Baby Blues: Second Chance Series, #2

By Ruthie Madison

Julie and Eric's heaven-blessed and happy marriage has been the kind that withstands all things, until faced with the grief and anguish of infertility. Amid their ordeal, they're informed Eric's half-brother Drew has escaped from prison and is bent on revenge. While Eric must find a way to protect the person he loves most from the convicted rapist, Julie must trust God knows her desire for a miracle. With God all things are possible. Together they will learn that heavenward pleas do not fall on deaf ears and together even Satan has no power where their faith is strongBook #1 The Past Hunter Two Men: Her Past and Present (Second Edition)Book#2 Baby Blues (Second Edition)Book #3 A Man For Beth (A standalone)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruthie Madison
• Release date: Dec 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386532507

Ruthie Madison

Ruthie Madison grew up mostly in California. She is single and helps take care of her mother, along withthe help of her siser. Ruthie is a devout Christian who attends Church every Sunday.Her hobbies, include writing, reading crocheting and walking.

Book preview

One

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Julie cranked up the heat as her black Jeep Rambler sped down the highway to the long, dark dirt road leading to Old Fox Ranch. Just two miles until she’d arrive. A black Ford Neon zoomed past her, followed by a white Ford Fusion. Where were they going in such a hurry? She had to catch her breath.

Needing to relax, she flipped on the radio to K-LOVE.

We interrupt this program to bring a special news alert. Convicted felon Drew McGavin escaped from Gallatin County Detention Center last night. He was last seen at 10 p.m., and he is considered armed and dangerous.

Last night? Julie shivered. How did Drew escape maximum security? They’d arrested him a year ago for raping a woman. He had come back from Marysville, California where he had stalked her. She had never run into him. God had put a hedge around her. Only once had she come close to an encounter. Eric said Drew was his evil half-brother who wanted to destroy him, and when news got out that Drew had raped a woman, Eric feared she would be next. Had he planned to rape her while she was in California? Now Eric would insist she quit her job at Bozeman’s Family Bookstore. Her job kept her mind off her own problems. Six months ago, she slipped into depression, and Eric agreed working would help her get her mind off her baby woes. But when Eric found out or if he did find out that Drew had escaped... She hoped he didn’t, but Eric kept informed. She took a long swig of her water bottle and placed it back in the cup holder.

A sign on the road read, Avenue 89 exit 2 miles. Two miles to go and she’d be home. It would put his mind at ease when he saw her coming home.

Eric worried too much. He wanted to keep her under lock and key of the ranch, and it took her a while to persuade him to place her in the Lord’s hands. She prayed for protection. The Lord would keep her safe.

You need to relax.

God spoke in His still small voice as He had on most occasions. Other times, He spoke through His words in the Bible. She acknowledged His voice, and she would try.

Julie’s cell phone rang, and she picked it up. Her caller ID read Eric’s name. She answered. Hi, honey.

Where are you at this point? He sounded anxious.

I have less than two miles before I hit the dirt road.

Drew escaped. He’d found out, and now her stomach turned to butter. Keep your eyes open and on the road. Love you.

Julie held her breath then released it. He hadn’t insisted she quit working yet, but he would later. I love you too. She stayed on the phone a little longer before ending the call. Her heart hammered. She wanted him to hold her, and to feel the warmth of his arms wrapped around her. She couldn’t wait to arrive home.

As the sun went down, the temperature dropped. It felt colder than it should have for a fall evening. Checking her rearview mirror, Julie didn’t see anyone following her. How would he follow her? He’d just escaped. He would need someone to drive him, or he would be on foot. Was he lying in wait for her? How would he know her location? How would he find her? She followed a gray van until the turnoff for the dirt road.

She had turned the radio on to hear uplifting songs, but right after the newsflash, the DJ had announced that a listener had a testimony to share. Danielle, what has God done for you? the DJ asked.

"Five months ago, the doctor diagnosed me with POI. That’s not having enough eggs to create a baby. My husband wasn’t a man of faith, but I had faith. I remember reading how Jesus told the blind man his faith made him whole. Jesus whispered to me: ‘Do you believe?’ Praise God, I do. I fasted and prayed, and God said to me, ‘Feed on my word.’ I looked up scriptures and fed on them. I’m here to tell you I am pregnant with twins."

Julie wiped the angry tears from her eyes. She wished that were her news. After she’d married Eric two years ago, not once did God bless her with children. How long had that woman wanted a baby? Longer than five months?

The Lord had given her a promise from the Bible months ago, but nothing had come of it. That morning, their devotional scripture was Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied. Had she done right by her husband? Had he done right by her? At least she put God first. I need to give it to God. A hard pill to swallow. She’d wanted a baby for a year!

