Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books

Category: Short Snippet Saturday

• Short Snippet Saturday: Jase and Brenna

  Posted at 11:24 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 26, 2019

  

  Hi, everyone. Technically, it’s still Saturday, and after all day of busy work, I remembered this post had been ready to go. I should change my topic to Occasional Short Snippet Saturday. This isn’t something I post each week. Here’s a snippet for my featured book this month.

  Featuring one of my books in my website header is something I recently started. I don’t know where I got the idea, but it’s fun making the banners. If things work out like I hope they will, by December, I should have enough books to have filled 2019, with one left over, starting with Jase and Brenna in Heartbreak’s Reward.

  Jase was introduced as Tristan’s oldest brother in the first book in the series. This is book two–his book.

  ---

  Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight

  

   

  Blurb:

  Rancher Jase Carlson doesn’t understand the ache in the hollow of his chest since his ex-wife ripped his heart out. She doesn’t follow the court rules where his children are concerned, making him even more pissed off when she steals them away from him. Harboring a bad attitude, and dedicating his life to finding his kids, he wishes he wasn’t a gentleman when he comes to the aid of a quick-tempered, sexy blonde. He can’t allow her tight jeans and sweet smile to sway him, even after he’s coerced into spending time alone with her. Fighting the torturous battle going on within his own mind and body, he can either deal with it—or succumb to the woman who appears to be everything he didn’t know he needed.

  In an attempt to save her rebellious teen sister from herself—as her guardian, Brenna Page leaves everything behind and moves to Canyon Junction, Arizona. When she unexpectedly meets a hot-headed cowboy with intense blue eyes and muscles to die for, the first thing she wants to do is get away. Since she can’t seem to shake him, Brenna wonders if that same grudge-filled cowboy is worth taking on. But still dealing with painful memories, a nightmare behind her eyes she can’t forget, and a sister who wants nothing to do with Arizona, the last thing she needs right now is a horse ranching cowboy interfering.

  One wrong turn. Two broken families. Brought together by chance and need.

  ---

  In this snippet, Jase is having dinner with Brenna Page. Though their relationship is fairly new, and he’s on the fence about getting involved, tonight his heart isn’t as broken as it has been. Modified slightly from the original:

  She turned back to the sink. Jase stood behind her while reaching into the cabinet. Leaning into her wasn’t an accident. He placed his right hand on her shoulder and removed two plates and then bowls to set on the counter beside her. He lowered his other hand to her shoulder. She rested against him, and he dropped his hands to her waist. He closed his eyes to savor the sweet scent of her hair.

  “Mmm, this is better’n food.”

  “Uh huh.” Jase brushed hair away from one side of her neck, eyeing the rapid throb of her pulse beneath her fair skin. He closed his lips over the area, gingerly touching the tip of his tongue against it. The pump of her pulse against his mouth shot an arc of heat straight to… He cleared his throat.

  Brenna stood straighter. Turning to face him, she pressed her palms against his chest. “I thought you were hungry?”

  Jase tossed his head back and released a low groan. “I am hungry.” He lowered his eyes. “Uh, for lasagna. I love Italian food.” He turned around and sauntered to the window to look down at the parking lot to distract himself.

  Hungry.

  Yeah.

  Okay.

  ---

  Check out the other books on the series page HERE. Book Five is planned for this year. Fingers crossed.

  Thanks for stopping by today.

  Have a great weekend.

  I hope it’s warmer where you are. We’ve had it all this week: Six inches of snow, freezing rain, sleet, ice, below zero double-digit wind chill temperatures, then up to forty degrees for almost a full day. Now, a new winter storm and below zero temps and -35 degree wind chills are on the way as I write this.

    🛷⛸☃❄

  Thanks for reading.

  

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  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #Nookbook, Apple Books, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Heartbreak's Reward, Kindle ebook, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance

• #AmWriting: Short Snippet Saturday: When Things Don’t Go To Plan ~ Dane

  Posted at 2:17 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 8, 2018

  

  Hello, folks. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far.

  You know, I’ve heard it’s almost worthless to promote other than first books in a series. I don’t have standalone books except for my coloring book. Bet you didn’t see that coming. No, I’m not here to mention my coloring book, but if interested, see the menu at the top.🖍🖍🤠 I’m also not here to promote to you, my blog readers, but if a new reader stops by, feel free to check out my books.  ❤

  I’m here to talk about my youngest brother. Haha, I mean my youngest Carlson brother from the Double Dutch Ranch Series. His name is Dane. You’ve met him unless you’re new to my blog. His book is number three in the series–Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord. He’s an Army Ranger. Book three is far from being the first book, but his story is important too.

  Because of hearing it’s best to only promote first books, I’ve been posting a lot of first book snippet’s lately, plus my newest release. If I continue to publish snippets or excerpts from the same three books, pretty soon you all will have the whole book. LOL. Now you know, I won’t be doing that. After all, I have to pay bills and eat.

  So, this week, I’m giving you a snippet… Wait. Okay, lately they have been excerpts instead of snippets. Honest, I had started out with the intention to post snippets. Maybe next year I’ll go back to posting…you guessed it–snippets.

  Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #3

  

  To set this up for you: Dane is deployed and on a mission. Things didn’t go to plan. He hates when things don’t go to plan. I debated on including the curse words in this snippet, but I chose to disguise them instead. It takes something away from Dane’s predicament, but I don’t want to offend anyone. However, it is my blog, and I may choose not to disguise them in the future.

  Early readers of this post got the full words, but after some consideration, I changed my mind about including them. You’ll still find a couple. Some of my faithful readers skip over it in my books, but it doesn’t stop them from reading them.

  Warning:

  • Combat scene–possible PTSD trigger.

  ---

  He came to with a foggy head, but the sound of gunfire brought him to reality. Someone keyed up their radio, calling out latitude and longitude coordinates for close air support to clear the area. Shaking his head to rid the blur, he tried to figure out why his right arm was numb—and man-o-man, his gut smoldered from the inside out. Something pulled on his leg at the ankle. The growl told him immediately. Why?

