Settling and Settled In

They pulled into the rutted, dirt parking lot of the bar. The neon sign flickered and instead of Oasis, it spelled O__si. The windows appeared to be painted black or covered with something. No light escaped from inside. He chuckled, the 'O_yes' bar. He was pretty sure it should be 'O_No' bar.

"Quite a place, Elise. Not the kind of thing I usually do after dinner at Applebees."

"Yea, and we're going to talk about that... anyway... Why, what do you do afterward?"

"If it's nice, take a walk, or a drive. Go to the late show at the movies. Dance somewhere. Depends on the person, I guess. Do you go here often?"

"A few times. It's fun. A little rough, but it's exciting. Don't be afraid, I'll keep you safe."

"Phew! I feel much better," smiling at her. He climbed out the truck door and went around to open hers. She already had her door open and was standing up.

"You don't have to open the door for me, Jackson. Quit trying to flex your testosterone and make me look like some kind of dependent or subordinate. No more of your male patriarchy crap!"

He laughed. "Sorry. It's the way I was raised. Force of habit."

"Well, southern boy, you're up north now and women don't like to feel all helpless and fan our faces so we don't faint and crap. Opening doors and stuff is demeaning, so knock it off."

"Hmm. I guess that is one way to look at it. We southern boys, though, kind of think of it more as a sign of respect. Respect for womanhood and the pivotal position they play in society and the family. But I can see how it could, uh, be misinterpreted, by some."

He walked next to her as they approached the entrance and fought the urge to take her arm, open the door and guide her inside. Instead he stood by as she opened the door, he took it from her and they stepped inside. The place was not much better on the inside--maybe worse. Dark, peeling paint, broken furniture stacked up in the far corner, spills on the floor.

She guided him to a booth and they squeezed in. He sat on one side, she in the other. As always, he looked around, took note of everyone and everything. A number of folks sitting on stools or standing at the bar. Some pretty shabby looking, some business guys having their evening drinks before heading home; it was Friday, after all, he thought. Some couples sitting close and snuggling at the booths.

But it all looked old, worn, tired. Their was an illness here. Bad vibes. Evil humours. But Elise seemed to brighten and come alive. Not sure how many dates there were going to be after this one, he reflected. Something seemed to be going on in the dark, beyond the pool table, but he couldn't see clearly. A group of men surrounding something.

She noticed him looking around and appraising it. "Problem, Jackson?"

"No. It's... interesting." He hesitantly put his arms on the table, which rocked back and forth as he did so. Rings from old drinks and smudges of grease covered its top. He looked at the surface and thought about how badly the table need a good sanding, staining and multiple coats of polyurethane... after being disinfected with some bleach or something. Then laughed to himself, why waste the time. Better to just pitch it.

"Jackson, Jackson, it's alright. Sweetie, just relax and take it in. You'll be fine. And get me a drink."

"Sure, I'm sorry, I was distracted. What would you like?"

"I'd like a double shot of Jack and a beer chaser."

"Great. Any pie or anything?"

"Nope."

"I'll be right back." He headed for the bar and glanced at the back of the place again. The men seemed to be surrounding a woman who looked pretty unstable and was kind of just staring as the men put hands on her. A tiny thing, he thought. She looked young, too young.

He carried the drinks to the table. She downed her shot and drank half her beer. He sipped his beer. "So, Elise, how's school coming along? Not long before finals and summer, right? Any big plans for the time off?" He glanced towards the back again.

"My folks have a place at the Jersey shore. Party, party, party. If you're nice, Jackson, maybe you can visit."

"Sounds like fun. I don't get much time off. I have my MBA stuff both summer semesters and with working and all..."

"God, Jackson! You need to loosen up. Learn how to have fun. Live a little. Enjoy being young. Now, I would enjoy it if you would get me some more Jack and you need to finish your beer."

"I... sure. I'll be right back." He got up ordered a repeat of the first order, saw that things looked off in the back. The men were starting to pull her towards the emergency exit and she was weakly resisting. Either drunk or drugged, but clearly not in a position to fend for herself against the onslaught.

He returned to the table and stared at the back again. "Jackson, what the hell do you keep looking at? You're making me feel bad about myself."

"Sorry. You look beautiful as always, Elise, and your outfit is amazing."

"So, country boy?"

"So there is a girl in the back..."

"Woman!"

"Sure. There is a young woman in the back who is being manhandled by a group of men back there and she is either drunk... or more likely she's been drugged."

Elise turned around in her seat. "Yup. Looks like she's in for some shit. She should have been more careful. It'll be a good life lesson for her."

"I... well, I can't just sit here and let it happen, Elise. Not without trying to stop it."

"It's not your problem, Jackson! You're with me! Remember!"

"When I was in college, there was a party at a fraternity. I got pretty totaled and come one or two it was just me and this girl... woman. She was very, very drunk and could barely talk. I asked if I could see her back to her dorm and all she could do was stare. About then two of the fraternity brothers came in and each took an arm. 'Good thought, Jackson. We'll make sure she gets home. You should head out yourself.'

"I did and it turns out that five of them took turns on her until they were worn out. As a result of her life lesson, she left school that morning and didn't come back. I stayed away from that fraternity and severed relations with all the members. Some life lessons should not be learned, Elise."

"Jackson. IT'S NOT YOUR PROBLEM! There're at least five of them. You're a big guy, but they're just as big. What can you do about it?"

"Reason with them." She started laughing hysterically.

"You go right ahead and do that, country boy. See that guy over there at the bar?" He looked that way. "In one hour he's going to be fucking the shit out of me. That could've been you, Jackson. But I guess you'll be spending the night in the emergency room. Maybe I'll call the ambulance for you before I leave. See you. I'll find my own way home."

He smiled, "Well, glad we got this all worked out early in our relationship. You know, one of my ministers once said that when you sleep with someone it's kind of like sleeping with everyone they ever slept with. Seems like that could be quite a crowd in your case."

"You ASS! It's my body and I can do whatever I want with it. What the hell do you mean with that comment?"

"Well, Elise, it's kind of like when I need a new tractor..."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU EVEN TALKING ABOUT?"

"Seems the Jack is working, Elise. You should have another. In any event, when I need a new tractor, I don't really want a brand new one. One that's never been used at all... New tractors have a break in period, you gotta take it easy on 'em, and you gotta change the fluids almost as soon as you start using it, it seems. A lot of bother.

"On the other hand, you don't want one that's been used too much, with thousands of hours on it. There're always things wrong with it, and the last thing you want to do is take on someone else's problems. So you need one that's not new to working, but hasn't been beaten to death. Understand?"

"FUCK YOU, JACKSON! I hope they beat you so badly your own mother doesn't recognize you. Why don't you just go fucking back to Alabama or Mississippi or Texas or wherever the fuck you're from!"

"Georgia."

She got up, walked to the bar and put her arm around the man she had pointed out. He smiled, showed immediate interest and ordered another drink for her..

Jackson got up and walked to the back and heard Elise yell, "Beat the shit out of him for me!"

He walked up to the six men surrounding a college age girl who was obviously drugged. She stared and weakly flapped her arm to keep them back. "Hey, Sis! Sorry I was late. Looks like it's time to go home."

"Who the fuck are you? And what the hell is with that accent? You some kind of hillbilly or something?"

"Yup. Fresh off the farm. Ya'll don't happen to have a little chaw that I could have? Anything'll do, even Beechnut, Red Man, really anything you've got."

They all laughed at him. "Just go home. Leave the man's work to us men. Go screw your sister or some cow or something." More laughter.

"I do miss my cow Bessie. But let me just ask, real men have to drug women in order to have sex with them?"

"We didn't drug her, she's drunk and wants to be with us!"

"No accounting for taste, I guess." Turning and shouting, "Bartender! How many drinks did she have?" He held up one finger and then his thumb and index to indicate a little one. "Looks like it's drugs, boys. So if you would kindly step aside so I can take my sister home..."

"SHE AIN'T YOUR SISTER! Now get the fuck out of here and walk away while you still can."

Quietly, and with a sigh, "Maybe not MY sister, but somebody's sister, somebody's daughter, somebody's best friend. So, sorry, can't leave without her."

The closest man swung at him. Jackson moved his upper body and the swing went wide. He swung back with his left and Jackson eased back and pushed it aside. He kicked out at Jackson's groin and Jackson blocked it with his knee. "We can do this all night if you want." Jackson saw his opponents eyes glance behind him.

With a pivot he caught the cue stick aimed for his head, rotated it tearing the cue from his opponents grasp and struck him with the thick end across the thighs. The man screamed in pain and went down. Without stopping, he spun back around and jammed the stick into the

v-shaped space between the ribs of the first man causing his diaphragm to spasm and he went down gasping for air.

Arms grabbed him tightly from behind and the fourth man hit Jackson in the face--once, twice. The toe of Jackson's shoe came up into his groin and he went down clutching himself. Without hesitation, he rammed his head backwards into the face of the man holding him. The arms released and Jackson stepped away, turned and hit his thighs with the stick as well and he went down.

He turned towards the last two still holding the cue. "Any further discussion about my sister coming with me, gentlemen?" They shook their heads. "Good. Then if you would be so kind as to take a few steps back while I assist her..." They nodded and complied. "What's her name, by the way?" They shrugged. "Nice guys. Your moms would be so proud."

"Holy shit!" He heard Elise say from the front of the bar. No one in there had so much as breathed in the moments it took for the 'discussion' to occur.

He put the girl's arm over his shoulder and half carried her to the front door. The door was going to be a problem. As he reached for it, the girl went completely limp and started collapsing. "Elise, would you be so kind as to open the door--for me!"

"Uh, sure. Jackson, I..."

"Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful evening." Once on the small cracked concrete slab in front of the building, he decided to just pick her up. As he cradled her in his arms, he was surprised by how little she weighed. She fell asleep, but breathed normally. He sighed with relief.

When they got to his truck, he pinned her to the bed with his body, used one hand to open the door, then struggled a little to open it with her limp body. Little thing, he thought. He placed her on the seat, strapped her in, then put the seat back as far down as it would go.

He slid into his side, started the engine, and started to pull out when she sat forward and vomited. Looked like all of her dinner was now on her front from chest to knees, the seat, floor, dash... "Holy crap! Where the hell did you put all that stuff, little girl?"

He took off his shirt, then his tee shirt, undid a few of her buttons and pulled her shirt over her head, trying to catch as much vomit as he could and placed it on the floor mat. The tee shirt was used to cover her front. "Guess that'll have to do for now."

"Where am I? What's going on? Where's Carl?"

"Carl couldn't make it. I'm just going to take you home and let you get some sleep, okay?"

"I'm so tired and I feel..." She vomited again.

"Well so much for that idea." He scooped it up with his tee shirt and laid his shirt on top of her and started the drive home--windows open. Twenty minutes later he was there. Running up the stairs to his second story apartment, he opened the door and propped it.

Returning to the truck, he scooped her out and carried her up the stairs. He noted how many 'neighbors' peeked out their blinds, but no one offered any assistance or wondered why a man was carrying an unconscious woman up the stairs and neither of them having shirts on. Not like home, he thought.

He gently placed her on the shower floor, ran back to the truck, and grabbed their clothes, "What a fucking mess!" Then back up the stairs and back to the shower, she was breathing and seemed to be stable. "Shit, maybe I should take her to the ER. She seems to be doing better though."

He slid off her jeans, turned on the hand held and used some wash cloths to clean her face, arms, hands, then blotted her dry. Swinging her around and holding her in one arm, he used the hand held to rinse her hair and remove the chunks. He lathered her hair and rinsed again. He knew her long blonde hair would be a mess without rollers--he had a sister and mother, after all, but he was fresh out, he laughed to himself.

Opting to leave her underwear on--less explaining to do--which fortunately had been largely spared from most of the vomit, he lifted her. Being sure not to hit her head on the narrow doorways, he carried her to his bed, hugged her close with one arm and with the other hand, pulled the covers back and laid her in it.

Better get her dressed in something. He grabbed a tee shirt and slid it on over her head and struggled to get her arms through because she was just lost in it. Then sweat pants that he could cinch up tightly. "Phew. Now what?" He shook her, "Miss? Miss?"

"What? Leave me alone! I need to sleep."

"Do you want some water or something?"

She waved an arm to shove him away, "Go away, Carl."

"Carl's a lucky guy." She fell asleep immediately and he went out and threw her shirt and jeans in the washing machine along with his and turned it on. Pouring himself a big glass of iced tea with a squeeze of lemon and a packet of artificial sweetener, he grabbed a chair and sat next to the bed to keep an eye on her, still questioning his decision not to take her to the ER.

Pulling out his phone he searched for the fabulous Oasis. What the hell was she doing there? She just didn't look like someone who would go there. Who knows? Can't always judge a book by its cover, he chuckled to himself. Punching in the numbers, he called and confirmed that the bartender had her purse and keys. Yes, he could pick them up tomorrow afternoon when they opened... Her name was Taylor Logan, 21 years old.

He looked at her and was struck by her beauty. Blonde hair, blue eyed, round faced, one of those faces that showed no lines or creases and would likely look like that when she was forty, body tight and hard like an athlete. Incredible... And Carl's.

He got up, grabbed his computer and started doing some of his MBA reading. The washer went off and he got up and checked it. He was afraid to dry her things. He knew his sister would have had his head if he shrank her pants in the dryer, so he put the shirt on a hanger and stretched the jeans on another one and clipped them into place. Then back to reading, he made a night of it, grabbing more tea from time to time, making sure he checked her every few minutes, but she slept peacefully.

At five a. m. she sat up straight. "What happened! Where the hell am I?" She rubbed her eyes and looked around in the early morning light. "Who the hell are you!"

"Uh, Jackson, Jackson Barrett, Miss, er, ah, Taylor."

"How do you know my name?"

"I asked the bartender."

"You! You're one of those guys from the bar! You drugged me!"

"No, I'm the guy that saved you from the six guys at the Oasis."

"And where are my clothes!" She clutched the blanket to herself. "You brought me here and raped me!"

"Uh, no, Taylor, you vomited all over yourself and so I had to change your clothes. I washed them, they may still be a little wet. I was afraid to dry 'em. I mean, my sister would have gone ape crap crazy if I ever threw her jeans in dryer."

"And then you raped me!"

"Uh, no, why don't we get you to the bathroom and you can check. I guess girls can tell if something happened, right?" Smiling, "I mean, I must confess that I never asked that question before?"

"Not if you wore a condom. I don't think. I'm calling the police."

"Sure, but let me just ask you, if I raped you, why am I sitting here fully clothed doing homework instead of lying in bed next to you? And why would I leave your underwear on or re-dress you?"

"I don't know! I don't know anything. Carl was supposed to meet me there and then he didn't show up, again. And then I just got so woozy..."

"One of those guys put something in your drink..."

"Why would you help me? You said there were six guys? That's how you got those big bruises on your face?"

"Yeah. They weren't convinced you were my sister." Touching his face and noticing how swollen it was for the first time, "I helped you because you needed help. And it didn't really matter how many there were, I knew what was about to happen and couldn't let it go on without trying to prevent it.

"So we discussed a few things, they saw it my way, and I brought you here. I thought of going to the ER, but was afraid your folks might get the bills or something..."

A look of fear filled her face, "God, if they ever found out. Give me my phone... And my purse! Where's my purse?"

"The bartender has them and you can get them after they open up at noon. I can drive you, although my truck smells like vomit. I need to go out and clean it before I drive you back. But it'll still smell like vomit. Heck it'll probably smell like vomit from here on out. I'm gonna need a bunch of those little Christmas trees." He smiled at her and chuckled, but she didn't return it.

"Alternatively, here's my phone if you want to call some one."

She took it from him and punched in a number. "Carl! Where the hell were you! I waited at that hell hole, I'm never going there again! And I got drugged. Yes, drugged! And I woke up in this strange guys apartment." Turning to Jackson again, "What's your name?"

"Jackson Barrett."

"I woke up in Jackson Barrett's bed! No, I don't think he did anything. WHERE. WERE. YOU! You never showed up or answered my calls. You were worried about me all night?" Jackson rolled his eyes. "Your car broke down and there was no cell service? And then all your calls went to voicemail?" Jackson shook his head. Carl must be quite a piece of work. How could anyone treat this woman like that?

"You need to pick me up. My car's still at that... that place. I don't know. Jackson, what's the address here?"

"2701 Hickory Lane, right off exit 22. Apartment 206."

"Did you hear that. Okay, see you in a bit. Love you." No love you in return.

"So, Taylor, the bathroom is right across the hall. I put out a new toothbrush for you. Do you want some tea, coffee, coke? Can I make you toast, eggs..."

"Coffee. I need some coffee. I am so stinking groggy. And bread. My stomach is all in knots... And I'm hanging onto your phone. I'm checking and if I think something happened I'm calling the police."

He sighed, "I understand. No good deed goes unpunished as they say." He went out, made her coffee, toast, and a scrambled egg and put them out on his little table. Then had another glass of iced tea.

She came out fluffing her hair. "Why'd you get my hair all wet?"

"Uh, there was a lot of vomit in it. I made you some breakfast. Eat what you want. If you just want toast I can make some more. Oh, and here's some acetaminophen and anti-acids if you need them."

"Thank you, Jackson. Where the heck are you from anyway. 'You ain't from around here,' as they say."

"Nope. I'm from eastern Georgia. Working on my MBA. What about you?"

"Rhode Island. Working on my business degree. So I guess we have a lot in common."

"Yea, I guess, but my undergraduate degree was in dairy farming." She laughed. "You're full of crap. No one has a degree in dairy farming, Jackson."

He smiled back, "No really! My folks have a big dairy farm and are working themselves to death. You know, or you probably don't, we start milking about four. Breakfast when it's done, then chores all day and round two in the afternoon.

"I minored in computer technology and figure if I can put all the plans together, we could computerize the system so the cows just come in and get milked whenever they want. I... well, maybe it's just a pipe dream."

"Oh!" She laughed. He loved the sound of it. "I didn't really even know there was such a thing. Why were you at that awful place last night, Jackson? I mean, you don't really seem like..."

"To be honest, neither do you, but my date wanted to go there. When I went to help you, she, uh, left to join one of the guys at the bar asking the gentlemen entertaining you to 'beat the shit' out of me."

"I'm sorry, Jackson." But then she laughed. "So your date was about as good as mine."

He laughed, "Yeah, I guess."

There was a fierce banging at the door. "Sounds like Carl's here." He couldn't wait to see what kind of guy this was. One who obviously didn't value the girlfriend he had. He opened the door and Carl barreled in and pushed past him. "Taylor! I've been so worried." He hugged her and gave her a kiss, then stared at her.

"Where are you clothes! What are you doing in his tee shirt and sweats?" Turning, he took quick steps to Jackson, grabbed him by the collars and shoved him against the wall. "What the fuck did you do to her? What did you do to her!"

Jackson sighed, "Don't do this, Carl. I'm just too tired for it."

"Fuck you! What did you..." Jackson swung his arms up knocking Carl's hands free, brought both of his hands down chopping the base of Carl's neck, stunning him, put a foot on his chest and pushed so he fell down. He immediately placed his foot on Carl's neck and applied pressure. "So, Carl, I said I was too tired for this. Next time it's gonna hurt. Instead of asking what I was doing, why don't we ask what you were doing?"

"If your car was broken, no way in hell could you have gotten it fixed by six this morning. And there is no where, not a single friggin' place in this county that doesn't have cell coverage. So maybe you should explain to Taylor and I what you were really up to last night and tell me what kind of man would ask a girl like Taylor to meet him at a place like the Oasis instead of driving her there?

"Hell, you never should have even suggested it! Nothing good ever happens at a place like that. She could have been one of the thousands of women that disappear every year. At the very least her life would have been changed forever. Care to share, Carl?"

He felt a hand in his arm, "Please, Jackson. Thank you for everything you did! Please stop. Don't hurt him. Let him up."

He looked down, somewhat ashamed. "Sorry, Taylor. It's just..." she nodded her understanding.

He removed his foot, walked to the laundry room and got her clothes. "Sorry. They're still a little wet. Wonderful meeting you, Taylor. Best of luck in school and... well, in life." He turned and went to the bathroom. He heard them leave.

As they walked out she passed a truck with the windows open, reeking of vomit as the morning sun started to warm it up. What a mess I caused, she thought. She was surprised he hadn't thrown her out the door. Six guys? And he washed her clothes... And he looked like..."What the hell was that all about, Carl? He helped me! He had no idea who I was or what I was like, but he helped me!"

"I... well, I saw you in his clothes and I figured he must have... you know. And no one, no one messes with my girl."

"So I'm like your property or something? You own me?"

"No! No, that's not what I meant. I... you know I can't make my self clear sometimes."

"Carl! If he'd done anything to me I would have called the police, not you... Fine! So what was wrong with your car?"

"Uh, the alternator. Yea, the alternator was broken." She stared at him. A lie! He didn't know squat about cars or what an alternator was and Jackson was right. No way was that fixed last night. Why did she do that? Why did she always just shrug off the lie instead of ending the relationship. Why wasn't she worthy of the truth?

Why didn't she just dump his ass and move on--because she never felt like she deserved better. She settled and settled in.

Jackson had saved her. Maybe even saved her life, but Carl was only concerned about whether he had touched her? Carl hadn't even asked how she was doing? Was she okay? Did she get hurt? Why did she always feel like she didn't deserve better? Why was she always flooded with self doubts. Why did she always settle for the guy that showed interest in her and settle in until he dumped her or did something awful? Dammit!

She looked around as they drove off, "Where are you going, Carl?"

"I was going to take you home. I... well I have a tee time in just a little bit..."

"No! You have to take me to the Oasis so I can pick up my things and my car."

"We could get those later? Maybe?"

"No, Carl. This was your fault for not showing up! So I think you owe me. 'The boys' will understand if you're a little late. You could skip the first few holes." She looked carefully at him as he changed his route, she thought that no man she deserved would have even considered playing golf after what had happened.

Dammit! Settling and settled in--that's what her mom had said to her, well, more than once. Damn, how many times had her mom said that! Why did she do that? She should call it quits with Carl, NOW!... she sighed, but she knew she wouldn't.

What the heck was wrong with her? Where was her strength? Where was her willingness to stand up for herself? Why didn't she always second guess her every move and get paralyzed. What he did was wrong! Very wrong!

She should tell him, make him listen, hell, she should break up with him and never see him again... but she wouldn't. She'd let slide, sweep it under the table, settle and settle in... again. But Jackson...

They pulled into the Oasis, "Whoa, this place is a lot rougher looking than Freddie said. Sorry, Taylor. It's too early for anyone to be here, isn't it? I mean it's a bar. I could take you home and bring you back later..."

"Let me just bang on the doors and see if someone will answer." She got out and walked to the door. Carl sat in the car. What an ass, she thought. Not even getting out to help and right back on his phone. Who the hell was he texting this early? Must be the guys, telling them he'll be late. Right? Or maybe Jackson's right. Someone else is getting his texts.

She banged on the door. Again. No answer. She decided to walk around back. Carl never looked up from his phone. A smile was on his face. Obviously, not a smile for his buddies. Walking to the back, she stepped gingerly around all the sprawled junk and the dumpster and banged again. She should end it, stand up for herself. Take control.

The door creaked open, "Yes? We're closed for a few hours yet. Oh! You're the woman from last night. Lucky thing that guy was here. I... I mean... I should have called the police or something. I was going to interrupt them, but there were five or maybe six of them. I'm sorry. Lesson learned. Come on in. I have your purse and keys right over there behind the bar."

She walked in and shuddered at the recollection of what had happened and what might have happened. Walking with him towards the bar, "Excuse me, Sir, but what is your name?"

"Anthony, er, Tony. Tony Mazzola."

"Well, Tony Mazzola, thanks for keeping my things safe. I'm Taylor Logan... could you tell me what happened last night?"

"Uh, sure. It's been quite a while since we had that much excitement, er, trouble in here. The gentleman who, uh, helped you, was with a date. They were sitting at that table right over there, but he got all like really worried about what was going on back there behind the pool table and kept looking.

"She got kind of bent out of shape and told him it wasn't any of his business. When he said it was his business she stood up, told him she was going to be screwing this guy at the counter within an hour and that she hoped they beat the sh... poop out of him.

"He told her he appreciated her concern and then talked about tractors and how many hours... made no sense to me, but she stormed off and grabbed this guy sitting here at the bar. He walked to the back, said something about he was here for his sister, they gave him a lot of crap and went for him.

"Shit! In like thirty seconds four of them was down and the others decided to sit tight. Incredible it was. Never seen nothing like it. Like some TV show or movie or something. Didn't really hurt none of them. Just enough to make them hit the ground and stay there. He picked you up and carried you out, right past his girlfriend. Asked her to open the door! And she did! And then left." Laughing to himself, "Told her to have a great evening, he did."

"Thank you, Tony. Have a great day." She walked outside and around the building. Carl was still texting with a grin on his face. Not a 'talking to your buddies' kind of grin, but a 'I'm gonna get lucky' kind of grin. Her anger was growing.

She tapped on the window, he looked up and opened it. "I can make it from here, Carl. Go play your golf," if that's what you're really planning to do. Maybe she was just jumping to conclusions. Maybe he did break down. Maybe one of his buddies helped him. Maybe he did have golf. They'd been together for a year, but he did seem to be losing interest. How could she find out? But why did she continue to eat his crap?

"Sure, Babe. Talk to you later," and drove off. No, 'did you get your stuff, are doing okay? Do you want me to follow you home, no I love you.' Just left. Tears formed in her eyes. How could he care so little? How could she care so little about herself?

Growling aloud in anger and frustration as she climbed into her car, she slammed her fist on the steering wheel. Dammit! She was doing it again--settling and settling in. She knew in her mind that she'd stay with Carl until he tired of her or she caught him red handed doing something.

She'd always been like that. A boy would show interest and she would respond and then settle and settle in until he got what he wanted and left. She was never the pursuer. Never went after the guy she liked. Never initiated, just responded; never ended things, the guys always ended it.

School was the same way. Always second guessing herself, doubting herself, never raising her hand to answer, never stepping forward to lead. Always the follower, the passive one, the weak and voiceless one sitting towards the back. Not in the way back where the weird people sat, but pretty far back--someplace where she was inconspicuous.

That's why she'd liked track in high school, especially long distance. Sure, she was competing, but basically she was competing against herself. She didn't have to worry about making the shot, catching the ball, striking out and letting her team down if she failed. It was all about her.

Why? Why was she like that? She could never figure it out! Her mother was encouraging, supportive, always trying to boost her confidence... She had plenty of friends, did well in school... But she was the youngest of four and it always seemed that the others were faster, smarter, more coordinated. Always trying to keep up and she never felt like she was succeeding.

