Deeply

By D.E. Payne

Join Dawn and Jacob as they solve the mystery pictures that appear on their camera and race to rescue the children and lives involved. At the same time, they take time for their family and friends, and even then, magic follows them. All in all, an exciting yet fun time for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532076756

D.E. Payne

Dawn Elizabeth is a passionate photographer who has been working at an architectural firm in St. Pete’s, California, for the past three years. But everything is about to change one day when she sees a gorgeous man sitting on the corner of her boss’s desk. As her heart leaps out of her chest, Jacob notices her as well, setting into motion a chain of events that will transform her life forever. After their attraction quicky blossoms into a romance that leads to a ring, her move to Mara, and a chance to pursue her photography as a career, Dawn settles into a new life in the beautiful Spanish town set at the ocean’s door. But when she begins experiencing mysterious spiritual happenings that include strange pictures appearing on her camera, a magical piece of art, Dawn realizes that she and Jacob not only possess powerful abilities, but are also connected spiritually to a time long ago. Truly is the tale of a modern woman’s journey to the truth after she discovers the man she loves shares an ancient bond with her.

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Copyright © 2019 D.E. Payne.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7672-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7675-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019907021

iUniverse rev. date: 06/06/2019

Contents

Dedication Page

1 Joshua

2 The Horse Ride and the Night Ride

3 Coyote Rescue

4 Next Day Coyote Stories

5 Baby News, er … make that babies

6 The Morning of the Dream

7 The Dream

8 Michael meets Jacob and the Babies

9 The Musketeers

10 Wedding Night - Battle Fight

11 Elizabeth’s Wedding

12 Replacing Liz at the Office

13 Second Week Replacing Liz at the Office

14 The Move

15 Jacob to the Rescue

16 One More Week

17 Michael Comes Home

18 Richard comes to Visit

19 Richard’s First … and Last Visit

20 Wiley’s Gift …

21 Mexico, Here We Come

22 Saving Elizabeth

23 Our First Family Visitor

24 Adam’s Dragon Adventure

25 The Funeral of Richard Boucher

26 Not a Silent Night

27 Honeymoon Cruise for Three

28 My Date with Joshua

29 Attack on Home Turf

30 Meeting Katherine

31 New York & The Vision

32 The Week Jacob Leaves

33 Jacob Comes Home

34 Hawaii Here We Come

35 Back from Hawaii

36 After the Fall

37 Walter’s Heart Attack

38 Jacob & Japan - The Night Before

39 Week/Weak Without Jacob

40 Jacob’s Home from Japan

41 Little Oriental Girl

42 Little Oriental Girl & Morgan

43 Michelle - Surprise Visitor

44 Morgan & I Do

45 Morgan & I Do 1

46 Alabama Here We Come

47 Alabama - Castle in the Bedroom

48 Alabama Rescue

49 The Best New Years Eve of My Life

50 We’re Going to Need a Larger Home

51 Old House New House

52 Happy Birthday Dawn

53 Renovate and Relocate

54 The Birth of a Prince and a Princess

55 Babies are Home

56 Happy Birthday Morgan

57 Happy Birthday Morgan Con’t.

58 Bien Venue Montreal

59 Bien Venue Montreal 1

Dedication Page

I lovingly dedicate this book to my sister, Christine White, (1960 - 2016), a writer herself, who encouraged me to write this novel.

1

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Joshua

Entering the kitchen the next morning, Jacob is nowhere to be seen but Mattie’s there. Looking around for him, reading my thoughts, she says Rick called and he ran into the office, he did say he wouldn’t be long, I think he’s bringing you back a surprise. Oh, what? I ask excitedly. Not a what, a who she laughs. As I cross the room to pry more information out of her, she turns, announcing oh, I think I hear him now.

Standing in the driveway expecting to see Jacob, instead, a very loud motorcycle pulls in. Watching as the driver climbs off and removes his helmet, he’s facing away from me so I don’t see his face but I know for sure it’s not Jacob. When he slowly turns around to face me … oh my gosh I yell and run to him.

Breaking into a big smile, he swings me into his arms and holding me tight, nestles his face in my hair. Nose to nose, looking into each others eyes, I can feel his sweet breath on my mouth and suddenly he’s kissing me, a hard, hot kiss and I’m kissing him back. Wow! Hearing Jacob screech into the driveway, Joshua, face still close to mine, whispers that one was for you, this one is for his benefit and he again covers my mouth with his. My oh my! I am truly lost for a moment then I realize what he just said and start to laugh. Pulling away, he laughs as well as Jacob slowly walks towards us, not looking too happy.

Before Jacob can say anything, Josh jumps in with sorry man, I just had to do that to you and being men, they pat each other on the back and start laughing. Do you two know each other? Jacob asks incredulous. Josh gives me a kind of ‘au shucks’ look and turning to Jacob says actually we worked together back East. Jacob just nods. Heading towards the front door, the guys follow me. Mattie I call from the hallway guess what? Walking into the kitchen, Mattie’s waiting for us. Hi Josh she says casually, like she knew he was coming.

Seated outside, the patio table is full of food and drinks. Curious, I ask Jacob how do you two know each other? Well, we don’t Jacob answers, Josh was sitting at a red light when I pulled up to it. For some strange reason I felt I knew him then thought it would be nice to invite him home. He agreed. While Jacob is saying all this, I’m thinking ‘this is an interesting coincidence but how did Mattie know.’

Oh Josh says, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out. I think this belongs to you and holding out his hand, I can hardly believe my eyes. I’m looking at my beautiful silver and pearl bracelet, the one that I lost years ago. I found it on the beach after you left he says. ‘And you’ve been carrying it around with you ever since’ I’m thinking to myself, he’s giving me a strange look. Did he just read my mind?

