Raging Horses
Part 3
by T. Stratton

E-Mail me and let me know what you think: Tinstrttn@yahoo.com

Part 3

"This weather is crazy." Marge said as she walked into Skunks bar. She shook her head to try and get some of the water from dripping on her face. "I feel like a drowned rat."

"You and me both," Jordan agreed.

The Sheriff walked up to the bar. "Hey, Skunk you back there?"

"Hold your horses. I'm coming," Skunk yelled from the back.

"The bike is still out front, so Jay should be around here somewhere." Sheriff Bowden stated as he turned to lean against the bar.

"Nope, she left about ten minutes ago." Skunk informed them as he walked into the room.

"My God, man what happen to you?" The Sheriff asked as she walked towards the bloody man.

"Oh, this little incident happened when I tried to stop Jay from leaving." Skunk replied sarcastically. "Anyone want a drink?" He asked as he went to get one for himself.

"Are you okay?" Marge walked up to the bar to get a better look at Skunk's face. "Is it broken?"

Skunk poured himself a double and quickly downed it. "At first I thought it was, but it's not. I'm just going to look like a fucking raccoon tomorrow."

"Where did Jay go?" Jordan asked as she walked up.

"I don't know. After she head butted me she left." He took another drink. "I went out and tried to see which way she went, but there wasn't any sign of her." Skunk replied as he reached inside a cooler for some ice.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Jordan began to pace, "she's out there somewhere hurting because of me, I feel so helpless." Jordan screamed and punched a wall.

Marge walked up behind Jordan. "Do you feel better?" She asked with raised eyebrows.

Jordan glanced behind her as she carefully rubbed her knuckles, "a little bit."

"Uh, huh, let me see." Marge ordered and waited for Jordan to show her, her hand.

"Fine, here," Jordan raised her hand to show Marge. She made a fist and tried to hide the grimace.

Marge grabbed the hand and examined the knuckles. A nice sized bruise was all ready forming. "That's definitely going to hurt in the morning." She said sarcastically.

Jordan slipped her hand out of Marge's grasp, "don't worry. It'll be okay in a couple of days." She smiled and hooked her arm with Marge's. "Lets get some coffee."

"Hey do you have any coffee back there? We sure could use a cup if you do." Jordan asked Skunk as he pressed a bag of ice to his face.

"Sure, hold on and I'll make a fresh pot." Skunk mumbled from behind the cold compress.

"Thanks Skunk, and I'm sorry for what Jay did to you. When we find her and get her sobered up she'll feel really bad." Marge said as she patted his hand.

"I don't hold anything against her. She's just hurting and wants to make it stop for awhile." Skunk stated. "I just hope she has one hell of a hangover tomorrow." He smiled and walked off to make the coffee.

"I hope that's her only problem." Marge thought to herself

Sheriff Bowden walked up stood beside Marge. "I'm going to go and use the phone in the office. I want to call around and get some more people out looking."

He glanced over at Jordan who had her head on the top of the bar with her hands over the top of her head. She shook her head slightly back and forth. A little prayer could be heard coming from her.

He looked up and caught Marge's stare in the mirror. "I'll be back in a little bit and then we can head on out again."

Marge smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

*****

Jay's body shivered as the cold rain and wind pounded against her body. "Where is the hell is my jeep?" Jay asked as she stood there and glanced around. "Oh, that's right. It got blown up." She laughed.

Jay started to walk when a pair of bright lights shone out of the darkness. "What in the hell is that?"

The sound of a loud engine invaded Jay's alcohol laden brain. She realized that the sound came from a diesel engine, as the sound grew closer.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here." A voice yelled when the truck stopped and the door opened.

"Oh, shit," Jay said right before she was punched in the stomach.

"How does it feel bitch?" Ritchie spat as he grabbed Jay by the hair, "it's time you paid up for making my life hell."

Ritchie's fist connected with Jay's jaw. It sent Jay flying a few feet where she landed in a mud puddle.

"Fuck me," Jay whispered, "that hurt."

"What a sight, the great Jay Krammer sitting in a puddle like a animal." Ritchie laughed. "To bad I'm the only one that got to see this."

"Why don't you wait until I'm feeling better and then we can continue this conversation." Jay said sarcastically as she stood up on very shaky legs. "Or is this the only way you'll ever be able to beat me." She asked then spit in Ritchie's face.

Ritchie wiped the blood and saliva off with the back of his hand. "This is going to be so much fun. I really wish my friends were here."

Jay was ready for the kick to her left kidney. "Yep, it's too bad. They would love to see me kick your ass again." She tugged on the leg she held with her hands. Ritchie landed in the puddle she just got out of. "How do you like it? Shit head." Jay asked then tried to knee him in the face.

Ritchie saw the move and quickly grabbed it before it could connect with his face. He twisted his body so that Jay would land on the ground next to him. "Not this time," Ritchie quickly stood and delivered a kick to Jay's ribs.

Jay got ahold of Ritchie's foot, but not before he got a few good kicks in. "You are such an asshole." She gasped. "Why don't you crawl back under your rock." Jay kicked her leg out and tripped Ritchie so that he fell face first on the ground.

"Not until I kill you first, bitch." Ritchie shouted back as he tried to get the mud off his face.

Jay laughed, "you should have found me earlier. I would have gladly obliged you." She took a deep breath and winced at the pain it caused. "Now..I'm just pissed off."

Ignoring the pain Jay jumped on top of Ritchie. She punched any body part she came in contact with.

The light from the truck bounced off the fighting couple. Groans and grunts could be heard as one or the other received a well-placed punch.

Ritchie got away from Jay and ran for his truck. He whipped open the door and reached inside for something on his dashboard.

Unsure if her ribs were broken or just bruised Jay lay there and tried to catch her breath. The pain in her side was making her see stars behind her closed eyelids. "This is such a bad day." Jay thought.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, that really hurts." Jay yelled as she raised herself to a seated potion. "What else could go wrong today?" She asked just before she noticed the gun barrel in her face. "I just had to ask." Jay mumbled as she sunk back down to the ground.

"I'm finally going to get rid of you. I should have thought of this before. One bullet and all my worries are over with. "Ritchie waved the gun in front of Jay's face.

Jay could see the insanity in Ritchie's eyes.

"You don't have to do this," Jay pleaded as the rain splashed over her face.

"Oh, yes I do. With you gone I'll get that land I deserve." Ritchie shouted just as a crack of thunder boomed over head.

Jay saw her opening when Ritchie jumped and the gun momentarily moved away from her face. She brought her leg up and kicked the hand that held the gun.

"You damn cunt, I'm going to put a hole in your head." Ritchie chased after his gun that flew a couple of yards away.

Jay quickly got up and ran the way she had come. "How do I get myself into messes like this?" She asked herself.

"Run, bitch, run. I'll get you," Ritchie yelled furiously. He picked up the gun and turned around and aimed it in Jay's direction and pulled the trigger. "Take that you, fucking bitch." He said and pulled the trigger again.

*****

"What was that?" Jordan asked as she brought her head up.

Marge looked over at Jordan, "what was what?"

Jordan stood up and glanced around. "I thought I heard something that sounded like a gun shot." Then she heard it again, "tell me that you heard that."

"I sure did and it did sound like a gun." Marge agreed as she headed for the back of the bar to the office. "We better get the Sheriff."

*****

"Damn, that hurts," Jay moaned. She pulled her hand away and watched as the rain mixed with the blood that seeped from the hole in her shoulder. "I have to get inside and call the Sheriff." She leaned against the side of the building as the pain ran down her arm.

Slowly Jay walked along side the building. "Oh, thank god," Jay breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the sheriff's car parked in front of her. "I have to get inside." The blinking lights guided her to the doors.

"Don't you dare move," Jay heard from behind her as she reached for the door. She turned around and saw Ritchie breathing hard.

"I knew tonight was my night." Ritchie mocked and wiggled his fingers that had Jay's blood on it from where she smeared it on the building's wall. "What's a matter? Did you finally get what is owed to you?" Ritchie walked closer. "You have been a thorn in my families side for years." A wicked grin appeared on his face. "Now I'm about to pull that thorn out once and for all." He aimed the gun right at Jay.

Even though Jay was in extreme pain she moved quickly and pulled the door open.

The sudden movement and the door hitting him made him squeeze the trigger. The two bullets hit the sheriff's car window. The others hit Jay's dirt bike's gas tank making it explode in a burst of flames.

The blast sent Jay flying through the opened doors and onto the floor. She lay there and tried not to move, because moving meant pain.

Jordan and the other three ran out from the back office when they heard the explosion. They couldn't see Jay on the floor because of the thick black smoke rolling in the building.

"My bars on fire," Skunk screamed as he ran for the fire extinguisher behind the bar.

"This is Sheriff Bowden, we have a fire at Skunk's Bar. I repeat we have a fire at Skunk's Bar." The Sheriff said into his mic on his shoulder.

"We need to get out of here," Marge stated as she grabbed Jordan's arm and pulled her to the back. "I saw an exit by the office."

The Sheriff grabbed Skunk as he ran by with the extinguisher. "That won't work. It's not enough to put out that out." He gestured towards the growing flames. "Help will be here any second, let's go."

"But…but it's my bar." Skunk muttered as he watched the flames eat at his business.

"I know," The Sheriff said softly. "Let's go."