She knew now that it was just the age difference, but the doubts remained.

Heck, her body was the same way. Her folks, relatives, friends, even boyfriends said how beautiful she was, but she just didn't see it. Twenty-one and her boobs were droopy, she was way too short...

She had always dreamed of being a tall, statuesque woman; she knew that would solve her problems, and she shot up above her friends early on, but then she stopped growing and they kept going. Her ninth grade clothes still fit, well except at the top.

Tiny waist, flat belly, the running kept her thighs trim, but down there! It was ugly. Puffy lips on the outside and her inner lips--her inner lips reminded her of a big balloon that someone had let the air out of.

Put it all together and no one! No one had ever seen her naked and never would if she had her way. Carl made so many little comments about her imperfections... and so had others. Beautiful on the outside, but take the wrapper off...

Had Jackson seen her naked? He certainly had the opportunity. If he had taken them off he would have washed them, right? But her bra still smelled a little of vomit and her undies were in place. Guys could take them off, but she doubted if they could ever unwind them and put them back on--or at least put them on correctly. She chuckled to herself as she imagined Jackson trying to do it.

There she was, thinking about him again.

Jackson! She needed to see Jackson again. How the hell had he done what he did, but then she realized that he'd had Carl down in a flash too. Jackson!

Walking up to his apartment, she timidly knocked on his door. She looked down and noticed she was still in his tee and rolled up sweat pants. And her hair! Her hair was like some wild woman of the woods from getting washed and not putting it in rollers. What the hell was she thinking? She should have gone home, showered, gotten fresh clothes, put herself together, bought him something... but she needed to see him. Just needed to look at him again.

She turned to walk away, must be sleeping she figured, but the door opened and she swung back around. "Taylor? What are you... come in, please come in. Is everything okay? Are you alright? I mean, last night must have been scary as hell! Can I get you anything?"

"Relax, Jackson. I'm fine. No problems." Smiling, "So how many questions can you string together before you stop?"

He laughed, she liked it. Liked the sound of it. Genuine, heartfelt. Earthy or something. "Quite a few, I guess. That was only three, maybe four--my record is ten." He laughed at himself and she did too. He'd made her laugh again. "I'm sorry, Taylor. I'm just surprised. I figured I'd never see you again." Looking intently at her, "But I wanted to... I, well, sorry again. You have a boyfriend and..."

"Jackson, please never say sorry again. Alright? You saved me. Probably saved my life. I owe you... I can't even tell you what I owe you. But why? Why would you do it? You could have been killed?"

Shame filled his face and he sighed, "Long story, but I stood by once before and will never forgive myself. No matter how it might have turned out, I could never have lived with myself if I stood by again.

"You were in trouble, in over your head, not able to protect yourself. Assuming they didn't just kill you and dump you somewhere, if they raped you all night and dropped you back at your car... what would your life be like, Taylor?"

"I would have been destroyed. I would never be the same, I don't think."

"Exactly. Well, shit, I'll just say it... men should never treat a woman like that, well, actually no one should be treated like that! No one worth his salt should ever treat a woman the way they were treating you.

"So, I had to do it. Or at least try to do something."

She'd been staring at him and studying him intently the whole time, without thinking, moved forward and hugged him. He was hesitant and uncertain what to do with his hands, but then wrapped his arms around her and returned her hug. She burst into tears and started to sob with her face buried into his shoulder.

"Thank you, Jackson. Thank you, thank you. I... I guess what happened is finally hitting home! My God, you probably saved my life. Just because I needed help!

"I don't really remember much of it, but it must have been obvious I was in trouble, right?"

He nodded, "Yup."

"And no one even called the police or anything. Everyone else must have watched or ignored it."

He chuckled, "Well, my date didn't really ignore it. She asked them to beat the crap out of me."

"Nice. Tony said you told her something about tractors and hours or something..."

He burst out laughing, still holding her. So warm, so comforting. She loved it. "The bartender's got big ears. Yeah, well, that's one of the reasons she told them to beat me up." Easing her away. "Taylor, you probably still haven't had breakfast or anything, right? You didn't eat any of the first round and you kind of emptied everything out last night." Looking at the wall clock, "Heck, it's almost noon. I could make you some lunch or..."

"Whatever's easy. Now about that tractor..."

"So, what about trying eggs and toast again? Easy on the belly and yours may be..." He went to the kitchen and started making scrambled eggs while he talked. "She let me know that if I helped you, she was going to, well, break up with me."

"She was going to go to bed with the guy at the bar within an hour."

"Those ears are even bigger than I thought. Yeah, something like that. I simply explained to her that if I needed a new tractor, I wouldn't want a brand new one because of the whole break in period and stuff, but I sure as heck wouldn't want one with thousands of hours on it that's kind of been run into the ground. Not sure she understood the sophistication of my story, but she, well, it pissed her off none the less, uh, to be blunt."

Taylor didn't really understand either, but started laughing. "That was right after I told her that our minister had said that when you sleep with someone, well, you kinda sleep with everyone who went before you and I might have mentioned that in her case that might have been quite a crowd."

Taylor started laughing hard enough that she snorted. But she realized HE was making her laugh. Despite being tied up in knots because of what had happened to her, HE had made her laugh. Again! When was the last time Carl had made her laugh? And never, never that hard. Never enough to snort. Or at least she couldn't recall when he had and they'd been together a year...

He handed her a plate with eggs and toast and then they sat down. He lowered his head for a moment in prayer, then looked at her, trying to see if that was a problem for her. It wasn't.

"Catholic?"

"Uh, no, Methodist, i guess. Never really had a chance to get to church. Just habit of giving thanks, I guess."

They started talking... family, friends, things that were important to them. Easy, casual, comfortable. Even a pause here or there was alright and not a problem. Before they knew it four hours had elapsed. "Do you want me to warm up the rest of your eggs, Taylor?"

"My no. I could never eat that much." Smiling with a glint in her eye, "Is that how your country girlfriends eat, Jackson?"

"No, just my sister. Heck she'd have gobbled hers down and then grabbed mine."

She laughed again, "No way, Jackson. I don't believe it."

"No. She's built about like you are although a might taller."

"A 'might' taller?'"

He laughed, "Well, she's got a good... probably eight inches on you."

"Do you have pictures?"

"Sure. I'll, show you mine if you show me yours..."

She blushed, she'd actually been thinking along those lines. He noticed. "Taylor, I'm sorry. You have a boyfriend and I would never want to interfere with that in any way. Not right. It's, uh, getting late. You probably need to get home, get a shower, and all that stuff."

He'd noticed her blush and her response to his off the cuff remark. She thought about it. Carl would never have noticed. And he talked to her eyes, not her chest. He never looked down the top of his giant tee shirt she was still wearing to see if anything was showing. Just her face...

But she and Carl had been together a year... She couldn't just leave, right? He must have had a good reason for not showing up. A flash of anger filled her--settling and settled in. What was wrong with her? She should break up with him and pursue Jackson; make Jackson want to be with her. He seemed interested, right?

But she wouldn't. What if he wasn't? What if he turned her down? "You're probably right, Jackson. Thanks for... for everything. But... wait. You said I could know where he was all the time and keep track of him?"

He frowned. "Yes. But, Taylor, I've always been of the belief that if you have to worry about it, well, there're some significant troubles in the relationship. That said, can you get hold of his phone?"

She shook her head. "No, he's real guarded with it. Won't let me know his code."

He wrinkled is face in concern, "Another problem. Unless he had something to hide, why would he care? But, anyway, in that case you could get one of those things you can put in your suitcase. Pretty cheap. I can help you link it to your phone, if you like. Then you could put it in his car or in something he always carries and follow him wherever he goes.

"But again, why? Is he that wonderful? You love him that much? Point is he... Well, doesn't matter. You have to figure out why you're doing it and what you're going to do when you catch him lying to you. And I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts he is.

"So think about it, Taylor, but remember, you're a beautiful, smart, wonderful person and you deserve someone who recognizes that and loves you for everything that is you--the good and the bad." He glanced at the table, "Although I can't imagine there's much bad. I... enough." Smiling, "So let me know if I can help--any time. Would you like a doggie bag?"

She laughed. He eased her concerns every time she started tensing up. He could read her, see her, know what she was feeling. Shit! What was she going to do? Lots of thinking to do. Easy to settle back with Carl, but Jackson, oh, Jackson. She remembered the feel of his hug. Safe, comforting, supportive. A friendly hug. Not just a preliminary to something else.

"Lots to think about. You're right, I have to go." They stood and she hugged him. Full body, tight. "Thank you, Jackson. I'll never forget it. Your momma raised a good man."

He laughed, "May I quote you on that? I think she has her doubts from time to time."

She laughed in turn, "Sure, Jackson. I''ll run these fine duds back soon."

"No rush. They look so much better on you than they ever did on me." She blushed again.

"Bye, Jackson. Take care, okay?" He could only nod. No words would come as she walked out of his apartment and he feared it might be out of his life. He closed the door and sat on the couch. What should he do? She... she was the most incredible... didn't matter. She had a boyfriend. She was off limits.

She walked past his truck and saw that he had cleaned the truck, but it still smelled. She knew she should go back in and help him clean it more... but she was afraid she'd never leave. What the heck was happening to her? She sat in her car, started the engine, and took a deep breath. What was that... she pulled her tee shirt up and smelled it. Jackson! What was she going to do? But he wasn't getting the shirt back. Maybe never.

A month later she was on the way to her parent's place four hours away, outside Providence. It was their thirtieth wedding anniversary and she couldn't imagine missing it. The whole family was going to be there, well except her one sister and her husband. She had a business trip she couldn't miss. A weekend of celebrating.

Glancing at her gas gauge, shit! On 'E.' She should have filled up before she left, she should have looked at the gauge, she should have...

But she hadn't so she pulled off the interstate at the very next exit; an exit that turned out to have almost nothing along it.

The sign at the exit showed a gas station three miles to the right, so off to the right she went. She was on her way when her right front tire blew. She struggled with the steering to keep it straight, but went off the road and into a ditch. "No! No, no no! Not now. Not with a dinner tonight." She picked up her phone and called the auto service.

"Uh, sorry, Miss. we'll be glad to help, but we're kind of backed up and... well, it'll be a few hours. Big wreck, lot's of cars."

"Okay. I'll be waiting. Please come as quickly as you can, alright?" She hung up and called Carl. "Carl, I'm on my way to my folks. I got off to get some gas and got a flat... and ended up in a ditch. I need you to help me out. Can you come and help me? I don't know what to do. And there's nothing on this stretch of highway... i'm scared, really scared.

"Please. After what happened last time..."

"I'd love to, Hon, but I have a very important business meeting this afternoon and I can't miss it. Just call the auto club..."

"I did, but they can't come for a few hours... I need help, Carl!"

"I'm sorry, Babe. I just can't do it. Just stay in the car with the windows up and stuff until they come. You'll be fine. I've gotta go..."

"I won't be fine, Carl. AND WE WON'T BE FINE! What the fuck is her name! No, never mind. I don't give a shit! We're done, Carl. DONE! Don't call me or anything. WE'RE DONE. OVER. KAPUT!"

"But, Baby..."

"Fuck you, Carl, you slimy piece of shit!" She felt better, so much better. She'd broken up with a guy; actually broken up with a guy! Stopped settling. Finally! But then she realized she was still sitting at a steep angle in a ditch. Now what? Only one thing to do. She dialed the number she had thought of dialing every day for the last month. She started to cry.

"Hello?"

"Jackson, this is Taylor. I need your help again."

"Sure, anything. What's up?"

"I pulled off to get gas and got a flat. I'm in a ditch. The tow truck can't come for a few hours at least. And I'm scared, Jackson. Really, really scared. After what happened at the bar? I... and there's nothing here. It's not like I can walk to anything. And no houses or anything. What should I do?" Crying even harder, "I mean, I hate to even ask after what you've already done. But it's my folks' wedding anniversary and I have to be there and..."

"It's alright, Taylor. I told you anything at all remember? Are you hurt?"

"No."

"Where are you?"

"Exit 78. A couple of exits before Port Chester. There's nothing here..."

"Taylor. If anyone shows up and you're nervous call 911. I need to close things out for the weekend, but will leave in ten, fifteen minutes max. No later. So I should be there in a little over an hour or so. I'd use my helicopter, but it's getting serviced."

"Jackson, you don't have a helicopter." A smile crossed her lips.

"Damn, you caught me. I do have my pilot's license though. Let me finish up and hit the road. I'm going to hang up, but if you get nervous, you can call me on my phone and I'll talk to you on the way. Let me go now. Bye."

He closed everything out. Explained to his colleagues what was going on, grabbed his computer and ran down the hall, down the steps, across the lot and jumped into his truck. He coughed and opened the window some. All the deodorizer he had sprayed around still made him cough.

Or maybe it was the six green Christmas trees he had hanging all over. He laughed to himself, "Guess I got carried away." At least it didn't smell like vomit--well not unless it got warm in the cab. He was dreading winter with the heater.

He headed out, figuring the quickest way to get there and thinking of all the stuff he kept in his truck that could help. His multiple Christmas tree deodorizers swung with each turn.

He'd been on the road for a half hour when a car pulled up and stopped in front of Taylor's Camry. A tall, bearded man climbed out, looked at the car and then at her. She called Jackson. Almost in a whisper, "Jackson, this guy just stopped and he keeps staring at me. What should I do?"

"Stay in the car. Make sure it's locked. Keep the windows up. And if there's an issue call 911. I can stay on 'til then. I'm still a little ways away. Remember, he probably just wants to help."

"I don't think so. Hurry, Jackson. Please!"

"Hello there, pretty lady. Looks like you're in quite a fix. Why don't you open the door and let me give you a hand. Just trying to be a good neighbor, you know."

Yelling through the closed window,"Thanks, but the tow truck is coming soon and my boyfriend's almost here..."

"Sure he is... Now just be a good girl and open the door and I'll get you and your car all fixed up."

"No thanks. Just go away, I'll be fine. He'll be here any second."

"Sure he is. Now OPEN THE DOOR!"

"I'm calling 911." She scrambled over the console to the downhill side of the car and huddled there.

"Be my guest. They're all tied up with that huge wreck on 95. Not likely they'll respond very quickly. They'll be busy for quite a while. Hang on, dear." He pulled a long hunting knife out of the sheath under his coat and she gasped. "Jackson! He has a knife!"

"Just keep the doors locked. Did you call 911?"

"I... I... No!"

"Hang up and do it, NOW! I'll be there in a couple of minutes."

Using the handle, the man hit the driver's window in the corners until it broke and then reached for the unlock button.

He hit unlock with his right hand, Taylor immediately locked it with her key fob. They both held their buttons down and he pulled on the door with his left until finally he won and it opened. "Looks like I win, girlie."

Taylor screamed as he reached in for her. The front of Jackson's truck with the brush guard on it hit him and dragged his right arm across the broken glass, ripping the sleeve of his leather jacket and the flesh underneath. He bellowed in pain as Jackson jumped out of his truck and confronted him. "Taylor, call 911."

"I'm on hold."

"Dial again!" She obeyed.

"You fucking piece of dog shit! Look what you did to my arm! Fuck. Looks like you're going to have to pay for that. I'd call this self defense. He moved towards Jackson holding his knife in a stabbing motion. He lunged at Jackson's middle figuring an easy stick.

Jackson took a quick step back, but his heel caught on a tussock of grass and he went down on his back. As Jackson was falling the man moved forward. "Got you now, you bastard. Hope you liked breathing." He dove towards Jackson, but landed on the ground and buried his knife into the dirt. Jackson had continued his roll and was standing. As the man landed, Jackson moved forward, pummeled him with punches and a couple of kicks and he lay still--moaning.

Taylor stared. Then, "Jackson! Thank God you came. I... I can't get out." Crying, "The door won't open! The door won't open!"

"Sit tight just a second. Let me back up my truck, get this guy tied up... Did you get the sheriff?"

"Yes, he said they'd be here as quickly as they could. I'm still on the line with the operator. Yes, Ma'am, I'm okay. I'm safe now."

Jackson backed his truck up, rummaged around behind the seat for a moment and extracted several heavy duty cable ties. He used these to double secure the hands of the assailant and the ankles as well. Then ran around the car, yanked on the passenger door, which opened part way before hitting dirt and helped Taylor squeeze out.

She jumped into his arms with a death grip. "I knew you would come! I knew you would come!" He stroked her hair.

"It's all over, Taylor. You're fine. You did great. You were very brave."

"Bull shit, Jackson. I was scared to death."

"You did great. It's over. Take a few deep breaths. I hear the sirens now. We're fine. Then we just need to figure out the car." He helped her up to the side of the ditch to the shoulder of the road as the police car pulled up.

The officer jumped out, gun in hand. "You! On your knees, hands behind your head."

Jackson let go of Taylor and complied. "No officer, this is my boyfriend, he..."

"Taylor, it's alright. He needs to secure the scene. The officer looked at him, but stepped forward and cuffed one hand and then the other behind his back. "Okay, get up. I'm going to put you in the back seat until we sort things out."

"I understand, Officer." And he was marched to the patrol car and slid into the back seat. The door was shut.

The officer turned to Taylor, "Are you okay, Miss. Are you hurt?" She shook her head. "May I see some identification?" She nodded.

"It's in the car. Should I hang up with the 911 operator?"

He reached for the phone, "Hello? Oh, Sharon. Will here. Yeah. So who's the good guy? Jackson?" Taylor pointed towards the patrol car. "Yeah, she's fine. This other guy is out and secured with ties. I need to check him. Arm's kinda cut up. Not sure about the ambulance, hang on a second."

He walked over to the leather jacket guy and rolled him over. "Dwayne! Should have known it. Wake up, Dwayne!"

He woke up. "God am I glad you're here, Officer. I stopped to help that lady and he hit me with his truck then beat me up. He slammed my head against the window and broke it. All I wanted to do was help. And look what he did to my arm!"

"Crap! Sharon, I need to take Dwayne to the ED. As busy as they are I'll be there forever. No, wait. Here's John. He can take him and I'll take these two for a statement. John, take Dwayne to the ED. Cuff him, take those zips off. Looks like assault, attempted sexual assault, malicious damage, hell, I don't know what all.

"Miss?"

"Taylor Logan."

"Can you join?..."

"Jackson Barrett."

"Grab your purse and anything else of value in the car, yeah, suitcase too, and join him in the back?"

She climbed into the back seat. "Jackson, you saved me again." She reached over an hugged him. "Thank you, thank you."

"So how long have you two been together?"

She looked at Jackson. "Starting right here, right now, for as long as he'll have me." No settling. Time to pursue, not be pursued. He was going to be hers whether he liked it or not, but she was pretty sure he'd want to--she'd make sure of that. Time to step up. Pursue. Lead. Go for what she wanted.

She squeezed his arm since his arms were behind his back. The officer smiled.

Six hours later they were dropped off back at the truck. The car had been hauled to the shop about ten miles away. Front end all out of whack and stabilizer arm broken. A week or so to fix. Plus the window and locking mechanism, which might require a new door.

"Jackson, thank you."

"So what now, boss. Home?"

"I guess." Tears welled up, "But it's my parents' thirtieth anniversary and my whole family'll be there."

"Where's it at?"

"At the country club. They live outside of Providence, Homer."

"I'm a little rough on my New England geography, but that's what, three hours from here or something?"

"Two and a half? A little more, maybe?"

"Well, I can take you. I'll drop you off and then I can come back when you want me to pick you up..."

She stared at him. "You would do that?"

"Sure. Always wanted to see more of this part of the country. Here's my chance. Never been to Rhode Island."

"Fibber! It's interstate all the way. Nothing to see."

"Drat, but I can do it anyway. I mean, all I have to do is put together a report of for work and online work for summer school. I can do that tonight. So no problema. Oh, and you didn't ask, I offered. So climb into the beast and we'll head out. I apologize in advance for all the Christmas trees."

She turned red at the reminder, but reached for him, "Jackson..." she pulled him into a kiss and held him there. A car went by and beeped its horn. She didn't care. She'd been thinking of this since she awoke in his bed. Their tongues probed. Perfect, just like she'd imagined. "Holy shit, Jackson. We'd better go or I am going to drag you into the bushes and have you put a few tractor hours on me. Whatever the hell that means."

He laughed. "Sure is tempting. Have to confess, the thought has crossed my mind a time or two since I cleaned all that vomit off you..."

"Jackson! You had to bring that up? What, do you have a thing for barf covered women?"

"Well there is this website..."

"I'm sure there is," but she smiled and kissed him again.

"Tempting, but let's go. Don't want you to be late for the Logan shindig." She smiled and hugged him. She didn't want to lose touch with him for even a moment.

"Turn right at the corner, Jackson."

"Whoa! Quite the neighborhood, Taylor."

"Yeah, there's the shack I grew up in."

"Just a little, five thousand square foot shack?"

"Something like that. It was hard. So, so hard. Instead of getting up and milking the cows I had to get up and do my nails, hair... you know."

He laughed, "I'm sorry life was so tough on you."

"Just pull your truck around back. That's where the deliveries go." He gave her an odd look, but she reached out and touched his arm. "No way, Jackson. You're my front door man--always. But that's actually where we park and go in this place."

He pulled around and parked, went around and opened her truck door and assisted her out. Her mom was at the window and smiled and thought to herself, 'My, my. My kind of guy. But what the heck happened? He's all covered with dirt? And this guy doesn't seem like the Carl she'd talked about.'

She watched as Jackson grabbed her suitcase, took her arm and went up the steps to the door at the side of the garages. Jackson glanced at her. He set her bag down, "So what time do you want me to pick you up on Sunday?"

She held him, "Jackson, I..."

The door opened and a woman around fifty or so emerged. Long hair with just a few strands of gray, just a touch of makeup--natural looking, ageless, like Taylor. "Taylor!" She grabbed her into an embrace and held her. "I have missed you so dang much! Thanks for coming. The whole crew is already here. What took you so long?"

"A long story, Mom."

Turning, "And you must be Carl. So happy to finally meet you. Dating a year and Taylor has told me..." giving a scolding look to her daughter, "practically nothing about you. Hi, I'm Olivia Logan." She stepped forward and hugged him.

"Uh, no, Ma'am. Sorry. I'm Jackson."

Looking back at her daughter, "Jackson?"

"Even longer story, Mom. My car had... and then I had... Anyway, Jackson helped me out and drove me here."

"And at what point did you decide to roll in the dirt, Jackson?" Smiling, "Or is that how you usually dress for parties? Those duds of yours need to go to the cleaners. Or the trash."

"Sorry, Ma'am, I..."

"Mom, is it alright if he stays for a bit?"

"Absolutely!" She looked at Jackson and took him all in. He needs to stay; more than a bit. She wanted to get to know this guy. This might be just the guy for Taylor. Help her grow some; take those next steps. No little kid here. "I insist. In fact, it's getting late so I insist you spend the night."

"Uh, sorry, Ma'am." Looking at Taylor, "I'm just the chauffeur. I don't want to impose. It's a family thing... or at least that's what Taylor said, and I know how important it is for family to have time together."

"Jackson, if you don't stay you're going to hurt my feelings." Reaching up and blotting her eyes, "And Taylor can tell you how sensitive I am."

"Mom! Knock it off!"

"No, seriously, Jackson. You're welcome to stay and it seems like there's a story I need to unravel that my daughter is unlikely to share unless you're here. I do have to warn you that her brother and one of her sisters and some spouses and a couple kids are here.

"We're about to head out for dinner and you need to join the celebration, spend the night. It's too late to drive ALL the way back to the city. There will be chaos and confusion. Can you handle it?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Smiling, "I come from a good sized family with a lot of relatives nearby, so I'm very used to the chaos and confusion. But..." looking at Taylor again, "I should probably go."

"Taylor! Make this guy stay."

"Sure, Mom, I know how bad it would be for your liver and kidneys or whatever."

"Taylor, I don't... Yes, I have been quite ill and would find it most upsetting if you didn't stay." Laughing, "Please stay, Jackson. I have the feeling we're going to see a good bit of you so best to get to know you, I think."

He looked at Taylor, who nodded. "Sure, Mrs. Logan. I'd love to stay." Smiling, "especially if it'll help your liver. But," looking at his clothes, "I didn't bring anything appropriate for a dinner at a country club. I came as soon as she called."

"We'll figure it out. I assume you don't wear dress up clothes like that to class..."

"Actually I do, most of the time. My Dad always said to dress for school like you'd dress for work. You know, like you're serious and there to get the job done, but today I left right from work."

"That's perfect. We'll swing by the store on the way and grab a shirt and pants. And... you can wear one of Grant's ties, the club has coats you can borrow and.." She laughed, "I'd let you borrow one, but you're way too big in the shoulder for any of Grant's or my boy's stuff."

She laughed again, "Jackson you'd look like that movie. You know, the song...'fat man in a little coat?'"

Laughing, "Yes, Ma'am, I'm familiar. John Candy. One of my favorites."

Smiling, "Great! I like this guy more and more, Taylor. So it's settled, you're staying."

Taylor just stared at her mom. This is not what she'd expected. "So, Jackson, how long have you two been... uh"

He laughed and looked at a wrist watch that wasn't there, "Well, what, Taylor, the police dropped us off back at my truck about three hours ago?"

"Jackson! No!"

"So, about three hours, Ma'am."

Her mom looked at Taylor, "Police? Three hours? What about Carl? Yesterday you said..."

Going along with it, "That was this morning, Mom. Out with the old, in with the new..." Squeezing his arm, "and greatly improved."

Looking back at Jackson, "Small town, Georgia, Jackson?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Burke County. Well, outside Augusta, near Clarkesville. Along the river, well, it's not much of a river. It's actually called a creek, but it's bigger than that."

She smiled at him. "Well, I've been to Augusta. I confess I missed Clarkesville on my visit. Let me see your hands." She looked at his calloused hands and thick fingers. Still calloused after his years of school. "Hmmm. Farmer?"

"Dairy, Ma'am. But we do grow our own hay, corn and some other cash crops depending on the markets."

"You ARE staying, Jackson," laughing, "Or I'll have the police come see you again. Now give me another hug and get in here. You have to meet everyone and then we're going to get to the bottom of this, Taylor. I suspect you two have quite the story to tell. We'll figure out clothes later.

"So, Taylor, where did you meet this good ole boy from Georgia?"

Winking at Jackson, "Well, HE met me at this sleazy, run down bar in the middle of God knows where, but actually, to be perfectly honest, I didn't meet him the next morning when I woke up in his bed--in his tee shirt and sweats."

