Standing at the rivers e.., p.1
Standing at the River’s Edge: Prequel, Volume 2, page 1
Standing at the River’s Edge
Prequel, Volume 2
Piper Stone
Blushing Books
©2017 by Blushing Books® and Piper Stone
All rights reserved.
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Piper Stone
Standing at the River’s Edge
EBook ISBN: 978-1-61258-537-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-61258-581-9
Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
Contents
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Preface
1. Riker
2. Boone
3. Sawyer
4. Antonio
Piper Stone
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Dedicated to the men and women firefighters
and smokejumpers who risk their lives every day
to keep us safe.
They are our true heroes…
In all things, there is a turning tide, a moment that changes our lives forever.
In our life there are memories, some bringing joy while others bring only sorrow.
Standing at the River’s Edge is the creation of life, love and friendships forged.
Just as the mighty Mississippi, with all its power, fury and grace has a beginning and an end, so do the lives of the smokejumpers.
For seven men, heroes seeking solace, this is their journey…
Labor Day Weekend - 2010
Riker
Baltimore, 2017, Patapsco Valley State Park
Life is precious. Never forget…
The words lingered, the sentiment one he’d come to understand, yet rage remained hiding just below the surface. As he stood at the banks of the Patapsco River, Riker Sheffield studied the gorge, the way the lapping water trickled over the craggy rocks, heading for the waterfall. This had once been a magical location, a beautiful reminder of Mother Nature. Now, he could barely tolerate the scenic park or stand to hear the laughter of families sharing a special day.
At least today was quiet, allowing him a serene and last glimpse of a once special spot. Sighing, he brushed his hand through his short-cropped hair, one of many recent changes. Today was the first day of a new life, one devoid of every aspect of his former day to day environment. The upcoming move was needed, friends and what few family members he maintained contact with had encouraged a change of venue dozens of times. Finally, he was ready. This was one last look. A timeless reflection.
He eyed his beloved Harley and walked with heavy feet to the small satchel attached to the back. When he reached out, he realized his hand was shaking, matching the way his heart was thumping, sending echoes into his ears. Swallowing hard, he unbuckled and opened the flap, pulling out an aged, white photo album. As he rubbed his hand across the coffee splattered cover, he couldn’t help but smile. The moment Rose had spilled her cup of freshly brewed coffee across the book, she’d screamed, her eyes flashing fury. He would never forget the flurry of cuss words she’d spewed as she’d grabbed a towel. His wife had always been particular, exact in every detail of how she handled their marriage.
Chuckling, he pulled the album against his chest, the usual sadness creeping in, but today was meant for remembering the special moments they’d shared. She would be furious to know his eyes were filled with tears. He wiped them away and sat down on the grassy knoll, determined to do this. He’d planned for over two weeks, preparing to say goodbye. Then again, how could one truly prepare for a rush of images and thoughts, sayings and photographs? He looked up toward the crystalline blue sky, white fluffy clouds rolling by as the wind seemed to carry them straight to the heavens.
Riker had fought his rages, bouts of bitter anger that had taken him down a very dark path for far too long. Time to forgive and find more out of life. Yes, this was a promise he’d made to both of them. Inhaling, he allowed the sweet smell of late summer flowers to filter into the depths of his being as he opened to the first page. Reading the inscription, seeing her terrible handwriting brought a smile.
Rose, Riker and Grace
Sharing love, life and good times
Yes, they had. His hand not completely steady, he turned to the first page, their wedding pictures a vivid reminder of time past. What a glorious event the day had been, the ceremony held on the shore of her favorite beach. The setting sun, the ocean waves and the amazing color splashing across the sky had been the perfect backdrop. She’d been so beautiful, especially in her bare feet and tousled hair. “Oh, baby.” Refusing to allow any additional tears to fall, he flipped to another and another page, savoring the exquisite photographs. A strangled sound escaped his lips as he fingered his baby’s gorgeous face. Then there was Grace, born two months early and fighting for life, but the sweet baby had turned into an incredible little girl. Daddy’s little girl.
