Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, products, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Credits:
Steak challenge information provided by the Big Texan website.
Grand-furbaby - Credit goes to Dana Peckham
I will let you enjoy reading now, but there is an important author's note at the end. Please take the time to read it as well.
Chapter 29: SLR Epilogue - Every Road
EPOV
I'm up by six the next morning, showered, dressed, packed and ready to go. I text my parents, letting them know I'm taking my bags to the truck and that I'll meet them in the lobby.
By eight, we're all eating breakfast. I'm brought out of my thoughts by my mother placing her hand on my leg and I look up, surprised to see everyone staring at me.
"What?" I ask, confused as to why they feel the need to be directing all their attention at me.
"If you don't stop bouncing your leg, we're going to be wearing our food, Son," my father laughs out. "Why are you so anxious?"
"I just want to get out of here and pick up Lleu," I reply, embarrassed. "I'm ready to be in Texas. We're still too close to Washington for my liking. Especially with that tramp around here somewhere."
"Well, I'm done," Jasper states, tossing his napkin onto his plate. "Let's go get the trucks and pull them around to the front while the others finish. You can help me load the bags up."
So Jasper, Ben and I go get the trucks from the garage and pull them to the front entrance. By the time we have everyone's luggage loaded, they're walking out of the hotel. I notice my father shaking his head, looking down at some papers in his hand.
"What's wrong, Dad?" Jasper questions, noticing his annoyance, too.
"Nothing's wrong," he answers. "I just didn't realize Bella was paying so much for this resort. We could have bunked together, or something."
"Hon, she likes taking care of people. You know this," my mother comforts him, placing her hand on his arm. "Don't make a big deal out of it. Her feelings would be hurt."
"I know. Charlie was the same way," he tells us with a sigh. "They're such giving people."
"Remember what you told Emmett and me, Dad? When we acted like jackasses to Edward about money?" Jasper questions with a smirk. "It isn't about the money. It's about taking care of the people you love, in the only way you can, at that time."
"Dad, this is Bella's way of making sure we're ok and safe," Emmett cuts in. "I talked to her on a daily basis while in Washington, and she was always stressed. She feels bad that she couldn't be there to help us through the shit storm. Give her this with pride. We just need to make sure that we tell her thank you."
Yeah, my big, goofy brother may be a smartass at times, but he really is a very profound person when he wants to be. Rose just looks at him with pride and love.
"Well, if you're riding with me, you better load up because I'm going to get me some animals," Jasper bellows, smirking as Alice and I rush to get in Bella's truck. Rose isn't far behind.
We make the ten minute trip, bouncing in our seats the whole way there. We jump out before Jasper can even get the truck in park.
"Am I gonna have to treat you three like children, and lecture you on the safety of waiting for me to park the truck before you jump out?" he asks in exasperation.
"Sorry!" Alice and I echo, rushing up to the house.
Charlene is standing at the door, laughing at us and shaking her head. "I guess you want your babies?"
"Yes, ma'am," I blurt out.
Lleu comes stumbling to the door at the sound of my voice and I scoop him up, kissing his head.
"Hey, little man," I greet him. "You ready for a road trip?"
"I think he knows you're taking him," Charlene announces. "He's been bouncing around all morning."
"So has Edward," Jasper cuts in, laughing. "I thought he was going to bounce out of his chair at breakfast."
"Well then, let's get Smoke loaded up so y'all can get on the road," she laughs along with him. Rose scoops up Gracie, giving her attention. Jasper goes to hook up the trailer and Alice prepares Smoke to be loaded.
My mother is next to me, taking Lleu as I look at her pouting. "You need to get his stuff and I want to visit my grand-furbaby," she demands, smiling.
I grab the plastic grocery bag with the few things that belong to him, including his favorite blanket. I deliberately walk past my mother and Lleu on my way out to the SUV, where I spread out the blanket on the seat.
