For Sparrow

By Pandora Spocks

2018 GOLDEN FLOGGER AWARD WINNER--Best BDSM Book, BDSM Light!

A platonic Dom/sub relationship?
It's a damn odd arrangement.

When Jessi Crenshaw’s husband Graham dies unexpectedly, she’s devastated. He’s the only man she’s ever loved. Just eighteen when she met him, she’s been married to him for twenty-five years. Now she’s lost her friend, her lover...and her Dominant.

But as it turns out, Graham had an inkling that his health was in decline, and he tapped his friend and protégé in the Lifestyle, firefighter and paramedic Judd Farris, to be Jessi’s Dominant until she gets back on her feet.

Judd is determined to fulfill his promise to his friend. But it’s a damn odd arrangement—a platonic Dom/sub relationship. With her fiery auburn hair, sparkling green eyes, and audacious spirit, Jessi captured his attention the first time he ever saw her. At her husband’s funeral.

A man could go to hell for the things he’s been thinking. But they’ve drawn a line, and he’s going to stick to it.

Judd’s sexy good looks and his gentle confidence aren’t lost on Jessi. She’s torn between loyalty to the man she loved, and desire for the man increasingly in her fantasies. In the letter Graham left for her, he mentioned that she might find Judd attractive. But that’s simply ridiculous. He’s five years younger than she is. He couldn’t possibly be interested in her. Could he?

Judd’s a Dom without a sub, and Jessi’s a sub without a Dom. It’s perfect for the time being. Could it be that Graham had more in mind than merely a temporary solution?

And could it all end at the hands of a madman?

FOR SPARROW is a contemporary erotic romance novel with a light BDSM theme. It’s the third book in the Dream Dominant Collection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandora Spocks
• Release date: Jan 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463219287

Pandora Spocks

Pandora Spocks is a bratty ginger and hopeless romantic who lives her happily ever after in South Florida. Pandora has entertained herself with the stories pinballing around in her head for years. Recently she decided to try her hand at sharing those stories with others. The author of Luke & Bella: Two Streets Over and the Rannigan's Redemption series, she enjoys reading and writing literary erotic fiction. Pandora is currently busy writing her next spicy romance.

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

FOR SPARROW

First edition. October 3, 2017.

Copyright © 2017 Pandora Spocks.

ISBN: 978-1386794509

Written by Pandora Spocks.

Also by Pandora Spocks

Rannigan's Redemption

Rannigan's Redemption Part 1: Resisting Risk

Rannigan's Redemption Part 2: Running Rogue

Rannigan's Redemption Part 3: Ransoming Redemption

Rannigan's Redemption

The Dream Dominant Collection

For Sparrow

Warrior Mine

Luke & Bella

Lost & Bound

Standalone

Just One Night

Chasing Ordinary

Watch for more at Pandora Spocks’s site.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Pandora Spocks

Dedication

Preface

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

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

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Further Reading: Lost & Bound

Also By Pandora Spocks

About the Author

About the Publisher

To my love... I'm beyond grateful for your love, support, and your belief in me.  You make me believe in myself.  Every hero I write has his roots in you.  You're my happily ever after!

Thanks to my fantastic writer friends!  You guys make me want to be better.  Special thanks to sci-fi/rom author Jolie Mason (https://future-fairytales.com/), for your spot-on insight.  

And a huge shout-out to the Wicked Pens (https://www.facebook.com/groups/WickedPens/), who welcomed me into their family, and encourage me every day.

Cover design by the talented and sexy Linzi Basset.

This book is for Rita and Annie...

Preface

Welcome to

For Sparrow, the third book in the Dream Dominant Collection.  I’d like to talk a little about where this story comes from.

For Sparrow is a work of fiction.  It’s a contemporary erotic romance novel and features characters who live the BDSM lifestyle. 

BDSM erotica is a popular genre.  We’ve all enjoyed stories about Dominant billionaires who introduce women to their brand of kink.  This isn’t that kind of story.

The reality is that many regular couples, all around us, quietly live a Dom/sub dynamic every day.  While sexual kink is an essential part of BDSM, there’s so much more to it than that.  Beyond kinky sex, it’s a deeply intimate dance between two people who have embraced their true natures.  At the very foundation, a Dominant craves to lead, and a submissive craves to follow.

