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Beauty of Man and Woman – Episode 18

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Written by Mercedes Keyes
Interracial drama series
[Overall rating=R]

Chapter 52

Angela stood slightly in front of her father with his left hand on her shoulder, with wide excited eyes she watched as Sylvia lay still with her lower abdomen exposed with a ultrasound technician scanning there to locate the baby in its earliest stages and discovered the small embryo nestled in place. Her dad was holding Sylvia's hand as she lay watching and waiting, trying to catch a glimpse as the technician confirmed what they all knew.

"Oh my God… there he is!" Shawn gasped with his heart pounding.

"Yep… hmmm, how far along did you say you should be?" The technician asked Sylvia as she stared at the ultrasound where the gestational sac could be clearly seen, as well some other things indicating an error in the time of pregnancy.

"About oooh, I guess 4 to 5 weeks now." Sylvia answered. "Why?" She asked immediately.

"Well… the problem with your time period is this. If you were only 4 to 5 weeks, I would only be able to see a vague gestational sac. What I'm looking at, is a very clear image of a baby and a heartbeat. You're no less that 7 weeks, at the most, 8 weeks." The tech informed them.

"WHAT?!" Sylvia blasted. "No way! I am not that far along – I couldn't be… I know I've only missed one… no way!"

"I'm sorry… the ultrasound is pretty accurate. Maybe there was a lot going on at the time and preoccupation made you flow by that one, but you most certainly would notice two missed." The tech explained as a thought, but she could see a heartbeat. "See, look right there, that's a baby… and right there… is a heart beat… no doubt."

Sylvia looked at it stunned.

"Wow… that is so cool! That's a baby?" Angela exclaimed.

"An early embryo, sure is… and not a 4 week old one either."

Sylvia turned and looked up at Shawn. "SHAWN!"

"WHAT? What'd I do?"

"In Chicago, at the hotel… you said you were wearing a, you know what!" She stared up at him, trying not to say it in front of Angela.

"You mean a condom?" Angela asked.

"Oh lord – have mercy!" Sylvia shook her head and looked away in disbelief, that she had totally panicked a month too late and that this young girl knew too much already was too much.

Grinning, Shawn asked, "Any sign of twins?!" He gave Sylvia's hand a squeeze, she snatched it away from him, just too outdone, racking her brain back trying to remember her last period.

"Noooo – doesn't look that way to me. All I see is a single embryo." The tech informed him. "So are you guys wanting a boy? Or a Girl?"

"We just want it to be healthy." Sylvia spoke up still reeling from her major miscalculation.

Shawn smiled, he couldn't help himself. "Well, I wouldn't mind a boy, I mean… I have my little girl." He gave Angela's shoulder a squeeze. She looked up at her dad and smiled. "Actually I would rather a little sister first daddy." She admitted. Sylvia was peering up at Shawn with narrowed suspicious eyes, and he was trying to avoid her gaze by saying to his daughter, "Naaaw, you want a little brother first don't you?"

"You've been the only child for a long time, you sure you wanna share that?" The technician inserted smiling.

Shawn and Sylvia looked at her, waiting… they hadn't had the talk with Angela yet and wondered how she honestly felt, they soon found out.

"I want lots of brother's and sisters, I hate being alone." She looked at Sylvia and then up at her dad. "Sasha's always complaining about her brothers, but I can tell that she likes them. They're always teasing her, and playing with her, but it's always funny…and she laughs a lot too."

Shawn smiled and stroked her hair, "Yeah… I know, but in this case, you'll be the oldest."

"No I'm not daddy! Crystal and Mundo are the oldest! I'm gonna be a middle child." She announced.

"Oh I thought you were the only one." The tech admitted.

"Nope, I have an older sister and a brother. They don't live with us because they have their own home. My sister has two boys, Isaac and Darren. They're coming to visit this week!"

Sylvia was stunned that she'd taken them on as her family so quickly, the way she spoke, it was as if they'd always been a family. It also told her just how lonely this little girl had been. So lonely that she was anxious to be a part of a family setting, even a step one. Angela was looking at Sylvia now, watching her eyes as she lay there, hoping that she didn't mind her claiming her children as her brother and sister. Angela wanted this so badly, in her mind… it was already so. Sylvia smiled and reached out to her, "That's right, and we'll have a good time when they get here…maybe a little party." She added to let her know that it was okay.

Shawn felt his heart lift and yet to hear his daughter voicing a need to belong to a real and whole family tugged at his heart. He hadn't a clue of how starved she was for attention, affection and a need to belong to adults in form of mother and father that loved her, as well to have brothers and sisters. Hearing it made him even more determined that she would be staying with them.

"Well, would you all like a picture of your little one? Or would you like to wait until later for an ultrasound when it's bigger?"

"We want one now!" All three of them said at the same time. They all laughed at each other.

"I take that as a yes." The tech grinned, secretly deriving an excited pleasure out of seeing this kind of happy family. At this stage in her life, she'd seen quite a few interracial families from a distance, but it was a pleasure to be in the midst of one, talking to them up-close and seeing the validity of what they shared. They were no different from any other couple, yet… very different, and strangely exciting. Why – she hadn't a clue. They just seem to be interesting, she was dying to ask them questions, but dare not, fearful of offending them.

"Okay… I'll have it ready for you to pick up after you're done with the rest of your appointment. Have they taken blood and a urine from you yet?"

"Yes… that was the first thing they had me do." Sylvia stated as the tech wiped her lower belly clear of the gel and then pulled her clinic gown down and the sheet up. "Good, well you guys can wait back next door in his office. He'll be with you soon."

"Okay."

The tech stopped at the door, "Angela, would you like to wait in the waiting room for the rest of her examination?" She asked. Angela looked at Sylvia and up at her father.

"Would you mind Angela? your father and I need to talk." Sylvia asked looking pointedly at him.

Smiling and happy she left with the technician.

Sylvia sat up and stared daggers at Shawn.

"Did you have a condom on at that hotel in Chicago or not?!"

"What difference does it make now? The rabbits died, let it rest in peace."

"Did you have on a condom or not – Shawn?!"

"Yes! I did!"

"Both times?!"

"Both – times!"

"Both days, both times?"

"Both days, both times!"

"The basement! In my mother's basement when she went to the store!" Sylvia remembered accusing him.

"Noooo, it was okay that time – wore one then too." Shawn quickly defended.

"Then what the heck happened?!" She asked so out done she could only shake her head.

"Hey… you asked me for a piece – if my memory serves me correctly, you started it, at the hotel, inviting me up to the room." He reminded her grinning.

"Stupid condoms! They're good for shit!"

"Hey… I was wearing it, blame the magnum people."

"Did they break or something?" She asked standing from the table, holding her gown around herself.

"Not the first ones." He admitted trying to control his mirth.

Sylvia stood with her bottom jaw dropped open.

"Not – the first ones!" She repeated. "What do you mean?"

"Well, both days, both times, I wore them, however – one time, that second day, that second time, ummm, see – I didn't want to tell you, because I thought… hey, you know – what are the odds that – well that you would be when I'd already spent up a good supply of swimmers – but ummm, obviously… that second day, the second load… was ummm, just as potent… as – ever because lil'man's heart is just beating away."

"Shawn Everett McPherson – are you telling me – that on the second day at the hotel, your condom broke?"

"Yep."

"And you didn't tell me?!" She slapped his arm.

"Ow!" He faked injury. "Aaah baby, does it matter? I didn't wanna worry you. The deeds done, so what – you're a bit further along than you thought… does it really matter?" He asked wrapping his arms around her, pulling her up to him as he bent his legs on either side of her hips, looking down into her face. Those dark eyes were shooting daggers at him. "Aaah, come on… smile, give me a little smile. Aren't you happy… lil'man's heart is beating like a champ… doesn't that make you feel good, hmm?" He asked, then gave her a gentle peck on the nose, next her lips, turning his head one way kissing her lips, and next the other to deliver another kiss to them.

