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Chapter Thirteen 9 ñòðàíèöà






“I didn't—”

Amanda popped Melanie on the rear end. “You'd better not be telling us a story, Melanie Leigh Walters.” She put her face up to her daughter's, so close their noses almost touched. “Now tell me the truth. What did you do to your sister? ”

“She dumped a glass of water on me for no reason, ” Lorrie helpfully supplied.

“Nuh-uh! You did too do somethin'! ” Melanie kicked at Lorrie again, then cried out when Amanda popped her gently on the rear again. “Mommy! ”

After setting Melanie down, Amanda put her hands on her shoulders. “Why did you dump a glass of water on your sister? ”

“'cause she's a baby! ”

Martha stopped wiping Lorrie's hair with a towel and waggled her finger at her. “Lorrie, that's not nice.”

Lorrie's lower lip jutted out. “Well, she is.”

“Am not! ”

“Are too! ”

Amanda felt like screaming, too. “Girls, enough! ” She pointed at Lorrie. “You! Go out to the barn and see what your momma is up to.”

“But I didn't do anything wrong, ” Lorrie whined.

“You're not in trouble.” Amanda ruffled Lorrie's hair. “Yet, ” she added, playfully. “Go on, now.”

Lorrie slowly marched out of the kitchen, mumbling under her breath.

Melanie had a very pleased look on her face, until her mother tapped her on the head. “I want you to go upstairs to your room and think about what you did today.”

“But, mommy—”

“I don't know why you did what you did, but it's going to stop. The rest of the family will be here soon, and I don't want you and your sister going at it all day. I'll come up and get you when I think you've been up there long enough.”

Melanie started to cry as she left the kitchen. “Lorrie started it, ” she sniffled.

Once the room was quiet again, Amanda sighed. “I don't think this house will survive their teen years.”

“Oh, honey. It's going to get a lot worse, before it gets better, ” Martha sagely advised. “Especially since Lorrie is so much like Lexie.”

Amanda rolled her eyes. “God help us all, then.”

Martha laughed right along with her. “Welcome to my life.”

#

Slow and purposeful, the chauffeured Town Car cruised the residential streets of Somerville. From the back seat, Harrison Rivers glanced at the papers he held before he tapped the driver on the shoulder. “It's that one, with the yellow roses by the steps. Pull up in the drive.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once the car was parked, Harrison dropped the documents on the seat. He started to open his door, when Veronica put her hand on his arm. And voiced her concerns, again. “Maybe we should wait until after the holiday. I'd hate to disturb their family.”

We are part of the family, damn it.” He got out of the car. “Are you coming? ”

Veronica tucked her purse beneath her arm and joined her husband on the front stairs of the house. She tried to peer into a window. “It doesn't look like anyone's home.”

“You don't know that.” Harrison rang the bell. Not even fifteen seconds had passed before he started pounding on the door. “Goddamn it! Where the hell would they be on Thanksgiving? ”

“They could be at Michael's home.” Veronica followed her husband to the car and waited until they were inside to continue. “Didn't the report also say he lived here? ”

Harrison took a cigar from the case inside his suit pocket and snipped off the end. He crammed it into his mouth, but didn't light it. “The whole damned bunch of them live in this rotten dump of a town.” He gave the driver the address for Michael Cauble and tapped his leg impatiently.

“I know you're frustrated, dear. But since the report only has their addresses and very little else, perhaps it would be a good idea to return to our hotel suite in Austin until after the holiday. There's no telling where they could be today.”

“No, we're all ready here. There's not that many places they can be. I'll be damned if we don't get to see our granddaughter today.”

#

The sound of car tires on the graveled driveway caused Lex and Lorrie to make a detour. They stepped around the edge of the porch and saw two cars pulling up alongside of the house.

Lorrie took off toward the parked vehicles at a dead run. “Gramma! Grandpa! ” she greeted the first two to get out.

“Hello, there, ” Jacob Cauble embraced the child who was wrapped around his body. “What have you been up to? ”

“Helping me at the barn, ” Lex supplied, as she took a couple of bags from Anna Leigh. “Does Amanda know you're bringing half your kitchen? ”

Anna Leigh laughed as she placed her arm around Lex. “Of course she does, dearest. It's really not much, just some of the girls' favorites.”

“Fruit salad? ” Lorrie asked, gladly getting between her grandparents and getting a hand from each of them.

The other car door opened, and Jeannie, Rodney and Teddy joined the group. “I see how we rate, ” Jeannie teased, pecking Lex on the cheek.