Every D/s couple lives out this journey in their own way, but there are some commonalities.  The sub is a strong person who willingly relinquishes control to someone stronger, his or her Dom.  Together they work out to what extent this power exchange goes, whether it’s only in the bedroom, or it’s a 24/7 arrangement, or somewhere in between. 

Often, there are rituals established by the Dominant, chores or assignments for which the submissive is responsible, all of which are intended to benefit the submissive.  Knee time would be one example, a regular time when the sub kneels at the feet of her Dom and releases all the concerns of the day.  It’s comparable to meditation, but in this instance, it’s a time of intimacy and bonding for the couple that has nothing to do with sex.  Unless it ends in a blow job.  But I digress. 

The idea for this story started with a couple of dear friends of mine, Rita and Annie, two strong, smart, accomplished women.  They’re also beautiful submissives who have been married to their Alpha male husbands for many years.  While they’re capable of caring for themselves, they’ve chosen to give their power to their Dominant partners, who have earned that honor through years of proving themselves worthy of such a gift.

One day, I wondered, ‘What if...’  What if one of them lost her husband?  They’ve been together for decades.  Do a Dom’s responsibilities end with his death?  Where does a submissive of middle age find a new Dominant to watch over her, cherish her, and to settle her soul?  One who is worthy of that trust, of that devotion? 

I pictured one of them buckling a leather collar around her neck and kneeling at the appointed place, waiting for her Dominant to come to her.  Only no one ever comes.  The image actually brought me to tears. 

THAT is where this story began for me.

—Pandora

Chapter 1

Iburied my husband today.

The thought tumbled through Jessi’s mind over and over, like clothes in a dryer.  Voices around her sounded oddly muted, as though she were underwater.  Occasionally, someone touched her, a simple grasping of her hand, a gentle pat on her shoulder, and the sensation felt like burning embers showering down over her.

Following the graveside service, mourners had gathered at her home.  Hers and Graham’s. 

Only Graham isn’t here.  We left him at the cemetery.  I buried my husband today. 

Food had appeared in her kitchen.  Casseroles, desserts, salads.  There was even a brisket.  An army of women had set up a command post and were making sure guests had plenty to eat and drink.  Jessi wondered briefly if there was enough ice for the drinks.  Maybe she should ask Graham run to out and get some more. 

I buried my husband today.

Since that day, her phone hadn’t stopped ringing.  Friends and neighbors hadn’t stopped calling and dropping by.  How are you?  What can we do?  What do you need? 

Her business partner, Sarah Reid, had been her rock, taking over the events they had scheduled for the week, returning calls Jessi didn’t have the strength to deal with. 

You take all the time you need, hon, Sarah had told her.  We’ve got it under control.

Since that day. 

Sparrow, I need to get the oil changed in my car.  Why don’t you drive to the mechanic’s and I’ll meet you there?  I’ll drop you at your office, and then we can do the reverse this afternoon.

Jessi had waited at the mechanic’s shop.  After an hour had passed, she’d tried his phone.  A stranger had answered. 

This is Officer Brooks.  The owner of this phone has been in an accident.  Are you the wife of Graham Crenshaw?

A police car had picked her up and driven her to the hospital.  I’m sorry, Mrs. Crenshaw.  It appears your husband suffered a fatal heart attack behind the wheel of his car.  When the car hit the utility pole, he was most likely already deceased.  The doctor had had an air of resigned sympathy.  Jessi had wondered how many people he pronounced dead on an average day.

Sarah had met her at the hospital and had driven her home.  Jessi wasn’t sure how her own car had gotten back to the house.  She’d somehow made the calls to Cara and Adam.  Something has happened.  Your dad died.

Cara, age twenty-three, had made her excuses at her job with the Weather Channel, and had taken the first available flight from Atlanta to West Palm Beach.  Adam, age twenty-one, had driven from Orlando where he worked as a video game animator.

Jessi and the kids had gone to the funeral home the following day to see to burial arrangements.  The funeral director had neatly folded his hands on top of his huge mahogany desk and smiled kindly. 

Mrs. Crenshaw, your husband has everything prearranged.  You don’t need to worry about a thing, it’s all taken care of.  He has requested that he be buried in a navy suit, with a white shirt and a blue and red paisley tie.  Do you know the things he means?