Resenting the testimony had taken her mind off the feeling of someone watching or following her. Drew wouldn’t be caught dead in daylight, but darkness would soon cover the land. She had less than two miles to go. Would she arrive safe and sound? How would Drew find her?

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Drew watched her. His body grew feverish as he sat in the passenger side of his car. His best friend Susan Holliday sat in the driver’s seat. You want me to follow her? Susan had come to his rescue while he fled from the hounds that chased him when he escaped prison.

Yes, but keep your distance. I saw her hand on her phone. No doubt her husband warned her about me. He sneered. Eric didn’t deserve Julie. He was far better for Julie. He could unravel her faith in her god. He needed to dominate her. He salivated. He wanted a taste of her. He’d have her soon and watch Eric suffer.

Matthew sat behind him, grinning. I’ll keep watch too. Matthew helped his brother Eric on the ranch. He was Drew’s eyes. Drew wanted revenge for Matthew’s sake. Matthew had told him about Eric failing to protect him in their childhood, and even though Matthew was older than him, he felt like an older brother. While Eric wanted nothing to do with him, Matthew latched on to Drew. He would do anything for Matthew, including taking the ranch from Eric and giving it to Matthew. And he could do it.

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Arriving at Old Fox Ranch, Julie calmed herself, as she didn’t want to worry Eric. She parked her Jeep behind his black truck and stepped out. Off in the distance, Eric stood by a fence, pounding a nail. His two men worked on either of Eric. She ambled to her husband.

Evening, Julie. John straightened his brown Stetson as a smile danced on his lips. A lock of black hair peeked from under his hat.

Hi, John.

Eric straightened and studied her. Concern flitted across his eyes. Are you okay? You look upset. He held her, but she pulled away. She couldn’t look at him. What’s wrong? He turned her to look at him. Please tell me, honey. Did something happen at work? He brushed back a strand of hair from her face.

Me, she moaned as she toddled to the house. She didn’t deserve his love. Instead of finding contentment in their marriage, she resented it. But she wasn’t angry with him. Eric had been nothing but good to her.

Julie didn’t feel like cooking, but Eric would want to eat, and she needed to fix a wonderful supper. What’s for dinner? She studied the menu on the fridge. Tacos. Tacos? When had she written that down? Had he requested it? Nevertheless, she removed the ingredients from the fridge and cabinets.

Thirty minutes later, the back door opened, and the hair on her neck bristled as he kissed it. I love you, darling.

Why do you do that to me? Her cheeks burned.

Do what? Kiss you? Love filled Eric’s brown eyes, and her heart melted. How could she stay mad when she lost herself in his love? You love me so unconditionally. I don’t deserve it. Why you came back for me after two years is beyond me!

He waggled his eyebrows, and she giggled. Because he said, taking her hand in his, my love for you is real. I meant what I promised in our vows, and I aim to keep it. He kissed her hand, sending a shiver of love up her spine.

For better or for worse, huh? Julie returned to cooking as the ground beef sizzled and the tantalizing aromas of taco seasoning filled the air.

For better or worse. So, how was your day? He grabbed some grated sharp cheddar cheese, and she smacked his hands. Ow! He winked, provoking another giggle from her. As a response, he kissed the hand that had smacked his. So, how was your day?

Trying, but I haven’t seen Drew. Have they caught him? She rubbed the back of her neck.

Eric shook his head. Glad you made it home safely. He ambled toward the hallway, whistling a tune.

God had guided her home, and she tingled all over. Despite the chill she felt, and her resentment toward the caller, God had overwhelmed her with His goodness. She was unworthy of His love and protection. Me too.

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As Julie sat in silence, Eric’s pulse raced. Julie hadn’t touched her tacos. Her eyes flitted to the window, and then she closed them. Eric rose and went to get a closer look. Nothing unusual. Just his corral and stables. His arm wouldn’t stop itching. Scratching didn’t relieve it. What did you see out there? He squinted. Did a raccoon skitter past his stables? He shook his head.

Nothing. The Lord told me to pray for the horses.

Her response sent a slight quiver of doubt to him. She had prayed for children, and the Lord hadn’t given her any. They had been trying for a year. Why would He hear her now? Did she expect something to happen to the stables? Drew had threatened to destroy the stables, hadn’t he?

Did Julie remember?

He crossed his arms. Drew wouldn’t be caught dead coming here. He walked back to the table. His mouth watered as he crunched on the taco. He’s a wanted man. I’d call the deputy if he shows himself.