*****

Ritchie was thrown back against the wall and was stunned for a few minutes. "Shit, what in the hell?" He asked as he glanced around. He saw his gun on the ground a few feet away from his leg so he crawled over and grabbed it. Slowly he stood up and tucked the firearm into the waist of his pants.

"Wow, this is cool." Ritchie said as he began to walk around. When he came closer to where the doors used to be he looked in. He saw Jay lying on the floor not moving. "You lived through one fire I set, but not this time." Ritchie laughed evilly before he jumped through the flames and into the building.

The four ex-occupants of the building came around the corner just in time to hear Ritchie's confession. They couldn't get to him in time to stop him from entering the burning building. All they could do was watch as the flames closed off his entrance.

"Why in the world would he jump in there?" Skunk asked as he coughed.

"You heard what he said, didn't you?" Jordan looked at Marge and the Sheriff. Knowing deep in her gut that Jay was in that building.

They both look at her until it hit them.

"Oh, shit. You don't think Jay's in there, do you? How would she get in there? We were just in there and she wasn't in there." Marge said in a rush.

Sheriff Bowden ran to where Ritchie jumped in. He tried to get close, but the heat was too much. Through the flames though he could see Ritchie and Jay exchanging words, but what caught his attention was the gun Ritchie held.

Sheriff Bowden clicked on his mic, "This is Sheriff Bowden, I need back up at Skunk's Bar. We have a man with a gun. I repeat man with a gun." He said as he turned to see Jordan standing right beside him.

"You've got to help her." Jordan pleaded to the Sheriff. Seeing that he wasn't going to do anything she started towards the building, but the Sheriff stopped her. Jordan shook his hand off her arm. "Let me go. I have to help her." She growled as she fought the hands that tried to stop her again.

*****

"Ritchie, think of what's going to happen if we don't get out of here." Jay said as burning wood snapped and popped all around them. "It's no fun, trust me."

Ritchie waved the gun in front of Jay. "Trust you. You must be nuts." He yelled, "I'm going to collect what's mine."

"I'll give you anything you want. You want my land? You can have it." Jay stumbled on the debris that covered the floor. She noticed the Sheriff standing beyond the flames, but what got her heart going was seeing Jordan right next to him.

"So now you're just going to hand it over? I should have just shot you sooner." Ritchie replied as he scratched his chin with the gun. "Why didn't I think of it before? It would have saved us so much time." He bent over and laughed at his discovery.

"Because you are a stupid fuck, that's way." Jay yelled as she grabbed a barstool and threw it at Ritchie.

Ritchie stopped laughing and raised his gun, but the impact of the stool made him fall against a table.

Jay ran over to the bar and grabbed one of the bottles she had emptied earlier. Then she stepped over to Ritchie and hit him over the head. "Here have a drink on me." She said as she watched Ritchie's body go limp. " Hope it makes you feel as good as it did me."

Jay leaned over and grabbed Ritchie by the legs; "you might have wanted to kill me." She gasped as pain made tears form in her eyes when she tugged on the dead weight, "but I'm no killer."

*****

Jordan and the Sheriff watched Jay slam the bottle against Ritchie's head. This made Jordan struggle more.

"Calm down, help is coming." Sheriff Bowden said as he fought to keep a hold of Jordan

"She needs help now, not later." Jordan screamed at the man. "Let me go." She repeated again as she tried to wiggle free.

"Look she's dragging him towards the back." Sheriff Bowden said as he pointed.

Jordan finally struggled free and took off towards the back. She stopped as she came closer to Marge.

Marge let the tears run down her face. She nodded her head, "go get our girl." She whispered in Jordan's ear as she quickly hugged the taller woman.

"I will," Jordan said before she took off.

"Please, God watch out for them." Marge prayed before she fell into the waiting arms of the Sheriff.

"They'll be okay," He reassured Marge as his own tears ran down his face.

*****

"You weigh a fucking ton," Jay groaned as she dropped the legs she had in her hands. She noticed that one of Ritchie's pant legs was covered in her blood, so she looked at her arm. It was saturated right through her jean jacket. "Shit, that's a lot of blood."

Jay took a deep breath and looked at the rising flames. She reached for Ritchie's legs again, "let's get out of here. It's getting a little to hot for me."

Jay tugged Ritchie a few feet, "what is it with me and fire anyway?"

"I'd also like the answer to that question myself." Jordan answered as she stepped up and took the legs out of Jay's grasp.

They stood there for a few seconds and stared into each other's eyes.

Jordan could see the hurt in Jay's eyes. Knowing that she put it there she said what her heart screamed at her, "I love you."

Jay saw the truth in Jordan's eyes as she said those three words. "I love you too, but we need to talk."

Jordan smiled and leaned in to place a kiss on Jay's lips. "First lets get out of here. Then we can talk."

Jordan pulled Ritchie the rest of the way to the back door. As soon as she opened the door a fireman ran up to her and grabbed a hold of Ritchie and carried him off. A minute later another came up and asked if she was okay and she nodded her head as she tried to catch her breath. "I'm fine."

"Then that's not your blood?" The paramedic asked as he pointed to Jordan's hand.

"No, it's not mine." Jordan replied as she raised her hand seeing the blood for the first time. "It must be his," she pointed over at Ritchie.

"Nope, it's not his. That's why I came over to see if you're hurt." The medic informed her.

"If it's not his and it's not mine, it must be…."Jordan turned around and saw Jay lean against the wall and gradually sink to the ground.

"Get a stretcher," Jordan ordered and hurried to Jay's side.

When she reached Jay she saw the small pool of blood next to Jay and she noticed that Jay's face wasn't the usual pinkish, but a sort of ashen color.

"Where are you hurt?" Jordan asked as she ran her hands over Jay's upper body. She pulled her hands away when the warm blood coated both her hands. She watched as the rain mixed in with the blood and dripped off her fingers. Jordan sat there in a trace until she realized Jay didn't answer her.

Jordan looked up into unfocused gaze of Jay's eyes. "Where is that stretcher at?" She yelled. "Baby, look at me please." Jordan begged as she lightly patted Jay's face with her palms.

Marge ran over when she saw where the two women were. She bent down next to Jordan and tried not to start crying when she saw the state Jay was in. "Oh, my, what happened?" She asked as she rubbed Jay's leg.

"I don't know," Jordan replied nervously. "All I do know is that she's bleeding from somewhere."

"Help me with her coat." Marge directed Jordan.

As soon as Jordan lifted Jay's left arm she moaned out in pain. Very slowly Jordan pulled the arm out of the sleeve. The two women saw the huge stain mostly on the left side of the shirt. Marge reached up and carefully pulled down the collar to show the exit wound.

"She's been shot," Marge said horrified.

The minute Jordan's brain fully understood what Marge had said she wanted to kill little Ritchie Blacksmith. She stood up and turned towards the ambulance. "Stay with her," Jordan said in a cold tone.

Marge jumped up and grabbed Jordan's arm. "Don't he's not worth it. You're not going to be any help if you're in jail."

Jordan carefully pushed Marge's hands off and walked very calmly to the opened doors of the emergency vehicle. She stepped in and sat down next to Ritchie.

Ritchie noticed her as soon as the paramedic moved away from his line of sight. The coldness of the blue eyes made him shiver, but being the stupid person he was he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"I find it kinda funny," he took a deep breath to calm his fears, "that I'm nice and dry while that bitch is out there bleeding in the rain."

Jordan leaned in as close as she could putting her elbow right on his penis. "You know what I find funny?" An evil smirk appeared across her face.

"No, What?" Ritchie squeaked.

Jordan twisted her elbow a little. She enjoyed the pained expression on his face. "That you, are going to spend a whole lot of time being some guys joy toy."

"Aren't you going to do anything?" Ritchie screamed at the paramedic as he tried to get Jordan off of his penis, but the excruciating pain that shot through every nerve stopped him.

The paramedic shook his head; "I don't see a thing." He sat back with a wicked glare.

"What…are you blind?" Ritchie couldn't believe it. Some maniac Amazon had probably killed his chances of ever having children while this jerk just sat back and watched.

"Someone should've kicked your ass a long time ago," the paramedic turned to Jordan. "Let me know when you're done. I always hated to see a grown man cry." He said before he turned and left.

"Okay, where were we?" Jordan asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

*****

Jay knew she had blanked out, because she didn't remember how she got on the ground. She watched as the flicker of red and blue lights from the police cars and fire trucks ran across the side of the bar. She lay there hypnotized by this action.

A shadow moved over Jay's face and broke her concentration. She focused on the old brown eyes that caressed her face, "hey," she croaked.

"Ssh, don't talk." Marge cried. "Just lay there. You've been hurt pretty badly." She said as she wiped the rain off Jay's face.

"Where's Jordan?" Jay asked as she relished in the touch from the older woman.

"Hmm, she just had to ..umm..go set some thing straight with someone." Marge glanced over her shoulder at the ambulance Jordan stepped into a few minutes ago. "She'll be back in a bit."

The paramedic that stepped out of the ambulance brought over the things he needed to start transportation. "Excuse me ma'am, I need to get her ready for transport."

Marge stood and walked to stand over the man. She watched as the young man began his routine to get Jay on her way to the hospital.

*****

"Well, look who decided to come back for a visit." Dr. Sheridan said when she noticed Jay's eyes were open.

