Andrea Boyd's Blog, page 5

Book Boyfriend- Sylas Rutledge from To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

Mary slipped her hand into the crook of Alexandra’s arm. “He’s a bit rough around the edges, I’d say,” she whispered, turning to watch him. “But from where I sit… he’d be well worth taming!”I couldn’t agree more!Sylas Rutledge is a reformed gambler who is well worth the trouble of smoothing those rough edges as far as I'm concerned.  Alexandra Jamison isn't so sure she agrees. Sylas doesn't fit into the Southern gentleman mold she is used to. But after being shoved out from the comfort of her family and society because of her own choices that may seem just as reckless to those who know her, she's left without much choice but to help him. Though it could have ended up to be more than she bargained for, turns intoa lesson in forgiveness that she could never regret. And Sylas is definitely a prize worth winning.  

Book Boyfriend- Davis Carter

What's so special about Davis Carter? (from A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese) Well, he's good with animals, which comes in handy since he is a vet. His heart has the proven complicity to love deeply. He's willing to risk heartache for the woman he loves. Despite problems with his adolescent son, he is a great father. I still don't know what he looks like. (To me, the author had a quirky way of describing his looks without actually giving me a clear picture. But I won't hold it against her, because this book is awesome!) His looks hardly matter anyway, considering the person he is on the inside. This book boyfriend is one you'd want to hang on to for life! 

