Driving home along the nearly deserted streets, Rick focused on his argument for the move. He’d anticipated Julie’s questions and fears—hoping to have the answers and help her see it was for the best.
He loved the silence of the mornings in Whisper—those wee hours before school busses rolled by picking up students, and traffic filled the roads.
Rick parked his truck in the driveway and stared at his home. The small mid-century bungalow with the two dormers along the roofline reminded him of the smiling house in a children’s book his mother had read to him. With its light-cream siding and brick porch framed with flowerbeds, the farmhouse had become home the minute he carried Julie over the threshold.
Climbing out of his truck, Rick grabbed his duffel of dirty clothes. He strolled up the walk, unlocked the front door, and stepped into the foyer. He set his bag on the bench before sitting and taking off his boots, tucking them underneath. Picking up his duffel, he’d started toward the laundry room at the back of the kitchen, when he spied Julie curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, with a smile on her face. She often couldn’t stand sleeping alone in their bed when he was working, so she came downstairs.
He tiptoed into the living room and carefully dropped his bag on the chair. Rick stood for a moment and studied his wife. Her blonde hair curled about her face in disarray. Her full lips parted with a smile reminded him of kissing her goodbye the day before. The light dusting of freckles across her nose helped her look younger than her thirty years. She’d giggled when the bartender had carded her the last time they went out for the evening. Julie was still as beautiful as when they’d married. He felt his pants tighten. Will I ever tire of her beauty? Or will I always desire her as much as I did the day we met?
Gently, he lifted her into his arms. Her eyes opened wide. “Oh. It’s you. Is it morning, already?” Her voice held a husky note which caused his pants to become even more uncomfortable.
“Yes, but it’s too early to get up. Let’s go to bed, and I’ll wake you properly with my kisses.”
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and snuggled in closer, nuzzling his neck. “I missed you.”
“Me, too.” He carried her toward the stairs and up to their bedroom. “Let me show you just how much.”
“Only if you make me scream your name more than once,” she teased.
“Anything for you.” He kicked their bedroom door closed and set about keeping his promise.
CHAPTER THREE
Julie stretched and smiled like a kitten who’d devoured the bowl of cream. Her body tingled with aftershocks as she watched her husband drying off in the bathroom. He had more than kept his promise. Each time he returned home, they made love like horny teenagers. Oh, she wasn’t complaining. She realized how lucky they were to enjoy themselves together in and out of the bedroom. A sharp twinge passed over her stomach. She’d hoped she hadn’t jinxed them. She hadn’t considered what the move might do to their relationship.
“I don’t think the move is a good idea,” she called out then held her breath, waiting for his reply.
Rick approached the bed wearing only the blue towel wrapped around his waist. A few stray water drops glistened on his chest. He plopped down on the edge of the bed and reached over to take her hand. “Why?”
Julie released her breath then shook her head. “You’re going to think I’m silly but...things…they’ve been good between us. So good. I’m afraid the move will mess it up—no—mess us up.”
Rick cupped her face, leaned in, and kissed her, his lips gentle than more insistent. He released her face and grasped her hands again. “No one is coming between us. I understand you’re frightened about the unknown. While you may think I’m only considering myself…the main reason I want to move is so you can stay home with our children.”
Julie tugged her hand free and ran it across her face, wiping the tears from her cheek.
Rick continued, “It’s important to me for you to be there as they take their first steps or say their first words. Here, we’re barely able to manage the bills, even since I took the job as a firefighter. If the ranch wasn’t doing as good as it is, we’d be in debt each month. My paycheck is gone as soon as it’s cashed. Add in the cost of children, and the money would disappear.”
“Maybe I can make some cuts in—”
Rick stood. “No. Already, I’m not able to give you all you deserve. You buy your clothes secondhand.” He pointed at her fingers. “You deserve a real diamond ring, not a plain gold band. But, mostly, I’ve seen the longing in your eyes when friends bring their kids over.” He knelt in front of her on the floor. “I want to see your belly swell with our child…to watch you feed him or rock her to sleep. A move seems like a small thing to make it happen.”