Olivia looked hard at Taylor with a mix of concern and fear of what she might hear. "Taylor Logan! You get your ass in here and tell us this tale. I don't give a darn if we're late for dinner or not."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Oh, cut the crap. You've never been respectful in your life."

"... So, the policeman dropped us off at Jackson's truck. He volunteered to drive me here... Carl's out... Jackson's in... and he probably saved my life twice in, well, about a month or something. End of story."

They all looked at Jackson who had turned redder and redder. Olivia got up and Jackson immediately stood. She crossed to him and hugged him, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Jackson. Thank you more than I can ever say. If anything had happened to Taylor... or if she had just disappeared... my God, I can't even imagine... Thank you.

"I'm shaking, shaking just thinking about it. If there's anything we can do to help you, ever, you just name it. And you are officially a member of this family."

"Uh, thank you, Ma'am, uh, Olivia. I was just glad to help out. Taylor is something special to be sure." Chuckling, "Although she does seem to have a knack for getting me into trouble.

"I mean the first time I had to talk like crazy to convince her not to call the police. She was sure I had done something... inappropriate. This time I get handcuffed, placed in a cell, finger printed and a mug shot before they took my statement."

Shaking his head, "Next time it'll probably thirty days in the slammer! IF I'm lucky."

He heard Taylor gasp. "They put you in a cell?" He nodded. She started to laugh, "They gave me a soda and some cookies because I had been through such a terrifying experience." Everyone joined in and Jackson just shook his head.

"Well, we better head out for dinner. Jackson, you've done enough driving for one day. You're coming with Grant and I and we'll swing by the clothes store. Maybe I can keep Taylor out of trouble, at least for a few hours so you can take the evening off from your bodyguard duties. Taylor, Hon, will you help me get my purse from the bedroom?"

"Sure, Mom." She put a dread filled look on her face behind her mom and grabbed her neck. The others laughed.

Walking down the hall she joined her mom in the bedroom. "Close the door, Hon. Thanks. WHAT THE HELL, TAYLOR! Two near death experiences in what, a month? What the hell are you doing?"

"Well, to be fair, I kind of missed the first one. And I was supposed to meet Carl there. The second one was a flat tire."

"But you should have started with a full tank of gas or gotten off at an exit where there were plenty of gas stations! You need to pay more attention."

"Yes, Mom. I've learned some valuable lessons."

"Don't be a wise ass. God, if anything had happened to you..." Taylor stepped forward and hugged her.

"I'm fine, Mom. Really. And I'll be more careful. Promise."

"I hope you thanked the heck out of him after the first time and got him a gift or took him out to eat or something..."

Looking ashamed, "I went back to his place after I got my car and thanked him. But then, nothing else."

"What do you mean nothing else? You didn't do... anything? He could have been really hurt or even killed saving you." Taylor teared up and shook her head. "Why not? Why on earth not?"

"Because I was afraid. Afraid I would feel the way I feel right now. Mom, I haven't been able to think of anything but him since I woke up at his place. But I'd been dating Carl for a year and I just thought I was being silly. And then today Carl wouldn't come to help and Jackson just left work and came immediately..."

"Settling and settled in! Dammit, Taylor! You dated so many losers and stayed with them--you just settled. But as a result you missed out on all the good guys that wanted to go out with you. Damn! I thought you'd grow out of this. You are beautiful, wonderful, kind hearted..."

"Please go on, Ma'am."

"I could just crack you! But I'm serious, Taylor! So Jackson..."

"Mom, you don't know the half of it. He's like Riggs."

"Like 'Lethal Weapon' Riggs? She nodded.

"It's real dark in the back of that bar. He didn't know who I was, what I looked like... nothing. AND he was on a date. She told him if he went back to help me she was going to be in bed with this guy at the bar within an hour."

"Nice girl."

"And, Mom, he didn't say anything about it out there. Made it sound like he just sort of walked up and rescued me, but I went back to get my car and stuff the next day and talked to the bartender? Mom! There were five or six big guys and they attacked him and the bartender said in thirty seconds the fight was over. Four down, two walking away, no significant injuries.

"Carl came over to pick me up and jacked Jackson up against the wall. Jackson asked him not to do it, but then, BAM! In two seconds, Carl was down and had a foot on his throat!"

"The guy today had a knife! A giant friggin' knife! This big! He stabbed at Jackson and I thought he was dead, but a couple seconds later, no knife and the guy was out cold."

"My goodness! But he didn't really hurt any of them?" She shook her head. "Good man. Controlled. Looks like your guardian angel sent the right guy to help you."

"But, Mom! I just don't know what to do. His eyes, his face, his laugh... Mom, I would do anything, anything he asked me to do, but I know that he just wants to be with me.

"That's enough. I'm a goner, Mom. And I know absolutely nothing about him. I'd marry him tomorrow if he asked, I'm sure of it. Or live with him or... whatever."

"But he won't. He'll do it all properly and stuff, right?" She nodded. "So you two haven't..."

She shook her head. "We kissed once--after the police dropped us off. Never been on a date, talked on the phone or anything."

"Do you two want to be in the same room tonight, so you can... talk?"

"More than anything."

"But he won't. Not proper."

She shook her head. "I don't think so." Smiling, "But maybe if I had him drive me out to that old lovers lane place..."

Shaking her head, "Taylor, Taylor. My little girl. You're not even supposed to know about that place. I really like this guy. He... I don't know, he just feels 'good', 'right' or something. He's got his crap together. Likes who he is and where he's from." They both laughed and hugged. "I feel good about this, Taylor. But you realize if you do this, and it works out you'll have to live in Georgia."

"What? That's so far away... I..."

Touching her arm, "I suspect he'll live wherever you want, Taylor, and he'll make due. But he won't be happy. Look at him, Taylor, he's got farming in his blood. He's got to be close to the earth, I'd bet. Why is he way the heck up here in the North anyway?"

"Getting his MBA from Columbia."

"Really? So not a slouch."

Laughing, "God, Mom! You won't believe what he told his date when she got ready to go see that guy. He told her it was probably just as well. His minister told him that when you sleep with someone, you're sleeping with all the folks who went before, which I guess is kind of true in a bunch of ways. He said he didn't like crowds, so he'd better stay away anyway."

Her mom started laughing hard enough for tears to come, "He didn't! Jackson? THAT Jackson said that? He must have been really ticked." She laughed and nodded.

"The girl yelled at him and then he told her something about when you need a new tractor you don't want a brand new one because of... and I didn't really get it... you don't want a brand new one because of the break in period, changing the fluids and stuff. I don't know.

"And you don't want one with thousands of hours on it that hasn't been properly maintained. You don't want to take on someone else's problems. You want one that's broken in, but not broken, I guess. I don't know." Her mom doubled up in laughter again.

"What, Mom? Why is that so funny? I still don't get it."

"Hon, it used to be that if you bought a new car... or a boat engine's the same way... and I guess a tractor... there was a break in period. Couldn't go too fast, couldn't go too slow, couldn't drive the same speed all the time... and at just a thousand miles or so many hours for a tractor engine you had to change the oil, filters, grease it all up and all that stuff. It was a pain. You don't have to do that any more, with cars anyway. That's what he was talking about. So he wanted a new tractor that was already broken in and had some hours in the field doing work."

"Oh, so he was saying she..."

Laughing, "Exactly! Who the hell would come up with that? We have to go! We really have to go!" There was a knock on the door. "We're coming, Grant." She hugged Taylor. "Hang in there. This could be a really good thing. As long as you don't get yourself killed!

"And," winking at her, "I'm going to pepper his ass with so many mother questions his head'll be spinning and we'll know all about this guy. Yup, we're going to know a whole lot about this boy from Georgia before the night is through.

"Oh, and I'm going to make him sleep on the couch in the basement. All alone. No one else around... He'll be all lonely and stuff...."

She swatted her mom. "Mom, I'm not like that!"

"I was, in college, so why not you?"

Scrutinizing her mom, "Really? You were? But not too many questions, okay?"

"Oh, I'm obligated. But get ready, I'll bet you dollars to donuts that before long, you're in Georgia and his mom'll be working YOU over."

"You think?"

"Yup. But relax and enjoy, dear. This guy will never break your heart, but if it's not working as you get to know each other..."

"No settling."

"Right. Let's head out."

As they rejoined the group and headed for the car, "Sorry. Guess we'll be a little late but I had to make sure that Taylor doesn't make the same mistakes Willow did."

"Mom!"

"Kidding, Willow. And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! TO ME! And of course to my honey, Grant. Thank you, Grant, for thirty years, well actually a year and a half of dating before that, of the most wonderful years I could have ever imagined. I love you more now than the day we got married." She kissed him. Long, slow.

"Alright! Enough of that or we'll be skipping dinner." Taking Jackson's arm she led him to their Forerunner. "Jackson, we have to talk."

"Yes, Ma'am." He opened her door and then Taylor's. Her mom smiled.

She handed him a full sheet of paper with numbers down the left. "I have a few questions for you, Jackson. Let's start with the first one, shall we?"

He glanced down at the sheet. "Uh, sure, Ma'am."

"Mom!"

Taking the paper back, "Just kidding. My 'to do' list. So, Jackson, tell me about your family..."

Ten minutes later, "Grant. Stop at the clothes store. I know we're late, but this'll only take a few minutes. Call the club and explain. Jackson! Come with me."

She grabbed Jackson's arm and dragged him into the store and up to the racks. Shirt size."

"Uh, seventeen and a half, thirty-six arm."

"Here. Wear this one to the club. This one tomorrow. Pants?"

"Thirty-six, thirty-four's, Ma'am."

She smiled. "Here, for tonight. Here're some jeans for tomorrow." She dashed over and grabbed a pack of underwear, a pack of socks, "Shoe size?"

"Thirteen."

She handed Taylor a box of cross trainers. "You've got a belt... we've got everything else."

"Ma'am, I..."

"Hush, Jackson. Think of it as a reward for saving my wayward daughter." She took things to the counter. "Hi, James. Could you ring this shirt and pants up first? Good. Thanks." Handing them to Jackson, "Go to the dressing room and put these on..." winking, "and don't spend too much time looking at yourself in the mirror like Taylor."

He smiled, "No, Ma'am. I suspect we'd be very late."

Olivia laughed. Taylor acted offended, "Jackson! I'm going to hit you with a stick if you keep it up." Then laughed, "But I guess I'll have to do it while you're asleep."

In moments he came back out. Olivia grabbed his dirty clothes, stuffed them in a separate bag and they were off to the country club.

Returning home, "Mrs. Logan..."

"Olivia!"

"Sorry, habit, Ma... Olivia, Mr. Logan, the dinner was terrific and I had more fun than I've had in a long time. I don't get home much, not much time off, what with work and all, so it was great to be able to join in with ya'll."

Shaking hands with all the men, "And it was great meeting all of you as well and thanks for making me feel so welcomed. I... well, I," quickly looking at Taylor for some kind of sign, "I need to be heading back to the city first thing so I'll probably miss some of you." Chuckling, "Except you folks with the young ones. I figure you'll probably be up at first light. So thank you."

"Jackson, we've voted on it. You're not leaving until Sunday. It's settled." Holding up her hand, "No further discussion will be tolerated. You know the problem I'm having with my colon..."

Everyone looked at her, questioning. Smiling, "I thought it was liver and kidneys, Ma'am."

Laughing, "Well, parts is parts as they say. But if you attempt to leave we'll flatten your tires or something. Taylor has some expertise in that. Only problem, Jackson is that these guys," waving her hand at the assembled family, "have taken all the bedrooms." The others all glanced at her questioningly, "And it wouldn't be proper for you to be in Taylor's room, right?"

"No, Ma'am."

"So I guess you'll have to sleep in the truck. Ever done that before?"

"Sure, plenty of times. Uh, when I first got to school I, well I had no money so had to sleep in my truck for a while until I could afford a place to sleep. The dorms were a little pricey."

"Goodness, Jackson. But you won't have to sleep in your truck tonight. There's a pull out couch downstairs. Taylor come with Jackson and I as we make up the bed."

The trio headed down the steps to the finished basement. "Jackson, there's a shower in there and should be a new toothbrush. We never know what to do with the bag of stuff the dentist always gives out. Hate those tiny brushes they give you. Taylor, get some towels.

"Now, Jackson, I'm a little ashamed to say it, this IS a pull out bed, but the mattress really sucks." Smiling at him and whispering, "This is usually where we put the relatives we don't like."

"I understand," and laughed.

"Actually, I think you'd be more comfortable sleeping on the cushions. I'll get some sheets and a blanket. What do you think?"

"It'll be fine, Ma'am. Anything is fine. Really, I don't want to be... I can sleep most anywhere."

"Stop, Jackson. After what you've done for Taylor, for me," tears suddenly filling her eyes, "I should be giving you anything, everything. I should make Taylor sleep down here and give you her room." She stepped forward and hugged him yet again. "Thank you, Jackson." He hugged her back and felt a tear on his neck. "I'll never be able to say it enough. You will always be welcomed here."

"I'm just glad I was there."

Sighing and pulling away. "There is a fridge over there with things to drink, snacks in the cupboard, and, well, we'll figure out anything else tomorrow."

"Thank you, Olivia. Your family is terrific. Thank you for everything."

She kissed his cheek, then winking, "Sleep tight, Jackson." He looked at her questioningly. Trying to make sense of the tone in her voice. "Well, I'm headed off to bed. I have something special planned for your father."

"Mom!"

"Kidding, my dear." Not. "Sorry we don't have anything for you to sleep in. You're just too darn big. We'll figure it out tomorrow."

"Jackson, I have your tee shirt and sweat pants. I'll go get them and be right back." Her mom looked at her. Smiled. Yup, she's made her choice. But this one seems like a good one, leveling up instead of settling.

Taylor ran upstairs to the second floor, stripped off her clothes, jumped in her own shower and quickly washed off. Hair combed out, a dash of perfume, deodorant, a final check to make sure everything was shaved, on with her pajamas, grabbed Jackson's things and ran back down the stairs where her mom was waiting.

"Oh! Mom! I thought..."

Scanning her daughter. "Missing a couple articles of clothing aren't you, Taylor?"

"Mom, I..."

She hugged her. "It's fine, Taylor. You two have a lot to, uh, 'discuss', I'd imagine. But take your time, Hon. There's no reason to rush to the finish line... and you know he'll respect that. And, Taylor, I don't think this is 'settling,' I think he is what you see, but make sure. It doesn't have to be forever."

"I will take it as it comes, Mom. But I can't imagine ever being without him."

"Good. Don't rush it. See you in the morning. Love you."

"Love you too, Mom. And thanks. Thanks for being my mom and always being there, and always understanding and..." she teared up. They hugged each other and shared their love--mother, daughter, friend.

"Get out of here. You're gonna make me look all weepy when I go in to see your dad. And there's a guy in a towel down there..."

"Right." She ran down the stairs as Jackson emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. She stared at him. Slim, big shoulders, small waist. Muscles everywhere, long and proportional, the kind from hard work and not the weight room. She couldn't stop looking at him, but then noticed he was staring at her as well.

"What, Jackson? Do I have a piece of food stuck somewhere or something?"

"No, you're just beautiful. I noticed it when I picked you up and carried you out of the bar and when I sat at your bedside all night making sure you were okay. You get more magnificent every time I see you."

She blushed. Her fears of what he might think about her, her body were easing. "Jackson, I... Dammit, Jackson, you need to kiss me again. Right! Now! You're driving me crazy. I haven't been able to think about anything or anyone else since I woke in your bed."

"I feel just the same."

"Why didn't you call me? Stop by..."

She paused and they said together, "Because I was with Carl."

"Because you were with Carl."

"And that would have been inappropriate, a violation of the honor code..." He nodded. "Well, Jackson Barrett, I am one hundred percent yours now, if... if you'll have me. And I hope... Dammit, Jackson, you need to show me how you Georgia boys treat the women you care for. Starting now!"

He pulled her into and embrace. She felt his strong arms enfold her, wrap her up, as he squeezed her to himself and she molded herself him. His embrace was firm, but gentle and then lifting her head from his shoulder, standing on her toes they kissed.

She squeezed him tighter and probed with her tongue, through his lips and met his. A hum escaped from the back of her throat. Wonderful, perfect. She loved his lips and the way he kissed.

Carl had been--she erased all thoughts of Carl. There was only Jackson.

She moved her hands to the sides of his face and held tight, afraid he would stop, break their kiss, but he didn't. She moaned slightly as she got more excited and finally broke it herself. "Jackson, can we move to the couch? I need to feel you. I feel safe in your arms and I need that tonight. After what happened today... It... it keeps replaying in my mind. Please!"

They moved together to the couch and the kissing continued. Her hands explored his arms, back, chest, even his thighs. No covering. Free for her to explore. Perfect, just perfect! Suddenly she realized that his hands weren't moving much. "Jackson? What's wrong?"

"Taylor, I want you too... I want you so badly, like never in my life, but..."

"It's not right. You don't want to do it with my folks upstairs." He nodded. "Jackson, my mom's up there doing it. My brother and his wife are doing it. My sister... well, probably not because the kids are in with them. But they would have."

Holding his face and looking into his eyes, "It's alright. My mom was going to put us both in my bedroom."

"What!"

Smiling, "I'm guessing your mom wouldn't?"

"I... I don't know, I guess, maybe?"

"And, yes, we have another bedroom. But we knew you wouldn't go for it either so she put you down here and essentially told me to stay here."

"But..."

"But nothing, Jackson. You are going to do this! WE are going to do this. I need to feel you. You've been all I thought about since I woke up at your place." Laughing, "Well, after I checked myself and realized that you hadn't done anything creepy." He smiled. "Jackson, you scare the crap out of me. I've never felt like this before. And I know you feel something. I can see it in your eyes. My mom saw it too.

"I need you, Jackson. I need you to make love to me. I need you to make me feel safe. Take away my fears. Please..." In answer he kissed her again and his hands started moving, exploring. Her face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands. He caressed each in turn, turning them on and lighting them up, trying to hit every square inch.

He slid his hands under her top and felt all of her back--shoulders, upper, lower. His fingers sliding gently across. Feeling each bone, each soft spot. Learning every square inch of her. Slowly, patiently building her up, involving every part of her in their love making, igniting her excitement, never breaking their kiss.

On to her sides, creeping closer and closer to her breasts and then his thumbs started rubbing the outside fullness of her breasts, his index slid into the crease underneath from her side to her chest and back. Gently cupping her breasts, soft, fluffy.

She got very nervous. Her breasts were not the hard, firm breasts of many young women. They sort of slid out the bottom and the nipple rolled up some. A little droopy. Not bullets like in the movies. She was always afraid to lie down because instead of staring straight ahead they slid out to the side. What if he didn't like them?

He slid his fingers across them, using the backs because of their smoothness--no callouses. Finally, the back of his index slid across her nipple, gently, back and forth. She squeezed him harder and sighed.

He re-cupped her breasts and she grabbed both of his hands, pinned them firmly to her breasts and moaned. Then separating, she broke her rule and yanked off her top and bottoms. He looked and froze for a second. Worry filled her; thoughts flashed through her mind. He could see them, evaluate them. What would he think? Why had she done this? Maybe she should have turned all the lights off, kept a bra on..."Jackson, you have to stop doing this to me. What is it?"

"You! You're what's the matter. You're just so beautiful, wonderful... Your breasts... just perfect.

A wave of relief washed over her. He liked them! He thought they were beautiful! She laughed, "Well, in that case, it's okay. But your break is over, back to work." He cupped her breasts and once again she squeezed his hands against herself and moaned.

Her hand slid down to his thigh and she could feel his hardness through the towel. Finding the crease she reached her hand in and wrapped her fingers around his shaft and moaned once more. Nice, very nice. Stroking. Up and down. Slowly at first, but then started picking up her pace as her excitement grew.

Letting go for a second, she grabbed his hand and stuck it between her thighs. He started sliding his finger tips across her thighs, one thigh and then the other, getting closer and closer to the center. Up one thigh, across and down the other moving towards her center with each circuit.

As he moved closer, her skin lit up in anticipation of where his fingers would touch next. Her excitement along with her breathing increased with each circuit as he neared the center. She groaned waiting for him to touch her. Hoping he would like it.

He rubbed his finger tips across her labia, feeling each in turn, then slid them apart and tickled her inner lips--gently holding one and then the other between the length of his thumb and index and sliding along. "You feel lovely, Taylor."

She paused for a moment. That caught her off guard. She'd always been embarrassed by those redundant inner lips. When she went online, it seemed like none of the women were built like she was. She was too embarrassed to ask anyone about it, even her mom or her doctor. And Carl, Carl had asked her if she ever considered having them reduced. Could you even do that without messing things up? She winced just thinking about it.

But Jackson was fine with them. He said they were lovely! Her whole body caught on fire. Jackson thought ALL of her was beautiful! Her self doubts and embarrassment disappeared. She resumed her stroking and ran a finger through the drop of fluid at the end.

Closer, closer. He placed his palm on her clit and labia and pressed. Then slowly rocked back and forth. She moaned again. Taking her cue, a finger separated from his palm and slid into her waiting opening. First the tip, then the next time his hand went south it slid up to his knuckle then back out. On the next pressure push, he buried it and started rocking back and forth, sliding his finger in and out. "You feel wonderful, Taylor."

He did it again! No one had ever commented on it. No one had ever mentioned how she felt in there--good, bad or indifferent. Now she knew! He said she felt 'wonderful.'

He was stroking her ego as he stroked her body. She was flooded with joy as the excitement in her groin built. Her self doubt, the feeling of, 'will he like me,' 'will he like my body' evaporated and her excitement grew further. A second finger was added and she trembled as pleasure rippled through her.

"Enough, Jackson. Quit torturing me. The anticipation is great, but you have thirty seconds to get this guy in me and use him the way I'm sure you know how. I need my fluids changed or filters or hours or whatever the hell you were talking about with the tractors."

"You need a few more hours on your tractor?"

"Whatever! Ten seconds left. Please!"

He lifted her right leg onto the back of the couch, held the left one out to the side as he slid between her thighs. She reached down, latched onto him and pulled him to her opening. Sliding between her labia, in a little... out. In a little more, out.

On the third one she grabbed his back and pulled him down. In most of the way, then out. He came in again and she arched up meeting him pubis to pubis. She groaned. "Oh, God, Jackson, you feel perfect. A perfect fit. Just like I imagined."

She pushed him away, then pulled him close again. Feeling, familiarizing, learning. She groaned as more little waves of pleasure rippled through her. "Jackson, oh my Jackson. However was I so lucky?"

"You deserved me."

She laughed quietly, "No, Jackson, we deserve each other. Now quit distracting me and focus on your duties."

"Yes, Ma'am." He moved faster, a little harder, almost bottoming each time. She started moving up to meet him, coaxing him into a quicker pace. She wrapped her legs around him and brought her ankles together, rotating her thighs up higher towards her head so he could pierce her even more deeply.

Squeezing him closer and pushing down with her heels guiding his speed and depth, ensuring his thrust never went very far out. Her tiny frame was invisible underneath him. Covered like a blanket. Only her legs and arms could be seen.

Her fingers on his back started squeezing tighter as the pressure built. Without thinking, lost in her own world of building pleasure, her nails dug into him and she clawed at him, pulling hard as the pressure suddenly built and then released.

She moaned loudly as the wave of pleasure swept through her, engulfing her world and blocking out everything else. He slowed for a bit, then sped up causing additional small ripples of pleasure until he suddenly thrust forward and air escaped forcefully from the back of his throat. His motions stopped for a moment and he slowly resumed as his seed shot into her.

This was enough to get her excited again and she thrust herself up quickly, up and down and in just a moment pleasure ripped through her once again. "Jackson. Jackson. I'm going to need a lot of hours. A whole lot of hours.."

She relaxed and lay still. She squeezed him tight and kissed him again. "Wonderful, Jackson. Just. Wonderful."

"Yes, yes it was."

"Can you just stay there for a few minutes?"

"Of course. It's not the end of the story, just the denouement, right?"

"Whatever. Just stay there. How did you learn all that English stuff."

"Well, in my one room school house..."

"Oh, you're so full of crap!"

"Actually the schools were pretty small. I mean there's only like twenty-five thousand or so total folks in the county. And they'd paddle us..."

"Stop. I retract my question. But it's time for you to kiss me again and you need to move some since you're not filling me up like you're supposed to, country boy."

They kissed and he held her, still between her legs. His lips slid to her ears, her neck, and then her breasts; pulling one at a time back to the center so he had access to both of them.. He again circled around with his finger tips, but his lips zeroed in on her nipple.

She moaned, already starting to ramp up, his hands remained on her breasts, but his lips slid south. Her sternum, the cleft in the middle of her abdomen. She played with his hair as he drew a straight line with his lips down the center.

His hands started on her thighs again as his mouth lingered on her navel, then drifted south onto her mound. As he approached the top of her cleft, she grabbed his hair and lifted his head and he saw tears in her eyes. "Jackson, you don't have to. I mean it's alright if you don't."

"You don't want me to?"

"No, I'd love it, it's just that..."

"It's ugly, it's gross, it smells like fish... several bad experiences?" She nodded.

He spread her legs and looked at her. "It's beautiful, Taylor. Like the rest of you. It's part of you." He lifted his fingers to his nose, "It smells like it's supposed to. Fifty percent of the people on the planet smell like that. So why would it be a problem? In fact, I want a poster for my wall."

Laughing, "Well, I guess if my face isn't in it..." She thought back to her college dates and all the statements that had undermined her confidence, made her doubt herself, made her ashamed of her body. Douches, perfumes, deodorants, but the smell was still there during sex.

And Carl... he had refused to go anywhere near her except with a finger and his dick and then he immediately washed off. What an ass, she thought. Why did she ever stay with him? She shook her head.

"But what about..."

"The evil, gooey stuff?" She nodded. "Well, it's not like I'm going to grab the crackers." Wiping her tear and smiling. "But it's part of me, right? And if women can swallow it and gay guys seem to like it, I'm pretty sure I won't get warts, weeping sores, or anything..."

Another wave of insecurity evaporated. What had she been thinking? Why did she worry about what some of the guys had said. 'Dammit!,' she thought, 'It's part of me. Love all of me or love none of me!' But there was only one guy she had to keep happy now and he loved ALL of her.

She grabbed his hair, pulled him up and kissed him. "Jackson, thank you. I know it's stupid, but, I've always fretted about... well, fretted about too many things. Makes no sense, I know, but, God, you have made me feel so good. There's only one guy I want to be happy with me... and that's you. Thank you again."

"I overheard my mom and my sister talking one time. She was in tears because of what a guy had said. Made me a lot more aware."

"I should have talked to my mom, I guess, but I'm not sure I would have believed her. It's like..."