Heart's Desire-1st Three Chapters

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.One“Aiden, you have a couple of customers waiting in your office. One of them said she’s here to buy a new car.” Lilly’s adoring grin always made Aiden feel uncomfortable. The red-headed receptionist at Weaver Dodge had been accused of sending the best sales to him. If that was true, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was the owner’s son and everything to do with her school-girl crush. Unfortunately for her, he had absolutely no interest in pursuing the matter.Aiden leaned across the counter toward Lilly and spoke just above a whisper. “Is there someone else who can take them? I need to pick Kensli and Riley up early from daycare today. I’m taking them to the parade.”Shiloh’s Christmas parade was always the first Wednesday in December. In this small South Carolina town, you were either a spectator or a participant. Most businesses closed early on the day of the parade. Aiden always took the kids, but this was the first year Kensli would really know what was going on. They had been talking about it all week at the daycare. She was so excited, which only made him look forward to taking her even more.“Everyone else is busy. If you want, I can pick the girls up for you. We can be back and ready to head out as soon as you’re done.” Lilly covered Aiden’s hand with her own as she gazed up at him with her doe-like brown eyes.This girl was as obvious as a wig on a baby. She’d been trying to get him to ask her out since she started working at the dealership six months ago. Even if he was interested, she was at least ten years younger than him, which was definitely not what he needed.He slid his hand from beneath hers. “That’s okay, Lilly. Hopefully it won’t take too long.”He almost felt guilty at the deflated look on her face. He brushed it off, reminding himself that he’d never encouraged her. Aiden hadn’t been on a single date since Jenna left him over two years ago, and he had no desire to start.When Lilly said he had a couple of customers, the two women studying the pictures on his wall were not what had come to mind. One of them was dark and curvy, the other pasty-white and reed thin, and both probably old enough to be his momma. An old Paul McCartney song started playing in his head.“Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Aiden Weaver. What can I help you with today?”The dark and curvy one introduced herself as Aunt Ginger, which was strange. She wasn’t his aunt. She informed him that her green-eyed companion was Jamie Foster. Instead of telling him what they wanted, Jamie gestured toward the wall covered in pictures.“Do these babies belong to you?”“Yes, ma’am.” He took a step closer so he could point them out. “My oldest is Kensli, and this little one right here is Riley.”The other salesmen at Weaver Dodge liked to poke fun at him because his wall was covered in photos of his girls, while theirs displayed pictures of cars. He was sure the boss would’ve protested if the photos in question hadn’t been of that man’s own grandchildren.“I couldn’t help but notice, their mother is in none of these pictures. She didn’t pass, did she?” Jamie touched his arm and gazed up at him with a look of concern, along with a sort of misplaced excitement that left him feeling confused.“No, ma’am. She left us a couple of years ago.”“So, you’re divorced?”“Yes, ma’am.” A year after Jenna left, he’d been served with divorce papers. She’d given him complete custody of the girls, so he’d had no problem signing the papers. He didn’t need a wife. They were doing just fine without her.Jamie patted his arm. “I’m so sorry to hear that. It must be rough raising two little girls on your own.”Aiden felt a tingling at the back of his neck. Her somber words didn’t match her expression. How could he end this conversation without being rude? “Not at all. Our lives are infinitely better without her.”“This one here looks just like you.” The inquisitive woman tapped one of the pictures of Kensli.The truth was, neither one of the girls looked like him. Kensli had blond hair and blue eyes like him, but that was where the similarities ended. Riley looked even less like him with her jet-black hair and chocolate-brown eyes. He understood the curiosity, but the details were no one’s business. He’d learned long ago not to respond to the overt remarks.The one calling herself Aunt Ginger placed a hand on her hip and huffed. “Jamie, we didn’t come here to waste this young man’s time. Son, I’m looking to buy a car. Can you help me?”  “Yes, ma’am. I sure can. Let’s have a seat while you tell me what you’re interested in.” Relieved to move away from the subject of his personal life and finally get down to business, Aiden moved around his desk and waited for them to take a seat before sitting down.“Now, the last time I was here, I dealt with your granddaddy, God rest his soul, and he sold me a brand new, 1970 Challenger. I want another one just like it.”He scratched his head, trying to think of the best place to find what she was looking for. “We do have a selection of used cars, but most don’t go back that far. I can search around for one and see what we can come up with, but it might take some time.”“You don’t understand. I don’t need another 1970 Challenger. I still have the one your granddaddy sold me. I want a new one, but I want it to match the old one.”Aiden tried not to look surprised. “We might have to special order it. It’ll probably cost a little more than one you’d pick off the lot.”“That’s fine. It’s what I expected. Now my Beulah is Plum Crazy Purple with black stripes, a spoiler, and a hood scoop. I brought a picture with me, just let me find it.”While Aunt Ginger dug around in her purse that was the size of a small suitcase, Jamie leaned in and smiled with the purpose of grabbing his attention. “So, are you seeing someone?”Was she flirting with him? “No, ma’am. I haven’t dated since my wife left, and to tell the truth, I haven’t had much interest in it.”The dating part would’ve been all right. It might be nice to have someone to hang out with in his free time, but he had no desire to feel the pain of rejection like he had when Jenna left. It may have been different years ago, but no one stayed together anymore. Most of his friends were separated or divorced—except for his best friend, Caleb. He said he was waiting for the one God had in mind for him. Aiden wondered if his friend wasn’t just plain scared that he might end up with someone like Jenna.“Jamie, I know what you’re up to, and I don’t think this young man would appreciate your matchmaking skills.” Aunt Ginger gave her friend a pointed look even as she handed a picture across the desk to him.“Yes, but he’d be perfect for Bailey. Don’t you think, Ginger?”“No offense to Mr. Weaver, but we don’t know anything about him. Bailey has been hurt by enough men already. I’ve said it before, you need to leave that girl’s future in God’s capable hands.”Aiden had to admit, he was a little put out by her comment. She made it sound like it was always men doing the hurting. That hadn’t been his experience.Jamie’s shoulders dropped along with her smile. “I know, but I just hate to see two people by themselves who are lonely and broken when I know they could help each other heal.”Aiden tried to relax the tightening of his jaw. How did she know if he was lonely and broken, or not? Even if it was true, she didn’t have to state it out loud like she did, right there in front of him, as if he wasn’t listening. He wanted to leave this whole discussion behind and fast.Aiden cleared his throat and held up the picture when both women looked his way. “Miss Ginger, this sure is a pretty car. You said you want all the same features? Do you know what options this one came with, like what motor and transmission does it have?”“It came with a Hemi. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Hold on, I have the original paperwork.” She went back to digging in her purse while he pulled up the special-order form on his desktop computer so he could start plugging in her order. It was time to move things along. He had a parade to get to.“Do you go to church, Mr. Weaver?” Jamie was back at it again.“You can call me Aiden, and yes, ma’am, I attend Community Fellowship over in Bethel Ridge where I live.”This added an extra gleam to her eyes, if that was even possible. She bumped her friend’s arm. “Did you hear that, Ginger?”“Yes, I heard him.” She sounded just as annoyed as Aiden felt.He reached for the faded pages she handed across his desk and started matching options with those on the computer screen. He tried to ignore the two ladies sitting across from him. Hard to do with him being the obvious topic of conversation.When he was done, Aiden turned the computer screen toward his customer and started reading off specs as fast as he could but slow enough that she’d still be able to understand what he said. He wasn’t even thinking about the girls or the parade as he hurried along. He just wanted these women out of his office before Jamie started trying to set up a date between him and this Bailey.Aunt Ginger flipped open the purple, rhinestone-encrusted reading glasses hanging from the beaded chain around her neck and perched them on the end of her nose. Her finger moved back and forth across the screen as she read each item listed.He took a quick glance over at the friend and immediately brought his focus back to his customer, praying she’d hurry. The gleam in Jamie’s eyes made him feel like fresh roadkill about to be devoured.“Perfect. Let’s do this. Go ahead and place the order, son. How long will it take to get here?”“It usually takes around six weeks or so. After I send the order in, I’ll get a confirmation email with an estimated date of delivery. I can give you a call as soon as I know something. I’ll just need to do a credit check to finish this up.”“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be paying with cash.”He tried to keep the shocked look off his face. She looked like your average everyday citizen, not someone who had this kind of dough to dish out on a brand-new, special-order vehicle.“Okay, then I’ll just need your full name and address, and a down payment.”This time there was less digging in her purse when she pulled out an overstuffed billfold. She slipped her license out, handed it to him without looking up, and then flipped to her checkbook and started writing.Bertha Thompson. That was the name on her license. This woman was full of surprises and curiosities. Aiden couldn’t help but look at the dark hair of the one sitting before him and compare it to the picture on her ID. It was definitely the same woman.  If Aunt Ginger was a nickname, it sure was an odd one. She certainly didn’t have the red hair and freckles usually associated with the name Ginger.Another peek at the smirk on Jamie’s face, and he was pretty sure she knew what was going through his mind at the moment. He went back to plugging the information into the computer at record speed.After finishing up, he walked the ladies to the door feeling pretty good about his last transaction of the day. He still had plenty of time to pick the girls up and make it to the Christmas parade, and he was already looking forward to his commission from this sale. Plus, he’d managed to avoid any more digs into his personal life.Almost home-free.Aiden opened the door for the ladies to walk through, and Jamie stopped and turned to look back at him. “Will you be coming to Shiloh’s New Year’s Eve ball?”He looked to Aunt Ginger, hoping she’d intervene like before, but all she did was raise her brows in question. “If you want, I can add your name and your date’s, if you have one, and you can pay your fee later.”They both looked innocent—too innocent. Did they have an ulterior motive? The New Year’s Eve ball was Shiloh’s biggest event as it also marked the anniversary of its township. Since Jenna took off, he’d avoided that celebration like the plague. It was an event made for couples. If you didn’t bring a date, you were matched up with one. A shudder went through him. Right now, neither option sounded appealing.“Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to you.” It was a diplomatic answer— noncommittal and one that wouldn’t offend his new customer.Ginger shrugged a shoulder. “Well, don’t wait too long to think it over. We’re almost at capacity now.”“I won’t. You ladies have a good evening, and I’ll be in touch shortly about the car.”As soon as the door shut behind them, Aiden went for his jacket and headed out the back before anything else caused a delay.Bailey Foster checked the settings on her camera, snapped a picture of her assistant, Macey, and then checked the image on the screen to make sure everything was just the way she wanted it.“Bailey, are you ready to go yet? It’s too cold to stand in one spot.” Macey shifted from one foot to the other, her breath coming out in a white fog.She smiled at the impatient teenager. “I’ll remind you of that when we get to the end of this and you start complaining about how tired you are and that your feet are hurting.” They had a long walk ahead of them as they followed the parade route from beginning to end.The parade would start at three o’clock, so the floats had begun lining up on First Street just after lunchtime. Bailey walked down the line taking photos of the set-up. The sky was cloudy with an occasional appearance from the sun, making it a perfect day for pictures, but the cold had her fingers feeling stiff and clumsy. Macey had it right, it was too cold for standing still. She wished now that she’d worn something thicker than leggings under her skirt.The Shiloh’s Elite Academy float was the last to line up. As she approached, the kids began to wave excitedly.“It’s Miss Bailey!”“Hi Miss Bailey!”“Cheese!”She snapped pictures as their greetings rang out, taking extra care to get a shot of every child on this float. These would be going up on the bulletin board in the front office of the daycare center.One would think running a photography studio would be enough to keep anyone busy, but Bailey always felt she had too much time on her hands, so she’d also taken a part-time job at the academy. She was the official art instructor, which was a really pretentious title, considering the homely projects the preschoolers turned out. Despite her lack of experience, the owner, who was desperate for help and willing to work around Bailey’s photography business, hired her without question. Plus, she enjoyed spending time with the kids.It was a good thing she didn’t work there on Wednesdays, or she would’ve had to ask for the day off to take photographs. Sure, the parade was lots of fun, but it was also a way to drum up business for the studio. As she focused on taking pictures, Macey followed along handing out business cards with details of how they could acquire photos from the parade. Hopefully, they would remember her the next time they needed a photographer.Bailey checked her watch. She had ten minutes before the procession would start. Moving along the parade route, she headed down Main Street and started taking photos of the spectators. Eventually the parade would catch up to her. She anticipated the shots she’d get once the action started. Every once in a while, there would be another shout of Miss Bailey. She tried to throw her hand up each time, even if she couldn’t locate the caller among the crowd.Just about the time the parade caught up to her, the first snowflakes began to fall. Everyone cheered and there were smiles all around. The forecast had only called for the possibility of a few flurries but nothing more. As long as it didn’t start coming down in earnest, this would make for some awesome shots. She steadily snapped pictures of those in the crowd and of the floats passing by.One little boy caught her attention as he stood with his face up to the sky trying to capture snowflakes on his tongue. He seemed oblivious to the action around him. He reminded her of her ex-husband’s son, Tristan. She had so much wanted to be a mother to the boy, but her efforts were doomed from the beginning.Bailey’s momma was the one who had introduced her to Jason Holis, and it had been a whirlwind romance from the start. He was a widower with an adorable little boy. After one date that included the three of them, Bailey had been head over heels.Just three months after they met, the big white wedding with all the trimmings happened. A task made easier by the fact that marriage was the Foster family’s business. Bailey’s parents owned the Little Bit of Love Wedding Chapel. Daddy officiated and Momma did the planning. Every wedded desire could be met all at one place in their hometown. In addition to Bailey’s photography business, there was also a florist, a caterer, and a bridal shop owner in the family, not to mention a hair dresser and a dance instructor. All helped to make that big day even more special.Everything had been picture-perfect for about six months. Then Jason started making trips to Columbia to see his sister, Trinity. These trips always seemed to fall on the weekends she had a photo shoot scheduled. Every time he loaded Tristan’s things into the car to head off without her, she felt abandoned.The visits became more frequent, until about two weeks before their one-year anniversary when Jason sat Bailey down and told her that he’d fallen in love with someone else. He was headed to Columbia again and told her not to be there when he got back. She cried and pleaded to no avail. He claimed she was making things worse than they needed to be. Good grief, how much worse could it get?Bailey moved back in with her parents thinking it would only be a temporary arrangement. Eventually, he’d come to his senses. Two months later, she was served with divorce papers. She had no idea a marriage could be dissolved that fast, but apparently, there was nothing to it if you were willing to admit to adultery. Bailey took back her last name, and Jason married his sister’s best friend, Olivia, the day after the divorce was final.“Are you okay?”Bailey lifted her camera and began snapping pictures without looking back at Macey. “I’m fine.”A rumble sounded behind her, vibrating in her chest. She turned, anticipating the classic car, and watched as it slowly made its way down Main Street. The purple paint gleamed in the faint sunlight, as if a fresh coat had been applied. She snapped several pictures and then smiled and waved as Aunt Ginger passed by.When she stopped to change her memory card, Bailey heard her name being shouted. She knew before looking up, that the high-pitched voice could belong to none other than Jamie Foster. Sure enough, here she came, barreling across the street right in front of Shiloh High School’s marching band with her hand up as if she was directing traffic. The majorette’s eyes widened at the near collision.“Bailey! Wait up. Oh, for goodness sakes, you can’t hear a thing with all this noise.” Her momma threw the band members a scornful look as they passed by while Bailey squatted down next to the parade route and resumed taking pictures. The band members’ black and silver uniforms against the gray sky above made for some awesome shots.Momma pulled her teal peacoat closer together beneath her chin as Bailey turned and snapped a picture of her. “I just wanted to tell you, I found the perfect man for you. He has a good job, he’s a Christian, and he’s raising the cutest little girls all by himself.”She stood and continued taking pictures as she spoke. “I told you after the last guy that I didn’t want you setting me up anymore. If I’m meant to date again, please just let the man ask me on his own, without interference.” Bailey gave her a pointed look before she started walking again. She had a job to do, and if her momma wanted to talk to her, she’d have to keep up.“I’m not trying to set you up. He’s a car salesman. All you have to do is go to his job and act like you’re interested in buying a car.”Bailey pulled her camera down and looked at her momma. “So now you think I’m so desperate that I need to lie and stalk a man just to get a date.” She shook her head and started walking again.Momma followed. “Just listen. It isn’t like that. You really do need a car. Would you just stop…”Bailey whipped around suddenly. “No, you just stop. Just stop it, Momma. I don’t mean to be mean, but that’s enough. I do not need or want you to set me up with a date. Look at where your meddling has gotten me so far.”Her momma just stood there with her mouth open. She didn’t follow when Bailey turned to walk away, but guilt trailed along with her every step of the way.Bailey squeezed her eyes shut. She hadn’t talked back to her momma since she was a teenager. But she deserved it. Hadn’t she tried being polite? It didn’t help. Maybe being rude was the only thing that would get through to the woman. Bailey walked on, taking pictures until the very end, but all the joy had been sucked out of the event.TwoAs soon as the parade started to wind down, Aiden began pushing Riley’s stroller toward the truck. He’d purposely parked at the beginning of the parade route so they could leave before everyone in Shiloh tried to head home at the same time. He stopped every so often to point out interesting floats rolling by. He missed the days when both girls could ride in the stroller together, but Kensli put up a fuss every time he even suggested it.Every once in a while, someone would call out to him, and he’d either throw his hand up or say a few words in passing, depending on how well he knew them. Right now, his biggest concern was getting the girls to the truck. Then he saw someone who stopped him in his tracks.His ex-wife was headed right for them. Jenna held on to the arm of the man walking next to her with both hands. Aiden wanted to turn away. He wanted to hide the kids from her, as if seeing them would make her want to take them from him. But there he stood, as if his feet were plastered to the ground. Kensli held on to the side of the stroller, and he placed his hand on her shoulder for his own peace of mind.Jenna’s hair was darker and longer. She was thinner and wore more makeup than he ever remembered her using before. A tight pair of jeans and a short leather jacket completed the look. Everything about her style was different, but she could still turn heads.He knew the exact moment when Jenna recognized him. Her eyes widened slightly before she turned and placed a kiss on the man’s shoulder. The man looked down at her, saying something that only she could hear, causing her to smile up at him. Aiden watched as they passed by until they disappeared into the crowd.“Did you know that woman, Daddy?” He looked down into a pair of innocent blue eyes. Kensli didn’t even remember her own momma.