BBQ night

[melindajo2000]

It was the annual Fourth of July BBQ at the Bauer residence, and Rick was busy flipping burgers on the grill. They had the music blasting to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA and Rick was cracking everyone up dancing along.

“Buddy I don’t think that America is ready for your dancing skills,” Phillip laughed as he helped get the plates ready.

“I don’t know, Dancing With the Stars has left plenty of messages on my voice mail. I just happen to be very busy at the moment.”

“It’s sure not with your love life.”

Rick shot his best friend a dirty look. “You’re a guest. I didn’t have to invite you here. “

“Oh, you know you know you love me. You wouldn’t have it any other way…” Phillip stared off into space, looking at at the three females that just walked in.

“Who are they?”

Rick smiled. “Down boy. They are some nurses from the hospital. I overheard them saying that they didn’t have anything to do today so I invited them here.”

“That, my friend, may have been the smartest thing you’ve done in a long time.”

Josh and Billy Lewis walked up to the two best friends.

“Hey you two, I’m glad you could make it. Phillip over here is starting to give me a headache.”

“Not me. I was over here just complimenting him on his choice of guests.”

Billy gave Phillip a strange look.

“Not you. Them.”

Josh, Phillip and Billy all looked over at the three nurses. They were the most beautiful women that the boys had ever seen in their lives. There was something about them that had drawn them to them, that none of them could explain. Rick was engaged to Mindy and wasn’t looking for trouble.

“I’ve seen the redhead before,” Billy smiled. “She had to draw my blood last week. “She’s got great people skills.”

“Then she wouldn’t be interested in you,” Josh teased.

“There’s only one way to find out!”

“We can’t go ganging up on them,” Josh said. “We’ll scare them off for sure. Let’s just take our time and wait for the right moment,”

“Spoken like a true player,” Billy laughed. “If it’s up to you we’d be up here all night. I’m going over to talk to them. Look, she’s going over for a drink. I’ll see you guys later.”

Jessie was getting lemonade for herself and her friends when Billy approached her.

“Hi there. I don’t know if you remember me but I was at the hospital last week. You had to draw my blood.”

“Yes, and you made quite the fuss,” she laughed.

“You did take it easy on me though. I’m Billy Lewis,” he held out his hand.

“I’m Jessie Jones,” she accepted it after setting down the drinks. “its nice to meet you.”

“You have the loveliest red hair I have ever seen. It was easy to remember you by,” he smiled.

“I always do stand out in a crowd. That’s not always a good thing,” Jessie laughed.

“I have to ask, are you from around here? I don’t remember seeing you before.”

“No, I’m from Canada. I’ve lived here long enough to go to nursing school. I love helping people. That’s how I met my friends Sanda and Melinda. Maybe I should get back to them.”

“I think they have their hands full,” Billy laughed. Jessie turned around and saw that Sanda and Melinda were busy talking to Josh and Phillip.

“Are you seeing anyone?” Billy asked with his usual candor.

Jessie blushed. She wasn’t used to anyone so blunt.

“That’s okay. I can take a hint.” Billy turned around.

“No,” Jessie didn’t want him to leave. He was cute and he made her laugh. “I’m not seeing anyone.”

“You’ll have to excuse me. I just like to call ‘em like I see ‘em. And I just happen to think that you are one of the prettiest young ladies that I’ve seen around here in a long time.”

Jessie blushed again. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m probably scaring you off. You’d probably like my brother better. He’s more reserved than I am. My mama always said we’re like night and day.”

“No, I’m not talking to your brother now am I?” Jessie smiled at him.

“Well I guess not,” he smiled back. After a moment’s silence Billy decided to go for it. He leaned in and kissed Jessie, who responded by wrapping her arms around his neck.

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“Sanda, that’s a pretty name. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“No, I’m an only child.”

“Siblings are a pain sometimes but I wouldn’t trade mine for anything. Billy and I fight but we’re pretty close. He’s a handful.”

“I can see that,” Sanda said, watching him flirt shamelessly with Jessie.

“Tell me more about yourself.”