Stealing a quick glance over at Jacob, he’s watching and listening. Not quite sure about the bracelet I’ll bet. Seeing Mattie signalling to me from inside, I excuse myself and go into the kitchen. Pretending to help her, standing with my back to the window so Jacob can’t see me questioning her, I ask Mattie, what’s going on here?

Looking me straight in the eyes, she says he is Sir Joshua, a knight with the King’s Guards whose job it is to protect Jacob. Jacob doesn’t remember him because Joshua was sent away when you were all young. He was very much in love with you and as you were always meant for Jacob, he was taken out of the picture … but he never forgot you and when she says this, her eyebrows go up meaningfully. If both you and Jacob were in danger, it would not come as a surprise to see him rescue you first, not the way it’s supposed to be. Be careful around him. Oh Mattie I sigh. Oh and he can read your thoughts, same as with Jacob so be careful she warns. Mattie, now I’m afraid, is Josh here to cause a problem, even if he doesn’t mean to. No she answers, Josh is here to reinforce Jacob, a good thing, Josh will only be here for a day or two, so have fun together, all of you.

When I go back outside, the guys are talking and laughing, about what I don’t know. I feel strange being here with both of them, like I’m cheating on Jacob and I don’t know why, I’m afraid to go near him or show him any affection with Josh watching. I think I’m also afraid that Jacob might see any feelings I have for Josh, I certainly don’t want to hurt Jacob. Crap….

Stomping back into the house, I need to speak to Mattie. I feel like such a witch, I don’t know what to do or how to feel. Mattie is laughing at me. Jacob sees Josh as a friend of yours, not competition, he likes him and you’ll all become loyal, true friends.

Since I’ve been inside with Mattie, they’ve almost finished a bottle of wine. Carrying out a bottle of my favourite, casually taking the bottle from me, Josh’s fingers linger on mine a moment, nice and warm. He’s telling Jacob she won’t come out with us, she’s afraid of the water. Oh oh, Jacob is probably wondering just how well Josh knows me.

A short while later, we’re all feeling pretty happy and I get very loving when I drink wine, I love everyone. Unfortunately, I’ve had one glass too many, meaning three glasses total and am falling asleep.

Giving both men a goodnight kiss, they don’t seem to mind, I go inside to bed. The guys laugh at me, not drunk at all and stay up talking. Later, when Jacob gets into bed, I cuddle up to his chest, he gives me a nice kiss. As I fall asleep, I hear music playing in my head.

Having gone to bed early, I’m up before the guys, Standing in the kitchen with Mattie, I tell her of my dream about Joshua and how heavy my heart is, full of love for both these men. She sits me down, sitting down as well. "Last night I told you how Josh was madly in love with you when you were both young and he was sent away before anything could happen. Well, your meeting up again on the East Coast was purely by chance. Josh felt something then but couldn’t remember what it was. When he saw you again yesterday, all his feelings caught up with him and he mentally and emotionally threw them out to you. You couldn’t help but feel this and they brought to the surface the feelings you had for him.

The love between the two of you at that moment was unbearable, you both could see nothing else. Nice, but too strong a feeling, unreal let’s say. Pausing, she waits for me to take this all in. So you mean these feelings aren’t real I ask her. Oh no, they’re very real but they are years and years of feelings coming out all at once. Stopping to think again, Mattie continues you and Josh do have these feelings for each other but now they’ll be more normal, you’ll both be able to see reason along with the love, more realistic. Now you can think rationally, control yourself. Yesterday you couldn’t."

OK, this is a good thing I think. What about Jacob? I ask. Did he sense any of this, have I created a problem? No Mattie says he just saw two old friends meeting up after years, after his pictures yesterday, they actually prepared him for this. He thinks he knows Joshua from the past, he’s ok with that. You know men, they can jump from one thing to the next, quickly forgetting and not analysing. She looks directly at me and emphasises these last words. Josh knows his place so you can be a good friend to him and a loyal wife to Jacob. Just be yourself and stop worrying … and I jump in with I know, everything is as it is meant to be. Just then, Josh comes into the kitchen wearing boxer shorts, hair still wet from the shower. Camera I whisper, having learned that when I command it, my camera will take a picture that is in my mind, even without being in my hand, a really great bonus feature.

Mattie shoots me a scowl and says loudly Dawn, your tea is on the patio, getting cold and to Josh your bag is in the hallway. A buffet breakfast is set out on the patio, sitting so I face into the kitchen, I see Josh standing over Mattie who is saying something to him, I think I know what. He listens and nods for a minute or two, then smiles. Leaning down to give her a hug, I can see the pink coming into her cheeks. Wow! He can flatter females of all ages.

Now I understand she is telling him to go put some clothes on and join me outside. When he walks away, she gives me a knowing smile. I know that he’s just had his talking to, like me and I’m sure she added on something about walking around half naked.

A minute later, Josh strolls through the patio doors, still looking hot. Sauntering up to me with that softness of his that just melts my heart, he leans down and gives me a kiss on the cheek. He doesn’t say ‘good morning’, he whispers ‘hi’ and those eyes, he makes my breath catch in my throat. So, how did you sleep he casually asks. He means the dream I had where he came to me in my bed and I let him. I find myself thinking about it and before I know it, I’m shaking my head ‘no’ but the words that are coming out of my mouth are it was nice, actually very nice.