Julie tugged at his towel. “Come back to bed. Let’s get started on our dream.” She patted the spot next to her.
As his towel dropped, she reached out and tugged him onto the bed. “If you insist…but I want to show you something later today.” Rick ran his tongue over her breast then took the nipple into his mouth.
Julie’s train of thought vanished, as he gently sucked on it. “Sure, honey…anything you want…but, later. Let’s see if you can keep me in bed until noon.” She giggled as she ran her fingers through his hair.
***
Wearing only boxers, Rick stood in front of the stove, stirring scrambled eggs. Julie smiled. She loved how her husband enjoyed taking care of her when at home. It made up for the crazy days and long nights alone. Rick opened the cupboard and pulled out two plates. He set them on the counter then, holding the frying pan over them, he spooned some eggs onto each plate. Grated cheese, crumbled bacon, and minced green onions sat next to the plates.
Julie stood and walked to the fridge. She grabbed the orange juice, filled two glasses, and set them on the table. Rick followed with the plates of eggs, now topped with the extras. They dropped into their chairs as the smells of breakfast wafted through the kitchen.
Julie quickly gobbled up a few bites. “These are so good.” She’d worked up an appetite from their earlier wake-up call. She glanced around the small, older kitchen. “I suppose a move would mean I could have a bigger place to cook…or you could.” She smiled at him. “I don’t know how you always get the eggs just right. These are fluffy and not too dry.”
“Food tastes better when someone else cooks it, maybe?” Rick teased.
“Well, sure, but we can’t afford a chef or eating out every day. So, unless you’re staying home to be my man-slave, I’m going to keep cooking.” She scooped a little more egg into her mouth. “Mine are okay, but yours are so much better. Do you have a trick?”
“I use milk instead of water when I scramble them.”
“I’ve tried it.” She took the last bite, cleaning off her plate. “You seem to know the eggs, oh master chef. I worry about making sure they are done and let them cook a little too long.” She leaned back in her seat and placed her foot on the chair. “How was your shift? Any excitement?” Julie enjoyed hearing the stories her husband told about the guys. She’d come to know many of them over the years. She hated the danger in his job, though. He put his life on the line most days, and she didn’t like it, even though she’d come to understand how important his job was.
Rick laid his fork on his plate. “Dean and his wife are expecting again.”
“How many kids do they have? Twelve?”
“This is their fifth. Of course, Dean’s being teased about trying for a son. But I imagine, after four daughters, he might get lucky. The odds are in his favor.”
Julie patted his arm. “It isn’t about odds, dear. When is the baby due?”
“April. They waited to announce it until everything was clear. She’s about twenty weeks along, whatever that means. Dean’s lost his mind. All he talks about is diapers, nursing, and babies. Punch me in the face if I get that way.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure your friends will knock some sense into you first—just lik
e I’m sure the guys at the station won’t allow him to continue annoying them for long. Anything else?”
“Scot’s son got his first job. His folks are so excited but aren’t looking forward to the daily drives to drop him off and pick him up.”
“He’s not driving yet? I thought he was seventeen.”
“He waited until he felt more comfortable behind the wheel. Guess now he’s going to have a reason to get his license because I don’t see Scot or Shana doing the driving for long. He’s working at a local burger joint, washing dishes, planning on saving his money for college. He wants to be a dentist.”
“Good for him.” The last time she’d seen Steve must have been almost a year ago. The poor kid had a mouth full of braces and was at that gangly and awkward stage. Hard to believe he was working now. Time flew. “Sounds like a busy day.” She sighed, glad there hadn’t been any major fires.
“I forgot the best part. I rescued a mother dog and her puppies today. Maybe we can take a drive and see them. Dean’s keeping an eye on them, and I’ve got Preston coming to check them over. The abandoned strip mall we found them in was torched.”