“No, honey, I thought I had, but I didn’t. Are you ready to get out of the cold and maybe get some hot cocoa?”“Are we going to see Santa Claus first?”Looking toward the procession going down the street, he could just make out the end of the parade. “He’s almost here.”He checked on Riley to find that despite the noise, she’d fallen asleep. They started walking toward the truck again. As Santa’s sleigh got closer, he stopped and picked Kensli up so she’d have a better view. Trying to hide how shaken and distracted he really felt, he pretended to join in on her excitement.How could he have been so stupid? It should’ve been obvious from the beginning that he and Jenna were never meant to be together. It was embarrassing and just plain wrong how fast things moved after they met. Aiden had resisted temptation from the time he’d first noticed the differences between girls and boys until he was twenty-four years old, but it took Jenna less than a week to break down that guard. A month later, she came up pregnant. Two weeks after that, they were married. And six months after the wedding, their first daughter made an early entrance into this world, weighing in at eight pounds, fourteen ounces.He wasn’t stupid. He could do the math. But one look into Kensli’s face, and it was love at first sight. Besides, God had forgiven him of his sins, who was he to hold his wife’s sins against her—especially ones made before they even met. He had no reason to believe she’d stepped out on him once they were together. As far as Aiden was concerned, the baby was his.It wasn’t until six months later that he began to suspect Jenna’s unfaithfulness. She started going out with the girls. She called each one by name as she would recount one of their escapades, but the funny thing was, he’d never once met one of these women. If he asked too many questions, she’d accuse him of not trusting her. Well, she had a point.Eighteen months after Kensli was born, they had Riley. Aiden was in love all over again. A couple of things were noticeably different about Riley. Her hair was jet black and she had chocolate brown eyes. Now how did two blond-hair, blue-eyed people end up with a baby with dark hair and eyes? If he hadn’t been there when she was born, he would’ve sworn there had been a mix up at the hospital.He couldn’t help but notice the strange looks coming from family and friends as they would hold the new baby and study her features. Finally, Caleb just came out with it. “Man, you need to get a DNA test on this one.” Then his gaze moved on to the firstborn. Kensli may have had Aiden’s coloring, but other people could do math too.Being Aiden’s closest friend, Caleb Palmer was probably the only person who could say what he thought without causing anger. His friend’s suggestion had freed him to examine the facts for himself.When he started questioning Jenna, life became unbearable. They argued all the time. After a month of constant bickering, Aiden decided to let the issue drop. What did it matter anyway? He loved the girls as his own.The arguing quietened down, but things still weren’t right between them. They didn’t touch. They didn’t kiss. It was like they were living in two separate worlds but together. Aiden began to wonder what was in this marriage for him. Jenna stayed home all day, but he did all the cooking and cleaning. She managed to take care of the girls until he got off from work, but then they became his sole responsibility. Taking the kids to a daycare while he worked would’ve been no different. He may as well not have a wife, and six weeks to the day after Riley was born, he didn’t anymore.He’d returned home from work and opened the front door to an empty house. She’d taken practically everything they owned. His first thoughts were of the girls. Panic closed off his throat as he raced through the house to the nursery. He breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door to find Kensli playing on the floor with some scattered toys and Riley asleep in her crib. How long had they been there alone? The thoughts of what could’ve happened were terrifying.Thankfully, that was all in the past now. Aiden buckled the girls into their car seats and was headed around the back of the truck when someone called his name. He turned and saw Caleb dodging through the crowd. He waited for him next to the tailgate.“You need a ride?”“Nah, man…” Caleb ran his fingers through his dark hair. The nervous gesture put Aiden on immediate alert.“What’s up?”“You’ll never guess who I just saw.”He lowered his voice. “Was it Jenna?”“You saw her too?”He nodded as he laid his arms across the top of the tailgate.Caleb placed his hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”“Yeah. I haven’t seen or heard anything about her in over a year. I was hoping that meant she’d moved out of the area.”“Maybe she’s just here for a visit.”“I hope so.”“You still love her, don’t you?”Aiden turned and looked at his friend. They’d been over this before. He would’ve thought of all people, Caleb would know better by now. “What makes you think that?”“You look upset. I figured the only reason you’d have to be upset is if you still loved her.”“No, I don’t love her. I’m not sure I ever did. I’m just angry. Do you know she walked right by us and never once glanced at the girls? What kind of woman does that?”“You’re not mad because she’s with another man?”“I couldn’t care less about that. I can’t even tell you what the man looked like. I only care about what effect her actions will have on the girls. Why do you keep bringing this up? I’ve told you a hundred times that I don’t love her.”“Well, you don’t date. You know, when it comes to a broken heart, what we say is not always real.”“I don’t date because I don’t want to get burned again. That’s the only reason. All right?”Caleb held his hands up between them. “No problem. I get it. You don’t want to get hurt again.”Aiden moved around toward the cab of the truck. “I’ve got to get the kids out of this cold. You sure you don’t need a ride?”“No, I’m good. I’m parked on the other end. I’ll see you later.”“Later.”Bailey took one of her shoes off and massaged her foot. “Why’d I wear boots today?”“Because, like any self-respecting, Southern woman, you care more about looking good than you do about being practical.” Without looking up, Sadie continued unpacking their supper from the takeout bag. “Are you coming to eat?”“Did you remember to get me two spring rolls?”Sadie rolled her eyes. “How could I forget? You order the same thing every Wednesday. Chicken with broccoli and two spring rolls. No fried rice, duck sauce, no imagination.”They had been taking turns ordering Chinese takeout every Wednesday before church since Bailey had moved into this tiny apartment above her parents’ garage—right after Jason kicked her out. Sadie’s order was always whatever was on special that day. She enjoyed the variety and the surprise of never knowing what she’d get. Bailey had tried other stuff, but the chicken with broccoli was her favorite, so why bother with anything else?After repeating the process with her other foot, she started toward the kitchenette to join Sadie when she heard the tap, tap, tap of doggy paws on the floor coming up behind her. She turned and pointed back toward the living room. “Winston, you know the rules.”The little brown and white Yorkiepoo gave her a soulful look before turning and slowly making his way back over to his bed next to the couch. He stopped and looked over his shoulder several times along the way, hoping she’d relent. After turning in a few circles, he settled down, his gaze going back toward the kitchen table, just in case Bailey changed her mind.Sadie insisted Bailey had paid way too much money for a mixed-breed mutt. She didn’t care. She could count on Winston for unwavering love, making him worth every penny as far as she was concerned. Bailey sat down at the two-seater table. “So, what did you get?”Sadie picked up a puffy pastry with her chopsticks and waved it in front of her before dipping it in the red sauce on her plate. “Crab Rangoon. Want a bite?”“Ew. No.”Bailey picked up one of her spring rolls and rocked it between her fingers, taking in the crispy goodness while anticipating that first bite.“Are you not going to wash your hands?”“My feet are clean.” She took a big bite of the roll and smiled at her friend. “So, I heard you and your momma got into it right in the middle of Main Street. Who was she trying to set you up with this time?”Bailey gave an exaggerated huff. “Some car salesman, and I can’t believe you heard about that already.”“That’s what you get for hiring my little sister to work for you. A car salesman, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever met one who wasn’t a little creepy.”“She wanted me to pretend I wanted a new car just to scope the guy out.”“Well, you do need one.” Sadie tucked her chin as she wiped red sauce from the top of her white blouse.“There’s nothing wrong with my Cavalier.”Sadie looked up from the spot she’d been unsuccessful at removing. “It’s over fifteen years old.”“So. It still runs. Besides, I happen to like my car.”Sadie pushed her plate away from her. “Are you going to do it?”Bailey popped the last bite of spring roll into her mouth and spoke around it. “Do what?”“Check the guy out?”“No. I asked Momma if she thought I was desperate enough to tell lies and become a stalker just to get a date.” Guilt pricked at her. “I think I really hurt her feelings.”Sadie leaned back in her seat. “Well, good for you. No offense to your momma, but she pushes you around way too much.”“Would you have talked back to your momma like that?”“Are you kidding me? My mom would knock me into the middle of next week if I did something like that. Besides, she doesn’t even want me to date.”Bailey could practically hear Karen Harding’s opinion about such things. The only reason to have a relationship is to get married, and a woman shouldn’t need anyone else to make her feel complete. This world is crowded enough without bringing more into it. Why would anyone want to bring a child into this cruel world?No doubt, the woman was just bitter over the fact that she’d been left to raise two kids alone. Bailey knew how it felt to be abandoned by the one you loved, but she didn’t think she would’ve been too upset at gaining a couple of babies. It would’ve been a better return for her broken heart than what she had now—nothing.ThreeAiden stared at the email giving the delivery date for one special-order, Plum Crazy Purple Dodge Challenger for Bertha Thompson, AKA Aunt Ginger. Two days had passed since she’d made the order, but the day’s events were etched in his mind.He picked up the phone and punched in the number from the computer screen in front of him before he lost his nerve. It would’ve been easier to email her, but he was looking for something more than just letting her know the delivery date. Aiden recognized the deep Southern twang of the woman answering the phone.“Miss Ginger, this is Aiden Weaver over here at Weaver Dodge. How are you doing this morning?”“Fine, just fine. Is there a problem with my car?”“No, ma’am. I just wanted to let you know that your Challenger is scheduled to be delivered January the twenty-eighth.”“That’s wonderful news. Will I be able to pick it up that day?”“As long as there are no problems, which I don’t expect there to be. I’ll give you a call as soon as it’s ready so you can make arrangements to come get it, or if you’d prefer, someone can pick you up and bring you back here to finalize everything.”“That sounds good. Sounds very good indeed. Listen, would it be possible for you to email this information to me? I’d like to print it out for my records. Do you have my email address?”He felt like a fool. This is what he should’ve done to begin with instead of calling. “Yes, ma’am. I’d be happy to send it to you.”There was a long pause before she spoke again while he silently begged her to bring up Shiloh’s New Year’s Eve ball again. She’d asked him about it a couple of days ago. He hadn’t been interested at the time, but things had changed.“Was there anything else on your mind, son?”He cleared his throat. This wasn’t going to be easy. “When you were here, you told me that if I wanted to go to your town’s celebration, you’d put my name on the list, and I could come by later to pay. Is it too late to do that?”“Why, no. I’d be happy to add your name. Are you bringing a date, or would you like the committee to pick one for you?”“They can pick for me. That would be fine, but I’d like to pay for me and my date. Call me old-fashioned, but I wouldn’t feel right otherwise.”“There’s nothing wrong with that. I do like a gentleman. I’ll let the committee know. You can go by the town hall to pay, or you can come by the annex building. I happen to know someone will be there today to take your money and information. There’s a lot to do to get ready for the big day.”“Thank you, Miss Ginger. I’ll do that, and I’ll send you that email as soon as I get off the phone.”“Thanks, Aiden.”He said his goodbyes and then sat staring at the phone for a moment. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his blue dress shirt. He’d almost lost his nerve, but it was done. Too late to back out now.After seeing Jenna at the parade on the arm of another man, he’d thought of little else. She’d moved on, so why hadn’t he? That night he’d decided to get back into the dating game. If for no other reason, it would prove to himself and everyone else that he was no longer attached to his ex-wife.His friends and family had given up trying to set him up on dates long ago. If he told them he was ready to date again, there wasn’t a one of them who wouldn’t jump at the chance to help find him that perfect mate, but that wasn’t what he wanted. Casual was fine for now. That’s what was so perfect about the New Year’s Eve celebration. He’d be set up with a complete stranger. There would be no pressure for a lasting relationship from a blind date.Just before lunchtime, Caleb showed up unexpectedly. Aiden had planned to use part of his break to head to the annex building and pay for his ball tickets. He’d had no intention of telling anyone just yet, but his friend was sure to find out soon enough. Might as well be today. “Hey man, what’s up?”Caleb smiled as he thumped Aiden’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “Nothing. Just thought I’d let you treat me to lunch.”“You out of money again?” He knew that wasn’t the case. Caleb ran a fairly successful roofing company. This was one of their ongoing jokes.“Today’s payday. I’m good at least until Monday. But I know how privileged it makes you feel to pay my way. I didn’t want to deny you that pleasure.” Their jokes didn’t always make sense.Aiden grabbed his coat, pulling it on as he walked toward the door. “I just need to make a quick trip to the city annex building, and then we can eat.”He made a point of not looking at Caleb as they walked toward the truck. Any moment, his friend’s curiosity would pique and the questions begin. As he drove toward the annex, they used the short trip to catch up on the past couple of days. There wasn’t much to talk about other than work.The parking lot was full. Aiden didn’t plan to be there long, so he just pulled up to the front door. Caleb followed him in but still hadn’t asked what they were doing there. Maybe Aiden could talk him into signing up too. It might be easier that way. As far as he knew, Caleb had never attended the ball.A silver-haired woman stood at a table just inside the door, gathering stacks of papers into a pile.“Ma’am, I came by to pay for my tickets to the ball. Miss Ginger Thompson said this was the place to be.”Her blue eyes peeked out between gray eyebrows and a pair of bright red reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. “Aunt Ginger signed you up?”It would seem that everyone called the woman Aunt Ginger—even those who were obviously older than her. “Yes, ma’am. Just this morning.”“One moment.” She flipped through the stack of papers, while grumbling about the fact that it was past time for lunch.“You signed up for the ball?”Aiden could feel Caleb’s stare even as he carefully kept his gaze trained on the woman before them. “Yes, I did.”“Who are you taking?”Aiden cleared his throat but still didn’t look at his friend. “The Couples Committee is picking someone for me.”“What if they set you up with the wrong woman?”He finally turned to look at Caleb. “It’s just one night. It isn’t even a real date. If it doesn’t work out, we just won’t see each other again.”“Is this about Jenna?”It sort of was about her, but he couldn’t tell him that. “I’m just ready to date again, okay? I didn’t want a setup from one of my friends. I thought this would be less complicated. That’s all.”“I found it.” The lady across the table pulled her glasses further up her nose. “It says here that you plan to pay for your date’s ticket as well, but you want the Couples Committee to do the choosing.”“Yes, ma’am, that’s right.”“Male or female?”“Ma’am?”She looked up through her reading glasses which magnified her blue-gray eyes. “This ball is being put on by the city, so we have to ask. Do you want a male or a female date?”The temperature in the room suddenly felt ten degrees hotter. “Female.”She wrote his choice on the piece of paper in front of her. “That’ll be two-hundred and forty dollars.”He pulled a fold of money from his wallet and counted out the correct amount while she wrote a receipt.“What about you, young man? We still have a few spots left, and men are usually in short supply.”Caleb glanced at him before looking back at the woman. “If the man pays for him and a date and the woman pays for herself, what happens to the extra money?”“Any money that’s not used for this year’s celebration goes into a fund for next year.”“In that case, I just want one ticket, and I definitely want a female date.”He looked a little put out as he handed the woman his money and gave his name and information, but it didn’t bother Aiden. He was just relieved he wouldn’t be going into this alone.“Oh good, you’re still here.”Bailey turned from unlocking her car door to see Aunt Ginger heading her way across the academy’s parking lot, the ends of her green scarf bouncing with every step. She’d never hunted her down like this before. Something must be wrong. Thoughts immediately went to Momma. Bailey hadn’t spoken to her in three days. What if something happened? She never wanted her last memory of her momma to be one of her running off at the mouth the way she had.The woman pursed her lips together and shook her head as she looked at Bailey’s car. “I can’t believe you even bother locking that thing. My offer still stands. If you ever want to get a decent car, I’d be happy to co-sign for you.”Bailey relaxed a little. If Aunt Ginger was taking the time to trash-talk her car, nothing could be too much wrong. “I love this car. It’s a classic.”“Honey, my Challenger is a classic. Don’t you go throwing them in the same category. This thing, well…” She just shook her head again.It was a 1999 Chevy Cavalier. The red paint was faded, and one of the windows no longer worked. There was a hole in the muffler. Bailey definitely wouldn’t be sneaking up on anyone in it. This was the first and only car she’d ever owned. Despite all the jokes and comments it invoked, she really did love her car. As long as it still ran, this was what she’d be driving.“Did you come all the way over here to talk about my car?”Aunt Ginger tilted her head down and looked up at Bailey as if she was looking over a pair of glasses, but they hung on the beaded chain around her neck. “Are you trying to get smart with me now too?”“No, ma’am.” She was duly chastised. She’d never tried it, but Bailey somehow knew her disrespect wouldn’t go over as easy with Aunt Ginger as it had with her momma. She stood as patiently as she could, waiting for the woman to make her point, all the while trying not to think of the fact that she had a photography session to get to.“Here, I came to give you this.” There was an envelope in her outstretched hand which Bailey slowly reached for. She studied Aunt Ginger’s features, trying to determine if she was angry or not.She pulled a card from the unsealed envelope. “What’s this?”“It’s a ticket to the ball.”She knew that much. What she didn’t understand was why it was being given to her. “I didn’t sign up for the ball. I mean, of course I’ll be there taking pictures, but I’ve never needed a ticket before. Does this mean…”Her mouth went dry. She’d attended the ball every year, but after her failed marriage and a broken engagement, it had never been with a date. She hadn’t needed to purchase a ticket before. She’d just show up, take pictures, and grab a bite to eat in the kitchen with a few other hopelessly single women who were just there to work and be a part of the festivities without actually participating.Every time anything went on in Shiloh, Bailey was there to capture it with her camera. She was the unofficial town photographer. She’d send the pictures in to the local paper, and they would pay her a small amount for her troubles.“I didn’t purchase this ticket.”“Well, it has been taken care of, none the less. I expect you’ll be getting a letter from the Couples Committee soon with your date’s name and contact information. Maybe you can coordinate your outfits and get to know one another before the big day, if you so desire.”“Did Momma set this up?”Aunt Ginger placed both hands on her ample hips. “Jamie had nothing to do with this. You don’t have to marry the man, but there’s nothing wrong with two young people getting together for our town’s celebration. You’ll be surrounded by a bunch of people the whole time. It probably won’t even seem like a date. Do you have a dress yet? And I don’t mean that tired, brown one you’ve been wearing for the past few years either.”Bailey had planned to wear the same dress. It was fine for what she usually did at the celebration. She liked fading into the background when she took photos. She got better shots that way. Now she’d definitely have to go shopping.“I’ll find something.”“If you need money, just let me know. I got you into this thing. It’s the least I can do.” Bailey wondered, and not for the first time, where the woman got her money.“I’m sure I can manage.”“Good, good. Well, let me get back over to the annex. There’s still lots to do. I’ll see you Sunday at church.”Bailey got into her car and headed toward the studio. She must have been on autopilot, because she hardly remembered the trip. She hadn’t dated much in the last couple of years. In fact, her last date had been about nine months ago. Now she was about to be set up on a blind date by a committee who probably didn’t know a thing about her or the man they would set her up with.