“Well I came here from Texas. I had a relationship that didn’t work out and I took out a map and put my finger on the first place I saw and this was the first place I picked. I don’t regret it. I’ve made some great friends and seen some real interesting things. “

“Are you seeing anyone?” Josh asked, hoping the answer would be no.

“No. Right now it’s just me and my cat Snowball. I love cats. I’m pretty happy where I’m at. Although I’m not opposed to meeting the right person,” she smiled shyly.

Their eyes met, and Josh took Sanda’s chin and gently cupped it in his hands and leaned in to kiss her. She’d never felt this kind of magic with anyone before. She didn’t know where this was leading, but she sure would stick around to find out.

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“Hi, I’m Phillip Spaulding,” He shook out his hand.

Melinda’s eyes widened. “You are one of the Spauldings?” she couldn’t believe someone like him would talk to her. His name was always in the papers. They were pretty well off and she knew Phillip could have his choice of women.

“Yes; I hope that’s not a problem,” he smiled.

“No,” she blushed. “I just wasn’t expecting to meet you.”

“Don’t let the papers fool you. We’re really not all that bad. I hope you don’t hold my name against me.”

“No, that’s not what I meant…I just was surprised, that’s all…”

“I was teasing…” he laughed.

She joined him. “How long have you known Rick?”

“All my life. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. He’s dating my ex, whose name is actually Melinda. Small world.”

“That’s funny. I’m glad you haven’t let a girl come between you.”

“Nothing could come between us. There’s a fourth, Beth, we’re the Four Musketeers. We’re going to be close for the rest of our lives. We’ve been through so much together,” Phillip explained.

“That’s kind of how Sanda and Jessie and I are. We’ve only known each other a few years but we’ve promised that we will be friends for life,” Melinda smiled.

“I can see that you are a loyal person. I like that. You’re very sweet.” Phillip looked in her eyes. “This sounds crazy but I was wondering if it would be all right if I could kiss you.”

“I thought you would never ask!”

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The fireworks in the air were not the only ones going off that night. Each girl had the most wonderful time of their life that night. The men were perfect gentlemen. They made them laugh, sometimes until they cried, they held their hands, and would often sneak in a kiss or two. None of the girls ever wanted this evening to end. As Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA played in the background, each of the men took their girls and danced slowly with them, trying to make the moment last as long as possible. It was truly the land of opportunities, and the night was most definitely full of them as well.

[Sanda]

MelindaJo, I LOVE your new story BBQ night. Please update soon.

[jessie]

Oh wow Melinda beautiful story, I love this. I hope you continue this story too. Your writing is really wonderful, I look forward to reading more of this story. Hint Hint.
Thanks Friend

[melindajo2000]

Chapter 2

Sanda swam off to the side of the pool, noticing how nice Josh looked in his trunks. He was very masculine looking, with a nice beard and a muscular built. He was the kind of guy she already felt safe around. She didn’t’ want to take things very far right off the bat, but she definitely wanted to get to know him better. She must have been too deep in thought, because Josh splashed her face with water.

“What was that for?” she laughed.

“Didn’t want you to fall asleep!”

“I was thinking.”

“About what?”

“I’ll never tell,” Sanda crossed her arms.

“I’ll take that to mean you were thinking about me,” Josh smiled.

“You’re presumptious.”

“And you’re defensive.”

“You’re no better than your brother, or so my friend says.”

“Oh what does your friend say about Billy?” an amused Josh asked.

“Oh, that he’s awfully sure of himself. That he’s coming on strong.”

Josh laughed. “That sounds like him. So is he scaring her off?”

“No. She likes him. She likes confidence. It balances it out for her shyness. They may be a good match.”

“He may give her a hard way to go if she’s that shy though,” Josh laughed.

“She may surprise everyone and get him to walk the line!” Sanda laughed.

“And what about us. What do you think you can do for me?”

“Well you’re a preacher, right?”

Josh nodded.

“I might be the bad girl who leads you astray,” Sanda teased him.

Josh raised his eyebrow. “Dare I raise my hopes?”

“Don’t count on it. Just stay on your toes around me, buster,” Sanda pushed him over in the pool, catching him off guard. What she didn’t count on was Josh grabbing her arm, taking her down with him. When they came up for air Josh leaned into her for a passionate kiss.

