Holly: The Coyote War: Chapter 19 by Holly50 on DeviantArt
Chapter 19 As usual, Rocky was at the door to greet Belinda just as soon as her Jeep Cherokee pulled into the yard. His tail wagged as she opened up the door to the cabin. "Hey, how's my buddy," she greeted, giving him a big hug and scratching between his ears. She stood up and called Holly's name. "In here," she responded. Belinda found her in the bedroom, packing away some clothes into a duffel bag. Tossing a t-shirt into the bag, Holly stood up and took Belinda in her arms. They gently kissed. Holly sighed in the embrace. "I love you." "I love you, too," Belinda answered. She sat down with Holly on the bed. "I'm going to miss this place," she confessed. "I'm thinking about buying it," Holly told her. "If the price is right. It would be a great spot for a getaway vacation." "Yeah, this place has it all. UFOs, skinwalkers, super killer drones. Perfect for the whole family." Holly laughed. "I knew you would agree with me. Seriously, this could be just our place." "I like that." Rocky came into the bedroom and plopped down on the rug. "Just you, me and this big handsome fella here." "I'll see what I can do. You all packed?" "Got the Cherokee stuffed to the brim, the rest is in storage. Still planning on heading out tomorrow morning," she questioned. "Yes, I figure one more night here. You and me." Holly made her specialty, spaghetti with garlic bread. Afterwards, they grabbed a couple of beers and curled up on the couch together. Rocky slept on the large rug as Holly told stories that she could finally regale Belinda with of her life with the last name Clarke. "So, Terri hops off the tractor and announces she was done and is going swimming. Abigail tells her she still has five more acres to hay and her jaw drops. She turns around and heads back to the tractor and, get this. She starts singing. 'Ain't no cure for the summertime blues'. Abigail and I are laughing our butts off." Belinda started laughing. "Oh my god, she sounds like she's quite the character." "She is." Holly happily sighed. "She's only been with me for about a year, and I can't imagine life without her now." "Some people are like that, come into your life and you realize how empty it was before they came into it. Like me before I met you." Rocky picked up his head and let out a little whine. Belinda turned her head toward. "Yes, I know you're important, too, but I'm trying to have a moment with your mom." He let out a little groan and laid his head on his paws. However, his brown eyes still looked at Belinda. Holly laughed. "He and I come as a package deal." Her iPhone then rang and she smiled as she picked it up. "I've got to take this." She clicked on the call. "Hi, sweetheart." "Hi, mom," Terri answered. "Is it okay I called?" "It's more than okay. I've missed you," Holly told her. "I'm getting ready to come home tomorrow. My job is done." "Really? Oh my gosh, mom. I've got so much to tell you." "Same here. I was planning to call you tomorrow morning before you head to classes, but now is a good time as well." Holly took a deep breath. "I've got something to tell you." "Are you okay," Terri reacted with a little panic. "Is Rocky all right?" "We're both fine," Holly assured her. "You know, I've always been honest with you and that will never change. Terri, while I've been down here, I've met someone." It took a few seconds for Terri to react. "As in, you like them?" "Yes, I really like her. She's coming back with me to the ranch. She's right here with me. Would you like to talk to her?" "Sure, mom." With a sense of relief, Holly turned the phone over to Belinda. "Hi, Terri. I'm Belinda. It's really nice to get to talk to you. Holly has been telling me about you. She loves you very much." "It's nice to talk to you, too. I'm sorry if I sound a little nervous." "That's to be expected. I went through a few foster homes when I was younger. I know it's hard to trust someone you meet, especially when they have a relationship with someone you love." Belinda looked at Holly with hope in her eyes. Terri was quiet for a few seconds. "My mom has great instincts about people. She didn't know me and she took me in when I needed someone. I'm willing to trust you because she does." "Thank you, Terri. That means a lot to me. I'll put your mom back on." A tear ran down Belinda's cheek as she handed the phone to Holly. "Hi. sweetheart. How about I call you tomorrow morning," Holly asked. "Sounds good, mom. Say good night to Belinda. I love you." "I love you, honey." Holly ended the call and took Belinda in her arms. "Welcome to the family, Belinda." * * * * * The conclusion of The Coyote War. Holly, Belinda and Rocky will return in Homecoming.