Forty minutes later, the trailer is hitched up, Smoke is loaded, and we are heading to the pet store. We arrive just as they are opening up. Emmett grabs a buggy, while I hold Lleu. Rose has my iPad, reading off what we need. There is no telling where Alice ran off to with Gracie and my mother.
We find a really cool fold up, mesh carrier and a travel bag to store all his stuff in. After getting food, treats, a brush, waste bags, chew toys, leash, collar, harness and a pad for the carrier, we head to the kiosk at the front of the store, to make him a name tag. Just as I'm about to finish the tag, Emmett rushes up with a set of tiny boots, putting them the in basket.
"What are those for?" I question, looking at him like he's crazy.
"To protect his little feet when he has to get out to go potty," he explains, shrugging like it is the most obvious thing in the world.
"Whatever, dude," I concede. I'm not about to start an argument with him in the middle of the pet store.
Three hundred dollars later, we're loading the stuff into the truck. Rose jumps in the middle seat and starts organizing the travel bag, having Emmett run back in to buy some cleaning wipes. After she's done and all the trash is thrown away, we load up to make the four hour trip to Flagstaff. Lleu and I have the entire third row, as Emmett and Rose are sitting in front of us.
Rose attaches his name tag to the collar, and turns around to put it on him. However, before she gets it around his neck, he lets out a small growl.
"Oh no, sir, you have to have this on while we're traveling," she tells him firmly, as he ducks his head into my shoulder. I'm quickly learning that he is a fiery little thing.
"Come on, little man, let her put it on you," I encourage. He finally lets her buckle it around his neck, although he is not happy about it, and gives her the stink eye.
"Well, aren't you just a little drama king?" she coos to him. "You're going to be a handful, that's for sure."
We only stop once to let the animals go potty and grab some lunch. I hear a small commotion and see that Gracie is wearing a cat harness and leash. She is not liking it and has no reservations about giving Alice hell about wearing it. Around three in the afternoon, we pull into MCS Stables, where the horse would be boarded overnight. Since we are leaving out the next morning, Jasper receives permission to leave both the truck and trailer there so he wouldn't have to unhitch it. After Alice has Smoke settled, Jasper loads Gracie and their bags into the SUV. They ride with Ben and Angela to the hotel.
We arrive at the Abineau Lodge Bed and Breakfast and start to unload, but my mother stops us all. "Edward, Jasper and Alice are going to share the Sled Dog Suite," she whispers. "We do not want them to know about Gracie so we'll sneak her in after we get our rooms." We all nod in agreement.
I carry Lleu and both of our bags as I follow my father to the check in counter. "Oh, how adorable," the lady at the counter greets. "I take it you're the Cullen's, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," my father answers. "I believe we are reserved for three queen rooms and the Sled Dog Suite."
"Yep, I have it right here, Sir," she confirms. "It this the only little guy?"
"It is," I answer. "Do you have an outdoor area that he can play in for a bit, before I take him to the room?"
"Yeah," she acknowledges. "Just go through that back door and there is an area marked. You won't miss it."
I take our key and hand it to Jasper along with my bags, motioning for Alice to follow me. Once we are outside, I tell her to slip Gracie into Lleu's carrier. She is so small, so she doesn't have a problem fitting. Once Lleu has done his business, I walk around to the front of the lodge where the trucks are parked and grab his carrier and blanket, noticing Gracie is curled up asleep. I throw the blanket over the carrier and walk in the front door and through the lobby to the suite we will be staying in tonight. Jasper opens the door, and I walk in and sit the carrier on the bed. Alice just smile and whispers 'Thanks'.
My mother and father knock on the door and let us know they are going to the restaurant to get us all dinner. I decide to take a quick shower and change while they're gone. We all eat in the dining room and then watch a movie in the commons area. I assume we're the only guests, because I haven't seen anyone else here except the owners.
I feed Lleu and then take him outside for a bit. He runs around, getting his energy out before bed. Except, when we do go to bed, he decides it's still play time.