“If you had goodies, we'd have helped you, too.” Lex grinned at her nephew, who was dressed in his usual cowboy outfit. “You ready to take over the ranch, Teddy? ”

Teddy took Lex's hand. “Do you still have horses? ”

“Yep.” Lex released his hand and opened the back door for everyone. She took a deep breath and happily sighed. “I believe Amanda and Martha are already at it in the kitchen, if you ladies care to join them.”

Jeannie took the bag from Lex's hand. “I'll take this to them, Slim. I'm sure you and the guys have better things to do.”

“My wife has a point, ” Rodney said, slapping Lex on the back. “Let's go turn on your beautiful big-screen TV and get some football hype.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Jacob kissed his wife on the cheek. “Let me know if you ladies need any help in there, ” he gallantly offered.

Anna Leigh patted his side. “I'm sure we'll manage, dearest. But thank you.” She followed her granddaughter into the kitchen, while the rest continued down the hall.

Teddy gave his cousin a bashful smile. “Can we go to the barn, Lorrie? I like the way the hay smells.”

“Um, Momma? ” Lorrie didn't seem enthused about being his tour guide.

“Go ahead, Lorrie. But you're responsible for Teddy, remember? ”

Lorrie nodded. “Come on, Teddy. We'll make forts out of the hay bales.”

He happily followed. “Cool! ”

#

Harrison tossed what was left of his unlit cigar out of the car window. “Damn it all to hell! Cauble's not home, and his parent's house is deserted, too. Where the hell are they? ”

Now can we go back to Austin? It's obvious everyone's together today.” Veronica dabbed at her lips with a lace handkerchief. “All this cold air is really not good for my asthma.”

He flipped through the folder with a vengeance. “No! They've got to be around here, somewhere. I think I remember one other place, ” his voice drifted off as he read. “Damn! They wouldn't be there, would they? ” His face reddened as he tossed the report on the floor.

“Where, dear? ”

“That god-forsaken ranch, ” He muttered. “Driver, head out of town. It can't be that hard to find.”

The driver nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Do you think that is a very good idea, Harrison? After all—”

“Enough! ” he bellowed. “If they think they can have Frank's daughter anywhere near those, those, women, they've got another thing coming.” He took out another cigar, this time lighting it.

Veronica delicately waved her handkerchief under her nose. “But, Harrison, Amanda is part of their family. I'm sure—”

He held up his hand to silence her. “If Cauble wants to have a perverted daughter, that's his business. But if Jeanne thinks we'll sit by idly while her sister and that other thing corrupt our son's only child, she's in for a rude awakening.”

#

No longer exiled, Melanie sat at the kitchen table filling in a picture from her favorite coloring book. She had tearfully apologized to her mother, and would have to do the same to her sister, once Lorrie returned from outside.

Amanda watched as Jeannie gazed fondly at Melanie. She took in her sister's attire, which consisted of a colorful flowing top and black stretch leggings. Suddenly, something occurred to her. “Jeannie? ”

“Hmm? ”

“How are you feeling? ”

Jeannie raised her head and met Amanda's eyes. Her mouth turned up into a playful grin. “Not too bad. I'm not nauseous at all.”

Anna Leigh and Martha looked at each other, then at Jeannie. They both clapped and cheered at the same time. “Are you—” Anna Leigh asked, hopefully.

“I am! ” Jeannie stood and met the others in the middle of the kitchen, where they shared a group hug. “I wanted to wait until we were all together to make the announcement.”

“That's wonderful, ” Amanda gushed, holding onto Jeannie and rocking from side to side.

Jeannie giggled. “We're so excited, Mandy. Rodney's been almost beside himself for the last few days, ever since we found out.”

“What does Teddy think of becoming a big brother? ” Anna Leigh asked, once they had all calmed down.

“He doesn't know, yet.” Jeannie glanced at Melanie, who was studiously coloring, unaware of the ruckus around her. “We wanted it to be a secret, and you know how kids are.”

Amanda sighed. “All too well.” Her smile returned in full force. “I can't wait to host the baby shower.”

Martha nudged Anna Leigh. “Any excuse for a party, with these girls.”

“Isn't that the truth? ” Anna Leigh agreed.

#

“That's got to be the turn, up ahead, ” Harrison signaled the driver, who dutifully followed his instructions. The car passed beneath an ornate metal gate, proclaiming the Rocking W Ranch.

“ Harrison, please. We've been driving around for hours. Let's return to Austin and find a nice restaurant for lunch.” Just the thought of the dirt from the road they were traveling on caused Veronica to cough. “This is barbaric.”

