny jeans, and he'd opted for tan suede boots.Scott pursed his lips wryly. "Do I look good enough to be seen with your sister?""She'll be the judge of that," Blake quipped, "but I'd go out with you."A moment later, Amy came downstairs. "Ooh, Scott, you look nice." Scott gave Blake a look. "Jackie will be down in just a minute."They heard footsteps on the wooden stairs. "N

Chapter 265: DisasterEliot Lake was quiet as they drove down the empty main street. A small town, only the Blue Moon Diner was open that late. They continued toward Lake Miranda and the lodge, chatting as they did about nothing in particular, occasionally reaching to grasp one another's hand.As they approached the turnoff for Lake Miranda Lodge, Jackie noticed an odd glow on the horizon. It struck her as unusual; their compound was the only civilization for miles in any direction, and with the lodge virtually shut down, the forest should have been dark, lit only by the moon and stars.Jackie's heart ticked faster, and tendrils of anxiety wrapped around her stomach as the truck rounded a bend and she saw flashing red lights reflected against the dark pine forest lining the lodge's gravel drive."What the…"Scott glanced at Jackie with a frown. "What's going on?"Now the air was thick with wood smoke. Around the next turn, they came face to face with a collection of emergency vehi

Chapter 267: Plans to MakeFeeling sheepish about her emotional display the previous night, Jackie blushed when Scott came downstairs for breakfast."Good morning, campers," he greeted the kids, who dawdled over cold cereal at the kitchen table. He gave Jackie a wink."Hi, Mr. Scott," Grant responded. "Did all your stuff get burned up in the fire?""No, just a few old clothes. Your mom and I brought my truck here. All my good stuff was in there.""Breakfast is a little sketchy this morning," Jackie apologized, risking a look in Scott's direction.He grinned at her. "If you can point me in the direction of bread and peanut butter, I'll be all set.""Ew!" Emma exclaimed. "A peanut butter sammich for breakfast?""You should see what I eat when I'm out camping. Grubs, mushrooms, minnows—anything I can find." He mugged for the kids."Ewwww!" Both children squealed with laughter."I imagine we can do better than grubs and minnows," Jackie laughed. She took a jar of peanut butter fr

Chapter 269: Not Spending the Night AloneIn her room, Jackie curled up on her bed, not even bothering to kick off her shoes. Her jaw was clenched so tightly it was beginning to hurt. Everything seemed to be spinning out of control. Amy had been her ray of hope that revamping the lodge would be possible. Now that she was being taken back to the States, even merely rebuilding wouldn't happen until the insurance came through. Their summer and fall seasons would be ruined. And bills would come calling.Her throat ached with tears she refused to shed. She thought of Blake, too concerned at this moment with Amy's well-being to worry about the business. Which was understandable, Jackie knew. She had come to care about Amy, too.Her more immediate worry was how she'd make the business work and provide for her two children, not to mention the handful of employees who would be returning from their unexpected vacations. Amy's visit had allowed not only for Jackie and the kids to take s