  S&*%^#&$ch, my belly hurts like hell. He scurried to sit upright but couldn’t. His arm was pinned. Nothing but dust and debris was scattered around him. Powdery grit coated his lips and filled his mouth. Sand exploded around them with each grenade launch. The pain in his gut heightened when he breathed in. A scratching sound. Digging.

  “We’re trying to get you out. Stop fighting, Sarg. Dustoff inbound. They’ll get you to the trauma care center.”

  “Get the dog off me. What the F$%@ you doin’? I got enough problems here.” The tan and black shepherd shook and pulled his leg like a rag doll.

  “Saving your life. Your leg’s pinned, too, but coming free. You’ve been hit.”

  Roger that. The voice belonged to Corporal Hanson. Dane lifted his left arm that had lain across his midriff. It was covered with blood. He raised his head to see his abdomen. Lot’s of blood there, too. Then he remembered the explosion. His breath caught as pain riddled his body. S&*%^#&$ch, he hurt like hell. “Damn, I’m dizzy.” He touched around his abdomen. A pressure bandage controlled the bleeding now. He shook his head again, still in a fog. “My right arm is pinned under the rubble up here. It ain’t budging. What happened?”

  “We got hit. RPG’s and mortar rounds. I’ll get you out. You’ll be okay.”

  He’d said the same thing to guys dying. “How about the others? It’s not looking too good in here.” When his eyes focused long enough, he examined the ceiling. “I see light above. Where’s that damn dustoff? The whole ceiling’s about to cave in.” Dane wiped sweat from his face, but it wasn’t sweat. Not unless his sweat turned red. Other than that, his body was soaked in real sweat.

  “Everybody else is okay.”

  Gunfire raged on around them then it stopped. He removed his knife from its sheath and dug at the dirt beneath his arm. Tugging, he attempted to free his body, but he weakened. His arm had been lodged in tight—pinned above the elbow as far as he could tell. He held his breath as pain came in waves. He couldn’t feel his fingers. “This isn’t where I wanna die. Everything’s murky.”

  “We’ll get you out, but you need to be still before you bleed out.”

  More gunfire. A spray of bullets hit the rubble around them. S$%@! “Take cover. That’s an order, Corporal!” Dane reached for his rifle, secured it against his body, and prepared to kill the best he could with his left hand on the trigger. He anchored himself on his side. One spray of gunfire from an AK-47 rang out loud and clear, and the digging stopped. “B#$%@$#@. Get your a$$ up here, Coop.” He lowered his eyes for only a moment. The corporal had been hit—his arm or shoulder bleeding out like a faucet across Dane’s lower leg. His head bled. Coop’s digging had gotten his leg free.

  Dane stretched as far as he could and tried to grab a hold of the corporal’s vest to drag him closer. How long before he’d be screaming out, or maybe he had. Hanson’s body was inches away from his reach, but Dane couldn’t get his arm to budge enough to grab hold of him.

  He patted the ground. “Come here, boy, come on, Boston.” The dog crawled forward but turned to go back to his handler. Dane lowered his rifle and grabbed the dog’s vest. “It’s okay, boy, stay. Grab hold of him.” He shook his head—his thoughts and focus fading fast.

  Directing the dog to the corporal’s shoulder, Boston grabbed hold of his vest strap, pulling and yanking, dragging him toward Dane a half inch at a time until Dane could grab hold enough to pull Hanson up. He removed a tourniquet from Hanson’s IFAK bag—using his free hand to twist it tight on Cooper’s arm, and took a felt pen to write a T on Hanson’s forehead to indicate the tourniquet. He pressed a bandage against Hanson’s head wound.

  Wiping blood from his own face, he picked up his rifle and braced it against his body, pointed it toward the opening, and waited for whatever might happen. “Come on you B$@%#$@. I’m taking a bunch of you out with me. Coop, don’t die on me. Dammit all to hell. Not you, dude.” Dane faded in and out of consciousness. Focus waned. He had to get them out of there…out of there. He had to get them out of there…and then the ceiling crumbled.

  End of Snippet.

  ---

  I’m sure equipment has changed since I wrote this book, so what is included here was in use when I wrote this story. I had professional advice  from more than one person when writing. One guy, a lieutenant and an Army Ranger, was actually stationed in Afghanistan when he answered my questions. I’m grateful to him. Since writing to him back then, he seems to have fallen off the planet. I hope he’s okay. Cheers to him wherever he is, and thanks again.

  
  

  Thank you all for reading.

  I didn’t know there was a football player with this name when I created my Dane for this book. I certainly hadn’t intended to use a real person’s name.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 7 Comments | Tagged Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday: When Things Don't Go To Plan ~ Dane, western romance

• #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: Whispers of Forever~ Probability of Paternity…

  Posted at 3:14 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 10, 2018

  

  Hi, Welcome back. If you’re expecting Part 2 this week as I mentioned last week when I posted Part 1, you won’t find it.

  I thought about the post and the rest of the scene all that weekend and decided not to extend the scene here. In fact, I deleted the entire post. For one reason, the scene was taken out of context for those of you who don’t know the story. You missed the beginning when Jake went though accepting the changes about to overtake his and his son’s lives.

  In hindsight, it wasn’t fair to the book. Maybe it gave you the wrong impression about the story, when in fact, it is not about what Paige did. It’s about what happens after Paige did Jake wrong. It’s about a first love coming back into a broken-hearted cowboy, and a little boy’s life. That’s what the story should convey.

  Therefore, the quote I included in the post, should’ve started later:

  When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” ― Alexander Graham Bell

  So this week, I choose to post a different scene from Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. I hope you don’t hold it against me for not continuing with the scene from last week. If you didn’t catch that post, all the better. LOL.  ❤

   

  ---

  In last week’s Short Snippet Saturday excerpt, Paige had mentioned something awful she had done to ensure Jake would let her take Trace to live out of state. If only she could’ve seen into the future. Well, this is Jake dealing with the aftermath of the last cruel thing she had done… 

  

  Beth’s thoughtfulness lightened his heart, but with a shrug, he stood straight. “I want you to be there.”

  Agreeing, she followed him to where Trace watched TV. “We’ll be in my office for a few minutes if you need anything.”

  “All right, Dad. I like this show. It’s a marathon tonight.”

