Western Fiction posted December 12, 2015 | Chapters: | ...32 33 -34- 34... |
Heads To Their Home They Must Leave In A Hurry
A chapter in the book Never Give Up ------------ part two
Forest Fire
by country ranch writer
Lacey and Tom Bellows had to leave everything they owned behind there was no time except to run. Run they did till they couldn't run anymore. The fire trucks rushed pass them to head off the fires coming quickly across the woods. The last truck gathered them up and took them to safety. They had nothing but the clothes on their back, a few credit cards, a cell phone and their dog Buddy. They needed to get a ride to the town garage to get their truck.
Gale heard about the fire on the news, and she could not believe her eyes when she saw her friend's place go up in smoke. She hoped they were able to salvage their cell phone and hoping it was charged up called them immediately.
When Lacey answered, Gale said,"Thank God you all are alive!"
Lacey started to cry from all the stress of losing everything. Tom took the phone from her and he filled her in on what had happened and their predicament they were in now.. Gale said, "I won't take no for an answer. You're coming to live at my place.
Tom, told Gale, " We stored our truck in the garage in town. Being Friday he said, we should be at your place on Wednesday if everything goes okay."
Gale replied," If you and Lacey run into any problems you call us, we will gladly come rescue you all. Promise me, Tom."
''Yes, ma'am, I will, I promise!" Tom replied, giving her some piece of mind. He knew Gale would be on pins and needles till they showed up on her doorstep. Time flew by for everyone getting caught up on things over at the ranch. Gale was so thrilled they were actually coming to live with her.
Gale didn't hear them drive up, She heard a dog barking and went to the door to see who it was. Tom yelled, "Hello anyone home?" As she rounded the corner of the porch, a huge dog mowed her down.
"Oh! My gosh," Tom said. Trying to get the dog under control.
Gale regained her composure and said to the dog, "I see you are happy to be here too!"
"That my dear friend, is Buddy, he is your best friend now you didn't scream at him," Lacey informed her.
Looking at them standing together Gale smiled and said, "So glad you all made it okay.""You all have any trouble finding the place?"Gale inquired.
"Did you have any doubts," Tom teased her.
"It is so good to see both of you can still smile after all you been through." Gale said. Let's take a tour of the place and see what you folks think. They headed to the house. Tom turned and told Buddy. " Stay." Watch the house." He laid right down with a plump, his head on his paws.
"It is so beautiful and furnished to wow, look at that huge fireplace Tom!"Lacey was in heaven.
Gale told Lacey," I spent many a night sitting by the fireplace with Grandpa," I sure miss him.
"'I told you; you would like it here, not to worry your pretty little head about a thing." Gale hugged Lacey and Tom.
They were finishing up the tour of the house when Tom said out of the blue to Lacey. "I am certain we can be happy here; I feel it in my heart.Tom said, "While I was walking through the place it just seemed to click. I can't explain it, it was like your Grandpa was here giving his approval."
Gale said, "Yes, I am certain he is, I feel his presence, He is happy someone is going to be happy here and take care of everything"
"Hey," Gale said suddenly. "Excuse my horrible manners! Blushing.she asked them, " Would you all like something to drink?"
Lacey said, "I would love something cold if you have it? "It"s been so long since we had something really cold, letting it slip off her tongue letting her words trail off." Lacey had tears running down her cheeks. Tom put his protective arms around her kisses her on the forehead reassuring her everything would all be all right. He remarked they were just tired from all the traveling.
'Okay, you two', Gale said, handing Lacey an envelope full of money. "You will need this when you go into town to get groceries, things. I just took it upon myself to pick up enough for supper, and some bacon and eggs for your breakfast in the morning. Go to the locksmith and get new locks for everything you want under lock and key as Grandpa didn't believe in locks.
Lacey and Tom hugged Gale and said, '"This new start over, is a miracle for us!"
Gale replied, "With you here on the ranch, I can now devote my time to the case I have been seriously been neglecting. With Lacey as my new secretary we will be just fine." We will catch up in no time . "Oh!" By the way, Lacey I forgot to tell you, "There is a ton of filing and paperwork waiting whenever you're available to work.
