The Irrevocable Series Boxed Set

by Samantha Jacobey

  He blinked at her, his jaw hanging open before he clamped it shut, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been with her. Or anyone else, for that matter,” he sounded hurt.

  Bolting straight up, as if he had punched her, Bailey snapped on the light mounted to the wall, “What do you mean you’ve never been with anyone else?”

  Running his hand through his blond spikes, he sat up next to her, “Exactly that. You weren’ the only one waitin’ for th’ right person,” he admitted. “So if I’m not doin’ a good job, I need t’ find out how t’ do it better. I mean,” he grinned, “I think it’s great, an’ I love it. But you gotta think so too, or tha’s no good.”

  Bailey stared at him, her mind racing, holy shit! He’s never slept with anyone but me? The depth of that concept almost more than she could fathom, she quipped accusingly, “Why would you do that? Not ever… before? I thought guys were always ready and willing...” her voice faded.

  He shrugged, her tone making him uncomfortable, “What, like cheerleaders?” he huffed, not meeting her glare. Shifting to ensure he was covered by adjusting the sheet, he stated firmly, “No baby, you’re not the only one with ideals; or beliefs. I wanted it t’ be special, same as you. One girl that’d be mine for all my life. An’ Amanda… wadn’ it.”

  He shook his head when he spoke of the other woman, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. Turning his face to meet her silent green-eyed stare, his voice became a loud whisper; “I was waiting for you, Bailey. You’re my one an’ only.”

  Rolling her tongue around for a moment, she considered his words before she said anything else that might make things worse. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me.”

  “It’s ok,” he shrugged, fingering a long section of auburn locks that dangled across her chest, “I didn’t tell you. Maybe I should have.”

  “Well, we did kind of get pushed into this,” she leaned forward, kissing him lightly, “So we’ll get better at it together.”

  “Oh, you know,” he chuckled, tucking her beneath him, “Practice makes perfect.” His body sliding roughly across hers, he began to pant, “I really do love you, Bailey. From the depths o’ my soul.”

  “I love you, too,” she breathed against the hollow of his neck. Moving to make it easier for him, she wanted him to be happy; the realization he wanted the same for her made it all the more incredible.

  A New World Order

  “Nice,” Bailey commented aloud to Lyn, who had been helping her replant their first crop of seedlings. “I can’t believe how many of these sprouted!”

  “I know,” the girl agreed, “This could be the healthiest start I’ve ever seen. You definitely got a green thumb.”

  “I had help,” the taller girl grinned with pride, “But I can’t say I’m not pleased with the result.”

  Cutting her blue eyes over at her boss, she flicked her soft brown waves, “Someday we’re gonna get that uptight way you talk worked out!” Her words holding a small sting, her laughter lessened the blow.

  “Sorry,” Bailey flushed slightly, “I know I don’t really fit in here all that well.”

  “Bullshit,” Amber joined the conversation, “You fit in enough. So when are you an’ Caleb gonna have a real weddin’?”

  “I don’t really know,” the girl dropped the conversation to retrieve more pots. When she returned, she pointed out bluntly, “Caleb hasn’t actually asked me to marry him. And I have to admit, with the way the world is changing, I don’t know that he will.”

  “Sure he will,” Lyn scoffed, “He’s an ol’ fashioned kinda guy, after all. I’m surprised he didn’t insist on it before you guys moved in together.”

  “Well, we didn’t really have a choice, since we made the move into Lawson,” she glanced out the open window at the melting snow, “But, I’m sure it will remain so, even after we move back to the houses.”

  “You think we will?” Judy called from across the building, having been listening quietly while she worked. “Livin’ in the ground ain’t any fun at all.”

  “I know,” Bailey agreed, “But the melt scares me a little. Luis and Connie have not returned, and I’m afraid Pouty may be waiting for the right time to attack us. If the menfolk feel the same way, we won’t make the move anytime soon.”

  “They wouldn’t attack us,” Amber speculated. “They would get their asses kicked, an’ they know it.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Bailey persisted, wiping the sweat from her brow, “We have a new world order, and survival of the fittest is definitely in play.” Wafting her hand over their completed work, she smiled, “At least we have the skills and means to get by, even if the rest of humanity falls away.”