Julie sucked in her breath. She should have known Rick wouldn’t lead with the big stuff. Her gaze traveled over his body, reassuring herself. Since he was here and looked fine, she released the breath. Obviously, he’d survived, but for a split second, panic had gripped her. Would she ever get used to her husband being in danger? “Were the puppies hurt?”
“Preston’s supposed to text me and let me know, but they didn’t seem to be.”
“I’d love to see them. Animals are my weakness.” She winked.
“The mother dog had the most smoke issues. I found her passed out. It appeared she’d moved the puppies to a safer place when the fire started. I used my mask to give her oxygen while I carried her outside. I’d already rescued the puppies. When I put her with them, it was a sight to see. They all snuggled up with her, and the whimpering and licking touched my heart.”
“Aww. I can’t wait to see them.”
“I also want to talk about the job offer. I know it’s a big change. Before I give them my answer, I want to go over the stipulations with you.”
“Sounds like you aren’t convinced this is a good deal.”
“I want us going into this with our eyes open. Besides, the move will be stressful enough. I don’t want any surprises. Why don’t we get dressed and head to the station to check on the dogs and then discuss the offer over lunch?”
“Sounds good. I’ll race you to the shower. Last one in is a rotten egg,” Julie called out as she sprinted toward the stairs.
CHAPTER FOUR
Julie and Rick sat on the patio of Del Taco, enjoying the sunshine and delicious food. Julie lifted her cell, showing Rick the photos she’d captured of the puppies. “Can you believe how sweet they were? They snuggled in my arms. The little brown one fell asleep, even snoring a little.”
Rick shook his head at his wife. “I knew you’d fall in love at first sight. We can’t take them all. How are you going to choose?”
Julie jutted out her bottom lip and pouted. “What? I have to choose only one? You’re a cruel man.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Why can’t we take them all?”
He chuckled. “All those dogs would make me crazy. It’d be like having triplets who don’t talk. I’m glad Preston said they were mostly healthy. Just a little undernourished. Keeping them at the station and being sure to feed their mama will help. He ran blood work to check for infections like heartworm. He should be able to start them on their immunizations soon. But, Julie, we can’t move four dogs in addition to our horses. Don’t worry. You’ll have some time to decide.”
“All right.” She kept her gaze on the food, pushing it aside, her mood somber. “Tell me about the offer. Maybe it will perk me up.”
Rick pulled the printout from his back pocket and laid it on the table between them. “As you can see, the money is more than generous. I’d begin as an assistant station chief. I’d train under the current chief and take over when he retires in a few years.”
She glanced at the paper and weighed the pros and cons. “The money is nice. A lot more than you make now. So what’s the catch? Will you be doing all the grunt work?”
“I’m sure he’s going to have me working his least favorite shifts, but as a fireman, we all do grunt work. Besides, you have enjoyed my much-improved cooking skills.” He wiggled his brows at her.
Her face heated. She recalled the hot shower sex they’d had instead of finishing breakfast. “Yeah. Your cooking is good.” She picked up the job offer and used it to fan herself.
“Getting a little warm?” Rick teased.
“Just trying to get through a meal without dragging you back to bed.” She licked her lips.
Rick tugged the paper from her fingers. “There’s only one stipulation which worries me. I have to live within the Detroit city limits. I haven’t heard good things about the city for families except in the new area, which, even at the higher salary, is out of our price range. I had a real estate agent send me links to houses in the area we can afford. Most need a lot of work and are located in abandoned neighborhoods. Frankly, I’m not sure I want you living there.”
“Does that mean the move is out of the question?” She tried to keep her voice neutral, rather than hopeful. Leaving Whisper…leaving home. She’d do anything for her husband. After all, he’d given her so much.
“You can stay, and I can go. I’ll come home as much as I can. Or maybe we can find a place outside the city limits.” He patted her hand.