He gave her a nasty look. “I can't help that the damned woman lives out in the middle of god-damned nowhere! ”

Veronica bit off a retort as they crossed a wooden bridge. Her outlook changed as they drove closer, and her eyes were drawn to the weathered structure. “Oh, how lovely. It's almost like something out of a magazine.”

“It's a wonder the blasted thing doesn't collapse, ” Harrison grumbled. He bumped his head on the side window when the car hit a rut. “Watch where you're going, man! I'd like to get there in one piece.”

The driver tried to keep the smile off his face. “Yes, sir.”

It wasn't long before the road ended in front of a two-story house. The lower half was covered in brick, and the first floor was surrounded by a wrap-around porch. On the second story, French doors opened out onto a balcony. Veronica tore her eyes away from the impressive sight. “It appears we may have found them, ” she said, indicating the multiple vehicles parked beside the house.

“It's about damned time.” Harrison waved off the driver when he started to get out of the car. “Don't bother. Come on, Veronica. Let's see about Lorraine.”

#

With one eye on the road, Lois glanced over at her husband, who had been quiet for the entire drive. “Michael, are you sure you're up to this? It's probably going to be a madhouse at the ranch today.”

Michael held back the sharp remark that was on the tip of his tongue. “Of course I am. Just because I didn't sleep very well is no reason to skip a holiday dinner. I'll be fine.”

Feeling chastised by his tone, Lois sighed and turned her attention back to the road.

“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't have snapped at you.” Michael rubbed his wife's back. “I hate to see you worry.”

Lois smiled at him. “Does that mean you'll go see Rodney next week? Because you know I'll keep worrying until you do.”

His laughter was a balm to her heart. “I think I've just been set up.”

“I'll make the call on Monday, ” Lois offered.

#

Lex handed the television remote to Jacob. “Don't let Rodney change the channel to some goofy documentary while I'm getting us some coffee.” She stood and laughed at the indignant sound coming from her brother-in-law.

“Hey, I like football, too. But I can't stand those morons on the pre-game show.” Rodney playfully reached for the remote, which Jacob held over his head.

Charlie, who had been sitting quietly, joined in the laughter.

“Oh no you don't, ” Jacob teased. He tossed it to Charlie. “Here, you take it.”

Rodney laughed. “You guys are nuts.”

“Yeah? What was your first clue? ” Lex made it around the couch when there was a knock on the front door. “That must be Michael and Lois. Be right back, guys.” She was still smiling when she opened the door. “What have I told you about knocking? The door was—” Her voice trailed off when she saw the vaguely familiar couple standing in front of her. “Uh, hello.”

Harrison pushed by Lex and forced himself into the house. “Is Jeanne here? ”

“Who? ” Lex noticed the quiet woman still standing on the porch. “You might as well come in, ma'am.”

“Thank you. Miss Walters, wasn't it? ” Veronica held out her hand. “I'm not sure you remember me. I'm Veronica Rivers.”

Lex shook the older woman's hand automatically. “Rivers? ” Suddenly she remembered where she had seen the couple before. “Frank's parents? ”

Veronica nodded. “That's right.”

Harrison barged into the living room. “Where's Jeanne? ” he asked the men, who had all turned quiet.

“Mr. Rivers, I don't know what you're doing here, but why don't you sit down and I'll get us all some coffee? ” Lex offered.

He turned and glared at her. “I don't want any damned coffee, I want to see my granddaughter! ”

Amanda stood in the doorway, with Jeannie, Anna Leigh and Martha right behind her. “What's going on in here? We could hear you all the way in the kitchen.”

Lex turned and shrugged her shoulders. “I'm not sure.”

Footsteps could be heard coming up the front stairs, as Michael and Lois arrived. Michael edged around his daughters, took one look around and his face started to redden. “Harrison Rivers? What are you doing here? ”

“Looking for my granddaughter, that's what. Where is she? ”

Jeannie came into the room. “Harrison, Veronica. It's good to see you.” She held out her hands, which Veronica took.

“You look wonderful, dear. The last we had heard, you were still recuperating from your illness.”

“Thank you. I've been recovered for years.” Jeannie nodded toward her husband. “All thanks to the great care I received from my doctor. Honey? Could you come over here? ”

Rodney stood and brushed the wrinkles off his slacks before he joined his wife. “Mr. and Mrs. Rivers? I'm Rodney Crews.”

Harrison pushed Rodney's hand away. “Whatever. We've come to see our granddaughter.”