Riker blinked and looked away, his hand gripping his jeans. This was far too difficult. He fisted his mouth, willing the haunting moments into a darkened pool. This was important. Rose would want this, a special send off. He looked down and turned to the middle of the book. Bursting out laughing, this was exactly the memory he needed. Rose’s face, her goofy expression as she played up to the camera. The love of his life had always found a way to find fun and a touch of her usual wickedness no matter what they were doing or experiencing. He realized he was sitting on the exact spot as the day the picture was taken. Karma? Ridding ghosts from the past? No, this was Rose’s doing. He’d bet all he owned.
Leaning back, he traced her face as thoughts and images from the amazing day entered his mind. This time, he allowed them to flow.
2010
“Oh, husband of mine. No dallying. I need your muscles,” Rose purred as she gave him a heated look.
“I thought you were independent,” Riker said as he folded his arms and watched the way she struggled with the tent. The few days they’d managed to snag away from work, stress, life and what she perceived as his constant danger had been planned for almost a month. Time alone together was precious indeed.
Lifting her middle finger, she giggled then slapped one hand over her mouth, swaying back and forth as the tent flowed in the light breeze, the entire contraption getting away from her. “Oops.”
Sweeping in, he wrapped his massive arms around her, lifting her off the ground. “One bad girl and I see you do need a strong hand.”
“You made me this way,” she squealed, as she dropped the material then brushed the tips of her fingers across the healing gash in his cheek. “Especially since you make me worry all the time.”
“Stop. I’m fine.”
“So, you’ve told me a half-dozen times. Just another scar to add to the mix, right?” Lowering her head, she pressed her lips across the injury, the move gentle and loving. “You need to be more careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you, husband of mine.”
He issued a slight growl, refusing to get into the same argument. “I love what I do. I’m damn good at what I do.”
“Uh-huh. Big he-man firefighter. Saving lives while risking your own. Just one reason I love you, even though I could beat your ass for constantly making me worry,” Rose teased then nipped his lower lip.
“By the way, I’m the one doing the beating, remember?” He swung her around in a full circle before allowing her feet to touch the ground. “Come on, baby. We are wasting this incredible day. Let’s get the tent up.”
“Then you’ll go for a swim with me?”
“In this water?” Feigning horror, he nodded toward the shoreline. The river was typical for the area, beautiful yet the water often brackish. At this moment, the water was clear, inviting. The day was perfect for a swim, light breezes and warm temperatures.
“Such a baby. Christ.” Her eyes full of heat and mischief, she took several strides backward, her stance authoritative. Giving an exaggerated sigh, she pointed toward the tent before planting her hands on her hips. “Get to work, buster or no nookie for you later.”
He closed the distance, his six-foot-five-inch frame towering over her, and pushed a strand of her long hair behind her ear. Rose was formidable and at this moment, the scent of her perfume intoxicating. “Any more sass and I’ll turn you over my knee.”
“Let me think,” she murmured as she shook her head. “I’ll take that chance.” Laughing, she scampered away, skipping toward the back of their truck.
Unable to take his eyes off her, Riker knelt down, fiddling with the metal bars of the recently purchased tent, his cock swelling. She had no idea what effect she had on him. Attempting to concentrate, he worked on the frame, shoving various parts together. When he heard her begin to sing, her lilting voice floating toward the brilliant sky, he shuddered. This was going to be a moment of shared ecstasy.
Rose grabbed a huge picnic basket and another bag, struggling to drag both near the red and white checkered blanket. As she carefully laid out a feast, French bread, prepared salads and smoked meat, she continued singing. Every other second, she gave him a look full of lust and purposely licked her lips.
“Such a vixen. Whew.” Looking away, he willed his libido back into hiding until he finished his chore. Within a few minutes the tent was built, the rickety looking covering worth only the limited dollars they’d paid. At least they’d have some level of protection against the elements and other aspects. The thought gave him another smile. Against what? Mother Nature? Bears and wolves? Or beasts of the human kind? Well, truth be told, against prying eyes as they made love for endless hours.
“Done yet?” Her voice held a teasing tone.
“Slave driver and yes.”
“Then come here. I have goodies and treats, since you’re such a good boy.” Rose winked as she crouched down on the blanket, fluffing out her summer dress as she tugged a bottle of wine from the basket. “And not just wine either, firefighting man.”