"It's like when your mom asks your dad if he likes her new dress. What the hell is he going to say other than she looks great, right?"

"Exactly!"

"Okay, so I'll tell you if I hate the dress, the meal you cooked, your new haircut..."

"Don't you dare! You'll make me cry. I'll have to hide in the closet and not come out."

He laughed, "No, I would never say that, but here's the thing, it's not what you've got, but what you do with it. And, of course, who you do it with. To me, sex is the ultimate sharing between a man and woman. But people never discuss it. They just do whatever seemed to work in the past with their previous lovers..."

"Like your minister said..."

"Right, he was talking about diseases and stuff, but it also fits. People just do what they did and there's rarely any feedback. This is the getting to know you stage. You know the song, 'Getting to know you, getting to know all about you."

She smiled, "Guess you weren't in choir."

He laughed, "No, and for good reasons. But, Taylor, if you want me to do something... tell me. If you don't want me to do something or it hurts or something... tell me. How else will I know. Why let me stumble around and guess?"

'And you'll tell me."

"Uh, no. That would be way too embarrassing."

She pounded his shoulder. "Jackson!"

"No, I'd tell. But mostly I want to avoid things that hurt or cause bleeding. Although, some bleeding like it feels like you did to my back is pretty exciting."

A horrified look on her face, "What? Let me see your back!" He raised onto his knees and twisted. There were scratch marks which had oozed a little from both of her hands. "Oh, God, Jackson. I am so sorry. I didn't even know. I didn't mean to. I've never done that before..."

He put a finger to her lips. "As I said, Taylor. Some pain is okay. If I can get you to the point where you claw my back... well, it makes my wiener feel like the Grinches heart. You know it grew three inches or whatever..."

Shaking her head, "I believe it was sizes, not inches. And you are just the right size. Not too big, not too small..." sighing, "just right. Nice talk, Jackson." She shoved his head down between her legs. "Get busy. All I want to see is your eyeballs peeking over the horizon."

He laughed into her labia and his tongue started to explore. "It's so dark down here... and, wait... I hear an echo. Hello!... lo... lo... lo."

She punched his head, gently. "Nice. Make a girl feel good about herself why don't you?"

"Sorry. I think I need a headlamp."

"Jackson! Quit talking and do your stuff."

He kissed her thighs and started his circuits. She grabbed his head and squeezed it to the center. He chuckled as he explored her crease with his tongue. Here, there, and then moving up to her clit as a finger entered her. She groaned, "Damn, Jackson. I fear you've created a monster."

She stretched and yawned. What a night. Wait! There was light coming through the small basement windows. "Shit! Jackson, I have to go. Crap." She jumped off the couch, kissed him, threw on her pajamas, kissed him again. Carefully avoiding his grasp, she ran up the stairs, then tiptoed up to the second floor, avoiding the squeaky stair and jumped into her own bed.

She never noticed her mom and sister-in-law, Becca, who stood in the kitchen sipping coffee. They looked at each other and laughed.

Taylor listened. All was quiet so she got up, brushed her teeth, showered, brushed her hair, dressed and casually walked back down the stairs being sure to hit the squeaky stair. Day dreaming about the night before she entered the kitchen, looked up and saw her mom and Becca drinking their coffee and eating a donut, staring at her.

"Sleep well, Taylor?"

"Uh, yeah. It's always great to be in my old bed."

The women looked at each other, "Yeah, for like five minutes. Kinda missed the squeaky stair on the way up, didn't you, Taylor?" and both started laughing. Taylor turned bright red. "It's alright, Taylor. So..."

Pulling herself together, "Heavenly. He was just so tuned into me and my fears or insecurities... It was perfect. He was perfect."

"What makes you feel insecure, dear?"

"Topic for another day, Mom, or like never. But it was amazing."

"Oh, she has it bad, Olivia."

Olivia smiled, "Yup. So come with me, Taylor, so we are going to discuss a few things."

"Maaahm," whining. "I haven't even had my coffee yet."

"Bring it with you." They walked to the study and she shut the door. "Insecurities? Taylor, you're a beautiful, smart, loving, wonderful girl."

"Anything else, Mom? There must be more."

Olivia paused and looked at her. "I was wrong. You ARE as big a jerk as your brother."

Taylor hugged her, "Sorry, Mom, couldn't resist."

"Anyway, as I was saying, why would you feel that way? Why didn't you say something?"

"Like, Jackson said last night, it would be like when you ask Dad if he likes your new dress..."

"He said that?" She nodded. "That fella is something else. You're right, very perceptive. So what bothers you?"

"I don't know it's... well, it's like all the girls have these rocket boobs, firm as rocks and mine are soft, slide out and are already droopy. I wish... God I can't believe I'm even discussing it with you... I feel like never taking my bra off so they stay in place."

"Pull everything up and let me take a look."

"Mom! No!"

"Damn, Taylor. I gave birth to you and watched every part of you grow until you finally decided that Mom shouldn't see you anymore. Do it!"

She lifted her shirt and bra and looked away. "Oh my goodness, Taylor. They're awful! I understand. Quick! Cover them up!"

"See! I told you!"

"No, Taylor. They're perfect! C sized and instead of having the nipple dive over the top which maybe looks a bit droopy, your breast has sort of slid out the bottom and your nipple has rotated up. A lot of guys love breasts that look like that. They look like a 'woman's' breast, not a 'girl's' breast."

"Really?"

"What'd Jackson say?"

"He said they were great. Never commented on the shape and..." she turned bright red. "Well, he thought they were fine."

Her mom nodded. "So what else?" Taylor pointed to the area between her legs. "Lips, odor?" Taylor nodded. "Hence all the sprays and unhealthy things you have in your bathroom?" She nodded. "Well, you can thank me for those lips and curse porn movies for showing nothing but women with no big lips or little lips.

"And we all smell pretty much the same, you know unless something not right is going on. It's not like you can snap your fingers and change it. And all that other crap doesn't work worth a hoot once the action starts. What? Did Jackson say something?"

"No! He loved everything about me."

"Good. Taylor, it's like you're not five eight or five ten. You're what, like five one?" She nodded.

"And a quarter."

Her mom laughed. "Of course, that makes all the difference in the world. The point is, we are what we are. And after all, it's not what you've got, but what you do with it. And who you do it with, of course."

She stared at her mom. "What, Taylor? Did I grow a third eye or something?"

"Mom, that is exactly what he told me. Word for word. That's spooky."

"I knew I liked that fella. So, I guess we've got all your body image issues squared away and you can quit body shaming yourself."

"But..."

"But now, daughter of mine, we have to talk about the rest of you. You need to figure out why you're always second guessing yourself, undercutting your abilities, always letting someone else answer the question, lead the group, whatever.

"I've watched you grow up, remember? Sports were the same way. How many times did your coaches yell at you to take the shot? But instead you passed the ball to someone else. You were always afraid you'd shoot and miss, strike out, give the wrong answer, sing off key in the choir...

"I will deny it if you say anything, but you are the smartest, most capable kid I have and I'm just not sure where I screwed up with you, Taylor. Hell, I've always had to give the others crap about sharing and not hogging the ball or whatever. So you think about it. Think hard.

"Maybe I can leave the talking to Jackson about this as well because I can tell he thinks a lot of what kind of person you are and we both know he would tell you exactly what I just told you. Hell, that's why you stayed with that loser Carl so long. You didn't think you deserved a guy like Jackson."

Smiling, "I was kind of like you with your dad. I knew right away he was going to make me drop my knickers and be the only man I let into my honeypot from there on out."

"Honeypot, Mom? Really."

"Well it was," winking, "or at least that's what they told me--well, until you four and a bunch of years changed things." Laughing, "and I used to have rock hard, rocket boobs sitting way up..."

She shoved her mom nearly off the bed. Her mom was still laughing. "I take back everything nice I said about you. You're an ass!" Then hugging her, "But thanks, Mom. I needed this chit chat." Pointing a finger at her, "But if you tell any of the others!"

"My lips are sealed. Well, back to Jackson. Now that you've got him, it's time to crack open that cocoon, spread your wings and fly, my girl. Cast off the old skin or whatever. Be the 'you' we both know you can be.

"Let's go back out. You need to get him some coffee. How's he like it?"

She shrugged. "No idea." They both laughed. "I think he prefers iced tea."

She quietly tip toed down the steps to the basement, a coffee in each hand. She didn't want to wake him if he was still sleeping. Instead he was dripping wet in the middle of the floor, in underpants. Jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, burpees, stretches. Then went through intense, precise movements-- Tai Chi, but faster, harder, always balanced as he moved about the floor, eyes focused straight ahead.

She sat on the steps, fascinated, afraid he would become aware of her watching and stop. She loved the way his body moved. Strong, supple, graceful. He finished and grabbed a towel and started wiping off.

"Sorry. Just wanted to finish up. I try to do it every morning. You look beautiful, by the way."

"You never looked up. How'd you know I was here?"

"Uh, the air shifted some as you opened the door and I saw you come and sit. I hope it was okay."

"What, watching you sweat all over my mom's floor like some male stripper at a club--and no cover charge? It was terrific! I'd like to watch it over and over again." Making herself turn red, "But maybe without the underwear."

He looked at her and smiled, "Well, the show airs first thing every morning." Shaking her head as she stared at him, she walked down the stairs, put the coffees on an end table and hugged him.

"Taylor, I'm all wet."

"You told me to tell you what I liked, and I like this. Holding you, being with you, sweat, no sweat, doesn't matter." Kissing him, "And you still smell of me! You didn't jump up and wash your face!"

Then grabbing her nose, "But, Lordy, the rest of you... you've got some BO going on!" Pushing away, "God, go take a shower, Jackson! You stink!"

He laughed. "Sure, whatever you say." He walked into the bathroom, shed his shorts, pulled back the shower curtain and climbed in. She drank some of her coffee then quietly entered the bathroom. She cracked open the curtain and stared at him. Incredible--and he was hers, all hers. He reached for the shampoo and, squirted some into his palm and started washing his hair.

She moved to the front and peeked in. As the shampoo covered his face, she grabbed his cock. He jumped back, stretching the flaccid penis and his eyes opened--then immediately closed as the soap got in. She started laughing, but held on. "Crap. Nice one, Taylor."

She continued to laugh, "Oh, my poor baby. Move over towards Momma and let me make it up to you." She pulled his already growing cock in her direction and started stroking it. Keeping the curtain mostly closed, she slid her head in and put her lips on his cock. She kissed it lovingly then slid it in her mouth, her tongue swirling around it as she took it in.

In, out, tongue swirling. His penis continued to grow and harden. Suddenly the curtain opened and she felt his arms grab her under shoulders and lift her up like she was weightless and pulled her into the stream of water. "JACKSON! NO!" But he pulled her further into the stream and kissed her. She groaned and rapidly responded.

She reached down and opened her shorts and slid them down and off as her feet continued to dangle in the air, then wrapped her thighs around his waist and grabbed his neck. "Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! You got my hair all wet so you'd better make this worthwhile."

Lifting herself higher, she reached between her legs, wrapped her fingers around him and placed the head at her entrance and lined it up. He lowered her, lifted. Lowered, lifted. With each motion he slid in further. A moan escaped the back of her throat and she raised her head from his shoulder to kiss him.

Shifting from his embrace, he slid a hand under each cheek and started lifting and lowering with ease. But she wanted to reach her peak faster, so she took control. Using her arms and legs, she lifted herself then let her body fall fully onto the shaft. Faster, almost frantically. "Jackson! Jackson! Damn!"

A sharp breath escaped; burst from his throat as they kissed and she felt him ejaculate. She picked up her pace further like a sprinter, breathing hard, noise escaping with each breath, she got closer and closer and finally, "ERRRR! Jackson!" She pumped hard for a few more seconds then slowed and stopped, resting with him fully inserted.

She kissed him. "That was incredible, Jackson. Now that's the kind of work out I prefer. God, I'm still panting." She kissed him again.

"Now put me down, you jerk! I'm really pissed at you!" He looked puzzled. "You got my clothes and hair all wet and now I have to parade myself past my mother, Becca, and who knows... anyone else that's up." She heard footsteps running. "Crap! The kids are up. 'Why are you clothes all wet, Aunt Taylor? Mommy would yell at us...' The walk of shame in my own house."

She pulled him close, raised up on her toes, pulled his head down and kissed him again. Long, deep. "But, man, it was worth it! Turn the friggin' water off, Jackson. I've got to dry off and get upstairs."

Drying enough to get the drips out of her clothes and hair, she trudged up the stairs, took a deep breath and forged ahead into the kitchen. Of course, almost the whole family was there and stared at her. "Aunt Taylor, you're all wet. Did you take a shower in your clothes?"

"That evil man Jackson pulled me into the shower, Brittany, and got me all wet! Can you believe that! He was all sweaty when I went down there so I told him he was stinky and had to take a shower. Once he was in, I went to give him a towel and he pulled me in." The kids laughed, the rest of the table smirked and grinned.

"And then he made you make all kinds of strange noises..."

She turned bright red, "... And then I made noise TRYING TO ESCAPE! I think he needs to be punished, don't you, kids?"

"Yeah!"

Her mom laughed, "Hmmm... Trying to escape... Whatever you say, dear. Do I need to put any of his clothes in the dryer? He didn't have many extras..."

Taylor laughed and shook her head. "No, Mom. Remarkably, his stayed dry." She turned and left as the others at the table looked at each other and laughed.

"So, Brittany, should I go yell at Aunt Taylor for getting her clothes all wet?"

"No. It was Jackson's fault. He should be in trouble."

"OK, well here's the miscreant now. What do you think, girls?"

"Jackson needs to be punished for getting Aunt Taylor all wet. He needs to go to his room with no breakfast!" They giggled as they said it.

"But, girls, it was an accident. Aunt Taylor was goofing around, which you should never do, turned off the lights and made me get soap in my eyes. I reached for a towel and by mistake grabbed her shirt. She's so tiny and light I couldn't tell the difference.

"I used her to wipe the soap off," he used both hands to show how he'd done it, "and she started yelling and making noise. And I guess she got all wet." He shrugged. "And that's why you don't goof around in the shower."

The adults smiled and laughed. "Well, that's quite a tale there, Jackson, and the story's quite a bit different than Taylor's. What do you think, kids? Who should we believe?"

"Jackson!" Jackson high-fived the three girls. The adults laughed.

"Jackson, we're headed out to the park in a bit so the girls can run around and get rid of some energy. Any interest in going?"

"A lot of interest, Ma'am, but, uh, I left work pretty early yesterday and I have a market analysis I have to turn in by noon for work. And... I have a about three hours of so of reading, analysis and online posting for school that I need to get done today. Sorry. I'm going to get right on it and hope to be done sometime around early afternoon? Sorry."

"What's the analysis on. Maybe we can help. Drew has an MBA too, Jackson.

He smiled. "The impact of Friday's long term weather forecast on the futures market for cotton."

They looked at each other and laughed. "You're on your own there, Jackson. Get a refill on your coffee and we have some eggs or donuts or whatever you want for breakfast."

"Thank you, Ma'... Olivia."

Just then Taylor strutted down the steps, her hair up in huge rollers. They all looked at her. "Taylor Logan! Why on earth do have those rollers in?"

"Well, that lummox needs to know that if he is going to drag me, fully clothed into the shower, this is what happens. I hope he likes 'em."

"I do. I don't think there is anything you could do to take away from your beauty."

She stared at him. He was serious. But then he pulled out his phone and looked at it. "And... I got one more bar on my phone! You need wear those at my apartment. My cell reception..."

"You're an ass!" She turned and stomped upstairs to dry her hair, but had a smile on her face.

Upon returning home, despite his usual 'rules,' she moved into his apartment almost full time. She'd told him that she didn't care if it 'wasn't right' she was moving in. So much for being 'proper.' From her standpoint, things were perfect. No worries, no fights, no self doubts--and a month after that they were even closer.

She couldn't imagine a life without Jackson. He suggested that it was time to meet his family and tour the family dairy. She was excited to meet everyone, but nervous. What if they didn't like her? The self doubts were creeping back...

What if... Dammit! She caught herself. She was doing the 'what if', self doubt thing again. They WOULD like her! Period. But all those fears disappeared and were replaced by a new and unexpected one. Jackson told her it was too far to drive for a few days' visit, he needed flight hours, and let her know that he had reserved a plane to fly them down. She trusted his abilities, but...

"Jackson? Are you sure it's safe to fly in that little thing? It just looks so... tiny. Why don't we drive? We can split the driving and..."

Taking her hand, "Taylor, it'll be fine. You'll love it once we get up there. It's about eight hundred miles to home from here. It'll take eleven or twelve hours or so by car, at least, assuming I-95 isn't all bogged down like usual. In this thing we can cut that in more than half. There's nothing more exciting than being in the air in a small plane."

"What about a big jet? I'll pay for it. I... Jackson?"

"Please, Hon, give it a try. We're going in this Cessna 172. They've been around for a long time and have a great safety record."

"We're going in an old plane? A worn out plane? Like those tractor hours?"

He laughed and held her hands again. "No, this plane is pretty new, the type of aircraft has been around, heck a zillion years or so. It's been tested and improved over the years. Tell you what... We'll take off, fly a little way and if it's awful we'll turn around and figure out another time to visit my family. Please?"

"Alright, alright. But if you kill me I'm going to be pissed."

He smiled, "And I'll understand why you're ticked at me. And I know you're not a great one for adventure, but... here, let me stow the suitcases. Now climb right up here into the front seat."

"Maybe I should sit in the back."

"No. Sit up here with me. Let's get you buckled and put this thing on your head so we can talk a little easier. And get your phone out, you're going to want to take some pictures."

"What, to show my mom my last seconds on earth!"

"I have to go through this safety checklist and make sure everything is working right. See, safety first...

"Everything checked out fine, the tower has cleared us and we're ready to go. All set?" She nodded.

"Jackson, the things I do for you... God! What are we doing?"

"Accelerating to take off. Here we go... Done! We're in the air, I've got to gain some altitude and swing around and head south. We're going to stop at a small airport in North Carolina to refuel, then a small one outside of Augusta, then we'll fly to the farm."

"FLY TO THE FARM! You're going to land in a field! What if you hit a cow or something? God, please save me. I've tried to be good, I'll go to church more often, try to do more good works..."

He reached over and touched her arm. "Taylor, you're going to do fine." He laughed. "You haven't opened your eyes, have you?"

"I'm afraid." She cracked one eye open and then both. "Holy crap, Jackson. This is so cool! You can see... everything! If we don't die, I think I'm going to like this." She got out her phone and started taking pictures.

A while later, "What are you doing, Jackson? Why are we turning?"

"We can't fly near Washington. And we need to avoid the big airports. I filed a flight plan and have to follow it so there are no accidents."

"Okay. Good. Do I get a meal or anything?"

He laughed, "No, but I did bring some of your favorite snacks and some things to drink, but remember, it's not like I can just take the next exit so you can pee."

"Great! One more thing to worry about. Should've skipped that second cup."

"Jackson! What's wrong? Everything is getting bigger!"

He touched her arm again, "Taylor, we're coming in for a landing in Carolina. Everything is fine."

"Oh, that's who you're talking to?"

"Yup. We'll land, they have a self serve fuel pump and you can run to the powder room while I fuel up."

"Jackson! Are we going down too fast? We're still going too fast, aren't we? Shit! Shit! Shit!"

"We're down."

He heard her cheer. "That was so cool, Jackson. Dang, wait'll I tell, Mom! Don't waste any time driving around, I really have to go."

"Alright. All gassed up again in the Peach State. Next stop, the family homestead, just a few minutes ahead. I'm going to take a loop around so you can see it.

"There it is. House, barns, pastures and crops.

"All those cows are yours? And the fields? Is that corn?"

"Yup, yup, and yup. Corn's getting pretty tall."

"Everything is so neat and clean looking. I guess I was expecting... well, you know, a lot of the farms around us look pretty worn and old or something."

"Everything has to be clean and in tip top shape if we're going to sell the milk. We test it all the time and make sure the cows are healthy... a lot of work, but we want the best tasting, safest product we can make."

"Jackson, no! We're not going to land there, are we? It's like a dirt road or something!"

"It may be a little bumpy so hang on." He eased the plane down, the wheels touched, they bounce along the path, he turned around near the end of the strip and taxied back towards the shed. An ATV pulled up as the plane stopped. He went through his checklist and then shut everything down.

"You lived, Taylor. What'd you think."

"I loved it!" She hugged him. "Thanks for talking me into it." She kissed him. "And not killing me. Have I told you how much I love you?"

"I think so. Better tell me again."

I... Wait, who's... is that you're mom waving?"

"Yup. Just relax, Taylor. She's going to love you. Here, let me help you down. Head right over there and I'll get the suitcases."

Jackson's mom ran up and hugged her. Then held her at arms length, "Taylor! Well aren't you just cute as a button. And beautiful! Better than your pictures," raising her voice to scolding level, "the few pictures my wayward son would share with me! My, my." She hugged her again. "You have made my son very happy, you know. Thank you, Taylor." Letting go, "Now let me say hello to my youngest.

"Jackson! It is so good to have you home. I just don't get to see enough of you." She hugged and held on.

A huge, long haired dog bounded up the slope and directly into Taylor knocking her flat on her back. It straddled her and licked her face though she tried to push his head away.

Maggie shrieked, expecting Taylor to get angry, but instead, she laughed, "Uh, Jackson? A little help here. He's smearing my make up."

"You're not wearing makeup."

"Great insight, Jackson. Get this lug off me before he licks my skin off."

"Bo! Come!" Bo climbed off and jumped over to Jackson wagging her tail excitedly.

Taylor climbed up and brushed herself off. Bo came back and nuzzled her hand, "Good boy."

"Uh, Bo's a she."

"Of course she is with a name like Bo. How the heck did a Bernese mountain dog with a few other things mixed in end up here? She's huge. Love her colors, but the long hair, the heat..."

"She just wandered in one day when she was real young and stayed. So, anyway, hi, Mom. Great to be home. The city gets pretty old. So, Taylor, can you get the suitcases?"

She looked at him with a crooked smile as his mom yelled, "Jackson! No way did I raise you like that. You go get them." Taylor was standing there smiling.

"He thinks he's a comedian, Mrs. Barrett."

"Yeah, so do his brothers. Come here and climb aboard. Jackson hurry up or you're going to have to walk. Oh, and I guess I should tell you now." She slowed the ATV. "Your brothers and their wives and the kids, and Avery... well, everyone insisted on coming for the weekend when they heard Taylor was coming."

"Mom, we were supposed to ease Taylor into the Barrett family... Taylor I..."

"It's fine, Jackson. I promise to be on my best behavior and not embarrass you."

"No! That's not..." Mrs. Barrett started laughing.

"Way to keep him on his toes, Taylor. Here we are and the crew is filing out of the house. My husband, Daniel, is in town getting something fixed. He should be back soon, and has strict orders not jabber jaw with the boys, or he and I are going to have a come to Jesus discussion," but laughed.

"Goodness. They're all... big."

She laughed. "Yes. Yes, they are and, Lordy, they can eat! Those boys can flat out go through the groceries."

They were lined up. "Taylor. This is my oldest boy Nathan. Then came Isaiah. They just finished a round of golf and like most golfers are grumbling about their games."

Taylor looked at the men, "So, did your long game or short game suck? Always one or the other. And if you just had a new set of clubs or that special driver, those new balls..."

They looked at each other and laughed. "In our case, they all suck and the clubs wouldn't make any difference." Taylor joined their laughter. "See you've made friends with Bo."

"Yup, she's a sweetie, but we need to work on our relationship a little."

"Their wives are with the kids kayaking at the river. This is my daughter, Avery." Avery stepped forward and hugged her.

"Taylor, thanks so much for coming. I am so excited to get to know you and please pardon my brothers, THEY FORGOT THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO SAY SOMETHING AND AT LEAST SHAKE YOUR HAND!"

The boys stepped forward and shook her hand and welcomed her. "So how short are you, Taylor?"

She smiled at Isaiah, "About eight inches."

"Now who's being crude, Avery?"

Taylor painted her face with a surprised look, "Whatever do you mean, Isaiah? I always wanted to be five nine or five ten and that's how tall your brother makes me feel. So eight inches is how much I lack. I prefer to think positively so I think what you meant was how tall am I? I'm five one... and a quarter. Although I prefer 155 cm. Sounds bigger."

Avery and her mom lost it. It took the men a minute to digest it and then they laughed as well. Nathan stepped forward and hugged her. "You win that one, Taylor."

"Damn, Jackson. Regardless, she's a wee little thing even at 155. Are you sure you're not going to break her?"

"Yeah, spiking size for sure."

Avery slugged him. "Knock it off, Nathan! Quit being so crude."

Taylor smiled. She'd expected it. "It's okay, Avery. I have two older brothers." She looked at the two men, "So, I know how to deal with them." Avery and her mom laughed.

"I'll bet you do. Taylor, I apologize, but I have to borrow Jackson for a few minutes for a couple of business matters. Boys, why don't you take Taylor out to the barn and show her around some as you start the milking. It'd be nice if we could finish it before supper time. You know the kids'll be starving. Avery, you go with them to keep them under control."

"Sure, Mom."

"So, Taylor ever been on a dairy farm before?"

"No. First day flying in a toy plane, first time at a dairy."

"Well, then, this is your lucky day. Here's where all the action happens. We open up and the cows come in to get their treats, food."

"But these Holsteins want to be milked, right? I mean, they make so much milk it's uncomfortable, they get like engorged or something, right?"

"My, my, Taylor. You've done your homework. Exactly right. This here is Bessie. Why don't you come over and say hi. Here, we'll get you a stool."

As she stood on the stool and approached, the cow shied away and kicked her back leg. Taylor jumped off the stool. "Not sure she likes me. She's kind of looking at me weird." The boys laughed.

"Sorry, Taylor. We should have picked a different one. This here is Bessie. She's, well, I think she's just jealous."

"Jealous?"

"Yeah, she was little brother's, well, she was his first and they, well, let's just say it went on quite a while. And, well, cows are like elephants--they never forget."

Taylor suppressed a laugh and kept a straight face. "Really?" She stepped back on the stool and stoked Bessie's cheek and forehead as she ate. "Well, I can see that Jackson has always had an excellent taste in his women."

The boys looked at each other and Avery snorted and started laughing. "Well, well..."

Recovering, "Ever milked a cow, Taylor?" She shook her head. "Well, this is indeed your lucky day." Stepping forward, "You just kind of ease her udder to relax her a bit, then grasp this long thing here and sort of milk it like you mean business from the base to the end with your fingers--index, long, ring, little--and... milk comes out. See."

"Nathan!"