  “We’re not the only ones,” Amber insisted, “There’s gotta be other people.”

  “Oh, I’m sure there are,” Bailey grimaced, leading the way to the passage below. “The problem is, will they be our friends or foes when we meet. I, for one, wish that Pouty could have been our allies instead of our enemies. But, when resources are scarce, that’s what you get.”

  Reaching the main hall, the young women headed for the serving line and made their plates, choosing to sit together and continue their conversation. A few of the other girls joined them, including Amanda. Seeing how tired the girl appeared, Bailey felt her heart go out to her.

  “How’re you doing? You look beat,” she hoped she wasn’t being too forward.

  “I am,” the taller girl admitted, “Hope still ain’t sleepin’ through the night, an’ that’s wearin’ on me. I can only imagine what that’s gonna be like when we get th’ barn restocked, an’ we’re runnin’ at full capacity.”

  “Any idea when that’s going to happen?” Bailey glanced around, noticing that none of the men had come down yet. “Where is everyone?” she changed the subject abruptly.

  “I think they’re plannin’ sumthin’,” Amber pointed out, “Mom’s pretty upset dad never came home, an’ she’s been buggin’ them t’ do sumthin’ about it.”

  “You mean we’re going to attack Pouty?” Bailey’s mouth hung open. “When?”

  “I dunno,” she shook her ebony locks, lowering her voice, “But I can try t’ find out.”

  “Yeah,” Rebecca agreed, spearing green beans with her fork, “She’s good at that sorta thing.”

  Noticing Amanda’s expression, Bailey suspected some of them already knew. When their eyes met, all doubt was removed. “What do you know?”

  “I don’ really know anything,” the lanky blonde licked her lips nervously, again scanning the chamber. “Not fur sure, anyhow. But, night before last, Don an’ Dev went on a little recon. Took one o’ the Jeeps fur a little ride. The main road’s completely thawed, an’ that’s got ‘em all in an uproar. They say we need t’ strike first, before Pouty gets the chance.”

  “Wow,” Kristen’s eyes grew wide, “I don’t see how takin’ that risk’s gonna help us!”

  “It’s not fur us t’ decide,” Amanda corrected. “It’s always been up t’ th’ menfolk to run things.”

  “But the menfolk has changed,” Judy spoke up. “There’s only three o’ them now, an’ no offense, but I ain’t sure they know as much t’ do as when Jim was here. He was a smart ol’ man, an’ he took good care o’ us.”

  “My uncle will, too,” Bailey defended her relation. “Besides, it’s a community say, and none of them are really in charge.”

  “That’s the point,” the other girl countered. “Used to be, we had seven heads t’ do th’ thinkin’. Now we only got three; not so much smarts.”

  “So maybe it’s time some of the younger men joined the menfolk.” The rest of the girls stared at her as if she had sprouted horns on the top of her head. “What? It could be done. In fact, it should be done! They are a part of this too, and we need wise counsel!” Giving the rest an angry glare, the outburst brought the conversation to an abrupt halt, leaving a bad taste in the girl’s mouth.

  Finishing their meal, the group d
isbanded and returned to their chores for a few more hours. Back up top, Bailey had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Standing in the wide doorway as the sun moved to set, she watched the ice melting from the bare tree limbs in the orchard. Listening to the water drip, almost enough to sound like rain, her mind drifted back to the week of her parents’ funeral.

  We’re in trouble, she admitted to herself internally. If the roads are clearing, it won’t be long and Pouty will come for us. The fact that the others had not joined them, and further that Luis and Connie had not returned, appeared to be a bad omen. Jess and Jase are lost, maybe forever.

  Wiping at her tears, she hoped no one had noticed her sorrow. No one had spoken to her since her tantrum during lunch, and she could hardly blame them. I’m still new to all this survivalist crap… but I guess in a way we all are.

  Trudging down the steps alone, it pleased her to see that the men were all downstairs for the evening, save Don, who was probably on guard duty at the gate. Of course, that’s part of my point. They had been standing guard for the entire month that they had been living underground, and no one had seen anything moving beyond their walls.