Jay tried to sit up, but several sets of hands held her down. "Let me go. I need to find Jordan."

Dr. Sheridan leaned in so that she was face to face with Jay. "Don't you dare move a muscle. You're being prepped for surgery. The gunshot wound to your left shoulder is pretty serious. If we don't get you up there and see what kind of damage is done you might lose all use of your arm."

Jay stopped moving and lay there. "Will you please let me see Jordan?"

"I will send her in for just a second before we take you up to surgery." Dr. Sheridan informed Jay with a pat on the stomach.

"Thanks, Doc," Jay replied and closed her eyes.

*****

The Sheriff had his arm resting behind Marge as they sat in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs. She rested her head on his broad shoulders and held on to his hand.

They both watched Jordan burn a path from one end of the room to the other. Every time she got close to the doors that separated her from Jay she'd glance through the small window.

"Jordan would you please sit down for a second. You're making me dizzy with all this pacing." Marge pleaded.

"Come over here and take my spot. I'll go and get us some coffee and something to eat." Sheriff Bowden offered as he stood up.

Jordan looked over at the concerned face of her friend and walked slowly over to Marge. "I'll take some coffee, but I'm not hungry."

"I can't believe we're sitting in this damn place again." Marge said as she took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.

Jordan nodded her head as the guilt that ran through her intensified by the minute. "If only I had gone in there and confronted Jay none of this would be happening. Why did I have to run like a scared child?"

"Stop that kind of thinking." Marge ordered.

Jordan lifted her head, but she couldn't stop the tears from falling. Marge gently wiped the cheeks and cupped the scared woman's face. "It's not your fault. Trouble just seems to find that little shit in there," Marge said as she gestured towards the double doors. "So stop blaming yourself. Just get past it and work it out."

Jordan brought her own hands up to grip Marge's. "If I had gone in and confronted Jay when I thought she was kissing that other woman, no one of this would have happened."

"Oh, that is a bunch of crap. If Jay hadn't got on that damn bike. If Ritchie hadn't been out riding around. It's all a bunch of ifs." Marge's voice slowly grew louder as she got up and walked to the doors. "Life sometimes throws you a bunch of shit." Marge turned and gazed into Jordan's eyes. "The only thing that you can do is hold on and pray you'll survive. The only thing that makes that ride even worth going through is the love you have for the other person, because you know in the end that they'll be there to love you and forgive anything that happened."

Tears started down Jordan face again. ""Do you really think Jay will forgive me for running off like that?"

"I have no doubt in my mind that she will." Marge stated matter of fact.

The doors open behind Marge and Dr. Sheridan walked through them.

Jordan saw the doctor and ran up to her. "How's Jay? Is she going to be alright?"

Dr. Sheridan put her hands up to stop the questions. "Hold on Jordan. Take a breath and calm down a second." She guided the two women to sit back down in the chairs and started to explain what was going on. Then it took a few minutes to answer the questions Marge and Jordan each had, but as soon as she told Jordan that she would be allowed to see Jay before the surgery all questions stopped as Jordan stood and walked to the double doors.

*****

Jay felt someone hold her hand. She slowly opened her eyes and the sight that greeted her made her heart jump out of her chest. The woman she loved more than anything in the world was crying and mumbling something she couldn't understand.

"If you want me to understand you may want to get a little closer so I can hear you." Jay tugged on Jordan's hand. She really wanted a kiss and she wasn't going to get one if Jordan wasn't closer to her.

"I'm so sorry, so, so sorry." Jordan cried as she looked at Jay lying on the gurney that had a blood soaked sheet under her.

"Why are you sorry?" Jay asked as she tugged a little harder to get Jordan to bend over

Jordan let go of Jay and began to pace. "It's all my fault that you're in here. If I hadn't run off like some scared stupid kid you wouldn't be here."

Jay 's eyes followed Jordan's movements. Every time she'd get close to Jay she'd try to grab her arm. "Do you love me?" Jay asked interrupting Jordan.

Jordan stopped and slowly turned so she was facing Jay. "What did you ask me?"

"I asked you if you loved me, because I sure do love you." Jay said with a big smile.

Jordan slowly made her way back over to Jay, the woman who held her heart and soul in the palm of her hands. "I loved you from the first moment we meet."

"Good, now would you please give me a kiss so I can go get this damn shoulder fixed." Jay begged.

Jordan bent over and placed her hands on Jay's cheeks. She felt a slight shiver when her lips touched Jay's.

They both knew that this wasn't the place or the time to let things get out of hand, but emotions of the day came crashing down.

Tongues fought for dominance and hands tried to touch all they could.

"Oh shit baby, I'm sorry." Jordan said when she accidentally pressed on Jay wound and the injured woman hissed in pain.

Jay laid there for a few seconds grinning. "It was well worth the pain. Why don't we try that again." She wiggled her eyebrows.

The sound of the door opening stopped Jordan from getting closer. "I guess we'll have to wait."

"I guess so, since it's time for my appointment with a man with a scalpel. Why don't you go get something to eat and get a little rest." Jay said after she was placed on the other gurney.

"Okay, maybe I could do with a little nap. I'll see you when you get out." Jordan smiled as Jay was tucked in for her ride to the operating room.

As the two orderlies began to push Jay she had them stop and asked them to give her just a second. When they stepped out of the room, Jay entwined her fingers with Jordan's and kissed her knuckles. "I want you to stop feeling guilty, okay. Sometimes life throws you a curve and you just have to hang on. We are together and nothing will separate us again."

Jordan gazed down at Jay and she could tell the drugs that Jay was given before she came in were taking effect. "Do you and Marge have a speech worked our or something?" She saw the little smirk and giggled, "I promise to work on the guilt thing."

"Good, that's all I wanted to know. Plus we have a lot to talk about." Jay replied before she started to fall asleep.

Jordan bent over and gently kissed Jay's lips and whispered. "I love you and I promise that we will talk and nothing will scare me away from you again."

Jordan called the two orderlies back and she walked next to the gurney for as long as she could. With one last kiss she watched Jay head off to surgery. "I love you with all my heart and I pray that our lives will be nice and quiet from now on.

*****

"He's where?" A groggy voice yelled into the phone.

"Ritchie is in the county jail." Travis repeated.

"Do you have any clue as to what my fucked up son did to get there?" Mr. Blacksmith asked his son's best friend.

"All I know is that somehow Jay Krammer is involved and she is in the hospital with a gun shot wound." Travis had to take the phone away from his ear as the man on the other end screamed. After a few seconds he carefully put the phone back up and listened as the man gave him instructions on what he was supposed to do.

"You don't have to worry Mr. Blacksmith I'll do all I can to help. "Travis replied and hung up.

"Well, son it looks like you have ruined my plans again." Richard Sr. said as he got up and walked to his closet. "This time was the last time. Even if you have to spend some time in jail for you to learn your lesson."

As he walked out of his closet dressed and ready he glanced at the picture of his last wife. "Our son certainly took after your dumb ass family didn't he."

Jay woke up when she heard people arguing outside of her room. Knowing that one of the voices belonged to Marge the other one sounded familiar, but she couldn't place it.

"Wonder who Marge is arguing with?" Jay asked herself as she tried to sit up. Her left arm was strapped to her body to keep it immobile so she wouldn't tear out any of the stitches placed inside her body.

"Damn it, that hurts." Jay grunted as she tossed the blankets aside and hung her legs over the side of the bed. She slowly lowered herself to the cold floor. "Brr, need to ask Marge to bring me some socks."

Jay used the bed to help steady her aching body. Carefully she let go and shuffled her feet until she made it to the door. "I feel like an old woman."

Jay pushed open the door and took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Is there something you needed Mr. Blacksmith?" She asked as she walked out into the hallway.

"I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." Mr. Blacksmith said as he stepped away from Marge and over to Jay.

"Since when do you care if I'm okay." Jay asked sarcastically "I would think that you would be at the courthouse bailing out your son."

"What my son did was wrong." Mr. Blacksmith frowned and shook his head.

"Shit, the only thing you think he did wrong was get caught." Jay stated with a grin. "We both know you encouraged him and his friends to push people into doing things they didn't want to do. You are just mad that I didn't bend like everyone else."

Richard Sr.'s face turned bright red with anger. He stepped even closer to Jay, "you listen here, you brat."

"No, you listen." A deep voice said from behind him. "You step any closer to her and I'll personally throw you out."

Jay glanced over the man's shoulder and smiled, "hi."

"And who do you think you are?" Mr. Blacksmith turned around and found blazing blue eyes glaring at him.

"I'm the woman who's going to stop you from ever hurting anyone else in the county. You and your son went over the line. First your son and his friends nearly kill her by starting a fire and then again when he shoots her. I have friends in high places and your end is near." Jordan stated as she walked up and put an arm around Jay's shoulder.

"This is none of you concern." Mr. Blacksmith replied coldly.

"I made it my concern the day I nearly lost her. I'm not going to sit by and watch you and your family hurt her any more. You might as well leave now while you still can." Jordan grinned and started to guide Jay back to her room.

"If you think this is over with it's not. Not by a long shot." Mr. Blacksmith yelled.

Jordan turned around with Jay still in her arms. "Don't even think of doing anything. Because if you do it will be the last thing you ever do."

"Is that a threat?" Mr. Blacksmith asked a little frightened.

