He Came Back to Me

By Sheila D. Zemp

Her life was just beginning after graduation when he came back into her life. She never realized he was the one she compared all the other men to since that kiss they shared so long ago. Her love for him is now unconditional, and she knows they were brought back together for a reason. He had turmoil in his life, and she made him see he didn't have to continue that lifestyle. Near-death experiences made them both realize what future they wanted, and it wasn't with anyone other than each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889823186

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: Graduation Day

Chapter 2: The Job Interview

Chapter 3: Finding a New Home

Chapter 4: His Fears

Chapter 5: Shopping Day

Chapter 6: The Unspeakable Favor

Chapter 7: Preparing for the Favor

Chapter 8: The Plan

Chapter 9: The Bar Fight

Chapter 10: Finding Lisa

Chapter 11: The Drug Dealer

Chapter 12: Back to Reality

Chapter 13: The Porch Swing

Chapter 14: The Neighborhood

Chapter 15: The Boat Ride

Chapter 16: The Granny Gang

Chapter 17: The Surprise

Chapter 18: The Ocean

Chapter 19: The Trip Home

About the Author

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He Came Back to Me

Sheila D. Zemp

Copyright © 2023 Sheila D. Zemp

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88982-317-9 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88982-318-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

Graduation Day

The morning was buzzing with excitement as graduation day had arrived for so many young adults. The campus was filled with beautiful flowers that Oklahoma spring showers promised. Theta Pond was absolutely glowing from the sun shining through the new buds on all the deciduous types of trees that line the outside of the pond. Words can't describe this iconic pond which sits in the middle of campus. If the benches that sit quietly beside the pond could tell the stories of all the promising lives that started right here on this fabulous college campus, it would take a lifetime to document. The campus has grown since T. Boone donated to the college of his choice. Thank goodness he was such a big OSU Cowboy's fan. I hope he knew how many lives have changed due to the expansion of this already incredible college.

So many graduates had acquired the basics for the careers they had chosen. I, being one of them, will be going south in search of that perfect job. My parents had prepared me well. I think most parents invested in their children's college as a possible retirement plan. If we are successful, then we can help them, if needed, after they retire. Maybe I'll be able to pay them back for all the support they've given me over the last several years! They can only love us and prepare us for the future. It will be up to us to do what we will with our education.

Today will start the next chapter in my life; I think I'm ready. Who knew I would make it this far when Mom was homeschooling us back in elementary school. So glad she decided to put us in public school when we started middle school. We made so many new friends after that; I'm thankful for many who remain our friends to this day. Josh, my older brother, had sworn when he graduated college he'd stay close to home to help Dad with the ranch. He was able to go to a local college and get his teaching degree so he could teach those upcoming winning quarterbacks instead of being one. He had a near-perfect record at Sheridan, Wyoming, high school. He also played college football, and we loved watching him. It's almost as much fun now watching him coach. He has the biggest heart, and I'm grateful he wanted to stay close to home. That allowed me to venture out to this amazing college. OSU's ag department had taught me many things to prepare me for my future endeavors. I wanted to find something that would pay me and help me make life easier for farmers and ranchers. I love the ranch, but I don't love the weather up in Wyoming. I wish I did.

This morning, when the sun rose and peaked in my apartment window, I knew it was time to get up and get this party started as my brother would have said if he was here. He'd tell me that every morning on our way to town as we were commuting to school from the ranch. I'm so grateful I had those years to bond with Josh till he headed off to college and then I was on my own. I helped with chores and tried to do what I could to lighten the load for Dad when he needed help, but Josh was always the golden child because he had those football muscles to help with the heavy lifting around the ranch.

We lived on a patch of land that was passed down from generation to generation. The land was beautiful in the spring and summer with fields of flowering crops that helped feed the cattle in the winters. Winters were harsh up there. The temperatures could be below zero for months at a time. The mountains in the distance were inconceivable unless you live there. The vast meadows would go on for miles without a fence to divide them. It was less populated up in Wyoming, and a lot of the ranches have thousands of acres in which to farm or ranch. I watched my father struggle some years if there wasn't enough rain or snow to create the nutrients to grow the crops needed to feed the cattle. He was the fifth generation to live on that piece of property. Our home was where he was born and still lived to this day. It had always had family living in those precious parcels of land owned by the Davis clan. I'll always call it home, but I just couldn't go back for any more of those crippling winters. I loved life outside Wyoming so far. I'm excited to see what will happen next.