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“So you’re one of the famous Spauldings, I still can’t get over that,” Melinda smiled as she dipped her toes in the pool.”

“It has it’s ups and downs. People have certain expectations of you. If you let them down than you’re trapped . There have been many scandals, I’m sure you’ve heard about those. Sometimes I’ve felt like I’ve lived in a cage,” Phillip told her as he held her hand, dipping his own toes in the water.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m in my own cage. Not like yours, but because I’m so shy people don’t understand me. I’ve been accused of being stuck up or acting like I’m better than everyone else and that couldn’t be further than the truth. The truth is I’m more comfortable with my cats and a few close friends than I am in a crowd. I like to write, and its easier for me to communicate that way than in a group of people. I’m very misunderstood. You probably think I’m a freak,” Melinda looked away from him.

Phillip guided her face back to look at him gently. “There’s nothing wrong with being an individual. I respect individuals and those who don’t follow the crowd. We need more leaders and fewer followers. “

“I don’t see me as a leader…”

“it’s three a.m. and your friend has broken up with her boyfriend. Who do they call?”

“Me… but…”

“Your friend needs a babysitter for her child, who do they call?”

“Me.”

Melinda smiled. “Okay. So maybe I am more of a leader than I thought. “

“Keep it up and we’ll hire you at Spaulding Industries. There’s a vacancy now that my father….” He looked away sadly, a tear forming in his eyes.

“I lost my father too. It’s not something you ever get over. But with the help of family and friends you get through it. A day at a time. Sometimes a moment at a time. But you do survive. It does get easier. You surprise yourself along the way,” Melinda smiled warmly as she pulled him into an embrace.

There at the side of the pool, Phillip took Melinda in his arms and kissed her softly and held her hands.

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“Look at all the gooshyness,” Billy laughed. “You’re not a gooshy girl, are you Jessie?”

Jessie wanted to tell him the truth, that yes, she wanted the hugging and the kissing that her friends were experiencing, but she didn’t want to lose Billy either. “No, that’s for the birds.”

“Too bad. I like that kind of stuff.”

“Billy!” She playfully pushed him in the pool, surprising him and herself. She started to walk away, mad at herself for not telling him the truth in the first place. She had vowed that she would never change for a man but here she was, already lying to herself and to a man trying to make him happy.

Billy hopped out and followed her. “Darlin, what’s wrong? What did I say?”

“You didn’t say anything at all. It was me. I lied to you. I want the gooshy stuff that all the girls have going on and I thought that I was impressing you.”

“Darlin why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?”

“I thought that I would lose you if I said yes,” Jessie replied sadly.

Billy took his still wet hands and placed them on Jessie. “I don’t know what’s got you so afraid to be yourself but you can always be yourself with me. I want to know you. The real you. Warts and all. I’m loud and pushy and obnoxious but underneath it all I ain’t so bad I don’t think. Just don’t talk to my brother Josh, “ he laughed. “Do you know what it will take for me to earn your trust?”

Jessie shook her head.

He pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed the top of her head. “I know a nice start. “ And they sat, holding hands, telling secrets, stealing kisses now and then. Jessie felt happier in the long time and saw that underneath Billy’s gruff exterior was a man she would truly like to get to know better.

[jessie]

Awe that was a sweet chapter Melinda. I love Jessie and Billy together, they are total opposites. LOL. This story is wonderful, can't wait to see what will happen next?
Jessie

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I LOVE how you are writing me, Melinda, and Jessie with Josh, Phillip, and Billy. Josh and I are soo cute together in this chapter. I can't wait see how Joshua likes my cat Snowball. ;D Please update soon.

[melindajo2000]

chapter 3


Sanda and Josh decided to go for a walk. They knew it was getting late but they didn’t want the evening to end. They looked over and saw that Rick was talking to his father, getting caught up on old times. Rick hardly ever saw his father so he probably wouldn’t mind if Josh spent just a few more minutes talking to Sanda. Besides, Phillip and Billy were busy talking to their dates too and it didn’t look like this evening was winding down any time soon.