"No, that's a promise." Jordan said matter of fact and turned back around.

"You don't scare me. I will get what is mine, just you wait and see." Mr. Blacksmith looked at Marge. "Just wait and see."

"We heard you the first time." Marge replied and followed Jay and Jordan.

"My time will come. I'll just have to do it myself." Mr. Blacksmith thought before he walked down the hallway.

*****

"You stay in this bed," Jordan scolded Jay as she helped her swing her legs up on the bed. "I brought you some socks for your feet." She reached inside her pocket and pulled out the white and gray socks.

"Thank you," Jay replied as she laid her head down on her pillow.

"What were you doing out of bed anyway?" Jordan asked as she put one sock on and then reached for the other foot. "You could have pulled out your stitches or something worse."

"Sorry, I heard Marge arguing with someone and wanted to know what was going on." Jay mumbled. She was enjoying the feeling of Jordan's hands caressing her feet through the socks.

"I was trying to protect you from having to deal with him. That's what you heard us arguing about." Marge walked over to the side of the bed. "He thought he could walk in, like he owned the place."

"Thanks, Marge, but I would rather deal with him than put you through that kind of crap." Jay replied with a smile.

"Don't you worry about me. I can take care of a snake like him." Marge patted Jay's stomach. "I'm going to head on home. You make sure that you stay in bed and get some rest."

"Don't worry about that I'll make sure she doesn't move." Jordan replied as she stood.

"I know you will," Marge walked towards the door. "I'll see you later and I'll bring dinner with me."

"That's great, no hospital food." Jay replied happily.

After Marge left the two women sat in silence. Not really sure where to start the conversation they both knew needed to happen.

Jay took a deep breath. "How are you?"

Jordan nodded her head. "I'm doing okay, considering."

"Good," Jay answered softly.

After another minute of silence Jay couldn't take it any longer. "Why?" She asked as she brought misty green eyes up to sorrowful blue.

Jordan saw the hurt when her eyes connected with Jays. She lowered her head. "I saw you in town. At the jewelry store. I saw that other woman kissing and hugging you."

"That was Betsy. She's been a friend of mine for years." Jay said as she leaned over and grasped Jordan's now still hand.

"I know that now. Marge told me." Jordan informed Jay. "When I saw you and her hugging I lost it."

"Why?" Jay ran her thumb across the top of Jordan's hand.

"My last girlfriend her name was Elizabeth. I loved her and I thought she loved me. We were together for over a year. I thought I had found the person I would spend the rest of my life with." Jordan took a deep breath. "I came home early. I wanted to surprise her with dinner and a night of dancing, but when I got home she was in bed with another woman." Jordan tried to stand up.

Jay tightened her grip on the hand she held. "I can't believe someone would do that to someone they loved."

Jordan started to laugh, "she didn't love me. In fact the person she was in bed with was her girlfriend. They had schemed a plan to get me to fall in love with Elizabeth and support her. Then she would get me to some how get her in one of my movies and after she made it big she dump me."

"Oh my god," Jay muttered shocked at how someone could be so cold.

"So when I saw you and Betsy yesterday. I immediately thought that you were using me too." Jordan confessed as tears started to fall down her cheeks.

"Oh, baby, I wish you would have just stormed in and confronted me." Jay said as she wiped the tears away with her hand.

"I wish, I had too. Then you wouldn't be here." Jordan whispered as she brought Jay's hand to her lips to kiss the bruised knuckles.

"You listen." Jay scooted closer to Jordan. "Me being here is all my fault not yours. I shouldn't have gotten on that damn bike. I shouldn't have gone to Skunk's and drank. More people could have been hurt besides me and dip-shit Ritchie if I had gotten on that bike a drove off."

"But you did, because I wasn't strong enough to stand up for myself." Jordan broke away from Jay and stood up.

"I do think you are learning." Jay laughed. Then explained when she saw dark eyebrows rise. "The way you stood up to Mr. Blacksmith."

"He was trying to bully you. I wasn't going to stand there and let him." Jordan walked up to Jay and cupped her face. "I love you and that family has hurt you enough."

Jay relished in the feeling of Jay's hands caressing her face. "How about you do all the standing up for me I do all the standing up for you."

"Some how I think I'm getting the better part of that deal." Jordan bent over and kissed Jay softly. "I will never doubt your love for me again. I won't let the past inter fear with our future."

"If you do ever have doubts, I want you to come to me and tell me. That way I can prove to you that they are misplaced." Jay said as she kissed down Jordan's neck to the collar of the shirt she was trying to unbutton with one hand.

"I promise," Jordan moaned as she rolled her head back.

"Mmm, good girl," Jay growled has she got one and then another button loose.

The two were so lost in the feeling of each other they didn't hear the door open. "I really don't think that's a good idea." Dr. Sheridan stated with a grin.

"Well crap, you have such good timing." Jay groaned.

"Thanks, that what my girlfriend thinks too." Dr. Sheridan walked to the front of the bed. "Would you mind if I checked my lovely handiwork work?" She asked as she crossed her arms in front of her chest and smiled.

"Sure why not." Jay sat back against her pillow as Jordan quickly button her shirt back up.

Dr. Sheridan carefully pulled off the bandages that held Jay's arm to her chest. Then she pulled the hospital gown down to bare a white bandage with a little bit of blood soaked through.

"Is that normal?" Jordan asked as she pointed to the red spot.

"Yes, its just a little seepage from surgery." Dr. Sheridan explained as she lifted the bandage and looked over the dark stitches that ran across Jay's shoulder. "Are your fingers tingling or numbing at all?"

"The tips feel kinda numb, but that's all." Jay replied as she carefully moved her fingers.

"Hopefully that will stop when you start physical therapy." Dr. Sheridan offered as she re-bandaged the wound.

"How long?" Jay asked softly.

"I don't like to give a time line, because if I say a week and it passes and you're still not one hundred percent it will slow down your recovery." Dr. Sheridan stood and threw away the old bandages.

"When will her therapy start?" Jordan asked as she walked up to help Jay with her gown.

"He should be here any second now. That's why I didn't secure her arm to her body." Dr. Sheridan walked over to the bed again after she washed her hands in the sink. "I will be discharging you tomorrow morning, but you will have to come back everyday for your sessions."

"Great," Jay said with a big smile as she grabbed Jordan's hand.

"Okay, then I'll leave you two to get back to your conversation." The doctor turned and headed towards the door. She stopped with her hand on the handle. "Just make sure you don't strain you shoulder." Dr. Sheridan kidded.

"I'll make sure she's very careful." Jordan winked at the doctor.

"I bet you will," Dr. Sheridan laughed. "I'll see you later on my afternoon rounds."

"Bye," Jay and Jordan said at the same time.

*****

"Well, things certainly look better." Tom smiled as he slapped Jay on the back.

Jay grinned back, "I owe it all to you. Two weeks of hell and my shoulder is almost like new."

"All I did was show you what had to be done. You did all the work." Tom replied as he went to pick up the weights he had Jay using a few minutes ago. "I think you should be able to go with Jordan to California, but I still want you to be careful. When you get back I want you to make one more appointment just to make sure that things are still healing nicely."

"Thanks man, I was wondering if you'd give me the okay. Jordan was going to put off going for as long as she could until you said it was okay." Jay jumped down off the table and grabbed her flannel gray shirt.

"You have got yourself one hell of a woman and boy can she act. My wife and I bought one of her movies last night and watched it." Tom informed Jay.

"Believe it or not I've never seen one of her movies." Jay confessed with a shrug.

"Really, wow you sure are missing out let me tell you." The physical therapist stated. "

Jay thought for a few seconds as she buttoned up her shirt. "No, everybody else is missing out on what I get to see everyday of my life. Not that I'm willing to share or anything."

"Good, because I don't want to share it with anyone else either." Jordan agreed as she walked in and gave Jay a kiss. "Ready?"

"Yes, and he gave me the okay to go with you." Jay finished tucking in her shirt into her pants.

Jordan stepped over to Tom and hugged him. "Thanks, I wasn't real happy about leaving her here."

"I understand," Tom blushed.

"Let's go." Jay said as she headed towards the door. "Bye, Tom, I'll see you in a couple of weeks."

"Later, you two make sure you stay out of trouble." Tom waved. "Wait until I tell my wife Jordan Martin hugged me."

*****

"My plan is going great. Nothing like having friends in the government to bend a few rules and regulations for you." Mr. Blacksmith grinned as he poured himself a drink.

"Once I get that endangered land act reversed I will be able to buy the land out from under Jay's nose." He walked over to a window. "She won't know what hit her and if I ever meet that friend of hers I'll make sure she knows who is the top dog around here."

The phone rang and he walked over to answer it.

"Blacksmith," he stood there listening and soon a big grin crossed his face. "Fantastic, thank you Governor, you make sure you come and visit soon. We'll have to talk about me supporting you on your next campaign run." He hung up and walked over to get another drink.

"Soon everything will be in place." Mr. Blacksmith cheered as he saluted himself with his drink as he saw his reflection in the mirror by the bar. "Life is good."

*****

"Life is good," Jay moaned as her body relaxed after her orgasm.

Jordan placed kisses along Jay's collarbone, "Yes, it is."

They lay there is silence just enjoying the connection they had together.

"Could I get you to do me a favor?" Jay whispered.