"It's night time, little man," I scold in a firm voice. "You need to lay down." Twenty minutes later, he's snuggled in my side, sound asleep as I doze off.
The next morning, we eat a home cooked breakfast provided by the B&B and pack up. Making our way to the stables to load up the horse before making the trip to Albuquerque.
We are making good time, only having to stop a couple of times to let the animals out as well as to check on Smoke.
About an hour outside of Albuquerque, my father's phone rings. I'm not really listening to his conversation, until he tells my mother to pull over and he jumps out of the truck. I look back to see Ben pulling over on the side of the road, black smoke pouring out of the hood of his truck. Emmett jumps out when he sees the same, along with Rose, who grabs a fire extinguisher from under the passenger seat. I can hear her yelling for Ben to pop the hood and for the others to get back.
Rose loves cars and has for as long as I've known her. She taught herself how to work on them by reading books and taking classes provided by the community college. Her parents didn't have a lot of money, so when she was old enough to drive, she found a run-down car and rebuilt it. She drove that thing during high school and all through college.
While Rose is trying to get whatever is happening under control, Jasper pulls over onto the side of the road in front of my mother's SUV. It looks like he had to turn around. My mother and I walk back to see what is going on. Rose finally stops the smoke and is looking under the hood, when a patrol car pulls up behind Ben's truck with his lights flashing. The Police officer has shock written all over his face when he sees Rose under the hood.
"Is everyone alright?" he asks with concern. "Ma'am, you need any help?"
"It was an electrical fire, but I got it out," Rose answers, turning to us covered in soot. "Um, do you think you can call us a tow truck? Is there a repair shop anywhere around here?" she directs her questions towards the officer.
"I can call Spencer's. He's the only one I would trust around here," he replies. "He'll send a wrecker."
"Sorry, Ben, but this is some major fucked up shit," she states turning to him. "It's gonna be expensive as hell and probably take a few days, if not longer, to fix."
"Well, shit," he grunts out, clearly stressing. "I don't have the extra money for this shit." He just walks off, hanging his head. I look at Angela and she has tears in her eyes.
"Hey," I say, putting my arm around her shoulder. "We'll get it worked out, don't worry. We're all family and we take care of each other."
I didn't even notice my dad had walked off until he returns on his phone. "Excuse me, officer," he interrupts. "Would you mind talking to her? She's a little freaked out."
He hands his phone to the officer, who looks a little wary. "Yes, ma'am. They're all fine," he speaks into the phone.
"Bella," my dad whispers when I look at him.
I look back at the officer when he tells her, "Sure, ma'am. I will take care of it." He then hangs up, looking at all of us.
"Um, I'm not sure who that woman is to all of you, but you better believe she cares," he spits out. "She said that I'm supposed to get a wrecker to take this truck to the Reliable Chevy dealership in Albuquerque. She also said for y'all to go ahead to the horse boarding facility. She's going to take care of the rest, and will call Carlisle later."
So, on the side of the highway, we unload everything of Ben and Angela's, putting it into the back of Bella's truck. By the time we're finished, there is a wrecker pulling up from Reliable Chevy and starts to hook up their truck.
We arrive at the Broken M Ranch an hour and a half later. Everyone is tired, dirty and worn out. As we pull in, a couple comes out of the house to greet us.
"Welcome to Albuquerque," the man states, shaking all our hand. "I'm Duke and this is my wife Susan. I heard y'all had some problems up the road?"
"Yes, Sir," my father replies. "The electrical system in one of our trucks caught fire. They towed it to the Chevy dealer around here."
"Yes," he acknowledges. "Ms. Swan called and informed me of what's going on. She also reserved our guest house for you to stay in while you're here. Now, it only has four beds, but we have an air mattress if that's ok?"
"That sounds perfect," my mother cut in.
"Well then, let's get the horse unloaded and settled. Then, I'll show you where you'll be staying," he agrees.