My heart is starting to break all over again. It’s almost impossible to push someone away when you know how much they love you. Watching my pain he says I know and I’m sorry. Mattie explained everything but I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and soul and always will. I know you’re not mine for the wanting, I know my job and I will honour you and Jacob. Tears are now running down my face, I can’t speak but I think to myself ‘and you’ll always be a big part of my heart.’ Pressing my eyes tight together, trying to stop the crying, the next thing I feel is a warm hand wiping the tears off my cheek.

Opening my eyes, Jacob’s face is very close to mine, smiling. Are you ok? he whispers. I am now I answer as I wrap my arms around his neck, burying my face into his hair. Out of the corner of my eye I see Josh in the kitchen, laughing with Mattie. Taking my wet face in his hands, Jacob kisses it all over. Smiling, I kiss him back.

The guys want to go surfing so all the beach stuff and a cooler is already packed in Jacob’s vehicle. Settling myself in the sand, I have my sun screen, camera, cooler and a big umbrella opened over my head, I burn so easily. There’s a medium wave out there today so the guys are right out front and I can get some nice pictures. I’m enjoying watching them have fun together as friends. The sun and heat is making me kind of dozy so laying back, I close my eyes.

Suddenly jerking up, I see the guys racing towards me but Jacob runs right past as Josh throws himself on top of me. Twisting around, I see Jacob fighting a beautiful red headed woman and a big black man. He’s winning but what is Josh doing? As quickly as they appeared, they both disappear into thin air as Josh flies off of me. Was that electricity?

Struggling to sit up as the guys drop on the sand beside me, we’re all strangely weak. Ok, what the hell was that I ask the air. The cell in my bag is ringing but Jacob ignores it and looks over at Josh. Well Josh starts, "there are some out there who want to stop you two from doing what you do.

When those two popped up out of thin air, they were heading for Dawn, they knew they could get to Jacob more by hurting her. I did what I had to do to protect her. Jacob is throwing daggers at him now so quickly going on, Josh says the best way to do that was to cover her with my power, an electrical charge that, as soon as they disappeared, I had to move away or shock her."

Why now? I ask. Your powers get stronger when you’re together and they want to stop you. Josh is reading my mind and continues. When we’re together, our natural abilities and senses are sharpened, Jacob will find himself stronger, more agile, Dawn, not only are you already calling your camera but I saw you snap your fingers, pretty smart. If you really wanted to surf with us today, you could have easily. Start to think that way about the horseback riding he laughs and I know we can all read each others minds at times. Hell, I think Tabitha can. Now we’re all laughing. ‘OK, time to eat, oh, let me answer that dam cell.’

When I flip it open, I laugh as I show the display to the guys. Call coming in from ‘Tabitha.’ Hello baby I say and hear Mattie on the other end. Yes, we’re all fine, sorry, thank you Tabitha, my love, see you both soon.

While we’re eating, I turn on the small, portable radio I carry in the beach bag, after all, what’s a beach without music. This brings back memories of the East Coast, I don’t dare look at Josh, worried who might be reading my thoughts right now. Turned out to be a great afternoon …

Leaving is the hardest thing to do …

It’s been a full, busy day and I for one am exhausted. During supper, Josh got a call on his cell and has to leave tonight. As we’re saying goodbye in the driveway, I see Mattie pull Jacob back into the house,

I wonder what that’s about. Standing beside his bike, Josh is back in his black leather pants and jacket, holding both my hands, he spots the silver and pearl bracelet on my wrist. He wants to take it with him but Jacob would surely wonder what happened to it as I haven’t taken it off since Josh returned it to me. As he touches it, I feel a little spark of electricity go through it into my arm. Every time I look at it, I’ll think of you, I promise I tell him. Camera I say quietly. I think I know how this picture is going to turn out.

Well he says, still holding my hands, I’ll always know where Jacob is and now I’ll also know where you are he smiles and I’ll be back as often as I can.

Are you still working on the East Coast? I ask. Oh no, he’s not going to be all the way back East! Not any more he laughs, we’re starting to film in Vancouver. Feeling the relief wash over me, I’m not about to give him up now that I’ve just found him again. ‘Well, ok then.’

As if on cue, Jacob and Mattie walk out and suddenly Joshua is down on one knee, hand on heart bidding me farewell. I do a little curtsie and step away from him, Mattie gives him a big hug and backs away giggling, Jacob and Josh shake using one hand and pat each other on the back with the other then Josh clicks his heels together and lowering his head says Sir, Jacob nods back in acknowledgement. Snap.. snap.. snap.. I’m saying to myself, I can hear the camera clicking. Climbing on his bike, she comes to life and he roars away, without a backward glance. At this point I don’t know what to feel, these last few days have been a roller coaster of emotions for me. Walking into the house, I go straight up to the bedroom and plug in my camera.

An hour later, laying in bed, I’m watching a slide show of my pictures when Jacob walks in and lays down beside me. The pictures go all the way back to Hawaii, our hotel on the cliff, the horse ride down the street in Vegas taken from up above us to the ones the camera took this afternoon, the one of Josh and Jacob standing together in the driveway, only now they’re in mediaeval clothing, Josh in black, a black stallion standing beside him, Jacob in brown with a big bay stallion standing behind him. They’re both wearing swords, Jacob has a thin band of gold around his head. I recently learned that all I have to do is say ‘camera’ or ‘cam’ or even just snap my fingers and the camera will take a picture for me. Kinda feels like cheating but … Jacob doesn’t seem surprised by these ‘special’ pictures and laughs, saying he’s not really surprised by anything anymore.

2

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The Horse Ride and the Night Ride

Waking up early the next morning, things feel back to normal. It’s another beautiful, sunny day as we head down to breakfast in our pj’s. Not yet fully awake, we know we need to get back to work. Mattie is already in the kitchen, the table, as usual, is full of breakfast foods. Tabitha is sitting on the counter near her, eating from a tiny dish and talking to her, Hmmm. Do I fancy something good for me like eggs or should I go for the fresh Danish.