Jordan looked up from the shoulder she was resting on. "I'll do any thing for you."

Jay smiled, "would you run down stairs and get me a diet Dr. Pepper, please."

"Okay, let me run to the bathroom quick." Jordan replied before she gave Jay a kiss and jumped up off the bed and walked to the bathroom.

As soon as the door was closed Jay scooted over to the bedside table and opened the drawer. She reached inside and pulled out a little black box. Jay flipped the lid open and gazed at her mothers' wedding rings. "I hope you're proud of who I chose to give these to." Jay thought.

"Honey, is my robe out there?" Jordan asked from behind the closed door.

Jay looked around, "yes, it's on the floor by the chair." She quickly closed the lid and shoved the ring box under her pillow.

"Thanks, do you want anything else while I'm down there?" Jordan asked as she opened the door and walked over to pick up her robe.

"How about a sandwich or something." Jay suggested, as she needed a few minutes to get the room ready.

"That sound good. I am a little bit hungry." Jordan stepped out of the room, but not before she turned around and blew Jay a kiss. "Love you."

"Love you too." Jay jumped out of bed as soon as the door was closed. She ran to the closet and grabbed the box she had put in there earlier in the day.

Jay sat the box down on the chair and opened it up and grabbed several small candles. She placed them all over the room lighting them as she went. Then she bent over and reached under the bed for the two dozen long stem red roses she hid there.

"Perfect," Jay said as she sniffed the wonderful scent.

Jay set the flowers on the bed and hurried into the bathroom. She opened the cabinet under the sink and grabbed the vase she placed there. She filled it up with some water and ran back into the room and rearranged the roses so they were the first things Jordan noticed.

Jay quickly dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Then she reached under her pillow and set the box on the table before she straightened the messy bed.

Jay looked around to make sure that everything was in place. "Looks good."

A kick to the door let Jay know that Jordan needed some help. "Hold on." She yelled as she grabbed the box off the table and ran to open the door.

"Here, let me take that." Jay offered as she blocked Jordan's view until she could get the tray.

"Thanks," Jordan said as she handed Jay the full tray. 'I made ham sandw…iches" She mumbled as she caught sight of the room.

"Please, come in." Jay whispered into Jordan's ear before she kissed her check.

Jordan stepped up to the flowers and ran her fingers over the soft red petals. "These are beautiful."

"They don't even compare to the beauty that stands before me." Jay stated with all honesty. "Please, have a seat on the bed."

"What are you up too?" Jordan asked as she turned to Jay.

Jay raised her eyebrows, "nothing." She gently took Jordan's hand and guided her to sit down.

Jay stared into sea blue eyes. Her heart filled with all the love that she saw shining back at her.

She knelt down so that she was on one knee. "The day I meet you my soul cried for joy. It had finally found it's other half."

"Ohh, Jay," Jordan cried as she brought her hand up to cover her mouth.

Tears started to run down Jay face as well. "You have no idea how lonely I was before you came into my life. Sure I had Marge and Jimmy, but nothing could fill the hole I felt right here." She rested her hand on her heart. "You filled it with the love you show me, every day since we met."

Jay opened the small black box she hid behind her back. "Jordan Martin, would you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?" She brought her hand up so that Jordan could see the ring.

Jordan sat there with tears running down her face. She reached across and caressed Jay's face. "I would be the one honored to wear your ring and be called your wife."

Jay pulled the ring out of the box and places it on Jordan's ring finger. "This belonged to my Mom."

"It's exquisite. I'll cherish it like I do you." Jordan knelt down next to Jay and kissed her. "You have made me the happiest person in the world."

Jay hugged Jordan and began to cry. "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?" Jordan asked as she rubbed Jay's back.

"For loving me," Jay confessed softly. "I honestly never thought I'd find anyone to love me like the way you love me."

Jordan began to kiss her way along Jay's neck up to her pink lips. She cupped Jay's face and wiped away the tears that fell with her thumbs. "You never have to thank me for something that comes as natural as breathing."

Jordan stood up and pulled Jay with her. She lifted Jay's shirt up and over her head then hooked her fingers in the waist of the shorts.

"I stand before the woman I love and pledge my heart and soul to her and to her alone." Jordan kissed Jay with passion. Slowly she caressed her hands up Jay's sides until the she reached the curves of Jay's breast. "To her alone I will love and cherish until the day I die."

Jay pulled Jordan's robe apart and delicately pushed it off Jordan's shoulders. "I promise to the woman who stands before me that my heart and soul are hers and hers alone. That I will forever love her and take care of her until the day I die." Jay ran her hands down Jordan's arms. When she reached her left hand Jay brought it up and placed a kiss on the ring. "Forever and always."

Jay bent over and placed a kiss in between Jordan's breast. "I love the way you smell." She brought her hand up and cupped the supple breast and ran her thumbs across the nipples that all ready stood out.

"Let's get on the bed," Jordan moaned as she grabbed Jay's shoulders to steady herself.

Jay guided Jordan to sit. She kissed her and gently lowered her to lie on the bed. "My dreams have come true."

Jay trailed wet kisses down to her target. Slowly she slid her tongue into Jordan's center tasting the sweet juices that coated the thighs that surrounded her head.

"Oh, Jay," Jordan squirmed. "I need you inside me."

"As you wish," Jay circled Jordan's opening with two fingers before she tenderly entered her. "I love the way your body feels."

"God, yes just like that." Jordan moaned as she rocked her body to meet Jay's thrusts.

With her other hand Jay reached up and pinched a nipple that stood out. She watched as the body below her twitched and moaned with pleasure.

Jay's own body hummed with excitement as she watched Jordan.

"I want us to come together," Jay moved her way up Jordan's body with her fingers still inside. She straddled Jordan's leg rubbing her swollen clit against well-formed muscles.

"You're so wet." Jordan said as she grabbed Jay's backside intensifying the movement on her leg.

Jay leaned up so she was face to face with Jordan. She could feel the walls tighten around her fingers. "So close," Jay whispered as she quickened her hand. She watched as the eyes below her drifted off into the world of profound pleasure. That sent her crashing over.

"God, I love you," Jordan said as she hugged the smaller woman on top of her.

"Love you too," Jay replied back from the crook in Jordan's neck.

"We really need to get to sleep." Jordan reached for the blanket to cover their naked bodies up.

"Yep," Jay sleepily agreed. When she tried to move off of Jordan she was stopped.

"Please don't move," Jordan begged. "I like having you this close."

"I will always be close to you," Jay kissed Jordan. "But if you want to be my body pillow then who am I to stop you." She laid her head back on Jordan's chest and closed her eyes.

"Good night, love," Jordan smiled and kissed the soft blonde hair.

"Love you," Jay responded and quickly fell asleep.

*****

"When are you two heading off to the airport?" Marge asked when she noticed the two women walk in the kitchen.

"We should leave in a couple of hours." Jordan replied as she sat at the table smiling up at Jay who had poured her a cup of coffee.

"Are you sure that you and Jimmy will be okay?" Jay walked over to stand next to Marge so she could steal a piece of sausage.

"We'll be fine." Marge slapped the hand that crossed in front of her.

"I know you will be, it's just that I've never been this far away before and," Jay stopped talking to look up into eyes she's known all her life.

"And nothing. You just go and have a good time." Marge leaned closer to whisper to Jay. "Besides you need to make sure that the wolves stay away from your girl."

Jay looked over at Jordan who hadn't heard Marge because she was reading the paper. "I don't have to worry about the wolves Marge. Not with Jordan wearing the ring I gave her."

Marge stopped all movement, "you asked her?"

Jay nodded her head, "she said yes."

"Hot damn," Marge, yelled surprising Jay and making Jordan spill coffee all over the paper.

Jordan grabbed a towel and began to clean the coffee up, "what the hell?"

Marge practically ran to get a look at Jordan's finger. "Oh my, doesn't that look magnificent."

Jordan now understood the reason for the outburst. "Yes, it's a perfect fit."

"Yes, it is," Marge said as tears ran down her face. "I'm so happy for you two."

"Thanks," Jay said from behind her with a piece of sausage she snagged between her teeth.

"When is the wedding going to be?" Marge asked when she hugged Jordan.

"Haven't really talked about a date yet." Jordan confessed.

Marge pulled back and cupped Jordan's face. "I'm so happy."

"We are too, Marge." Jay walked up behind the older woman and hugged her.

*****

"How was the flight?" Mary asked after she hugged her friend. "Where's Jay?"

"It was okay." Jordan offered with a smile. "She asked the flight attendant if she could see the cockpit."

"Are you kidding me?" Mary laughed.

"I wish I was. She now wants to have lessons and someday get her own plane." Jordan laughed along with her friend.

They turned and laughed harder when they saw Jay walk over to them.

"What's so funny?" Jay questioned the two.

"Did you ask for that or did they just give it to you?" Mary pointed to the plastic pilot's wings Jay had on her collar of her shirt.

"I asked for it of course." Jay grinned.

Jordan stepped over to Jay and draped her arm over her shoulder. "Can't take her anywhere."

"Hey," Jay giggled and kissed Jordan on the cheek.

"Well, you two lets get your luggage and head out of here." Mary quickly hugged Jay before she led them to the baggage claim area.

As they walked Jay noticed that people stared and pointed at Jordan. "Honey?"