Sylvia wilted against him, realizing that it made no sense to get angry because she had thought herself pregnant, but – just four weeks… when in fact she was eight weeks. All she could think of is that, just as the technician had stated, she must have let a whole month fly by, distracted.

"Put your arms around me." He commanded.

Sylvia reluctantly obeyed, looking up into his face.

"Now tell me you love me." He ordered gently.

"I love you." She gave in with a sigh.

"Good… now lets get over to the doctors office.

 

There they waited, talking about what Shawn would do once they left. He'd come to town in his Ford truck, Sylvia had driven her car. After her appointment, she and Angela would be going shopping for more things for Angela and Shawn was going to apply for planning and building permission. They needed to get permission to expand their home, and to put in an application for a bed and breakfast. Then he would be heading over to the DIY for building materials so he could start working on her house, modernizing it up to current standard. Sylvia was stunned once again, he had so many talents – the extent of which was materializing with each week of them together. From her moms home she was aware that he was good, but now she was about to see just how good.

"Baby… I'm a jack of all trades, my dad has had me and my brothers working our asses off from the very start. When we arrived home from school, we always had something to do and I do mean hard work. Helping him build and get things done on the farm. You know, that house they live in was only a single structure with two bedrooms. All the rest he added with our help when we were really young. All three of us know how to build a home structure, lay bricks, plumbing, wiring, you name it. It was the norm as far as he was concerned. That's what a man had sons for, to work them and get things done and there was no messing around when he told you to get something done. I remember one time I came home from school, they had to take Shanna into town to see the doctor, he had me putting up a brick wall down the side of the center structure. Plus, I had to make sure Kathy Ann was cooking, that Jake was cleaning up the barn stalls and pig pens and that Derrick cleared all the large rocks from the area we had to lay the next foundation. Man… Kathy Ann and Jake always gave me hell. They knew that if something wasn't done, I'd get yelled at or the hell knocked out of me for not seeing it done."

Sylvia gasped, "That wasn't fair!" She objected shocked.

Shawn shook his head chuckling, "I was the oldest, left in charge… dad wouldn't take any excuses from me and they knew it. Kathy Ann hated having to cook, and deliberately made a mess of it, so I had to either fix the food right or knock the hell out of her. I'd already beat the shit out of Jake because messing around he left the pig pen open and the pig got out, and while Derrick and I was trying to get her back in, his ass knocked some of my bricks I'd already laid in a straight line – off. Man did he use to piss me off."

'And obviously he's still preoccupied with wrecking you.' Sylvia thought as he went on.

"Anyway, by the time dad and mom got home, everyone's chores were done, but I hadn't finished the wall. So… he made me stay out there until it was done and, I missed a spot that Jake messed up, my dad saw it – made me take the whole thing down to the level beneath it and do it all over again, I was out there until almost midnight, with him coming out to check my progress."

"Ach… what did your mother say?"

"She'd argue with him about it…but – when it came to us boys… his word was law. She was so upset about it, he finally let Derrick come out and help me but told her that we weren't going to grow up and be soft useless – sissies. Especially me – my dad equated my looks to – oooh, being soft – umm, he was afraid that I would come off like a pretty boy. Good for shit – worthless – he wasn't having it. You know, I hardly ever saw my dad cry. Maybe my mom has, but – for him to cry, was serious business. He was determined that we would be tough, real men – you know… especially me."

"So – did he treat Jake that way?" She asked a bit miffed that Shawn had been singled out by his father.

"Nooo, for some reason, he was babied a bit. I don't think it was intentional, but – my father's preoccupation was on me first – then Derrick. Jake would get it every now and then, but not like Derrick and I."

"Wow… I guess I can kind of see why he felt as he did, but still… its not really fair."

"Maybe not, but – it taught me to be equipped for whatever. I love my dad… and – though he was a bit heavy handed with me, I needed it. I just wish sometimes I'd done all the things he taught me, to survive when I got to California instead of what I ended up doing. But… I was being rebellious – I think I did it in my own way to say… take this ol'man!" He said slipping into thought. Sylvia watched him and felt her heart go out to him. Her future husband was so complex, with so many personal issues, things driving him to be and react as he did. Everyday they were together, she learned something more about him, something deep that strengthened her devotion to him, loving everything there was about him, even when he was being a bit demanding and controlling. For all that she'd learned about him, there was something that was clear, he was not at peace with himself, his past disturbed him.

"Well you guys did a good job, the house is beautiful. I can't wait for you to get started on our home." She said to bring him out of his reverie.

Just then the male doctor entered, Shawn glanced up from one of the planning magazines he brought along that was laid open, he closed it shocked to see that Sylvia's doctor was a male and near to his own age. Stunned, he stood up and asked right out. "How old are you?" The doctor had his hand out about to introduce himself and froze from the look on Shawn's face, not a nice one.

"How old am I? 47 – why?"

"You're here to see my wife?" Shawn interjected the question, making Sylvia that, (his wife) as a foregone conclusion. "Are there no women doctors? You know… women gy-ne's – ob-gy-ne's – whatever the hell you call yourselves. For what reason could you possibly have, for doing this? I mean – what made you choose this particular medical field? Why not an eye doctor? Ears, nose and throat specialist? A goddamn foot doctor or working in emergency or – or – or ah – ah brain surgeon or something? But nooo… you chose to be a gyne man – why is that?!" Shawn accused with a hostile, 'I know why!' look on his face.

Sylvia covered her face and wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

The doctor stood staring taken back a bit.

"Shawn!" Sylvia whimpered.

"Ah ah ah – hush woman!" He held up a hand, and then to the doctor. "Lost for words I see. Can't explain it yourself hm?"

"Well actually I can… care to hear why? Or have you already tried and convicted me?" Dr. Edmond defended patiently.

Shawn crossed his arms over his chest, flaring his nostrils, looking pissed and mean. "I'm listening."

"Shawn! Oh my GOD! He's the doctor! Are you crazy!?"

"It's okay ma'am… this is not the first time I've faced this. We're okay here." The doctor turned to Sylvia to soothe her, smiling. He turned back to Shawn. "Care to have a seat, so we can talk."

Shawn's jaw was clenching. Sylvia could not believe his reaction. Finally he slowly backed up and took his seat. The doctor grabbed a stool with the wheels, pulling it over and sitting across from him.

"Now… the reason I became a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician – is simple. I love the entire reproduction process from – beginning – to end."

"Em hm, I bet you do." Shawn returned, his arms still crossed over his chest, eyes cut like slits eyeing the doctor up.

"Oh my GOD… what have I done?" Sylvia whimpered to herself, fingers pressed into her eyes, embarrassed and suspended in disbelief.

Dr. Edmond went on to explain himself despite Shawn's sour look. Shawn didn't care how embarrassed Sylvia was, he was suspicious of any "Male" that chose this particular avenue in the medical field, he had his suspicions. Especially in light of all the recently passed news reports of doctors sedating their patients and sexually molesting them. He'd always wondered about them, and then the discovery of some of their deeds were being reported. Had he been a decrepit old man, he might have been slightly okay with him, just slightly – but the man across from him was his age and not bad looking, he was not about to sit idly by and just let him start diving into his woman without convincing him his reasons were legit.