Sitting down with a nice hot coffee, Mattie informs us that something is waiting for us out front. Something good? I ask jumping up and running to the front door. What the…. Winston and Gwen are standing there, fully saddled. I guess we’re going for a ride this morning. Hi guys I say going over to each of them and patting their neck. Can we finish our coffee and breakfast first? Is there any rush? Having said that, they trot across the road and start eating the long grass. I guess that means we don’t have to rush. Jacob is standing at the door watching, turning to walk back inside with me. I remember Mattie saying something about us going riding in the desert. She said just go…. and pay attention. Ok, I know what that means, another adventure. Looking over at Jacob, who’s watching me, I smile and hold up my cup in a toast just as the hum of a small engine plane flies overhead.

Jacob, I’ve got to tell you, I don’t ride. I’ve always been afraid of being on the back of a strong beast with a mind of its own. I know this is not the same but big animal, very high off the ground. He laughs. You know you’ll be fine with Winston and Gwen. I, on the other hand, can’t wait, I love riding. So, what do you think this is all about I ask him. I can’t imagine he says as he stuffs a piece of fresh pineapple in his mouth. That reminds me, I’m going to print out some pictures for Sam, from Vegas, you know the ‘special’ ones. I see him raise an eyebrow. Only she will see the difference, we were all in costume, sort of, and you know I will go to any extreme to get a good picture, helicopter, airplane. We smile at each other. Jacob, remember I told you we’re going with Sam to help her mother move her personal stuff, well it’s tomorrow. OK he nods, no problem. Yeah…. road trip. I love a road trip. You never know what you will do and see. Mustn’t forget my camera.

I hear the horses so I guess it’s time to go riding. Finishing up the last of my coffee, I hear that now familiar hum.

Glancing outside, I see another small plane flying over our rooftop. Cam I call quickly and my camera is in my hand, already turned on and displaying a picture of a small plane flying towards our house before disappearing overhead ….. then we hear an crash. Jacob and I look at each other as I bring up the display mode. The date is one week from today.

Remembering something, I ask Jacob did you think about being able to hear the guys in the planes, I think it’s important. Sensing the urgency now, he replies we’ll look into it as soon as we get back from our ride.

If I’m going to ride a horse, I’m going to do it in style, my style I’m thinking to myself as I walk to the hall closet. Rummaging through the clothes I brought with me, I dig out my blue jeans and my cowboy boots, and there’s my cowboy hat. Home, home on the range. Yahoo. I look good and I feel good. Walking down the stairs, I slap Jacob on the butt and head out the door to the horses. Gwen turns to look at me and nods approvingly, I can hear Winston laughing. My powers are getting stronger. I can do this, I laugh. Next thing I know I am up on Gwen’s back and settling my butt into the soft leather of her saddle. I actually feel quite comfortable once I get my legs around her. OK, Gwen I say, be gentle with me, you know I’m a beginner. Whinnying at me, I grasp the reins to have something to hold on to. The horses are obviously in control, which makes this easy, I just have to stay on her back. Jacob is now up on Winston, both looking very regal, I must say. ‘Snap’ Jacob, who is an accomplished rider, is having a hard time giving the control to the horse, it’s harder for him to just sit there.

Hang on Gwen says to me as both horses start off across the road and into the rocky hills. Winston seems to know exactly where he’s going but they seem to be taking the most difficult route, up and down steep, narrow ravines then along a dry creek bed. Tell me again why we’re doing this? I ask all within ear shot. Winston answers. We know something is going to happen out here and these rides will get us all more familiar with the terrain. I recognize the road near our house and realize we’re almost home, having been out riding about 1 ½ hours, my butt is numb. Jacob helps me down and after bidding goodbye to the horses, I head in to a hot tub of Epsom salts.

After I have soaked my stiff body, I come downstairs to find Pete with Jacob in his office, setting up a radio that will let us listen in to the small planes. Pete shows me how it works and already we can hear chatter. After he leaves, I pull out a lined pad and pen, our plan is to somehow keep track and identify the planes. We’re not sure but we think this might help us. Calling ‘Cam’, I check the picture we saw earlier. No change yet and now dated four days from now. Mattie is calling ‘lunch’ as the phone rings. It’s Elizabeth at the office looking for my help and asking if I’m coming in this afternoon. Looking over at Jacob, he nods ok.

We haven’t been in the office for a few days and it’s always nice to see my studio anew.

Stopping at the reception desk to help Elizabeth with her computer problem, I enjoy this type of work so get right into it. Jacob has disappeared with Rick. When I’m done I head into my studio, Elizabeth follows me, keeping me up to date on everything that’s happening in the office. She’s carrying two cups of tea and sits down. OK she says wedding plans. Yeah, I can’t wait, we both have loads of books, pictures, samples, everything you could possible do and have for a wedding, all spread out on my desk and table. I have a great idea I say standing up, she stands up alongside me. Let’s go I say walking out the door and heading across the hall to the interior designers office. I haven’t met Linny yet but the first time I saw her office, it was loaded with beautiful flower arrangements and huge plants, what a perfect place to start, I’m thinking. We’ll get her in on the wedding action. She’s not there, so I leave my card and a note.