Alice unloads Smoke, while Jasper unloads the feed and hay for him. Emmett and I help him unload all but two bales. In my head, I wonder why we bought so many. I get my answer when Duke whistles out, "Hot Damn. That woman is good as gold." Shaking my head, I learn that this is another good deed done by Bella.
"We're short on hay around these parts," he explains. "The horses haven't had any in a while."
"Well, we have ten extra bales here for you," Jasper tells him. "We only need two for the rest of the trip. She just told us to purchase extra and leave it here."
After the hay is put away, and the horse is settled, Susan shows us where we'll be staying. It's a small, one room house, but there is another bed in the living room and a futon. The bedroom has a queen size bed and a twin bed. The twin bed is where Lleu and I will be sleeping, so I drop our bags on there.
"I know it's small, but there is food in the kitchen and the animals are welcome here," Susan states hesitantly.
"It's fine," my mother comforts. "We're all tired of hotels and fast food anyway."
My father's phone rings and he excuses himself. I take Lleu outside and Alice follows with Gracie. Gracie is getting use to her harness and doing her business outside. Once they are done, we take them in and they both go wild running around and chasing each other. They have been cooped up all day and are ready to play.
After taking a quick shower, I decide to make something for dinner. I start digging through the kitchen, to see what is stocked. Spaghetti it is. After dinner, we all just sit around and relax until going to bed.
Jasper and Alice decide that they are going to sleep on the air mattress and set it up on the enclosed porch. Emmett and Rose take the bed in the living room, while Ben and Angela choose the futon.
The next morning, I get up and make coffee before starting breakfast. Lleu is running around my feet and I almost step on him a few times. "Boy, if you don't settle down, you're going in your carrier," I scold him.
I hear a giggle behind me and turn to see my mother shaking her head, "Just wait until you have children, Son. Come on, Lleu. Meme will take you out before daddy loses his temper."
Soon, everyone is up and making their plates. I feed Lleu first, so he won't beg while I eat. My dad breaks the silence when he's done eating.
"Bella called last night and said for us to head to the dealership this morning. She said that she had everything taken care of. Knowing her, I have no clue what that means," he sighed tiredly.
Once we're all dressed, and Alice has taken care of Smoke, we load into the trucks and follow Jasper to the dealership. As soon as we pull in, the salesmen are on us like vultures.
My father cuts them off before they can begin, "I'm here to see Mr. Varner," his states with authority, leaving no room for argument.
"This way," one of the men states, leading us into the showroom. We're just standing around while he goes to get Mr. Varner.
"Mr. Cullen?" a tall man with black hair and glasses asks.
"That's me," my father confirms, shaking his hand.
He leads us all to a conference room and shuts the door. "No offense, but Ms. Swan is a spit fire. I really wouldn't want her angry with me," he laughs out. "I know y'all are busy and need to get back on the road, so I will get this done as quickly as possible."
"I just need to know how much it's going to cost to repair my truck, and how long it will take," Ben interrupts, clearly upset about the truck.
"You must be Mr. Cheney?" Mr. Varner questions.
"I am," Ben confirms.
"Well then, as soon as you sign these papers, and hand me the title to the truck, I'll give you your check," he states, sliding some papers toward Ben.
"Um, what check?" Ben asks, confused as the rest of us.
"This one for the value of your truck," Mr. Varner says smiling, while handing him a check.
"There is no way...how? Why?" he stutters out, looking at Mr. Varner.
"According to Ms. Swan, that is the value of your truck, if you were to trade it in. So, we're going to keep your truck and you keep that check," he explains. "She said once you got to Texas, she'd take you to a place she knows and you can purchase a newer one."
Ben just shakes his head and signs the papers, while Angela digs out the title from her bag, handing it to him.
"Now, Mr. Carlisle Cullen?" he asks, turning to my dad, who nods in affirmation. "I need you to sign these papers for Ms. Swan since she isn't here. She already took care of the rest. Oh, and she said that if you wreck her baby, she will have your hide."
"What are these for?" my dad questions, before signing.