  “Enjoy it.” In the hallway, he stopped and placed his palms against the wall like he needed to hold it up, when in fact, it held him up. His head lowered toward the floor. He closed his eyes, breathing deep. “I’ve been thinking about this moment all evening. I don’t want to know now.” After a few minutes he continued to the office, closed the door, and took his phone out. “I’m sure this message is notification to check my account, not the actual result over voice mail.”

  Beth took a seat in a leather chair near the window that looked out at the front of the property, and she remained quiet.

  Jake dialed. Listened. He played the message with his eyes closed, one hand against the desk to prop himself up. His body felt numb. Disconnecting the call, he nodded and took a seat at his desk. The strength he depended on most of his life dissipated into the hard wood floor beneath his feet. “Yeah. I have a message in my account.”

  Beth came to him and put her arm around his shoulder. He logged in with his computer password and went to his account, again logging in there too. She placed her other hand on his shoulder and spoke softly. Sweetly. “Do you want me to read it?”

  His heart raced faster with each letter of the password, and by time the account opened, he might have a heart attack or stroke. Each move was forced, because this was all done against his will, or his better judgement. Why had this happened? Had Paige hated him that much? “I have to do this myself, but thanks.”

  “Jake, wait.”

  He peered up at her, motionless, his hands still on the keyboard, his little finger ready to hit enter. His voice was sandpapery hoarse. “What?”

  “What will you do… God, forgive me for saying this, but if the result is the same?” Beth stood behind, hugging him, and she leaned down until her cheek pressed against his head.

  “How can I honestly answer? I love that kid, but to know he isn’t my flesh and blood, I don’t know how I’ll respond. Nothing can make me stop loving him…I hope.” Jake leaned his head back against Beth’s body, and she slid her hand over his shoulder to rest against his chest. Yeah, he was glad she was there. “I don’t want to feel any different, but what if I do? What do I tell him if I’m different toward him? He’s already lost his mother, for God sake.”

  “He’s your son. My mom and dad loved me like their own child. I never felt like they didn’t. Honey, Trace won’t know, because I see how you are with him—I can’t imagine you changing. That boy is in your heart, your soul.”

  “Because for almost ten years he was my child. That’s why I’m…” He hesitated.

  “He is your child. You’ve raised him—have loved him through all the ups and downs…and he loves you.”

  “There’s only one way to find out. Either way, he’s never going to know, Beth.” Jake blew out the breath building up inside his body like a gas ready to explode. He had never been afraid of anything, but he was terrified of this. What if the results turned out the same as her rigged test? He dropped his hands to his knees. What if he did tell Trace? Would he want to find his real father one day? “I don’t know if I can do this. I could lose him.”

  “No one would know except you and I. If you want, I can leave the room so only you know.”

  He grasped her hand. “No. You’re a part of this with me.” How could he ask her to love his son if he wasn’t sure himself that he could? Dammit. He was sure. One hundred percent sure. No matter what, that child was his, and he’d love him until the day he died, flesh and blood or not. Jake hit enter and clicked open the PDF attachment. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. He read: “Child, Trace Lawton. Father, Jake Lawton. Are you reading this, Beth?”

  Still standing behind him, she whispered with empathy in her voice, “Yes,” and squeezed his shoulders.

  Jake scrolled to the bottom of the test, and read: “Probability of Paternity…

  ---

  Thanks for reading!

  If you want to know the results along with Jake, you know what to do. This first book in the series is $0.99, and it kicks off the Spin Off — Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. For new visitors, please know it’s rare for me to write anything with a cliffhanger, but I couldn’t give away the results. 

  A Double Dutch Ranch: Love at First Sight Spin Off Novel.

  

   

  Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I’ve had a whole inch and a half of snow already, and this morning was 24 degrees! Bah humbug.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, DNA test, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, First in a series romance, Full Length Novel, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday: Whispers of Forever~ Probability of Paternity, western romance, Whispers of Forever

• Halloween Fun Snippet from the Double Dutch Ranch #AmWriting #Romance

  Posted at 12:53 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 31, 2018

  

  Today isn’t Short Snippet Saturday, but I have a fine fittin’ and rather long excerpt for Halloween from Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Book #1 in the series. In the revision for this book, I cut a lot of scenes–this is one of them.

  Anyone who reads the Newly Revised Edition of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny might enjoy this deleted scene. If you have read the original version, maybe you’ll like it as much the second time around. I might’ve shared a part of this another time.

  Happy Halloween

  Treat and NO Trick!

  Since Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is the first book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, the price is only $0.99. Thought I’d throw that in.

  ---

  

  Note:  Every year Tristan Carlson and his family members throw a Halloween Party for residents in their small town of Canyon Junction. They have hayrides, games for the kids, a beer tent, and a dunk tank for charity.

  Oh, and they have live music, too. Judy, our ranch matriarch belongs to a local band with her lady friends. Tristan sings and plays a guitar, Jase plays a keyboard. I know, what a shock! Dane, well, he has his talents that I won’t tell here. Let’s just say when he’s home, he gets dragged up on the stage. This year, little Destiny is dressed as a princess. Not what I would have expected from her, but she insisted. The snippet will tell you what costumes Tristan and Nora chose.

  Enjoy.

  ---

  The smell of popcorn and hot dogs floated through the air. Spooky music rang out for all to hear. If not for his daughter, no one would have known who they were in their costumes.

  Destiny jerked down on his arm. “Daddy, are you getting dunked in those clothes?”

  “I guess I’ll have to. I can’t get changed with handcuffs.” He laughed mischievously, giving a sideways glance to Nora. “You know what that means, Des?”

  “What?”

  “Nora has to go in with me.”

  Nora detected a bit of devil in that laugh of his. “Wait, what are you two talking about?”

  “The dunk tank.” Tristan pulled her to a halt. “Oh, did I forget to mention the dunk tank?”

  “Um, yes! I’m not going in the dunk tank.”

  “You should have thought about that before you wanted to handcuff me, Ms. Sheriff.”

  “Oh, good Lord, you are in so much trouble.” She raised her free hand to the air.

  “It’s okay. We get dunked late, so we get to walk around like this all night.”