“Why now? ” Michael asked.

“What? ”

Jeannie drew strength from her husband's arm around her waist. “You've never tried to reach me before, Harrison. Why now, after all this time? ”

With her husband's mouth moving silently, Veronica was the one who answered. “I've never stopped thinking about her, Jeanne. Neither of us have. But, it's just been in the last year, since we retired, that we thought we'd finally be able to see Lorraine and spend some quality time with her.” She dabbed at her eyes. “She's the only link we have with Frank. I'm sure you've raised her well, but, we just can't help but wonder how she's turned out.”

Everyone in the room was silent.

“Well? Where is your daughter, Lorraine? ” Harrison asked Jeannie.

“Mommy? ” Melanie peeked around the corner of the living room doorway. “Momma? ”

Amanda and Lex both turned at the sound of their daughter's voice. Lex was the first to get her wits about her. “Hey, kiddo. Come here.” She held out her arms and Melanie quickly jumped into them. “Where have you been? ”

“In the kitchen. But nobody was there no more, so I got lonely.” Melanie snuggled against Lex's shoulder.

“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll go back there with you, how's that? ” Lex kissed her cheek.

Harrison had heard enough. “For god's sake, who gives a damn? I want to see our granddaughter, Lorraine! ”

Melanie turned toward the loud man. “My sister's named Lorraine, too. Where's your granddaughter? Can she come play with us? ”

Before Harrison could say anything else, Michael stepped forward and pointed a warning finger at him. “Not another word.”

“What? Why not? ” Harrison softened his voice and grabbed Lex's arm to keep her from leaving the room. “Are you Jeanne's daughter, too? ”

“That's enough.” Amanda got between Lex and Harrison. “Everyone sit down, please, while we try to sort this out.” She gently pushed her wife toward the door. “Please take her to the kitchen, Lex.”

“Sure. But holler if you need me, okay? ”

Melanie's eyes were wide as she peered over Lex's shoulder, on their way out of the room.

Once her daughter was safely away, Amanda joined the group on the other side of the living room. She sat on the arm of the sofa, next to her sister. “Mr. and Mrs. Rivers, things are a little complicated.”

“Is our granddaughter here, or not? ” Harrison bellowed, then paused. “Wait.” He turned to Jeannie. “Was that little girl yours, too? What did she call that woman? ”

That woman, ” Amanda ground out, on the verge of standing and tearing into Harrison, “is my wife. And Melanie is our daughter.” Only Jeannie's hand on her leg held in her place.

Harrison frowned. “Yours? But, she said—”

Jeannie jumped in. “ Harrison, please. As you recall, I was not fit to raise a child after Lorrie, um, Lorraine, was born. Amanda and Lex were here for me, and for her, when we needed them.”

“That still doesn't explain, ” Harrison argued.

“For god's sake, Harrison, would you please shut up and let my daughter finish? ” Michael yelled, his face almost purple. He jumped to his feet. “You couldn't be bothered at the time, so our family took care of Jeannie and Lorrie.”

Veronica held up her hand. “Excuse me, Michael, but I don't understand what you're trying to say. Your family took them away. We never got a chance to help.”

Michael looked at Harrison. “You didn't tell her? ”

“Tell me what? ” Veronica touched her husband's arm. “Dear? What is he talking about? ”

“I personally asked Harrison if he'd like to help us figure out Jeannie's and the baby's care. But he made some excuse about a business venture he was working on.” Michael used a shaky hand to wipe the sweat out of his eyes. “I believe his exact words were, ‘she's your problem, not ours, '. Wasn't it, Harrison? ”

“Well, I may have, ” Harrison stammered. He faced his wife, whose disappointment was evident. “Veronica, you remember. It was that deal in Sidney. We left the country almost immediately after Lorraine was born.”

She turned away from him. “And you kept us there, and all over the world, for almost six years, Harrison. Yes, I remember quite well.” She shook her head. “So much time, wasted. Please continue, Jeanne.”

Jeannie exchanged looks with Amanda, who nodded. “It took me almost three years to recuperate from the stroke. By that time, Amanda and Lex were the only family Lorrie had known. As much as I loved her, I knew that she was happy, here.” She held out her hand to Rodney, who took it automatically. “I signed over all my parental rights to them, close to her third birthday. As far as she knows, they are her parents.”

“You gave up our granddaughter to them? But they're, ” Harrison fished for a word that he could use, and not get pummeled over. “Queer, ” he finished in a whisper.

