The Midwestern Series

By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue

The Flood Between Us

When a flood hits Grant's Landing, Jack is one of the first to respond by bringing her construction company to the town to rebuild houses. The town is suffering from lack of supplies, lack of business, and lack of housing, so members of the town are required to call in further assistance. Jill, a member of Hope's Integrity, decides to drive supplies to the small town, meeting the bruiting Jack who both challenges and excites her. The two women grow into each other's worlds despite the great differences that they have, but when conflicts from their pasts come to light, will they be able to stick together, or will the floods of differences that they have sweep them apart?

The Heart of the Rodeo

Blake Young is one of the best bull riders that Melville has seen in years. When she ends up falling off a bull during one of the biggest competitions of her career, she is placed in the hands of an in-home doctor, Dr. Jane Steibold and one of her worst fears, not being able to take care of herself. Blake and Jane clash at first, but as Blake gets used to the restrictions of her new lifestyle, she begins to realize that having Jane in her life might be just what she needed all along.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue
• Release date: Mar 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393280125

Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue

Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue is a Midwest-based author known for her captivating lesbian romance novels, compelling mysteries, and heart-pounding thrillers. With a talent for weaving emotion, suspense, and authenticity into every story, Nicole has built a loyal readership drawn to her richly developed characters and relatable themes. Her work reflects a deep understanding of human connection, identity, and resilience, often exploring the complexities of relationships in high-stakes settings. Nicole holds a Master's degree in Business Management with a focus on marketing, a background that not only informs her strategic approach to publishing but also brings a thoughtful precision to her storytelling. She began writing at a young age, inspired by a book she found in her local library written by a fellow eight-year-old. That early moment of discovery sparked a lifelong passion that has guided her creative journey ever since. When she's not writing, Nicole enjoys cooking new recipes, exploring new places through travel, and spending quality time with her family. Her stories are rooted in experience and imagination, making her voice both grounded and uniquely engaging. Whether penning a slow-burning romance or a thrilling mystery, Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue invites readers into worlds where love and intrigue go hand in hand.

Book preview

Chapter One

Jill Lankin looked out of the window of her pick-up truck. She was nearing the road where she needed to turn to get into Grant's Landing, but she could already see the rising water in the distance. The town where she was headed had suffered immensely from the flooding waters of the rain and melting snow, and many people had lost their homes and businesses. No one had expected things to get so bad, especially in that small town, but almost hours after the flood warning, houses had started to fill with water and residents were evacuated. Now, weeks later, the town residents were being allowed back into town, and they were requesting assistance to get back on their feet.

That is what brought her on this trip. Jill worked for Hope’s Integrity, an organization that worked with different nonprofits to aid people that were in disaster recovery situations. She had worked with the organization for two years now, and she had spent a lot of time helping people get back on their feet. It was a fulfilling career. The only set-back was that she worked for her ex-girlfriend, Cindy, which on most days was more than awkward.

Jill had found her turn, according the directions on the GPS, but as she cruised on towards her destination, she saw something horrifying in the distance. The road that she was traveling on was breaking apart in the distance, and large pieces of asphalt were crashing into the high river. Jill pushed hard on the brakes, not knowing what to do. She knew that she would need to turn around, but her body was frozen in shock as she watched the road in front of her crumple. She couldn’t understand why there were no roadblocks. This road was clearly dangerous, and besides that it was incredibly narrow. Jill saw that the road breakage was nearing her vehicle and did the only thing that she could think of. She put the truck in reverse and backed up as fast as she could without going off the road.

Hey, hey, a person yelled coming up to the side of the truck.

Jill looked to see where the muscular female had come from and saw a large air boat in the water on the side of the road. She slowed her truck and put it to a stop, hoping that the female hurried up and got to her. Hello, Jill yelled out of the window. Do you know how to get out of here? It doesn’t look like I am going to have much time.

Yeah, put the truck in park and scoot over, the other female said, jumping into the driver’s seat and starting the truck.

Jill watched as the female quickly backed the truck up and turned it around. They coasted down the road a bit until it looked like it was safe, and the other female stopped the truck. I appreciate it, Jill said, coming to her senses and realizing that she was in the vehicle with a stranger. You didn’t have to do that.

I did, or you wouldn’t have made it, the other woman said, looking her in the eyes. Name’s Jack, she said, reaching out her hand. I’m assuming that you are the woman from Hope’s Integrity that the residents are waiting for?