Dr. Edmond had no choice but to be patient and explain, considering that more and more men were starting to show up with their partners in the last ten or more years, unlike before where the woman was sent in alone clear up to birth, not anymore. "Now… let's see, I guess I have always, thought the process of life, from conception miraculous." The doctor began, "I saw my mother give birth, I saw her struggle, panic, afraid. I saw my father carefully work with her, and deliver my little sister. He was not a doctor, just a farmer. But he handled it all well. We were snowed in with no way for her to get to the hospital so it all happened in front of me, with my dad needing my help. From that moment on, seeing all that I saw that night – moved me. That's why I'm here today… to see again, that look of awe that parents get when they get to see, just what it is they've done. I get a fantastic high from it. I must say… so far, I have a nice record building of the little ones I've delivered in the last few years. Proud of them all. I would never be in any other area of the medical field… this is right where I wish to be." He finished.

Shawn shifted a bit, softened a bit, and just a bit, then glanced over at Sylvia, who had her hand on her hip, her head leaning to the side, giving him that one lifted brow, pursed lipped, 'You happy now? Embarrassed us enough yet?' look.

He sighed, then reluctantly held his hand out to the doctor and introduced himself. "Well… I'm Shawn Everett McPherson, father of that baby… and… in a few days, husband to that woman. I'll be here for every – single – visit. Every – single one of them! Especially now. But in my opinion, women should be treating women when it comes to this sort of thing. Why can't she have a mid-wife or someone like that?" He asked.

"We'll see, it depends on how this pregnancy goes. Because she's growing closer to the 40 year time line, there are things I have to make sure of, for one that she is not high risk. There are test she must pass, once those all come back normal… we just may pass her on to a mid-wife." The doctor informed him.

Shawn looked from him to Sylvia, who was not about to bite her tongue, "Are you satisfied yet? Can we get on with it?" She asked him and then turned to the doctor, "By the way, my name is Sylvia – I'm the pregnant one – the one you came to see, its okay – you can talk to me too."

Dr. Edmond smiled and then chuckled, he could see it already, this was going to be one interesting couple to follow through to delivery. He pushed his stool over to her and held out his hand. "Of course, nice to meet you Sylvia. My apology if I offended you, wasn't my intention, I just thought I could put his mind at ease."

"Well it's not at ease yet, nice story you told, but as I said… I'll be here at every appointment." Shawn reminded him.

"I'm happy to hear that Mr. McPherson, you're more than welcome. Should there come a time when you can't be here, just to let you know, I don't ever examine a patient without a nurse present. Even with you here, there will still be a nurse present."

"Good enough then, let's get on with it."

Sylvia rolled her eyes to the ceiling, shaking her head. Dr. Edmond smiled and opened her medical file and history, asking her all the relevant questions to do with her family medical history to build a medical profile of her, continuing with saying, "Your blood pressure is normal. You're at a nice healthy weight. Nothing serious in your family history we need be concerned about, just to make you aware, because of your age, your blood will be tested for early detection of – Downs syndrome – even with the odds of 1 in 120, we have to check." He informed them

Sylvia nodded, looking towards Shawn, he was very attentive to what the doctor was saying.

"How accurate is the test?" He asked.

The Doctor went on to explain the three separate tests that would be taken and when the results would be back. "If you don't get a phone call in the next two days, everything came back normal. If you do get a call, it will be because we need to test further because one or more of the test came back with decreased levels."

They both took a very deep breath.

"Any morning sickness?" He asked Sylvia.

"Yes… every morning."

"How long does it last? How bad is it?"

"It starts to subside sometime after lunch."

"Are you keeping your food down?"

"Yes… so far."

"Good. Any dizziness, fainting, white lights before your eyes, anything unusual?"

"Nooo… I feel pretty much as I did before when I was pregnant."

"Good. Well, if the morning sickness worsens and continues, I could prescribe you something for it."

"No thank you. I don't take any man made manufactured chemicals when I'm pregnant, only natural remedies, so I'll pass."

Dr. Edmond smiled and nodded, "Very well, okay, well as soon as the nurse comes in, we can do a pap smear and vaginal exam."

Sylvia looked at Shawn then. "Would you like to go outside and wait until they're done?" She asked.

"No… I'm fine right where I am." He announced in no uncertain terms.

"Are you comfortable with that? With him present?" The doctor asked her.

Sylvia nodded, "Yes… he can stay." She wasn't about to get into a fight with him over this, knowing how much this whole process meant to him.

Shawn eyed the doctor not too sure if he appreciated that question, but remained quiet. The nurse entered five minutes later, Shawn stood at Sylvia's shoulder holding her hand as she went through the examination. She hadn't expected to feel so reassured and glad that he was there. Although it was an embarrassing position for him to witness her in, it was all a part of it, and for once, it was nice to have a man that wanted to share it all, to be completely involved. The last thing the doctor did was to measure the size of her uterus, the most uncomfortable part of the examination for Sylvia, she winced, squeezing Shawn's hand as the doctor pressed down on her lower abdomen and pushed up from within below. Shawn was on the verge of saying something just as he was done.

"Yes… I'm thinking you're most certainly about 8 weeks." He concluded backing away after pulling the sheet down, removing his gloves and tossing them into the trash dispenser and marking her files. He stood then, "You can get dressed now, and I'll be back in a moment."

He and the nurse left. Sylvia sat up, "I'm so glad that's over."

"You okay? What the hell was that last part about?" Shawn asked as she stood from the examination table and walked to the chair grabbing her pile of clothes she went behind the screen to dress. "He was measuring the size of my womb, it hurts when they do that. Oh well, its over now. Didn't you go with Deidre when she carried Angela?"

"Not really, she didn't want me to go, so I didn't. Anyway, I thought that's what the ultrasound was for! You know, and another thing, with modern technology, why do we have to wait for the blood test results, they should be able to tell us now." Shawn complained, sitting back down to let Sylvia dress.

"I know, I'll be a nervous wreck until that comes back."

"Hey… you think we ought to ask him about sex?" Shawn wondered.

"What?" Sylvia asked.

"Well… I wonder should I hold off for a while. You're not entirely comfortable with me, and I don't want to injure you or the baby, I'm going to ask him."

"Shawn!"

"Hey… he's a doctor… he should know."

"Well did you with Deidre?"

"Not that often… she was too sick the first few months, and then later on, I just left her alone."

Sylvia came out dressed looking at him as he sat with his arms crossed over his rib cage, slouching in the chair.

"The whole nine months?" She asked.

"No… not the entire nine months, every now and then when she wanted me or I wanted her we did. But it wasn't often, I wasn't too sure if it was safe. That's why now, I'm going to ask."

The doctor knocked as if on cue. He peeked in and they were both sitting down waiting, Shawn turned toward Sylvia with his arm possessively over her shoulders leaning toward her with his left leg crossed over. The doctor sat on his stood and gave them his estimation of a due date, "According to the ultrasound and my exam, I can safely say you have a due date of early November, accepting your inaccuracy of last period, many women do it, they get busy in life and one month goes by, and then two – that's when they sense that something is missing. So, lets say, November 11th."

"November 11th." They said at the same time.

"Yep, anything you'd like to ask me?" He invited.

Sylvia groaned, Shawn leaned forward looking past her at the doctor, "Yes I do. Its personal, but necessary." Shawn started.

"Fire away." The doctor invited.

"Sex. Is it safe? If so, for how long?"

The doctor turned and looked at Sylvia. "Are you comfortable with it? Feeling any discomfort?"

"Well… ummm, yeah… at times." She stated nervously, but honestly.

"Be specific… what do you mean, at times?"

She bit into her thumbnail, suddenly embarrassed by the topic.

"I'm lengthy, somewhat over average." Shawn offered.

The doctor looked at him. "How much length are we talking about? The average woman's length from entrance to the womb is 5 inches. How far beyond that are you?"

"I'm a nine or more."