Lex returned to the room, alone. “Don't worry, we're not contagious, ” she told the disgusted man.

“Where's Melanie? ” Amanda asked her wife.

“She's gone out to play with the other kids.” Lex purposely avoided the children's names. She put her arm around Amanda, much to Harrison 's dismay. “Mr. Rivers, Lorrie knows all about her father. We told her years ago, about the great man that Frank had been.”

Veronica's eyes misted over at the mention of her son. “Thank you, ” she whispered, lowering her eyes.

“I want to see her.” Harrison jumped to his feet.

“That's for her parent's to decide.” Michael stepped in front of him. “For god's sake, man. You can't just barge in here and start making demands. This is a child we're talking about.” He frowned and rubbed at his chest. “I—” His knees buckled, and he would have hit the floor, if not for Lex catching him.

#

Lorrie brushed the hay off of Teddy's back as they left the barn. “Hold still. You've still got some back here.”

“Ow, ” Teddy whined. “That's too hard.” He dodged out of her way.

“Come back here.” Lorrie chased after him, laughing when Teddy jumped away from her again. “Don't go in the house with hay on you. My mom hates to sweep, ” she informed him. They rounded the corner of the corral, when Lorrie saw her little sister climbing over the picket fence by the house. “Mel! You're gonna get in trouble for doing that, ” she yelled. No matter how many times she tried to show her how to operate the gate latch, Melanie would much rather climb over the fence.

Melanie landed on her feet and ran to them. “Whatcha been doin'? ”

“Making play forts in the hay barn, ” Teddy bragged. He held his hand over his head. “Mine was this tall.”

“Cool.” Melanie tugged on Lorrie's arm. “Will you push me in the swing? ”

Teddy's lower lip stuck out. “We was going to go to the tick tack room. I was going to get to sit on a real saddle.”

“Tack room. And you can still do that, Teddster.” Lorrie took him by the hand. “Come on. I'll help you on the saddle, then I'll push Mel on the swing. Okay? ”

His face quickly brightened. “'kay.”

Melanie stomped her foot. “Me first.”

“Company first, Mel. You know the rules.” Lorrie led their little band toward the main barn. “Is everybody here, yet? I'm getting hungry.”

“Uh-huh. But there was some grumpy people here, too. They were all yelling in the living room.”

Lorrie stopped at the barn door and turned around. “What kind of yelling? ”

“I dunno. Something about their granddaughter. She has your name.”

“Her name's Lorrie? Cool.” Lorrie opened the door. “Remember, Teddy. Stay away from the tools, and the horses.”

He ran ahead of her. “Okay.”

“No running in the barn, ” Lorrie reminded him.

“Sorry.”

Melanie walked behind them. “No, the grumpy man said her name was Lorraine. That's your real name, right? ”

“Uh-huh.” Lorrie followed a jubilant Teddy into the tack room. “That's cool, ‘cause I'm the only Lorraine in our school. Do you think she's going to come here? ”

“I dunno.” Melanie climbed onto her saddle, that was draped over a small barrel. “But everybody was doing a lot of yelling.”

Lorrie helped Teddy onto Lex's saddle. “Hang on, cowboy.”

“Yeehaw, ” he yelled, rocking back and forth.

“Will you push me now? ” Melanie asked. “Please? ” She slid off her saddle and hopped from one foot to the other.

Lorrie bit her lip while she thought. “Teddy? Do you promise not to wander off? ”

“Uh-huh.” Teddy continued to rock, then pointed his finger at the wall. “Pow, pow! I'm a real cowboy, Lorrie! ”

“Yep. You sure are.” Lorrie started to leave the room, with Melanie following behind.

Melanie laughed at her cousin. “He won't never be a real cowboy, ‘cause he's scared of horses and cows.”

“Hush, Mel.” Lorrie took her sister's hand and led her from the room. Neither of them noticed the tears that fell from Teddy's eyes.

#

As soon as Michael collapsed, the living room erupted into bedlam. Rodney immediately took control and directed Lex to lay Michael on the sofa. “Everyone, please calm down.” He touched Michael's neck, which caused the older man's eyes to open. “Michael? Can you hear me? ”

“Of course I can.” Michael tried to sit up, but was stopped when Rodney put a hand on his chest.

“Rest easy, Mike. Do you remember what happened? ”

Michael frowned. “Why are you asking me all these stupid questions? So, I got a little dizzy. I'm fine.”

Lois sat on the footstool next to the sofa and took her husband's hand. “Honey, tell Rodney how you've been feeling, recently.”