Yes, Jill told her. My name’s Jill. I’m supposed to deliver water and supplies, but now, I’m not sure how I’m going to get into town.

That’s why I’m here, Jack said, pointing towards the road that they had just escaped from. I told the town mayor that road was no good. There were too many cracks in the asphalt, and the structure was just too weak to hold it from the strong waves of the water. Anyways, he didn’t listen, and it is the main way into town, so I thought that would be the road that you would be coming in on, and I wanted to make sure that you didn’t get stuck. Do you know the other way into town?

No, Jill said. I didn’t see one on the GPS.

Okay, well if you want, I will drive you the rest of the way there, Jack replied. I just need to call my buddy. He’s on stand-by in the boat.

That would be okay, Jill agreed, making sure that she had her bear spray in her pocket just in case this woman tried any funny business.

Alright, give me a moment, Jack said, pulling out her phone.

As she talked to her friend, Jill took the time to look over the other woman. She was just about the same height as her, but she wore tight jeans and a flannel work shirt that was ripped at the sleeves. It was obvious that the woman did physical work as her biceps were basically bulging out of her shirt. The woman’s hair was long and a dark red, but she wore it in a ponytail, and it was difficult to see the color of her eyes as she wore a slim pair of dark sunglasses.

Alright, everything’s set, Jack said, putting away her phone. Let’s get going. These people will be excited to see all of the resources that you have.

I hope so, Jill told her. I heard that the town was completely under water at one point.

You have no idea, Jack said.

Chapter Two

Jack drove the woman that she had just met into town. The roads outside of Grant’s Landing didn’t do the town justice. In fact, it was difficult to even imagine that the town that they were heading into was damaged just by seeing the outskirts. Everything outside of the small town seemed serene and calm, but as soon as one hit the town borders, the peaceful scene diminished. The town sign was no longer standing, and the businesses in the town square were missing bricks and windows. Some of the businesses were completely run to the ground. It got worse as they headed further into town. The only residential houses that were still standing without damage were the ones that were on top of the hills. The trailer houses were run down, and some were laying on their sides. Jack looked over at Jill as she drove through the town, noticing the shock on her face. It’s pretty bad, huh? she asked, knowing that the other woman had to be thinking the same thing.

I have never seen anything like this, Jill said, looking around. Where are these people staying? Isn’t this a farm town? What happened to the livestock and the crops?

The farmers lost pretty much everything that they had, Jack said. And the people are staying in a few of the churches right outside of town.

This is sad, Jill replied.

Yes, it is, Jack agreed. Most of the volunteers that had come to town hadn’t seen the damage with their own eyes. They had relied on the news and other media to describe the impact that the flooding had on the town. Jack was used to this by now. She had been volunteering in Grant’s Landing since right after the flood. When she heard about the intense damage, she had decided to pack up a couple members of her construction crew and check things out. She had been shocked too when she had reached the town. She had never seen such intense destruction, but after realizing how much work was needed to get the town back in order, she decided to eat the costs and help rebuild a group of houses on higher ground, so some of the families could get back to their normal lives.

So far, the project had been costly, but Jack was lucky in this aspect as she managed a very successful construction company and had a lot of money. She could retire at any time, but she liked her work. And what better way to use her skills than to help others? Jack had managed to hire members from a couple other construction agencies to help rebuild the town, and many of the residents volunteered to help, knowing that extra hands would help everyone get back on their feet faster.

Do you live here? Jill inquired, looking over at her.

No, Jack said. I just came to town to help.

That was nice of you, Jill said.

It was what needed to be done, Jack said simply.

Jack just nodded. She didn’t want to get too friendly with the other woman. She had seen most of the volunteers that delivered supplies come to the town once and never again. She knew that it wasn’t the happiest place to be, but she found it odd that out of everyone that had come to help out once, no one had come back. Jack knew that this woman would be the same, and there was no point in getting to know her. She couldn’t understand people like that. It was like they ignored the problem, hoping that it would go away on its own. Jack had always been a person of action, and when she saw something like this, she knew that she needed to help. She would want someone to help her if she was in this situation.

So, what do you do? Jill questioned, clearly not getting the hint that Jack didn’t want to talk.

I rebuild houses, Jack told her.

That’s cool, Jill said. Do you enjoy it? What company do you work for?

I work for myself, Jack said. I managed J & Kenner Construction Company.