"For her new car," he states nonchalantly. "Apparently, she has been wanting this car in a certain color and couldn't find it. It just so happens, we have one and she purchased it last night. You're supposed to drive it to Texas for her."
"Ok," he says confused, as he signs the papers looking over them. "HOLY SHIT! What kind of car costs sixty-seven thousand dollars?"
Everyone gasps, as Rose whispers, "No way."
"Follow me, and I'll show what kind of car," Mr. Varner directs, leading us through the showroom and outside, where there is a white Camaro convertible sitting.
"Holy hell! This is a 2013, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible," Rose shrieks. "I'm so driving this sucker. Papa Carlisle, I will be your caddy." We all laugh at her drooling over the car. It is a fine ass car.
"Oh, hell no," my dad shoots back. "You can be my wing woman, but I'm taking this baby for a spin, first." My mother just shakes her head at them.
"You guys can just follow us...if you can keep up," he tells us, as he and Rose jump in and quickly peel out.
"I really hope you didn't need him to sign anything else," my mother deadpans to Mr. Varner, who is laughing at their antics.
"No, ma'am," he confirms. "They were good to go."
"Thank God," she whispers. "I would really hate for them to have stolen a car."
We just laugh and walk to the trucks, knowing we won't be able to catch up to them. Ben and Angela are quiet the whole ride back to the boarding stables.
"You two ok?" I question.
"Yeah, just in shock," Ben answers quietly, still looking at the check in his hand. "There is no way that our truck was worth this."
"I'm sure after her buying a car like that, that they would've given her anything that she asked for, for that truck," Emmett claims. "She is just that kind of person. You'll get use to it."
Ten minutes after we arrive at the boarding stables, my dad and Rose pull up. "I figured you would have beat us here," my mother states, narrowing her eyes at him.
"The navigation took us the long way," he replies with a smirk.
"Sure it did, dear. Sure it did," she growls, knowing that he is full of crap. We all laugh at his pouting face.
"Well, ain't that a fine piece of machinery," we hear behind us, turning to see Duke.
"And, she is smooth as silk, too," my dad announces. "Flies like the wind."
He is so busted. I chuckle as my mother tisks at him. "Long way, my ass," she mumbles, walking to the guest house.
The next morning we're up, dressed and have eaten breakfast by eight. After everyone heard we were staying at The Big Texan, they're all excited, especially Emmett, who wants to try the steak challenge. I'm just relieved we will finally be in Texas around one this afternoon.
Once all the animals are loaded up, Jasper leads us to the closest gas station. We fill up all the vehicles because we aren't stopping until we get to Amarillo. My father is in front this time, driving Bella's new car, as I drive my mother's SUV with Jasper following behind. Ben and Angela are riding with him and Alice. Emmett and Lleu are laid across the middle seat. He's sulking because Rose is riding with my dad. My mother has called Rose's phone several times, telling them to slow down, until this last call, when she told her to tell my dad to pull over.
She jumps out, on the side of the road, yelling before he even gets out of the car, "Carlisle Samuel Cullen! Have you lost your mind?" Emmett and I are laughing so hard. I even have tears coming out of my eyes. "Get your ass in my truck. I think I better drive before you get a ticket."
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Esme Amelia Cullen got her first ticket. Not even twenty minutes after she starts driving, does the Highway Patrol pull her over for speeding. She is clocked going eighty in a sixty, and boy is she pissed. Rose drives the rest of the way to Amarillo.
We pull into The Big Texan just after one. My father goes to check us all in, as Alice starts unloading the horse. One of the reasons we picked this place is because they have horse boarding on-site. The rooms are lined up like an old west town. It's unique, to say the least. We all find our rooms, and decide to just chill by ourselves for a little while, before meeting up for dinner. Lleu and I go for a walk to stretch our legs and then take a nap.
After our much needed nap, I feed Lleu and take him outside for a little while. Around five, I meet up with the others in the lobby so that we can eat dinner. The restaurant is as old west as the motel, and very authentic. The atmosphere fun and inviting.
