Down the River and Awakening the Rose

By Ann T Bugg

There is no magic mirror around, no sign of a frog or a possum, as Valerie and Samantha get ready for a canoe trip down the river with Val's dad. As they wait for him by the river, their world transforms before their eyes. Through the stormy sky, a dragon approaches. With the help of a young man who suddenly appears, they take cover.

Discovering a baby dragon hidden in his knapsack and his intentions with it, they know what they are sent here to do. They didn't expect the task at the end of their adventure: to help awaken a sleeping princess.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: May 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301878024

Ann T Bugg

Ann T. Bugg is the Queen of her castle in southern Minnesota where she lives with her Knight in shining armor (who has come to her rescue more than once) and her own little Princess Valerie. The pets in her magical kingdom come in all shapes and sizes, as do all the critters that make their way out of the enchanted forest. She enjoys horseback riding and long walks with her dogs, but writing will always be her first love.(Ann T. Bugg is the pseudonym for author June Kramin. For more on her women’s fiction, visit http://www.junekramin.com/)

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Down the River and Awakening the Rose

Before Happily Ever After Series

Book Four

Ann T. Bugg

…

Down the River and Awakening the Rose

By Ann T. Bugg

Copyright © 2013 by Ann T. Bugg

All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Published by Pau Hana Books, May 2013

Third edition July 2016

V4 2021

ISBN: 978-1301878024

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

Published in the United States of America

Cover Art and Illustrations by Valerie Kramin

Cover text by Mad Cat Designs

For Jenna

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Chapter One

Valerie and Samantha were loading the canoe with the necessities for a four-day trip. They were wearing swimsuits, sunscreen, life vests, and the ear-to-ear grin that was usually plastered on their faces when they were together.

Val’s home was about half a mile from the Minnesota River, so they didn’t have to go far to begin their journey. The next few days were going to be spent taking their time paddling along, seeing the sights with Val’s dad, and stopping only when they got hungry, tired, or just wanted to take a swim. The camping gear and tents were loaded and ready to go.

Samantha was especially excited for the experience. Valerie had done this once before with her dad and a cousin last summer. She’d had a blast and couldn’t stop talking about it to Samantha all year. When her dad suggested they go this summer during Sam’s visit, Val jumped at the chance. Sam was positively ecstatic over the news.

Val and Sam had been best friends since they were very young. We’re talking still-in-diapers young. Samantha moved a few hours away, but the girls remained close over the years, despite the distance. It helped that their parents were extremely close, too. Samantha’s town had the best pizza joint in all of Minnesota, as well as some of the best shopping. Taking the long drive on a whim was never out of the question. When Sam’s mom wanted to be completely disconnected from work and go where her cell phone had no service, the family made the trip to Val’s farm. The towns they lived in were as different as the girls themselves.

Samantha had stayed at Val’s house every summer for a week since they were old enough for sleep overs. Last year was the only exception, but they did get to meet in the middle and do some camping.

All best friends share secrets, but these two have a doozie. They share a fairy godmother named Odette and special friends who include none other than Merlin the Magician. Their adventures started a few years ago with the discovery of a magic mirror in Val’s barn. Even though the last trip didn’t involve the mirror, the girls thought their adventure wouldn’t happen this summer since they would be miles away from it, traveling down a river.

Silly girls.

Sam stood with a small cooler and watched Val whistling while packing the canoe. Are we convincing ourselves that we’re okay with not going to our fairy tale land or what, Val? You seem like you’re trying a little too hard to enjoy this.

Val giggled. It’s not like we can do anything about it, so I guess we have no choice to be happy to just canoe. I was surprised you got as excited as you did. You’re not usually the outdoorsy type.

I know, but you made it sound like so much fun. Besides, I’m probably in better shape than you are now that I play softball. Sam flexed her arm muscles.

Ohh, put away the ‘guns,’ Sam. I surrender.

Sam laughed. I was teasing, dorko. I actually do like softball, though.

So un-girlie-girl of you to play a sport. That caught me off guard.

Yeah, well…I’ve been doing dance for too long. I was due for a change. How about you? Nothing interest you yet?

Meh. Dungeons and Dragons is as close as I’ll get to a sport right now. I’m no jock.

You and those weird creatures. Sam rubbed at her arms. The gryphon was bad enough. That’s all I want; dragon scales rubbing on me.

Oh, now, that would be way cool! I’d love to saddle up a dragon!

Sam laughed. You’d go alone if I had a choice, I’ll tell you that much. So... Sam took a step closer. Are there many places where the water is rough?

There’s not too much for any kind of rapids. The water is higher than it was last year, so we won’t have to carry it through the low places like we did last time.

You had to carry it? You never told me that part.

Just for a little bit. It’s not a big deal at all. The canoe is super light.

Tell me again what your favorite part of the trip was.

When we hit the log and dumped! Val said with a wide smile and a lot of excitement.

You’re such a dork! I will never stop being amazed at the things you find fun.

Do you two have everything loaded up? Val’s dad asked as he walked down to the canoe with his arms full.

Yup, they replied.

Did you go over a checklist for yourselves? Pillow, sleeping bag, clothes…

Yup, yup, yup.

All right. I got the food loaded; we’re ready to go. He stepped into the canoe and shifted some things around. Wait a second…I was sure I had my life jacket. I gotta run back up the hill. I’ll be back in two seconds.

Don’t worry, we won’t start without you, Sam hollered as he got in his ‘78 Ford truck. Val’s mom always picked on that beat-up truck, but he carried on as if it was right off the showroom floor. It’s a good thing you guys live so close, Val.

The girls stood by the canoe, keeping their attention to the hill, anxious for Val’s dad to return. While they waited, Sam shared her latest ditty.

Brick wall waterfall, Valerie thinks she's got it all but she don't, and I do so BOOM with that attitude. Peace punch, Captain Crunch, I got somethin' you can't touch. Bing bang, choo-choo train, wind me up I'll do my thing. No Reese's pieces, 7-Up. Mess with me; I'll mess you up.

Not bad, Val said with a smile. We need to work on hand gestures and some footwork.

Suddenly, the sky became dark, and clouds rolled in fast.

Sam’s arms dropped to her side. There so better not be a storm coming.

No way, Sam. My dad checked the internet this morning. It said the weather was supposed to be beautiful the whole week. Off in the distance, Val caught sight of something flying. She got excited thinking it was an eagle but as it got closer, her jaw dropped. Ummm, Sam…

What?

Would you look at that and please tell me I’m out of my mind? She pointed in the direction of the strange