  Destiny glanced at Nora and shook her head. “Silly Daddy.”

  They went to all the children’s games with Destiny. When it got dark, he took her into the house to his mom, so he and Nora could go on the first hayride with the teens. Randy Drake drove the tractor that pulled it.

  

  Climbing in the wagon wasn’t so easy handcuffed to another person. Tristan laughed as he sat up front. “Now we really have to be a team.”

  “You’re still in trouble. So much trouble,” she said, shaking her head.

  “Hey, if one of us falls off, we’re both going down, so hold on, Sheriff Trinity.”

   Even in the darkness she picked up the smirk on his handsome face. Tristan wrapped his arm around her waist, forcing her arm behind her back with handcuffs on.

  “Gotcha now, my pretty.”

  “Oh, you’re in so much trouble.”

  After the hay ride and a stop in the beer tent for a tall brew, Tristan checked his watch. “Guess what time it is, sweetheart?”

  “Oh, no.” Nora jerked him to a stop.

  “Oh, yes,” he said, his words rolling out before a booming laugh.

  She attempted to speak in her best innocent tone. “You’re not really making me do this.”

  “I’m sorry, but…yes, I am.” Tristan glanced at her shirt and pulled the top open. “No t-shirt underneath?”

  “No, why?” She glanced to and fro as the townspeople walked around them in costumes, some laughing, other’s nodding to Tristan—easily recognizable once he removed his geek glasses.

  “Because if you didn’t have cuffs on, I might suggest a…ah, a wet t-shirt.”

  She eyed him in his geek clothes and bow tie. “Hmm. Wait. You wouldn’t care that every man here saw me in a wet t-shirt?”

  “Not for here, honey. For later.”

  “You’re awful bad tonight, Tristan.”

  “If I recall, you asked for bad earlier.”

  “In a kiss.”

  

  “You need to be real clear. After all, I’m only a hot cowboy, you know.” He pointed ahead where many people were lined up waiting for the ranch owner. They chanted his name.

  “This is for a charity. Since there’s two of us, we should bring in more money.”

  “You’re not going to make me. Please get these off.”

  “Of course, I am. Come on.” Tristan walked through the crowd with their handcuffed hands raised in the air for all to see. “As you can see here, I was arrested by Sheriff Trinity. In case you don’t all know her, she works for me.” He wrapped his arm around her. “You all can quiet your rumors.” He turned to Nora and lowered his voice. “I’m about to kiss you in front of all these people.”

  “What kind of kiss?”

  He took her into his arms and dipped her, giving a hard, sexy kiss on the lips. “That kind…for now.”

  The crowd went wild. Nora wasn’t embarrassed. In fact, she cupped her free hand around his face and kissed him back. “No problem, baby.” Their gaze held until Selva, his ranch foreman, came up and bumped his shoulder.

  “These people are waitin’ for you, amigo.”

  Tristan chuckled and turned to the crowd. “There’s two of us at a time so you best get those pockets emptied.” He turned to Nora. “Ready?”

  “I see where I have no choice. Let’s go get’um.”

  “You realize with two of us up here there’s a good chance each throw will dunk us.”

  “Yes, sir, isn’t that going to be fun? I’m glad I wear waterproof mascara, or you’d see the scary side of me.”

  They both got in the tank and sat as close as they could. “Never going to happen. I don’t think there is a scary or bad side to you.”

  “Let’s hope you never find out that I really do.”

  Down they went!

  They climbed back on the bench, a feat in itself. Martyn, his mom, Destiny, and Jase’s kids were at the front of the line. “Come on, sweetheart, are you really going to dunk your daddy?”

  Destiny brought her arm back and let it rip.

  SPLASH!

  

  Again, they came up brushing hair and water from their eyes. Destiny was still laughing.

  After at least fifteen dunks, Tristan called it done, and the next person came up. They walked through the crowd soaking wet, still handcuffed. He glanced around for his mom and Martyn and found them in the crowd. “We have to go get dressed, Mom. Can you keep Des until we come back?”

  “Of course. We’ll be over by the stage. Grab your guitar, son.”

  “Yep.”

  “Oh, Trist?” Judy called after him.

  He and Nora turned.

  “Nice costumes.”

  Nora grinned. “Thanks, Judy.”

  “My mom likes us together,” he said on the way inside.

  “I can tell.” She shivered. “Can we change now?”

  “Finally. Get me out of these geeky clothes.”

  “Get me out of these handcuffs. Be thankful you didn’t wear the knight’s costume. You would’a been a drowned cowboy.”

  “You would’ve been the one to wear it, not me. I’ll meet you in the office. You get a front row seat, baby. I have a song special for you.”

  ---

  For more on the series and the spin off series, click on the Book Page.

  Thanks for reading! Have fun tonight and please be safe.  🎃🤠💀

  Tell me about your costume if you’re going out or partying down. Me, well, if I went to a party tonight, I’d like to be a ________? What would I like to be for Halloween?

   

  Thanks to Pixabay for the images. Except for my book cover.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Deleted Scenes, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Dunk Tank, Halloween, Happy Halloween, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Party, popcorn, Spooky music

• Short Snippet Saturday: You Can Hurt People Without Touching Them

  Posted at 10:22 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 13, 2018

  

  Welcome back to Canyon Junction! We’re here with another Short Snippet Saturday post, but first… My heart goes out to all of you affected by another hurricane in the U.S. Many of you are still suffering from Florence and now Michael. Prayers and hugs are sent to everyone in need, and for those of you who are experiencing nature’s forces around the world.

  Well, the business of the day here is:

  It’s no surprise that I’d soon be posting another snippet from my new release, Hooked by Sundown, #3 in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. I’m happy to say the first review came in with a five star rating. It made my day. By the way… There is nothing short about this snippet today. Not even the title.  ❤

  Sheesh, I need shorter series names though.

  I don’t think an explanation is necessary for this snippet. It involves, Wade, Sophie, and her brother in Wade’s POV. It’s rather long. Not as long as it nearly was though before I cut some out.  🙂  Pour yourself another beverage and take a seat.

  ---

  Wade set his cup down then cranked his neck to be sure she remained out there while he said his piece. “I warned you about hurting your sister.”