Jessi had nodded dumbly.  What he’d described was her favorite suit of Graham’s.  He always looked so handsome, and he’d worn it when they’d celebrated their anniversary a few months back. 

He had it all planned out.  But when?  Did he do it after the heart attack a few years ago?  Why didn’t he mention it?

We’re just so sorry for your loss.  The statement shook Jessi from her thoughts, returning her to the morbid gathering in her living room.  It was a neighbor couple from down the street.

Thank you, she murmured, not meeting their eyes.  She sipped her wine to have something to do, and wandered into the kitchen.

Hey, hon, how are you holding up? Sarah asked.

Jessi shrugged and gave a weak smile.  I’m okay.

Can we get you something to eat?

Jessi shook her head and headed back to the living room. 

I buried my husband today.

Jessica.  I was just chatting with your lovely daughter and son, said Rev. Lyman.  Graham was a good man, taken before his time.  He looked at Jessi with slight reproof.  I hope we’ll be seeing you and your family on Sunday.

Maybe, Reverend, Jessi replied softly.  If you’ll excuse me and my children.

Of course.  Family has to pull together at a time like this.

They watched him work his way across the room.  I’m not lovely? quipped Adam.

Jessi smiled at her son.  You’re lovely to me.  And you’re welcome for getting the good reverend to move along.

Do you love the way Rev. Lyman tried to get in a plug for going to church? commented Cara.

My personal relationship with God is exactly that.  Personal, replied Jessi.  How are you two doing?

It’s hard, said Adam, his voice breaking.

I know.  You don’t have to stay for all of this.  I have no idea when people will decide to leave.

I’m here until Friday, Cara said.  I don’t want to leave you alone to deal.

Jessi kissed her cheek and then Adam’s.  Thank you both.  I love you so much.  Your dad loved you, too.  She felt tears forming again.  She felt as though she’d cried out her very soul, and yet tears were always near. 

Cara’s here until Friday.  What day is it again?

Cara and Adam moved out to find their friends.  Jessi turned to look for a place to sit.  She was so weary.  She was stopped by a woman she vaguely recognized. 

Jessica, I’m Harriet. From church?

Oh, yes, Harriet.  It was good of you to come.

Sweetie, I just want to remind you that Graham is in a better place.  She beamed at Jessi, as though her words bestowed onto the new widow some sort of miracle.

Jessi felt a twitch begin at the outer corner of her left eye.  If I don’t get out of here right now, I’m going to scream.

If you’ll excuse me, please, she murmured, pushing past the woman.  She hurried through the kitchen, ignoring Sarah as she called to her, and slipped out the back door. 

The lanai and pool deck were blissfully quiet in the early evening twilight.  The sun had set and the lights had come on automatically.  She crossed to the far side of the pool, and sat on the raised edge of the spa with her back to the house.  Finally alone, she leaned forward with her elbows on her thighs and let the tears flow. 

She’d only been there a few minutes when she heard a sound, the soft scuff of a leather shoe against the brick pavers.  She sat up abruptly and whirled around.

I’m so sorry.  I don’t mean to bother you.  The man was tall and muscular, his dark hair in short waves framing a handsome face, his dark suit cut slim.  Large brown eyes were soft and sympathetic.

Jessi sniffed and stood, swiping at the tears on her cheeks.  I just needed some air.  I buried my husband today.  She looked up at him, shocked.  That’s the first time I said that out loud.

He smiled kindly.  I’ll leave you alone.  I just wanted to say that Graham was a good man.  He was my friend and I’ll miss him.

Thank you.  Did you work with him?

No.  We were friends.  I’m Judd, by the way.

Jessi nodded.  Thank you for coming, Judd.  I’m sure he would have appreciated it.  She began walking back towards the house.  Judd fell into step beside her.

I thought maybe I would come back on Saturday, maybe help you with the lawn, he said.

Jessi was only half-listening, wondering if Harriet had gotten the hell out of her house yet.  Mm-hmm, she murmured.

Alright, Jessi, he said.  Take care, now.

She nodded and went to find her children.

Chapter 2

Judd Farris scanned the room uncomfortably.  He didn’t belong here, not really.  The truth was, he had been friends with Graham Crenshaw.  Good friends.  But Graham was his only connection to this gathering, and Graham was dead. 