"Yes?" Jordan gazed over to Jay.

"Everybody is looking at you." Jay informed the tall brunette.

Jordan looked around her and shrugged her shoulders. "That's what happens when you have a beautiful woman walking next to you. They are all thinking what a lucky person I am."

"Oh, knock it off." Jay slapped Jordan playfully.

"You do know that little slap will now be on every tabloid in the world saying that I'm in a abusive relationship." Jordan teased.

"What!?" Jay asked and quickly looked around for anyone with a camera.

"Jay, honey, I'm in the movie making business. Part of it is that I have to deal with people invading my privacy and taking pictures of me constantly. They will print anything and everything to sell a magazine. Only one percent of it will be true. The other ninety-nine percent of the time it will just be made up." Jordan guided Jay to where Mary was standing holding the elevator door.

"Come on you two, lets go." Mary yelled smiling at the people passing by her.

"All you can do is ignore it and let it slide off your back," Jordan gripped Jay's hand.

Jay tightened her hand; "I'll do my best."

*****

"So how is Bob?" Jordan asked as she watched the people pass in front of them at the stoplight.

"He's okay," Mary replied looking over at her friend.

The sun peaked through the clouds catching the diamond ring on Jordan's finger. "Oh my God," Mary screamed.

"What?" Jordan sat up and looked around.

"I think you forgot to tell me something." Mary gestured towards Jordan's hand.

Jay leaned forward smiling. "She's my wife."

Mary quickly looked around to make sure that she could pull over without causing an accident. "You two got married and I wasn't invited?"

"Do you honestly think I'd do something like that?" Jordan responded with a raised eyebrow.

"We haven't had a ceremony yet, we just pledged our hearts to each other. We plan on doing the official act of joining in a few months." Jay informed Mary.

"Let me see," Mary wiggled her fingers at Jordan. "You're lucky, other wise I would have had to really hurt you."

"You scare me so much," Jay laughed as she sat back.

"Watch it blondie," Mary giggled back. "This is beautiful. I'm so happy for you." She said and hugged her friend.

"Thanks Mary," Jordan smiled. "I was wondering if by chance you'd be my maid of honor?"

"Hmmm, let me think on it for a bit." Mary sat there and pretended to think with her finger tapping her chin.

Jordan sat back and crossed her arms over her chest and waited. "If you don't want to I'm sure I could find someone else."

"No, you don't have to. I'd be very happy to." Mary smiled slowly. "Wait until your mom and dad find out. They're going to freak."

Jay jumped forward, "is that a good freak or a bad freak?"

"Trust me honey, it will be a very good freak." Mary pulled back into traffic. "It's the brothers you have to worry about."

"Oh, shit," Jay gulped.

*****

"Okay, Mom we'll expect you and Dad sometime tomorrow. Love you, bye." Jordan hung up the phone. "Jay?"

When she didn't receive an answer she started to look around.

"Hmm, I wonder where she went?" Jordan thought as she began her search.

Jordan walked into the kitchen and only saw her housekeeper. "Hello, Ellen."

"Hi, Ms. Martin. How was your vacation?" Ellen asked as she made dinner.

"It was the best," Jordan smiled as she walked closer. "Mmm, that smells great."

"I figured I'd make my rigatoni special," Ellen replied as she added more garlic to the red sauce.

"Perfect, I love that stuff." Jordan dipped her finger into the sauce for a taste. "Have you seen a little blonde running around?"

"Yes, she came in looking for something to drink. She was very pleased to see that her favorite soda was in the refrigerator." Ellen laughed. "She even did a little dance."

"Jay is a little obsessed with her cola." Jordan stated. "Which way did she go?"

Ellen pointed out the window. "She went out back. Saying that she's never seen the ocean."

Jordan glanced out the window and spied Jay standing on the beach watching the waves roll over the sand. "Thanks."

*****

"This is awesome." Jay mumbled as she watched a sailboat skim across the water.

"Like it out here?" Jordan asked as she wrapped her arms around Jay's waist.

"It's breath taking." Jay leaned back. "I never imagined it would look like this."

Jordan rested her chin on Jay's head. "This is what sold me on this place. To be able to see one of the earth's most magnificent beauties every time I stepped out of my back door."

Jay turned around and gazed into Jordan's eyes. "You know, I've never done it on a beach before. Want to give it a try." She asked as her hands reached under Jordan's shirt to caress a strong back.

Jordan captured Jay's lips as she guided her to the ground. "You do know that we are going to have sand in some very uncomfortable places when we get done."

Jay's hands found their way to the front of Jordan's shirt. "Then I guess we'll have to take a nice long hot shower afterwards."

"I like the way you think." Jordan lifted her arms so that Jay could take off her shirt.

"I love it when you don't wear a bra." Jay smiled before she lifted her mouth to suck on an exposed nipple.

Jordan arched her back and threw her head back at the sensation on Jay's mouth on her. "Ohhh, God."

They were so lost in what they were doing they never noticed the shadow from behind the tree or the sound of a camera clicking as picture after picture of a private moment between the two lovers was invaded.

*****

"When will they be here?" Jay whispered from the soft shoulder she laid on.

Jordan ran a finger down Jay's back. "My guess, before lunch."

"That's only, four hours away." Jay sat up and looked at Jordan. "We have to get ready come on."

Jay jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Then she ran back out and stopped to look at Jordan who was still lying in bed. "Would you get up already."

"Like you just said we have four hours before they get here." Jordan leaned up on her elbow. "What is the matter?"

"I'm a little nervous about meeting your Mom and Dad. You are their baby and I don't want them to think that I'm some sort of sponge sucking you dry of your money, or using you for the soul purpose of getting my big break." Jay dashed to the big walk-in closet. "I want them to know that I will be taking care of you, not the other way around."

Jordan got up and walked over to Jay as she was holding up a couple of shirts. She grabbed them and hung them up, then she pulled Jay out of the closet and made her sit on the bed. "I already told my parents all about you. They can't wait to meet you."

"But…"Jay started, but a finger on her lips stopped her.

Jordan smiled, "no, buts. They know you are nothing like Elizabeth."

Jay took a deep breath. "I guess I'm going a little crazy."

Jordan raised her hand and spread her thumb and finger apart about an inch. "Just a little, but that's okay."

"Want to take a shower with me?" Jay asked as she ran her finger up the inside of Jordan's thigh.

"Now that sounds like a good way to spend a couple of hours." Jordan agreed as a shiver ran through her body.

Jay stood, "let's go."

A knock on the door stopped their progress.

"Yes," Jordan coughed out.

"Ms. Martin, I think you need to come see something." Ellen said from the other side of the door.

"Wonder what's going on?" Jay asked as she grabbed Jordan's robe and handed it to her.

"Not a clue," Jordan replied as she covered herself up. "Don't you think you better get something on?"

"Hold on," Jay mumbled and quickly found a pair of sweats and t-shirt.

Jordan waited until Jay was done before she opened the door. "Good morning, Ellen. What did you want me to see?"

Ellen handed her the morning paper. "I thought you'd want to see this as soon as I saw it."

"Oh, fuck," Jordan yelled. "How did they get these?"

"What?" Jay asked as she looked over Jordan's shoulder. She snatched the paper out of Jordan's hand. "Oh, my God. I'm going to kill someone." Jay fumed at the picture of her and Jordan making love yesterday on the beach.

"How did you get this?" Jordan asked Ellen.

"It was in the mail box this morning." Ellen informed her boss as she watched Jay stomp around.

"Thanks, Ellen," Jordan closed the door and walked to a very upset Jay.

"Honey," Jordan said softly. "I'm sorry about all this."

"Who did this?" Jay asked as she twisted the paper in her hands.

"Let me see the paper." Jordan held her hand out. "Usually the person who took the picture has his name under the picture."

Jay handed the wrinkled paper over to Jordan.

"The name under it says, Jacob Trainer." Jordan stated as she looked up to meet Jay's smoldering green eyes. "He's a well known asshole. He does what ever he can to get the pictures he wants."

"Well, when I get through with him he's going to be real sorry." Jay announced coldly.

"Jay, there is nothing we can really do to stop him." Jordan hugged Jay. "If we just ignore him he'll leave us alone."

"How long will it take for us to ignore him?" Jay mumbled from Jordan's chest.

"I hope not very long." Jordan prayed. "Now I remember something about a shower."

"Oh, yes a shower," Jay licked the soft skin she exposed as she pulled open the robe.

*****

"Good afternoon, Ellen," Cindi Martin said when the door was opened.

"Afternoon to you too, Mrs. Martin." Ellen replied as she opened the door all the way taking the luggage the older Martin woman had in her hand. "Where is Mr. Martin?"

"Oh, he had to make sure that no reporters were snooping around." Cindi Martin responded.

"He doesn't have to do that ma'am. Jay has walked to the property at least five times this morning." Ellen guided Cindi into the living room. "If you want to have a seat I'll tell Ms. Martin you are here."

"Where is my daughter?" Cindi asked as she sat on the couch.

"She's up on the phone talking with Mrs. Houseman." Ellen grinned. "Apparently Mrs. Houseman is having a fit about the picture in the paper. She wants Ms. Martin to sue or something or other."

"I bet she does." Cindi laughed. "That woman is a bit bull when it comes to stuff like this."

"Hi, Mom," Jordan said as she walked in. "Where's Dad?"