  “Shut up, dude. I didn’t touch her. Who said I had to listen to you, anyway?”

  Dumbass. He came close to grabbing him around the throat. “You can hurt people without touching them. Look at her. You need a job? Straighten up, and I’ll give you one where I work. We have a guy on his way out. He doesn’t know it yet. Let me know when you’re ready, and you got a job.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t like seeing her distressed over you.” Sophie rose from the chair and headed inside. “Keep the job in mind. It’s your choice.” Wade removed a skillet from the bottom cupboard, turned the stove on, and added bacon. He warmed up his coffee and observed Sophie’s face when she came in. She glanced at Clay then back to him as if she expected new blood and bruising.

  “Do you have ice?” she asked.

  “Yep.” All this reminded him too much about his own brother. Regardless, Wade missed him. Accepting his death hadn’t happened yet. How long would it take?

  She got ice out and found a baggie in a drawer. “Here, bro. This will make you feel better.”

  Clay glanced at Wade then applied the bag to a knot on his forehead. “Can I get out of here?” he asked Sophie.

  “Not yet, I’m making breakfast. Take those aspirins.”

  Wade had to get out of the room. He understood family issues better than most, but he was about to gag at the way she babied Clay. A couple big breaths later, he reentered the kitchen.

  Clay headed down the hallway but came back, gripped the doorway, saying, “Thanks. Both of you. I appreciate it. Don’t fix anything for me.” He turned toward the bathroom. “Let me know when you can take me to get my truck.”

  Sophie sighed. “I don’t know why I do this to myself.”

  She’d hid her turmoil well. Wade got up to hug her. “This is what I wanted to do last night. You’re afraid of losing out again and don’t trust me.”

  She returned his embrace. “Aren’t we all? I’m afraid of a lot of things like my boy being hurt again, me…”

  Wade held her at an arm’s length. “Didn’t you hear me say I don’t want to hurt anybody? You need to stop hearing only what you want.”

  “It’s a promise you can’t keep.”

  “Yes, I can. The part I can keep. Yeah, I’m gonna die one day. We all are, but I hope it’s not too soon. Between now and then, I can promise.” Wade peered into her eyes. “You gonna hurt me? It works two ways.”

  She sniffled, but tears didn’t fall. “I’m afraid I already did.”

  Yeah, she did, but he allowed it to dig at him. “Will you hurt me again?”

  “It isn’t my intention.”

  “Let’s move on then. Stop dwelling on the fact that you’re going to lose again. Maybe the other loss was also your gain.” Damn, but that sounded cold-hearted. He grabbed a fork to turn the burning bacon.

  “Oh no, it burned. I’m sorry. Go on. Get out of here so I can concentrate on feeding you.”

  “I can take Clay to get his truck if you want to finish breakfast.”

  She turned down the heat. “Sure. Let me ask him.”

  He took her arm, but she shook it free with a glare. “No. Tell him instead of asking.”

  She gave him a weird look. “Ah…”

  “Sophie…” He wouldn’t say she needed to stop acting like Clay’s mother. That decision was hers. She’d have to find her own escape from his dominance and to stop enabling him.

  “You’re right. Thank you for taking him in last night. If not, I’d be waiting at the hospital.”

  Wade strode into the great room and headed to the stairway. “I need to get my keys and wallet.” He went upstairs and stood at the rail. He couldn’t hear their voices, which was a good thing, meaning Clay hadn’t argued or raised his voice with her. Wade got what he came up for and went back downstairs.

  Clay waited at the door. “I’ll pay for your gas. I don’t suppose you smoke.”

  He shoved his wallet into his back pocket and attached a knife in a sheath to his belt. “Not anymore. It’s not necessary for you to put gas in my truck.”

  “It’s the least I can do. That’s a damn big knife.”

  “That’s the way I like them.” He gave Sophie a hug before leaving. “See you soon.”

  At Wade’s truck, Clay held the door before getting inside. “You’re good for my sister.”

  Wade nodded in agreement, got in, and drove away in silence. You’re damn right he was good for Sophie. Maybe she’d figure it out sooner than later because he didn’t plan on waiting until later.

  ---

  
  

  Thank you for reading. Visit the page HERE to read more about this Spin Off Series to the Double Dutch Ranch Series.

  ---

  I hope your weekend is off to a great start. The weather here went from the high 80s to the 40s within a couple days, but it’s beautiful here. Each day I see new trees changing color in the wooded area right outside my bedroom window. My car has turned yellow due to small leaves falling from the tree in the front yard. I don’t know what kind of tree it is.

  Soon, when the leaves are all down, I’ll be able to spot where the turkey and deer live. Eight or nine turkeys come out on occasion to strut across my parking lot. The Tom usually stays behind until later then he squawks and screams trying to find them. (I guess.)

  

  How’s the weather where you are this autumn?

  Thanks for visiting. I love when you stop by!

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, autumn, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Cowboy Romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Gentlemen Cowboys with a touch of bad, Hooked by Sundown, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release eBooks, short snippet Saturday: You can Hurt People Without Touching Them, Vacation romance, western romance

• Short Snippet Saturday: Sundown on the Beach

  Posted at 10:42 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 22, 2018

  

  Well, hello there. I feel like I’m coming out of retirement by posting a short snippet today, but I wanted to share something from my upcoming book before y’all forget who I am. Without me giving away the title or cover reveal yet, I hope this makes sense to you. Trust me, it’ll be soon, very soon. Maybe Probably even this week. In fact, the post is already written.

  No, Sundown on the Beach is not the title of the book. It’s only the title of this post.

  Note: In a previous excerpt from this book, our little boy’s name was Tanner. It’s since been changed to Emmett.

  Set-up: Wade and Sophie have previously met and had a run-in twice in the same day. See the Snippet here for one of those run-ins. We’re into that evening now for this new snippet.

  

   

  Sophie held her son’s hand as they walked along the shoreline. Cool waves lapped at their feet in flip-flops. “I’m sorry you had to see Uncle Clay this way.”

  “He was drunk?”