After making plans with Elizabeth to get together again soon, I go in search of Jacob. Where has he been all this time? I find him upstairs with the design guys totally involved in a house addition. I forgot Sam is expanding her place to accommodate her mother and had asked Jacob to do the design. Standing at the door, I try to get a peak at the work, it looks like he’s going to be a few minutes so, getting a cup of tea from the kitchen, I head outside. The flower beds are beautiful, Mattie’s son is out there working on them. Sitting down on one of the stone benches that line the walkway, Mike, the electrician whose young daughter we rescued, comes walking up to me. Hi, remember me? he asks. Of course I do, how are you and how is your little girl? Are you getting settled? He’s smiling and nodding and I just had a thought. Would you like to come to our place sometime for a swim and a BBQ? I know a few other young families, the kids will probably have fun together. Thanks he says holding out his hand to shake mine just as Jacob comes walking out the front doors, a large portfolio under his arm. Mike turns to greet him, smiling. I invited Mike and his daughter to our place for a swim and a BBQ sometime. I thought we could have Sam and J.J. and Mattie’s grandson over as well, be fun for the kids. Jacob agrees and tells Mike he’ll be in touch.

As Mike continues up the path, Jacob and I head to the parking lot. So how are the plans coming for Sam’s place? I ask. Homework? I add, eyeing the portfolio. Yeah he laughs. Because we plan on getting an early start tomorrow, we head home. Jacob wants to have something to show Sam and I want to start to monitor the planes. It’s almost supper time anyways.

Is that Mattie yelling? I’ve never heard her get mad before. As I walk towards the kitchen from the office, I only see Jacob standing, looking into the kitchen, where the yelling is coming from. Slamming his fist on the counter, he turns and storms up to the bedroom. I’m almost afraid to know what the problem is. Swinging around the corner, knowing that I have been standing there all along, she is not mad at all. Her face is not smiling but not mad either. Staring at me she points to the front door. What? Turning, I walk through it out to the front.

Winston and Gwen at there. Hi guys I say, wondering why they are back. Standing between them, I’m rubbing their necks when suddenly they fade away. Joshua! What a pleasant surprise, what are you doing here? I cry. He doesn’t speak, just smiles that quiet, loving smile and walks over to me. Touching my face with his hand, I suddenly find myself standing in the same position but in a large, beautifully decorated bedroom with stone walls looking much like they belong in a castle. Walking over to a high window, I find myself looking out at a forest that seems to go on forever and is surrounded by lush, green rolling hills. Nothing surprises me anymore.

Turning back to Josh, he takes me by the hand and leads me over to a big, soft, feather bed. Laying me down, he then lays down beside me. What are you doing? I ask him, my thoughts flashing to Jacob. He can read all my thoughts now. It’s ok he says, this is something that must be done. But… I attempt to interrupt. In order for me to better protect you, protect you completely wherever you are, we must be connected in the most intimate way possible, we must become one. He smiles. "My job is to protect you both now. Jacob can better take care of himself than you. That little incident on the beach yesterday made me realize how important this is. Don’t think you’re cheating on Jacob because you are not.

Mattie has put him into a sleep, he doesn’t even know you’re gone and won’t wake until you touch him. He will believe you’ve been laying beside him all night, he doesn’t know about this. You and I need to be joined so I can always know where you are and sense if you are in danger, similar to Tabitha knowing if you are in danger. He laugh again. She has other powers, as you’ll see later."

He stops talking now and kisses me on the lips, softly at first then with some urgency. Before I know it, we are both undressed, under the covers and he is covering me with kisses. Every time I try to protest, thinking of Jacob, something seems to happen and any thoughts of him leave my mind. A part of me loves Josh and wants to do this but another part is screaming it is wrong. Josh is so tender and loving, I find myself giving in to him, giving myself to him. This is a spiritual high you can’t get from anything else. We are a part of each other now, never to be separated.

Boy, it’s going to be hard facing Jacob after this, I’m thinking. It won’t be as difficult as you think Josh says in answer to my thoughts. This will all seem like a dream, a really nice one, mind you he says, smiling at me. You’ll remember it all but as in another world, it will make it better with Jacob. You’ll carry that warm, fuzzy feeling around inside you, that feeling of me inside you and when you get those butterflies in your stomach, I’ll feel them as well. I’m watching him speak, trying to take it all in. I’ll know when you’re in danger. I just smile at him, I really do love him.

We’re laying together in bed when he moves a little. Oow I yelp. Grabbing my arm and pulling apart, we look under the covers. Blood. Looking up at me, he smiles we are truly bonded. Kissing me on the lips, I think ‘oh no, not again’ as I push my sore, swollen body into his.

Suddenly, leaning up on one elbow he says time to bathe. Helping me out of bed, he leads me to the biggest bathtub I have ever seen, already full of warm, fragrant bubbles. As we both step in, the water is nice but stings me a little. Me too Josh says, pulling a little face. I wouldn’t have thought of that. After gently washing my body and my hair, he wraps me in the softest and warmest bath blanket in history. What time is it anyways I ask suddenly concerned. It is 3:25 am he answers glancing at an old Grandfather clock. Oh no I say, looking at him wide eyed and grasping at my chest. It’s all right. Your ride is on her way he laughs again.

Obviously all this has been planned out and no one bothered to inform me. Suddenly Tabitha appears running along the floor. She ignores us and hops up in front of a bird cage that is holding three yellow canaries. They seems to be talking to each other. Has she been here before? I ask Joshua, who just nods and smiles, watching her. Tabitha is going to take you home but you must arrive there before 3:59. Glancing over at the clock then back at Josh, I ask how are we going to do that? Oh, don’t worry, you will. Standing close to me, putting his hand on my cheek, which he seems to like to do, he looks me in the eyes and gives me one last, soft kiss, making me almost want to drag him back to bed. Reading my mind he says sorry, we don’t have time for that now. I catch the now and wonder…. if this is ‘magic,’ could it happen again?

