Eighty-eights, Lady

By June Kramin

Life is anything but routine for Quentin and Jessica after settling in their Texas home three years ago.

After welcoming their twin sons into the family, life is soon turned upside down. Unfortunately, it’s not only as they expected. Someone from their past once again threatens their peace, leaving Jessica fearing for her life and that of her children. She’s rescued with the help from a surprising hero, but the peace is short lived. Being the center of attention is town is not where she wants to be, neither is sitting helpless in bed after a terrible riding accident.

The surprising death of a distant family member brings everything to a halt and has Jessie on a trek back home to Minnesota. She manages to have closure on a long overdue family issue and open a door to a new chapter in her life. The happiness is short lived once they return home and learn the accounts of their newly purchased trucking company are drained by an employee and an unexpected accomplice.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, heartache, and happiness for Quentin and Jessica, along with their band of wonderful friends. Don’t miss this follow up to 88s, Baby!

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Oct 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005705053

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Eighty – Eights,

Lady

By

June Kramin

Eighty-Eights, Lady

By June Kramin

Copyright © 2021 by June Kramin

…

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

…

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

Published by Pau Hana Books

October 2021

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

ISBN: 978-1005705053

Published in the United States of America

Image of couple by Afton Joy Photography

aftonjoyphoto.mypixieset.com

Paint Horse: Shutterstock

For Glenda – my good witch

An amazing heart gone too soon.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

Chapter One

"Oh, my God! Jessie cried out as she clutched her stomach. What the hell was I thinking?"

She took a few slow, deep breaths with her eyes closed.

That we were having some pretty good sex? Quentin dared say.

He gave the comment the eyebrow raise that always melted her heart; a plan not well played at the moment.

I’ll take this IV line and strangle you if you mention sex one more time, Park.

She stopped her deep breaths and glared his way.

Contraction pass?

For now. She closed her eyes. Immediately her breaths became short again.

Another one already?

She nodded. More short breaths, a few grunts, and she was still once again.

Facing him she hollered, Why the hell do I have an IV? No one ever has an IV when they’re having a baby in the movies!

They want every precaution with you, Jess, he said with another kiss to her hand. You still have Doc dumfounded, seeing as how he didn’t even expect you to get pregnant again.

Another few moments brought another contraction. After it passed, she said softly, with her eyes closed, Quentin?

What, baby?

If you love me, you’ll take me for a ride in the truck and roll it.

That’s not funny, Jess, he said with a serious frown. Don’t even joke about that.

I didn’t know how good I had it last time. Her eyes closed and she was still for a moment.

Quentin was worried about her; it’s what he did best. Well, second best according to Jessie.

Is she okay? he asked the nurse.

She’s fine. She’s just getting a break. Good thing, too. It’s gonna be real soon.

Quentin put his head to her hand and closed his eyes as well. He didn’t dare say he was tired. His heart ripped out with every pain she felt. They had been through a lot together. He was strong when she needed him to be, but she didn’t ever see how he ached right along with her. That was his cowboy pride. He’d loved her from the second he spotted her on the side of the road in the rain almost four years ago.

As he rested, his thoughts drifted to the last time they were in this very hospital. He had just been told by the doctor that they didn’t expect Jessie to pull through. He was allowed a short visit with her then went to see their baby, Abbi, with his mother.

After Quentin left her in the nursery and his mom went to get his sister from the airport, he snuck back in Jessie’s room; not being able to stand being away from her any longer. Despite what the doctor had said, he knew she was going to wake up and that she’d need him there with her.

Jessie hated hospitals. She’d watched her brother slowly die of leukemia in one, then her parents after a car wreck. He wasn’t going to let her slip away in one, too.

After pulling up a chair, he had gently laid his hand on hers. He wanted to hold her so badly, but he was afraid of her injuries. He placed a hand on her face, desperately needing to feel her touch. Closing his eyes, he pictured her smiling face right before the accident. The scene played over and over in his mind. He shouldn’t have wrecked. There had to be something he could have done differently, but for the life of him, he couldn’t see what.

He’d heard a gentle moan coming from her.

Her head slowly went from side to side.

Jess? he said as he shot to his feet.

She was fighting to open her eyes.

I’m here, baby. He gently stroked her cheek. The heart monitor beep got stronger. Come back to me.

Quentin, she whispered.

A tear ran down his cheek when he heard her say his name.

He put his face to hers. I told them you were a fighter. Come on, baby. Kick this thing’s ass.

Get me out of here, she whispered with her eyes not yet even open.