  “Oh, Emmett. You know more than you should.” She glanced to the right to find Wade watching them. Why had she been so rude to him when he’d tried to help? It wouldn’t have been long before she’d ended up on the ground if Clay had his way. She nearly gave him a knee where it counted. His temper got the best of her brother. That’s what landed him in jail. Temper and booze never mixed well. “Come on, Emmett.” They headed toward Wade. The sun lit up his face, the burning glow reflecting in his sunglasses. He removed them to reveal warm brown eyes.

  “Emmett, why don’t you build a sand castle. We’ll only be a minute.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Mom.”

  She peered at Wade. He stood, and it took a second before she reached for his hand. “Sophie Price-Daniels. This is my son, Emmett.”

  “Nice to officially meet you, ma’am. Emmett.”

  He had a strong grip and incredible smile. His faint leather fragrance mixed with the sea and sand. His cologne smelled like what her husband used to wear. She withdrew the memory.

  “Care to have a seat? Sunset’s closing in on us. Be a shame to miss it.”

  “Sure.” She took a seat beside him in the sand. “Did you find an adventurous spot for lunch or dinner?”

  He glanced at her son playing in the sand then at others in the water. “Nothing special tonight. I saved adventure for another day.”

  They sat in silence. Sophie was at a loss for words—so unlike her. He remained quiet, but she sat close enough to feel the warmth from his body and the dampness of the sand. Out of the corner of her eye, she viewed him sitting with his knees bent and arms resting across them, his fingers loosely entwined. She leaned back on her elbows and stretched out her legs on the warm sand. His gaze went to her legs.

  “How long is your vacation?”

  “More than likely this week.” He turned to her. “How about you?”

  His eyes looked so caring and full of sincerity but kind of sad at the same time. “I’m heading out Saturday. Thanks for getting my money back. I would’ve had to contact my sister to ask for a loan and change my flight. She didn’t want me to come, so I’d have to grovel for years.”

  “I take it your family isn’t close.”

  “Well, my sister and I are, but my brother…” Sophie paused, sighing. “He’s another story.”

  “Every family has one, Sophie.”

  It sounded nice the way her name rolled off a stranger’s lips.

  Emmett stood in front of her blocking the sun. “Mom, can I go get some water for my castle?”

  “Honey, we don’t have a bucket here.”

  The young boy begged, “I’ll hold it in my hands.”

  “You can try, but it’ll all fall out before you get back.” She stood and brushed off her shorts and legs. “Let’s go.”

  Wade got to his feet with great speed. “Here, I have an idea. Mind if I go down there with you?”

  Sophie nodded her approval. “Hold on, Emmett. This is Mr. Emory.”

  “Hey, mister. Come on.” Emmett took off running.

  Wade ran past him, took his shirt off, and doused it in the water. He dove in the waves and came up some yards out, shirt still in hand. “Take your shirt off, Emmett. We’ll squeeze the water out onto your castle. It won’t be much, but a few trips will help.”

  Emmett giggled and removed his shirt without asking. He followed Wade back to the sand castle and they squeezed out their t-shirts. Sophie laughed with them and did her best to ignore the bare-chested stranger dripping beside them.

  ---

  Thanks for reading. I’ll see you all again real soon.

  ---

  My book formatter lives in North Carolina and had been without power for days, but she has survived living through another hurricane. She still doesn’t have internet, so my book is a little more delayed than I’d planned. Her cable company tells her the internet should be back up today. (Saturday)  I’ll send her my manuscript as soon as she lets me know.

  Readers, thanks for your patience.  ❤

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  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, Beach, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series Book 3, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, ocean, Pacific Coast, sand castle, spin off series, Sundown, western romance

• #AmWriting Quickie Update & Short Snippet Saturday

  Posted at 11:01 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 7, 2018

  Happy Saturday!

  It seems I’ve missed another week of Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge or #MFRWauthor. I wrote it. Honest, I did, but that’s as far as it got. I wasn’t into the topic, anyway. Yesterday turned out to be a busy day though I didn’t accomplish a lot if that makes sense. Last week I missed signing up for the blog challenge, and as you know, I posted it.

  To be truthful, some upcoming topics don’t relate. So… This fooling around and not sticking to the schedule tells me it’s time for a short break from my blog.

  I’m packing and writing. Packing and writing. Packing and writing. You get the idea. The new apartment isn’t mine, yet, but I have to pack as if it is. Today, is the day I check out the place and talk to the manager. Then I’ll do whatever it takes from that point on. Either way, I am moving somewhere. In the meantime, I’m playing the waiting game while– ha-ha– packing and writing while taking care of daily chores and necessities. One book will soon be going to the editor. (YES, it finally has a title.)

  In the next few weeks, if I have something to say, I’ll come back to post and say hi, and I’ll check your blogs, because I’d miss you if I didn’t. Readers, you can contact me, and I’ll reply, but give me a couple days. Okay, now that this business is out of the way, let’s get to the snippet…

  Find all my books in one place with blurbs and buy links in series order on my page at Books2Read or click on the image above to go to the Bull Rider Series page here. Available at Apple, Nook, Amazon, and Kobo.

  

  Since it’s Saturday and Christmas in July, I’m posting an excerpt from my holiday novel, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. This scene is not close to sounding Christmassy, but hey, that’s how my Bull Rider Series rolls.

  

  Bull Rider Series 3

  ---

  

   

  Caulder is a cousin to Jase, Tristan, and Dane Carlson from the Double Dutch Ranch Series, but these books aren’t connected. However, on occasion the cousins appear in each others books. Jase is visiting Love House for Christmas this year. Jase is who Caulder is talking to in the first paragraph.

  In this scene, a fun outing turned to devastation in an instant. Bull rider Caulder McCutchen is a brave, strapping guy, but not so much when he’s in fear of losing everything he loves. Again.

  Modified from the original to avoid spoilers. 

   

  

   

  See you all when I see you! Enjoy the weekend.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, bull rider series, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance

• #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: No More Lies

  Posted at 11:56 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 23, 2018

  I thought I’d share a snippet from Finding Kimber.

  The third book in this series will be out by the end of summer.

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off novel.

  

  Here’s the blurb for this book to help explain the two names used in this short snippet:

   

  She’s wary of her future. He’s burdened by his past.