Deleted Scenes- Heart's Desire

For the curious among you. This is the original beginning. My beta readers thought the opening scene was too morbid.1“If you ask me, he deserved to die.”Bailey stiffened. Typical Sadie. Whatever thoughts popped into her head, came out through her mouth. They were at the man’s funeral for mercy’s sake. No filter on that girl, but no one could ever accuse her of disloyalty. They had been friends since eighth grade. She had faithfully stuck by Bailey when it seemed no one else had.A gentleman in the pew in front of them turned and scowled to show his displeasure at hearing such a statement.“Well, it’s the truth. Just look at what he did to you.” She was loudly whispering to her friend while staring unflinchingly back at the stranger. Normally, Bailey felt it was her job to try and keep Sadie in check, but she was just too heartbroken at the time to shush her.Jason Hillis had been Bailey’s first husband. Their marriage had been long over before this day, but it still hurt to know he was forever gone from this world. She leaned over just enough to see the casket at the front of the church, but of its own accord, her gaze shifted to the woman with the poufy red hair sitting on the front pew.Sadie was practically standing now as she lifted from her seat to see who Bailey was looking at. Standing or sitting, the girl was short enough that it didn’t make that much of a difference. “Look at her hair. Doesn’t she know we left the nineteen eighties back in the last century? How could Jason have picked her over you?”She had repeatedly asked herself that same thing. It wasn’t that she thought she was better looking than the woman with the big, red hair. It was more of a question of why Jason found her to be so appealing that he would give up everything they had to be with her.Bailey had been too much of a coward to go to the wake the night before. She didn’t want to face his family—especially his sister, Trinity. She blamed her for the demise of their marriage more than she did the redhead now sitting at the front of the church. Jason’s sister had never liked her. If there was ever any indication that things would not work out between them before the wedding, Trinity was it.Besides the sister, everything else had seemed perfect. She loved Jason. Her family had loved him. Her momma was the one to introduced them, and it had been a whirlwind romance from the start. He had been a widower with an adorable little boy named Tristan. After one date that included the three of them, Bailey had been head over heels.Just three months after they met, the big white wedding with all the trimmings happened. This may have seemed an impossible task, but it could be said that marriage was the Foster family’s business. Bailey’s parents owned the Little Bit of Love Wedding Chapel. Daddy officiated and Momma did all of the planning. They were famous for their motto, Marriage takes two things: a little bit of love and a whole lot of work.That may be the ingredients used for a marriage, but it took a good bit more planning for a wedding. Every wedded desire could be met all at one place in their hometown of Shiloh, South Carolina. In addition to Bailey’s photography business, there was also a florist, a caterer, and a bridal shop owner in the family, not to mention a hair dresser and a dance instructor to help make that big day even more special.Everything had been picture-perfect for about six months. That was when Jason had started making trips to Columbia to see his sister. These trips always seemed to fall on the weekends when she would have a photo shoot scheduled. She felt abandoned every time he had loaded Tristan’s things into the car to head off without her. It wasn’t that she had wanted to spend time with his sister, but it had made her feel as if she would always be an outsider, never to be included as part of his family.The visits became more frequent, until about two weeks before their one-year anniversary when he sat Bailey down and told her that he had fallen in love with someone else. He was headed to his sister’s again and told her not to be there when he got back. She cried and pleaded to no avail. He claimed she was making things worse than they needed to be. Good grief, how much worse could it get?She moved back in with her parents thinking it would only be a temporary arrangement. He would eventually come to his senses. She was served with divorce papers two months later. She had no idea a marriage could be dissolved that fast, but apparently there was nothing to it if you were willing to admit to adultery. Bailey took back her last name, and Jason was married to his sister’s best friend, Olivia, the day after the divorce was final. That had been less than two years past, and now he was gone for good from both of their lives.The funeral was wrapping up, and the family was being led back up the aisle so they would be in the vestibule to greet everyone else. Bailey wanted to slide down in her pew, as if that would hide her from those coming toward her. Instead, she stayed facing forward while looking through the side of her sunglasses at Olivia as she passed. She really did look upset. Maybe Jason had been able to feel the kind of love for this woman that had been lacking in their marriage. That was both painful and a relief. She stuffed those feelings down into her gut. She could analyze it better once she was alone.She could not help but turn and look when Trinity came by holding Tristan’s little hand. He looked so cute dressed in a navy blue suit and white shirt. Boy, had he grown. He was almost four years old now. Did he know what was going on here? She wondered if he would even recognize her. Jason had insisted that he call her Bailey when they were still together. Considering that he was with Trinity instead of Olivia, it seemed that the child had not been allowed to bond with this step-mother either.“That’s your problem right there.” Bailey knew what her friend was referring to. Sadie claimed she was a sucker for a man with a baby. She might have a point, but Bailey had no desire to rehash it—especially right then.Her statement had caught the attention of Jason’s sister. Trinity whipped her head around in their direction. Judging by the instant scowl that formed across her brow, she certainly recognized her ex-sister-in-law. Bailey looked back toward the front and was careful not to make eye contact with anyone else.They sat in the church until everyone had left the sanctuary. Bailey grabbed Sadie by the elbow and practically dragged her out the door, not stopping until they were halfway across the parking lot headed toward her old Cavalier. When she finally let go, Sadie rubbed her shoulder dramatically.“There’s no need to try and jerk my arm out of socket. It’s not like I had a desire to talk to any of those people. I don’t know why we came to this thing to start with.”“We came to pay our respects.”“Jason didn’t deserve our respect. I suppose when David dies, you’ll be paying your respects to that loser too.” She didn’t even want to think about that disaster of a so-called marriage.“I’ve got enough on my plate right now without you bringing up David.” “Do you know what your problem is?”Bailey did love Sadie, but sometimes she really wanted to smack that girl. She raised both eyebrows and tried for her most innocent look, but most of her sarcasm was hidden behind a large pair of sunglasses. “People who think they know what my problem is?”Sadie stopped in her tracks on the way to the car, placed her hand on her hip, and peeked out over the top of her black-rimmed shades. “You are too kindhearted. That’s why you keep falling for these losers.”Bailey turned and walked on to the car, seeming to ignore her, but what Sadie had said was actually one of the nicest reasons she had been given—and there had been a bunch of different explanations from her family and friends. She had expected her usual you’re just in it for the kids.She had heard it all. There was the you’re too easy, the you are not taking enough time to find all of their flaws, she had even gotten you should live with them for a while before you marry so y’all can have time to get to know each other.The best advice she had received came from Aunt Ginger. She had looked at Bailey in that direct way she had about her, as if she was looking into your very soul, and asked, “Did you pray about it?”“Yes, Aunt Ginger, you know I did.”“What I mean is, did you ask for God’s will or your own?”That one question sent Bailey’s mind reeling. Both times it had been more like This is the man I want to marry, God. Please, please, please, Lord, make this happen. She had never once asked him if this was the man He wanted for her. If only she could have come to this realization sooner. It might have saved a world of heartache.Aunt Ginger had gotten her answer by nothing more than the look on Bailey’s face. “Mmm hmm, that’s what I thought.”After her second failed attempt at marriage, she had only dated a few times and they hadn’t amounted to anything. Bailey didn’t trust herself not to make the same mistakes again. It was painfully obvious that she had no business even trying. She made a vow to herself right there in the church parking-lot not to even think about a serious relationship again unless she knew for certain it was ordained from above.If God wanted her to have the husband she so desperately desired, He would have to practically sit the man down in front of her with the words “Reserved for Bailey” tattooed across his forehead. On second thought, God, you can leave off the tattoo. A handwritten note pinned to his shirt would be cool though.§§§Aiden stood inside his front door looking over the pages he had just been served. He took a deep breath and unconsciously ran his fingers through his yet uncombed hair, causing the short, blond tresses to stand on end. The emptiness he’d been fighting off for the last year reared its ugly head, stronger than ever.He had always pictured himself bound to one woman for the rest of his life, and here he stood with divorce papers in hand, his ticket to a freedom he had never wanted. The reason she had used to justify the divorce angered him—a year’s separation. He wanted to protest. He wanted those papers to state the truth. She had abandoned her family.He felt a hand on his knee and looked down into the blue eyes of his three-year-old, Kensli. As usual, they were getting a lazy start to their Saturday, so even though it was edging close to lunchtime, she was still wearing her Strawberry Shortcake gown with her thin, blond hair just as rumpled as his. She would be crying in protest later when he had to deal with the knots that were surely present.“Who was that, Daddy?”“Just someone delivering some mail.”“Oh.”He rubbed the top of her head, making a bigger mess of her hair than it already was. “Go play with your sister.”“Okay.” She ran over to the coffee table where Riley stood banging a block against the glossy surface. She had just started to take her first steps, but for the most part, she still liked to use furniture as a support.He sat down in his recliner and tried to concentrate on the legal jargon in front of him, but his mind kept wondering over everything that had led them to this point. His and Jenna’s relationship had been rocky from the very beginning. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. The relationship had started out fine. The rocky part hadn’t begun until after they had said I do.They had met at a Superbowl party. She had looked so cute in her oversized football jersey—even if she was rooting for the wrong team. Her long blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail with loose wisps of bangs framing both sides of her face. She was just Aiden’s type, and he had noticed her right away.She had noticed him too. Her blue eyes seemed to sparkle every time she looked his way. She wasted no time in making her attraction known. It was a heady feeling to know that out of all of the guys there, she had picked him.It was embarrassing and just plain wrong how fast things moved after that. Aiden had resisted temptation from the time he had first noticed the differences between girls and boys until he was twenty-four years old, but it took Jenna less than a week to break down that guard. A month later, she came up pregnant. Two weeks after that they were married. And six months after the wedding, their first daughter made an early entrance into this world, weighing in at eight pounds, fourteen ounces.He wasn’t stupid. He could do the math. But one look into Kensli’s face, and it was love at first sight. Besides, God had forgiven him of his sins, who was he to hold his wife’s sins against her, especially ones made before they had even met. He had no reason to believe she had stepped out on him once they were together. As far as Aiden was concerned, that baby was his.It wasn’t until six months later that he started to suspect her unfaithfulness. She started going out with the girls. She called each one by name as she would recount one of their escapades, but the funny thing was, he had never once met one of these women. If he asked too many questions, she would accuse him of not trusting her. Well, she had a point.Eighteen months after Kensli was born, they had Riley. Aiden was in love all over again. A couple of things were noticeable different about Riley. Her hair was jet black and she had chocolate brown eyes. Now how did two blond-hair, blue-eyed people end up with a baby with dark hair and eyes? If he had not been there when she was born, he would have sworn there had been a mix up at the hospital.He couldn’t help but notice the strange looks coming from family and friends as they would hold the new baby and study her features. Finally, Caleb just came out with what Aiden knew everyone was thinking. “Man, you need to get a DNA test on this one.” Then his gaze moved on to the firstborn. Kensli may have had Aiden’s coloring, but other people could do math too.Being Aiden’s closest friend, Caleb Palmer was probably the only person who could say what he was thinking without causing anger. His friend’s suggestion had freed him to examine the facts for himself. When he started questioning Jenna, everything became unbearable between them. They argued all the time. They were both miserable. After a month of constant bickering, Aiden decided to let the issue drop. What had it mattered anyway. He loved the girls and had already accepted them as his own.The arguing quietened down, but things still were not right between him and his wife. They didn’t touch. They didn’t kiss. It was like they were living in two separate worlds but together. Aiden began to wonder what was in this marriage for him. She stayed home all day, but he did all the cooking and cleaning. She managed to take care of the girls until he got off from work, but then they were solely his responsibility. Taking the kids to a daycare while he worked would have been no different. He may as well not have a wife, and six weeks to the day after Riley was born, he didn’t anymore.He had returned home from work and opened the front door to an empty house. Literally—she had taken practically everything they owned. His first thoughts were of the girls. Panic rose up, closing off his throat as he raced through the house to the nursery. He breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door to find Kensli playing on the floor with some scattered toys and Riley asleep in her crib.How long had they been there alone? The thoughts of what could have happened were terrifying. He had picked Kensli up and held her to his chest. After the panic subsided, he walked back through the house, taking inventory of what was left, which was pretty much nothing aside from everything in the nursery. She hadn’t even left him a bed to sleep in. There was nothing more than some discarded debris left in each room.“Mommy gone.” He looked down at the little munchkin in his arms with her head on his shoulder. It had been a statement, not a question. It was as if the child had seen it coming, but for Aiden it had been a complete shock.His own parents had been together for over thirty years. He was sure there had been problems to crop up in their marriage, but they had stuck with it. He had thought that was how it would be for him and Jenna, but there was no working this out. Not only had she abandoned them, but she had left his babies there in the house by themselves. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. He wouldn’t have taken her back then if she had begged him.He didn’t need a wife. Him and the girls were doing just fine. He had rededicated his life to God and they hardly ever missed church now. Instead of a neglectful mother looking after the kids while he worked, he had found an excellent daycare, and the girls seemed content there. He had even replaced all of the furniture.Other than the occasional bouts of loneliness, everything was great. Okay, so maybe the bouts were not so occasional, but it was a fair exchange for not having to deal with the possibility of another failed relationship.He laid the papers down in his lap and held up his left hand. Besides the kids, the gold band he still wore was the only thing left as a reminder of his life with Jenna. He twisted it around on his finger a few times before sliding it off. Honestly, it had been more of a shield than anything else. Every time he even thought of dating again, he would look to it as his reminder that he was still a married man. He would no longer be able to use that excuse.There was only one bright side to the papers he had received that morning. At least she had given him full and complete custody of the girls. This both hurt and was a relief at the same time. It was plain that she wanted nothing else to do with him or her kids. So be it. They would continue to be just fine without her.2One year and three months later . . .Bailey lifted her camera and centered the decorating committee within the frame of the lens as they bent over sketches stretched out across one of the tables. Some had already begun putting their plans into motion. It was the day after Thanksgiving and you would have thought everyone in Shiloh would be busy shopping and gearing up for Christmas, but no. A good many of the town’s citizens were right there in the annex building, getting ready for the annual New Year’s Eve ball.Every time anything went on in Shiloh, Bailey was there to capture it with her camera. She was the unofficial town photographer. She wasn’t on the payroll, but she would send the pictures in to the local paper, and they would pay her a small amount for her troubles.New Year’s Eve was Shiloh’s most important holiday because it happened to be the anniversary of the day it became an official town. There was some serious planning and preparation that went on every year as they tried to outdo whatever had been done the year before. It was also Bailey’s birthday, which was pretty sweet as far as she was concerned.Her daddy would tell the same corny jokes every year, implying the town’s celebration had really been in honor of his baby girl. Admittedly, it had made her feel extra special when she was a kid, but let’s face it, the jokes had gotten old and so had she. At least that’s how she felt. Bailey would be thirty in just over two years’ time and she worried that she had nothing to show for her time on this earth.    She was just about to snap a picture of Mayor Gavin Woodsley, leaning precariously at the top of a ladder while hanging gold-colored streamers from the ceiling, when she overheard her name being mentioned in the room directly behind her.“I don’t think Bailey Foster deserves another shot at love. She has already gone through two marriages. She has had her chance, if you ask me.”“Who are you to say what Bailey deserves?” She didn’t recognize the first speaker but that last one was definitely Aunt Ginger.It was good to know someone had her back, but she didn’t want to hear anymore. She stepped away and started snapping more pictures, but the euphoria she had felt before was gone. She knew what people thought about her situation. She had already heard it all before. Everyone thought she was meant for the single life—everyone but Momma, Aunt Ginger . . . and Bailey.Her momma would never tire of playing the matchmaker. She was constantly trying to set Bailey up with the latest gentleman whom she had deemed husband-worthy. It would have to be someone she just met because she had already exhausted all of her previous acquaintances. Bailey used to be caught up in her romantic view of the world, but she had learned her lesson the hard way. “God has someone in mind just for you. You don’t go looking for him. You just need to wait on the Lord to bring him to you.” That was Aunt Ginger. She wasn’t really Bailey’s aunt, but she could always be counted on for her loyalty and sound counsel. What she said made the most sense, and Bailey was now living by this sage advice. She didn’t flirt. She didn’t look. If God’s man really did exist, he would definitely have to come to her.Truthfully, she did not think there was even a remote possibility that the right man was out there. With her luck, he had probably passed by while Bailey was going through what she referred to as her idiot stage. But there was always that glimmer of hope. Deep down, she really wanted to love again and have someone love her in return. She wanted a husband she could raise a family with as they grew old together, loving each other a little more with each passing year.I don’t think Bailey Foster deserves another shot at love. Those words kept playing through her mind like a broken record. She worked her way around the room snapping pictures as she headed toward the door. She dropped her camera into her bag and donned the russet-colored cashmere wrap she had discarded when she first came in.“You’re not sneaking out so soon are you?”She turned to see her daddy coming through with a box full of clocks to be used for decoration. He had the sleeves pushed up on the gray sweater he was wearing. This one seemed to be a perfect match to his hair that was becoming a little more salted with silver with every year that passed. Momma would fuss about him stretching out the arms of her favorite sweater.“I need to go let Winston out. He has been cooped up all day.” Winston was her five-month-old, brown and white Yorkiepoo. Sadie had insisted that she had paid way too much money for a mixed-breed mutt. Bailey hadn’t even tried to argue with her. He was the one being she could count on for unwavering love, and he was worth every penny and then some.“If you call your momma, I’m sure she would let him out.”Yea, she would do it, but Bailey would never hear the end of her fussing about it. “You mean she isn’t here with you?”“She decided to take the day off. We have a bunch of weddings to do next month, not to mention Christmas, so she’s resting up now while she has the chance.” His smile always lit up his hazel eyes every time he talked about Momma—no matter the subject. Why couldn’t she find someone who felt the same way about her?“If she’s resting, then she doesn’t need to worry about Winston. I found a recipe online that would use up some of the leftovers from Thanksgiving. Why don’t I cook supper for y’all tonight? That way Momma can get a break from cooking today too.”“Thanks, Baby Girl.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.She took a deep breath of the crisp, autumn air as soon as she stepped out through the door of the annex building. Why should she allow the thoughts of a complete stranger color her mood for the rest of the day? She would go home, spend a little time with Winston who always made her feel better, and she would cook a satisfying meal for the family God had given her. Everything would be great . . . just great.