  Bailey had also snuck over to the Cross house a few times during that time to check the internet, but the signal had not returned, nor did any of their phones have service. We’re cut off from the rest of the world, and the only thing worse than knowing about what is going on… is not knowing.

  Locating Caleb, she plunked down into the seat next to him, placing her plate on the table loudly. Giving her a sideways glance, he grinned, “What’s up, baby? You seem like somethin’s wrong.”

  “No,” she frowned at her food, her appetite somewhat diminished, “Not really, I guess. I have this feeling something isn’t right, that’s all.”

  “Of course it’s not right,” he brushed the auburn curtain out of the way so he could see her profile, “We’re livin’ in a hole in the ground. But the weather appears t’ be breakin’, an’ that’s a good sign.”

  Lifting her eyes, she stared at him, “Tell me the truth, Caleb. You said you would never lie to me, so please don’t start now.”

  “Aww, baby,” he half smiled, “You remember that I’m always lookin’ out for you, right?”

  “Yes, I know. And you will tell me when I’m ready to hear,” she finished for him.

  “Right,” he slid his arm around her, pulling her against his chest. “So let me do the worryin’, an’ you take care o’ growin’ food, an’ takin’ care o’ things like that.”

  Lifting her gaze, she stared at him, “Make sure you tell me before you do anything dangerous; or stupid. I’d like to have some warning before I lose anyone else that I care about...” her voice squeaked by the time she finished speaking, her chin quivering.

  His fingers grazed her cheek lightly, “You’re not gonna lose me, baby. I promise.”

  “You can’t promise me that,” she countered swiftly. “No one can. And I’ve lost too many people to pretend that you could.” Standing, she left her plate where it sat, walking away from him and taking the short flight of stairs to the mid-level, and on to the barn.

  As soon as she was out in the cool evening air, she felt better. Patches came bounding over to see her, and she greeted the momma dog cheerfully with a firm scratch behind the ears. “How’s my girl tonight?”

  The three pups bounced around her as she knelt to stroke their mother, “Hey fellas,” she greeted Brownie, Blackie and Spot with a bit of rough play. Giggling at the trio, she jumped slightly when Caleb appeared out of nowhere, “Holy shit! Make some noise next time!”

  Laughing, he quibbled, “An’ where’s the fun in that?” accepting her playful punch to the arm. “I’m glad these guys survived,” he lifted Brownie to toy with, “Although Carson’s choice in names coulda been better.”

  “Their names are fine,” she actually sat on the ground, allowing them to climb into her lap. “I think they suit them, and that’s what you said. You know, you never did tell me about your other dogs. The one’s you had before.”

  “Nope,” he held the pup above him towards the light, grinning at the way it squirmed before he too sat and placed it in his lap. “It’s a sad story, little bit. Don’ really think you wanna hear it; especially tonight.”

  “No, I do!” she demanded with wide eyes, “Really. Please share!”

  Giving her a doubtful glare, he kept his focus on the tiny animals, giving Patches a stroke as well when she curled up in front of them and flicked her tail. “Ok,” he sighed, “But jus’ remember; I warned you.”

  “Yes,” she grinned, “I’ve been warned.”

  Playing with the young animal in his folded legs, he began, “When I was about eight, your uncle an’ aunt had finished th’ ranch house an’ were movin’ into it. On one o’ their trips t’ buy furniture, he brought back two pups an’ gave them t’ me.”

  Bailey smiled, “Awww. This was before Carson was born?”

  “Yeah,” he nodded, “The year before. Anyways, I named them Dan an’ Anne…”

  “Where the Red Fern Grows!” she interrupted him, and he grinned broadly.

  “Yeah, I loved the book an’ thought it was a great idea,” his features shifted at the memory. “In hindsight, it was a bad move,” he admitted, watching her brow furrow. “By the time I was twelve, I had figured out my ol’ man was a mean son of a bitch. Thought I was gonna stand up t’ him, an’ change all our lives for the better. He didn’ like my attitude…” his voice trailed away.

