The Four Stages of Loving Dutch Owen - Debra Kayn Page 0,51

into his mouth.

Looking Skull square in the eyes, he said, "Me."

Marla Marie would never admit it to anyone, but in her heart, she knew he would always be in her life. He'd made a promise, and barring prison or death, he wasn't going to leave her.

Walking out of the room, he went upstairs and shut the door to the bedroom. Anxious for the days to roll by, he went through his duffle bag, making sure he had everything he'd need for the trip.

He found the last letter Marla Marie sent him before he was released from prison and carried the envelope to the bed. Many times he'd thought about opening it. But he knew if he didn't like what was inside, he couldn't do a thing about it in prison.

Then, when he got out, Woody kept him in Bellevue, and he couldn't face what was inside.

Slipping his finger underneath the corner, her ripped open the flap and pulled out the letter.

Dutch,

When you're released, you'll find out that I've decided to take the deed for the house you gave me. I can't walk away without telling you thank you. Thank you for seeing that I needed help and stealing me away from a life that would've hurt me. Thank you for giving me to Rachel and Skull, making sure I had a family life surrounding me. Thank you for being the one constant person in my life.

Most of all, thank you for your time.

When you get out of prison, you're free. Ride safe, and I hope once in a while, you'll take a second and smile when you think of me.

I'll do the same when I think about you.

Marla Marie Smith

Part Five

As he stepped forward, he went back in time, careful not to make any fast movements or scare her into fleeing.

Chapter 23

THE TWO GLASSES OF rum and Coke ruined Marla for any attempt at playing pool. She swayed to the music, having given Clyde her cue stick fifteen minutes ago.

She couldn’t give the men any competition. At the most, she was their entertainment as she tried to make the ball go into the pocket. If she only had six inches more in height, the game would be easier. Half the time, she couldn't even reach far enough on the table to take a shot.

"Hey, Marla, grab me a beer," shouted Buck.

"Get it yourself." She grinned, or she thought she had. "I'm not working tonight."

"Ah, come on, sweetheart." Buck held out his arms. "Don't treat me like that."

Rubble moved between them and handed Buck a drink. If she gave these men an inch, they'd take a mile.

Mike looped his arm across her shoulders and held out a joint. "Are you going to the rally this weekend?"

A pang tightened her chest. She was aware of everyone's excitement to travel to Bellevue and attend the yearly rally with the other Chapters of WAKOM Motorcycle Club. If she was honest with herself, she wanted to see Rachel and Skull and catch up with Alyssa and her old friends, too.

She shook her head at the offer of weed. Having enough alcohol in her, she didn't need a hit. "No, I'm not going—"

"Hey now, having to put up with all of us and serving us food and drinks, you're family now. Hell, you do more for me than my old lady." Mike kissed her head. "I'll find someone who can take you."

She couldn't go. No matter how much she wanted.

"Thanks, but I'm busy that weekend." She finished the rest of her drink. "I better head home. I'll see you tomorrow, Mike."

Taking Alyssa's advice, she tried to fit in. In the last week, she'd come over to the pool hall twice to eat dinner when she wasn't scheduled to work—and she limited herself to two drinks.

Tipsy enough to slow her thoughts but still able to walk and see herself home.

Rubble came and took the empty glass out of her hand. "Do you want someone to take you home?"

"Nope. I'm fine." She squeezed Rubble's arm. "I'll see you tomorrow at six o'clock."

As she wound her way to the back door, she made her excuses to the other men and left with a smile on her face.

The fresh air hit her face. She inhaled deeply and checked her pocket to make sure her house key was still there.

The sun hovered on the horizon. She'd left her car at home and walked the familiar path through the field earlier. Knowing if she headed home before seven-thirty, she'd have forty-five minutes