Read Searching for a New Home for Free Online Page B

looks
like it will seat at least twelve. He escorts me up the stairs and
shows me to a room and then proceeds down to the end of the hall
where he retires for the night.
    I am exhausted and literally fall into the
luxuriously soft bed sleeping in just my underwear. After the first
restful sleep I have managed in days, I awake to sunshine coming in
through the curtains. I stretch the kinks out of my muscles and
look slowly around the spacious room. The pale yellow walls are
complemented by the down comforter in a deeper shade of yellow
covering the bed. The furniture is a light oak and appears to be
antique and very well cared for. In addition to the double bed I
see a double dresser with a huge beveled mirror. An antique rocker
sits in one corner with what appears to be an afghan in various
shades of yellow thrown over the arm. The adjoining bath has cream
marble walls with pale yellow towels and accessories.
    I climb out of bed and pull back the white
eyelet curtains and peer outside. The beauty of the lush green
meadows with grass nearly knee high and horses grazing peacefully
as well as the snow topped mountains in the distance envelops me
and I am overcome with a feeling deep in my soul that I have
finally come home. I vigorously shake my head because that is a
ridiculous notion. This is Jacob Murray's home, not mine. I am only
a guest here for a little while and I better make sure I never
forget that fact.
    I quickly shower in the luxurious bathroom,
pull my wet hair back in a ponytail, and dress in yesterday's
wrinkled jumpsuit because that's all I have to wear. The clock on
the bedside table indicates it is not yet seven o'clock. I quietly
head down the stairs to explore my new surroundings. I walk into
the great room where a massive stone fireplace is the focal point
of the room. A long mantel above displays photos, primarily of
Dani. The fireplace is surrounded by a grouping of comfortable
looking dark brown leather sofas and chairs. A multi colored
braided rug covers the wooden plank floor. In the corner is a giant
screen TV where cartoons are playing.
    I hear a squeal and am almost knocked off my
feet when Dani launches herself into my arms screaming, "Jana!" I
pull the child into a warm embrace and breathe in her little girl
smell. I am filled to overflowing with a feeling of happiness deep
in my soul.
    Dani is so excited. Jana is here! Now her
Daddy will get to know her and love her just like she does. She
says, "Jana, I am so glad to see you!"
    Jana replies, "I'm glad to see you too!"
    Jacob rises from his chair at the table in
the dining room and calls to her, "Come on in the dining room,
Jana. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family." Holding
Dani's hand, I enter the dining room. "Jana Bowen, this is my twin
brother, Jason, and his wife Jenny. The old guy at the end of the
table is Bob Kenner, our ranch foreman and surrogate father and
grandfather. Bob has worked here for twenty years."
    Laughing Bob rises from his chair shaking my
hand and says, "Hey, I'm barely fifty and that is not old. It's
nice to meet you, Jana. Welcome to the Rocking J."
    "Thank you, it is nice to be here."
    Jason rises from his place at the table and
takes my hand in his. Even though Jason and Jacob look identical to
each other, I notice the electrical spark that I shared with Jacob
when we touched is missing with Jason. I smile and then shake hands
with a very pretty, very pregnant Jenny.
    Both welcome me with warm smiles. Jason says,
"We're so glad to finally meet you. Dani has been singing your
praises ever since her adventure in Casper. We all owe you our
sincere thanks for seeing to her safety. Please make yourself at
home while you are here."
    "Thank you, I am just thankful I was able to
help Dani."
    After enjoying a huge breakfast of pancakes,
sausage, and blueberry muffins, I help Jenny wash the dishes and
clean the kitchen. I am impressed with Jenny's gentle nature and am
looking forward to getting to know her