“Josh, what do you like best about being a minister?”

“I really like helping people. In my past relationships I’ve been the one to help out and I thought that it would be nice to put that to good use. It turns out I was right,” he smiled.

“Past relationships? Have you had many?”

Josh laughed. “We really don’t want to talk about that.”

“Why not? Do you have something to hide?” Sanda asked, worried?

“No. Let’s just say my past is complicated. I don’t have the best track record with nurses. And then there was my ex-wife, Reva. We’ve been married more than once but we could never make it work. I’ll always love her but she really is a handful. I’m sure you’ll meet her one of these days.”

“I hope so. I’m sure we’ll get along.”

Josh laughed. “I hope so but I wouldn’t count on it. She doesn’t exactly take too well to my dates.” He looked at her. “I’ve probably scared you off, haven’t I?”

“No. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself,” Sanda smiled.

“Just the same, I would never let anything happen to you,” Josh said, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re too sweet for that.”

Sanda sighed to herself as she slid into Josh’s arms. She didn’t know why but she found herself already falling for him. She knew that she had to be careful, but she didn’t care. The heart wants what it wants- and in this case it wanted Josh Lewis.

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“So you said you have two cats?” Phillip asked, looking at Melinda.

“Yes, Tabby and Sonora. They are everything to me. I would have dogs but I am scared of them. Silly huh? Do you have pets?”

“No, I’m just not the pet kind of guy,” he laughed. “So you said you like to write, what else do you like to do?”

“I like to read, mostly romance novels. Don’t laugh. I also like biographies. I love learning about other people’s lives. I love watching movies, comedies and romantic comedies,” Melinda smiled.

“Beth used to make me watch those.”

“Beth?”

“Yes. She is a former girlfriend and one of my best friends. I will do anything in the world for her. She’s had a rough life and has really turned it around. You’d like her,” Phillip told her.

“I’m sure I would. She sounds like an amazing woman.”

“She is. And you know who else I think is remarkable?”

Melinda shook her head.

Phillip touched her face. “You.”

Their eyes met, and as the moon shone on them, he pulled her close to him and they kissed underneath the stars.

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“Your friends are having a good time,” Billy said as he held Jessie’s hand.

“I’m happy for them. They deserve it they both work so hard and have had bad luck with men.”

“You know, Melinda is my daughter’s name. Everyone calls her Mindy. That was Rick’s fiancée that you met earlier. She just moved back into town a few months ago and she and Rick connected right away.”

“I like her. She seems really nice, she really loves Rick.”

“She’s spoiled. It’s my fault,” Billy laughed. “What about you. Do you want children?”

“Yes, I’ve always dreamed about having kids. I just haven’t met the right man. I’ve always seemed to meet jerks who were users or were cheap.”

“Well honey I can be a jerk sometimes but I do know how to treat a lady and I’m definitely not cheap.”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that,” Jessie blushed.

Billy laughed. “I know what you meant. You’re cute when you’re embarrassed, you know that?”

She relaxed and laughed.. She loved how he led the way for her to laugh at herself. He was so easy going, it was hard for her to take herself seriously when he was around. She knew that she was really going to like him. She hated herself because she always gave her heart so easily, and this time was no exception. Billy was going to have to work a little harder than most, but she was beginning to picture the future and she could easily see him in it.

[jessie]

Awesome chapter Melinda, love it, your writing Jessie so perfectly. I love all the couples together, they all are sweet, and it will be fun to see what happens next? Update soon.
Jessie

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I LOVE how you write all of the couples. All of the couples are sooo cute and adorable together. I LOVE how Josh is soo protective of me already and we just met. Please update soon.

[melindajo2000]

chapter 4


Josh walked Sanda to her door.

“Would you like to come in? I know you’ll be a perfect gentleman,” she smiled. “You are a minister after all.”

“Yes, and I do respect you. You are a sweet young lady and I would like to get to know you better. This has been a wonderful evening,” he said as he waited patiently for Sanda to open her door.

Suddenly a white ball of fur dashed out, and Josh thought fast and grabbed the cat.