"I guess I can give it a try. Do I need gloves? No? Okay. So I just tickle this sack here, gently massage it a little down here at its base; wrap my fingers around it, sort of milk this round, tubular thing here a bit; then kind of stroke it a little back and forth and starting at the base, firmly draw the tissues down and..." she aimed the end towards Isaiah, "and make it spit some thick white fluid." The milk struck Isaiah in the face. He sputtered and used a hand to wipe it off.

She repeated it quickly and squirted Nathan who had been laughing at his brother. "Something like that?"

The boys snickered and shook their heads. Avery burst out laughing and dabbed the tears from her eyes. The boys joined her. "Well, Taylor? You are a bundle of surprises. What do you think, Nathan, looks like she's had quite a bit of experience with that sort of milking."

Avery stared at him, "Isaiah! Quit!"

Taylor looked at him with a sly smile on her face, staring at the two men, "You're right. A LOT of practice. But the one I'm used to milking is bigger. MUCH, much bigger." Avery and the two men were silent for a moment and then all three burst out laughing and Nathan engulfed her in another hug.

"Taylor? You're something else. Not sure I believe you, but I think you're just the right girl for our little brother. I hope we see a lot of you."

"Thank you. I hope to see more of you all too."

"So you've milked cows before?"

"Nope... goats. My uncle sells goat's milk, cheese, and other products. Just kind of a hobby. Pretty much the same. No machines, though. So we clean them off and hook them up, let it rip until it stops coming out?"

"Right. Here, we'll show you."

"Phew! That's the last one of those. Too much like work. That's why Isaiah and I became engineers and started our own company. The hours are much better," whispering, "and I think the salary is better as well. And not as risky."

"So now what?"

"We switch stuff out and start the brown ones."

"The Guernseys?"

"Yup. Very good, Taylor."

"Higher fat content, better for ice cream, cheese and things like that."

"Yup. We don't want to mix them. The problem with all this Taylor is then everything has to be taken down, cleaned, disinfected, test the milk and on and on. Then eat dinner, go to bed, do it all over tomorrow. Seven days a week, 365, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and all the rest. Gotta love it to do it."

"So you two don't live here." They shook their heads.

"Neither does Avery." Taylor looked at Avery who shook her head.

"So just Jackson?"

"I guess. Don't get me wrong, Taylor. It can be a great life. And milk production is up in Georgia and everyone seems to be hanging in there. But it's like all farming, the producer has no control at all over the price they get for milk. Some years you make a lot. Other years you get hosed, but costs go up every year." He shrugged, "But the dairy has been here for a long time and you'd hate to sell it for a subdivision or something."

"But if Jackson could computerize it so it's all automatic, it would be easier."

"Yes. Where it is implemented it is. But there's still a ton of stuff to do. Well, and Dad will never go for it. 'This is the way we've always done it!' Which isn't true because we have much better machines; the feed is much more nutritious and efficient for milk production; and everything else.

"Look, Nathan and I can finish up. We don't have that many Guernseys. Avery, why don't you take her to the house and let her get cleaned up or rest or whatever. It was a long trip and Jackson probably scared her to death with his flying, then we dragged her perky little butt right out here. She can find out what the heck her beau is up to."

Taylor gave each of the men a hug, mostly reaching around their chests. They laughed. "Thanks for the tour, boys. Very enlightening. See you at the house."

Avery and Taylor made it to the house and they sat down as Mrs. Barrett came out of the office. Taylor stood. "Please, keep your seat, Taylor. I'm sorry to tie up Jackson. We, well, we have to get some things squared away--right away."

"Oh, it's fine, Mrs. Barrett."

"See, I've neglected my duties already. Call me Maggie, Taylor, I insist."

"Uh, sure, Maggie. The tour was great. Very informative."

Avery laughed. "You won't believe what she did to the boys. It was priceless."

"Avery, could you make sure dinner's moving along okay. As soon as the kids get here, we'll have to eat. Maybe Taylor can help?"

"Sure thing, Maggie. Just point me in the right direction."

"Thanks, dear. Oh, and Ave, show her the guest bedroom at the end of the hall. I'd put her in with Jackson, but..."

"You're right, Maggie. But you have quite a crew. A couch somewhere or something like that would be fine." Smiling, "I fit almost anywhere."

She looked at her. "My, my. Well, I have to go."

Avery and Taylor tackled the finishing touches on dinner and started setting the table. She looked at Avery across the table, "Ave... so I have a question. I hate to show my ignorance..."

"Sure, what?

"What is spiking?"

Avery looked at Taylor, "It's crude, as you might expect from my brothers. It's when I guy picks up a girl, and then plunks her down onto himself, like in the movies. You know, spikes her?" She demonstrated. "Easier with a smaller girl." Taylor was sort of looking elsewhere, reminiscing. "Well you little scamp! You've been spiked! How was it?"

Taylor looked around to make sure no one was within ear shot, then at her and smiled. "Amazing! Just lust. A hundred percent lust."

"Tell me about it, will you?"

"Your brother..."

"My brother? Jackson?"

She nodded. "Yea, Jackson was in the shower at my folks' house, we had, well our first time was the night before. Long story, and I reached in to, you know, goof around a little and that jerk reached out and pulled me into the shower with him. Next thing I knew my britches were off and I'd been spiked! But it was so, I don't know, spur of the moment and we were just getting to know each other..."

"My goodness. I've always been way too big for that. Most guys would need a Bobcat to lift and lower me down." They both laughed. "I actually tried it once. You know how in the movies the girl sees her lover and runs to him, jumps up and wraps her legs around him?" Taylor nodded.

"Well, I did that to this guy and he acted like I'd just tackled him in football. He went down on his back, I hurt my knees, but the end result was the same. Just not vertical." They both shared a laugh. "I'll be darned. I didn't know my brother had it in 'I'm. Can't judge a book by it's cover, I guess."

"Yeah, it was terrific, but then I had to walk upstairs, dripping wet, past my my whole friggin' family sitting at the table having coffee. All snickering and giving me the eye. Awful.

"So I went upstairs, changed, and put my hair up in the biggest rollers I had so I would look awful. I strut my ass downstairs, my mom yells at me and Jackson just says how cute I looked. I could have jumped his bones all over again."

Taylor started rummaging through her purse for a stretchy band to hold her hair back better.

"Taylor, what is all that stuff in your purse? It looks like you're ready to go to war or something."

"Your brother thinks I cause trouble wherever I go. In fact, he's nicknamed me Trouble."

"Cute."

"So he got me bear spray, a rod to stun people with, a siren for my key chain... the only trouble I'll likely have is trouble with my back from lugging all this stuff around. But he has his reasons, I guess."

"Care to explain that?"

"Long story. One day I woke up in his bed."

"Whoa! This I have to hear."

"... And the guy had a knife, Avery! Where the heck did he learn all that? He won't tell me. He just says something about good exercise or whatever."

"Hence the name Trouble. I think you need even more weaponry." They both laughed at that. "Have you had stuff like that before?"

"Never before, nothing since. Weird. But thank goodness he was there." She teared up, "I could have been killed. Both times."

"Scary, but maybe he's your good luck charm."

"Maybe. Uh, Ave, you don't have to share, but there seems to be some pretty big issues behind the scenes. I mean, Jackson talks about you and Maggie... and sometimes the kids, but never his dad or brothers."

Avery sighed, "Taylor, we have a very close family on the surface, but there is a whole lot of crap underneath. The magma is starting to rumble and I fear the volcano may erupt soon. I just hope it's not this weekend while you're here." Chuckling, "But given your history, Miss Trouble..."

"I'll try to behave."

"My folks got married, popped out the three of us eighteen months or so apart. Six years later, here comes Jackson. Like a whole separate generation or something. I mean Nathan was just about in his teens already. I guess he was twelve or something.

"They always referred to him as Mom's Mistake. I swear to God, Taylor, the boys had him tested to make sure Dad was the father. It was awful. He worked so hard to be 'big' like them. We all played sports in school and had a normal high school experience. Didn't help, around the farm much and went away to college. Did whatever. And it was okay.

"But my dad has this thing about Jackson. He was supposed to carry on the legacy, take over the farm, all that crap. Made him get up and milk before school and then work as soon as he got home. Jackson being Jackson went along with it. No sports, no girlfriends, no life. It was wrong, Taylor. So wrong. Mom tried to change things but dad wouldn't budge. Since he never complained, about anything, I think she figured Jackson was okay with it,

"Jackson caught a lot of crap at school for being tired all the time and got beat up a couple of times. So he started going to this martial arts place and would take a lesson right after school, then do all those crazy moves whenever he could."

"But, Avery, I've watched him and he does them so fast. Much faster than they show on any of the videos I've ever seen."

"I asked him about that once. He said that it was ALL about muscle memory and speed. Mostly speed. You had to be able to block every punch and finish it as quickly as possible. And, damn, he's fast!"

"I know. I've watched."

"Boys being boys, my brothers would throw a punch at him--never landed even one after he started. It's like he can sense when someone is behind him or something. Hell, they still do it. But we were so much older... they always treated him like the stupid little kid who'd never be anything. But look at him! College and an MBA! Puts me to shame.

"But anyway, Jackson's in there with my dad and Mom's trying to keep the peace. It's showdown time, I guess. I don't know why he brought you this weekend. Well, I do... he didn't know it was showdown weekend. Hell, we didn't either." Her anger flared and her face turned red and then sadness. "And I think that sucks. Just really, really sucks, but oh, so typical of my fucking dad."

As Taylor listened, she could hear voices raised once again, but too muffled to understand what was going on. Suddenly chaos erupted as five kids and two women roared into the kitchen. Then stopped and looked at Taylor.

"You must be Taylor." She nodded. "Well, I'm Melanie. You met the others?" Taylor nodded. "Well, I'm married to Nathan and those three older ones are MY BRATS WHO BETTER SETTLE DOWN AND BE POLITE! And this is Jenn, Isaiah's wife, WITH HER TWO WELL BEHAVED KIDS!" Laughing, "Kids! Don't you just love' em?" Shaking her head, "Gosh are we glad to meet you and you're even prettier than your pictures." She came forward and hugged her, followed by Jenn.

"Where's..." They heard Mr. Barrett yelling. Looking at Avery, "Uh, oh. Mr. B's at it again? Why this weekend? Of all weekends, Avery... Crap."

"Yup. Not going to be good. They've been in there for a couple of hours already." Shaking her head, "Not good at all. Dad's getting really cranked up."

Nathan and Isaiah joined the group and heard their father's voice. "What the hell is Jackson up to now?" Taylor flared in anger and looked at them like they'd lost their heads.

The office door opened and Maggie stepped out, clearly distraught. "Avery, Honey, you all go ahead and eat. This could, God I wish it would end. Please eat, the kids have to be hungry. Taylor I apologize. This is not much of a welcome."

"No problem at all. I understand, Maggie." She didn't. She wanted to march in there and help Jackson. "Here, Ave, let me give you a hand." Dinner was served and they all started, trying to make conversation, but all the adults were focused on the door to the study.

Suddenly that door exploded outward, broken down the middle and Jackson stood where the door used to be. Taylor froze, "Oh, no. Jackson, please, no!" she mumbled to herself.

"FUCK YOU! For three fucking hours I have listened to you tell me how important the dairy is, my heritage, what a fucking disappointment I am, how much I owe you! I DON'T OWE YOU A FUCKING THING! NOTHING! What have you EVER done for me? NOTHING! NEVER ONE DAMNED THING!

"From the time I could walk you put me to work. Those three out there did whatever the hell they wanted. A normal childhood. Well, a normal 'fatherless' childhood. Their only exposure to you was when you stomped in, raised hell for a while and then left again.

"What the fuck did I get? WORK! No sports, no camping, no friends, no dates, no prom, no vacations. Hell I grew up here and I've never even been on the friggin' river like those kids were today. WORK! Just fucking work!

"And then the fucking Mistake had the audacity to want to go to college? Who the hell did I think I was? You paid everything for those three. Engineering! Five years! You paid for everything, when you should have been modernizing and paying off the dairy.

"What have you paid for me? NOT A FUCKING CENT! Not one fucking penny! Those three enjoyed college and partied. I FUCKING WORKED TWO JOBS TO PAY MY WAY. But it's okay, because I was a mistake. I was born to work. I was too stupid to do anything else. The family ended with Avery. I was just some inconvenient add on to be worked to death.

Maggie looked at her husband, "Is that true, Daniel? You haven't paid anything? Nothing? Dammit! I can tell by your face... It is!"

Daniel took a step towards Jackson. "That's enough, Jackson! How dare you say these things to ME, in MY house!" He took another step.

In a cold, hard voice... "Don't touch me, Dad! Or the next thing you'll remember will be waking up on the floor. Taylor! What happens to people who touch me when I don't want them to?"

Tears were running down her cheeks. "Don't do it, Jackson. Please don't do it."

"That's enough!" Nathan stood up and rushed over towards Jackson.

Taylor snatched at his arm, "NATHAN! DON'T!"

But he shrugged her arm off and grabbed Jackson, "E..." Jackson spun and punched him in the belly with his left, grabbed his shirt and flung him against the wall with his right, then pulled him off, tripped him, threw him face down on the floor and put a shoe on the back of his neck.

Everyone was frozen and stared. So fast! Ella started to cry. "Daddy! Don't hurt Daddy."

Softening, "It's alright, Ella. I'm not going to hurt..." He heard shuffling behind him, "Don't do it, Dad. Take a step back. NOW! Or you're going to join him." He waited for the sound. "I'm not going to hurt him, Ella. We just need to reach an understanding. Mel, why don't you..."

"No! Absolutely not! I need to hear all of this."

He nodded. "You next, Isaiah? Please. I'd love a crack at you. You two bastards were worse than Dad ever was. He worked me to death. You two tortured me. I was subhuman. I shouldn't exist. How many times did you two send me into the house bleeding, threatening me with all sorts of punishment if I told Mom? Broke every toy or plaything I ever got. Hell, you broke my damn arm when you threw me against the wall 'because I hadn't done YOUR chores.'

"Hell, you even got a DNA test on me to see if Mom cheated with someone because I was too ugly, too stupid--a mistake! Yes, I found out when I screened myself to check."

Maggie looked at her boys, "You two did that? Oh, dear God! Jackson!"

Looking down, "So, Nathan, here's the deal. I will let you up and you will go back to your seat or get the fuck out of here with your family or... we're going to have a discussion you won't like. Understand? Nod yes or no." He nodded. "Good."

He removed his foot. "So, Dad, I'm still supposed to quit school and join you on the farm. And of, course run it just the way you're running it, which was just the way your father did, which was just the way his father did. And in twenty years you'll croak and I can change things.

"Soon, I'm getting married, Dad. And I want kids. And I'm going to be a part of those kids' games, activities, their lives. Both boys and Avery were in multiple sports. Did you make it to a single game? Were you there at their graduations? Hell, I'm surprised you were there when they got married. You missed every birth of every grandchild. Fatherless kids."

He looked at Nathan and Isaiah. "You two played golf today while your wives took your kids on the river. You can choose to continue the legacy and be like this worthless piece of shit behind me... or you can choose to be a part of your kids' lives. You have a choice. NO CLOSER, Dad!

Turning back, "So, anyway, Dad, you can continue to work round the clock and that may be fine for you, but, Dad, we just went over your books. We went over and over and over your books because you're too fucking mule headed to see the truth! Hell, you're working for free. I don't know how you were even able to pay for this dinner! There is NO money! You have NO money!

"So, I should move here with my wife and first thing we can do is sign up for Medicaid and food stamps? Buy some clothes at garage sales? There's no money to pay me! Not even a fucking cent! Hell, you've mismanaged things so badly that in a year or two max, you'll be out of business! Then you can sell or the bank'll take it.

"This precious family heritage will look great with apartments, condos and strip malls on it. 'Straight shot into Augusta.' Better sell soon, Dad. You have no money, no savings, no retirement... but then I guess the Mistake should be responsible for helping you out. You could never ask your other kids. That just wouldn't be right. I. OWE. YOU!

"Yeah, I owe you to work myself to death and then when your ass dies, you can divide it three ways. The Mistake shouldn't get anything." Chuckling, "But of course there will be no inheritance. Just debts."

Shaking his head, "FUCK! FUCK YOU, DAD! MAY YOU FUCKING ROT IN HELL ALONG WITH MY BROTHERS FOR WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE TO ME. I have to go."

He turned and started down the hall to the door. Taylor grabbed his arm as he passed. "Jackson, stop please, let me..." He yanked his arm away and stomped past, brushing her with his shoulder as he passed. Taylor stumbled backwards and fell. She jumped up, face red, angry.

"JACKSON BARRETT, YOU STOP! NOW! DON'T YOU DARE TAKE EVEN ONE MORE STEP! DON'T EVER TURN YOUR BACK ON ME AND WALK AWAY WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!"

He stopped without turning around. "Never! I don't give a damn how big or fast you think you are, I will beat the living snot out of you!" In the back of her mind she was incredulous about what she had done. NEVER! Never, had she ever said anything like that--to anyone, let alone some one she loved and the biggest guy she'd ever known. But he gave her strength. She knew it was the right thing to do--what had to be done. He couldn't just run away.

She stepped forward and swung him around, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and dragged him down the hall to his room, shut the door and locked it.

"Jackson! Get a grip. Please, Hon." She took one look at him, the anger disappeared and she burst into tears. She melted and hugged him. "Oh, God, Sweetie, it must have been so awful. I can't even imagine... but, please, let it go. Let it go.

"We can leave or do whatever you want, but I don't think your mom knew any of this was going on. Or the wives. The looks on their faces... Don't blame her Jackson. You should have seen how horrified she looked. Please?

"Now bend that angry puss of yours down here and give me a kiss. Please? God, how I need a kiss. I... my poor, Jackson." They kissed, she moaned. She pulled away briefly and stroked his face, "My poor, Jackson. Let's go to the bed so I can reach you. I swear I'm getting some sort of foldable step stool or something. Please? I need to hold you and know you're alright. Please."

"Daniel! Is that right! You called our son a mistake and worked him to death? I swear to God, I'm going to divorce your ass if it is. I thought he was doing it because he liked it. You treated him like a slave! And you never paid for any of his education?" Daniel remained speechless, looking floorward.

"And now we have no money and we're going out of business? Why didn't you listen to Jackson? He has a degree in it--a degree he paid for himself! How could you! He knows what should be done, what should have been done. Why didn't you listen?

"No fool like an old fool, they say. And I guess, they're right. So because of how damn smart you are I'll be spending my golden years working! Is that what's going to happen? Thanks a lot. Hope you're proud of yourself. You are just as big an asshole as your daddy was."

Pivoting, "And you kids! How could you do that to your brother! Avery! Were you in on this?"

Nathan spoke up, "No, Mom. She was always good to him. I guess, well, I guess crap runs downhill or something. Grandpa abused Dad, he abused us, we abused Jackson. Shouldn't have happened, but it did."

"So, I assume it's now time for the two of you to abuse your kids, right? Jackson's a hundred percent correct. 'Choose!' You can either be like that piece of shit over there with absolutely nothing to show for his self... working hisself to an early grave and four kids that don't give a damn if he lives or dies... and a wife who is wondering if any of it was ever worth it.

"Five grandkids... Hell, Daniel, I'll bet you can't even tell me their names or how old they are. For God's sake. How the hell did I let this go on this long?" Turning back to her boys, "Or you can be a part of your kids' lives. Shit, pretty soon I'm gonna be dropping F-bombs. I think you all should probably leave for now. Go back to Augusta.

"God, I hope we can salvage something out of this, but I suspect our time as one big..." she caught herself, "I was going to say one big happy family, but I guess that never existed did it? It was a myth I made myself believe.

"I'm going to bed and cry. Daniel, you go spend the night with your fucking cows which are obviously more important than me or any of the rest of us. Think about what you've done... All you men. And pray to God for some forgiveness and guidance on how to fix things.

"And here's poor Taylor. He's going to marry her you know. You can tell by looking at them both. And this was her introduction to the family. HOW COULD YOU? How could any of you?" She started crying and went to her bedroom, closed and locked the door.

Daniel headed for his bed in the barn, the two boys gathered up their wives and kids, got in their cars and headed for their homes in Augusta. Melanie was pissed. Turning to Nathan, "Who the hell did I marry, Nathan? What kind of monster were you?

"You better figure out a way to make things right... Hell, you're never going to be able to make them right, but you sure as hell better make them better. Shit! If that's even possible. You called him the Mistake? You got a DNA test? What the hell is wrong with you?

"I'm telling you what! Jackson is exactly right! Starting tonight there ARE going to be some big changes. They are 'OUR' kids, not 'MY' kids. So you're getting your ass involved. You're going to games, activities, all sorts of things and we are going to start taking weekends and vacations.

"Us--just us, the five of us. No phone, no texts, no fucking brother, no other couples. Just the five of us! I don't give a damn if our income is cut in half, you have to become an employee or whatever. FAMILY! Family is more important than anything else.

"And if you're not interested in 'family' other than your damned brother, then it's time to go our separate ways. I'm not going to waste my life like your mother did. Hell, you've hardly been a husband in bed or any other way in the last few years. I'm not sure I even matter to you anymore. Just a friggin' nanny for your kids. Damn! You are! Jackson was right! You're just like your precious father.

"And you've been getting tougher and tougher on these kids. That stops now as well. I'm tired of making excuses for you and trying to console the kids after one of your hissy fits. If this doesn't work and if you don't join the... our family, a hundred percent, join OUR family, then I'm leaving. Am I clear! And I guess you should find a couch to sleep on as well.

"And..." staring at him, "if you want out, now is the time. Just say the word and let's get on with it. Things are gonna change one way or another, NOW!"

A similar conversation occurred in Isaiah's car.

As the morning light came in the bedroom windows there was a knock on Jackson's door. "Please, Jackson. Please let me in."

"Dang, Jackson. Should I get under the bed or in the closet or something?"

"No, stay where you are." Taylor pulled the covers over her head and turned bright red. "Just a minute, Mom. Let me get my pants on." He pulled them on and opened the door. Maggie rushed in and hugged him. "Jackson, I fretted about you all night. I'm so sorry. I feel like such a failure as a mother. I should have known. I should have been more aware. I should have never let this all happen. I'm just so sorry, Jackson. You were the biggest blessing of my life!

"Things were falling apart, the boys were real jerks I thought just from early puberty, but there was so much more. A sickness. And then the Lord blessed me with you, Jackson. My greatest accomplishment of all. You may have been unplanned, but you were no mistake. The good Lord knew just what I needed and you lit my world and still do." She hugged him tighter.

"I am so proud of the man you have become and so proud of your accomplishments and even prouder now that I know you did it on your own." She started crying again, "Oh, Jackson, how could I have been so blind?"

"Mom, you weren't a failure. You! You made me what I am. If not for you I would have never finished high school. I would have just disappeared or something. Your love and support gave me the strength I needed. I'm sorry. I should have just gotten up and left and not let things spiral out of control. No excuse for my actions. I'm the one that's sorry."

"No excuse needed, my son. You said what needed to be said." Tearing up, "I just wish we'd had that discussion twenty years ago. Are you okay? Are you alright? What can I do, right now! I know you must be hungry and I know that lump in your bed has to be hungry..."

Muffled from under the covers, "Good morning, Maggie."

She laughed, "Good morning, Taylor. Thanks for taking such good care of my boy. I am just so thankful that you were here. Tell you what. Why don't you two get up, take showers or whatever. Taylor, your suitcase and toiletries are outside the door. I hope that was alright."

"Thanks, Maggie."

"Avery spent the night. Taylor, when you're ready, why don't you come out and join us. We really want to get to know you. Please?"

"Sure, Maggie, I'd like that too."

"And, Jackson, I hate to even ask, but your dad is gone. I have no idea where he's gone, but the truck is gone, he left his phone, so I don't know. But the cows are going nuts and..."

"It's fine, Mom. I'll get the milking done."

"I'm sorry, Jackson. You're right. You can't have a life and run the farm. Maybe that's how your father and I have been able to stay together--he was never here. He made babies and took care of cows. How sad.

"Jackson, you were not a mistake! You absolutely were not a mistake. Your dad and I hadn't done anything in almost two years. I thought maybe if we did something on our anniversary his interest would increase. We did it, he went back to the cows. Damn, I'm starting to hate those things. But then I found out I was pregnant. With you, Jackson. I can't tell you how glorious it made me feel."

"I can call your brothers to help..."

"No! Don't do it."

"Alright. And I got texts from Mel and Jenn this morning, well actually last night. Both of your brothers are up to their asses in alligators and they have been told to change or get the hell out. They're not going to put up with what I went through, a work widow, or allow a part time father family. So, Jackson, it appears that at least some good has come out of this.

"And, Taylor, they both wanted to text you, but I didn't have your number, so they both sent me apologies and hope you can forgive them, even if you don't want to forgive their husbands. They want to get to know you better. I think the way you handled this giant son of mine gave them the strength to address their husbands.

"Taylor, show me that pretty face of yours, will you, please?" She slowly slid the blankets down.

"I'm sorry, Maggie. I..."

"Don't be silly, my dear. You two needed each other last night. And, Taylor, I swear you're even gorgeous first thing in the morning. Alright, I'm going. Jackson, thank you. Well thank you for everything. And Taylor please come join us as soon as you can."

"Okay. For a bit while I eat. I am starving, but then I have to help Jackson." She swatted his arm, "Don't give me that look. You're going to need help. And I know how to milk cows. I can get them ready and you can hook the machines to them. Or you just tell me what to do or something."

"Thanks for breakfast, Maggie."

"Please, before you go out there, and I know you have to go and Avery is going to help too, but it sounds like there is quite a story to the way you two met... Avery said it wasn't hers to share, but..."

"Okay. Really is quite a story, I guess. I was supposed to meet my boyfriend at what turned out to be a very sleazy bar in the middle of nowhere..."

Laughing, "And it turns out that I got a soda and cookies and he got put in a cell, finger printed and a mug shot!"

"Oh, goodness! So he took on six men, then your boyfriend, and then a man with a knife? My God! He's such a quiet, easy going guy, but then Nathan. I mean it happened so fast... My, my."

"I still have nightmares about those things." Tears filled her eyes. "I mean if he hadn't been there."

Maggie squeezed her hand, "But he was. Seems like your guardian angel was keepin' an eye on you."

"I guess. Anyway I was hooked when I woke up in his bed, but I'd been dating this guy for a year... you know, but then when he saved me again. Well, there was no way he was going to escape my clutches." They laughed. "But luckily he felt the same way. Now, I just ache whenever he's not with me."

"... And he's big! MUCH, much bigger!" Taylor blushed.

"What are you talking about, Avery?'