Josh is now talking to me, Jacob will know nothing of this, but remember this always, I am your protector. Call me anytime and I will always come to you, ok? ‘Morgan’ I call in my mind, I have to check with him, can this all really be good.

Yes Dawn I hear Morgan’s voice. I have assigned Joshua to be your protector, he is the best choice, I approve his methods and approach. I know of his feelings for you and again, because of this, he will protect you with his life. Remember though Dawn, that you are not his protector.

‘What does that mean, I am not his protector?’ Of course, Josh has heard this entire conversation and just smiles as I turn back to him. Time to go he says as Tabitha leaps into my arms … and suddenly I’m standing in my hallway and Mattie is waiting for us. Good girl, Tabitha she says taking her off my chest and dropping her on the floor of her apartment. She jogs into the apartment, heading for bed I presume. Being a woman of few words, Mattie asks OK? OK I answer and slowly walk up the stairs. Whispering after me, she says Jacob won’t wake up until you touch him so get into your jammies first she smiles as she says this and going into her apartment, closes the door behind her.

When I push open the bedroom door, I can see Jacob, sleeping, facing my side of the bed, his arm outstretched as if around me. The moonlight coming through the window is shining on him, he looks like a little boy. I must ask Mattie what crap she gave him to put him to sleep.

Getting into my pj’s I slip onto my side of the bed and lay there for a minute, going over the events of this night. Sliding across the bed until I’m touch Jacob, he automatically wraps his arms around me. Snuggling into him, he gives me a kiss on the neck, mumbles I love you and falls back to sleep. I love you too baby I say back to him, meaning it. I know he heard me.

Turns out, I didn’t get any sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about all that happened tonight, about Josh…. I wonder if Jacob can hear my heart beating?

3

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Coyote Rescue

Forcing myself out of bed, I run downstairs to see Mattie. She’s in the kitchen preparing breakfast and I’m starving, I didn’t have supper last night, neither did Jacob. OK I say to her before anyone else arrives, what did you say to Jacob to put him to sleep? Laughing, she tells me I told him he was getting too big for his britches and had to start treating you and others nicer, not to take you for granted, stuff like that. The more mad I appear, the longer he sleeps so I have to give him just enough and what you say gets his mind thinking while he’s sleeping, he believes it and starts behaving. Can I do this? I ask her hopefully. Nope she says.

OK, now tell me about Tabitha last night I say next. Well … you already know that Tabitha senses your distress and when you’re in trouble she comes to me. Josh is your main protector now, Tabitha works for him also. What? Tabitha works for Josh? Well, she can do things for him, like bringing you to and from him on his command Mattie continues. This is a safety feature, should you ever get into trouble and he cannot reach you or get to you, she can and will then take you to him. Can I ask her to take me to him when I want? I ask excitedly but she gives me a ‘look’ that says NO, but if you were ever in real danger and by yourself, you might be able to call her to you. ‘Hmmm, I’ll have to ask Morgan’ she’s talking to herself now. OK, so basically every time Tabitha comes running and jumps on me, there is the potential that Josh is wanting me. Wow!

Apparently Mattie is reading my mind because she just kind of gives me a ‘wishful thinking’ look and goes back to her breakfast preparations. Hearing Jacob getting out of the shower and knowing Sam and J.J. are joining us for breakfast, I head into Jacob’s office to turn on the plane scanner, my camera bag is already by the door. Turning Cam on, the picture is almost the same but a bit closer, larger and I can read the numbers on the side of the tail and hear voices coming from within. It sounds like a couple and there’s another sound in the background, I can’t quite make it out though, a dog maybe, the people seem to be talking to it but I can’t understand any of the words. Walking outside with my binoculars to scan the skies, the picture is changing again, getting darker, closer to sunset maybe.

I’m still studying the picture when Jacob walks in and leans over my shoulder to take a look.

When I turn to speak to him, we are cheek to cheek and smiling, he gives me a kiss. He seems very sombre, recalling what Mattie said to him yesterday I assume. It looks like night is falling in the picture I show him and I can see the numbers on the tail and listen … I say as we both lean into the picture to listen … when suddenly the door bangs open and J.J. comes running in yelling for Jacob … Mattie … Dawn … even Tabitha. Sam is close behind, laughing. J.J. is running all through the house, excited to be taking a road trip. Jacob and I follow them into the kitchen and sit at the table while J.J. continues to run circles.

OK Sam says to her son, sit down and eat some breakfast or no road trip. She tries to look stern but we’re all having a hard time not smiling. As we eat, Jacob tells Sam he has some rough plans for the addition that we can take with us to show her mother. The idea is that she will feel very welcome if Sam is building onto her home, just for Eileen. Giving Mattie a hug I whisper is everything going to be ok, I mean after last night. Pushing me away and laughing she says have a nice day, I’ll have supper ready for all of you when you get back. My daughter and grandson are coming this afternoon for a swim, so get going, have a good time and drive safe, she says this directly to Jacob.

As promised, Mattie has supper ready when we get home, everyone is hungry and tired. Sitting down straight away, we all dig in. Jacob pours wine for those who want it and I want it. Asking if she could pick up the contents of the car tomorrow, Sam’s worried that her mother will overdo it by wanting to unpack tonight, Jacob offers to drive over tomorrow and give them a hand. Smiling her thanks to both of us, I say hey, that’s what friends are for. It’s just starting to get dark when Sam, her Mom and J.J. pull out of our driveway.

Walking back into the kitchen, pouring another glass of wine, I hear the camera turn on, opening the bag, it jumps into my hand, the picture of the plane is on the display. I immediately notice that the sky in the picture and the sky outside are the same colour. Hearing the oncoming small plane engine, I run outside just as it flies overhead. Jacob I scream running through the front hall. The sound coming from the radio in Jacob’s office is a woman screaming, there’s a loud bang then the sound of a plane crashing into the ground.