He couldn’t help a laugh escape him as he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

As soon as I can, baby. As soon as I can.

A scream shot him out of his memory. Jessie was sitting up, clutching her stomach.

He stood quickly to support her back.

I’m here. Tell me what I can do for you.

You can keep that thing in your pants for the rest of my life is what you can do for me! she shouted as she lay back down. He dared to kiss the top of her head.

It’s time to push, the nurse said. You’re at ten centimeters. I’ll get the doc.

Quentin had been worried when Jessie wanted to try natural childbirth. She’d had an early C-section with Abbi, due to complications with the truck accident. She was told she probably wouldn’t have any more kids. Three years later Jessie was happy to learn she was indeed pregnant. The doctor thought she would probably have to have a C-Section again but would be willing to let her try as long as she agreed to be carefully monitored.

She was also delivering three weeks early, but there was a reason for that. Twenty minutes after being told she could push, Alex Quentin and Jerry Booker were born.

Jessie’s glow immediately returned as she reached up her arms, wanting to hold her sons.

Boys. She smiled at Quentin. You won this time. Just like with Abbi, they chose not to learn the sex of the babies. Quentin held one close to her as the nurse handed her the other.

I love you, baby, Quentin said as he gave her a kiss.

He waited until the babies were weighed, measured, and given a clean bill of health before he left the room. Jessie was finally getting the rest she deserved, so he stepped out to the waiting room to give everyone the news. The waiting room was filled with all of their friends. Jerry and Teresa who were expecting a baby of their own, Bucky and Marci who finally got engaged, and the twins who vowed to remain bachelors, Billy and Bobby Jack.

Twin boys, huh? Billy smiled. Do you ever have your hands full, he said, slapping Quentin on the back.

If they’re gonna turn out like you two, just shoot me now. Quentin laughed.

After the round of hugs and call to his mother, Quentin went back into the room to join his weary bride. They had taken the babies to the nursery so she could get some rest.

Hey, baby, he said softly and kissing her cheek. I’m so proud of you. He held her hands in his and gave them a gentle squeeze.

She let out a soft moan but didn’t open her eyes. She was rightfully beyond exhausted. She whispered softly, I’m sorry.

What for? he said as he nuzzled up to her.

She opened her eyes half-way.

He smiled. I know you didn’t mean anything you said. Don’t give it another thought. Okay?

She closed her eyes again, unable to even smile.

Quentin climbed in her bed and draped his arm over her; they both fell asleep.

Jessie was able to leave the next morning. Doc Hansen knew her. It was easier to just let her go than put up a fight. She was fine and so were the babies. Quentin pulled up close to the porch then walked around to her side of the truck.

Don’t carry me, Quentin. I want to walk in. I need to be moving around.

Are you sure?

I’m sure.

Let me help you at least and I’ll come back out for the boys.

He held her arm and walked her into the house then helped her get settled on the couch. The twins were sleeping in their car seats when he brought them in.

You want them out?

No. Leave them sleep; just bring them by me.

Quentin moved the coffee table and put the babies down close to her. Jessie closed her eyes.

Can I get you anything? he asked as he kissed her forehead.

I’m fine. I think I’ll just take a quick nap while I can.

I’ll wait to go get Abbi from Ernesto’s. I called her from the hospital; she’s dying to meet her brothers. She’ll wake them up for sure.

I swear, I don’t know who likes her having a cell phone more; her or you. A four-year old with a cell phone. You spoil her, Quentin.

He just shrugged. Shoot me. I love spoilin’ my girls.

I miss her, but that would be great if you’d wait. I really need a quick rest.

Are you okay? You really should have stayed another night.

I’m fine, she said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze then closing her eyes again.

Quentin went to get himself something to eat but left a careful ear for the babies. He had a few days off; he wanted to be as much help as he could. After he ate, he settled in the recliner and dozed off. An hour later, one of the boys stirred, waking him. He was up before Jessie and wandered over to the two car seats.

I swear, I don’t know how I’m ever gonna be able to tell y’all apart, he said with a smile as he unbuckled Alex. They still had their ID bracelets on from the hospital. Alex’s was blue and Jerry’s was green. That was going to help for a while. He grabbed a bottle of formula from the hospital bag and attached a nipple to it, then sat back down on the recliner with the baby. Alex greedily sucked on it; Quentin smiled as the baby ate.

Jessie stirred and rolled to her side. You could have woken me, Quentin, she said with a yawn.

I got him. The other one is bound to be up soon.

She pulled the car seat closer and watched Jerry sleeping.