"When the boys took us to the barn yesterday they decided to give Taylor some crap..."

..."She didn't! You did that, Taylor? Never in a million years would I have expected that from little ole you."

"Uh, yeah. Like I said, I have two older brothers. They're really pretty simple creatures and never see it coming. But I've got to go. Jackson needs help."

At one, Taylor and Avery dragged into the house and sat at the table, smelling of cow, feed and manure. Maggie brought them some iced tea and lunch. "You girls look shot."

"Yeah, and that's just round one." They continued to talk and an hour later Jackson came in, not tired looking at all.

His mom got him some lunch. "So, Jackson. The three of us have been talking. In fact, I got texts from Mel and Jenn and so the five of us want to know when you're going to ask Taylor to marry you?"

Taylor looked at her, "Maggie... no! Jackson..."

Without missing a beat he dropped to one knee, pulled a ring from his jeans pocket... "Taylor, I know we've only been, uh, dating for a short while, but I know in my heart, absolutely know in my heart, that I will go anywhere, do anything, just as long as we can be together. There are a lot of details..."

She lunged forward and put fingers to his mouth, "Stop talking, Jackson. YES! Absolutely I will marry you." She kissed him. "Oh, Jackson you have made the happiest girl in the world even happier. Thank you. Yes, a thousand times yes. And I don't care where we live or what we do... as long as we are together."

They kissed. "Now, quit trying to drag me into the bedroom or something, Taylor. My mom and sister are right here. Wouldn't be right. Besides, I have chores to finish." He turned to walk away and she grabbed his arm.

"So that's it? One kiss and on your way?"

Putting on a very rural country accent. "Why absolutely not, Missy. I had plans to have you climb into that big eight cylinder of mine, put up the console and have you kinda scootch right up close to me while I put a hand on your thigh."

Her lips became a half smile, "Your truck's not here."

Continuing, "Then I'm a gonna drive you up the road to that General Dollar...

"There is no General Dollar."

"And buy you an ice cream cone..."

"What flavor?"

"Well, vanilla, of course, dipped in chocolate with them little nuts on the top. And then while your a eatin' it, I figured I'd drive you into the big city and buy you that new dress you've been hankering for at Penny's."

"Hankerin? And there is no Penny's."

"Hmm. Then I guess it's just pizza at the place up the road."

She shook her head. "Why do I even like you?"

"Because I'm so cute?" he batted his eyes.

"Yup, guess that's the reason. You'd better give me another kiss and then tell me again how much you love me."

He hugged her and they kissed. "I can't begin to tell you how much I love you."

"Now that's a good answer. Tell you what, Country Boy, I have a hankerin' to drag your ass down to that room down the hall and straighten out some of the details you mentioned. Excuse us for a bit, ladies."

"Sure thing, Taylor. It's important to get a hand on those details."

Entering his bedroom, she squeezed herself to him and put her head against his chest. "Thank you, Jackson. Thank you for saving me, for loving me, for making me feel so special. You give me strength, confidence... I told my mom the day you went to jail," he laughed, "that I was ready to go wherever you were going and do whatever I needed to do to support you. And I still feel that way, but..."

"Nice of you to share that tidbit. No, I'm not going to work on the dairy. No, I could never work for my dad. No, I don't care if I ever see my brothers again, but... I would like to stay close to Mom, Avery, and the kids. It doesn't mean we have to live here..."

She kissed him and let out a deep breath, "Thank goodness. If I had to be a dairy widow like your mom... I think I would just shrivel up and die inside, Jackson. No we have to stay in touch, just like I want to stay close to mine.

"So, I guess detail one is you need to finish your MBA, I need to graduate, but I can do mine online. I guess you have to be around for some of your classes. And you have to decide what kind of job you want and where you want to do it, whether to stay with your current company until you're done or whatever.

"Bottom line, we're a team, but I want you to do something that you love. You know, 'Do...'"

"Yeah, 'Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.' But what about you?"

"I'll find something, but I'm hoping that once we get settled I'll be primarily focusing on little ones."

"Good plan."

"Now kiss me, Jackson, and let me straighten out that detail of yours."

They moved to the bed, but moments later, they heard the back door open and shouting. "Where the hell is that damn Jackson? Why the hell isn't he out there milking and taking care of things? Dammit, I have never been able to rely on him for anything. And Avery, what the hell are you doing sitting there like a bump on a log?" Avery remained seated. Her mom stood.

"I believe you told Jackson that all of this was yours. I guess that would mean it's your responsibility to make sure things are getting done. He and Taylor did do the cows this morning along with Avery, but they're taking a break."

Jackson, turned red, got out of bed and pulled his pants on. He felt an arm on his. "Jackson. Let your mom handle it. If things go south then go out, but for now let her do it. I have the feeling a showdown is coming."

"Alright, but if he..."

"Easy, Jackson. He's kind of old. Patience. Please."

"Care to tell me where you've been all day?"

"I took care of business. If Jackson's not going to live up to his obligations, like always, then I had to change my plans. I can't handle all of this on my own anymore. I had to downsize as they say."

"Meaning..."

"We have 250 acres, more or less, and I sold two hundred of them to that developer in town. The acreage along the highway and some of the other. I kept the fifty acres around the house and down to the river."

Piercing him with a calm, steely gaze she calmly asked, "I see. What about the cows?"

"I sold the Holsteins to the big dairy corp. and plan on just keeping the Guernseys."

"I see. And you did all that without discussing it with me or getting my input."

"Well, it's my farm and I run it as I see fit. So, no, I didn't reckon I needed your input."

She sighed. "So, Daniel, what is my role in YOUR business?"

"Well, you're my wife and cook, clean, take care of the house and what not while I work."

"So, I'm a maid and a cook."

"Well, when you say it like that..."

"If I'm your wife, when was the last time you kissed me, hugged me, held my hand... told me you loved me?"

"Hell, I don't know. I've never been good at that stuff."

"I can tell you. The exact day and the exact time of day. It was the day I found out I was pregnant with Jackson. You never touched me or showed me any affection at all after that. You thought I cheated on you, didn't you? So you just froze me out and brutalized Jackson. How do you feel about it now that you know about the DNA test?"

"That doesn't change a thing."

"God forgive me. I can't believe I've wasted all these years on you. You're just an empty, heartless shell of a man." She shook her head. "Jackson, honey, would you come out here, please? I know you two are listening."

Jackson and Taylor walked to the kitchen. "There you are! Shacking up with your girl in the middle of the day! Typical. Get your ass out there and tend to the cows."

Taylor put her arm on Jackson who she could sense stiffening and preparing for another confrontation. He relaxed under her touch.

Ignoring the outburst, "Jackson, you know a lot about this stuff. Was now a good time to sell off the herd?"

"Uh, no, Mom, probably not. This is the time of year when farmers get rid of their surplus stock and weed out the ones that are no longer very productive. So they don't have to care for them in the winter. There's a surplus on the market, so sales value of a milker is kind of at its lowest."

"What do you think, Daniel?"

"Well..."

"And the property... you can't sell the property."

"Why the hell not? It's mine."

"No. It's 'ours.'

"What? No way. My daddy gave it to me."

"Stay right there a minute, Daniel, while I get something from the study." She walked back and returned with a notarized document. "Daniel, this here is the notarized copy of the deed for this property. The deed says it's yours AND mine, Daniel. It's an 'and', Daniel, not an 'or' so you can't sell any of it without my signature.

"You may not remember, but your dad put it in both our names so you wouldn't get a wild hair like yesterday and screw it up. Do something stupid like you just did. So, I guess come Monday, I'll go talk to the developer and say the deal's off."

"No! You bitch! Dammit, Maggie. You have no right. This was my dad's dairy and his dad's before him. IT'S MINE!"

"No, Daniel, it's 'ours.'"

He stepped towards Maggie and Jackson stepped forward and grabbed him, spun him around and shoved him into a chair. "Take a seat, Dad, or you'll be finding a place on the floor."

"Thank you, Jackson. Daniel, did you ever love me?"

"Well, sure, but you have no right to any of this and I don't believe that DNA test. This is all bullshit. I..."

Tears filled her eyes. "Enough, Daniel. Half of this... half of everything is mine.

He jumped up, "NO! NO WAY IN HELL! I'll have the damn bank take it first!" He kicked over the chair he'd been sitting in. "After all I've done for you! Married you when you got pregnant..."

"Nathan was YOUR child too, Daniel!"

He waved a hand dismissing her statement, "... and I worked my ass off every day just to give you a home and everything you needed to raise your kids... and now you and my fucking father stab me in the back." Mumbling as he stomped to the door, "It's not right. Not right at all." And left nearly ripping the door off the hinges as stormed he out of the house and took off in his truck.

Avery, still sitting at the table trying to look small while her mom's life unraveled looked shocked about the revelation about Nathan. "Relax, Avery. I'll explain it all to you later. Don't get all judgmental on me or anything--not after that piece of crap you were married to for a while. And when are you going to introduce me to YOUR girlfriend like Jackson did?"

"Mom! How!"

"Oh, give me a break. You're happy as a clam and smell like a perfume that ain't yours. I knew you was gettin' some, and knew something was up when you never mentioned anything. But probably for the best. The girls'll all be fine with it, but your dad and brothers?" She shrugged.

Her face changed and suddenly Maggie started crying. "Jackson, Avery? What am I going to do? I don't know how to manage any of this?"

"Well, Mom..."

This was it! She felt it inside--the shift. Time to take control and step up. She could do it! She felt herself growing, becoming that six foot tall Valkyrie that Jackson had helped her become.

No self doubts, no second guessing, no self sabotage. She knew how to do this! She knew exactly what to do and Maggie needed help. Taking a deep breath, "Maggie, if I may..."

"Sure, Taylor, what is it, Honey?"

"Well, while Jackson was goofing off getting smart about the bovine world," touching his arm, "just kidding, dear, I... well, my mom's in real estate. Mostly commercial and land development so I learned a lot working with her every summer and during the holidays.

"Then along with the business degree I'm working on I got my real estate license and took several real estate courses including a course in real estate law--which included real estate divorce procedures.

"Sooo... first thing we need to do is contact the bank and freeze the accounts until things get sorted out. Next, we need an attorney to stop things from going any further and to make sure that either the sale of the cows stops or the money goes into escrow until the divorce is settled.

"Jackson, you know better than I do, but if you're losing money on the cows, maybe it's better to sell even if the price is low. I mean, even if the price gets better later, it may still not make up for the ongoing expenses and business losses, right?"

He looked at her and smiled. Pride filled his face, "Probably right, Taylor. Good thought. I can check on the current market and likely changes in the future."

She beamed at his support. "So, we need an attorney to contact the development company... using him will put an end to any misunderstanding with the development folks. I mean, we could do it, but the attorney just makes everything... simpler. Then maybe he can suggest a divorce attorney? If you're sure that's what you want."

"Bart Pendergast goes to church with me and I could call him. I'll call him first thing Monday. In fact, I'll bet I can get Bart on the phone today, freeze all the assets and have him talk to the developer.

"And, yes. I want a divorce. This is the end of my 'glorious' marriage. I just can't believe I've wasted my life... I should have just gone ahead and had Nathan on my own.

"What about the property, Taylor?"

"Once the attorney stops the sale, the next step is a lot of investigation, tons of foot work. We need to check on the zoning for this property and this area. Right now it's set aside for agriculture, but we have to know what the county's growth plan is for this strip along the highway and the rest of it. Is it possible to have it zoned for development--residential, mixed, light industry?

"Obviously you don't want a chemical plant right next to your dairy. You know, we need to clarify what could be built and what the county might approve. Plus what kinds of restrictions would you have? Would you, the seller, need to bring in city water, cable, widen the road, or would the buyer have to do it? How much would the county do? Would they do it all, some, or none? Restrictions along the river? Where the flood plain extends to... All sorts of stuff. A million little details.

"Then a surveyor and a final decision on the exact parcel you want to sell and finally an appraiser. I would probably recommend two different appraisals. One from a local who knows what's happening in the area... but sometimes there are local politics or connections that could 'influence' that appraisal. Not supposed to, but... you know, people are people. So, good to get one from an out of town person as well.

"And, of course, we need Daniel to sign off on it since it IS in both of your names. We'll have to face that bridge when the time comes. The surveyor and appraisers are going to cost a fair amount I would think, I mean, it's a lot of acreage. I... well, I have some money, not a lot, but I don't mind using it towards this and... then, we'll have to figure out how to manage the rest.

"Since it seems that neither you nor Daniel have much money saved, cash from the sale of the Holsteins might be the key. If Daniel would agree to use his half of that money as well it would help, but if not we would just subtract his share of the costs from the land sales. Anyway...

"Sound like a plan? But... none of this is an overnight thing. It'll likely take a few months or it could take a year or longer... and then you have to find a real estate person with regional or national connections, I think. If this is your retirement, you want to maximize what you get for it. I guess we could try and sell it on our own, save the commission. The commission on raw land is pretty high. Much higher than on a house.

"And, I kind of hate to bring it up, but if Daniel's going to stay here and operate the dairy, then we should have to have this property and business appraised... and then... well you could either let him have the place or he should, actually, buy your half of it. You two and the divorce attorney would have to decide on that.

She stopped and looked at Maggie's and Avery's stunned faces. "I'm sorry. I know, kind of overwhelming, but we can break it down into steps, divide and conquer and 'git er done.' Right?"

"Phew, Taylor. How do you know all that! That's a lot. I... Anyway... Jackson, Taylor, Avery, will you give me a hand with this? It'll mean you have to stay an extra day or so. I know you have work and all..."

"Uh, sure, Mom. I can make it work. And Taylor's on summer break... So sure."

"I just don't want to stay in this house anymore." Turning, "I'd ask you, Avery, but..."

"You'd be welcome, Mom, and I'm pretty sure Britt would be okay with it, but I only have a one bedroom. We'd have to find a bigger place."

"Thanks, but don't do that. It would only be temporary. And I'd ask your brothers, but I suspect they're waist deep in the shitter based on the looks the girls were handin' out last night. I don't want to further complicate what's going on in those families by being there.

"So, I hate to even ask, but is there room in that little plane for your mom, Jackson?"

"Sure, Mom. We can stay as long as you need to get things underway and then..." looking at Taylor.

"Yes, Maggie. There is plenty of room in the scary little plane and in our, or rather Jackson's apartment for you. For as long as you need. But, we need to get started on this. I don't think we should wait until Monday. Why don't you see if you can get hold of that attorney and see how quickly he can start working on things. See if he'll recommend a divorce attorney.

"Then why don't we drive to the bank, crap it's probably closed. Let's go online and go to your bank and see if we can freeze things. Avery, you use the same bank probably, right?

"Maybe you can help us. Maggie can give you the account info and you can check on account balances and such. It may not even be worth freezing. Well, unless some money for the cows has been wired over. We'd need to have an official closing on the land before money is transferred, unless... just check the balances, Ave.

"So, Ave, you do the bank. I'll sit with Maggie while she calls the attorney. And then I HAVE to call my mom and let her know I'm engaged. She's gonna crap! And we can video chat and that way she can meet both of you."

"And what about me?"

"I was going to say that you could just sit there and look wonderful Jackson." She stepped over and gave him a kiss. "But... my mom has worked with commercial developers. She can help guide us. If you can find a plat of the land and take a photo we can send her... There may be one around here or the county probably has it all online.

"We need to see if you can find one with elevations where it shows the flood plain and what not. Then, why don't you drive along the highway and photograph the frontage so she can see what the land looks like. Oh, and then take some pictures along the river."

"Oh, so you want me to get lost?"

"Never, my dear." She touched his face and kissed him. "I would just shrivel and blow away if you weren't around. I miss you every second..." Smiling at him and giving him another quick kiss, "Well, anyway...

"We can send her all that and she can help us decide what part of the property makes the most sense to a developer. The surveyor and appraisal folks can give us some ideas as well. But we'll need your input, Maggie, and Daniel's, as to what he'll need to support the cows. We have to involve him and kind of decide, at least preliminarily, before we get the surveyor out.

"Everybody clear?" They continued to just stare at the tiny dynamo. "Then... Let's hit it. Remember, it's just a series of step, oh, and I'll have to put together some checklists so we don't forget any of those steps."

Two hours later: "So, the attorney is working on things. He seems like a great guy, Maggie. There's essentially no money in the bank. Jackson's still taking photos... that's a lot of land to cover.

"But, Maggie, I was was just thinking, and of course I would need to discuss it with Jackson, but all of this is going to take a while, like several months, I bet. In fact, by the time we deal with the county and things it could be a year... or more?

"All these folks I talked about are going to need to communicate with an owner... and someone who's writing checks. Daniel won't be any help and will likely be an impediment... Bottom line, it would be better if you lived close by instead of in New York.

"It's summer break and I'm taking a couple of online courses to finish up my degree. But I can do those from anywhere... so... again, Jackson would have to agree, but I could get a place with you in town or something until we get it all done. You know, and then decide on a long term plan. That way I could kind of help you with things."

Looking at Avery, "Avery, she's your mom, so I don't want to..."

"No, by all means... I will be glad to help any way I can, but I don't know squat about any of this." Laughing, "Strange as it seems, my nursing program left all this stuff out." She laughed and added, "I think I'm going to go in and bitch about it."

"You'd do that, Taylor? I mean you and Jackson..."

"Will have a lifetime together. He'll probably need to go back because of work and I don't know about his MBA. He has another year and I think he has to be around for parts of it at least. Heck, I don't know... but I'm sure we can make it work. And maybe your sons, or at least their wives... It'll all work out."

Maggie hugged Taylor. "I can't believe you're willing to do all this..."

Laughing, "I know, right. After all, I'm just an uppity know it all from way up north."

"No, no, Taylor. That's not..." Taylor hugged Maggie tightly and held on.

"I know. I know. But if I'm going to be part of the family... We have to do this. We have to make it work for you. After all, you raised that big ugly beast I love so much."

The rest laughed as well. "So we have a plan, let's call my Mom. I'm going to surprise her." She got out her phone and pushed her mom's number and held only her left hand in front of the camera.

"Taylor, honey, how..." there was a gasp. "You're engaged! Oh, my Lord. WAIT! WAIT A DAMN MINUTE! That better not be from that guy Carl. Honey, he let you get in trouble twice!"

"Mom! He's sitting right here!"

"I don't give a damn! I know I never even met the guy, which is a problem all by itself, CARL! Put his ass on the phone! Right now! I need to talk to him."

"He had to step out for a moment."

"Of course he did. Taylor, I thought you and Jackson... WHAT THE HELL! I'll talk to your dad, but... Hell, Taylor, what the heck are you thinking? It'll only get worse once you're married. Why would you... Dammit! NO!"

"No, Mom. It's from Jackson!"

"What? YOU! ASS! I can't believe you did that to me! I can still throw you across my knee and spank your backside."

"You never did that, Mom."

"Well, maybe I should have. I'm going to have to get my hair colored you gave me so much gray. I was about to jump in the car and stage some sort of intervention. Oh, my sweetie, congratulations, Taylor. We loved Jackson to death. I am so excited.

"I know it's only been a couple of months, but... wait! Are you? I mean, I guess if you're pregnant that's okay," sternly, "although we had several talks about that subject as you recall. You know, the birds and the bees and how not to get pollinated! Some of your dad's relatives... well, you know."

Laughing. "No, Mom. Not pregnant... yet!"

"Oh, Taylor I can't tell you how happy I am for you... and for us. What about his family? Have you even met them yet? Do you like them? "

"Slow down, Mom. Yup, they're great. I'm at their place now in Georgia. Good thing you said nice things about Jackson, 'cause his mom is sitting right next to me. Maggie, my mom Olivia."

Shifting the phone, "Maggie, so great to meet you. Please excuse my language. Sometimes my daughter... well, you'll find out if you haven't already. We loved Jackson to death and I should probably warn you that we're getting the better end of the deal."

Maggie laughed. "Not sure I'd agree with you. Taylor is terrific and she seems just perfect for my son. They make each other better. I..."

"Okay, Mom. I'll give you every one's contact info so you can talk for hours, but here is his sister, Avery."

"Hi, Mrs. Logan. Pleased to meet you, Ma'am."

"Oh, knock it off, Avery. We're family. It's Olivia. I..."

"No more time for chit chat, Mom. We'll have plenty of time for a meet and greet later, but we need your help."

"With the wedding? Absolutely! We..."

"No, about real estate."

"Real estate?"

"This has helped a lot, Mom. So the plan is basically what I outlined with you, Maggie."

"Taylor, I can jump on a plane tomorrow and fly to Augusta. I could take a look at everything, but mostly I would love to meet everyone and squeeze my little girl to death. Your dad has a very busy week of surgery so can't come, but... I just can't believe it! Your dad's going to be very happy too. Expect crap from your sister and a reminder of the shower incident.

"Gosh, though, we have so much to plan... where, when, who?"

"Plenty of time for that, Mom. No decisions have been made." Laughing, "In fact, we haven't even discussed any of it. He, well, I'll tell you about it when you get here. There's a lot going on so, Maggie? Maybe she can stay in the guest room? I don't know, we'll have it figured out by the time you get here. Send me your flight info. Love you, Mom."

"Taylor... I love you to death and I am so happy for you I could... well, I don't know, but I'm pretty damned happy for you. See you tomorrow."

Fifteen months later...

"Phew! Thank goodness! That was our last closing. A few more things I have to work out with the county about wetlands and what not, but we're mighty close to the end.

"Who'd have thought it would take almost fifteen months, but by doing all the leg work, thousands of phone calls and appointments, marketing and closings ourselves, your half of the money is so much bigger than the entire amount that Daniel tried to sell it for. Enough so you should never have to worry about money ever again.

"And think of what we've put together! A greenway along the river where we can lease space to a kayak or tubing concession, walking and biking trails... It's going to be beautiful. Then along the highway, we have a gas station, a General Dollar store, beauty shop, and a bunch more--ninety percent of what families out this way need, so they don't need to drive all the way in to the city.

"Then multifamily units, and behind that, private residences. Once it's built out it's going to be amazing. Planned rural development instead of a random mishmash of things. And we did it together. You, me, Avery and Britt," laughing, "and help from lawyers, accountants, surveyors, appraisers, city planners and a cast of thousands.

"So, Maggie, here is your check for half the sale's price for that last parcel, plus Daniel's final payment for the dairy farm, acreage, and the rest. We can drop it off at the bank or just do an online deposit or probably I'd put it directly into your investment account."

"And, Taylor, here's a check for your commission and to pay you back for all the money you and Jackson spent on this."

Looking at it, "Maggie, NO! This too much, way too much. I'm not taking it. You don't owe me anything. Your half from the sale of the cattle helped pay for a lot of the expenses and rent on this small house we're living in. I never expected anything. It's 'family,' Maggie. Here, I can't take it." She handed it back.

"Dammit, Taylor. You're going to make me start droppin' the 'f' word again. I told you she'd do this girls. Taylor, anyone who did the amount of work you did would have taken at least half of it." She started writing, "Here's another check for less, but if you turn it down, I will... well, I'll tell Jackson not to marry you."

"Oh, Mom... pullin' out the big guns."

"Hush, Avery. Now say, 'Yes, Maggie, I will take check and actually deposit the damn thing and not just put it in a drawer until it's no good. Use it for the wedding or the honeymoon... or towards a new house... or, well, you just take the damn money."

"Yes, Maggie, but actually having the three of you drive with me to the dairy to go over things with Daniel and have him sign off is more than enough payment."

They left the apartment that Taylor and Maggie lived in and headed for the old homestead. "Damn, I took the wrong turn out of the city again. Why do I always seem to take a different way out? Ya'll got me to jabberin' and not paying attention."

"Mom, did you hear what she just said?"

"Yup, I think that Yankee is becoming a Georgian."

"You're not far off, Taylor. Just turn right at the next corner and I'll guide you."

"Thanks, Britt. At least someone is being helpful."

She made the turn and pulled ahead, "STOP! PULL OVER AND STOP THE CAR!"

"Holy crap, Avery! What's..." But she was out the door and running towards a woman doing yard work.

"LILY! Lily! How the hell have you been!" The woman stood up, let out a whoop and the two hugged and jumped around like two little school girls. "Oh, God, Lily, it is so good to see you. I..."

"No, I need to apologize to you, Avery, for bad mouthing Billy before you married him especially after I married some worthless piece of dog waste myself. That asshole beat the shit out of me twice."

"He beat the shit out of YOU?"

"Yeah. Stupid, right? I swear he moved us somewhere else in the South every couple of months. Just when you thought you were settled, we'd up and move again. Shit, I never could get a garden in.

"I loved him so much, but, yeah, beat me up twice--needed stitches. I was in love, let him do it, but then he went to do it the third time, I said, 'Strike Three' and pounded his ass until he had to go to the hospital. By the time he got out, he was served with divorce papers and I was moved out." They both laughed.

"Hell, no apology needed. I should make you apologize for not pinning my ass to the ground and talking me out of it. I swear, that prick was cheatin' on me within a couple months. Worthless. He was just worthless. But now I'm engaged and it's all good!" They hugged again.

Inside the car, Britt was looking worried as she watched the two embracing and holding each others hands. "It''s alright, Britt. That there is Little Lily Lancaster. She..."

"Man, I'd hate to meet Big Lily in some dark alley."

"You're right, Taylor, but Britt, they're like sisters. They've known each other since they were like four and were best buds all the way through college. Her folks... well, her folks drank a lot so she kinda lived at our house. They died in a car wreck a few years back. You know, drinkin' and drivin'. Then Avery was about to marry that loser and they had a bunch of fights about it. So, no romance. Got it."

"Thanks, Maggie."

"So, how's your mom? I assume your dad's still livin' with the cows."

"She's great--just got divorced."

"No... friggin'... way!"

"Yup, we just today finished selling off the farm. Dad, kept the house and forty acres and the Guernseys." She waved to the car, "MOM!"

Maggie got out of the car and Lily ran to her and picked her up like she weighed nothing. "Mrs. B, I have missed you so much, so very much. You're the mother I never had. I've only been back a few months, I'm an en-tre-pre-neur now you know. I own that chocolate shop over on Maple."

"No way! I love that place. So I should get like a discount or something since I'm largely responsible for your success. That place is always packed!"

"Sure, Mrs. Barrett." Growing serious, "I, uh, I wanted to stop by, but I wasn't sure I should go out and see you, you know."

"First off, Miss Lancaster, you have to call me Maggie. And second, I have missed you as much or more than that one standing next to you. I live in town now, at least for a while."

"Really! I wonder why our paths haven't crossed," chuckling, "at least at my shop? Whoa now. Who's this?"

"Hi, Lily is it?" She nodded, "I'm Britt, I'm..."

"She's my fiancé, Lily."