Laughing, Lacey said, Wipe that smirk on your face Tom, "why did I not see this coming? I should have known, Gale still hates filing and paperwork." I will get right to just as soon as possible. Tom started laughing. She gave Tom a sly look said, " Well, smarty pants you have the whole barn to get ready." Tom answered smiling at all this banter. It will keep me busy, that is for darn sure, we are going to be ranchers again.
Gale had a far away look on her face, shaking her self back to reality she said, "I am so sorry I love you guys and for awhile I was able to forget what my dad did. Sometimes it doesn't seem real that he could kill his own father in cold blood and my dog and leave them both lying right there pointing to the spot.
Lacey and Tom put their arms around her and Lacey said, "Tom will protect both of us from any harm"
With this being said, Tom puffed his chest way out and said, "I take my work seriously."
They all busted out laughing, but all kidding aside, Gale knew she could trust Tom with her life. Lacey had a good man. Tom, he was one of the good guys. Lacey said, 'You have to believe that Gale no matter what!"
Gale said, "I will don't you worry none."
Okay, here are the keys, Gale reminded Tom, "Grandpa never locked his doors as long as he was living here." Saying her good nights she finally went on back to her partners ranch Cords where she was staying. He was also the Marshall.
After Gale had gone for the evening Lacey said to Tom, "Pinch me, I can't believe it's true." Ouch! Lacey squealed.
Well, you said, "Pinch you so I did," he said with a smile on his face. He took her in his arms and said,"Yes, baby its all real, we are really home now."
The next day they made a trip to town and did what Gale had asked by getting the locks, getting in supplies. Stopping along the way to open a bank account for the ranch. With Lacey going to work it wouldn't be long before they were back on their feet. They could also be able to open a savings account. The banker was excited they were going to own the ranch.
Gale had an idea how to help Tom start his new saddle shop out at the ranch. A little word of mouth goes along way in a small town. At breakfast she told her idea, to Cord and he said he would help in any way possible. Tom makes hand tooled belts, buckles, bridles, chaps, saddles and saddle bags for all genders. All the designs are hand tooled by Tom. Sometimes Lacey would give him a hand on a rush order. So this was also something they could work on together. Lacey knew how to spread the word by making flyers and distributing them all over town. Maybe put up a bill board in the direction of the highway leading to the ranch.
Tom wandered out to the barn while Lacey laid down for a nap. He opened the double doors was darned surprised for the work space was huge and clean. It was as if it was just waiting for him to bring life back to the ranch. When word got around there would be a lot of work and things would be back on track for everyone.
Buddy whined, at the door for Tom to let him in. he wanted to come in and nose around too. He usually was always by Toms side. Buddy found some old hide to lie on while Tom took some measurements. Whistling for buddy he told him he was headed for the house to get warm. Buddy was all for that, running and yapping all the way. Lacey was waiting for them at the door. She had a cup of coffee in her hand and a biscuit for buddy. She told him the quiet woke her up and she had to find out what the two of them were up too.
Tom had found buddy a dog bed while in town and a few chew toys to go with it. He was now content and happy, he showed it by snoring curled up on his new bed.
The fire may have ruined their home, but now they had the best start again anyone could ask for. Also friends of a lifetime.
Get Me Out Of Here contest entry
Lacey and Tom Bellows had to leave everything they owned behind there was no time except to run. Run they did till they couldn't run anymore. The fire trucks rushed pass them to head off the fires coming quickly across the woods. The last truck gathered them up and took them to safety. They had nothing but the clothes on their back, a few credit cards, a cell phone and their dog Buddy. They needed to get a ride to the town garage to get their truck.
Gale heard about the fire on the news, and she could not believe her eyes when she saw her friend's place go up in smoke. She hoped they were able to salvage their cell phone and hoping it was charged up called them immediately.
When Lacey answered, Gale said,"Thank God you all are alive!"
Lacey started to cry from all the stress of losing everything. Tom took the phone from her and he filled her in on what had happened and their predicament they were in now.. Gale said, "I won't take no for an answer. You're coming to live at my place.
Tom, told Gale, " We stored our truck in the garage in town. Being Friday he said, we should be at your place on Wednesday if everything goes okay."
Gale replied," If you and Lacey run into any problems you call us, we will gladly come rescue you all. Promise me, Tom."