"Doing what a father does best." Cindi replied and stood up to give her daughter a hug.

"And what is that?" Jordan stepped back with a smile.

"Checking to make sure that nobody will be getting any more pictures of his baby in a compromising position." Cindi looked up into her daughters blue eyes and saw something she's never seen before. "Peace."

*****

Jay stood out on the beach searching for any kind of movement. "I'll be damned if that freak is going to get any more shots of Jordan and me." She headed up but stopped suddenly when she saw a man walking towards her.

"Gotcha," Jay grinned as she hid behind a tree. She waited until the man was a step away from her before she jumped on his back. "You son of a bitch."

Joe Martin didn't know what hit him. One minute he was walking along the next he was face first in the dirt. "What the hell is going on?"

Jay jumped up and kicked dirt into the guys face. "You had no right to take those pictures. That was a very private moment between the person I love and you are so lucky I promised her this morning not to kill you."

Joe tried to get up, but a foot in the middle of his back wouldn't let him budge. "If you would let me up I could explain who I am."

"I' don't think so," Jay shook her head. "I let you stand and you'll take off. The police are going to be called and I'm going to make sure that you spend some time in jail. This is private property and you are trespassing."

*****

Jordan and Cindi jumped a little when Ellen came running in from the kitchen.

"You need to come quick. Jay has Mr. Martin pinned on the ground." Ellen informed the two women.

"What?" The two Martin women yelled at the same time.

"In the back. I saw them through the window." Ellen said as she followed them down the hall.

Jordan ran up to the window. "Oh, shit." She gasped before she headed for the door.

*****

"I'm not trespassing, this is…" Joe didn't get a chance to finish his sentence because Jay flipped him over and hit him.

"Bullshit," Jay yelled.

"Jay get up off my Dad," Jordan screamed as she ran closer.

"What!?" Jay turned to see Jordan. "This is the guy who took those pictures of us."

"No, that's my dad," Jordan repeated.

"No way," Jay stepped back finally getting a good look at the man she just punched. She noticed the striking resemblance between Jordan and the bleeding man. "I'm in such big trouble."

"Dad are you okay?" Jordan asked as she bent down to wipe the blood away from his lip.

Joe nodded his head, "I'm okay. Just help me up."

Jay stepped over to help but Jordan gave her a look so she stepped back and lowered her head.

"Let's get you to the house and cleaned up." Jordan suggested as she brushed off some dirt from her dad's back.

Jay watched as Jordan and her dad walked away from her. "Damn it, I messed up big time. How could anyone forgive someone for beating up their father." She thought before she turned and walked back towards the beach.

*****

"Honey, are you okay?" Cindi asked as her husband took a seat at the kitchen table.

"I'm fine, just going to be a little sore that's all." Joe smiled. "That's one hell of a girl you got there Jordan."

"I can't believe she did that Dad. I'm sorry." Jordan walked over with the first aid kit that Ellen handed her.

"Nothing to be sorry about. She was just protecting someone she loved. I'm really impressed that such a small woman has a punch like that." Joe rubbed his jaw. "She stronger than she looks." He noticed a glimmer of light bounce off the ring on Jordan's left ring finger. "What do we have here?"

"It's all the work she does on the ranch." Jordan stated with a grin.

Cindi glanced around the room, "Jordan, where is Jay? Didn't she follow you in?"

"I thought she was right behind me." Jordan responded as she noticed that Jay wasn't anywhere to be seen.

"She's sitting on the beach." Ellen informed them.

Jordan and her mom stood and looked out the window towards the beach.

"I better go talk to her." Jordan headed to the door. "She wanted to make a good impression so that you'd like her. I bet she's beating herself up about this."

"Maybe I should be the one that goes," Joe suggested and stood. "Since I'm the one she beat up and all."

"That's a good idea. Just wave or something if she's being hard headed okay." Jordan kissed her father and moved out of the way.

*****

Jay was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Joe until he stood blocking her sun.

"I'm real sorry, sir. I thought you were some sleazy reporter trying to get some more pictures of Jordan." Jay stood up and wiped off the sand on her pants.

"You know, besides someone from her family nobody has stuck up for Jordan's dignity. I want to let you know that there will be no hard feelings as long as you continue to protect her like you did today." Joe stated as he stared right into Jay's eyes.

"You have my promise that I will until I die." Jay stared back.

"Good, now tell me is that an engagement ring I saw on my daughters finger?" Joe questioned seriously. "Because if it is you better be planning on having it real soon."

Jay gulped, "yes, sir. I asked her to be my wife and she said yes. The ceremony will be in a couple of months back at my ranch."

"Do you plan on taking care of her properly?" Joe continued on kind of enjoying the nervous stance Jay shifted into.

"Well, I'll do the best that I can. By no means am I rich, but we do okay." Jay scratched the back of her neck. "I know that Jordan could have anyone she chooses, but for some reason she chose me and I will try my damnedest to make her the happiest person in the world."

"I just have one thing to say." Joe stepped closer to Jay. "Welcome to the family."

"You don't hate me then?" Jay asked stunned that the man was so calm after what she had done.

"I could never hate anyone who would beat the crap out of someone to protect my daughters honor." Joe stuck out his hand. "Thank you."

Jay smiled and shook his hand. "No, reason to thank me, sir."

"Either call me Jo or dad, no more sir. Makes me feel old." Joe hooked his arm around Jay's elbow. "Come on let's go see what they are having for lunch."

"I think I heard Ellen saying something about ham sandwiches," Jay smiled with tears ready to fall, "Dad."

Joe stopped and looked at the tears that shone in Jay's eyes. "I like that. I always did want another daughter.

"I always hoped to find someone who would let me call them dad. It's something I've missed." Jay confessed.

"I am very honored to be that man." Joe hugged Jay.

*****

"What's going on?" Cindi asked as she tried to look over Jordan's shoulder.

"They're hugging." Jordan smiled as she moved out of the way.

"I wonder what they said to each other," Cindi asked as she wrapped her hand around Jordan's.

"Knowing Dad it was just exactly what she needed to hear." Jordan offered with a knowing grin.

Cindi nodded her head in agreement. "She's the one isn't she?"

Jordan raised her hand and showed her Mom the engagement ring. "She asked me to marry her and I said yes."

"Oh my, I finally get to throw a wedding for my daughter." Cindi jumped up and down as she hugged Jordan.

"Mom we don't want a big wedding. Just something small with family and a few close friends." Jordan hugged her mom back.

"What ever you want I don't care." Cindi cupped Jordan's face. "My baby is getting married and I'm so happy."

Jordan smiled as she received kiss after kiss from her mom. "Life is good."

"How did you get those pictures?" Jasmine Lee asked as she sat back in her chair.

"I was in the right place at the right time, that's all." Jacob grinned as he fidgeted with his camera.

Jasmine leaned forward and rested her arms on her desk, "you better be careful, buddy. You're getting way to cocky and soon you'll make a mistake and get yourself in a whole lot of trouble."

"Don't worry about me. I have the golden touch." Jacob raised his hand with a camera in it. "Whatever I shoot, it becomes a money maker."

Jasmine looked at the smug looking man and shook her head with a smile. "That is true. Just watch it, nobody stays at the top for long and you've been there for quite sometime."

Jacob brushed some unseen lint from his gray slacks. "Like I said don't worry, I plan on being here for a little while longer."

"Where do you plan on going today?" Jasmine asked as she brushed her straight black hair out of her eyes.

"I'm planning on getting some shots of Jordan Martin and her friend. Those two brought in some big bucks with the last ones." Jacob shifted in his seat as he remembered what he watched happen between the two women.

"Don't forget I get first pick of anything you get," Jasmine stated as she shifted some papers into a pile. "My boss loved the last ones, by the way."

"I know he did," Jacob stood, "he sent me a little bonus with my payment."

Jasmine looked up in surprise, "really? Wow, I've never heard him do that before."

"It was a very pleasant surprise," the brown haired photographer grinned. "I'll see ya later." He said as he walked to the door.

"Later," Jasmine yelled back. "If he's not careful he's going to get himself in a whole lot of trouble, but I guess that's why he gets the good shots."

*****

"I'm sorry for what I did to your dad," Jay apologized as she ran the wash cloth she had over Jordan's back.

"Jay would you please stop that. I have already forgiven you or wasn't I convincing enough for you?" Jordan replied as she closed her eyes when Jay caressed her backside.

"No you were very convincing. I just feel so bad about what I did." Jay stepped closer so she could wrap her arms around Jordan's soapy body. "I love you and I don't want to ever again have you look at me the way you did when you came and got your dad."

"What look?" Jordan asked as she turned around.

"When you walked past me, you gave me a look." Jay shrugged her shoulder wishing now that she had kept her mouth shut.

"I don't remember doing that." Jordan confessed as she thought back to this afternoon.

Jay kissed along Jordan's collar bone. "It's okay, no harm done." She gently pushed Jordan into the warm spray of the shower so the water could wash away the soap.

"If it didn't bother you, you wouldn't have brought it up." Jordan nudged Jay away. "If I hurt your feelings I'm sorry."

"You didn't hurt my feelings. I just never expected to see you look at me like that." Jay stated honestly.

"I was just concerned with my Dad. It must have been a reflex I have when someone hurts a member of my family." Jordan cupped Jay's face. "And it doesn't matter who that person is. You should have seen some of the looks I've thrown my brothers."