“Josh, thank you. I don’t know what I would do if Snowball escaped. I don’t know what’s gotten into her tonight. She never tries to escape.” Sanda said, taking the cat from him. The cat didn’t want to go.

Josh smiled. “It looks like I have a friend. It’s okay. I guess she was just waiting for me to play hero.”

They both laughed and sat on the couch. “Can I get you something to drink?” Sanda asked.

“I’ll take an iced tea if you have one.”

“That’s my favorite drink. We used to make that all the time back in Texas. I’ll be right back. I hope she’s not too much of a bother for you.”

“No, she’s fine. I think she likes me.”

“That’s strange. Normally she only comes to me,” Sanda said, serving him his drink.

“She has good taste.”

Sanda sat down next to him. “I really did have a good time tonight. I didn’t go to Rick’s house expecting to…”

“Have a good time?” he laughed. “Rick’s a pretty fun guy. I wasn’t expecting to meet someone special. I hope I have found her in you. Life is pretty good but when you’re in my line of work you don’t really get to meet people- well, not romantically anyways. My ex got married a few years ago, and that was pretty tough on me. She’s happy now and has a little boy with him. Together we have a son and daughter who are grown. So I’m left with a lot of free time on my hands. It would be nice to have someone to share that with.”

“I would love to spend more time getting to know you. I don’t have any kids but the right man has never came around. I’ve dated, but I’ve had some bad luck. I guess I’m just too picky. But I like you, Josh. And I do hope to see more of you.”

The cat jumped out of Josh’s lap, and he took Sanda’s hands in his. They looked in each other’s eyes, knowing that this might be what they had been waiting a long time for.

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Phillip had taken Melinda back to his place, where she was impressed with his house. She’d never seen any place like it before.

“Wow, this is huge. I could get lost here! This is beautiful,” Melinda smiled sincerely.

“Thanks. This was my father’s. He decorated it. I could have gone with something simpler but he was known for his grand taste. He was larger than life and it reflected in the way he lived.”

“Well he had very nice taste. I like it here.”

Phillip smiled. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’m okay for right now, thank you.”

After giving her the grand tour of the place, they wound up back downstairs on the couch. It grew quiet for a few minutes.

“I’m sorry, I can be shy sometimes,” she apologized.

“Hey, no need to say you’re sorry. I want you to feel completely at home here. I’m glad you’re here. I had a wonderful time. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed someone’s company as much as I have yours. This is the most I’ve laughed since my father passed away as a matter of fact.”

Melinda touched his hand. “I’m glad I could help. And I love it that you were close to your father. Family means everything to me. I have a brother and a sister but I never get to see them.”

“I have two brothers and two sisters and I’m not particularly close to them. My brother Alan-Michael and I are what you consider bitter rivals. My father had a lot to do with that. But that’s all in the past. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. Maybe one day.”

Melinda put that information away for future reference. If things ever got serious with her and Phillip, who knows, maybe she could help him and his brother? It was a crazy thought, but one that was worth a try. “Have you been married before?”

Phillip laughed. Melinda gave him a strange look. “I’m sorry. I’ve been married many times. I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

“Only if it doesn’t bother you that I’ve only been married once.”

Phillip laughed. “I like you. I do hope to see more of you, Melinda Spencer.” He pulled her in, gently touching her face. Her heart beat rapidly with anticipation. She knew that he was going to kiss her but every time was as exciting as the first time he had. She was right; this time did not disappoint.

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Jessie and Billy were sitting outside in Jessie’s car.

“What’s the matter, sweetie, are you afraid to ask me in?”

“No, of course, where are my manners? Would you like to come in?” Jessie asked a bit nervously. It had been a long time since she’d been on a date with a man and she wasn’t sure what Billy was expecting.

“I’m just teasing you. It’s getting late and I have to work in the morning. I would never ask you to do anything that you don’t want to do. I care too much about you.” Billy touched her face.

“You do?” She grinned.

“Yes. You’re shy, you’re sweet, you’re sensitive… I don’t think I’ve met anyone like you before. And I like it. I think we’re going to get along just fine. That is if you can put up with my boorish manners and all of my charms.”