She nodded.

After he finished his tacos, he loaded is Ruger SR45 pistol with the ammo he needed for protection. I’m going to lock up. I’ll meet you in the front room. She nodded, and he continued out the door.

Darkness covered the corral and over the mountains, but the moon cast its light upon the stables as a small animal scurried across the ranch. Julie had prayed for the stables, but his eyes glued to them, at the same time watching from the corner of his eye for any wild beast ready to pounce on him. Making slow cautious steps, he kept his pistol poised, ready to shoot. No wanted criminal would come near his wife. A noise caught his breath. He cocked his head.

What was that?

Drew, are you here? Eric aimed his gun as he squinted his eyes in confusion. Prince whinnied, and he checked out the stall. Easy, boy.

Eric? Randy startled him. Sorry. I had a funny feeling Drew was here. Don’t ask why.

You too? I’ve been on edge, and so was Julie until she prayed.

About her, you need to stop worrying.

He winced. I can’t. I love her.

I know you do, but she has known God longer than you. Trust her instincts.

Randy’s assurance felt like lead in his stomach. He needed to protect her. Although Drew had no chance to come near her, Drew still wanted to destroy him. How could he relay that to his friend?

Two

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Julie lost count of sheep. She wanted to make love to Eric, but he had fallen asleep. How could he when he might never become a father? Did it even bother him? When the doctor said there was nothing wrong with her, she couldn’t figure out why she couldn’t conceive. Eric suggested a fertility specialist, but she wanted a miracle to happen. But how could it happen when he was asleep?

Eric, she whispered. When he didn’t respond, she kissed his right ear. I want you tonight.

His right hand rubbed his ear then returned to his side.

She kissed his neck, and this time he gave her an annoyed look. I want to make love, she whined.

I’m tired. His eyelids drooped.

I can’t sleep.

Now fully awake, he held her close and brushed her soft, velvety golden hair aside. Why can’t you sleep? His brows knitted together, and a worried smile covered his face.

Last night, on my way home, I listened to K-LOVE on the radio. A listener shared how God turned her impossible situation into a miracle.

What was the impossible situation? He raised an eyebrow.

She could not bear children, but the Lord answered her prayers. She pursed her lips.

He kissed her head. Then He will answer yours. Have faith.

Kind of hard when your husband sleeps on you.

There are plenty of nights to make love. He gathered her in his arms as he kissed the top of her head.

But when will that be?

He closed his eyes, showing contentment on his face. Ranching and having her in his life seemed to satisfy him, but she wasn’t. More than anything, she wanted to raise children. She might have plenty of time before her clock ticked away, but she couldn’t wait. Frustrated, she rolled on her side and lay awake until her eyelids drooped...

The branches of the trees snatched at Julie as she waded through the forest. Her heartbeat picked up speed, and her breath sped up. Someone was watching her. She felt eyes on the back of her head.

Waaa! a baby cried. Where was the baby?

He’s ours, Julie. You have to give up Eric if you ever want to see your son. Was that Drew? She shivered. What if he was lying? She hadn’t had sex with him!

And as if he read her mind... But you did, and it was good. Drew laughed.

Noooo! She woke, trying to catch her breath. Her nightmare was so real she thought it had happened.

Eric wasn’t next to her, and she felt sick. Did something happen to Eric? Did Drew kidnap him? Don’t be absurd. If he had, then... no! She didn’t want to think about it. She rushed to the window. A shadow of a man came out of the stables, and her muscles weakened. Thank God, he’s safe! She staggered to her bed and collapsed.

Minutes later, Eric came in looking concerned. You’re awake?

She nodded. She wouldn’t tell him her nightmare. That’s all it was. Why worry him? She put on a beatific face. Yes, but I can sleep now.

He removed his robe and climbed in bed next to her. As he drew near, her heart fluttered. I had a sweet dream with you in it. You conceived twin boys!

She wanted children, but his dream made her head spin. Two boys? Has God made it possible?

His eyes shone. Yes. It will happen. Just have patience. He planted a kiss on her lips then fell asleep on the bed.

IT TAKES TWO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. She rotated on her side, breathing a heavy sigh. How could they make love if he was asleep? She had so much faith, yet they were not acting on it. Julie needed to give it to God, or she wouldn’t get any sleep. Lord, I give you my frustrations. Help me to wait on your timing. As soon as she ended her prayer, her eyelids drooped, and sleep came.

When Julie woke up, her heart felt like it had shrunk. Eric wasn’t in bed with her. She didn’t want him near her. Last night, they hadn’t even made love. He doesn’t