Judd had attended the funeral at the church, and then the burial out at the cemetery.  There’d been no need to follow up with the gathering at the Crenshaw home.  But he’d been asked for a favor, and he hadn’t yet completed it.  There hadn’t been opportunity at either the funeral or the burial.  Maybe he could find a moment here.

He took a glass of wine from a buffet table in the dining room simply to have something to do with his hands, then made his way to a vacant spot by the wall in the living room.  His position on the edge of the crowd afforded him a perfect place from which to people-watch.

He’d spotted Jessi in her simple black dress from the moment he’d entered the house.  She was hard to miss with her bright auburn hair, her air of tragedy.  Of course, he’d seen her at the other two places as well, but not up close.  There were dark circles under her green eyes, and she looked thin and drawn, not unexpected under the circumstances.  But she was pretty, too, in an unassuming kind of way.

Take care of Jessi for me. 

Graham’s words echoed through his mind.  He’d met Graham a few years earlier, and they’d struck up an odd friendship.  Graham was a good twenty years Judd’s senior.  Maybe that was why they’d clicked.  Judd had looked to Graham as a mentor, and the two had met for coffee about once a month.  The last time they’d gotten together, nearly three weeks earlier, the older man had seemed preoccupied. 

If something should happen to me, please take care of Jessi for me.  She’ll be lost at first.

At the time, Judd had noticed that Graham seemed to have lost a little weight, and he was perhaps a bit pale.  Judd had promised that in the unlikely event something should happen, of course he’d be honored to look after Jessi, see that she got her feet under her.  Before they parted that last time, Graham had given him two envelopes.  One was labeled with Judd’s name.  On the other one, he’d written For Sparrow. 

Open yours if something happens to me.  The other one, you should give to Jessi.  You’ll know when the time is right.

She’s young for a widow, he mused.  Graham had said she was, what, forty-five?  That made her five years older than Judd, he calculated for no reason in particular.  He watched as she hugged her son and daughter.  They seemed close.  Graham had spoken proudly of Adam and Cara, both out on their own and doing well.  He knew Jessi was glad to have them here.  They’d eventually have to go back to their own lives, though. 

He imagined he could feel Jessi’s envelope in the inside pocket of his suit jacket.  He’d opened his immediately when he’d heard the news of Graham’s death.  He’d read it over and over until he knew it by heart. 

Dear Judd,

If you’re reading this, I must be gone.  Dammit, I didn’t mean to leave this soon.  It shocks the hell out of me, really.  I want you to know that I appreciate your friendship.  You’re a good man, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.  Hopefully I’ve been able to pass along some things I learned the hard way. 

I respect you as a man and as a Dominant.  I know that you’ve worked hard to be the best of both that you can be.  That’s why I’m tapping you to be the one to look after my Sparrow for me.  Jessi is a smart, strong woman, but she’s a born submissive, and although I know she’ll be stubborn, she needs a Dominant to take her in hand, at least until she finds someone.  I can’t bear to think of her falling prey to some of those psycho ass-wipes out there posing as Dominants. 

The letter to her explains some of my thinking on this subject.  That and a few other things.  I’ll trust you to give it to her when the time is right. 

The other part of this letter is a to-do list of sorts, things that will need to be done around the house.  Things Jessi will never ask anyone to do, because like I said, she’s stubborn.  I’m also giving you the number to an account that I’ve set up to cover the expenses of these projects.  Please don’t use your own money to fix up the house.  I’d be awfully pissed off if you did. 

I appreciate you, Judd.  I hope that somehow some of the things we talked about will help you as you make your way in the world.  I hope that one day you find your own Sparrow, and that she makes you as happy as Jessi has made me.  You deserve every happiness.

So long, pal.  See you on the other side.

G.

The clatter of something dropped in the kitchen brought his thoughts back to the present.  He watched the new widow as people buzzed around her, pausing to murmur some heartfelt platitude before buzzing off again.  God, people said some stupid shit when they didn’t know what to say.

Judd saw a large woman in an ill-fitting black pantsuit lean over Jessi.  He’s in a better place?  What the fuck kind of thing is that to say?  Jessi was facing his direction, and he watched her eyes widen with disgust.  She simply excused herself and pushed past the ignoramus, retreating into the kitchen.

Thinking that this might be his chance, Judd set down his glass and followed her.  He made it into the kitchen in time to see her disappear through the back door.  He continued to follow her, but hesitated just outside.  Jessi crossed the pool deck and perched on the far side of the spa.  He watched her hunch over, and he realized that she was crying. 