"Hmmm, I see. Okay… you need to go pick yourself up a donut, a ring. It will fit at the base of your penis and lessen the length entering during intercourse, while at the same time stimulating your partner. Depending on which one you purchase it can take up to two and a half inches off, that should help. For now, let's keep penetration at a minimum, if you two are active daily, lets cut it back to about a couple of times a week. With that, and using tender care… all should be fine, ohhh, up to the seventh, tapering off close to the eighth month." He commented scribbling notes in her file and then looked up to see Sylvia with both hands covering her face embarrassed, he chuckled looking forward to the next seven months with the two of them.

"Okay – I can live with that, so now… where do I get this ring? Uhh – donut – thing …where?"

Sylvia groaned.


Chapter 53

Deidre followed through the next morning. She and Terra left after getting a power of attorney notarized with a copy put into Terra's bank safety deposit box, and a copy that she took home with her. Deidre didn't go into work that day, her focus was on getting all of her things out of storage and into her new home. Terra spent the day with her helping to sort through all of her boxes as the movers brought them and her furniture in. It took four of them, two of them black, and the other two Spanish. So preoccupied, Deidre never noticed the way one of the black movers looked her over. Terra noticed and when she made eye contact with him, she was stunned to see hazel green eyes gazing back at her from his cafe au lait toned skin. He stood 5'10, with an incredible physique, and French braids that went back from his face, his hair had hints of sandy blonde mixed in with his reddish/brown locks. He lifted an arrogant brow, and then looked from her back to Deidre. Her first thought was to make sure she installed reliable security locks and alarms.

After the movers left, the two women opened boxes and talked about the past, steering clear of topics related to Shawn, her mother or her daughter. Terra was getting ready to open up her first restaurant. One that she would be running entirely.

"That's what you need Deidre, something fresh and new – that you can involve all of your thinking to – exhausting any other thought. You'd do great running a health or herbal clinic." Terra suggested.

"You know you're right, I'm thinking about it. Although I've been working in Finance since I left school, its nothing I'm passionate about. I do it because its in the family and I hold a major interest now that my grandfather has died. Do you know that my father knew and didn't tell us. He just up and said the other day, by the way… I've taken care of the funeral arrangements to bury the old man."

"WHAT?! You didn't know?"

"No… he died when my mom and I were in Wisconsin. And my father obviously didn't feel that it was something he needed to share with us."

"What did your mother do?"

"She stared at him a moment, turned away, dressed in black and we all went to the quiet service. It was kept pretty much hush hush, there was a spot in the paper and it was on the news… that's it."

"I'm sorry, but they must be the coldest people on the face of the earth. Now what?"

"Well, that was the reason he asked me would I sign over my interest to him, that he would settle me with a large sum, of course stating I would always remain in the lifestyle I'd grown accustomed to."

"You know what Deidre, we've always been wealthy, my family. Not as wealthy as the Wherrington's – but enough for us to be content and happy, leaving within some trace of human qualities. Too much money, as in your family's case, corrupts – it kills something within men to have that much money and power. You might consider just signing it over and being done with it, and them."

"Oh… I agree. But I'm not going to make it that easy for either of them."

"What do you mean?" Terra asked, breaking down one of her box's after emptying it, putting the paper in a garbage bag.

"I have plans of my own. I've been doing a lot of thinking, about both of them. Good ol'mother and father. I just haven't decided how I'm going to do it yet, but they have a lesson to learn… and this time around, I'm going to be the teacher."

"Well come on! Tell me what you have planned!"

"When I have it worked out, and all the ends tied, you'll know. But they're going to pay for what they've done to my life. What they did to my marriage, its time for me – to show another side to myself."

"And you're going to bring Angela back into the midst of this? Your plan." Terra asked stopping to stare at Deidre.

Deidre went quiet for a while, emptying a box – then grabbing another.

"Well… what have you planned for her?"

She looked up at Terra, who could see the torture in her eyes.

"I'm going to – leave her with her father."

"Oh my… when did you decide?"

"When I signed that power of attorney. Looking down at it, I realized that until I have control of my life – I can't be responsible for hers. She'll only end up like me, if not worse. She's happy… he'll take good care of her." She went quiet after that. Terra reached over and squeezed her arm.

"You're doing the right thing Deidre, no matter how hard it is right now – in the long run – it will have been for the best."

"Yeah… well – we better get done, I still have to go and pack up all of her things, and send them there for her."

"Sure… you have me for the day… we'll get plenty done." Terra assured her, and both went back to unpacking.

 

*   *   *

 

The day had ended, and Maxwell was done. He sat with the thumping base of Phil Collins and Tupac, 'In The Air Tonight' remix vibrating around him as he sat at the red light on his way back to his neighborhood. He knew that he was forever under the suspicious eye of the local dicks, trying to catch him out dealing weed and rock, which is why he held onto his daytime J. O. B. Maybe he was guilty of dealing a bit on the side, but a man had to make the ends meet somehow. Besides, his brother saw to it that he was back on the streets in no time should he ever get scooped up in a bust. It was his ride, that was what they hated about him. Since when did a furniture delivery man cruise in the luxury of a Mercedes? Shiny black with gold trim. They said it was stolen, founded untrue. That he obtained it dealing drugs, untrue and so he drove on. His cd track switched to Tupac's dedication song, 'Dear Mama.' which brought back all the stuff he'd always tried to avoid thinking about. Once you lost, what is lost is gone, no amount of wishing and dreaming, can return one from the dead. Maxwell shook his head, his diamond stud sparking from his left earlobe, he just needed to get home and showered, rubbing his chest to shake off the heavy oppression, he reached forward and clicked on to the next track, 'Ghetto Gospel'. Once he got out of his work clothes and into his preferred gear, he'd feel better. Hook up with his boys, check out what was going on. His head bobbed as he pulled through the light, receiving dirty looks from those standing at the bus stops while his booming speakers rocked him as he cruised by.

Today was a different day… hauntingly ugly, painful images from the past replayed in his mind. He wondered was it this day that would make a change for all time. His mind was humming, thumping with the thought, still stunned to have finally seen her.

'Deidre Wherrington… the real life – living breathing Ms Wherrington-McPherson.'

How many times had his brother muttered that name. How many times had he watched him pace, voicing his hate for her parents…the Wherrington's. Especially Oscar T. Wherrington. How many fights had they had because Jeremiah wanted him to work as hard as he did to become what he had. A Lawyer – a man knowing the law inside and out as no one did. His brother was driven, perhaps a tad mad. Obsessed with the idea of finding a way to bring down the Wherrington Empire.

Maxwell shook his head thinking him crazy. Life was too short to be wasting it on chasing a dream of destroying some twisted white man. Even if the man was partly responsible for their mother committing suicide, plunging them into the ever changing hustle of the court system, subjecting them to one foster home after another. Jeremiah had been hard to handle, while he, Maxwell had been just quietly going along with whatever was the next move to make. Jeremiah on the other hand, had been a enigma, contradicting the stereotype the courts were accustomed to dealing with. They could only scratch their heads in confusion by this hostile young black youth who for all intents and purposes should be slow matching his aggressive type. However, he was anything but slow. He was a straight A student who glared with flared nostrils into the eyes of the judge, of their case workers, of their social workers, of their foster parents. The last home they were placed with, was that of Felicia Campbell.

Felicia had been their savior. A strong black woman, on the police force, with room in her life and heart for two young boys that no one else wanted. She had begun as the means for Jeremiah to learn all the ins and outs of the law. Picking her brain in his genius way as if he possessed the secret societal codes that made him capable of playing his hand to win. Max picked up his cell phone and dialled his brother's number, turning the music down as he cruised home.

"Hey, what's up Max?" Jeremiah answered after the third ring.

"Nuttin' too much B. Just wanted to drop a line on you. Tell you 'bout my day." Maxwell started.

"Let me guess, you spotted that special antique piece I've been telling you to keep a look out for me."

Maxwell chuckled, "Naaaw man, this ain't antique, what I saw today… but its straight up from way back in'th day."

"Oh yeah… meaning?"