''Yes, ma'am, I will, I promise!" Tom replied, giving her some piece of mind. He knew Gale would be on pins and needles till they showed up on her doorstep. Time flew by for everyone getting caught up on things over at the ranch. Gale was so thrilled they were actually coming to live with her.
Gale didn't hear them drive up, She heard a dog barking and went to the door to see who it was. Tom yelled, "Hello anyone home?" As she rounded the corner of the porch, a huge dog mowed her down.
"Oh! My gosh," Tom said. Trying to get the dog under control.
Gale regained her composure and said to the dog, "I see you are happy to be here too!"
"That my dear friend, is Buddy, he is your best friend now you didn't scream at him," Lacey informed her.
Looking at them standing together Gale smiled and said, "So glad you all made it okay.""You all have any trouble finding the place?"Gale inquired.
"Did you have any doubts," Tom teased her.
"It is so good to see both of you can still smile after all you been through." Gale said. Let's take a tour of the place and see what you folks think. They headed to the house. Tom turned and told Buddy. " Stay." Watch the house." He laid right down with a plump, his head on his paws.
"It is so beautiful and furnished to wow, look at that huge fireplace Tom!"Lacey was in heaven.
Gale told Lacey," I spent many a night sitting by the fireplace with Grandpa," I sure miss him.
"'I told you; you would like it here, not to worry your pretty little head about a thing." Gale hugged Lacey and Tom.
They were finishing up the tour of the house when Tom said out of the blue to Lacey. "I am certain we can be happy here; I feel it in my heart.Tom said, "While I was walking through the place it just seemed to click. I can't explain it, it was like your Grandpa was here giving his approval."
Gale said, "Yes, I am certain he is, I feel his presence, He is happy someone is going to be happy here and take care of everything"
"Hey," Gale said suddenly. "Excuse my horrible manners! Blushing.she asked them, " Would you all like something to drink?"
Lacey said, "I would love something cold if you have it? "It"s been so long since we had something really cold, letting it slip off her tongue letting her words trail off." Lacey had tears running down her cheeks. Tom put his protective arms around her kisses her on the forehead reassuring her everything would all be all right. He remarked they were just tired from all the traveling.
'Okay, you two', Gale said, handing Lacey an envelope full of money. "You will need this when you go into town to get groceries, things. I just took it upon myself to pick up enough for supper, and some bacon and eggs for your breakfast in the morning. Go to the locksmith and get new locks for everything you want under lock and key as Grandpa didn't believe in locks.
Lacey and Tom hugged Gale and said, '"This new start over, is a miracle for us!"
Gale replied, "With you here on the ranch, I can now devote my time to the case I have been seriously been neglecting. With Lacey as my new secretary we will be just fine." We will catch up in no time . "Oh!" By the way, Lacey I forgot to tell you, "There is a ton of filing and paperwork waiting whenever you're available to work.
Laughing, Lacey said, Wipe that smirk on your face Tom, "why did I not see this coming? I should have known, Gale still hates filing and paperwork." I will get right to just as soon as possible. Tom started laughing. She gave Tom a sly look said, " Well, smarty pants you have the whole barn to get ready." Tom answered smiling at all this banter. It will keep me busy, that is for darn sure, we are going to be ranchers again.
Gale had a far away look on her face, shaking her self back to reality she said, "I am so sorry I love you guys and for awhile I was able to forget what my dad did. Sometimes it doesn't seem real that he could kill his own father in cold blood and my dog and leave them both lying right there pointing to the spot.
Lacey and Tom put their arms around her and Lacey said, "Tom will protect both of us from any harm"
With this being said, Tom puffed his chest way out and said, "I take my work seriously."
They all busted out laughing, but all kidding aside, Gale knew she could trust Tom with her life. Lacey had a good man. Tom, he was one of the good guys. Lacey said, 'You have to believe that Gale no matter what!"
Gale said, "I will don't you worry none."
Okay, here are the keys, Gale reminded Tom, "Grandpa never locked his doors as long as he was living here." Saying her good nights she finally went on back to her partners ranch Cords where she was staying. He was also the Marshall.
After Gale had gone for the evening Lacey said to Tom, "Pinch me, I can't believe it's true." Ouch! Lacey squealed.
Well, you said, "Pinch you so I did," he said with a smile on his face. He took her in his arms and said,"Yes, baby its all real, we are really home now."