Jacob’s already out front scanning through binoculars, trying to see where exactly they went down. Mattie I yell to her call the airport, tell then what’s happened … and nodding knowingly, she reaches for the phone. By the time I get back out front, Winston and Gwen are standing there, saddle bags on their rumps, Jacob is grabbing our jackets. Stopping to put on my runners and some socks, I have an idea I might be doing some climbing. Praying that we have everything we could possibly need, Jacob helps me up on Gwen. It’s getting dark and this is not what we practised. Heading off in the direction we hope to find the plane, we cross the flat area quickly but now the horses are picking their way through any path they can find, trying to keep a direct bead on our target.

Cresting the top of a small range of mountains, we think we see smoke, it’s hard to see as it’s getting very dark. Hearing a helicopter, Jacob shines his flashlight around to show them where we are on the ground but there’s no way they’re going to be able to land anywhere close to here. The crash site is just ahead of us, the chopper pilot scans the area then moves away, probably looking for a place to put down. We can see the plane now, broken and twisted in the rocks, no fire thankfully. Slowing Gwen down, preparing myself for what I may find, it looks like they were trying for a belly landing but ran into the rocks and got ripped up. They may be ok if they were belted in but now I’m remembering the screaming on the radio and the slam.

A man and a woman? We usually deal with a child so I don’t know. Finally reaching the plane, we find the man still belted into the pilot seat, his legs are pinned under the control panel and his head is bleeding, he’s a little disoriented but is talking to us. Jacob checks him out as best he can being wedged in there and there’s no way we can get him out. There doesn’t seem to be any gas leaks, anything to indicate a fire or explosion. The man tells us that one of the engines just quit, he’s a new pilot and not experienced in this type of emergency.

Well I say, it looks like you didn’t do too badly then telling him we’ll all sit tight until help arrives, suddenly we hear a little cry coming from the back seat. The man stares into space for a second then remembers his baby is in the plane. As Jacob and I quickly look at each other, Jacob leans into the back seat and doing something back there for a minute or two, backs out holding a tiny baby. Because the baby was tightly wrapped in blankets and strapped into the baby carrier with a shoulder harness between her legs, she didn’t moved an inch during this whole incident. Handing her to her father, he smiles and coos at her then says she’s hungry and looks around the inside of the plane. Turning back to us, kind of stunned, he asks where’s my wife? What? Your wife? Where was she? we ask in unison. When the engine quit, she got hysterical. I was so busy trying to control the plane, I last thing I remember is hearing a door slam. Turning to us, eyes wide with realization, he continues I think she fell out of the plane. ‘OK’ I’m thinking, ‘she fell out while the plane was going in for a crash.’ How long before you crashed I ask, how long a time period before you hit the ground did she leave the plane I specify, how high off the ground were you? We sit in silence for a minute, waiting for him to think. We’re all thinking. The baby has fallen asleep, thank goodness. She looks to be only weeks old and I don’t see any bottles in the diaper bag so I’m assuming the mother is breast feeding. We’ve got to find her fast and pray that she’s alive.

Jacob is reading my mind and standing up, we know what we have to do. Before we go back to the horses, who are patiently standing nearby, Jacob sets up a beacon light for the rescue team and for us to find our way back. We tell the father we’re going to follow the route of the flight path, spread out with our flashlights and keep calling her name, which is Jennifer he tells us.

Leaving him an air horn should he need to call us or signal the rescue team, we each take a large flashlight and mount the horses, keeping our ears open is key. In the dark the going is very tricky indeed.

Moving ahead is slow on the rocky terrain, we scan the flashlight as wide and far as we can before moving forward, continually calling her name and listening for any sounds we can hear out there.

Suddenly, I hear a dreaded sound, one that sends chills through me. Something is out there in the darkness, the horses are getting nervous and cautious. Not really afraid for themselves because they don’t need to be but they’re afraid for us humans.

And now the howling starts, a large pack, running hard and heading towards us. I flash my light over to Jacob and see him sitting up very straight on Winston. To my surprise, I hear him say gun and a shotgun appears in his hand. Hey, when did you get that power? Wait a minute I whisper over to him. I have an idea. Sitting up on Gwen, I close my eyes and concentrate. The howling stops. ‘We need your help’ I think to the coyotes. Quiet. ‘We mean you no harm … we need your help.’ One lone, short burst from the leader. ‘A human, lost, hurt, on the ground, maybe blood. Can you find her for us?’

Then we hear chatter, like pups playing, yipping at each other then running, lots of running, lots of animals, all racing each other, heading all around us. Turning our flashlights off, after a minute, our eyes adjust to the darkness and we can actually see quite well. I can make out a large pack not too far out in front of us. Sniffing the ground, spreading out further and wider, when they are out of sight but we can still hear them, we follow slowly, staying well behind, the horses are good.

After about 15 minutes, I wonder what’s happening out there, getting no sense, good or bad. Suddenly, I hear a little yip then a few more join in and then all of them are circling and when the howling starts, we almost have to cover our ears, it’s eerie and I’m starting to get a little scared. It stops as quickly as it started and then … dead quiet. Yikes. ‘Ok, I can do this’ I’m thinking to myself. ‘Are you there?’ I throw my thoughts out into the blackness. A single, very long howl sounds. ‘What does this mean’ I wonder. ‘Have you found her?’ I relay to the alpha male. Another very long howl. I’m going to push the envelope. ‘Is she alive?’ and another howl, a bit shorter then movement among the pack, we can see them just ahead. ‘May we come closer and get her?’ I have no idea what I’m doing. A short, dare I say, friendly howl that I take as a yes as I slowly start to push Gwen in their direction, Jacob follows closely behind me, still holding the gun in his hand although now it’s down by his side.