Lily swung her head to Avery making sure it wasn't a joke, then to Britt, then back to Avery. "Well, Ave, I have to admit that I never would have seen that coming about." Looking at Britt, "Based on her, uh, 'activity' level in high school and college... and always on one side of the line," laughing and winking at Britt, "But I guess that explains why you always wanted to rub sunscreen and crap all over me--hell, even in the winter!"

Shoving Lily to the side, "You're full of crap. I never..."

"Britt, very pleased to meet you. If I were any kind of friend I should probably sit YOU down and talk you out of it."

"Thanks, Lily, but you're too late, I think." They all laughed.

"Maggie, I'm really sorry to hear about the farm and Daniel and stuff."

She waved her hand. "Long overdue and Taylor and these two helped me through it."

"Taylor?"

"Yeah, Jackson's fiancé."

"WHAT! Jackson's engaged! Holy shit!... Oh, sorry Mrs... uh, Maggie. He never did anything but work. He hardly dated at all or at least that I knew of."

"Long story, but turns out he had no choice. Daniel and his brothers made him work. And he had to pay his own way through school." Maggie choked up a little, "And I didn't know, Lily. I just never realized."

"And that damn Jackson never said a word about it, did he... what a... Wait! Who is that... is that Taylor getting out of the car? Is she like real far away or is she really that small? THAT tiny thing is engaged to Jackson Barrett? Damn, she looks just like a real human being, but smaller."

"You'd better watch yourself, Lily. You should see the way she handles my brother and all the men she does business with. You don't want to mess with her," laughing. "After all she's 155.

"155?"

Laughing at the recollection, "155 centimeters. That's what she told my brothers when she met 'em. She liked that better than five one."

"AND A QUARTER! Avery. AND A QUARTER! Mustn't forget the quarter." Avery smiled. "Hi, I'm Taylor and you are Little Lily Lancaster?"

She laughed, "Yup! The very same. So you're THAT Taylor? Taylor Logan the local celebrity girl? The one that's changing that whole county next door. Hell, they were talking about you on the news this morning.

"But I don't guess anyone realized that you also lassoed Jackson Barrett. My, goodness. You're gonna have to leave town, Sweetie, once the word gets out. There's gonna be a lot of very upset women. They've all been biding their time waiting for him to return."

Tears formed, "And I'm one of those women. It seems like we've been apart for years. He's still in New York. He's got work and is finishing up his MBA."

"MBA! Whoa! Now that's something. I called it quits after business school." Lily touched her shoulder, "I'm sorry, Taylor. What..." She stopped mid sentence, "No, you all have to come in the house and have some tea or a beer or something and we have to start catching up. Can't you stay a bit? I want you to see my hubby and little boy."

"You're married again?"

"Yup for a little over three years, Avery. You might remember him." With a smirk, "Remember the biggest guy in high school and our college class?"

"You mean Hector? Hector the Giant!" She nodded. "He was the nicest, kindest, gentlest giant you could ever meet, but he like never dated anyone. You married Hector Rollins! No shit! You lucky girl!" Shouldering, Lily, "So is he as... you know, like we used to discuss all the time?" Lily nodded. "You dog! No wonder you love his ass and married him. Wait! Hector!"

Taylor looked at Britt and whispered, "I'm starting to feel like a Lilliputian or little Smurf or something. What is in the water of this town?"

Britt pulled her close and whispered back, "If it's an consolation, so am I." They both stared as Hector appeared. Six seven, big shoulders, with a huge smile.

"Avery? Darn, it's good to see you and so good to see you too, Mrs. Barrett," laughing and smiling. "And here's the little one."

Taylor kneeled down, "Hey there, Mister? What's your name?"

"Noah."

"Well, Noah very glad to meet you, I'm Taylor. How old are you four? Or five?"

Lily laughed, "Believe it or not, he's two and a half." Taylor's head whipped to Lily, "We feed him raw meat and protein shakes. Scary isn't it? We're gonna try and get him in the county fair, you know, in one of them contests. Biggest cow, biggest zucchini, biggest kid..."

"Lily!"

"It's kinda bad though. People think he's just slow or something because they think he's four or five, but doesn't act like it. I can't tell you how many times those women give me that sad look of understanding and I have to tell the jerks that he's two. Hell, that darn kid is outsmarting me all the time. He's momma's little honey bear and," rubbing her belly, "his little sister is growing in the hatchery right now! So come on, there is so much to start catching up on."

Taylor held back. "You three go. I need to go see Daniel. I told him I'd come and... you know what'll happen if I don't show up. It would just be easier. So, Lily, I'll have to take a pass, but I'd love to sit down and get all the dirt on these Barretts so I know for sure what I'm getting into."

"Taylor, I'll come. You shouldn't do it alone."

"Absolutely not, Maggie. I've got old Daniel just wrapped around my little finger." Laughing, "Oh, how I wish that were true. Nope, I'll be fine. Give me a chance to put out those markers and things. Nice meeting you, Hector and Noah."

As she left, "That girl looks like just the sweetest little thing, and she is, of course, but she is a giant inside, with a will as strong as steel and not afraid to tackle anything. She is something else, but if my Jackson doesn't come home soon she's just gonna shrivel up and blow away."

Shaking her head, "Fifteen months, just not right. Not right at all. They talk all the time and they see each other once a month or sometimes twice, but..."

"Another thing I have to find out about. Heck they were talking about her presentation at the planning commission on the radio this morning. But, Jackson Barrett's engaged." Lily put her arm around Britt, "So tell me how you met this big, ugly sister of mine..."

Taylor walked into the milking parlor with her pack of papers. As expected, Daniel was milking the cows. "Hello, Mr. Baxter. Can we speak for a moment. I have your final check and some papers..."

"Can't you see I'm busy? Got to get this milking done."

"I know and I'm sorry. But we agreed to meet..."

"No, you told me we needed to meet and show me how you all screwed me again."

"Uh, so here's your final check."

He glanced at it, "THAT'S ALL! That's all I get for that parcel? My attorney..."

"Mr. Barrett, you had already gotten part of their large down payment and this amount reflects your half minus the final payment to Maggie for the dairy and your share of the expenses we've had... and minus your final payment to the bank."

"Bullshit! It's all bullshit! You all stole my inheritance."

She went to her folder and pulled out a page. "Mr. Barrett, I've summarized it all on this page. What we got for each parcel, your half, minus payment for the dairy and expenses..."

"Yeah! All to make it look real legal--legal theft."

This was getting old, "Mr. Barrett, by all means have your attorney review it. But, dammit, the bottom line is it cost me fifteen months of my life to help you. You never lifted a finger and actually made it harder.

"And look at it, you ended up with almost a hundred percent more cash than you originally sold ALL of the land for. Your share would have been half of that. Plus! Plus you have the dairy, one hundred percent yours and debt free with forty-five acres of great land.

"You made out like a champ! So if you'll just sign this note stating that I gave you the check..."

"I ain't signin' nothin'."

"Good enough. I'll just put a little note here, like always, that at," glancing at her phone, "two twenty-six you refused to sign. Just like we always do. I think that wraps it all up. So, Mr. Barrett, I'm going to borrow the four wheeler to put a bunch of white posts where the survey markers are around your property, okay?"

"Why? So you can steal more of my land!"

She sighed, "No, Mr. Barrett. It's so the developers don't take any of your land. It's to help you."

Grunting, "Oh."

"Where's Bo, Mr. Barrett? He always comes when I visit and," laughing, "tries to knock me down?"

"No idea. Disappeared five days? Maybe a week ago, just like everyone else."

"Did you look for him? Aren't you worried?"

"Hell no! He's a damn dog and never liked me anyway."

Shaking her head, "Okay."

She stuffed all her bright white, four foot long pvc pipes in the back and started driving around his property. Everywhere a surveyor's wooden stake was placed, she pounded in a stake so the property line was clearly visible from a distance and wouldn't rot out and disappear in a few months. She had already done this for all the other parcels.

She spied something at the edge of his property down along the river. Bo! She freaked and drove as fast as she could to the spot. Bo hung by her collar from a branch above the water and her feet rested in the water below. She must have run to the water to get a drink and cool off, but the branch slid between her neck and collar.

Her neck was shredded and she gagged as she saw maggots crawling around in the open areas. Tears filled her eyes and she moaned in sadness when she thought of what she must have suffered before giving up. Then a short, rattling breathe escaped her throat. Alive! Bo was still alive! How could she have lasted that long?

She waded into the water and tried to pull her off the branch. No go! She retrieved her hack saw from the bag of tools and started cutting the branch where it slid under the collar. "Dammit!" It was taking forever. The hacksaw, with all of its tiny teeth was great for the pvc, but not for a wooden branch.

The branch finally snapped and Bo dropped into the water and went under. "No! No, no, no." She grabbed her head and lifted it out and then struggled to drag her through the shallow water, weeds and mud.

Twenty feet of swampy muck up to her knees. Twice she fell backwards as she dragged her. Soaking wet, mud-caked, blood covering her face and panting as hard as ever in her life; she made it to dry land. What now? Bo was huge, limp, and had to weigh over a hundred or more.

No options. She took a brief rest, then bent over and once again put her arms around her behind the front legs and cradled her to herself. She gagged as her face hit the open wounds on her neck, and grunted hard as she heaved and lifted the front two thirds of the dog off the ground.

Just ten feet to the ATV. Bo was just too long for her to lift all the way off the ground so she straddled her body and waddled backwards to the bed on the back of the utility vehicle.

Dumping the top half of her onto the bed, she grabbed handfuls of fur and skin and pushed the rest, bit by bit onto the shelf. She secured Bo with rope, fearing that at any moment she would stop breathing. Blood on her face, mud on the rest of her, she drove slowly back to the dairy and pulled up next to her car, hoping the whole time Bo hadn't died.

No! Still little shallow breaths. Now what? She didn't want to just dump her into the trunk of her sedan, but no way could she maneuver the dog into the back seat. Dammit! She needed help--Daniel's help. She steeled herself and ran to the milking parlor.

"Mr. Barrett, I need your help!"

Without looking up from tending the machine, "You already helped yourself to everything I had. Nope. No more help."

The last straw, the camel's back was broken. "YOU STOP WHAT YOU'RE FUCKING DOING AND LOOK AT ME, DANIEL! NOW!" He turned and looked at her and his eyes widened as he saw the shape she was in.

"Now, I don't know what turned you into the empty, angry, hate filled piece of shit you are and frankly, at this point, Daniel, I just don't care. But I have Bo out there. She hung by her collar for a week. A week, Daniel, because you were too fucking busy to even go look for her. Bo, the only thing it this world that you haven't been able to drive away.

"Now leave the fucking cow alone and come help me. PLEASE! I have to go to Dr. Rogers' and see if he can save her. Please!"

He turned off the milker, threw her a towel as he approached and walked out the door to her car as she followed. He shook his head as he looked at Bo, "You're wasting your time. She's a goner."

"Maybe, but Daniel, you may not have noticed, but I don't give up that easily. Not on dogs and not on people."

"I've noticed. Back seat?" She nodded. Struggling with the limp body, he lifted Bo.

"Daniel, let me help."

"I've got her."

"Daniel, you don't have to do everything alone."

He looked at her. "Get on the other side of the car and pull the damn dog across as I slide her in." Grabbing hand fulls of fur she pulled and Bo slid across the seat into place, more than filling the whole back seat of her old Camry.

Walking back around the car, she reached out and hugged him, not worrying about the mud since his clothes were so dirty anyway. "Thank you, Daniel. I couldn't have done it alone."

Searching his face, "What happened, Daniel? What made you turn into this man that pushed everyone away and filled up the emptiness with anger, hate? What was it? I don't understand."

"She cheated on me!"

"Daniel, you know that's not true. You believe the DNA on your cows, why not your son? But you were like this before... before Jackson. You were like this with the others. What was it?"

A tear filled the corner of his eye. "I hated my father. Hated him so much I wanted to kill him. Every day I wanted to kill him. And I hated the cows, and the dairy, and this land. I wanted to leave, but then Nathan, then another, and another. I had to stay. And then she cheated on me and got Jackson. Like three wasn't enough. Spent all my money on those three."

Talking soothingly, "Daniel, She got pregnant on your anniversary... and the tests--he had three of them.

"Doesn't matter. I've hated every single day of it and now I have nothin'. Nothin'"

"Daniel, there were alternatives."

"No! No there weren't. Around here we live with our mistakes.

She touched his arm, "It's not too late, Daniel. You have a lot of money and the dairy is a big, debt free asset. You could cash it out and do the things you want."

"What, are you going to sell this out from underneath me too? Want a bigger inheritance? A big commission?"

"Dang, you are one suspicious kind of person aren't you? First of all, Daniel, I am pretty sure that Jackson would never take a penny from you even if you left something to him."

"Hmph!"

"And anything I did to help would be for free. You may not have noticed, but I have taken no money... no money at all for a commission. I did it for free!

"Why? Why the hell would you do that?"

"Because you needed help. Because, like it or not, you're family. So, you have options. You could sell the cows and just grow hay and corn or something. Or sell some of the land and just sit on your porch and take a well deserved rest. You could lease it and have a monthly income. Or get rid of it all and move somewhere, or travel.

"Tell you what, Daniel, let me get Bo squared away and then I would like to come back and then you and I could talk about things. I can help you milk and talk while we work or we can sit at the table and have coffee, or I'll make some breakfast...

"Please, Daniel, you helped me, now let me help you."

"I don't know. It's too late."

"What is it you all say around here, as long as you're above ground it ain't too late? It's not too late, Daniel and," smiling, "you know I won't take no for an answer. So think on it. But I have to go." She gave him a quick hug and drove off. He just stared at her. Then stared after the car for a long time just mulling things over--until the cows voiced their complaints and he went back to work.

Stopping the car, she ran into the Vet's office and up to the desk. "Please! I need help. I have Bo Barrett in my car and she..." starting to cry, then wiping her face and pulling it together, "she was hung up on a branch for a week, and she has maggots, and, oh God, please help her or... or put her out of her misery if you have to."

"Goodness, Honey, you're a mess. Is this Maggie Barrett's Bo?" She nodded. "And who are you?"

"Taylor, uh, Taylor Logan. Maggie doesn't know she's hurt. I found her and got her here as fast as I could. Please! She's in my back seat."

"You got her in the back seat?"

"Daniel helped me."

"Well, I'll be damned and go to hell. You got Daniel Barrett to help you? Damn, girl. We gotta save that dog! Get to your car and I'll grab Dr. Rogers. That dog weighs a ton, we're gonna need a cart."

Four hours. Four hours and Taylor was still walking around the reception area. Sitting, standing, too nervous to do anything. No word and no one to ask. All hands were focused on Bo. Her phone went off. "Taylor! Are you OK? I figured you'd come back by and visit some. We were starting to worry..."

Taylor burst into tears and lost it, "Avery, I'm at Dr. Rogers'. I... I found Bo hanging from a branch in the river. She'd been there for five days, maybe seven. They took her back four hours ago and I haven't heard anything. I... I guess that's a good thing. At least she didn't die or they didn't recommend putting her to sleep. But... God, Avery, she had maggots... Wait, someone's coming. I'll call you back."

"Hi, I'm Frank Rogers and you're Taylor? The Taylor living with Maggie, that put that whole development plan together, got her to divorce that old goat and changed those two boys of hers?"

"Yes, and no. But Bo?"

"Bo should be dead. But she is one tough farm dog. We started an IV for fluids, antibiotics, and a bunch of stuff; cleaned up her neck and got rid of those little critters; and then cleaned up her feet. They were pretty soggy and cracked from soaking for so long."

"Sooo..."

"So, we won't know for a few days, she has a whopping infection in her neck, but she has a good chance of making it. Now every thing else seems fine, but she may have hurt her neck or something else..."

Taylor rushed forward and hugged him. "Thank you, Dr. Rogers. Thank you for not just writing her off and giving it a try." Realizing what she'd done, "OH! No! I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I got you all muddy. Look I'll get your clothes cleaned or get new ones, but..." She hugged him again, " Thank you!"

Easing her away. "My pleasure, and don't worry about the clothes. I guess you're everything, everybody has said about you."

"Pardon?"

"It's a small town, Taylor. Everyone in town has been following your exploits. Hell, you're the main topic at every get together. We're all waiting to see what you pull off next. The way you've dealt with the county officials, the developers and everyone else? Well, they are the stuffiest, most conservative, anti growth, stick in the muds around and yet they listened to you.

"And Will Johnson, the real estate guy hopes like hell you'll hang your shingle up with him because every farmer or dairyman around is going to want to use you if they decide to sell anything."

"I didn't know. I mean, I just wanted to help Maggie. Dr. Rogers, can I go back and see her? I won't mess with anything. Please?"

"Sure, but let me get a gown and some booties..." laughing, "on second thought, you're kind of shedding dirt and dead plants like Pig Pen as they dry up. Let me have you change into some scrubs, if that's alright, so you don't do to my office what you just did to me. They're going to be a might big on you though."

"I am so, so sorry. I..."

"Taylor. It's okay. I go to the farms and get trashed all the time." Laughing, "My wife swears my clothes are disposable."

Fifteen minutes later she walked out looking lost in oversized scrubs. The legs rolled up over and over and her bare feet in booties. She was taken into the back and Bo was lying on her side in a lower kennel cage. She got on her knees, opened the door and started stroking her side.

Putting her face close to her ear, "Bo? What a good dog. You have to get better, girl. I will take such good care of you while you heal. Please! Please try, Bo. I'll give you treats every day." With that, Bo's eye opened and she twitched her tail.

A cry of relief came as Taylor buried her face in Bo's long, thick fur. "Good girl. That a girl. You can do it." Her eyes closed, but she continued to breathe. It was several minutes before Taylor could pull herself away and mop her eyes.

"Thank you, Dr. Rogers. So, uh, can I come back and visit her tomorrow?"

"Sure. Any time. I guarantee you, no one has ever loved that dog the way you do--even Maggie. She's an outside, farm dog that keeps an eye on the cows and things."

"Not anymore if I can help it. Thank you! Thank you so much for what you and your staff have done."

She walked outside, mopping her eyes with her scrub suit front holding her clothes in a bag, as Avery pulled up and ran over to her. "Taylor! Are you okay?" She wrapped her arms around Taylor's tiny frame and cradled her in.

"Avery, I don't know how much more I can take. I'm, I just feel so empty inside. It's been almost a month since I've seen Jackson, and now Bo, and my meeting with your dad... my strength is just leaking away."

"No wonder, Taylor. You've been going nonstop and Jackson's been sent to tour those dairies in Europe for that company he works for. You need a break. So what can we do to help?"

Sniffling, but smiling as she pulled herself away. "Well, you're off tomorrow, right? Why don't you go to the county and present those new revisions on the environmental impact of my plans for the river they requested?"

Looking at her then squeezing her again. "Oh, Taylor, you are incredible and I would love to help, but no way in hell am I going to do that for you."

Laughing, "Then tell you what, I've kind of had a breakthrough with your dad. How'd you like to go have coffee with him tomorrow?"

"You what!"

"He actually opened up some. The door will likely be closed shut again tomorrow, but maybe?"

"Crap, Taylor, the meeting, the dog and my dad? They're sucking the life out of you. You need a vacation or something."

"I can't miss the meeting, but then maybe..."

"Well, I know exactly what will recharge you and get your spirits up. Let's go get you some food. Shit, Taylor, if you lose anymore weight a stiff breeze'll blow you away like one of those little dandelion things.

"So, how's Bo? That dog has been glued to you from the time she knocked you down. Yup, we all saw that event from the window and were waiting for the angry explosion, but you got up laughing.

"The boys were struck dumb if you can believe that. Well, the dumb part you can imagine for sure. And what the hell is this about my father? Did you hypnotize him or something? And this new getup you're wearing?

"I swear, Taylor, I can't keep up with your exploits. I can see it now, The Adventures of Taylor Logan!"

"I just want to skip to the part where it switches to Taylor Barrett, 'and they lived happily ever after.'" Perking up, "Can you believe how big, Lily's little boy is?" Laughing, "He'll be bigger than me by kindergarten."

"And he probably weighs more than you now. You've got to be under a hundred. Damn," chuckling, "my damn thighs are a hundred! So let's stop and get a burger and some fries and start that recharging process. Mom's getting pretty worried about you as your clothes keep gettin' looser and looser."

Avery walked her to the car and glanced inside, "Holy crap! Your car! Okay, so we'll work on getting that all cleaned up tomorrow. We'll leave it here and go in my car and you can take it to the meeting tomorrow. Repeat after me, 'I will go with Avery to the King Burger.'"

"'I will go with Avery,' but I think I want the chicken sandwich. Oh, but I have to call Maggie about Bo. Oh, and then I HAVE to call Jackson. I need... darn the time difference; it's pretty late there. Tough! I'm calling him! Hurry up, Avery. Don't just stand there like some bump on a log. We have to go so I can call."

Smiling and giving her a shoulder hug, "Sure, Boss."

Three days later, Taylor and Maggie emerged from the vets office. "Oh, Maggie, she looks so, so much better. Dr. Rogers said we can take her home tomorrow...," suddenly a sad look crossed her face, "I guess that means take her back to Daniel's... But don't worry, Maggie, I'll go out and clean her wounds every day and make sure..."

Taylor suddenly saw the grin on Maggie's face. "What?" Turning to look, "Mom? MOM!" She ran to her mother and clutched her desperately and started sobbing. "Oh, Mom, I can't tell you how much I needed to see you. Thank you, thank you for coming. But why are you here?"

Stroking her hair, "Taylor, it's alright. It's almost done. Didn't you say Jackson was coming back to the States and would be here in a week or something? I know it seems like forever, but just be strong for a few more days. You can make it"

Still crying, "But it's been so long, Mom. And since he's been in Europe, I haven't been able to see him or touch him; and most of the time our schedules screw everything up... I..."

"Taylor, he's going to be so proud of what you've accomplished; the strong, confident woman you've become. We both know damn well, that you haven't told him even a tiny bit of all you've done and you'll be able to see him, hold him, and tell him everything." Laughing, "But I suspect there won't be much talking for a while."

"Mom, why are you here?"

"Because I could tell on the phone that you were struggling, well, and a little birdie may have confirmed my fears. Hang in there, Hon. Just a few more days." Pushing her away, but holding both of her shoulders she looked her over. "Damnation, Taylor. You didn't have an ounce of fat on you before and now you look like some ragamuffin in oversized clothes or something. Your clothes, Taylor, they're just hanging off you! What, do you want Jackson to come home to a bag of bones?"

"I..."

"Don't give me that 'I wasn't hungry crap!' Avery, will you take your mom home? My daughter and I are going to load up on high calorie, no nutritional value, but oh so delicious, things to eat and then she's going to show me some of what she's done and I'm going to scold her ass nonstop for an hour for not eating right or taking care of herself."

She squeezed Taylor tight again and talked softly into her ear, "Taylor, I can't begin to tell you how proud we all are of what you've done and how you've managed. Think of how you've changed in the last year.

"You've gone from a little girl bopping along in college with no confidence in herself or her abilities to an incredibly accomplished woman. The challenge came and you stepped up; stepped up and helped Maggie, Daniel, and I would bet that you have set the developmental bar for this whole county.

"And your whole family in Rhode Island got to watch you on that TV talk show from here. We were so proud! You were... you were confident, self-assured, open, friendly... and knowledgeable. Some of those questions..."

"How the heck did you all see that?"

"Oh, Hon, everything is on the web. And Maggie told me when and what station so I recorded it and we all watched it.

"Now drive me over there and show me around. Do you have a plat or anything."

Smiling at her mom, "I ALWAYS have a plat and a whole huge file of things to answer all the calls I get each day. I've got so many things still up in the air; but thankfully, everything is finally coming together. I mean, I'll still have to work some to coordinate things between the county, developers and construction companies, but that'll be easier, I think.

"So what was all the digging?"

"The county is extending the water and septic lines and the cable company has upgraded its internet."

"And you did that?"

She shrugged, "Yeah, I guess. So here we are. Almost a two tenths of a mile of frontage rezoned to commercial. All the stores have a similar look, they'll be set back and an elevated buffer will be along the road and it'll be landscaped..."

"And you made that happen?"

She shrugged again. "Yeah, I guess. I mean it was part of the agreement I worked out between the county and the developers."

"Taylor, you realize that this was/is a huge undertaking and usually takes a team of folks like you to put together. To think that it was your first one! And you did it alone! Hell, I would have had a hard time... NO! I couldn't have done it, I don't think. I mean I sell the property, but then leave it to them to get everything else done. AND I would have gotten a huge paycheck for it."

"Well, I did it so Maggie and Daniel could get a better price for the land, I mean they had no savings or anything and... and I could help create something really special, not just another strip of mismatched shops with apartment buildings. I don't know, the land meant a lot to them and had a lot of history so I wanted it to be special."

"And it was fun. And it was challenging. And now you can maybe sell the next farm or be a consultant for the developer--and get paid doing something you like. You already have all the connections. That is, of course, if you and Jackson stay here."

Glancing over, "Mom! What is that little secret smile of yours about? Spill it!"

"Nothing, Hon. Just happy to see you light up."

"Mom!"

"Really. Now pull out that plat and show me what you're doing along the river."

"Well, I'm working with the state and feds to see if I can get some grants..." Her mom looked at her and hugged her again. Her eyes filled with tears of pride. A few more days. If she can just make it a few days.

The next day, "Well, I have to drop these updates off at the county office, then I need to go do the dressing on Bo. Mom, why don't you come with me?" Her phone buzzed. "It's a text from Daniel."

"You got a text from my father? He's using his phone?"

"Sure. I showed him how to do it. Want to go, Mom? But maybe I should see Daniel alone until I see what's brewing."

"No, I've never really met Daniel. Just some grumbling in the distance as he walked off to the milking parlor."

"Then come on, Mom, let's hit it. Remember, we're living in the city, all the property is out in the next county, so I have to deal with the county officials," laughing, "and the state, and the feds, and..."

"So, Mom, these are the county offices. You can, no, why don't you come on up with me, the exercise will do you good. The offices are on the second floor."

They walked up the stairs and into the county planning office. The woman behind the counter looked up and smiled, "Well it's the Tiny Titan from that tiny state somewhere way up there where it's cold and snows a lot. Taylor Logan in the flesh to brighten up my day."

"Hi, Donna, here're those mitigation revisions that the state wanted on the greenway and projects along the river as requested."

"And a day earlier than expected, of course. So who have we here? Has to be," winking, "your big sister. Heck, you two are a spittin' image of each other."

Olivia chuckled, "Hello, Donna, thank you so much for those kind words, but I'm Olivia, her mom."