The next day they made a trip to town and did what Gale had asked by getting the locks, getting in supplies. Stopping along the way to open a bank account for the ranch. With Lacey going to work it wouldn't be long before they were back on their feet. They could also be able to open a savings account. The banker was excited they were going to own the ranch.
Gale had an idea how to help Tom start his new saddle shop out at the ranch. A little word of mouth goes along way in a small town. At breakfast she told her idea, to Cord and he said he would help in any way possible. Tom makes hand tooled belts, buckles, bridles, chaps, saddles and saddle bags for all genders. All the designs are hand tooled by Tom. Sometimes Lacey would give him a hand on a rush order. So this was also something they could work on together. Lacey knew how to spread the word by making flyers and distributing them all over town. Maybe put up a bill board in the direction of the highway leading to the ranch.
Tom wandered out to the barn while Lacey laid down for a nap. He opened the double doors was darned surprised for the work space was huge and clean. It was as if it was just waiting for him to bring life back to the ranch. When word got around there would be a lot of work and things would be back on track for everyone.
Buddy whined, at the door for Tom to let him in. he wanted to come in and nose around too. He usually was always by Toms side. Buddy found some old hide to lie on while Tom took some measurements. Whistling for buddy he told him he was headed for the house to get warm. Buddy was all for that, running and yapping all the way. Lacey was waiting for them at the door. She had a cup of coffee in her hand and a biscuit for buddy. She told him the quiet woke her up and she had to find out what the two of them were up too.
Tom had found buddy a dog bed while in town and a few chew toys to go with it. He was now content and happy, he showed it by snoring curled up on his new bed.
The fire may have ruined their home, but now they had the best start again anyone could ask for. Also friends of a lifetime.
Gale heard about the fire on the news, and she could not believe her eyes when she saw her friend's place go up in smoke. She hoped they were able to salvage their cell phone and hoping it was charged up called them immediately.
When Lacey answered, Gale said,"Thank God you all are alive!"
Lacey started to cry from all the stress of losing everything. Tom took the phone from her and he filled her in on what had happened and their predicament they were in now.. Gale said, "I won't take no for an answer. You're coming to live at my place.
Tom, told Gale, " We stored our truck in the garage in town. Being Friday he said, we should be at your place on Wednesday if everything goes okay."
Gale replied," If you and Lacey run into any problems you call us, we will gladly come rescue you all. Promise me, Tom."
''Yes, ma'am, I will, I promise!" Tom replied, giving her some piece of mind. He knew Gale would be on pins and needles till they showed up on her doorstep. Time flew by for everyone getting caught up on things over at the ranch. Gale was so thrilled they were actually coming to live with her.
Gale didn't hear them drive up, She heard a dog barking and went to the door to see who it was. Tom yelled, "Hello anyone home?" As she rounded the corner of the porch, a huge dog mowed her down.
"Oh! My gosh," Tom said. Trying to get the dog under control.
Gale regained her composure and said to the dog, "I see you are happy to be here too!"
"That my dear friend, is Buddy, he is your best friend now you didn't scream at him," Lacey informed her.
Looking at them standing together Gale smiled and said, "So glad you all made it okay.""You all have any trouble finding the place?"Gale inquired.
"Did you have any doubts," Tom teased her.
"It is so good to see both of you can still smile after all you been through." Gale said. Let's take a tour of the place and see what you folks think. They headed to the house. Tom turned and told Buddy. " Stay." Watch the house." He laid right down with a plump, his head on his paws.
"It is so beautiful and furnished to wow, look at that huge fireplace Tom!"Lacey was in heaven.
Gale told Lacey," I spent many a night sitting by the fireplace with Grandpa," I sure miss him.
"'I told you; you would like it here, not to worry your pretty little head about a thing." Gale hugged Lacey and Tom.
They were finishing up the tour of the house when Tom said out of the blue to Lacey. "I am certain we can be happy here; I feel it in my heart.Tom said, "While I was walking through the place it just seemed to click. I can't explain it, it was like your Grandpa was here giving his approval."
Gale said, "Yes, I am certain he is, I feel his presence, He is happy someone is going to be happy here and take care of everything"
"Hey," Gale said suddenly. "Excuse my horrible manners! Blushing.she asked them, " Would you all like something to drink?"