"Delivered some furniture today, furniture belonging to a young woman moving into her own place."

"Why would that interest me?"

"The woman… Deidre Wherrington… in the flesh."

Suddenly there was nothing but silence on the other end of the line. "Aye man, you still there? You hear what I say?"

"Yeah… I heard you."

"Oh… my bad, thought you might be interested."

"You saying she left the estate?"

"That's what it look like to me."

"So where is she?"

"Living in the warehouse, you know… high street. Top loft, living where only they can afford to live. Down from Wilshire."

"Hmmm…"

"Ah'ight man… just wanted to drop that on you. Later."

"Yeah." Jeremiah returned, hanging up his phone. He stood gazing out of his top office looking over the city landscape with his chest feeling tight. At the age of 39, he was pretty well established and right on target with his carefully laid plans. He stood in his custom cut Armani suit, hands clasped behind his back, thinking back to the days when he was a young boy, and after school, he'd take off for hours from his foster parents to ride his bike by the Wherrington's mansion. Every day that he could, he rode by their banks, and their businesses. Catch sight of Oscar T. Wherrington in his chauffeured Mercedes and ride like the wind peddling to catch up to him, and never did. But ride he would until he lost site of him. He'd turn back and ride by the mansion again, with one thought on his mind, one driven course, one overwhelming desire. To own that place and call it his home one day. To see the look on their faces when he turned them out, just as they did his mother. Mainly speaking, Oscar T. Wherrington.

He was on his way, as a corporate lawyer, his reputation was building, mounting. All he needed from the Wherrington's was a small crack opening big enough for him to squeeze through, and he'd have them right where he wanted them. Standing 6'ft, dressed always in a suit, with his natural afro always cut and lined to perfection, he was the kind of black man that could have any woman he set his sights on, black, white, anything in between. Yet he was without a steady. He had his needs like the next man, but once the needs were met, he moved on, breaking a few hearts along the way, belonging to some black and white.

Love… not his agenda.

Taking everything that belonged to the Wherrington's and making it his own… that… was on his agenda.

He was ready now… to make it happen, all he needed was for the chink in their armor to appear, and something told him… the crack had already begun.

 


Chapter 54

The day had turned out a busy one for Sylvia. Shawn gave her his credit card to pick up whatever extra things Angela would need. His instructions were to act as if they already had her, and Sylvia did. They had a good time shopping, Sylvia bought her bed linens, curtains, summer clothes, hair things, toiletries, posters for her room, a game for them to play together on her dads Playstation, they both laughed about the expression that would be on his face when he saw the two games they'd bought. The Sims, and Tetris. They hit the grocery side of the superstore next and bought all the types of food, snacks and things on the list from the menu. They made it home happy to see Shawn there unloading lumber and all kinds of fixtures from Home Depot. He stopped to help them, then went back to finishing his unloading.

Angela happily took all of her things in her room and once again hung or folded them, putting them away, that done she returned to the kitchen to help Sylvia, when the phone rang.

"Hello?" Sylvia answered wiping out the refrigerator as Angela put away can goods.

"It's Gert. I've been up in the attic, got stuff for you. Including your wedding gown if you want it. It was the one I married Bart in, you're about the same size as me, and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for it to be used again. Shanna wore it, and if you wish… you can too… I thought it'd be nice to stir a tradition with us women all marrying in it."

"I think that's a fantastic idea."

"Well wait until you see it first before you make up your mind, it needs to be cleaned, but its in excellent condition, just needs freshening up."

"Hmmm, what are you doing today? Maybe we can come there and I can get a look at it, then if its a go… which I'm sure it is, I can bring it back with me to be cleaned."

"I'll be right here, this way you can look over some other things I have. Got things of Shawn's as well you might wish to take back with you, and something else for you to see."

"Okay… Angela and I are almost done putting away groceries, we'll be on our way as soon as we're done."

"See you when you get here." Gert finished and hung up.

"We're going to my grandma's?" Angela asked.

"Yep… as soon as we get all of this stuff put away."

Just then Shawn walked into the kitchen. "Hey, when are you gonna cook, I'm starving."

Sylvia stood from the fridge bottom shelf and looked at him as if he spoke another language.

"Cook?"

"Yeah… as in – cook food?"

"We're getting ready to leave again." She informed him.

"Where? You just got home."

"Your moms, she called and Angela and I are heading over there. So I need you to write down how to get there, because I only went that one time with you. Don't wanna get lost."

He stood with an odd look on his face scratching his arm.

"Well can't you cook me something to eat first, then go?"

"Order a pizza Shawn."

"I don't want no friggin' pizza! I want food, a home cook meal… to hell with fast food, I've had enough of that to last me a lifetime."

"Well cook yourself somethin' to eat then."

He stood with his mouth open as if something was wrong with what he was hearing.

"Well… what – what are you going to my moms for?"

"To look some things over, to make up my mind about something, stuff like that."

"How long you gonna be gone?" He asked looking over the groceries for something to bite out of.

"I don't know Shawn, however long it takes. Ain't no tellin'… I'll be back when we get back."

"Why don't you go tomorrow and I'll go with you."

"So I can stay here and cook for you – you mean." She returned, busy wiping up and organizing her cabinets. When she did a fresh grocery shop, it was habit to pull everything old out front and wipe up, then place the new in the rear, which is what she was doing as Shawn stood in the middle of the kitchen scratching his head.

"Well yeah… you can eat some too, Angela as well, I won't eat it all." He returned sarcastically.

"Shawn! We're going today! We have court in two days. The kids are coming this weekend, and I have to get myself a gown still, as well something for Angela to wear."

"Well what was all that you just finished doing? Why didn't you shop for it all then?"

"At Walmart?!" She exclaimed.

"Look! I'm hungry… that's all I know. Can someone please fix me something to eat?!" He demanded.

Sylvia cocked her hip with her hand braced in place and did the head rotation. "Oh no you not standing in this kitchen trying that with me! I'm rushing around trying to get things done for our ceremony next week, as well get this child in order and you can't fix yourself something to eat?!"

"I want you to cook me something to eat!" He insisted.

"Shawn! Why are you trippin'?"

"I'm hungry! I went and purchased all of this stuff to get started on this place. Unloading it all, thinking – oh yeah, she gone cook something good again tonight, my mouth watering with all the fantasies of food I knew you were getting ready to prepare, and you talking about going to my mother's! And I know once you get there, you'll be there until late. Which I don't think so! I don't want you driving back here late at night, just you and Angela… anything could happen!" He fussed back.

"Shawn you mean to tell me you can't cook yourself something so I can go and take care of what I need to do?!"

"I want you to cook me something, for once I wanna be put first! I wanna be seen to first." He complained. "Forget it… I can do it! I've been doing it all my life, I can do it now as well. Go!"

Sylvia stood trying to get control of herself, she looked from her sulking future husband to his daughter. Who shrugged and waited to see what she would do. Sylvia looked back at him as he started searching through the cabinets for something to cook. Shaking her head, she walked to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello Gert, look… I need to fix Shawn-…"

"No… go on, I'll fix myself something." He interrupted.

"Hang on a minute Gert." She looked at Shawn. "Shawn, leave the kitchen, I will fix you something to eat."

"I don't want you to now, I'll fix something myself."

Sylvia picked up the receiver and could hear Gert laughing on the other end, she already knew what was going on, "Gert-…"

"Chile… I hear… you go on and cook, Shanna and I will get everything together and bring it over, you go on and feed Mr. Brat! You can see the other stuff I wanted to show you another day… there's plenty of time."

"Thank you… or else I'm gone have to kill your son before we say our vows!"

"Aaah, be gentle with him, he just like his daddy… he the same way – after 40 something years… they never grow up. See you in a bit."

"Okay thank you."