“Wine, huh?” He sauntered closer, a grin on his face. Her pet names were filtered with aspects of his career. The concept was bittersweet. His wife of five years would rather he’d become a used car salesman than fight fires for a living. She was less than thrilled with the fact he was a firefighter. “What’s the special occasion?” They almost never shared a bottle of wine, given his drink of choice was bourbon.
“I have my reasons and yes, you are going to enjoy at least a glass with me,” she quipped as she opened the bottle and poured two glasses, hers decidedly less.
Riker eased down onto his knees. “Not a vintage you prefer?”
“Oh no. This is my favorite wine. Take notes, hunky man. Very expensive but nothing but the best for this trip.”
He didn’t question why she was only drinking a half glass, nor did he care. This was far too special to be concerned about any details, including the fact he was going to have to tell her about his promotion. To try and explain to her that being the lead, in charge of every fireman at his engine company and each horrific event would certainly put a damper on the festive occasion. No, he’d decided to tell her after they’d returned home.
“What’s wrong, big man?”
“Nothing.” He heard the angst in his own voice and grimaced.
“Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Her eyes twinkling, she handed him a glass before picking up her own.
“What are we celebrating?”
Shaking her head, she issued an exaggerated sigh. “If I honestly have to tell you then you and I will have an intense discussion.”
He leaned over, kissing her lips before touching his plastic glass to hers. “To our little vacation.”
“To the future.”
As they both took a sip, he thought about where they were going to go from here. They’d been struggling for money for so long, especially given the fact she was this close to getting her Master’s Degree. Her limited work schedule over the past few years had created difficulty in their ability to keep ahead, but he wouldn’t change a thing. Obtaining her degree was all she’d ever talked about and he respected her needs. Then again, fighting fires was all he’d ever wanted to do, but Rose grew more unhappy and fearful every day. Yes, he’d had his share of close calls, but he was well-trained, and his fire station considered the best in Baltimore. Still, her concerns were palpable, creating nightmares as well as tough discussions. “To your graduation.”
“December. If all goes well,” she half whispered, a look of worry crossing her face. “The final exam is…” She groaned and shook her head. “I hate tests.”
“You’re going to do just fine.”
“I hope so.”
“You’re brilliant, babe.” Riker positioned his legs around hers, rubbing the tips of his fingers across her arm. He noticed a series of goose bumps and grinned. At least he still had an effect on his beloved wife. As his dick pressed against the tight confines of his pants, he held back a moan.
“I don’t know. Granted, if I can get a good job then maybe we can get a little house with a lovely back yard and a swing on the front porch. We can have a dog, no, maybe two. The future. I can see the rooms, purple and red. Yes, red in the kitchen.”
“Red?” He issued a groan, yet he held a smile. He could care less about colors.
“Yes, red. You have limited tastes my darling husband.”
“You chose me. Didn’t you?”
“Hmm… There is that,” Rose huffed as she swirled the wine and glanced over at the water, her face serene.
The tone of her voice was so hopeful. As he watched the way her eyes flashed, her expression reflecting everything she’d accomplished, so many amazing changes, he vowed to give her all she wanted. “Baby, you find the house you love, and we’ll lock in a contract.”
“Are you serious?” Rose scooted forward. She gripped his hand, her thumb brushing back and forth across his knuckles. “Really?”
“Absolutely. I want nothing more than to please you.”
She lifted her wine before taking a sip. “Then take a swim with me.”
“Oh, you drive a hard bargain.”
Giving him a naughty smile, she licked around the rim of her glass, her eyes darting up and down, settling on his crotch.
“Be careful or we won’t make it for a swim.”
“I’ll take that chance.”
As her laughter sparkled into the air, he resisted grabbing her by the wrists and taking her into the tent. There’d be plenty of time for romance. “What good eats did you bring?”
“Hold your horses while I fix our plates.” She eased her glass down on the blanket and fixed him a plate, being selective about her choices.
Riker sat back and crossed his legs, more content that he’d been in months. As they ate, they talked about houses, Rose’s version of the perfect setting, trees and flowers surrounding a cozy cape cod. Through her eyes, he could see just how perfect their home could be. A family. God, the thought was so enticing. So perfect. He wanted nothing more than to give her exactly what she’d been talking about since they’d gotten married. Given his promotion, they could afford a house, even before she’d secured a job.
