Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision. I hope you enjoy this new story. Still going with the 500 word chapters.
Bella exhaled as she stretched to release the kinks in her back. She snipped the loose threads from the edge of the quilt with scissors and said to her dog, Jake, nestled at her feet, "It's done! Alice and Jasper will have this as their wedding gift on Sunday." Jake gave an answering thump of his tail.
"Would you like to go for a walk, boy?" she asked her faithful companion. He pranced around in anticipation. She smiled widely and said, "I'll take that as a 'yes!'"
She shut the door to the snug house she shared with her papa, Sheriff Charlie Swan, and set off in the direction of the meadow near the church. It would be a while before she needed to begin supper preparations, so some time in the great outdoors would be just the thing to lift her spirits. She could also gather some wildflowers to display on the kitchen table.
Bella liked living in Colorado Springs with her papa, but her heart longed for adventure. There weren't a great deal of courting opportunities for the only daughter of a lawman, even though she was nineteen years old. Few bachelors dared approach her father to ask to court her. She was content with serving at the church, the women friends she had, and keeping her papa fed and clothed, her quilting and other craft projects, and reading – always reading. Still, she couldn't stop that part of her heart that ached.
She laughed as Jake darted in and out of the tree line in search of butterflies or whatever else caught his fancy. She picked several beautiful flowers to fill a small basket she brought along.
Suddenly, several gunshots and shouts broke the general activity of the afternoon goings-on of the small town. Bella's hand immediately flew to her mouth and she sank down in the tall grass, crying out. Papa could be hurt or worse! Lord, please protect him! Jake came over to her and she buried her face in his soft fur.
After a few moments, she composed herself and rose. She knew she needed to return to the house and face whatever circumstances had occurred. Her mother had passed away at a young age due to a heart attack. She wasn't exactly certain what she'd do if something had befallen her papa, but she would attempt to bear it with dignity.
As she drew closer to the house, she could see much activity down the street near the jail where her papa worked. The doctor was running in with his medical bag. Many people seemed to be crowding in the door. She prayed again, Lord, please protect my papa. I need him!
She arranged the flowers in a glass canning jar on the table. Jake was never far away. She removed foodstuffs from the pantry for supper and started preparing them, determining a stew would be good. Chopping would be balm for her soul and keep her busy.
Then the front door opened. "Bells?"