This morning, I was laying here snuggling with my favorite comforter that's almost as old as I am; it's so soft and felt so familiar. I almost wish I could stay right here till graduation was over, but I knew I couldn't. I had been so busy for so long that I wanted to lie here and reflect on the last few years before starting the day that ends one chapter and starts another, but I know I have to get up and get going.

As I reluctantly crawled out of bed, stretch, and cover my eyes from the sunshine, I'm reminded of the time and effort it took to get here. It only took me six years. I'd been working toward this degree for what seemed an eternity even though it's just a small portion of my life. Now that it's time for me to put on that cap and gown and walk across that stage shaking the hands of the people who helped me get to this point. I wonder if I'm really ready? I've worked so hard to get here; the excitement of finally finishing this phase and moving on to the real world of being an adult on my own was kind of scary.

Thank goodness Mom and Dad flew in a few days ago to help me get ready or I might not have gotten out of bed for two weeks after we finished finals. They have kept me moving forward instead of staying here under this warm, safe security blanket that I brought from home all those years ago.

Are you up yet? It's that day we've all been waiting for, girlfriend! Get your butt up and get in the shower so I can use it next! Jen yelled at me from the living room.

She always took much longer to shower, so I went first. It took me longer to dry my thick blond hair. I'm glad I got my mom's hair and the color of my dad's eyes. I could look at dad's eyes all day. Dad had darker skin and hair but had beautiful baby blue eyes. Josh had Dad's dark hair and his blue eyes. He was a good-looking man just like Dad. I might be a little biased, but I could be because they were the two most important men in my life right now.

Back to reality!

I'm up already, can I at least get a cup of coffee? I shouted back at her with that little bit of Texas slang that had rubbed off on me. I thought I'd never have an accent, but being around her all the time, now I did. I had a touch of that Southern drawl as everyone told me at work.

Jen was my fourth roommate since I rented this condo. She thought she was the best one, and I tended to agree with her. She was a Texan through and through. Even her accent was straight out of movie The Big Texan, and everyone loved her. She tried to be a health nut and had tried her best to keep me in line when it came to my diet. Wine and alcohol were the exception! After all, we were in college and it's supposed to be the best years of our lives. She was and had been my rock through these last two years. I'm not sure I would've made it through every test and work schedule if it wasn't for her. I knew our friendship will be forever.

As I poured myself a cup of coffee in our small kitchen, Jen walked by and gave me that look she gave me when it's time to hurry. I'm taking in all the different colors in this hodgepodge decorated condo. A little bit of her and a little of me. We always went shopping together when it was anything for the condo.

Yes, I'm on my way to wash off all that fun we had last night at ‘The Weed,' you know our favorite dancehall! She's looking at me with that sassy look, really! But I continued anyway, I'm still laughing about Mom and Dad. They were having so much fun together. It was entertaining just watching them relax and let loose. That ranch has made them old faster than I think it should have. Although we both know Mom still fights aging with her expensive daily beauty regimen. I think Mom still rocks that long blond hair at fifty-six. She's so tiny. I'm glad I got those genes from her. Dad, in his black cowboy hat, the one he only wears for special occasions, looked so handsome. They were so cute out there on the dance floor still hopelessly devoted to one another. I hope I find that kind of love someday.

Jen nodded her head in agreement with me but gave me the look, so I headed to the shower. Usually, she was talking ninety to nothing, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise. She must be nervous about graduation. I knew she missed her mom and dad. I better get in the shower and start getting ready.

I needed to call Dad. I called as soon as I stepped out of the shower. I had made reservations for them to stay at the Best Western on Highway 51 right next to the new Walmart. Stillwater has grown so much since I moved here. It's been home for me for almost six years, and it's going to be hard to say goodbye to all the familiar faces and places. I've done my best to prepare for this, but I'm still probably going to cry when I leave here.

Dad picked up the phone on the first ring. Good morning, sunshine. How are you feeling this bright graduation morning? He'd probably already drank a pot of coffee waiting on Mom to get ready. He'd told me more than once, When you find a man who is patient enough to wait for you to get ready, you better marry him. He'd say, It takes a special kind of man to wait patiently for a woman to put on her face and fix her hair. It still continued to make me smile even after hearing it so many times. I guess that was his way of preparing me for the future. Sometimes, fathers were reluctant to give advice to their daughters, but not mine. He's one special Dad, and I appreciated him so much.