“Why there?”
“I would still have to stay during certain shifts but when I’ve got a few days off, we could be together.”
“No. No matter how hard the move is, I’d rather be with you, living with you each day.” Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked rapidly in an effort to keep them from falling. Be strong. Everything is fine. You’ve got this.
He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to his wife. “Do you think Charlie and her husband would be willing to watch the ranch? We could check out a few houses and see firsthand. It’d also give me a chance to introduce you to the chief.”
“When will we go?” She watched her husband finish off his taco.
“I have another two-day shift then I’m off for three. It’d be a perfect time.” Rick dropped his napkin on his plate. “Check with Charlie, and we’ll decide for sure.”
Julie stacked her plate on top of Rick’s and straightened up the table. “Since it’s early, why don’t we stop by the bakery for some treats and then head home?”
Rick grabbed his wife’s hand and stood, pulling her up and into his arms. “I’m hungry for something sweet, too.” He captured her lips with his and cradled her body tightly against his own.
When they stopped, she took a deep breath. “Maybe you’re right… No sense getting anything from the bakery. We have enough sweets at home. I’ll race you to the car.” Julie sprinted off before the last word left her lips. She didn’t even look back to see if her husband followed.
***
The plane landed at Detroit Metro Airport. Rick and Julie grabbed their carry-on luggage then disembarked and headed for the car rental kiosks. “Why isn’t this airport actually in Detroit? Do you mean we have to drive about twenty to thirty miles to get into the city?” Julie grumbled.
Her husband glanced over his shoulder. “They probably found the land cheaper here. Or maybe no one in Detroit proper wanted to deal with the airplane noise. I’m glad it’s not freezing. I’ve heard the fall weather can be unpredictable.”
Julie jogged to catch up to her husband’s longer stride. “Please tell me we can rest for a bit when we get to the hotel.” She kept watch on the black Stetson on his head. Being shorter, seeing was a challenge in a crowd. Other women paused and stared as Rick passed, but Julie hadn’t ever been the jealous type. Seeing other women’s appreciation of her handsome husband had
her standing taller. Yes, ladies. He’s mine. All you imagine in bed, I get to experience. But while she enjoyed watching Rick’s ass in those tight jeans, it wouldn’t do to get lost in an unfamiliar airport. Rick turned and arched a brow. “You coming?”
She blew him a kiss and jogged to catch up.
Finally, they arrived at the car rental counter. Julie called Charlie to check on the farm while Rick signed the paperwork. If something did happen, her friends could handle it, but nonetheless, she had to check in.
Rick turned and motioned her to follow. “The car’s in lot A. They said we can catch a shuttle to the lot, and the keys are in the car.”
“I checked in at home. Everything’s good. The spring-like weather allowed the horses to play in the pasture for a bit. Charlie told me not to worry, but you know me…”
Rick nodded. “I do.”
When they arrived at the small SUV, Rick loaded the luggage into the back then slid into the driver’s seat. Julie climbed into the passenger side and buckled her seat belt. Rick grabbed his wife’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Are you ready?” He turned the ignition on and adjusted the navigation system, setting the coordinates for The Motor City Hotel.
Julie leaned over and kissed her husband on the cheek. “I’m looking forward to seeing our new town. Hopefully, one of the houses will be perfect.”
“I don’t want you to be disappointed if we don’t find one we like right away.” She heard the concern in his voice.
“How many houses did you arrange for us to visit?” She studied his profile. Warmth spread through Julie’s body. She’d fallen for her husband the first time she saw him at the rodeo. He’d been helping a friend who was an amateur bull rider. Rick had sat on the back of the pen and spoke animatedly to his buddy. When he turned and glanced at her, she almost forgot to breathe. His deep-blue eyes pinned her heart. Right then and there, she decided to introduce herself and dragged her friend along with her. The group had ended up at a local honky-tonk, and Rick and Julie were soon inseparable. That was over seven years ago.
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