Book 3 Sneak-Peek
Synopsis of Book 3:
We are back at the Raintree ranch, where Rose is halfway through her pregnancy, The retired SEALs have joined together to build a life of self-sufficiency, as they raise a herd of organically grown Santa Gertrudis-cross cattle, and pursue a life that is off the grid and sustainable. They are all trying to settle down to somewhat normal lives as civilians, after 20 years of military service. But the events that keep the adrenaline rush addiction satisfied are still on the horizon. Can these 50-something men meet the challenge, and keep their extended family and the surrounding community safe? And can their LT maintain a balance between his life on the ranch and his connections to his Choctaw heritage, especially now that he will have an heir to his reservation property?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sneak peek #1:
Meanwhile, back at the Raintree ranch, (haven’t you always wanted to say that? I have!) Rick was preparing for, what he considered, the biggest evening of his life. He planned on asking Jenny to marry him. But first things first. Rick wanted to do this right, so he had arranged for Luther (Jenny’s father) to walk over to the car barn with Mooch, (they lived a mile down the road) and have lunch with Rick.
“Hey Mooch, buddy.” Rick scratched Mooch behind the ears and escorted Luther to a booth in the diner portion of the car barn. Luther was blind, the result of an explosion when the SEALs were on an op in Central America. Mooch was his trained assistance dog and devoted companion. “Good to see you, Luther. Let me grab something for us to drink, and then I’ll bring on the main course and we can talk.”
When Rick came back to the booth with the waters, Luther said, “Why don’t you sit down for a minute, Rick. You are on high alert, oozing adrenaline. There’s no need. I know why I am here.”
“You do?” Rick slid into the booth. “I haven’t said anything to anyone.”
“No, but we’ve all been watching this unfold, especially me. So, why don’t you say what you want to say, so you can relax.”
“Luther, tonight I want to propose to Jenny. But first I want to ask you for your blessing.”
“Rick, you know you have it, or I would have put a stop to this some time ago. I trust that you will treat her like the treasure that she is. I know you love her. I think you have proven that by taking your time and being patient. And I can see that you make Jenny happy.”
“Thank you, Luther. I do love her. She has become the center of my world. I will do everything I can to give her a good life. And Luther, I realize that all of us, you and Jenny and I, have some things to work out, because circumstances are what they are. I’m not planning on breaking your family up, just adding to it. I consider this a package deal.”
Luther laughed. “You always have your own way of saying things, Rick. I have a proposition for you. I was waiting until I knew your relationship with Jenny was solid. I think it is now time to tell you, before you and Jenny begin making plans. This is just an option, that I want to throw out there. If you and Jenny aren’t crazy about the idea, I don’t want you to try and force it. It’s entirely up to you and Jenny.”
Rick listened cautiously. This wasn’t Luther’s typical style of conversation. He was doing a lot of hedging.
“LT and I designed, and created, a combination home and business structure on the far-side of his property, on top of the remaining foundation of an old stone barn. What was left was walls of stone. It is now a three-story walk-out. The main floor has a master suite, plus all the basic living quarters of a home. The top floor is a second over-sized master suite. The ground level is space for a veterinary clinic. Attached to the back, is a large greenhouse, powered by solar panels, to provide for all of the Raintree Inc. people. We thought, if you and Jenny liked it, we would offer it to you, for your home and her business, with the hope that I might be welcome to live in the main floor master suite.”
Rick was stunned. He had to take a minute to process this. He had been thinking a lot about how it was going to work out with Luther. Rick didn’t want to move into Luther’s house, Jenny’s dad’s house, again. It didn’t feel right. It was one thing, when he was recovering from some severe injuries. But now Rick was whole and wanted to have his own household. On the other hand, he knew the three of them would need to stay together. This sounded like the perfect solution. They would all start out fresh. A new beginning.
“Luther, I don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t think you should say anything.” Luther reached in his pocket. “I think you should take this key card, and you and Jenny should go look at the place, and have a private discussion about it, before you comment. It’s a big decision. If it isn’t what you both want, that’s okay. Like I said, it is just an option. The important thing is that you are both happy. That will make me happy.”
Rick still couldn’t find words. He was having a hard time keeping it together. Luther, being Luther, could feel the emotion radiating off of Rick, and said, “So, was there going to be actual food involved in this lunch? I’m really hungry.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sneak peek #2:
While Jon and Kevin were headed to Mesquite, Rose went for a walk up the road towards Cathi’s house. As on previous morning walks when they were at the reservation house, Rose found Cathi hanging clothes out on the line. “Good morning, Cathi,” called Rose.
“Halito, Rose. You are by yourself today?”
“Yes. Jon had to drive to Texas for the day, and I stayed behind.”
“You are carrying alla nakni.”
“What is that? I am not familiar with the words.”
“Alla nakni is a male baby.”
“Why do you think this, Cathi?”
“Grandfather says osi shilombish and osi ohoyo have made alla nakni.”
“We haven’t talked to him about the baby, and Jon and I don’t even know the sex. How does Grandfather know these things?”
“The same way he answers your questions when you go to him. Are you well, Jon’s woman? Does alla nakni make your heart rejoice?”
“Yes. I am very happy to be giving Jon an heir.”
“You are old to give Jon a son. You should speak with Grandfather.”
“I can’t leave here while Jon is gone.”
“Call Grandfather. He will come to you. He has been waiting. I have to go now.” And Cathi went inside.