Good morning, Dad. Have I told you lately that I'm so glad you and Mom are here? I'm smiling just thinking about him sitting there watching a Western on that big-screen TV. He couldn't believe the hotels put such big televisions in their rooms. I guess that's why they cost an arm and a leg to stay at one, from his mouth not mine. I was kind of shocked when we were checking them in for their stay and the clerk asked for a credit card. They didn't have one! He had always used cash or travelers checks when they traveled. I told her to just leave it on the one I gave her when I made the reservations. Dad asked her if they could pay with cash when they checked out. He said, and I quote, I really just wanted to stay here, not buy a room. Dad made me and the poor girl at the front desk blush. I guess parents always enjoy embarrassing their kids no matter how old they get.

Yes, baby girl, you have. We are glad to be here with you. You know we'd do anything for you kids. Your brother sure wanted to be here for you, but someone had to stay home and take care of the chores and that new wife of his.

I could hear the pride in his voice as Dad spoke of my older brother. I'm so glad Josh got his teaching degree so he could stay close to home and help Dad with the ranch. Dad snapped me back with, Are we going to eat breakfast at that good place downtown on Main St.? I've talked to several parents who are here to watch their kids graduate like your mother and I say it was the best place to eat breakfast in four counties! Dad always said his favorite meal was breakfast.

Let's meet about nine o'clock. If you get there first, go ahead and go in to grab us a table, they stay pretty busy, I told him from experience. Granny's restaurant was always busy. They did have the best breakfast menu.

Jen and I got to the restaurant about ten minutes till nine, and Mom and Dad were already sitting at a table drinking coffee. They had the good creamers, and their coffee was the best. We came here often just to drink coffee. They just moved from an older location to the one on Main Street into a beautiful building that had recently been renovated. You walk in the front door and they have a sitting area with lots of different T-shirts with animated Granny's on them, glasses, cups, and several different things you can buy to take home as memorabilia from your trip to Stillwater. It's a narrow building with a big bar along one wall with tables and booths three rows wide. It had the high ceilings with the old-time lights hanging from the heating and air conduits exposed and hanging from wires from the ceilings. The atmosphere was busy and noisy 'cause everything echoed, I guess from the high ceilings and open tables and booths.

After we placed our order, Mom excused herself to go to the restroom. She was gone quite a while; she returned to the table on the arm of a much younger man. He was talk, dark, and handsome. I was shocked to see who it was. He was wearing a cowboy hat and had a starched pearl-snap, long-sleeve shirt with a black vest and starched center-creased wrangler jeans. I think I was in shock for a few minutes.

Look who I found on my way back to the table! This is Hunter Cooper. You all remember him, don't you? His father has a ranch not far from the old homeplace a few miles from Lake Goodland. Mom smiled as she told us. She gave me a special wink as she sat down at the table.

Hello, Hunter, Dad stood up to shake his hand. You remember our daughter, Sarah, and this is her roommate Jennifer.

Yes, sir, I do remember Sarah Beth. Very nice to meet you, Jennifer, Hunter said with that smile. That smile I remembered well; it used to turn me all kinds of shades of red. He shook Jen's hand and turned to shake mine. I'm sure my face was red again!

Why don't you join us for breakfast if you haven't already eaten? I haven't seen your dad in quite some time. You can catch us up on what's been happening back home, Dad asked as he stood by my chair.

Thank you, Mr. Davis. I haven't ordered yet. If it's okay, I'd love to catch up. He sat down across the table from me.

I noticed he was wearing a wedding band. Why did I feel like someone just stabbed me? I remember, back in the day, thinking I was going to marry him someday. But he's already married! He's Josh's age; they were friends in high school. He always gave me a hard time back then. Treated me like a little sister until I was a freshman and he was a senior. One day, after football practice for him and cheerleading practice for me, we met under the bleachers at the football field. It was way in the middle of the home side, and no one else was anywhere near us. He wanted to talk to me, and I agreed to meet him there. We flirted during activities and between classes, but we were never alone until that afternoon. He walked up to me with wet hair from the shower he had taken after practice. He walked up to me and grabbed me around the waist with one arm pulling me close to him, and he kissed me. He didn't say a word, not a word! When he let me go, I thought my legs would fail me and I'd fall right there under those bleachers. It was the first time a guy had French-kissed me. I remember not knowing what to do with my tongue. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to try and stick my tongue back or move it out of the way of his? What a crazy way to remember your first kiss. He knew I had a crush on him, but he never asked me out after that; I guess because he was friends with Josh. I just knew every time I saw him, he would smile at me and make me blush, kind of like he was right now!

What has brought you to Stillwater? Mom started asking questions right away. She kept smiling at me because she remembered I had that big crush on him.