Singing in Heaven

God gives us our own particular talents. Mine isn’t singing. Even if you take away the Southern twang, my voice is deeper than some men’s, and I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.This morning I was in my car with the radio up loud, bouncing around in my seat, singing Victory along with Yolanda Adams and thinking about Heaven. If anyone had been riding along with me, I imagine they would have been looking at me out of the corner of their eyes with one brow raised, thinking This girl needs to stop butchering that song. And look at her, bouncing around like a crazy person with her hand in the air with two fingers making the shape of a V.Some people believe we will instantly be gifted with angelic voices as soon as we cross through the pearly gates. I don’t. I picture myself standing with the heavenly choir, singing Victory at the top of my lungs. We all will sound beautiful as a group, but up close, I’ll still sound bad. And the person beside me with the angelic voice will look at me and think, Look at her, praising Jesus! Yes, yes! As she dances along beside me with her fingers in the air giving the victory sign.See, I don’t believe my voice will change once I get to Heaven. But my attitude will. I’ll finally be able to think like Jesus. The negative thoughts will pass. I’ll look at others and only see them, the way He sees them. Praise God!

Say That Again

A few people have been curious about the pronunciation of the names in my books, as well as my own. Here’s a little guide for you. If I didn’t list a name, it’s because it sounds exactly how it is spelled, but if you aren’t sure about one, just ask.Let’s start with my name. Andrea- I pronounce it On’ dree a, but it doesn’t matter to me if people say it wrong. As long as I know you are talking to me, I will answer.Geography Aisling- Ash’ ling -I know, phonetically, it doesn’t make sense. If you pronounce it differently, that’s okay.Cathal- Ca’ thlCordelia- Core del’ e a  Gilvary- Gil’ va reeKearnley- Kern’ leeMarta- Mar taRivania- Ri vān’ e aPeopleAdrika- Ad reek’ aAgata- Uh gate’ uhAine- AnnArlana- Ar lan’ aBarnali- Barn’ au leeBrianna- Bree on’ na -If you have been pronouncing it Bree an na, that’s okay too.Cait- KateDamini- Da’ min eeDoireann- Dor’ e annEamon- A monEinri- In ree  Eoghan- E’ o ganFinelle- Fin el’Kiagon- Kee’ a gonMalai- Ma lay’ iNiocol- Nee’ a coleRian- Ry’ an 

The Kingdoms of Kearnley- Looking at the characters and their future.

For those of you who are curious, here are my character notes from The Kingdom of Kearnley series. You can see if your idea about what the characters are like match up to mine. Also, I have added a bit of what I think is in store for the future of the main characters.Country of Kearnley- The three Kearnley brothers conquered this country (Marta) over 300 years ago and divided it into 3 kingdoms. The people would be Kearnish.Kingdom of Aisling- Dragon Southern, coastal. Aislinian, flat accentBrianna Leigh Reaner(virtuous, strong)-  age in each book 17,18, 34; DOB Nov. 27; personality type ESTJ sun kissed skin, long wavy reddish brown hair but she keeps it trimmed to the waist, large hazel eyes, turned up nose that she hates(like her mother’s), average weight, 5’6”, long slender fingers, full lips. Bouts of temper at times that doesn’t last long. Hardly ever cries. Slightly insecure and envious because she doesn’t look as good as Gwen. Has never dated, she was busy learning to be queen, then running the kingdom but she thinks boys are not attracted to her and she has never tried to get ones attention before. Not very romantic or sentimental. Has a sense of humor but is mostly serious about her job. Forgives easily.Garrett Richard Barnali(brave, watchful)- 18, 19, 35 DOB July 6, ISTJ Sandy hair, only one with pale green eyes like his mother, looks sad all of the time but when he smiles, his whole face lights up, 5’10”,3rd son, he has clashed often with his father so Coman pays him little notice. Shy and romantic, wants to be a better man than his father. Has always wanted Brianna but backed off when he realized he couldn’t have her. Feels anger like everyone else but seldom explodes.Children: Their age in the last bookDeidre Leigh- age 15Andrew Garrett- age 6Morgan James- age 3What does the future hold for Garrett and Brianna’s family?At the age of forty, Brianna will deliver another babe on Christmas day and they will name herRichael Noelle. After Richael comes of age, they will turn the running of the kingdom over to Deidre’s capable hands and do a little traveling while they still can.Deidrewill marry a logger named Corey Westbrook- Strong of body and will, good looking, (of course) and not rich or royal, but he grounds Deidre with his no-nonsense logic, which is exactly what she needs. Deidre is not pledged by the same issues as her mother and grandmother. She has five children without a miscarriage or stillborn among them.Andrewbecomes a world traveler before finally settling down with a wife and a couple of kids.Morganand his wife live in a chateau by the sea and have a total of nine kids.Richaelstudies art. She has no plans to marry until fellow artist wins her heart. They have three kids- bringing the total grandchildren for Garrett and Brianna to nineteen.Cast of minor characters for Securing AislingTorin is Brianna’s horse. He is a bay (reddish with dark mane and tail) gelding, Arabian.Eoghan- Garrett’s horse, means God’s precious gift. black and white (pinto) Overo Stallion.Niall Reaner- bday 10/29 Bria’s father. Murdered when she was 16. (details)Auburn hair and beard, hazel eyes. (like father on Tangled)Kingdom came thru him.Deidra Whitmire Reaner- bday 6/25 died giving birth to a stillborn son when Bria was (barely)11. Had several miscarriages between Bria and stillborn.Light brown hair, green eyes. Her father was a duke. It wasn’t really an arranged marriage but it was an encouraged one. They did love each other but it wasn’t a passionate marriage.Eamon(protective)Alexander (defender of mankind)- bday 9/11, trusted advisor- 59 yrs old, 60, deceased ISTP Brother to Einri and uncle to Gwen. Full head of blond hair and blue eyes but he keeps his head and face shaved unless he travels. Everyone is surprised to find out that he is not going bald naturally. Natural born leader. Him and Bria are very close.Doireann- sullen, mid 50’s light brown/gray hair- always a bun, hazel eyes. No-nonsense. You hardly ever see her. No children. They love each other more than you would think.Reilly Aiden Cassidy- ENFP mid-50’s, not so trustworthy advisor. Secretly in bed with Coman, Bria’s go between with other kingdoms. Widower. No kids. Dark brown/gray curly hair with balding. Dark brown eyes. Tall and slim. I am picturing the evil man from Zorro.Owen Finlay- lamb- ISFP youngest advisor-30 years old. 31, 47 The only one picked by Bria. She picked him because he was the youngest out of the recommended and she thought he would relate better to her. He likes to go with the majority. People pleaser. Kingdom has a law- council usually serves for life. When ruler dies, the oldest advisor retires and the new ruler gets to pick his replacement. Shoulder-length light brown hair that he sometimes wears in a ponytail. Green eyes. Tall and slim. Some would say good looking.Cait- Owen’s wife- 22 years old. Thin blond hair and blue eyes.Aine- Owen’s daughter- 2 yrs old, looks like her mother.Gwendolyn Rose Alexander- INTP 18, 19, 35 DOB 9/21 See belowGhost is the horse she uses. He is a gray (looks white) Arabian. Brianna will give her to Gwen when she leaves.Einri Alexander- ISTJ 44, 45, 61 years old, steward, Gwen’s father, youngest (of 7)brother to Eamon(oldest of his sibs), blond hair, blue eyes, thinner and shorter than Eamon. He went away when he was younger and came back with an infant (Gwen). Eamon got him a job in the castle and he worked his way up. He claims that he had married Gwen’s mother but no one ever met her and he never talks about what happened to her.Alma Rosemary Logan- Gwen’s mother Died just before Gwen turned 2. Sandy hair, green eyesAustin Connor- Einri’s replacement. Blond hair, blue eyes, warriors build.Duke Mannix- 88, widowerAgata- ESFJ b day 10/2, 68 yrs old. 69, 84 or gone?. Nurse/ maidservant, Widowed young, 3 kids grown, 5 gkids. Voluptuous in her day. She is spry and funny, will say the unexpected.Parson Nevan- 55yrs old. 56, 72- retired. Preacher at castle Aisling. Slightly overweight, balding, happy,Kerwin Mundy- 35 years old, healer at Fort Bevan. Tall slim black man with medium skin and eyes. Never married. Serious, believes you should take your medicine like a man- no honey.Glen Hurley- General over the fort.Simon- captain of the guard at Castle AislingRowena- Deidre’s friendBlanche- seamstressYvon- Deidre’s handmaidenKingdom of Gilvary- Falcon plains, dry, more advanced in technology, Gilvarian, women do not shake handsFort Cathal- means Battle ReadyReagan Augustine Barnali- 20, 21, 37 DOB 10/13, 5’7”, 2nd, ESFP agreeable, black hair, light brown eyes the contrast of light and dark is very appealing. He is very good-looking. He flirts with everything in a skirt but is still a virgin and not an excessive drinker. His philosophy was to roll with whatever life handed him. God’s will be done. Married on May 13, wedding on August 18- Finelle’s bdayGwendolyn Rose Alexander- INTP 18, 19, 35 DOB 9/21 her companion since childhood. Very elegant even though she is only the steward’s daughter. Optimistic. Pale skin, hair and blue eyes. Loves animals, Funny, Deadly with a bow, has dated but nothing serious, secretly feels inferior to the queen but also to everyone else because of questionable birth. Her father never speaking of it has actually made it worse. Book2 She falls in love with Reagan but refuses to marry him until after Finelle dies which is ironic since before she would have been a princess but now she will def. be a queen. She realizes that life is too short and she needed to trust God more for her future.Children:Niocol Dunbar Barnali- ISFJ Dunbar and Juliane’s baby age 15August Rose- age 12Dallas Alexander- age 9Tomas Logan- age 5Caitlin Finelle- age 2What does the future hold for Reagan and Gwen’s family?No more children for Reagan and Gwen. They live to the ages of 68 and 66, then die one day apart, Gwen first.Nicand his wife, Eily, take over as King and Queen of Gilvary. Nic never meets his birthmother. It is a little sad whenever he takes the time to think about it, but he has no fault with the ones who raised him. Neither of his parents ever once made him feel like he didn’t belong. He is sweet and kind and a little bit of a pushover. Him and his wife have three children, all girls.Augustand her husband run the trade school her father began. They have two kids, a boy and a girl.Dallasand his wife run a horse ranch. They have seven boys and on girl.Tomasstill lives in the castle. His passion is healing and trying to find new remedies for old ailments. He never marries.Caitlinmarries and has five children, but if you want to know what she is up to, you’ll have to keep reading.This brings Reagan and Gwen’s grandchild count up to seventeen.Cast of supporting characters for Healing GilvaryComan Dunbar Barnali- 54, 5’8”, ENFJ means bent…controlling, power hungry, he has been preparing his oldest to be king, he wants a marriage between Dunbar and Bria so he can rule both kingdoms, Black hair and eyes, goatee. Evil. He loves his wife though.Finelle Barnali- ISFP 41, 42 mother, ornamental doormat, Kingdom came down from her side. Beautiful, honey blond hair, 5’7”, pale skin, slim and youthful looking. Her bday is 8/18 maiden name NiocolTheirs is an arranged marriage but she loves her husband. She loves her kids too but will blind herself of Coman’s evil even at the expense of the kids.Coman Dunbar(castle dweller)- ISFJ 22, 5’8”, Oldest Barnali prince, good looking, puppet to his father. Light brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, not as innocent as he appears. He wants the same thing his father does but hates being a puppet to get it. To make up for it he drinks a little more than he should and sleeps with women.Terence- 17, 18, 33 6’, DOB 5/21 bulky, 4th, simple minded, brown curly hair, dark brown eyesDelano- Reagan’s Black stallionAllister- Reagan’s falconGilroy(king’s devotee)- kings advisor, Coman’s go between.Ena- maid, mother to Gemma, falsely accused of killing DunbarGemma Fergus- 7, 8, 23 Ena’s daughter, 12/2, emerald eyes. Let’s see who’s paying attention. You may be seeing Gemma (and only Gemma) again. I have this story cooking in my head based in Rivania. We’ll see if it ever makes it from my head out to paper.Vicar GilmoreOscar- soldierInnis- ServantFilib Ellis- stable boy turned messenger turned advisor. 22,23 one Reagan trusted. Oldest brown hair and eyes.Dale Ellis- 14, 24- Filib’s replacement as messenger. Airship pilot.Mave- 22 Airship mechanicKiagon- traitor,Tessa Ellis- A servant.Brenen Ellis- Server- jouster.Arlana Kelly- Steward at Gilvary green eyesClare Ellis- 16, Gwen’s assistant, middle child of 7. Whole family works in castle. Brown hair and eyes. Plump. Boy crazy, lack of confidence because of weight.Elen Ellis- 10, youngest Ellis child.Glynis- head cook- she takes charge of GemmaEdina- grumpy old woman who helps take care of Finelle. Used to help with the children.Nora- Finelle’s other caregiver. Her handmaid.Angus Sawyer- Juliane’s dadJuliane Sawyer- Dunbar’s baby’s momma. Blond hair, green eyes- room in west tower.Pastor Conroy Dunham- Pastor at Gilvary, silver hair, blue eyes, free of wrinkles. Pastor DunhamKyle Darby- random kid who beat up Rian. Later in book 3 he will be one of Gemma’s admirers.Galen Ferrell- head gardener/ choir directorAntoine Lewis- General over the warriors in Gilvary. Advisor to Reagan.Martin, David, Brody- random soldiersKingdom of Dermot-Eagle Mountains, cold, Dermish, Supper is called the evening meal.Rivania- Rivanian- the country where Rian served as soldier.Cordelia - CordelianRian Lucas Barnali- INTJ 9, 10, 25 DOB 2/13 5th youngest, spoiled to ruin in his early years, blond hair, light brown eyes. becomes more sullen and reserved, witnesses the death of his father, feels guilt toward his whole family- even to book 3. Tattoo on right arm. Wears a silver chain with an anchor- describe but do not explain. (The anchor points to a book not yet written.)Adrika Kathleen Mahon-  ISTJ- born jan 2. Age 2, 3, 18 black hair, chocolate-brown eyes. (I don’t have anything written here because I didn’t have a plan for her. I had to wait and see how she would develop. She has a complex personality because of the dual nationality traits and because her relationship with her father changed so drastically.)What does the future hold for Rian and Adrika?Sadly, I do not see Rian and Adrika having children. This upset my mother when I told her this. If it bothers you, I encourage you to make up your own ending. Share it with me. I look forward to hearing about it.Since in my mind they have no children,Caitlin Finelle Barnalibecomes their Named Heir. At the age of twenty, she comes to live at the castle in Dermot to finish out her training and to get her ready to become the future ruler. She falls in love with Liam Sutherland, one of Dermot’s noblemen. They marry and finally fill the castle with children-five of them. Rian and Adrika dote on them as if they were their own grandchildren.Farris Mahon- ENFJ rock bear- King of Dermot, 52, 53, 70 big burly man, wears a lot of furs. Really loves his wife. Salt and pepper hair and beard. Dark blue eyes. Dies at the age of 74.Babree Mahon- ISFJ Queen, almost as tall as Farris, 38, 39 From another Cordelia. Dies at age 52 (when Adrika is 16)Damini- NursemaidDuke Brigid- 48, confirmed bachelorBrett Eveny- 11, 12, 27 Duke Brigid’s nephew and heir.General Cormac- gray eyes.Liam Reeves- Vicar of Dermot, tall, dark eyes, salt and pepper hair.Kariann Fisher- hair dresser. Bleach blonde with overdone makeup. Pale blue eyes.Brasil- Farris’ personal servant.Galik Anhalt Adrika’s uncle.Carlos- guard with GalikArthur Harling- advisor- representative of people of Dermot. Really old.Kealan Thomas- advisor representing Dermot to all of Kearnley. Youngest of the advisors. Travels to Aisling for Session.Hogan Faulkner- advisor in charge of defense.Fiona Mitchel- Rian’s ex.Donal- 14, mute servant- son of Renny, head cook.Renny- head cook, husband left after he found out that Donal was mute.Healer IrvingAbel Pendergrass- leader of group of warriors.Jon Wilkins- warrior traveling with Adrika.Kaine- a scoutMalai- name of man Galik plans for Adrika to marry.