  Cattleman Zachary (Zach) Bryson arrives in Arizona with hopes of leaving the ghosts from his past behind. Hired by a stranger to run a ranch, he meets the owner—a secretive woman with no ranching experience. He’s seen her before, but she wasn’t a redhead with green eyes. In their first encounter, she swept him off his feet without their exchanging a word. Why did she change her appearance? What secrets lay behind those heart-stopping eyes? Seeing this job as a challenge, he sticks around to tackle this hottie head-on.

  After her life is threatened, Kimber Sinclair is forced to flee her lush Oregon county for a small town in Arizona with sand, saguaros, and dusty cowboys. She settles in to live a lie—to discover the person behind her new identity while she mourns the death of Tressa Garnett—her given name at birth. However, keeping a distance from her ruggedly handsome, broad-shouldered, wise-cracking ranch foreman, isn’t easy. She struggles daily to hide her secret from Zach who demands answers. By telling him the truth, his life could also be in danger.

  If trouble finds her, will she choose fight or flight? Can Zach set aside his own issues, or will his nightmares prevent him from doing what he was unknowingly hired to do?

  ---

  Set up: Kimber is doing something she swore never to do… Zach is taking her into hiding against her wishes because it is no longer safe for her to stay on the Adobe Sunset Ranch.  😦  (This makes me sad for her.) Modified to avoid spoilers.

  Her breath caught. “What the hell did you say?” Greg repeated it.

  “What does that mean? How?” Her heart hit the floorboard of the truck. This couldn’t have been Jerry’s doings. Who else was involved?

  “He was stabbed multiple times. They’ll transfer him to their local hospital.”

  “How do you know? Who did this?”

  “It doesn’t matter how I know.”

  “It matters. His men or woman, is still out there looking for me. There is no guarantee they’d stop looking if he…dies. I’m sure they’re all doing this for Sam now.”

  Zach whipped his head around so fast, she thought it’d roll off. She nodded to him, that in fact, he had heard her right. “I’ll get the phone you mentioned.”

  “Stay out of sight.” He paused. “Ah, Tressa, there’s something I have to tell you. Your father is on the way here.”

  “My father will be there?” Her fingers instinctively clasped her necklace, and she pictured her gentle dad.

  Zach pulled into the campground and drove around looking for their site. He stopped the truck and took her hand when he found the spot.

  Greg spoke low into the phone. “I have to go.”

  “Greg, wait. When my dad arrives, make sure they’re both safe. Please.”

  “Jerry is under guard; therefore, your father will be, too.” He hung up.

  Zach faced her, and his eyes held questions she’d become accustomed to. “Your father? Your family isn’t dead?”

  Here we go again. No more lies.

   

  ---

   

  Thanks for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 5 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting Romance, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off, Finding Kimber, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday: No More Lies, western romance, witness protection

• #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday:

  Posted at 10:56 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 2, 2018

  It’s been a while since I’ve hosted Velia Armano from the Bull Rider Series for a Short Snippet Saturday post. This one comes from Howdy, Ma’am.

  

  Set-up: A couple days before this snippet, Velia’s father and two of his men had flown in from Chicago to accompany her to court in Tucson, Arizona. While in court the day before this snippet, her ex had threatened her. Her dad sent one of his, ahem, men home with Velia in case Justin followed her back to where she rented an upstairs apartment from an elderly couple. It also happened to be the first night Velia had invited Caulder to dinner. Caulder had arrived right after a horrific incident to find Velia passed out on the floor. Along with Roy, Caulder had spent the night to keep an eye on her, but he had left earlier. (He must’ve had to practice on a bull.)  🐂  Well, now mamma is in Tucson, too. This snippet takes place the next morning.

  ---

  

  Bull Rider Series 1

  Revised from the original to avoid spoilers.

  Ric and Lidia Armano arrived at the door the next day. Roy promptly followed his boss to the car where they met Nero. They stood talking for some time.

  Later, she walked back and forth from her window to the door, debating on going out. Her mother sat on the bed, watching her pace across the room. Velia’s head pain had eased, but her bruises had worsened. When her mom saw them, she cried, and when her dad saw them, he’d probably send for his lawyer to take care of Justin in court…or otherwise.

  Justin.

  Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone? What would he have done if Roy hadn’t been here? Would he have hurt Alice and Edward? Would she be alive today?

  She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the chill from the horrible thoughts. Lidia hugged her and Velia cried. Her mother’s familiar, loving arms comforted her, and she let it all out as her mom smoothed her hair and cuddled her like a child.

  “Your father will be in soon. You can’t hide from him forever.” She handed Velia a scented lace handkerchief like she’d done when she was small. She inhaled the perfume that spoke madre. Velia wiped her eyes then went to the bathroom to hold a wet washcloth over them and reapplied makeup to the non-swollen eye.

  She headed downstairs when Edward let her father inside. Her dad wrapped his arms around her. His eyes misted when he saw the bruises. “He has done this before. I do not understand why you didn’t tell me. You’re a strong woman. Why did you put up with this, Velia?”

  Velia wanted to think up a lie, but she had done enough lying while living with Justin.

  “Why did you not tell me?”

  She whispered, “I know what would’ve happened.”

  “Sì, and then…” He pointed to her face. “This would not have happened.”

  “I’m sorry.” Velia lowered her voice. “I couldn’t allow something to happen to him.”

  “So you sacrificed yourself?” His voice grew louder.

  “I suppose. What’s going to happen to Justin now?”

  Ric shook his head. “Our lawyer will encourage the prosecutor to ask for time in jail for assault and breaking and entering.”

  “But he didn’t break in, padre.”

  “Yes, he did. Did he not break in, Roy?” her father asked.

  “Yes, sir,” Roy replied. “He nearly broke the door down.”

  Velia glanced at Roy. She knew it had to be this way. “He’s a crazy fool. Do you think he’ll get out on bail? I have to leave for my tour with Caulder soon, and I don’t want to worry about Justin following us.”

  Ric placed his hand on her shoulder. “I can’t say for sure, but Lauren will do what he can to keep him in jail.”