Well, I bought a ranch a few years ago in southeastern Oklahoma, and my ranch foreman's fiancée is graduating this afternoon. I drove him up here so he could drive back with her, Hunter stated.

Jen had to get in the conversation as well. That's really nice of you. I bet not many bosses would do that for their hired hands. I know he probably appreciates you bringing him. She kicked me under the table. I jumped and almost spilled my coffee. She noticed the way I was looking at him. She had a keen eye for watching my expressions and knowing what I'm thinking. She thought she knew me better than I knew myself.

I couldn't help but wonder why he still affected me the same way he did back then. He's married for heaven's sakes. I must be losing my mind! My whole body was tensing up as if I was afraid of him. Even if I try, everyone will be able to see that he was affecting me. I didn't know how to sit or move without everyone knowing what I'm thinking. I could only imagine what he's thinking. He was a man, and they didn't normally think about things like women do, so maybe I'm safe from his thoughts. It could be that I'm just afraid of what couldn't happen between us again because he's married. Maybe I'm being stupid and imagining all this. I felt like I was going to throw up. What was wrong with me? Just sit quietly, and it will all be over shortly. I looked up at him, and he was looking at me with that smile.

He told us how he got started ranching in Oklahoma and what kind of cattle he was producing. It sounded like he has a nice ranch. He wasn't embarrassed about telling us his father had help him get started with his first few cows and a prize-winning bull. He said he'd been lucky the herd had grown and done well over the last few years. He had registered cattle, and he showed them every chance he gets; he said that was the thing he loved doing the most. I could only guess it's a way of life not many get to experience because those registered cattle were expensive. I'm thinking way too much again.

After we finished breakfast, Mom invited him to the after-graduation party she's planned for me and Jen later this evening. He said he'd try. She wrote the address and my phone number on a napkin. Chances of him coming was slim to none as far as I was concerned. He's married!

Graduation wasn't as long as I had anticipated, so after Jen's class completed their graduation ceremony, we headed over to the condo to make sure everything was ready. We had all the food delivered so we didn't have to cook anything. It looked amazing as would any event Mom planned. The meat she ordered from Rib Crib looked and smelled amazing. The ribs came in two large aluminum pans; there were two large pans of pulled pork. They provided the buns for the pulled pork. The coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad looked yummy. The chocolate cake she bought was huge; it would feed fifty people if everyone liked chocolate.

Mom combined my graduation and Jennifer's because her parents couldn't make it back to the states. They were in Japan working. They shut down most travel to and from Japan because of a virus that was affecting millions. The government had stopped most all travel to and from Tokyo. They didn't know what kind of virus it was, but it was killing millions and making so many sick. Her parents were working on a project before the virus hit. They were quarantined till the government could find a medication to fight it or a vaccine that will help keep it at bay. It was really scary, and it's spreading across America fast. I knew Jen was really afraid for her parents, hoping they didn't get sick.

We invited several over to celebrate and eat all the food we ordered, and most everyone had showed up. When there's free food and drink, you could count on the college students to be there. We invited several we worked and graduated with. We had a full house that spilled out onto the back patio. When the party got started, Dad raised his glass and shouted, Could I have everyone's attention? I'd like to propose a toast to these two girls. They aren't only beautiful but smart, kind, and caring. They are both hardworking young women, and we are so proud of them both. Everyone raised their champagne glasses to toast our success.

Jen had her mom and dad on FaceTime so they could share in the festivities today. Mom was over in the corner with Jen; I noticed they were both crying. Jen's mother started all the tears because she wanted to be here with her daughter and she couldn't. Thank goodness Jen's second mom loved her as if she was her own. My mother has so much love to give, and she loved Jen. Jen had gone home with me on more than one occasions, so she was like family to all of us.

I walked over to help wipe their tears but ended up in tears myself. We had spent so much time together the last two years. Jen had become more like a sister to me than a best friend. She knew me better than I know myself, and if you didn't believe me, just ask her and she'll tell you. I grabbed a couple of Kleenex's, and we all agreed this was a celebration, not a funeral. Even though it was kind of like an ending, but hopefully, it will be a new beginning for both of us. The end of what has turned into being some of the best years of our lives; we just didn't know it yet.

Rob stood up and lifted his bottle of Bud Light to Jen and me. "I want to toast these two troublemakers as well. They have made the last few years challenging to say the least! They always seem to make it fun at work. They played and worked hard at the same time, and at a pizza place, that's not an easy feat. They worked together to always make sure all the shifts were covered, and if one couldn't come in, the other would. And heaven help us when they were both