On the verge of denying it, Michael was stopped by the concern not only on Lois' face, but his parents, as well. “I guess I've been a little tired, lately.”

“And? ” Lois prompted.

Michael sighed.

Seeing that his patient was reluctant to speak with a room full of people around, Rodney turned to Lex. “Would you mind going to our car and getting my bag? I think it's in the back seat.”

“Sure.” Lex patted Michael on the shoulder. “Hang in there, Dad.” She walked quickly down the hallway, toward the back door.

Rodney tipped his head toward Jeannie, who nodded. She took Amanda's hand. “Mandy and I will bring coffee to the dining room, if everyone will head across the hall. Right, Mandy? ”

“Sure.”

One by one, the group cleared out, leaving Rodney, Lois and Michael. Once they were alone, Rodney tapped Michael on the chest. “Now, tell me the truth, and don't leave anything out.”

#

Lex hurried to Jeannie and Rodney's car, and easily found his medical bag. “I didn't know anyone actually carried one of these anymore, ” she mused, as she headed back to the house. She was almost to the kitchen door when she heard Melanie's squeal of delight.

“Higher, Lorrie, ” Melanie demanded, kicking her feet in the air as she swung forward. She was careful not to kick Freckles, who would dart back and forth in front of her.

Seeing her two girls, Lex wondered where Teddy had gone. “Lorrie? Where's your cousin? ” She yelled from the porch.

Lorrie pointed toward the barn. “He wanted to play cowboy, so I let him stay in the barn.”

“You know you kids aren't supposed to play in there.” Lex stood on the edge of the porch. She saw the new horse race around the corral in a panic. “Damn it.” She started running toward the corral. “Lorrie, take this bag to the den and give it to Uncle Rodney right away.”

Lorrie took the bag and held it against her chest. “Momma? ”

“Do as I asked, Lorrie. I don't have time to explain.” Lex hurdled the short picket fence and continued to run.

Melanie dragged her feet until she came to a stop. “Are we in trouble, again? ”

“Probably.” Lorrie looked at the house, then back toward the direction her mother took. “Can you take this to Uncle Rodney? I'm going to go help Momma.”

“Okay.” Melanie skipped to the house, swinging the black bag.

Once she was certain her sister took the bag inside, Lorrie opened the gate and hurried through it. She closed it in Freckles face. “I'm sorry, Freckles. You know you're not allowed by the barn unless Momma says it's okay. ‘specially with that new horse. He's really scared of you.”

Lex stopped outside the corral, where the horse continued to pace restlessly. Teddy stood in the middle, holding a lead rope in his hand. “Teddy? You need to stay really still, okay? ”

“I'm not afraid, ” he blustered, startling the horse even more.

Lowering her voice, Lex started to walk slowly toward her nephew. “I know you're not. But you also need to be very quiet, to keep from scaring the horse. Can you do that? ”

Teddy nodded.

Lex took very deliberate steps, keeping her eyes on the horse at all times. When she was within a few feet, the horse shook its head and started running in frantic circles, getting closer and closer to Teddy. “Easy.” She only hoped she could get to him before the horse did.

Lorrie stood at the outside of the corral, watching as her mother tried to get Teddy out of harm's way.

Teddy had been brave as long as he could. With the horse getting closer, he began to cry. “Aunt Lex, I'm scared.” His breathing became heavy as he started to hyperventilate.

“Damn.” Lex hurried as quickly as she dared. “It's going to be okay, Teddy. The horse doesn't really want to hurt you, but he's scared. Just stay very still, okay? ” She was within five feet of him when the horse started to snort and wildly sling its head. In a sudden burst, Lex lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Teddy, twisting so his body was away from the horse. She felt a hoof hit her in the back, and threw Teddy as far away as she could. “Run, Teddy! ” She yelled, as she crumbled to the ground.

#

In the kitchen, Amanda heard the back door slam, and saw Melanie come inside. “Melanie, come here, sweetie.”

Melanie swung the black bag. “Lorrie told me to give this to Uncle Rodney.”

“I'll take it to him, honey. Thank you.” Jeannie took the bag and left the kitchen.

“Where's your momma? ” Amanda asked her daughter.

Shrugging her shoulders, Melanie climbed into a chair and picked up a crayon. “I dunno. She jumped over the fence and was running to the barn.”

Amanda knelt by her chair. “What happened in the barn? ”

“I dunno. But Teddy was playing there, while Lorrie swinged me.”

“Oh, god.” Amanda quickly stood. “You stay here and color, okay? I'll be right back.”


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