Sylvia hung up, "Okay… you happy now? Your mother and Shanna are coming here. Now get out of the kitchen so I can cook."

"You could have gone on." He went on.

"Well I didn't… don't make me regret that I didn't!"

"Yeah… but you gone make me regret that you didn't!" He mumbled heading out the kitchen door, back to sort through his supplies.

Sylvia let out a  breath of exasperation and looked at Angela.

"Learn something here! Stay – single!"

 

*   *   *

 

"Oh Sylvia, I just love this house. Girl its gone be out'ah'sight when you get done!" Gert exclaimed as she and Shanna were shown around Sylvia's home.

"The minute I saw it, I fell in love with it. All the fixtures are nice, but they're from the original build and they do need upgrading for a really top notch bed and breakfast." Sylvia went on as they finally settled in her bedroom, just having come up from the basement. Shawn was playing Tetris with Angela so the three of them could visit.

While at first she resented him being so demanding, she couldn't for the life of her, leave him that way. Especially after he laid the effective guilt trip on her about always having been the one to take care of himself. While she knew it wasn't fair that he use it on her, she could not for the life of her, leave him to feel that she could care less. She did care and so fixed him another big meal with Angela's help. Stuffed cabbage with ground chuck, corn on the cob, baked potato, Cajun sautéed okra and Jiffy corn bread. Once Sylvia got into preparing the meal, she did it just so. And knew it was good, so did he, when he ate his fill and that was plenty, he was at the sink next to her while she cleaned up the kitchen with Angela helping. Looking at her profile.

"You mad at me?" He asked softly.

"Nope." She answered directly.

"Then why won't you look at me?"

"'Cause I don't feel like it."

He leaned down on the counter looking up into her face, grinning. Sylvia chewed on the inside her mouth trying not to smile at him, she was determined. "See, that's why I wanted you to cook, because I knew… nothing I ordered, or cooked up myself was gonna come even close to that."

"Emmmm, imagine that, I remember once upon a time you said I couldn't cook."

"I was wrong."

"Yeah… and you will be again."

Shawn chuckled, "You know you wouldn't be happy if I was right all the time."

"Ain't no chance of that happenin', now is there?" She sassed, fighting a smile. He was flirting with her, gazing into her face, deliberately staring at her mouth, then down at her breasts. "Is there something you want?" She asked tartly, finally looking at him.

"You sure you want me to answer that?" He muttered suggestively.

"You think you can act the way you did, get what you want, and then have me smoochy, kissin' and lovin' again? I don't think so."

"So you're saying, that it's wrong for me to want my wife to cook me something to eat when I know to be satisfied will only come through her hands? To get a high from the wonderful aroma that permeates the house when you cook, is wrong for me to want? To be spoiled a bit sometimes with you feeling the need to take care of me first, and then see to whatever it is you were going to do? Am I wrong? Guilty as charged. Because I want you to be all about me, the way I'm all about you. And you know I am Sylvia, you know it."

Sylvia stared down at him, again seeing that this man was going to totally consume her. She could just feel it happening already.

"Shawn… sometimes, not all the time – but sometimes – you will have to see to yourself."

"I know I will. But I just didn't want to today. Today, I needed you to be home here with me, doing what you've done. I needed that."

"Well, I did it. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah… you can stop with this face you have on, give me a smile, and a little kiss… and I would be well content."

Just then there was a knocking at the kitchen door, Angela ran from the living room to peak out of it. "It's grandma and aunt Shanna!" She called.

Shawn stood from the counter, still keeping eye contact with Sylvia. Neither said another word, he just bent down and softly kissed her mouth, Sylvia closed her eyes and kissed him back, feeling his tongue taste her lips and then slip inside. She felt a rush of heat that was short of nothing but sweet. They didn't care that his mom and sister stood inside waiting for them to get done.

"That's enough! Landsakes Sylvia… don't tell me it works on you too! I swear, these McPherson men!" She was grinning despite her words.

Shawn stood and glanced at his mom, smiling, winking and satisfied… to all those who looked on, he looked it. Turning his gaze back to Sylvia, he sent her a wink as well. "Come on Pum'kin'! Time for me to beat you at a little Tetris!"

Sylvia was all aglow before his mother and sister. Actually happy that they'd come to her instead, they sat on her bed discussing the plans for the wedding, his mother letting her know that the church was booked as well as the town hall for the reception. She held up the gown as they discussed the meal and Shanna volunteered to pay for the catering for the reception as her gift to them.

"What do you think, you like it?"

"I absolutely love it! Oh my goodness… you were married in this?!" Sylvia asked, holding it up to herself, looking into her wardrobe mirrors that doubled as doors.

"Sure was… believe me, my daddy paid a pretty penny for that gown. When I put it away, I made sure that it was stored to keep it just as beautiful as the day I first laid eyes on it."

"Well whatever you did… it worked, this is just gorgeous! I'd be proud to wear it!" Sylvia exclaimed, gazing at it in awe.

"Good, that parts done then. The church is on standby, the hall is rented, Derrick and Meribel took care of that."

"Aaah that was nice of them!"

"Another gift to the two of you."

"Has Shawn ever seen this gown?" Sylvia asked.

"Only in pictures of me wearing it. He didn't see your pictures did he?" Gert asked of Shanna who shook her head and then answered, "The fewer people who saw my mistake the better. So, the next time he sees it, it will be on you Sylvia."

"Honey try it on while we're here, see if it fits you well, if not… Shanna will measure you and adjust it, then we'll take it and get it cleaned for you." Gert went on. Sylvia tried it on, to find that it was a bit snug around the waist, it fit everywhere else but there. That's when, blushing she told them of the discovery that morning at the doctors, that she was further along than either of them thought.

"Lord I can't wait! Shame its got to take nine months! I wanna see my lil'baby now!" Gert gushed, excited every time she thought of it. They stayed a bit longer while Shanna did the measurements, writing it down. Before Sylvia knew it, they were done and leaving, calling down to the basement and saying goodbye to Shawn and Angela before they left.

Sylvia smiled closing the door, straightening up before she went down to the basement with Shawn and Angela, and the phone rang.

"Hello?" She answered.

There was silence, even so… she knew there was someone on the line. "Hello?" She asked again.

"It's… Deidre… Sylvia… hi."

Sylvia paused, swallowed and said, "Would you like me to get Angela?"

"No."

"I'll call Shawn up then, give me just a-…"

"No Sylvia… I – I want to… speak with you… please, if I could?"

Sylvia looked to the basement door, then turned with her back to the counter.

"Sure… ummm, speak away." She invited softly.

Silence followed for a while as Sylvia patiently waited for her to speak, then offered again, "You sure you don't want me to get Shawn?"

"No… just… no… I don't wish to talk to him. Give me… just a minute-…" Her voice broke.

Sylvia felt the beat of her heart speed up.

"I ah…" Deidre began. "I ah… packed up all of Angela's things today…all for… a few things. Some stuff I wanted …. I wanted to keep. But – the rest… I packed it up, and they're on the way there." She stopped a moment. Sylvia could hear her sniffing over the line. "I… went to the school, informed them that she would no longer be attending. All of her school records, will be there tomorrow, I had them sent… next -…" She stopped again.

Sylvia's eyes pooled, and a tear fell for her.

"Ummm… I had – it sent – next day. So tomorrow… her school records – will – (Echmm) – will be there. Her things, in – a few days." She stopped again, gathering her thoughts. "Syl – Sylvia… please… I beg you – please… take care of my daughter… please. Ummm, she needs… needs things… you know. Like… a hug, a squeeze… someone – that – that she can talk to. That's so important… little girls… they need a mother… so bad. I – I'm not all that good at it… you know. If you could just… do that for me please… you don't owe me that I know-…"

"She'll be fine. I promise you that." Sylvia swore.