We’re supposed to try to get them on the same schedule, but I just don’t have the heart to wake him. She rested on her back again. What did you do to me? One was hard enough, how am I ever going to juggle two?

Three, he added.

I stand corrected. Speaking of that, why don’t you give him to me and go get my munchkin. I miss her. She sat up, anxious to hold her son. Alex? she asked as he placed the baby in her arms.

Yup.

It’s so hard to see any difference in them yet. There’s as identical as Billy and Bobby Jack.

I reckon with a few days practice, we’ll do just fine, he said as he gave her a kiss. I’ll be right back with your baby doll.

He drove down the driveway, glancing at the horses as he passed them. Abbi’s Paint Shetland pony was a cute addition to their other two horses. He did love getting his girls gifts. He remembered the day he brought the pony home.

What do you have there? Jessie asked, walking up to Quentin’s truck when he got home from work. He was pulling a single horse trailer.

Where’s Abbi?

She’s taking a late nap. Don’t even think about waking her up. The terrible twos were raging today. Just what’s up your sleeve? she asked as she wrapped her arms around him.

Follow me. He took her by the hand and walked her to the back of the trailer. No peekin’, he said, putting her hands over her eyes. He climbed in the trailer and walked the pony out of it then said, Okay.

Quentin! Jessie squealed at the sight of the Shetland pony. He’s adorable! Where did you get him?

One of the guys at work was asking around. His neighbor said his kids had outgrown him.

Isn’t Abbi too little yet to be riding on her own?

Never too young to start, baby. He smiled. He’s really trained well. Of course, we’ll walk with her for a while. Your daughter is fearless; she’ll get the hang of it in no time.

That would be your daughter. Jessie laughed. She’s going to absolutely flip. He looks like a mini-Lady. What’s his name?

Lancelot.

You’re kidding.

I kid you not.

I’ll have to see if I can find a kid’s King Arthur book for her now. He really is adorable.

She was at his side petting him; the pony seemed to enjoy the attention. How do you think the others will take to him?

They’re both social enough. They should be fine. He’s gelded so I don’t think he and Rebel should have any problems. He’s fourteen; he’s bound to take over as boss, even though he’s vertically challenged.

Jessie laughed. You think he’s sensitive to being called short?

Never know, baby. Come on, he begged. Let me go wake Abbi.

Go ahead, Daddy, but you’re dealing with her tonight when she gets cranky.

Deal, he said as he gave her a kiss, handed her the lead rope, and ran to the house.

Quentin pulled up to Ernesto’s and Abbi came running out.

Daddy!

He picked her up and swung her around. I missed you, baby girl.

Where are my brothers?

They’re home with Mommy. We’ll go in a second. He thanked Ernesto and his wife, Angie, for having Abbi for the night. Ernesto wasn’t just the hired hand; he was a friend for many years and felt like family.

You know we love having her. I have my cheese enchiladas to send with you for tonight. Holler if I can do anything else, Angie said with a kiss on his cheek.

Oh man. Quentin smiled. Your cheese enchiladas will get their mama on her feet, all right.

She’s not feeling well? You want me to come over?

She’s okay. Just tired. I wish she would have stayed in the hospital another night.

Sí, said Angie. I thought it was loco when Abbi said you’d be home today. Señorita Jessica sure hates doctors.

Sí, Quentin said with a chuckle. We’ll be fine. I appreciate it though, Angie.

I’ll stop by tomorrow night with supper again. I don’t even want to hear a no out of you, she said, shaking her finger in a scolding manner. Twice the handful you have there. You let me tend to supper tomorrow.

I appreciate it, Angie. He kissed her goodbye on the cheek. Come on, lil’ darlin’. Mommy’s anxious to see you. He got Abbi buckled into her car set and they headed for home.

When are you gonna pick me up on the dirt bike, Daddy? You said someday you would take me on it.

Your mama would tan both our hides, darlin’. You know she doesn’t want you on that thing.

But I want to, she pouted.

Quentin lowered his rearview mirror so he could see her. Yup. Her mother’s lip curl.

Someday, baby girl. Someday.

Abbi ran up the front stairs as soon as Quentin helped her out of the truck. He could hear an all too familiar sound from the house. One of the boys was giving his lungs a good workout. He quickly followed behind Abbi, but the crying stopped just as he reached the door. Jessie was sitting on the couch with Jerry attached at her breast.

Now there’s a little guy after my own heart. He grinned.

Abbi crawled on the couch and gave Jessie a hug and began to pat her brother on the head.

Be careful, Abbi. Be gentle.

She quickly scooted down to pat Alex.

Who’s who, mama?