  “If he gets out, I won’t go with Caulder. I’ll be putting him and who knows who else in danger.”

  “I understand this, angel, but Justin will never hurt you again.” Ric lowered his voice and embraced her. “You’ll be safe, even if I have to send Roy on tour with you. Si?”

  Velia knew if her dad said it, it would be true, but she’d never allow Roy to babysit her on the road. She didn’t want to know what else her dad had planned concerning Justin.

  ---

  Learn more about the Bull Rider Series on the series page here. Available at Apple, Nook, Amazon, and Kobo.

  Meet Velia on the Meet Our Heroines page.

  Read an interview with Velia.

  Thanks for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

   

  

  If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~Flavia Weedn, Flavia and the Dream Maker, ©Flavia.com

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, bull rider series, contemporary romance, Full Length Novel, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, series romance, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance series

• Short Snippet Saturday:

  Posted at 2:41 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 11, 2017

  

  I am posting a Short Snippet Saturday post on the actual day this time. Hehe. This excerpt, not snippet, comes from Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. This is book one. Finding Kimber is book two. I thought it was fitting to post from a holiday themed book since it’s getting closer to Christmas each day.

  This is one of my favorite books. Oh, darn, who am I fooling? I say the same thing about all of them. Really, though, this one is about first love and second chances. It’s close to my heart.

  Before this scene happens, Beth, Jake’s first love in high school, recently moved back to town. Is it the perfect time, or has too many years apart put an end to what should’ve been years ago? 

  ---

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series: #1

  Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

  The excerpt speaks for itself: 

  “Santa will be coming before you know it, and you’ll be here with your dad over break,” said Paige.

  What the hell? Why had she said that? Christmas was a freaking two months away. Jake shot her a condescending glare.

  “Will you be here for Christmas, Mom?”

  

  Paige glanced at Jake, and then answered, “Not me, but you have your father, your horses, and of course, Kasha. That’s enough to keep you busy. I’ll send a big Christmas present for you, though, so you’ll have one from me, too.” At the mention of her name, Kasha got up and moseyed over, shoving her nose beneath Paige’s hand resting on her lap, forcing a pat. “That’a girl. You’re a good dog.”

  Trace stared off at the pepper grinder in the center of the table, a frown on his forehead—a probable awakening—guessing she’d be gone for a long time.

  Yeah, Christmas present all right. A baby half-brother or sister. Now he wanted to punch something or gag. The longer she sat there in the kitchen they used to share as a couple, the more pissed off he became. In fact, he had to leave. He slid his chair out. “I forgot to take care of a chore in the barn. I need to double check on an order, too. You two finish dinner. There’s some cherry-chocolate ice cream in the fridge for dessert.” Jake mussed T.J.’s hair and winked at his kid. “Finish dinner. I’ll be in soon.” He left out the door in a calm manner.

  Dammit. Why’d he offer her to come to dinner? With a palliative breath, he knew why. He checked his phone. No messages. Since he hadn’t had anything to check in the barns, he turned on the conveyor and sent hay bales to the loft, then went up there to stack them. Jake believed the chance for her to come back for Trace was slim, and in fact, he expected her to cut ties with her old life. Maybe it was his gut telling him that.

  An hour and a half later, he entered the back door. Paige and Trace were in the living room, and someone plugged in the lighted pumpkin. Without a Halloween display like the one Paige had at her place, this one looked bare over on the square table near the bay window.

  “What’s going on?” he asked as he entered the living room with a beer. “Nice pumpkin.”

  

  “I like it, Dad. I plugged it in. We’re looking at pictures. Come see them!” He held up a picture and shoved it into Jake’s hand. “This is Austin’s plane.”

  Yeah, great. “Hmm, not that small.” He turned it over and read “Piper PA32 Small Aircraft.” Screw it. He handed it back to Trace. “Nice.” In reality, he was about to vomit. The guy had a freaking Piper PA32. That wasn’t cheap.

  Paige stood. “Well, it’s time I go. Our flight is scheduled to leave in a couple hours. Trace, come give Mom a hug, honey. I’m going to miss you.” She bent to hug him. Over Trace’s shoulder, she lifted her eyes to Jake.

  A lump stuck in his throat. This was it. He turned her over to another man like a father at a wedding. She was leaving them. The tear-filled look in her eyes was one he’d never forget.

  Trace cried when they parted. “Mommy…”

  “Shh,” she said, placing her finger over his lips. “I know you’re sad. I’ll call you later, big guy.” She hugged him again. “Don’t ever forget I love you, sweetheart.” Again she peered up at Jake who glanced away.

  His heart beat fast and strong. It took all the strength he had to stand there straight-faced, feigning calm as if he didn’t care. He cared. Even if he had wanted to hate her, he couldn’t, but it slowly brewed in his body and mind, especially after seeing the pain in his boy’s eyes—pain she had caused. He wanted to tell her she didn’t have to do this, but it would be worthless. She loved the other guy enough to have his baby—to give everything up for him. Yep, hate began to boil now. “Take care of yourself, Paige. I’ll take good care of our boy.”

  “I know you will, sweetie,” she said softly with a tenderness in her eyes he hadn’t seen in ages. Paige released Trace and hugged Jake, whispering, “A part of me will always…well, you know.”

  “But not enough…” Jake took a deep breath and left her embrace. “Come here, bud.” He lifted his son who was more than half of Jake’s height, and carried him outside to see her off. Trace didn’t object, now crying on his shoulder as Paige drove away.

  “Daddy?”

  “What, son?” he gulped out as the taillights faded.

  “Will Mom come back?”

  Trace’s heart beat as hard and fast as his did. He hugged him tighter, a desert-sand dryness blocking a normal swallow. “She said she would.” Jake gulped again. “Let’s take a walk through the barn.” He started to put T.J. down, but he tightened his hold around his dad’s neck.

  “No.” He cried and Jake stood right there holding him, and he cried internally.

  ---

  Thanks for reading.

  

  Image credits: Pixabay. Little boy: © Michael Klenetsky | Dreamstime.com. Graphics created by me.

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  Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged christmas, cowboy, first love, full-length novel, Halloween, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, Second Chances, series romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

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