"…(echm echm)… could you do me a favor… tell her that I love her. Tell her-…"

"Deidre… she's still your daughter. You will have many opportunities to tell her, you're welcome to visit her here anytime."

"Thank you… but… I'm gonna give her a little time with you guys… who knows… maybe… after a while… she'll – actually miss me, you think, maybe – a little?"

"Of course Deidre… of course."

"Well… I won't keep you. One more thing, in with her school records, I had an affidavit made up before three witnesses, that I'm relinquishing full custody to her father. So with that, he will be able to get her into school… or whatever needs to be done."

"Alright. You should be telling these things to Shawn though."

"No… I can't. Its best if we never spoke again. If its okay with you… I'd just as soon communicate through you."

"Sure Deidre… that's fine."

"Okay… well… that's it. I guess there's nothing left for me to say."

"If you ever wish to just talk Deidre… just call and talk… I'm here." Sylvia offered.

"Thanks… bye."

{{ Click }}

 

"Did she say why she decided to give her up to us?" Shawn asked in night tones, they were in bed, all was quiet except for the T.V. that played softly in the background at the end of their bed.

"No… she didn't… and I didn't ask. It broke her heart to do that. I don't think I could have done it." Sylvia admitted.

"You would have had no reason to. You know how to be a mother to your daughter."

"No woman knows how to be a mother to her daughter Shawn. Most of the time, we're scared to death, praying for the right words at the right time. Using what we were given, and adding to it what we assume is right. No one really knows until they turn out… if it was right or wrong. Deidre was a better mother than the one she had…and that's saying a lot. I'm telling you now… from this day forward… come what may… you will not insult her again in front of me… or her child. You will not!"

"Sylvia I've never insulted her in front of Angela."

"Oh but you have. Don't do it again!" She turned on her side away from him. Lost in thought. Shawn sighed laying on his back, looking up at the ceiling above their bed.

"I love you you know … you do know that – right?" He asked her softly, turning his head to look at the back of her.

Sylvia sighed, and then smiled, feeling the bed shift as he turned and pulled up behind her, dragging her back against him.

"Did you hear me?" He asked wrapping his arms around her.

"Em hm." She returned, still smiling.

"Well? What you got to say?"

"Where's the remote? Turn the TV off dear."

"Yoooou!" He growled and rolled her to her back, tickling her, Sylvia's head went back into the mattress laughing uncontrollably as he tried to bite her neck, making her draw up and squeal. "Sha – Shawn… stop – stop – Angela's gonna hear us!" She squeaked, trying to keep it down.

"Tell me you love me woman! Now! Right now… say it… say you love me with all your heart, and with me, you'll be staying forever! Say it!"

Sylvia let out a long sigh as he ceased his tickling. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, she kissed his lips. "I – (she kissed one corner) love – (then other corner) you." Then caught his bottom lip with her teeth, nipping it. "Ow." He gasped. "Aaah, come here… mama'll kiss it better." And she did, saying, "I love you with all of my heart, Shawn. As long as you stay with me… I'll stay with you." She then pulled him to her, kissing him deeply.

He kissed and held her, wishing he could make her declare herself to him, as he had declared himself to her. But she held back… always holding just enough back. She was in the mood to make love. She was passionate, hungry to touch him, loving everything she felt of him. Shawn let her have her way, she was being dominant, a bit controlling as she turned him to his back. There was something in her, in the way she aggressively moved over him. The way she touched him, kissed him, going down his body as if she were making some bold declaration that he was hers.

Shawn sucked in shocked as she removed his briefs and kissed all over his body. He put his head back groaning, "Oh my god… yes… oh Sylvie… oh… yes…oooh." He moaned laid out before her as if he were a banquet that she alone had the only right to consume…and consume she did. Taking him into her mouth, Shawn grabbed the headboard over his head, biting into his tongue not to groan out loud. She laved the length of him, tasting him, branding him, claiming him with her actions as she had never done before. Teasing and bringing him so close, she finally crawled back up his body and carefully straddled him. Shawn's head was back, twisting and turning from the absolute wonder of her taking him into her so far, and then riding him carefully… controlled, each unwilling to hurt their unborn child. The pleasure was intensified because of the control, unquestionably sweeter because they were forced to go slow. Sylvia laid down on his chest and began sucking his neck, as she rode him, rocking back so far and gyrating forward. She let go of his neck to gasp out, feeling her body coil into the tight band that was about to snap. Then it happened, the exact moment it snapped in him. He held onto her, both of them struggling to take shockwave after shockwave, gripping them mercilessly until finally the tremor ceased with her collapsing onto his chest, both of them gasping and breathing hard for control.

"Wow… what was that all about?" Shawn asked feeling lethargic and incredible.

"You're mine… and I just want you to know it."

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Holidays this fun can’t be legal. When a cat burglar dressed as Santa targets a glitzy Manhattan high-rise, the holidays get unhinged @damonsuede #booktok #bookstagram #glbtq+ #holidays #mystery https://bit.ly/StNicked ...

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St. Nicked by Damon SuedeSt. Nicked: There's no gift like the present.

Holidays this fun can’t be legal. When a cat burglar dressed as Santa targets a glitzy Manhattan high-rise, the holidays get unhinged.

As superintendent, Mark Almeida needs to keep the residents safe, and as a former NYPD cop, he knows he can crack the case without any help… until he meets a suave stranger too handsome for his own good who pushes buttons Mark didn’t know he had.

As the holly-jolly crime spree unfolds, Mark wrestles with duty and desire while juggling festive clues, lavish gifts, and stolen kisses in time for a truly crooked Christmas.

St. Nicked, the newest contemporary romance from Damon Suede, combines the tension of a mystery with feel-good romance in a way only Damon can deliver.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D9HGW7GC/

Meet the Author

Damon Suede… between soft and rough

Damon Suede grew up out-n-proud deep in the anus of right-wing America, and escaped as soon as it was legal. He has lived all over: Houston, New York, London, Prague. Along the way, he’s earned his crust as a model, a messenger, a promoter, a programmer, a sculptor, a singer, a stripper, a bookkeeper, a bartender, a techie, a teacher, a director... but writing has ever been his bread and butter. He has been happily partnered for over a decade with the most loving, handsome, shrewd, hilarious, noble man to walk this planet.

Addictions: sweetness that isn’t sentimental, wit that isn’t bitter, strength that isn’t cruel. Allergies: professional victims, half-assery, clichés.

Beyond romance fiction, Damon has been writing for print, stage, and screen for over three decades, which is both more and less glamorous than you might imagine. He's won some awards, but his blessings are more numerous: his amazing friends, his demented family, his beautiful husband, his loyal fans, and his silly, stern, seductive Muse who keeps whispering in his ear, year after year.

Damon would love to hear from you... you can get in touch with him here or at any of the following social media hubs:

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And if you'd like spam-free updates about his work ...

St. Nicked by Damon SuedeSt. Nicked: There`s no gift like the present.

Holidays this fun can’t be legal. When a cat burglar dressed as Santa targets a glitzy Manhattan high-rise, the holidays get unhinged.

As superintendent, Mark Almeida needs to keep the residents safe, and as a former NYPD cop, he knows he can crack the case without any help… until he meets a suave stranger too handsome for his own good who pushes buttons Mark didn’t know he had.

As the holly-jolly crime spree unfolds, Mark wrestles with duty and desire while juggling festive clues, lavish gifts, and stolen kisses in time for a truly crooked Christmas.

St. Nicked, the newest contemporary romance from Damon Suede, combines the tension of a mystery with feel-good romance in a way only Damon can deliver.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D9HGW7GC/

Meet the Author

Damon Suede… between soft and rough

Damon Suede grew up out-n-proud deep in the anus of right-wing America, and escaped as soon as it was legal. He has lived all over: Houston, New York, London, Prague. Along the way, he’s earned his crust as a model, a messenger, a promoter, a programmer, a sculptor, a singer, a stripper, a bookkeeper, a bartender, a techie, a teacher, a director... but writing has ever been his bread and butter. He has been happily partnered for over a decade with the most loving, handsome, shrewd, hilarious, noble man to walk this planet.