First 3 Chapters of Restoring Dermot

OneRian“Halt, Soldier!”I slowly turned to face the Dermish warrior behind me. There was no need to draw a weapon. Yet.“What excuse could a Rivanian soldier have for climbing up the side of the king’s sacred mountain?”I was dressed in plain clothing, my visible weapons no more than an average traveler. The slashes shaved in the sides of my beard and hair were most likely what had identified me as a soldier of Rivania. Although I had left Rivania and was no longer bound to that country, bare gaps of exposed skin were ever present—partly from habit and partly because it helped me to maintain some level of respect on board the ship that brought me to Dermot.“I asked you a question, Soldier. What are you doing here?”“I was headed home before you stopped me.” Or at least, it had been home to me ten years ago. I still was not sure what kind of welcome I would receive once I made it there.His brow wrinkled. “Home? No one lives on Mount Cullan. This is the king’s mountain, and it is illegal to pass over without his permission. I suspect you were sent here as a spy. Am I right?”“I am no spy. I am no longer a soldier either. My service to Rivania has ended. I was on my way home to Gilvary.”One side of his thin lips curled up in obvious doubt. “You must take me as a fool. Once you are sworn in as a soldier of Rivania, that service never ends.”He was right. Every able-bodied adult male without a viable trade was pressed into service, where he usually fought until his dying breath. A soldier may be released if he lived through any great injury, but very few made it to retirement. None of those reasons had bought my freedom.I gave no response as I studied the man in front of me. He wore a basic uniform with leather-covered armor embellished with the Dermot eagle. A scabbard hung from his side, and he held a primitive staff in his hand. I could render him weaponless in a matter of minutes with nothing but my bare hands, but I would not do this. I had truly come here in peace.“Head back down the way you came, Soldier, and do not think to try anything. I will be right behind you.”No protest fell from my lips. I knew how this would end. I would go before the king, my intentions would be revealed, and then I would be sent on my way. Yes, it was an annoying delay, but I would make it home eventually. No one was expecting my return anyway.Regardless of what my immediate future held, I could not help but to soak up the serenity of the landscape around me. In mid-March, I expected the mountains to be nearly impassable, covered with drifts of snow. As it was, there was less than a foot present here and thinner still at the base of the mountain. The original plan was to take the ship all the way to Aisling and enter Gilvary from there. But I could not endure being cooped up on that crowded vessel any longer. When we docked in Dermot, I noticed the milder than expected temperatures and decided to take my chances crossing the Kearnley mountain range instead.There was such a vast difference between this mountainside and the country I had left behind, a place crowded with buildings and people where peace could never be found. I had once loved living in Rivania. I was in my teens when I first arrived and there was excitement to be found in every corner. By the time I was pressed into service, I was ready. After all, I was already living the life of an adult, depending only on myself. Now here I was at the age of twenty-five, and it felt as if I was at the end of my life instead of closer to the beginning.I paused when we reached the bottom of the mountain, expecting to be taken directly into the brownstone castle to face the king. Instead, I was relieved of my weapons, along with my bag, and was placed in one of the outside cells. I was not worried. Perhaps King Farris was too busy to deal with me now, but surely, I would not be imprisoned for long.Four weeks, three days and approximately two hours—that is how long I languished in that frigid prison. The cell was actually just a cave-like hole dug into the side of the mountain with a rusted iron gate across the front. The walls, ceiling, and floor had been cemented to keep prisoners from digging their way out. This only added to the prisoner’s discomfort since no bed nor even a blanket had been provided. The only protection I had been offered from the cold was my own cloak. I spent every night and part of my days curled into a tight ball trying to cover my head as well as my feet.But I had not remained idle the entire time. There was not enough room in the cell to make pacing profitable, so I exercised. I had been trained for the possibility of capture. It was essential that I keep my muscles from shriveling up to nothing. I was taught to keep my body prepared to fight should the chance avail itself.The only person I had seen since entering this prison was the youth that slid food through the opening of the cell door. I tried to speak with him on several occasions, but he just stared blankly at me, if he looked at me at all. I took him for a deaf-mute and gave up after the first few days of trying.Every meal was the same—watered down stew with stale bread. I had a feeling the leftovers from each meal were thrown into a pot with enough liquid to be considered stew. I suppose it was better than nothing. Anticipating my noon portion of the slop, I watched as a warrior showed up with only the keys to my cell in hand.“The king is ready to see you now.”I looked down at my clothes. Everything about me was covered in a month’s worth of filth. How was I going to convincingly state my case before the king looking like this?As if reading my mind, the warrior pointed toward the barracks located behind the cells. “You can’t go before His Majesty looking like that. You need a bath first. You stink.”Whose fault was that?“Head out. I’ll be right behind you.”I headed toward the front of the barracks.“No, go around to the back.”I changed direction without question. What other choice was there? When I got to the back of the building, I was surprised to find a natural hot spring with steam coming from it. It was apparent that there had at one time been a wall surrounding the spring. Now there was only a crumbling foundation that would in no way hide a bather.He gestured toward the water. “Get in.”I stripped off my clothing right there in the open for all to see. Modesty was nonexistent for soldiers. Hoping I would never have to don them again, I dropped the filthy rags into a pile. There was a change of clothing in my bag. If they were not presented to me, I could stand before the king as I was for all I cared.I eased down into the warm water, letting out a sigh of relief. Maybe I would feel warm for the first time since arriving here.“You don’t have all day. This bath is for the benefit of the king, not yourself. Make haste.” A bar of lye soap came hurling toward my face, and I caught it just in time.It was good to see that the cold my joints had suffered had not affected my reflexes. I dipped down until my head was submerged. My blond hair and beard had become shaggy without the use of the equipment needed to care for my grooming. I lathered myself from head to toe, thankful for the unforgiving soap. I scraped what I could from nails that were too long. I expected the warrior to give another complaint that I was taking too long. He did not say another word as he leaned against the back of the barracks.Reluctantly, I climbed out of the water. Somehow, I still did not feel clean, but it would do until I was once again on my way toward Gilvary. No doubt, I would soon be released. I raked my hands through my hair, releasing the excess wetness.The warrior patted the stack of clothing on the bench next to him. “Get dressed.”The clothes were mine. The rest of my belongings were nowhere to be seen. I used my tunic to dry myself off before getting dressed. The cold was already starting to seep into my bones once again. With damp hair and clothes, I would be fortunate to come out of this without suffering illness. My cloak had been left in the cell. It could stay there as far as I was concerned. A new one could be purchased after I was released.I headed around to the entrance of the castle as instructed, with the warrior following close behind. I recognized the ancient looking man waiting for us just inside the door. I could not remember his name, but he had been the general over the warriors here in Dermot when I was a child. He seemed close to retirement even then. Judging by the ensign on his uniform, he still held that position. I was hard put to see how he could still be effective.Authority sounded in his voice that did not match his appearance. “In a moment, you are to go before His Highness, King Farris. You are not to speak unless he asks you a direct question. Even then, you are only to answer the question asked, and your reply better be in a respectful manner. Do you understand?”“I have done nothing to warrant the treatment I have received here. He will hear about it before I leave.”The unexpected hit from the staff of the warrior standing behind me had me lying prostrate on the floor. The warriors of Dermot were the only ones I had ever known to use the primitive staff as a weapon. No longer would I question their effectiveness.“You will not speak until spoken to. If you cannot comply, you may not make it out of Dermot. Do you understand?”I gritted my teeth. “Yes.” There was no use arguing with this man. The king would be the one to reason with.“Get him up, and tie his hands.”I got up on my own before the warrior had a chance to touch me. There was no resistance as he tied my hands behind my back.Following the general into the throne room, I looked up to where the king and queen of Dermot sat on the dais in their elaborately carved wooden seats. King Farris looked even more ancient than his general. A brazier burned on the stone floor in front of him. His thin face was the only part of him visible beneath the pile of furs covering his body. The king’s once dark hair was mostly white now. He studied me with his watery blue eyes.A man stood to the right of the king. He could have been an advisor, but he did not look like a Gilvarian. With his dark hair and eyes, he could be from just about anywhere, but his clothing was that worn by the men of the neighboring country of Cordelia. His long tunic was embroidered and beaded around the edges. A look of boredom covered his face as he stood there with his arms crossed over his chest.I looked to the left of King Farris expecting to see his wife, but it seemed that a much younger beauty had replaced Queen Babree. The king’s first wife had also been from Cordelia, and it looked as if King Farris had found his second wife there as well. Long black hair cascaded in waves that reached past her waist. She wore a long, heavily embroidered blue tunic that split just below the waist to reveal a loose pair of silky looking charcoal gray pants. Contempt shown in her smoky brown eyes as she glared at me.I glanced at King Farris and then back to the woman beside him. She was younger than my twenty-five years. What was a young woman like this doing married to a man as old as the king? Was the title of queen enticing enough to warrant such a gap in age?The general took a step closer to me and spoke in a low tone. “I suggest you train your gaze away from Princess Adrika. It would do you well to study the floor beneath you.”In my shock at hearing those words, I jerked my head around toward the warrior before I looked down at the floor as he had advised. I was tempted to take another peek at the princess, but even a quick glance would not go unnoticed.Was the princess still the brat she was when I knew her? She had bitten my brother once. A snicker almost escaped at the memory. It was doubtful that reaction would be well received as I stood shackled before the king, awaiting a verdict concerning my immediate future.“Your Highness, I bring before you, Gunther Manlius, accused of climbing the sacred Mount Cullan. He is believed to be a spy sent from Rivania.”I stole another glance at the general. I had not been asked my name since being imprisoned. That information had to have been gathered when they went through my bag.  Surely, they would have found the parchment releasing me from my duties as a Rivanian soldier. Was that enough to prove that I was not a spy? It was doubtful. There was no need to worry. Once I had a chance to speak to the king, he would know of my innocence.“And what did he claim as his reason for being on that mountain?”It was annoying that he had not asked me that question. I was impatient to have this over with so I could move on. I glanced up to find the king studying my face even as he spoke to his general.“Your Highness, he claimed that he was on his way home to Gilvary. I present that if he were truly a citizen of Gilvary, he would have known enough of our laws not to be on that mountain.”“Gilvary, you say?” The king leaned forward as if to get a better look. My gaze automatically went up to meet his. I felt a tap on the back of my calf from the general’s staff causing me to once again stare at the stone floor beneath my feet.“Yes, Your Highness.”“Look at me, prisoner.”Was he about to sentence me without giving me the benefit of defending myself? I boldly looked the king in the eye and held his gaze.“You have the eyes of your brother, King Reagan, but even with your beard, you look too much like your mother to be mistaken. I suggest you tell me what I already know to be true. What is your name?”A gasp from the princess had me stealing another glance in her direction before looking back at the king. “I have been living in Rivania as Gunther Manlius these last ten years, but my real name is Rian Barnali, as I am sure you know, Your Highness.”The man standing behind King Farris made a sound in his throat that had me glancing his way once again. His brows were drawn together above the glare he now wore. Everyone in the room was probably wondering why they were just hearing this information. If I had seen anyone besides the boy who brought me food, this would have been over with a month ago.The king rubbed his hand across his thin gray beard. He seemed in deep study of my face as he leaned forward. I had no clue what he could be thinking. “I believe you, Prince Rian. Now if you would, enlighten me as to why you were crossing Mount Cullan. You must have known it was forbidden. Not to mention the fact that it would have been easier to go through Nolan Pass.”For the first time, I feared that things would not go in my favor.He leaned back in his seat as he continued, his voice firm and foreboding. “For that matter, I was told you came here by sea. If you were already aboard ship, why not wait and get off in Aisling? You have a brother ruling that kingdom as well. Rumor has it that no one in your family has even had one word from you during your exile. I am sure King Garrett would have welcomed you with open arms and helped you on your way back home to Gilvary, if that was your desire.”This part would be hard for anyone to understand but myself. I decided to be as honest as I could and let the chips fall where they may. “I was fifteen years old when I left the country of Kearnley. I left Gilvary by coming across Mount Cullan and catching the first ship away from here. Someone would have been watching for me to go through the pass and the thought of crossing over the forbidden mountain without being caught seemed like a thrill to my childish mind at the time.“I left the ship once I returned to your shores because, frankly, I did not think I could stand another minute on that boat. It was a nostalgic and obviously foolish notion, but having honestly forgotten about the law I decided to return to Gilvary the same way I left. I promise you that I had no malicious intent in crossing your mountain, and I would be glad to take the pass into Gilvary now.”“Be that as it may, you are my prisoner. I am not inclined to allow you to leave at this time. Guard, untie the prince and have one of the servants show him to a room.”He cannot be serious?My hands released with a jerk as the general cut the rope behind me. “I do not understand. Why are you keeping me here?”“You may be a prince, but I am the king. You will do well to keep that in mind when you address me.”Panic pressed upon me. My jaw clenched as I tried to keep a neutral face. “Your Highness, I mean no disrespect, but I have done your kingdom no harm. What do you think will happen when my brothers find out that you are holding me here?”“Your brothers have no jurisdiction over this kingdom.” He nodded to the general behind me. “Take him away. I grant him permission to move about the grounds, but make sure a guard is with him at all times.”There was no use in arguing further. My brothers were sure to hear of this. They may not have jurisdiction here, but it would not bode well for the king of Dermot to have the other two kingdoms of Kearnley against him.The guard took hold of my arm and pulled me toward a door on the left side of the chamber. Princess Adrika came into view, and I allowed my attention to linger this time. I may not be on level with the king, but regardless of the fact that I was being held prisoner, she and I were on equal standing. At first her mouth hung open as if she was as shocked as I was at her father’s command. Then she lifted her proud chin in order to look down at me, and I winked just to see if the shocked look would return. I smiled as if I had not a care in the world before turning away from her glare.TwoAdrikaI was a child of seven when I last encountered Prince Rian. He seemed much older then, at twice my age. He had given the impression that he hated everyone at that time. It was hard to reconcile that teenager with the man who had stood in my father’s court this morning. The gap in age no longer seemed significant.I tried to not show interest in what had transpired as I waited, hoping my father would say anything about the prince. To have the lost prince of Gilvary show up here after all of these years was the most exciting thing to happen in this kingdom since . . . well, since before Mother’s death a couple of years ago. It seemed everything good in my world disappeared the day she passed away.Why would Father keep Prince Rian prisoner? Did he not fear retaliation from the two brothers? I had seen the condition of our prisons. Just the time the prince had spent in one of those cells was enough to bring the wrath of his entire family down on our kingdom. If a battle ensued, we would lose. Our warriors did not compare to those of the rest of the country. It was also surprising that Prince Rian had not earned further punishment for his brazen actions as he flirted with me on his way out.One stolen glance at my father told me that he was deep in thought. My uncle made a noise as if he meant to speak, but Father lifted his hand in a command for silence. Knowing him, he had started making some plan as soon as he figured out the identity of our prisoner. Father was always making plans. Most were harmless, as they never made it into action. My father was a thinker more than anything else.Only when he spoke to me was I allowed to look at him directly without fear of reprimand. “Daughter, I would like for you to become reacquainted with Prince Rian.”I knew this was not a request but a command. “Do you want me to . . .”“No questions. Just do as I say. You are dismissed.”“Yes, Father.” I stood and curtsied before making my way quietly from the room.Uncle Galik began speaking in a low rapid speech as soon as I started walking away. I knew better than to dawdle. I only heard do you think that is wise considering . . . Considering what? That we knew nothing of Prince Rian? That he could bring harm to this kingdom’s only heir? That my uncle had an agenda that had nothing to do with the prince?Father obviously wanted me to spy on Prince Rian, but how was I to know what information I was to try and garner if he would not tell me? I stomped up the stairs, taking out my frustration. There was no need to hide it now that I was away from Father’s presence.I entered my bed chamber and began stripping off my silken court attire as soon as I shut the door. The clothes I wore when presented in public were designed after the clothes worn in Cordelia—my mother’s homeland. The blue tunic, embellished with embroidery and beads on the gleaming silk fabric, had me looking like a foreigner to this country, rather than its princess.Every activity in my life had a special outfit to go with it. Why could I not just go through my wardrobe and choose whatever I fancied for that moment like any other woman would?Damini came in with a gasp just as my outfit slid to the floor. She ran to the glass door leading out to the veranda and jerked the drapes closed. “Did you not think to close the drapes or ask me to do it before you stripped? What if someone saw you?”