Quentin walked over and explained the colors on the bracelets to her. We can use that for now, but I bet you’ll be able to tell them apart before we will.

Can I hold him?

If you sit next to Mommy.

Quentin picked up Alex and carefully put him on Abbi’s lap and showed her how to hold him and support his head. He knelt down to be sure she could hold him properly. He faced Jessie.

How’re you doin’?

I’m fine, she said with a reassuring smile then returned her attention to the baby.

He looks like he’s taken to breastfeeding okay.

So far so good. I’m hoping Alex will give it a whirl next feeding. The nurse said sometimes babies will get lazy after getting a bottle. She said it’s easier for them than breastfeeding.

Sorry, baby. I just didn’t want to wake you.

That’s okay. I’m afraid I won’t get to for long anyway. I just wanted to give it a shot. I felt robbed with Abbi.

We were hardly going to attach her to your breast while you were hooked up to machines, trying to keep you alive, Jess, he said, stroking her cheek. How is this gonna work anyway. They each get one?

She laughed. If they continue at all, I’m sure we’ll have to supplement anything I can offer.

One day at a time. All you can do is try. I kinda like being able to help with the feeding. Hey, speaking of feeding, Angie made her enchiladas.

Oh, now that sounds good.

Daddy, you can take him now, Abbi interrupted.

Quentin took Alex and she hopped off the couch and ran upstairs.

Thrill over already? he said to Jessie with a laugh.

It would appear that way.

Jerry had stopped eating. Jessie was just staring at him with a soft smile. He had his hand gripped around her index finger.

A penny for your thoughts, Quentin said as he sat down next to her.

I was just wondering what this would have been like for us four years ago.

You mean if you hadn’t miscarried Abbi’s twin?

She nodded and put her head on Quentin’s shoulder.

Baby, don’t be gettin’ sad on me now. He picked her chin up. Can you imagine two sets of twins? It scares me to even think about it. He forced a laugh. If you’re prone to this, we better think long and hard about ever trying again. He gave her a long kiss on the cheek. Don’t be sad, baby. Not today. Not ever. You have three great kids.

Four if I count you. She smiled. Maybe it’s just sex in the rig that makes twins.

The rig?

Uh, huh. I’m pretty sure our anniversary is what brought these two on.

Oh, I remember that one.

We may not even have to think about it. We weren’t even supposed to be able to have these two.

We’re just that good, he said, kissing her. You ready to eat something?

Those enchiladas sound great. Thanks.

Chapter Two

Jessie had a crib in their bedroom for a few weeks for the boys. She wanted to be close to them at night and be ready to hop up if they needed her, like she had done with Abbi. She never started the habit of bringing them in bed with her, but she did need to hear the sound of them sleeping to be able to fall asleep herself.

Slowly she turned the office into a bedroom for the boys. The sitting room was more than big enough for the entertaining they did. They rearranged the bar and furniture and put the desk and computer in that room. The file cabinet fit in Patti’s room without terribly disturbing the flow of things.

It had been six weeks since they brought the boys home. It was time to move them into their bedroom. The rainy Sunday afternoon gave them a good excuse to get things done while the kids were all napping. Quentin and Jessie were moving the last of the items into place. Jessie had wanted to get the room done while she was pregnant, but carrying twins left her not as agile as she was when she was pregnant with Abbi.

Jessie laughed as she put the last drawer into the cabinet in Patti’s room. We should just stick the computer in here for her, too.

We’d never get her out of here, Quentin said only half kidding. This works okay for now. Maybe someday I’ll add on.

She wrapped her arms around him. We sure took no time filling up your house.

I know. I like it. He dipped her backward and gave her a long kiss. When do you get the okay from the doctor? he asked with a grunt.

My appointment is in two days, she said as he stood her upright.

He shrugged his shoulders forward like a child that had just been punished. He wrapped his arms around her and let out another grunt.

Maybe I can sneak in tomorrow, she said returning his embrace.

I’m gonna explode, he said with his head buried in her neck. You’re usually the horny one in the house.

She laughed. I know. I’ve been feeling more back to normal myself these past couple days. I miss you, too. Her hands moved to the inside of his jeans. You do have an issue going on here, don’t you? She tip-toed up and kissed his Quentin’s apple.

You’d better stop, baby. I need a cold shower as it is.

I don’t think I want to stop, she said as she removed her hand and unbuttoned his shirt. She kissed her way down his chest, stroking his bare skin as she did so. She unbuttoned his jeans and slipped them over his hips.

"I don’t want to do this, baby. I mean, I