While we are waiting for the waitress to take our orders, Alice, Rose and Angela are talking about the maze that is in the beer garden. We decide to check it out after we finish eating. The waitress comes back to our table, handing out our beverages. She promptly takes our order when she finishes. Emmett tells her that he is taking the steak challenge. She nods her head in understanding, and puts our orders into the computer.
A woman comes to get Emmett and has him sit at a smaller table next to ours. Once he is seated, she starts to explain the rules to him.
"The entire meal must be completed in one hour. If any of the meal is not consumed, meaning swallowed…YOU LOSE! Before the time starts, you are allowed to cut into the steak, and take one bite. If the steak tastes good, and is cooked to your satisfaction, we will start the clock, upon your acceptable approval. The time will not stop, and the contest is on. So, you need to make SURE, before you say 'yes.' Once you have started, you are not allowed to stand up, leave your table, or have anyone else TOUCH the meal. You will be disqualified if anyone assists you in the cutting, preparing or eating of your meal. This is YOUR contest. You don't have to eat the fat, but we will be the judge on this. Should you become ill, the contest is over… YOU LOSE! And please, use the container provided as necessary. You are required to pay the full amount up front, which your father already took care of. If you win, we will you refund 100%. You must sit at this table that we assigned you, the whole time. If you do not win the steak challenge, you are welcome to take the leftovers with you. No consumption or sharing of the leftovers is allowed inside the restaurant, even once the contest is over. Do you understand the rules?" she finally breathed out.
"Yes, ma'am," Emmett confirms. "Bring it on."
Just then, two servers come out and place three plates on his table. "Holy cow, Emmett," Rose exclaims, as they sit the plates down. "You're going to be sick if you eat all of that."
"I'm good, babe," he claims. "Just don't distract me."
That is the biggest steak I have ever seen. It's so big that it hangs off the sides of the plate. Then, there's a second plate in front of him with a potato, roll and shrimp cocktail.
The third plate holds a salad. He has to eat it all. We find it hard to look away when our own food arrives. It's like watching a train wreck, no matter how hard you try, and freedoms it is, you can't turn your head away.
I'm eating the Anniversary Steak, and am going to have a hard time finishing it. So, there is no way that Emmett would be able to finish all of that. But, we're shocked when, at fifty-three minutes and forty-six seconds, Emmett roars, "Best steak I ever had!"
When the manager comes to refund my father, he just shakes his head no. "That was so worth the money. Use it to pay for as many of the family's checks here as you can."
"That's very generous, Sir. I'll discount all the customers' meals that were here during the challenge," he states, walking off.
I'm so proud to be his son. We finish our own food and head to the beer garden. Emmett looks like the challenge is taking its toll on him and goes to his room for the night. The girls all go through the maze, while we guys taste the different beers.
"This one is really good," I exclaim, tasting the Raspberry Wheat. "I wonder if they sell it by the case?"
"We sell sixty-four ounce Growlers to go," the beer hop tells me.
"Can I get three of those then?" I ask, looking over at my brother. "Jasper, do you want to order the one you like?"
"Yeah, sure," he nods. "The Texas Red Amber Ale."
"And three of what he wants," I confirm, handing her my credit card.
Once the girls finish with the maze and we have our box of beer, we head to bed.
One more night and we'll be at the ranch. I can't wait.
The next morning, after taking care of Lleu, I go to the restaurant to meet everyone for breakfast. As I sit down, I notice that Rose looks really tired. "Hey," I say, getting her attention. "You ok?"
"Your brother," she starts as Jasper laughs. "Fine! My idiot husband made himself sick with that stupid challenge and was up all night, moaning about his belly ache," she growls out. "He's actually still asleep right now."
"I'll drive the Camaro today, so you can sleep," I tell her, smirking at my parents. "We can't trust those two speed demons, anyway."
My father just harrumphs, but my mother actually flips me off. "Esme Cullen! That is not lady like."