“So, let them look.” Truthfully, I had not given the open drapes a thought as I undressed, but I would never admit to such foolishness.She mumbled under her breath as she picked up my clothes and began placing them neatly in my wardrobe. I wanted to remind her of how many times she had reprimanded me for the same thing. The servant had been with me since I was born. My mother had wanted a nursemaid from her home country to look after her daughter, one to train me in the “old ways.” It was so frustrating to be handed a different set of rules from anyone else living in Kearnley, and this in addition to the ones set for royalty.I sat at my dressing table, staring into the ornate mirror as I brushed my hair. I twisted it into a knot and used one of my hand painted picks to weave through the knot, holding it in place. I could see Damini’s reflection shaking her head in disapproval.“How am I to get your evening dress over your head with that thing sticking out of your hair?”That was not the problem. The problem was that my mother deemed it inappropriate for a woman not yet married to wear her hair up. I was never sure if it was one of the old ways or just another of the many rules Mother had made up. Two years gone, and I was still being stifled by her teachings.“I am going for a walk before supper.”“We do not say supper. You know this. You just like to vex me.”“All of Kearnley says supper, but I must call it the evening meal. You know, maybe I would not vex you if you stopped treating me as a child.”“You will be a child until you are married, then your husband will tell you what to do. I just hope your future spouse has the constitution to finally put you in your place.” She snatched my hiking clothes from a hanger and slung them across the bed.I slipped into the sturdy pair of trousers and pulled the sweater over my head. A snicker sounded from behind me when it caught on the stick holding my hair up. I twisted it up with less care this time and replaced the hair ornament. I slid my feet into my boots and began tightening the straps.“I heard your father was going to try the prisoner today. He was not released, was he?”“You have not heard? It turns out that our prisoner is none other than Prince Rian Barnali of Gilvary. You know, the one who has been missing. Father should have let him go, but instead he is holding him here. The prince was offered a room in the castle, though I doubt that will make up for how he has been treated up until this point.”Damini looked up from rearranging dried flowers in the vase on my bedside table. “It is not up to you to question your father, and he cannot be blamed for what he did not know. I am sure the prince would have been given accommodations sooner had his identity been revealed upon his arrival.”I crossed my arms over my chest. “Do you think his family will see it that way?”“That is none of your concern. Let your father worry about appeasing the other kingdoms, and you just worry about yourself.” She came to me and placed her hand on my cheek. “Maybe you should refrain from going on a hike until we get to know this prince. What if he should approach you?”“Actually, Father has asked me to spend time with Prince Rian. Maybe I should be the obedient daughter and seek him out now. I wonder which room he was placed in.”“Oh, just go on your hike already. You are wasting time.” She crossed her arms and sat down on the side of my bed.Damini knew I was baiting her. I would never go searching for the prince. If I happened to be in his presence, then I would gather any information that might appease my father. Otherwise, I would keep to myself as usual.I bent down and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Mini, please do not fret so. I am going on my hike now. I will have my staff and can take care of myself. I will be back in plenty of time to dress for the evening meal.”I had made life difficult for her these last eighteen years, but I still cared deeply for the woman, and I knew she cared for me. My life would be much lonelier than it already was without her.Wrapping myself in my cloak, I took up my staff and stepped out onto the veranda. I breathed deeply of the crisp mountain air. Snow was usually still thick on the ground in mid-April here in Dermot, but not so in recent years. With the drought we suffered these past five years, everything had changed. The snow left now was more of a muddy slush in the more frequently traveled places.The castle was built into the lower part of Mount Cullan. The private verandas leading out from each room on this side were nothing but squares of packed earth. It was more of a tiered garden than anything else. Paths wound around the foot of the mountain. They were off-limits to everyone but the occupants of the castle. I tried to spend a little time out here daily. It was the only form of exercise I was allowed.I walked across the flat surface and was about to take a step down to the path when I was startled by the voice of our prisoner. “I would not go there if I were you. You may be treated to a stay in one of your lovely prison cells if you dare to step foot on the sacred mountain.”Rian was standing near the castle wall on the veranda next to mine. He was without a cloak. His arms were crossed at his chest, causing his tunic to pull tight across his broad shoulders. He had the build of a warrior. Come to think of it, none of our warriors were built like him. I felt a moment of panic at being alone with him. At my quick glance around, I noticed a warrior on the path just off from where the prince was standing.“Do not worry, Princess, you are safe with me.”I could feel the heat rising to my face at being caught. I hated that he had noticed my fear. I hoped to convey contempt rather than embarrassment as I glared up at the smirk on his face.“Let me assure you, Soldier, I can take care of myself.” I thumped the end of my staff on the ground for emphasis.“Are you trying to imply that your parents allowed you to be trained to use that stick? I find that highly unlikely.”As a matter of fact, they had. It was the only thing outside the normal strictures placed on me that my mother had allowed.  She wanted her only child to be protected at all times. Since I had a tendency of wandering off at an early age, she had reluctantly agreed to the lessons. I refused to answer his question. It was probably best for him to think me completely helpless.“How would you know anything about what my parents would allow?”He looked up toward the peak of the mountain and then back at me. “I was a teenager when I left Kearnley. I remember plenty from my time here.” The meaning behind this statement seemed to run deeper than our current conversation. “You were still an infant then. You probably do not even remember me.”“There are only seven years between us. That would hardly make me an infant when you left Kearnley. And I do remember you. You are just as mean spirited and cocky as you were back then.”The smile slid from his face, and his brows knitted in concern. I had not expected my words to affect him but they obviously had. “I am truly sorry that you think so of me. I cannot deny the person I was back then, but I hoped I had matured since that time. Please forgive me.”I did not know what to say. Should I apologize for my words? I remembered then that my father had asked me to get to know this man. I felt I had somehow failed and had no idea how to redeem myself. In the time it had taken me to contemplate any further action on my part, he had decided to end this meeting.He bowed low before me. “I will keep you no longer from your journeys, Princess.” He then turned and went back inside the castle.What a strange thing for him to say. I noticed before that his accent and phrasing were a little off from the people of Gilvary. Maybe that was what made him seem more interesting to me than he should be. What had he been doing these past ten years? General Cormac said he had been a soldier in the country of Rivania. I could not imagine why a prince would take on such a role.I had been standing there staring at his door for too long. What if he saw me through the window? Hastily, I turned to make my way down the path. I had become chilled from my lack of activity, and I had promised Damini I would be back in time to dress for the evening meal—two reasons for more vigorous action. I glanced back at his door one more time before it was cut from my view. For the first time, it struck me as surprising that Father would allow him to be so close to my own chambers. What could he be thinking?ThreeRianI had to wonder if King Farris was losing his mind to old age. What could he have been thinking to hold me as prisoner? And then to place me in a room right next to his daughter? If I had a daughter . . . I would think a loving father would protect his child from men like me.The truth was she could not have been any safer in my presence, but King Farris had no way of knowing that. Any fool should have been able to guess that I had been out in the world for the past ten years. I had been a soldier for the Rivanian army. A certain reputation went along with that status, and it is to my shame that I had lived up to most of it. Hopefully, I had learned from my mistakes, but I must admit, the Dermish princess was tempting.Through the gap in the drapes covering my window, I could see her staring back at my door for the longest time. What did she think of me? There was a time when I would not have given it another thought. Adrika Mahon had been a brat of a child back when I knew her. She still showed spunk, but she was definitely a woman now.I took in the sway of her womanly curves as she made her way down the path. She made one last turn to look my way just before the trail took her out of my sight. I knew interest when I saw it. I would have to be careful. This woman was not part of my plan. I was not even sure what the plan was myself. For the first time in my life, I was depending on God to show me the way. If there was a woman in my future, she would come in the form of a wife. Of that I was sure.For now, I only knew I was headed to Gilvary. I wanted to spend time with my family and then maybe settle down in a manor in the country. I would not mind a view of these mountains. One thing was for certain, I could not imagine living back in the castle of Gilvary permanently with my brother. I loved Reagan and his wife, Gwen, and respected their position, but I was no longer a child. I had led troops into war. I knew I would want to be a man of my own household. This was as far into the future as my thoughts had carried me.I was allowed to eat in the dining hall that night like everyone else. I made myself slow down and enjoy the meal after nearly choking on the first bite. There was no need to try and swallow everything on my plate at once. I wondered what they did with the leftovers when they were without a prisoner to torture. My guard sat several seats away as if he might catch some otherworldly disease if he got too close.It was not as if the room was crowded. Years of training had blessed me with a keen sense of observation. Since I had been allowed entrance into the castle, I noticed that much of the structure’s maintenance had been neglected and this room was no different. Had the whole country fallen on hard times in my absence, or was it just Dermot? Maybe it was a case of there not being enough workers. Unlike here, the castle at Gilvary had been bustling with people.I looked up at those sitting on the dais above me. This table was usually reserved for royalty. If my brothers were here, they would be sitting up there on each side of the king. On this night, it was just King Farris, his daughter, and the man from Cordelia who had been present during my trial.It was easy to read the hate in the Cordelian’s dark eyes every time his gaze met mine, but I had no idea why he should feel anything toward me. To my memory, we had never met. He shared deep conversation with the king while the princess sat silently on the other side. She never seemed to look at anyone in particular. She just sat there stone-faced, eating her meal as if she were the only person in the room.When the king stood, his two dining companions rose with him. I watched as the princess curtsied and stepped out through a door at the back of the room. The two men headed in my direction. King Farris turned suddenly and spoke to the Cordelian man, who then bowed and walked back in the opposite direction, leaving through the same door the princess had used. The king made his way to where I was sitting.He glanced at me as he came even with my table. “Walk with me.”I took one last sip from my goblet before falling into step beside him, my guard trailing behind us. Hopefully, the king had come to his senses and would release me. He waited until we were in the hallway before speaking.“Rivania is not known for letting go of their soldiers so easily. I am curious to know how you gained release—if you were indeed released.”My mind scrabbled for what to say. I was no deserter, but saying so would only bring up the fact that I had abandoned my own kingdom. I doubted he would be too impressed with the fact that I had only been fifteen at the time.“Once the emperor was made aware of the fact that I was the long-lost prince of Gilvary, he decided to allow me to return home as an act of good faith.” Would he take the hint and do the same?King Farris stopped and looked directly at me. “Tell me what else have you been up to these last ten years? Perhaps you left a family back in Rivania as well?”My gut tightened. “No family. Soldiering took everything I had to give.”“Maybe now you will look toward settling down.” His smile made me nervous.That was exactly what I had in mind—not that it should concern him in any way. Where is he going with this conversation? “That is a possibility.”“There is nothing like the comfort of a good wife.”I studied the man beside me for a moment as we meandered aimlessly through the hallways. He seemed to be giving great thought to my future, which was unsettling. I decided to focus the conversation back on him. “I know you must miss yours. I was sorry to hear of Queen Babree’s passing.”The slight smile he had worn melted from his face. “Yes, I never expected to be the last to go.”“At least you still have Princess Adrika.”The smile returned brighter than before. “Yes, she has been a blessing to me. Now, there is someone who would make a good wife for one very fortunate man.”I tried to picture the princess with a husband, but the only image I could conjure was the one of her on the terrace, her smoldering brown eyes looking up at me through thick, dark lashes, and full lips that . . . I shook my head to dispel the image.“I am sure she would. Do you have someone in mind for the princess?” I knew this king would be the one to choose a husband for his daughter. I only asked to make conversation. I truly did not care who that man would be.He turned and smiled up at me. “As a matter of fact, I do.”A bolt of unease filtered through me. Surely, he did not mean me. That seemed to be the implication, but I could easily change his mind by giving details of my personal life up until now. I was probably the only man in the country who carried a title equal to his daughter, but I was not the prince he had in mind. Calm down, he is not thinking of you.“In that case, I wish the couple every happiness. When do you plan to release me?”His thin lips pressed together at my abrupt change of subject. I was tired of the small talk. His daughter’s future was of no concern to me. I was more than ready to get on with my own life.“We will discuss that at another time. I am ready to retire to my room.”“Will you at least get word to my family that I am here?”“That can be arranged, but as I said before, your brothers have no say over how I run my kingdom. Good night, young Prince.” He made a few shuffling steps to the door I assumed led to his chambers and entered in.I thought over his last words as I made my way to my own chambers with my guard trailing behind. He had not given me a definitive answer. I had my doubts that my family would be contacted. Regardless of what he said, if either of my brothers showed up, I was certain it would affect his decision in holding me here.I peeked out through the window of my bedchamber. Toward the west, a purple glow spread out across the edge of the earth where the sun had just set, but the rest of the sky was dark. I pulled one of the blankets from my bed to use as a cloak before stepping out onto the veranda. A brazier was burning out on the mountain path where a guard stood warming his hands as he peered through the darkness at me.I took a deep breath of the clean crisp air. My bondage here was more than a little irritating, but still nothing compared to being in that prison cell. I walked over to the edge of the terrace where the princess had stood earlier that day. I could have sworn I still smelled her jasmine scent lingering.“Are you planning your escape, Prince Rian?”I jerked my head toward the sultry voice. The princess sat on a bench near the door to her room. How had I not known she was there? A soldier should be more aware of his surroundings.“I could ask you the same, Princess.” I walked over closer to her, expecting the guard to call a halt to my steps at any time.She patted the seat beside her. “Join me.”I sat down and pulled the blanket closer around me. Instead of an invitation, I would have thought my comment would have provoked more of the banter we had shared earlier. I tried not to analyze my wish to see her riled up again.“Did you enjoy your supper?” She had not looked pleased during the meal. I wanted to see what she would say about it.“It fulfilled a need. I do not believe I would use the word enjoy. How about you? Did you enjoy your evening meal?”“Very much so. It was a feast compared to what I have been eating lately.”She looked down at her lap. “I know the accommodations of our prison leave much to be desired.”“That is one way of putting it. No offence, but your father should try it out for himself some time.”“Were you unable to talk Father into releasing you?”“He had other things on his mind.”She turned her head slightly and glanced at me from the corner of her eye. “Like what?”“We talked about you, as a matter of fact.”She slapped her gloved hand against her chest. “Me? What could he possibly have to discuss about me with you?”“We talked about the spouse he has picked out for you.”She sucked in her breath as she turned to face me. “Did he say who it was?”“You mean you do not know?”The door opened beside us. “Rika . . . I am sorry, My Lady, I did not realize you had company. I just wanted to alert you to the hour. It will soon be time for you to retire for the night. You must come in and make ready.”I recognized the old nursemaid. It was not unusual for one to stay around after their ward was grown, but their job usually changed to that of a handmaiden. This woman still treated the princess as a child.“Give me another minute, please.”As soon as the nursemaid was gone, she grabbed my arm. “Did he give a name? Tell me quickly.”I tried to study her features, but the light from the moon shone from behind her. “What is your father planning to do, introduce you on your wedding day?”“Did he give a name?” Her voice was laced with panic.“No, he only said he had someone in mind.”She stood. “We will talk about this more later.”“Good night, Princess.”She stopped just before she got to the door. “Good night, Prince Rian.”I continued sitting there after she entered the castle and thought about my conversations with her and her father—both had been strange. For the first time, I felt a little sorry for the girl. From what I had seen today, she lived a lonely existence. Few within the castle were close to her age. Even when she had taken her meal sitting next to her father, she had been alone. And I could not imagine what it would be like to have no say in choosing the person you would spend the rest of your life with.I reminded myself once again that none of this was my concern. I needed to put my efforts into getting away from here. I was more than ready to put my past behind me and reconcile with my family.