Shit!  I’ll know when the time is right?  I sure as hell know when the time is wrong.

He waited a few minutes longer before beginning to slowly walk towards her.  His loafer scraped on an uneven paver, and she immediately sat up and looked his way. 

I’m so sorry.  I didn’t mean to bother you, he offered.

I just needed some air.  She wiped at her face, and seemed to be trying to hide the fact that she’d been crying.  As if someone would judge her for mourning.  I buried my husband today.  That’s the first time I said that out loud.  There was a haunted look in her eyes.

He felt his heart melting in his chest.  I’ll leave you alone.  I just wanted to say, he cleared his throat, that Graham was a good man.  He was my friend and I’ll miss him.

She smiled sadly.  He’d be so please that you came.  Did you work with Graham?

This is so not the right time to get into all that.  No.  We were friends.  I’m Judd, by the way.

She seemed to take in what he was saying, but he noticed that she didn’t introduce herself.  He decided to push forward.  I thought maybe I would come back on Saturday, maybe help you with the lawn, he said.

She gave a vague answer, and he felt that he’d done enough for one day.  Alright, Jessi, he said.  Take care, now.

Chapter 3

Judd arrived home after midnight, happy to be finished with another twenty-four-hour shift.  He loved his job as a paramedic with Fire/Rescue, but it had been a busy shift.  What he wanted now was a nice juicy steak and some down time.  Currently between girlfriends, he was content to grill up his beef and settle in with sports on television.  The Dolphins had had an appalling season.  Hopefully the Heat would fare better. 

As his steak cooked, he gazed out across the beach to the waves that crashed onto the sand.  There was a storm out at sea.  Lightening flashed in the distance, though it was too far out to hear the thunder.  The wind was whipping up the surf into a white froth.  He wondered vaguely whether his colleagues would be called out tomorrow to transport swimmers caught up in rip currents, and he sighed, glad to be off for the next twenty-four.

Following his dinner and a decent showing by the Miami Heat, he stretched out in bed, and his thoughts wandered to Jessi.  His last day off had been the day of Graham’s funeral.  He wondered how she was coping.  It was Friday night.  Or Saturday morning, depending on how you looked at it.  He’d told her he’d stop by tomorrow, the plan being to tackle the first item on the list, the hedges. 

How to explain to her how I knew Graham, or even better, why I’m at her house.  That’s what the letter is for, stupid...

It had been another night like this one, Judd rolling off a double shift, having covered for a buddy who was on vacation.  After he’d eaten, he’d pulled up his favorite blog to check in on his friend, Sparrow’s Master, before crawling into bed.  A few years back, following a rough divorce, Judd had realized that he wanted more than a simple vanilla relationship with a woman. 

When he’d first started out acting upon his Dominant tendencies, he’d met with disastrous results.  That’s when he’d started looking online for some sort of guidance, and he’d stumbled upon Sparrow’s Master.  SM was a successful Dominant who blogged about his life with his submissive, Sparrow, to whom he’d been married for many years.  SM and Sparrow had the kind of relationship Judd hoped to find, and he’d followed the blog faithfully, asking questions and making comments on various postings. 

Eventually, Judd learned that SM was local, living in West Palm Beach, and he’d taken the chance of introducing himself by way of private message.  Sparrow’s Master was the online name of Graham Crenshaw, a newspaper journalist in his day job, and the older man had been open to the idea of meeting with Judd.  The two had struck up a friendship, meeting occasionally over coffee while the older man mentored Judd in the BDSM lifestyle.  Since coming under Graham’s tutelage, Judd had experienced a few successes, but had thus far failed to find the one he was looking for.

When Judd had pulled up the blog on that particular night last week, he’d been glad to see that, unlike the previous day, there was a new post.  But as he began to read, he felt his heart drop.

Dear readers,

I’m sorry to inform you that my husband, Sparrow’s Master, suffered a fatal heart attack today.  I want to thank you for following him over the years, I know that your friendship meant the world to him.  This was a place for him to journal his thoughts and ideas about our journey together.  I don’t know whether or not I will be removing this blog.  I certainly won’t be adding to it.  At any rate, thank you again for your kindness towards SM.  He was my heart, my soul, my husband, and my Master.  I am lost without him.