"Well, I am ever so glad to meet the woman responsible this human tornado. She has the whole county shook up." Bending forward and whispering, "Those old goats on the council are having a lunch meeting, and I swear they're in there trying to come up with some questions to ask Taylor that she can't answer. She has them all flummoxed."

She whispered conspiratorially, "And they'll have me make copies of the questions so I may just send you a copy so their jaws drop.

"You should be real proud of this one, Olivia. She has done such a great job balancing everyone's needs that it's been a win for the Baxters, the developers and the county. Everyone is happy. It's freaky! Not sure I've ever seen that before. Usually at least someone is really ticked.

"She's done such a good job gettin' those stodgy old crusts on the council to stop a livin' in the past and look towards the future... well, if she would ever establish residence in the county, we already have an election committee waiting to elect her to the council.

"You should see the dang monthly Council meeting. Used to be just the few of the usual old, crusty 'I hate everything' crew, but now the place is packed, just so they can see this one in action. It's a thing of pure beauty. She's like a standing agenda item."

"Thanks for that, Donna. Let me know if the Commissioners need anything else. Hey, you went to school with Avery right?" She nodded. "Well, I just met someone, she's in the city, that you might know. Just moved back a few months ago and owns that chocolate place on Maple."

"God, I love that place." Laughing, "It's responsible for me splittin' out my jeans last week. Darn I liked those jeans, so who was it?"

"Lily Langston."

"Lily Langston--been a while. I liked the heck out of Lily, but is that no good worthless piece of crap husband still around? Dang, he was ten times worse than the one Avery married.

"You know I tried to talk both of them out of it," laughing again, "but I was afraid they'd beat the crap out of me if I said another word. He was scary! It was so out of character! I mean, they both knew how to party, but never with guys like that. And then bam! They up and married them. A head scratcher for sure."

"Taylor had one of those. Carl. Almost got her killed."

"Mom, maybe you should go sit in the car. At least I didn't marry him."

"You probably would have if Jackson hadn't saved your back end."

"Jackson! You're with Jackson Barrett?"

Olivia raised Taylor's hand so the ring could be seen. "You're engaged to him! That's what that ring you've been flaunting is all about? Heck, I'm coming to your house to talk! Avery and Lily can just wait. Rescued by Jackson? He was the nicest guy, but always looked exhausted. No sports, dates... it was weird."

"His dad and brothers made him work all the time in the dairy. Anyway enough about me... Lily! Lily remarried, to a guy you might remember too. Who was the biggest, nicest guy in school?"

"No friggin' way! She married Hector the Giant? He was terrific. Text me her info and I'll see about stoppin' in some time. At the shop, of course, so I can buy some more chocolate. Gotta grow into my new stretchy jeans..."

"I swear, Donna, she has a two and a half year old; cute as a button, but I swear he comes all the way up to here on me. Looks like a heavy duty five year old."

"I guess he got big genes from both sides," laughing, "just like you, Taylor."

"Yuk, yuk. Have a great week, keep me posted."

"I'm going through this with a fine toothed comb. I know there's a misspelling or grammatical error somewhere. I swear, Olivia, I can't ever find anything wrong with her stuff."

"Okay! I'll put some in so you can find them."

Laughing, 'I'll bet you will. This has been been fun, but you two need to shoo," puffing up up her chest, "this ain't one of those cushy, government jobs, no, Ma'am! I have work to do. Great meeting you, Olivia."

"And you, Donna."

They climbed back in the car. "Taylor, how the heck did you learn all this stuff? Mitigation? Wetlands? Water flow?"

"I don't know. I read a lot, the state and federal requirements are pretty straight forward, but mostly I asked questions and made friends. Some of the mitigation details I got Nathan to help me with. Isaiah wasn't really interested in helping.

"Jackson's speech the day I got him, well, really got him in hot water and... well, doesn't matter. I found that if you asked the questions, then demonstrated that you're listening by giving them the information they asked for..." she shrugged, "and of course cookies or donuts never hurt."

Pulling into the parking lot and stopping the car, "So we just drove by before, but here is the new commerce center. All the stores are busy and the restaurant is always packed. Shows there was a real need for these services--exceeded my projections. My business stuff helped with that. What you don't see, is on the back side, we have a family doctor, dentist, place for visiting specialists, an attorney, and some other offices."

"And you planned all this?"

"Well, I sent a survey to the folks who live in this area, did traffic counts, and then worked with the developers. I stopped in and talked to a number of folks to get their ideas and feedback. This center is a reflection of what the residents said they wanted--and they're keepin' it busy.

"So, I was going to take you in the back to look at things, they're almost done with the first multifamily unit, but I don't like to keep Daniel waiting. It's just down the road as you remember."

Pulling up to the parlor, "Mom, what if you wait here or walk around. I never know what to expect and so far I'm the only one he's talking to. You can meet him some other day. Alright?"

"That's fine, dear. Take your time. If I get hot, I'll just walk around a bit."

Taylor opened the car door, walked around to the front, and a big furry beast knocked her down and straddled her. "Bo, girl, we're going to have to figure out a different greeting." Laughing with joy, "But you look so good! Oh, I'm so happy! Come on, let's see what's up then we'll change that dressing."

She walked to the milking parlor with Bo glued to her side. "Hey, Daniel. How's it going? Need a hand?"

Daniel turned away from the cow and stared at her. "Are you always this perky and happy."

She stared back. "Not at all, Daniel. I mean, I'm glad to see you, but I miss Jackson so much I feel like crying all day. Too much to do, though, people depending on me, but I've kind of adopted the dog's way of looking at things."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Well, look at Bo, big hole in her neck, you know it hurts her like crazy and it's like 'Oh, well, I have a hole in my neck. What's for dinner?" He frowned. "Look at that dog next farm down. Lost his front leg in a trap or something and he's like, "Oh, well, I've got three legs. What's for dinner?" Laughing, "I know, sounds crazy, but you can either plug along like the pain and emptiness isn't there or let it bury you."

"You're something special, Taylor; and I've been thinking about what we've been discussing, and doin' a lot of thinking about it. So first off, I want you to take Bo."

"No, Daniel. She's your dog."

"No she's not. I mean, look at her. She's glued to you, won't leave your side, and when you leave she'll lay out there and stare at the driveway just waitin' for you to come back. She won't hardly eat anything except when you're here. And I never messed with her none anyway. So you have to take her."

"But we're in the city and the place is small and..." looking at Daniel, "Okay, sure, I'll take her. Thank you, Daniel. Was there something else on your mind?"

"I want to sell this place."

"What? Why?"

"I'm tired. Tired of everything. I'm old, worn out and have nothin' but these cows to show for it. Maybe you can talk to Jackson and figure out the best time to sell 'em. No one to share it with or who gives a damn whether I'm alive or dead. I just want to leave and go away."

"Uh, okay, Daniel, lot's to discuss there. Can we sit and go over things some? Please?"

"Dammit, Taylor, how do you always get your way? Sure." He went over and sat on a bench.

"So, first, Daniel, we all make mistakes and go down the wrong path and kind of lose our way for a while. It's easy to get stuck there in the grind of day to day--especially in a place like this where there's never an end to the work.

"I know Avery would welcome a better relationship with you and I'm pretty sure Nathan and Isaiah would. Not sure about Jackson or Maggie, though; that would take a while. But if you had time, you could spend more time with your friends or make new ones, or maybe even meet someone... I don't know.

"But I do know, or at least I'm pretty sure, that you've walled yourself up so tight that there's no space for anyone else--and you have to be lonely inside those walls.

"I will be here for you, Daniel. As long as we stay here I'd like to spend time with you. Problem is, I don't know what Jackson's plans are or what his work plans are. So... I can't promise that I'll be here for long.

"The other thing is that you have options. Like we talked about. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing--you, know, sell it all and go somewhere else. That's kind of running away from everything without a plan. May be great, be every thing you dream of... but it could be worse than what you have. It could be even lonelier.

"Now," with a short laugh, "you may have noticed that I'm not a farmer or dairy person, but let me give you a few thoughts just off the top of my head that you can mull over. I've done some thinking since last time we talked about this.

"Some of the ideas we already talked about, some are new. Point is, don't rush into anything. We can plan together and take it one step at a time. No burnt bridges in case you don't like what's happening.

"Yes, you could sell the cows and close things up... but since you have everything here, you could lease it out to some farmer. Maybe a new guy just starting out. A new generation of dairyman or woman. You could take a percentage, and maybe teach them the ropes. That way it would still remain a dairy like your father ran. Jackson can probably tell us how much you could charge or what a new dairy person could expect to pay you.

"Like I said, you could concentrate on the crops, you know, hay, corn, soy beans and sell those. Doesn't take as much work, you can take time off. Or you could lease the crop land and sit on your porch, fish, travel, visit places you might want to move to... or just sit on your porch and watch the day go by. Get that rest you so deserve. You have worked so hard for so long...

"You could sell off parts of it, if you felt you needed the money, but Daniel, I think the value of your land is going to go crazy as the development get built out. So holding onto it, at least for a few years, is probably a great plan. And you've got a lot of cash from what we've sold already...

"So, I don't know. Is any of that making sense?" Daniel continued to just stare at her, chewing his lip and providing no clues to what he was thinking. "Daniel? I mean there may be..."

"You know that knoll down by the river, that sits up above the flood plain and looks out at everything."

She nodded. "That's a beautiful spot. I used to stand there, watch the river, and look all around. It has a good feel about it. Very valuable, I think."

Nodding, "Likely. I want you to get your surveyor out here and mark out that knoll and about four acres or so including the river front."

Looking questioningly, "Okaaaay? Uh, I can do that."

"I want you and Jackson to have that land. I never paid you any commission and it could be kind of a wedding present or something. If you built there, I wouldn't bug you two or make Jackson work or anything, but... I'd really like you to have it."

"Daniel... I... you don't have to pay me for what I did. You're going to be family. It was fun. I learned so, so much..."

"And Jackson wouldn't want to be that close."

"I don't know, Daniel. I just don't know. And I don't know if we're staying, like I said."

He nodded, "Please get it surveyed and send me the bill." He stood up, "I have to get back to work." As he turned she grabbed him and hugged him. "Daniel. Thank you--for Bo, for the offer of the knoll, for talking to me." Staring up at his face, "You. Are. Not. Alone. I am here for you. Let me me help," she patted his chest, "the you inside this big chest of yours. Please!" He nodded.

"I'll feel out Avery and the boys about seeing you. I'll talk to Jackson about the Guernseys, but he's over in Europe visiting dairies."

"Europe! Well, I'll be damned."

"Yeah, his work sent him there and he won't be back for another week." Tearing, "It's been so hard to get hold of him... I," breathing deep and composing herself, "As soon as I can, I'll talk to him about the cows and options." He nodded and she hugged him again. "Can I come out tomorrow and visit?"

"Sure, if you like."

She walked to the car with Bo glued to her side. Opening the back door, the dog jumped inside and lay down. Taylor climbed in the driver's side and sat, thinking, looking at nothing. "Taylor? What's going on and what is that big smelly beast doing in the car?"

Shaking her head and refocusing, "That was very remarkable... and heart breaking. He's lonely, Mom. He's sixty something and he really has no one and nothing to show for it, but another day of work. I'm the only one.

"I have to fix this. Oh, and the dog is mine. We have to stop and get some dog food, a lead, toys, a bed... Bowls! I'll need bowls, laughing, "big, big bowls; and at least she got her shots and a new license at Dr. Rogers'"

"Taylor, Honey, you're starting to scare me. You've grown... changed. Everywhere you go you're making things happen--building strong relationships..."

Taylor grabbed the steering wheel, her head sank and rested on it as she started to cry. "I'm scared, Mom. Really, really scared--Scared to death that he won't like the changes, that he won't like the girl I am now. Am I too different, Mom? Will Jackson like this version of me?

"I mean he's changed, I can tell that when I talk to him or when we're together for a couple of days. And then, when he comes down here, there's family everywhere... So, what if I'm not the girl he remembers? The girl he loves. Fifteen months! It's been fifteen months! And we'd only been together a few months...

"When we talk, when we're together... it's still so magical. He tells me how much he loves me and misses me... and sends me texts during the day. So it seems just like it always was, but is he going to feel the same?

"I haven't really shared the things that I'm doing except in general terms. Part of the reason is I don't want him to feel like we have to live here. Like I've become such a part of the community that we have to stay. Mom, I don't care where we live. I want him to go where he can do something he loves.

"So I try not to talk shop and concentrate on personal things, and I'm so interested to know every detail of his life and what the dairies are like, I mean, I always want to hear how he's doing and what he's learning. He gets so excited about it.

"But I look so different, I feel so different, and now it's been five weeks since we've been together at all. He's been in Europe and all those beautiful women...

"I'm starting to worry, Mom? Well, not starting; I've worried for fifteen months. It's just getting worse! So much worse! If he doesn't like me or..."

Stretching over the console and putting her arm on her, "Oh, Hon, he's going to love you more than ever. And don't you think he's just as scared as you are? Don't you think, he's thinking exactly what you're thinking? I'm sure it's been just as hard or harder on him. And he's all alone. No family.

"But he's going to be so proud of you and I can guarantee he'll love you more than ever. And what makes you think his mom or Avery haven't shared everything with him? You're not the only one that talks to him. So don't worry. But you have so much going on! You're going to have to make sure you take time to be together and make him your number one priority."

Laughing, "No worry of that! I'm not getting out of bed for a month! Other than Jackson, Mom, I've got it all under control. Let me drive you down by the river and show what we have planned."

Patting her arm, "Just a few more days and then..."

Taylor looked at her mom. "I don't know if I'll make it these next few days."

"Taylor, honey, I know how you like to worry and fret about things, but don't. Please don't. It's true that yours has been sort of a whirlwind romance with a rather unusual beginning, heck, I wasn't even sure I liked your father when we met. So let me just ask you... what is it about Jackson that makes you love him?"

Looking at her mom, "So many things. He's my best friend; he makes me laugh all the time; when I see him I get a weird feeling in my chest; when I touch him I feel sparks and my whole body comes alive; he feels like home and makes me feel safe. I don't know, so many things, big and small."

"Do you think any of that has changed in the last year?"

"No, but..."

"Have faith, Taylor. That man loves you and would trade life itself to be with you and make you happy.

"Not sure I'd be happy if he died making me happy."

"I'm pretty sure, wise ass, that you know what I meant. I guarantee it's going to be like he never left. Just be strong for a few more days."

"I don't know how you can be so sure." She looked over at her mom who had a little smirk on her face, "Okay. Out with it! What the heck is going on? Have you heard something?"

"What do you mean, dear? No! I haven't heard anything, just that he told his mom how much he misses you."

"Don't give me that crap! Between you and Avery and Maggie, and now Britt... all walking around like that cat in Alice and Wonderland, 'I know something you don't know.' Spill it!"

"Nothing to spill, Hon. I'm just incredibly impressed by how much you've grown and the woman you've become."

"You're full of shit, Mom." Her mom laughed and patted her arm again. "Is it about Jackson?"

"We're all just so proud of how you've grown and worked all this out. Maggie said that people stop her all the time to ask about you."

"Not buying it, Mom! If it's something bad you have to tell me, okay?"

"Promise."

She pulled out and drove to the back of the property and along the dirt road that would be the access road to the park along the river. "What do you think of that knoll over there towards the edge of Daniel's property?"

"I think I would love to have a house on it. It looks out over the river, and well above the flood plain. That's probably the most valuable part of Daniel's remaining acreage and I would want to make sure I sold it off separately. Why?"

"Daniel wants me to get the surveyor out so he can give it to me."

"What? Why? I mean I don't know Daniel, he's only grumbled from a distance. Never really met him, but..."

"He's changing, Mom. Like I said, he's lonely, he hates the dairy, he wants me to see if Avery or the boys would come out here and see him. He'd like to mend fences. I said I couldn't take it, but he wanted to thank me for all the things I've done to help him."

"I'll be damned."

"So, I'll get the surveyor out, but what we do is up to Jackson--totally up to Jackson. I don't think he'd want to be that close. But what a spot to raise kids!"

Avery and Britt joined Maggie, Olivia and Taylor for dinner. Bo lay at her feet. As they approached the end, Taylor very hesitantly looked at Avery, "Ave, uh, I've been going out almost every day to talk to your dad."

"Well, I knew you'd seen him because of Bo."

"Yeah, but we've been talking about a lot of things. Avery he's changing; he's changed. He feels really badly for, well, for everything. He hates running the dairy; says he always has and it sorta spilled over to you all because he was so angry about being trapped.

"Apparently, his dad did to him what he did to Jackson and he was ready to pack up and leave when Nathan... Anyway, that's why you three had a kind of normal childhood. He didn't want you to feel trapped like he was."

"Yeah, he made the boys work some--and did a lot of yelling--but said that was how his father was and he just sort of fell into that mode. So where are you going with this, Taylor?"

"He would like to sit down with you, apologize, and start getting to know you, get more involved with your life, but doesn't think you or the boys will want anything to do with him. He's thinking of selling everything and just disappearing..."

She heard Maggie take a deep breath, "Maggie, I think he's really sorry for the life you two had together and figures there's no way you or Jackson would ever want to see him, but," turning back to Avery, "he was hoping you might, Avery."

"Geeze, Taylor, I don't know, I mean..."

"No pressure, Ave. Just think about it. Talk it over with Britt. I'll go with you or just drive with you or whatever. And if you don't want to go..."

"She'll do it!"

"Britt, I don't know, I mean, we've had no relation; I wouldn't know where to start."

"You start by going there and saying 'Hi, Dad, how are you doing? Can I help you with the cows or can we get a cup of coffee?' That's what I said. See how it goes. You're off tomorrow. Go then. Don't! Don't over think it. Remember, there are no dry runs in this life. We all stumble along like we're supposed to know what we're doing, but we don't."

"Do it, Ave."

Taylor spoke up again, "And, Ave, if it doesn't work, then it doesn't work. Done. At least you tried. What have you got to lose?"

"But what if he goes all crazy like other times?"

Smiling, "Well, a big strapping girl like you should be able to take him. He's old, Avery."

Looking at Taylor, "Just because I'm not some little tiny thing like you..."

Britt reached over and kissed her cheek. "I love you just the way you are, Honey." Chuckling, "And I like being with a big strapping farm girl like you who can keep me safe," winking at Taylor, "and 'bend steel with her bare hands.' Do it! Do it tomorrow."

"Not you too. Okay, I'll do it. You drive with me, Taylor, and I'll go in alone." Letting out a laugh, "But you'd better keep that engine running in case I have to make a fast getaway."

"Deal. We'll do it around noon, between milking times and you can bring him lunch. Oh, why don't we make him some cookies?"

"Uh, Taylor, let's just see if I stay longer than two minutes."

The next day around noon, they pulled into the long drive to the farm house. Taylor got ready to swing to the right and head to the milking parlor, but they saw Daniel sitting on the porch swing. "Good God, Tay, what have you done to him!"

"I... I told him to slow down and smell the roses, but... but I never expected this! No! Do you think he's sick?"

"Yeah, maybe. You should go and find out."

Laughing, "No, this is your visit. Just go up, say hi and ask him if everything is okay. Then tell him you brought some lunch. Quit bein' a chicken. Look, I'll go for a walk and see the cows so I won't be watching."

"Dammit, Taylor. You really are trouble. Life used to be so simple..."

Avery slowly, tentatively got out of the car and walked towards her dad. As she looked at him, she noted that he looked more fearful and uncertain about the meeting than she did. He stood up and watched her approach. She wanted to run, getaway, but Taylor was right.

As she stepped onto the porch, "Hey, Dad. Are you okay? I mean I don't ever remember you sitting..."

Stiffly, hesitantly, he cut her off. "Avery, I need to apologize to you for the way I've been. I never told you how proud I am of how well you did in school, that you became a nurse..." his eyes moistened, "I never said nothin' but yell at you and the others. I missed your childhood, and Jackson was right--you grew up without a father. Wasn't right. So I'm sorry. Maybe..."

Avery stepped forward and hugged him, "Dad, let's not worry about the past. Why don't we start from today. Day one. Why don't we sit on the swing or go inside for a bit, I brought some lunch, and then I'll give you a hand with the milking while we catch up."

"I'd like that, but I'm not much at talking."

Letting go she held him with both arms and smiled, "Really? I hadn't noticed." They both shared a moment of understanding. "Let's go in and sit at the table. Taylor and I made some cookies for you too."

"That Taylor's somethin' else!"

"That's for sure."

"So, what ever happened to that Jacob's guy you were married to?"

"Holy crap, Dad! You've been even further out of the loop than I thought. I reckon' we won't run out of things to talk about."

Taylor had tears of joy in her eyes as she watched them. Climbing on the four-wheeler she took the bumpy ride to the knoll overlooking the river and the farm and got out and looked in all directions. It felt right, it felt like home, she could see the house and the kids...

Tears started to flow. A few more days; days filled with fear and uncertainty. His return date was still uncertain. "Jackson, please get home soon. I need you. I just can't do this anymore without you. I'm starting to feel weak, like all my joy and happiness is evaporating or something and I need your strength. And please! Please love me like you did."

She stared at the river watching the waters flow. Finally, taking a deep breath, she drove back and helped Avery milk the cows with her dad. But her fires were burning low and she didn't have much to say.

At dinner, the five women sat around the dinner table. Four of them excitedly discussed how things had gone with Daniel--Taylor mostly stared down at her plate, pushing food around with her fork, thoughts elsewhere.

"Olivia, I don't think we can wait."

"I don't think so either, Maggie."

Taylor looked up, "You don't think you can wait about what?" She looked around the table and the ladies all nodded.

"I think you're right. Taylor, grab your purse. Uh, we were supposed to wait until tomorrow, but I don't think we can. So, you and I have to take a little drive."

"Maahm, out with it. What's going on? You four have been hiding something..."

"Just give me your keys and let's go for a ride. We'll get some fresh air, maybe get some ice cream at that shop on Maggie's old land..."

"Mom, I..."

Grabbing her by the hand, "Just come. I have something I need to show you... and it can't wait." She dragged her out to the car and they drove off. But then stopped.

'Taylor, I know you are scared to death that Jackson's not going to like the new you. But tell me the kind of woman Jackson deserves."

"Mom, I..."

"Tell me, Taylor! You know exactly the kind of woman he deserves..."

"He deserves someone who is strong, confident, competent; someone he knows can be his partner and take care of things; a person he trusts; someone who is all about family; he knows will be a good mother and the person he would want to raise his kids; a woman who loves him more than life itself... I don't know, Mom."

"And which one would he love more? The Taylor of a couple of years ago who overthought everything so much that she was paralyzed and second guessed her every word, her every thought and every action or the woman you are now?

"The woman who a year and a half ago who undercut herself at every turn, who couldn't raise her hand in class or take the shot, who settled and settled in? Or the woman who just developed an incredible two hundred acre mixed use area on raw land--all by herself. The first thing like it in the county.

"The woman who stands up in front of the county meetings and answers all their questions; who gives interviews on the TV, radio and to the newspaper; the woman who brought Avery and her father back together; who saved the life of a poor dog? Unless I have absolutely no ability to judge a person's character, the Jackson I know is going to love this Taylor even more than he loved the other one."

Taylor reached over and hugged her mom and tears came. "Thank you, Mom. I only hope I can be half the mother you are. You always know just what to say and I love you to death. Thank you, I needed that. Smiling, "Which does not guarantee that I will always listen to you."

Smiling back, "Of course not, dear. We all have to make our own mistakes."

Taylor sat back and took a deep breath. "I love the new me so much more than the old one. Sometimes I wasn't even sure I liked the old 'me.' So where are we going?"

"Just a short drive. I need to show you something."

"Mom, why are we driving out to the county; all the way to the dairy?"

"No, not that far. I want to show you this house that's for sale. It's in the county, but it's... well it's just around the corner... darn! The sign says it's sold!"

"Right. And there's a truck with a trailer in front... WAIT! OH, MY GOD! OH, MY GOD! That's Jackson's..." She started crying, "That's Jackson's truck!" Whipping her head towards her mother, "Mom! What!"

"Run along, dear. We were supposed to wait until tomorrow, but we just couldn't. Call us when you're ready, now get out of here. I love you, Taylor," tears filled her eyes, "and I am so full of pride and joy every time I look at you."

Taylor hugged her mom, "I love you too, Mom, and thank you, thank you for everything. BUT you four are in deep, deep shit for hiding this!"

She jumped out of the car, tried the door knob... it opened and she dashed into the house looking for only one thing--Jackson. Jackson wandered out of the bathroom, head down, drying his hair with nothing else on when he heard a squeal of delight and 155 cm jumped up, threw her arms around his neck, wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him. It felt right, just as it should, just as she had dreamed about all day every day.

Pausing for a moment to look at his face--the face she loved. A little different, but still 100% Jackson and he had that little boyish grin she loved so much and which he saved mostly for her. Her doubts and fears were disappearing as she held him.

"Jackson Barrett! For the next two hours... WAIT! What's with this house? You bought a house without me?"

He smiled, but looked a little ashamed as well, "No, actually, our moms bought it. Will Johnson, the real estate guy told my mom about it and... well, my mom and your mom bought it."

"But what about work? Your job? New York?"

"Well, MBA is done, and you are now wrapped around the chief economist and educator for the Dairy Association. I'm based in Augusta. They're actually the ones that sent me to Europe."

"So we're staying... here?"

"Yes, I mean if that's okay with you. I was supposed to be just a consultant and have a full time job... well, I don't know where, but the county commissioners wanted you to stay here and I got a lot of recommendations to the Association... so..."

Smiling, "I guess it's all the fault of the Tiny Titan from the tiny state."

"How do you..." Shaking her head, "People talk too dang much. Barrett, you have a lot of explaining to do, but for the next two hours you are not to let go of me for even one dang second. And you are never, ever going to leave me alone again.

Jackson? I was... I love you and need you so much... and missed you so much... I could hardly move." Kissing him again, "So two hours... and then I'm gonna yell at your ass for not lettin' me know you were here."

He grinned as she kissed him again, "Now help me get these damn pants off and hurry it up!" She raised herself up, reached between her thighs, grasped his partially erect penis to help stiffen it and settled it's head along her slit.

Her fears and apprehension disappeared as she worked her hips forward, then back; slowly, using her hand to stiffen it further. She raised herself up, then lowered and his penis settled into place as her insides relaxed to accommodate his growing erection. Right where it belonged. She smiled to herself, settled and settlin' in. Forever.

Linked--one body, one heart, one soul. Home. She moaned with joy and didn't want to move, she wanted to savor this moment, but he lifted her like she was weightless and as she slid back down onto him, her body told her it was time to crank it up.