What is Steampunk and how is it connected to The Kingdoms of Kearnley series?

What is Steampunk and how is it connected to The Kingdoms of Kearnley series? In simplest terms, Steampunk is a movement that involves a) an alternative time period, b) a style of clothing, and c) imaginary inventions that are powered by steam.I consider my series to be at the beginning of this movement. Most readers have picked up on the fact that there are modern elements sprinkled throughout the books, and the Steampunk clothing style is prevalent.In the first book, Securing Aisling, there is only a mention of steam-powered inventions for sale at the temporary market that has been set up during Session at Gilvary. In Healing Gilvary, there is an inventor’s contest in honor of Prince Reagan’s birthday which sparks his interest and has him building a trade school that would allow inventors time, revenue, and space to work on their inventions, making Gilvary the birthplace of this factor of the Steampunk movement. Restoring Dermot (due to be out in 2017), the third book in the series, takes place ten years after the second. By this time the production of steam powered inventions will be in full swing.

Healing Gilvary- Why Gwen has no desire to rule.

Who wouldn’t jump at the chance of becoming a princess—especially with the knowledge that you would one day help rule a kingdom? Yet, when Gwendolyn Alexander is offered the position, she chooses not to accept. Why?Gwen has been closely related with the royal family in Aisling for most of her life. As best friends with Princess Brianna, she would have been privy to her thoughts and complaints about the training she received in anticipation of becoming the kingdom’s next ruler. She saw first-hand what it meant to have to put your own desires aside, placing the needs of the kingdom first.Most have a glamorous view of what it’s like to be a royal, but not Gwen. Being at the top was not always the safest place to be. She had fought alongside her queen whose life was endangered because of the greedy desires of a fellow ruler. It would be shocking news for a commoner to hear that their king was murdered. As best friend to the daughter of that king, she would have experienced the added level of seeing the damage that was done not only to the kingdom, but to that daughter.What do you think? Would you turn down the chance to rule?