"Remember, son, I brought you into this word, and I can take you out of it," she quips out.
I just laugh at her disgruntle face and go about ordering my breakfast.
Once breakfast is finished, we pack everything up and load the animals. Alice takes Lleu with her, because the seats in the Camaro are leather and I don't want his little nails puncturing them. Rose is asleep, with the seat laid back as soon as we are on the highway.
The three and a half hours to Wichita Falls flies by and in no time, we're pulling into the Legacy Park Equestrian Center Bed and Breakfast, where we'll be staying for the night.
Alice and my father take care of checking us in and unloading Smoke. The rest of us grab the bags and settle into our rooms. An hour later, my mother is knocking on my door.
"I want to go have lunch and visit Lucy Park, to see the falls," she explains. "Are you up for a hike?"
"Sure," I agree. "Let me take Lleu out and get ready. I'll meet you in the lobby is thirty minutes."
On the way to the park, we stop at a Mexican food restaurant that the B&B owner told her about. Emmett is cautious of what he orders, but the rest of us indulge. The food is awesome and the service is excellent. The two most important things needed in having a successful restaurant.
The falls are beautiful, even if it's man made. We read the history of how a flood destroyed the original falls. So, the town had a new one built upstream. It's more of a walk, than a hike, but it felt good to stretch my legs. After a couple of hours, we are all tired and head back to the B&B for the night. We'll be up early because we just want to be at the ranch already.
When morning comes, we eat breakfast, pack up and get on the road before seven. It seems like the longest part of the trip and I know it's because I want to be there so bad.
Just before noon, we pull through the main gate at Swan Lakes Ranch and once at the house, are greeted by the most beautiful sight.
"Well, ain't y'all a sight for sore eyes," Bella belts out. "Welcome home!"
Author's Note: As you can see, Chapter 29 is the epilogue for Swan Lakes Ranch, however, there is a sequel. Make sure you put me on alert so you will receive notice when the sequel starts posting.
The sequel, Learning to Love Again, will start posting on the same schedule as Swan Lakes Ranch, every Friday. (For now.)
Please keep in mind that LTLA is not pre-written or edited like SLR was. I ask you to be patient as the girls' battle through the chapters as I finish them.
Enjoy the sequel, Learning To Love Again!
JR Faab
I also wanna give a few shout outs -
My team! My family! JustJo94, Dee Peckham, Pamela Crites Stephenson & Bethany Tullos. These wonderful ladies have become my best friends. I cannot even begin to tell you what they mean to me, but they know how much I love and appreciate them. They are awesome ladies and I am so very blessed to have them in my life.
Ging Hat whose unwavering support means so much to me and the team. She has helped create the playlists for both SLR and LTLA. Thanks for everything lady!
Kelly Trobaugh has been instrumental in getting SLR on TWCS and is always there making sure the format and dates are correct. All those manips being perfect and centered is all her doing. Thanks for all your support and help throughout this adventure.
Lexi M. DeRanieri for her advice and direction. She and Jo have taught me so much about writing and I cannot thank them enough.
Jenny Rarden for all her help with walking me through creating my blog in WP. She is always there to answer my questions and help me through whatever I need. Thanks girl for all your support.
Last but certainly not least, Deb Drotuno Rotuno. Honestly, if it wasn't for Deb, you would not have ever read SLR. I had no clue what I was doing. I had this story in my head and on paper for over a year. My daughter had just had a seizure and I was watching her sleep. My mind was all over the place and I needed a distraction. I was reading posts on FB and decided I was going to PM Deb and basically give her the story if she wanted it. Just to bring awareness to special needs children. She told me to, "Write it! Write it down and get it out of your head." She will never know how grateful I am to her. I started writing it as a story and not just a journal that night. She has been there, guiding me through. I also found my team through Sarge's Girls. Thanks Deb for everything!
Remember, if you would like teasers, pics, playlists and SLR discussions, come join the SLR group at groups/StoriesbyJRFaab/