  “So,” he drew a deep breath, “He an’ I get int’ a shoutin’ match one night an’ I really tell him off. Then he gets this wicked grin on his face, an’ tells me I need a lesson I won’ never forget. He grabs my dogs an’ hauls them out in front o’ the house,” his eyes bore into hers, “One by one… An’ he shoots them both in the back o’ th’ head,” he used his fingers to illustrate on the small bundle of fur in his lap.

  “Holy shit!” Bailey breathed, the air caught in her lungs as if she had been kicked. “What happened?”

  “He made me bury ‘em,” Caleb shrugged, his eyes misty. “An’ here I am twenty-two years ol’ an’ I still wanna cry when I think about ‘em!” He looked over at her, blinking rapidly, the red ring around his lids a neon sign of his emotional state.

  “Aww, honey,” she flung her arms around him, “I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have asked!” Caressing the nape of his neck, she sniffled, battling with her own tears.

  “No,” he pulled her closer, hugging her tightly, “It’s ok. It feels good t’ share my stories with you; even the sad ones.” After a long moment, she sank back into her spot, and he continued, “Anyways, I never challenged him again. Not once, until that night he slapped you upside the head. He’s sure as fuck lucky I had wrapped an’ cracked ribs, or I woulda dragged his ass outside for damn sure.”

  “No you wouldn’t have!”

  “I sure as hell would have,” he grimaced, “I was livid, an’ tol’ him he won’ ever lay a hand on you again, an’ I damn sure meant it.”

  “Like Ked,” she panted, “That night he jumped me.”

  “Yeah, like him,” he wiped his nose on his sleeve, “I can’t let anything happen to you, little bit. You’re my whole world, an’ have been for a long time now.”

  “It won’t,” she grinned.

  “You can’t promise me that,” he mocked her, then raised a hand to trace her jaw, “I’m just as scared o’ losin’ you as you are o’ losin’ me. But we have t’ do somethin’ or we won’ ever be safe. Pouty has t’ be dealt with, an’ we need t’ get our people back if we can.”

  “Agreed,” she nodded, ready to call it a night. Standing, she waiting for him to join her at the door. Cutting off the light, he flipped on his hand held, and the couple made their way below.

  Comforts of Home

  Caleb lay in the darkness, listening to the silence of the cave. His arm draped over Bailey’s chest, the sound of her soft breath was the only thing he could he
ar. I never realized how much noise the world makes; even out away from other people. They had made love again that night, and true to his word, he had been getting better at pleasuring her. Hugging her a little tighter, he sighed, “I love you so much, little bit.”

  Stirring slightly at his voice, he grinned into the back of her head, then froze. Outside their door, he could hear shouts echoing through the rock caverns. Leaping out from the covers, he grabbed his jeans and yanked them on.

  “What’s going on?” her tone sounded groggy.

  “Nothin’,” he soothed, “Get some rest. I’ll be back in a minute,” grabbing his shirt and boots. Then he left her there, closing the door quietly behind him.

  Lying alone for a long moment, the fact that he had departed unexpectedly put her mind to work, and sleep soon became a moot point. When he hadn’t returned in what seemed an eternity, she climbed out of the bed and donned her own clothing, muttering, “What the hell, what the hell, what the hell,” to herself.

  Out in the main hall, things were quiet, but there were several other women gathered in the kitchen. Entering the room, Bailey noted they were making coffee, “What’s going on?”

  “You should go back to bed,” Paula informed her crisply. “Leave this to the adults.”

  “Uh, I am one of the adults, thank you very much,” Bailey shot back, “I’m in charge of the greenhouse. So what’s going on?”

  The other woman glared at her, while Deanna frowned. “You know, we like you well enough. An’ we’ve come to accept that you’re not leavin’. But you’re still one o’ the kids.”

  “So what?” Amanda stepped into the room, “Kids grow up. What’s goin’ on, mom?” she cut her mother a spiteful glare.

  Drawing a deep breath, the woman glanced at the other, then sighed, “The guys are up top. Someone showed up at the gate in a Jeep.”

  “Oh my God!” Bailey gasped, “From Pouty?” her pulse hammered in her ears, a mixture of excitement and fear.

  “We don’ know anything yet. The menfolk will decide what t’ do, and then we will be told,” she reluctantly supplied. “Go take care o’ Hope, baby. We’ll let you know when we get word.”