Wow, Jill replied. It sounds like a big job.

Yeah, Jack said. Look, we don’t really need to exchange all of these formalities. I appreciate everything that you are doing to help the town out, but I’ve seen how this works. You guys come to volunteer, and then, you never come back. I don’t see the point in getting to know you when I probably won’t see you ever again. I’m sorry if that’s harsh, but it’s the truth.

Jill sat there in silence. Clearly Jack had said something to stop the flow of questions and answers. She was sure that she had offended the other woman, but she didn’t care. It was too difficult to get close to people that were just going to leave anyway and knowing that Jill had the same intentions encouraged Jack to not waste her time.

Chapter Three

Jill walked into Hope’s Integrity somewhat dismantled. She had felt good on her ride up to Grant’s Landing, knowing that she was making a difference and hoping to help some of the people that were without. However, after her conversation with Jack, she had gotten angry. It seemed like the other woman had made her mind up about her before they were even introduced. Jack had told her how none of the volunteers that were helping the town came back and made it known that Jill would be one of those people without even giving Jill a chance. This really had gotten to Jill. She wasn’t one to leave people struggling, and she had every intention on continuing to help up with the town clean-up.

Did you deliver the supplies? Cindy asked her, stepping out of her office with her newest fling, a young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes.

Jill resisted from showing any emotion regarding Cindy’s taste in women and got to the point. Actually, I did, Jill started. And I wanted...

Good, Cindy said, turning her attention away from Jill and back to the documents in her hand. Abby, can you file these? she asked the young blonde, handing her the stack of papers.

Sure thing, boss, the blonde smiled, making sure to linger around just long enough to check Cindy out and give Jill a look of disdain.

I have another task for you to do, Cindy said, looking up at Jill. I have a delivery that needs to go to South Bend. I need to have it there by tomorrow night.

Actually, Jill started again, irritated that Cindy hadn’t listened to her the first time. I wanted to ask if there was a way to send a couple of volunteers out to Grant’s Landing for a while to help rebuild houses. They are trying to rebuild the town, and they could really use some help.

Cindy thought about this for a moment and looked around. Well, I can’t really spare a couple of people, she replied. But if you want to lend your services, I’m sure that I could get someone else to do the deliveries for a while. It’s really not that difficult of a job.

Thanks, Jill said, ignoring Cindy’s jab. I will make the call tonight.

Sounds good to me, Cindy said walking away. Have fun. Let me know when you are ready to get back to work.

Jill waited for Cindy to walk away and then made a face at her. The other woman always had a way of trying to put her down, and it was really frustrating. If she didn’t like the organization so much, Jill would have already been working for a different company, but she knew that Hope’s Integrity was one of the largest public service organizations in the area, and she had gotten used to being able to serve her community. This brought her great joy. There was nothing else that she would rather do with her career than help others. She had wanted to do this since she was younger, and at the end of the day, she knew that it made her happy.

Jill began to walk towards the door, knowing that she couldn’t wait too long to make the phone call to Jack. She wanted to prove to her that she wasn’t going to leave her hanging high and dry and that her intentions were really to help Grant’s Landing. She had just gotten to the door when she heard Abby calling after her. Jill turned around reluctantly and waved at the other woman. What’s up? she asked, hoping that the young woman would make it quick.

I saw you make a face at Cindy, Abby replied. You really shouldn’t do that. She’s generous enough letting you work here.

Jill looked at the other woman, hoping for a punchline or explanation to follow up on her immature tattle tailing. When she didn’t get one, she turned around and continued out the door without a response. She wasn’t going to let Abby of all people get her down. She had more important things to do, and though Abby would continue to defend Cindy’s honor, Jill knew the woman’s downfalls all too well.

Chapter Four

J & Kenner, Audrey said, picking up the phone.

Who is it? Jack asked, looking at her watch and noticing that it was after hours. Audrey didn’t answer and continued the call, so Jack shook it off. She had already had a long day, and a lot of time was wasted picking up the woman that delivered supplies into town. That was time that could have been spend finishing up another house and hiring more people. Jack walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer. She was ready to wind down. Working seven days a week was a usual for her, but with all the construction to do in the area, she was completely beat.

I just hired another person for our crew, Audrey beamed, setting down the phone.

Jack looked over at her friend and shook her head. How many times do I have to tell you not to answer the office phone?

"Jack, you’re clearly oblivious to the fact that this