“It’s a lot to ask but I think I’ll try,” Jessie asked.

“That’s mighty nice of you. Now can I ask you two questions?” Three counting this one?” Billy asked.

“Sure.”

“One. If you’re not busy Friday night, may I take you out?”

Jessie smiled. “I’d like that.”

“I bet you’re wondering what the next question is.”

“Yes I am.”

“I was wondering… after I walk you to the door would it be all right if I kiss you good night?”

Jessie blushed then nodded her head.

“There you go again acting all embarrassed. I really got to stop doing that. Or I have to do it more, it’s awfully cute on you.”

They both laughed, then they walked up to Jessie’s door. True to his word, Billy kissed Jessie good night. As she shut the door behind him, she thought of all the possibilities of Friday night. She could hardly wait.

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I LOVE it that Josh grabbed my cat Snowball when she tried to escape. I LOVE how you are writng all of the couples in this story. I LOVE it that Josh is a minister. I really loved it when Josh was a minister on Guiding Light. I know that alot of people didn't like his minister storyline on the show. Please update soon.

[jessie]

Awe I love that chapter very sweet with all the couples. You wouldn't know it but your writing Jessie how I would be. I'm pretty shy, so I love how you write Jessie in your story. Billy is a big old softy, Jessie would fall for someone like him. lol

[melindajo2000]

chapter 5

Sanda was nervous as she started to get ready for her date. She and Josh were going to the park, she wanted to keep it casual. She wore a nice pair of jeans and one of her favorite teal t shirt. She brushed her long brown wavy hair and smiled to herself. She didn’t think she looked half bad. As if it knew she were leaving, Snowball kept rubbing up against Sanda’s legs, looking for extra attention. Sanda smiled, picking up the cat.

She looked at the clock. Josh would be there to pick her up in about half an hour- in enough time for her to call Jessie. Jessie might be available to talk, if she hadn’t left for her own date with Billy. That was funny, they were dating brothers. She never would have picked Billy out for Jessie but she seemed very excited about him, and she was happier than she had been in ages.

“Jessie? Is he there yet?”

“No, I thought that might be Billy calling to cancel on me,” Jessie laughed nervously.

“Jessie, why would he do that? Don’t be so down on yourself. I happen to know he’s done nothing but talk about you all week.”

“Josh said so?”

“Yes, that’s one advantage of dating brothers- we can get the scoop on one another. Now you knock his socks off. I know you will,” Sanda smiled.

“Are you nervous?”

“No, I’m not. I feel so comfortable with Josh. It seems like I’ve known him forever. We’re a good match I think. Oh I’m sorry I have to go. He’s here. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck Sanda. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

The two laughed and then hung up the phone. Sanda went to answer the door. She was stunned at how handsome Josh looked in a polo shirt and a pair of jeans.

He leaned in to kiss her hello. The kiss lingered on, and for a moment they thought about not leaving for their picnic.

Finally Sanda spoke up. “I think we’d better be going now.”

Josh agreed, and they got in Josh’s car and left for the park. Josh couldn’t take his eyes off Sanda.

“What, do I have something on my shirt?” Sanda asked, looking down.

“No, its just you are even more beautiful in the daylight.”

Sanda smiled. “You say that to all the girls.”

“Only when it’s true.”

“How is it that we’ve never met before Josh Lewis?”

“I’ve been asking myself that very question all week.” They prepared their meal, and neither one could take their eyes off of each other the entire time. Finally they gathered their basket and put it back in the car. Taking Sanda’s hand, Josh led Sanda towards a trail. Together they walked along, hand in hand, enjoying the cool breeze that the shade of the trees provided. Sometimes they talked, sometimes they said nothing. Often times they stopped to kiss, and just take each other in. They didn’t know what had taken so long to find each other; all they knew was that they were there now, and they were never going to let each other go.

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I LOVE this chapter sooo much. Snowball is soo cute rubbing up against me. Joshua and I are soo cute together in this chapter.. Please update soon.

[jessie]

Wow your on a roll with this story Melinda, very nice chapter. Can't wait to see what happens next. I love this, thank you.