Jay looked deep into the blue eyes that held her soul and smiled. "Pretty bad huh,"

"Worse than you could imagine." Jordan leaned over and kissed soft lips.

"Let's get out of here, the water is getting cold and I want to make sure you stay heated up." Jay shifted so she could turn the water off.

"I have no problem heating up when you 're this close to me," Jordan cupped Jay's breast's together and licked both nipples.

"I love it when you do that," Jay moaned as she grabbed Jordan by the waist so she wouldn't fall to the floor.

Jordan guided Jay up against the shower wall not once stopping the nipping and sucking. With her knee she nudged Jay's legs apart. "Ride me." She whispered.

Jay lowered her head and moved her hips against strong thighs, "oh, fuck."

Jordan kissed her way up Jay's neck nibbling an ear lobe playfully. "I love how you feel," she moaned as she grabbed Jay's ass to have Jay move faster.

"So close.." Jay groaned, "I want you to be inside me."

Jordan lowered her leg and slid two fingers inside Jay's wet center. "Hang on to my neck."

Jay clasped her hands together behind Jordan's neck. She met each thrust with her own, "Yes, baby that's it."

"Come for me," Jordan begged as she held on to Jay's quivering body.

"OHHH, GOD," Jay yelled as her body fell over the edge.

Jordan slowly pulled her fingers from Jay and brought them up to her mouth, "better than chocolate."

"My turn now, but I want you on the bed," Jay took a hold of Jordan's hand and guided her out of the shower. "Forget the towel, I want you all wet."

"Believe me baby, I'm very wet." Jordan informed Jay as she ran the small blonde's fingers through her wetness.

"You sure are." Jay grinned as she moved so she was against the tall strong body, "crawl up on the bed, but stay on your hands and knees."

"Okay," Jordan kissed Jay before she got up on the bed. "Like this?"

Jay stepped around so she could get a good view of Jordan's ass. "Damn, you are gorgeous." Then she crawled up behind Jordan and caressed her smooth round butt. "Absolutely gorgeous."

"I want to feel you," Jordan pleaded.

Jay moved up closer and wrapped her arm around Jordan's thigh and began to stroke Jordan's wet lips. She circled around Jordan's enlarged clit rubbing across the tip every once in a while. Which caused Jordan's body to twitch.

"Ohh, baby, Ohh yes," Jordan moaned in the pillow she held on to.

Jay used her other hand and teased the opening that begged to be filled. "You want me?"

"Forever," Jordan answered breathlessly.

With that answer Jay entered Jordan. The feeling of Jordan's muscles contracting around her fingers intensified Jay's movements.

"FASTER," Jordan screamed loudly, "OHH, YESSSS!"

Jay knew Jordan was close so she added another finger.

Jordan's back arched as she threw her head back, "JAY, YESSS BABY, YES!" She yelled as she sank to the bed.

Jay followed her down lying on top of her kissing her back. "I sure hope your room is sound proof."

*****

"Good morning Mom and Dad," Jordan said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning, honey." Cindi replied as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "What are the plans for today?"

"Well, I have to go and do a couple of interviews this afternoon." Jordan walked up to the cupboards and grabbed a bowl. "I was wondering if you could maybe keep Jay company while I'm gone. I sorta want to get her something special."

"Like what?" Cindi asked with a grin.

Jordan sat down next to her dad, "Did you know it was her mothers?" She gently rubbed a finger across the top of the ring. "I just want to give her something that is as special."

"Let me come with you this afternoon. I know just the thing." Cindi walked up behind her daughter and hugged her. "Something I've been meaning to give to you, but wanted to wait until the right time."

"What is it?" Jordan turned to her mom.

"Just wait," Cindi patted Jordan's nose with her finger.

"Okay, fine. So Dad will you keep Jay busy?" Jordan asked her Dad as she turned back around to face the table.

"I'd be happy too," Joe answered with a smile.

"Would be happy to do what?" Jay asked when she walked in and walked up to Jordan and gave her a kiss.

"I asked Dad to keep you company while I'm gone this afternoon doing interviews." Jordan responded before she gave Jay another kiss.

"No need, I'm going with you." Jay stated as she walked to the table and took a seat. "Where's Ellen?"

"Day off, and you want to come with?" Jordan questioned. "You'll be bored out of your mind. All we do is sit there and talk. In fact I usually get asked the same questions over and over again."

"That's fine. I won't mind," Jay smiled. "I'll just sit and watch you." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Why don't you come with me," Joe asked. "I really wanted to show you around."

Jay glanced over at Jordan who begged her with her eyes to go with her dad. "Okay, Dad."

"Good, we will have a great time." Joe slapped Jay on the back.

*****

"I'm so glad Jay didn't come with me today." Jordan took a deep breath. "That slime ball Jacob Trainers was there."

"Was he the one who kept snapping off pictures every few seconds?" Cindi asked as she leaned back against the leather seat of the limousine. "You sure do travel in style."

"One of the perks," Jordan sighed back. "Even though all I do is sit there all day, it totally runs me to the ground."

"Well, you were right about the same questions being asked over and over. My god why can't you just get a list and send each person a recorded message." Cindi grabbed a bottle of water from the small refrigerator next to her seat. "Want one?"

"Sure, thanks," Jordan bent forward and grabbed the plastic bottle from her mom. "Where are we headed now?"

"To the bank." Cindi responded.

"Okay, to the bank," Jordan muttered around the water bottle.

*****

"What are we doing here?" Jay asked as she put her hands on her hips. "If you wanted to go to the beach we could have walked out of Jordan's backdoor."

Joe nodded his head, "true, true, but does Jordan's beach have something like that?" He pointed his head over at some very attractive women playing volleyball.

"No, no it doesn't," Jay lowered her sunglasses as she watched the game. "What are we going to tell the wives we did today?"

"We'll just tell them that we sat at some café and people watched." Joe mumbled as he opened his lawn chair.

"Well, it's not all a lie," Jay replied as she copied the man.

*****

"Mom do you think you could get Dad to take you out for dinner." Jordan asked her Mom as they pulled up to the bank.

"I don't think I will have a problem doing that," Cindi stepped out of the vehicle. "Considering I know where he's taking Jay."

"Oh, really, and where would that be?" Jordan looked at her Mom.

"He took her to the beach," Cindi said before she walked to the door and held it open for her daughter.

"Why in the world would he take her there?" Jordan asked as she stepped in the building.

"Why to watch all the half naked women running around." Cindi replied calmly.

Jordan stopped and turned to face her mom, "what?"

"Oh, he does it all the time." Cindi informed Jordan as she stepped closer to her. "It keeps him out of trouble and gets him out from under my feet at home."

"I can't believe it," Jordan muttered as a tall man walked up to them.

"Is there something I could help you with?" He asked politely.

"Yes, I need to get in my safety deposit box," Cindi informed the man.

"Sure thing ma'am. Please follow me." He turned and headed towards another man who sat at a desk. "This is Mr. Willard, he will help you."

"Thank you," Cindi shook the man's hand. "Good afternoon, I would like to get into my safety deposit box."
"Certainly ma'am, please follow me. Do you have your key with you?" Mr. Willard asked as grabbed a set of keys before he stood.

"Yes, I do," Cindi smiled.

"All right then, this way please." He walked over to where a door with a plaque saying private was attached. "We will get your box and then you may go in this room so nobody will bother you."

"Thank you," Cindi looked back at Jordan and smiled at the still stunned expression she had on her face. "Don't worry dear, they just like to look."

Jordan didn't know what she hated worse the knowledge of her dad watching half naked women running around or Jay sitting there with him…watching. "Definitely Jay, yep most definitely." Jordan thought has she followed her mom.

*****

"Is it noticeable?" Jay asked Joe as she lowered the bottle of water she held up against her eye.

Joe grinned, "no, not really."

"Are you sure?" Jay carefully touched the sore spot with her fingers. "It feels kind of swollen."

"You could always say that you tripped over a garbage can." Joe suggested with a shrug.

Jay turned to look at him, "you know this is all your fault. If you had just taken me to see the walk of fame instead of some half naked women this wouldn't of happened."

"I wasn't the one who got asked to play. So don't go blaming me for this." Joe gestured to Jay's face.

"I'm dead aren't I?" Jay groaned as she brought the water bottle back up to her eye.

Joe patted her on the back, "I think that is an understatement."

*****

"My mother gave this to me the day I told her that I was going to marry your father. Her mother did the same to her, so now it is my turn." Cindi reached into the metal box and pulled out a small black box. "The family would be very honored if you would give this to Jay."

Jordan held out her hand as her Mom handed her the box. Very carefully she opened the lid. "Oh my, Mom this is beautiful."

Inside the box laid a gold chain with a pendant. On the pendant were two jewels, one of the colors matched the softness of Jordan's blue eyes and the other was a perfect match to Jay's emerald green.

"She'll love it." Jordan gasped as she removed the necklace. "The green matches her eyes."

"And the blue matches yours," Cindi stepped around the table and hugged her daughter. "It's about time you finally found someone worth your love."

"Thanks, Mom," Jordan cried. "I've never been so happy."

"Oh, honey," Cindi wiped away the tears that ran down Jordan's cheeks. "Let's go so you can give that to Jay."

Continued in Part 4

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