Lacey said, "I would love something cold if you have it? "It"s been so long since we had something really cold, letting it slip off her tongue letting her words trail off." Lacey had tears running down her cheeks. Tom put his protective arms around her kisses her on the forehead reassuring her everything would all be all right. He remarked they were just tired from all the traveling.
'Okay, you two', Gale said, handing Lacey an envelope full of money. "You will need this when you go into town to get groceries, things. I just took it upon myself to pick up enough for supper, and some bacon and eggs for your breakfast in the morning. Go to the locksmith and get new locks for everything you want under lock and key as Grandpa didn't believe in locks.
Lacey and Tom hugged Gale and said, '"This new start over, is a miracle for us!"
Gale replied, "With you here on the ranch, I can now devote my time to the case I have been seriously been neglecting. With Lacey as my new secretary we will be just fine." We will catch up in no time . "Oh!" By the way, Lacey I forgot to tell you, "There is a ton of filing and paperwork waiting whenever you're available to work.
Laughing, Lacey said, Wipe that smirk on your face Tom, "why did I not see this coming? I should have known, Gale still hates filing and paperwork." I will get right to just as soon as possible. Tom started laughing. She gave Tom a sly look said, " Well, smarty pants you have the whole barn to get ready." Tom answered smiling at all this banter. It will keep me busy, that is for darn sure, we are going to be ranchers again.
Gale had a far away look on her face, shaking her self back to reality she said, "I am so sorry I love you guys and for awhile I was able to forget what my dad did. Sometimes it doesn't seem real that he could kill his own father in cold blood and my dog and leave them both lying right there pointing to the spot.
Lacey and Tom put their arms around her and Lacey said, "Tom will protect both of us from any harm"
With this being said, Tom puffed his chest way out and said, "I take my work seriously."
They all busted out laughing, but all kidding aside, Gale knew she could trust Tom with her life. Lacey had a good man. Tom, he was one of the good guys. Lacey said, 'You have to believe that Gale no matter what!"
Gale said, "I will don't you worry none."
Okay, here are the keys, Gale reminded Tom, "Grandpa never locked his doors as long as he was living here." Saying her good nights she finally went on back to her partners ranch Cords where she was staying. He was also the Marshall.
After Gale had gone for the evening Lacey said to Tom, "Pinch me, I can't believe it's true." Ouch! Lacey squealed.
Well, you said, "Pinch you so I did," he said with a smile on his face. He took her in his arms and said,"Yes, baby its all real, we are really home now."
The next day they made a trip to town and did what Gale had asked by getting the locks, getting in supplies. Stopping along the way to open a bank account for the ranch. With Lacey going to work it wouldn't be long before they were back on their feet. They could also be able to open a savings account. The banker was excited they were going to own the ranch.
Gale had an idea how to help Tom start his new saddle shop out at the ranch. A little word of mouth goes along way in a small town. At breakfast she told her idea, to Cord and he said he would help in any way possible. Tom makes hand tooled belts, buckles, bridles, chaps, saddles and saddle bags for all genders. All the designs are hand tooled by Tom. Sometimes Lacey would give him a hand on a rush order. So this was also something they could work on together. Lacey knew how to spread the word by making flyers and distributing them all over town. Maybe put up a bill board in the direction of the highway leading to the ranch.
Tom wandered out to the barn while Lacey laid down for a nap. He opened the double doors was darned surprised for the work space was huge and clean. It was as if it was just waiting for him to bring life back to the ranch. When word got around there would be a lot of work and things would be back on track for everyone.
Buddy whined, at the door for Tom to let him in. he wanted to come in and nose around too. He usually was always by Toms side. Buddy found some old hide to lie on while Tom took some measurements. Whistling for buddy he told him he was headed for the house to get warm. Buddy was all for that, running and yapping all the way. Lacey was waiting for them at the door. She had a cup of coffee in her hand and a biscuit for buddy. She told him the quiet woke her up and she had to find out what the two of them were up too.
Tom had found buddy a dog bed while in town and a few chew toys to go with it. He was now content and happy, he showed it by snoring curled up on his new bed.
The fire may have ruined their home, but now they had the best start again anyone could ask for. Also friends of a lifetime.
Another chapter in this may be in the works.
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