Sincerely,

His Sparrow

Judd pulled up the post again after he’d returned home from the funeral.  It was interesting that she’d used the word lost.  Graham had used the same word.  Judd supposed that just showed how in tune his mentor had been with his sub.  There were a couple thousand comments from readers all over the world.  He wondered if Jessi had any idea how well respected Graham had been in these circles. 

If he’d overheard correctly, Jessi’s son and daughter would be back to their own lives by now.  It’s probably a good thing I’m heading over there the tomorrow, he mused. 

Chapter 4

Jessi held herself together while the kids were home.  No sense having them worry about her.  They needed to get back to their lives.  She certainly didn’t want them feeling as though they needed to babysit her.

Adam left for Orlando on Friday morning.  By the time Jessi dropped off Cara at Palm Beach International on Friday afternoon, she was exhausted.  She hadn’t been able to keep food down since she’d gotten the news about Graham.  She also hadn’t been able to sleep.  Now, with the house to herself, she finally let herself fall apart. 

In the hamper in the master bath, she found an undershirt of Graham’s.  It smelled of his cologne and dirty clothes.  She undressed, shrugged into the ‘wife-beater’ tank top, and crawled into bed.  There, she cried for hours, screamed for a while until her voice was gone, and ranted at the universe for letting her down.  When the tears dried up, she curled into a ball and found herself in a sort of twilight not unlike subspace, but rather than feeling safe, she simply felt empty. 

Eventually, disoriented and having no idea of the time, Jessi headed downstairs to the kitchen.  The clock on the microwave blinked 2:34. 

Must be a.m.  It’s dark outside, she thought vaguely. 

Checking the fridge, she saw that it was still half full of casseroles she couldn’t bear to uncover, let alone try to eat, so she closed the door and headed to the liquor cabinet in the dining room, choosing the first bottle her hand touched.  It happened to be a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels.  Uncapping the whiskey, she took a long pull and coughed as the warm liquid hit her raw throat. 

Unable to bear the emptiness of her bedroom she took the whiskey with her and let herself out the back door, choosing a lounge chair by the pool where she proceeded to drain the rest of bottle before passing out. 

SLOWLY, JESSI BECAME aware of the drone of some sort of lawn equipment.  Damn neighbors.

She tentatively cracked open one eye and wondered at the gecko staring back at her.  Holy shit, I slept outside. 

She carefully peeled her cheek from the seat cushion and pushed herself to a sitting position on the lounge chair, immediately regretting the sudden movement. 

Oh, my God, she groaned, reaching to hold her head.  Still, the relentless sound of trimmers echoed in her ears.  From her position at the edge of the pool deck she could see past the end of the house, and to her surprise, a stranger was in her yard.

Ignoring the pounding in her head, she stood and walked toward the source of the sound.  A tall muscular man with short brown hair was trimming her hedges.  He was dressed in an orange Dolphins t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and worn brown leather work boots. 

Excuse me! Jessi shouted, the effort sending pain shooting through her head.  The man didn’t respond. 

Moving closer she tried again, holding her head with both hands to prevent it from blowing apart.  I said, excuse me!

Startled, he jumped and turned off the offending machine, his brown eyes made larger by surprise.  I’m sorry, did I wake you? he asked.

What are you doing here? Jessi asked. 

I’m trimming these hedges.

Jessi frowned.  Yeah, I can see that.  I mean, why are you on my property, trimming my hedges?

The man frowned as well.  Um, I mentioned to you that I’d be here today to help out with your lawn.

Who are you?  When did we decide that you’d come here to do my hedges?

He smiled in a friendly way.  I’m Judd.  Farris.  We spoke at the funeral?  I said that I’d be over today to help out. 

Jessi blinked at him, trying desperately to recall ever having had a conversation with this...Judd person. 

Out by your pool?  I know, there were a lot of people here.  It probably all runs together. 

You have no idea, she thought.  Then her memory stirred.  Oh, you were friends with Graham?

He grinned broadly.  Exactly.  Graham and I used to go for coffee every once in a while.

Jessi aimed for a kind smile.  "Well, look Judd, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.  But you really don’t need to

Reviews for For Sparrow

[CATHY KUNTZ · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the characters! Loved the story. Interesting story concept. I loved the vulnerability and relatability of both Jessi and Judd.