Making our way along in the pitch black, we find her about a hundred feet off the path we were following. I can’t believe it, we never would have found her this far off and in the dark. She’s underneath the brush, which probably saved her life. There are trees overhead that would have helped break her fall as well.

Before I dismount, I glance around to check where the coyotes are, I hear them more than see them, not too far away, in a group yet somehow, I feel safe. The leader is standing in front of the pack, facing straight at me, front legs splayed. I look him straight in the eyes for just a second, then lower my head and think ‘thank you friend, we are indebted to you and your pack.’ He blinks, unbelieving as I am then slowly turns and walks into the middle of his followers. A few yips later and they all run off into the darkness.

Sensing that it’s safe now, Jacob is already on the ground with Jennifer. She has a broken ankle, a few cuts and scratches and will probably have a lot of bruises tomorrow. She must have blacked out for a few minutes she tells us and then she couldn’t get up with her ankle.

When she heard the pack running up to her then sniffing right on her, she froze in fear. She starts to cry when we tell her that her husband and baby are ok and if she feels up to it, we will take her to them.

She is surprised to see the horses standing there calmly, waiting for us when a pack of wild dogs had been here just minutes ago. Then we better get going I say to her, not wanting to explain." Helping her over to Winston, Jacob puts her up in the saddle then helps me up on Gwen. Jumping up behind Jennifer, an easy feat for him, he reaches his arms around her and takes the reins. I think he’s also keeping her balanced on Winston’s back. Hearing Gwen laughing at me, I think to her ‘I think I did pretty good tonight’ meaning horse back riding. ‘Yes you did my dear’ she answers me.

We enjoy the happy reunion of this family and, of course, wait with them for the emergency rescue team to reach us. Finding a hot thermos of tea in the saddlebag, we’re all sitting with a cup when the airport rescue crew arrived, the baby asleep having just been fed by her mother. We explain our speedy arrival on the scene by saying we were out riding and saw the plane go down. Leaving our names and number with the crew, while the family is being taken care of, we make our escape. It’s very black now and the horses are picking their way along at an almost leisurely pace. Jacob and I are exhausted, firstly from the riding and then with the emotional side of these rescues. I recognize this part now.

Glancing up I notice the sky is full of stars with more coming out every second. Out in the middle of the desert, in the middle of the night, surrounded by coyotes, the stars are singing to us. Shaking my head, I smile heavenward, we are blessed.

Glancing over at Jacob beside me on Winston, he hears my thoughts and the music in my head and smiles across at me. The music is a new thing for him. You know I say I get it now, when we found the baby still in the plane, I started to wonder but without the mother, the child’s life would not be the same, what it was meant to be. He nods, thinking about what I just said. I’m the one who needs to analyse everything, he just does what has to be done, I guess that makes us the perfect pair.

Now I’m wired and getting my second wind, I shoot my hand up into the sky and shout Yes, one more for the good guys. Yes Jacob emulates my action and we hear the horses both laughing. We’re all relieved and happy with a successful night’s work. It had taken us over an hour to reach the site but before we know it, we’re home.

Giving them a neck hug, I said thanks Winston and Gwen, for everything and as they’re backing away from us, bowing their heads, they’re disappearing into thin air, when my bracelet gives me a little shock I realize the horses would be returning home, their castle home and Joshua. Has he been aware, waiting … of course he has and my heart starts pounding, harder than it has this entire rescue. I’m tired, my legs and butt hurt from riding and staggering into the house, I flop down on a kitchen chair, dirty, very tired but very happy. Jacob follows me in, dropping the saddlebag at the front door, a big, wide grin on his face, Morgan is there with Mattie. Job well done he says, Mattie nodding approvingly, a big smile on her face. Eat … eat she invites, displaying some tiny, sweet pastries, my favourite and of course wine … and chocolate.

As we sit down at the table, helping ourselves to treats and a nice hot cup of tea for me, I ask Morgan what he’s doing here. A pleasant surprise but is something wrong? No. I’m here because you both did a good job tonight. I noticed some new powers he says with a laugh. I’ve never seen or heard of that thing with the coyotes. Now it’s my turn to laugh. I just started to think to them, I have absolutely no idea how that came to me. Oh, by the way, we owe them.

Turning to Jacob, I go on when the leader came back to talk to me at the plane … What! Jacob yells, staring hard at me. Hmmm, didn’t you see him when I was talking to him? I thought you were just singing to yourself and looking at the stars he answers. It was then that I realized his fear for me and quickly add It was ok, I was safe, he just asked me to stop some yahoos from taking pot shots at them all the time, I told him I would do it.

When Mattie and Morgan start laughing, I laugh as well then walking over to Jacob, I sit on his lap and give him a little kiss then he starts to laugh as well. I didn’t see Tabitha when we came home I say to Mattie. Oh, she got bored and went to bed, this was too easy. Hearing that, I look over at Morgan with a question on my face. "Actually, it wasn’t easy at all. There were many complications but because you two are so on the ball and prepared to go in and do whatever it takes, it seems easy to you.

When you think back at the details, you can see all the things that could have gone wrong, also how you used new powers you didn’t even know you had to get help. The rescues are getting more difficult but you two are getting smarter. He smiles at us both as he says this. Well, I don’t even think about it when I’m doing it and the family promised to visit us soon and that’s when it will become real to me, I like to stay grounded." Looking at Jacob, he’s nodding. When Morgan stands up to leave, I run over to give him