Addictions: sweetness that isn’t sentimental, wit that isn’t bitter, strength that isn’t cruel. Allergies: professional victims, half-assery, clichés.

Beyond romance fiction, Damon has been writing for print, stage, and screen for over three decades, which is both more and less glamorous than you might imagine. He`s won some awards, but his blessings are more numerous: his amazing friends, his demented family, his beautiful husband, his loyal fans, and his silly, stern, seductive Muse who keeps whispering in his ear, year after year.

Damon would love to hear from you... you can get in touch with him here or at any of the following social media hubs:

Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon
Bookbub

And if you`d like spam-free updates about his work ...
...

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#Save $$ on these #new #ebbooks at @changelingpress #erotic #mc #paranormal #LGBTQ+ #willaokati #emilycarrington, #wandavioleto #JamieTargaet #harleywylde #jhalisteele https://bit.ly/CPsNewRelease

#Save $$ on these #new #ebbooks at @changelingpress #erotic #mc #paranormal #LGBTQ+ #willaokati #emilycarrington, #wandavioleto #JamieTargaet #harleywylde #jhalisteele https://bit.ly/CPsNewRelease ...

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Win Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrisonhttps://bit.ly/4fVFNGhClick here to enter

Win Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrisonhttps://bit.ly/4fVFNGhClick here to enter ...

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The Ramseys by Amber Daulton - in Time Complete Box Set NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER!

The Ramseys in Time box set features spunky heroines, brooding heroes, and a trip through time. Each of the two novellas included have a 50k word count, making this box set top off at 100k.

In Timeless Honor, Jaye Ramsey goes on vacation with her friends to Bolivia in order to prove to her eccentric grandmother that time travel doesn't exist. There she finds a time portal in the Salar de Uyuni (the salt flats) and winds up in Georgian England. Never did she expect to fall in love with a man from her grandmother's past, Lord Lucas Kenway, who was accused of murdering his wife on their wedding night.

In Timeless Beginnings, Leonora Harris flees her newly wedded husband's home and loses her way in the woods. After she falls through a portal, she wakes up in 1960s Bolivia. Luckily for her, she meets undercover CIA agent Rodger Ramsey and embraces her new life as a modern woman.

Even though these novellas are standalones, it's best to read them together, in any order, because you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in this fictional world of magic portals, culture shock, and happily ever afters. And besides, who can get enough of time travel romance? Not me, that's for sure.

For the first time ever, the Ramsey in Time Complete Box Set is now AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER.

PreOrder Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4enxFhh
Apple: https://apple.co/3TPfUyQ
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ramseys-in-time-amber-daulton/1146326157?ean=2940185991244
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ramseys-in-time-the-complete-box-set
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=o4ojEQAAQBAJ&pli=1

Where to find Amber:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/amberdaultonauthor1
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/amberdaulton1
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amberdaultonauthor1/
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberdaulton/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@amberdaultonauthor1/?
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton
YouTube: ...

The Ramseys by Amber Daulton - in Time Complete Box Set NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER!

The Ramseys in Time box set features spunky heroines, brooding heroes, and a trip through time. Each of the two novellas included have a 50k word count, making this box set top off at 100k.

In Timeless Honor, Jaye Ramsey goes on vacation with her friends to Bolivia in order to prove to her eccentric grandmother that time travel doesn`t exist. There she finds a time portal in the Salar de Uyuni (the salt flats) and winds up in Georgian England. Never did she expect to fall in love with a man from her grandmother`s past, Lord Lucas Kenway, who was accused of murdering his wife on their wedding night.

In Timeless Beginnings, Leonora Harris flees her newly wedded husband`s home and loses her way in the woods. After she falls through a portal, she wakes up in 1960s Bolivia. Luckily for her, she meets undercover CIA agent Rodger Ramsey and embraces her new life as a modern woman.

Even though these novellas are standalones, it`s best to read them together, in any order, because you`ll be able to fully immerse yourself in this fictional world of magic portals, culture shock, and happily ever afters. And besides, who can get enough of time travel romance? Not me, that`s for sure.

For the first time ever, the Ramsey in Time Complete Box Set is now AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER.

PreOrder Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4enxFhh
Apple: https://apple.co/3TPfUyQ
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ramseys-in-time-amber-daulton/1146326157?ean=2940185991244
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ramseys-in-time-the-complete-box-set
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=o4ojEQAAQBAJ&pli=1

Where to find Amber:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberdaultonauthor1
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/amberdaulton1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberdaultonauthor1/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberdaulton/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amberdaultonauthor1/?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton
YouTube: ...
...

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The Christmas Collection by Regina Scott

Enjoy four warm, witty Regency romances set at the most festive time of the year, Christmas, by award-winning, bestselling author Regina Scott: My True Love Gave to Me, Always Kiss at Christmas, An Uncommon Christmas, and the short story, "A Light in the Darkness." "Totally captivating." Simply Susan Review Blog

Normally $5.99, this collection is on sale at $0.99 from November 28 – December 2.

Purchase Links: 

Directly from the Author https://payhip.com/b/HFOKa
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1178166
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Festive-Regency-Romances-ebook/dp/B0BM5QGJ6Q
Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-christmas-collection-four-festive-sweet-regency/id6444544515
Barnes and Noble  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-collection-regina-scott/1142656577?ean=2940185738665
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-christmas-collection-9

Where you can find Regina:

Her website: https://www.reginascott.com
Her newsletter: www.nineteenteen.com

 

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https://coffeetimeromance.com/the-christmas-collection-by-regina-scott/?fsp_sid=141

The Christmas Collection by Regina Scott

Enjoy four warm, witty Regency romances set at the most festive time of the year, Christmas, by award-winning, bestselling author Regina Scott: My True Love Gave to Me, Always Kiss at Christmas, An Uncommon Christmas, and the short story, "A Light in the Darkness." "Totally captivating." Simply Susan Review Blog

Normally $5.99, this collection is on sale at $0.99 from November 28 – December 2.

Purchase Links:

Directly from the Author https://payhip.com/b/HFOKa
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1178166
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Festive-Regency-Romances-ebook/dp/B0BM5QGJ6Q
Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-christmas-collection-four-festive-sweet-regency/id6444544515
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-collection-regina-scott/1142656577?ean=2940185738665
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-christmas-collection-9

Where you can find Regina:

Her website: https://www.reginascott.com
Her newsletter: www.nineteenteen.com



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Alien Fury by Janice Seagraves

The Arcon, Thorn Grindstone, finds himself alone and injured, thawing in a disabled cryogenics tank. Making an impulsive deal for a fighter, he launches into a battle with a pirate ship before beginning is search for his people.

After Thorn crash-lands in the widow Roxie Carson’s corn field. Roxie nurses the injured Arcon. As tension worsens between Roxie and her brother-in-law, Thorn turns out to be an unexpected ally.

Roxie is grateful to the handsome alien, but what will happen when the Arcon government finally shows up and takes Thorn away? What will her brother-in-law do then?

Video Link

https://youtu.be/Lk-h_Oe140A

Purchase Links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Fury-Chronicles-Janice-Seagraves/dp/B0CLM6RDV9
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1465609
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alien-fury-chronicles-of-arcon-book-8-janice-seagraves/1144231999

Where to find Janice:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JaniceSeagravesAuthor/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/janiceseagraves
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/janiceseagravesauthor/
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/janiceseagraves/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceseagraves
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@JaniceSeagraves

 

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https://coffeetimeromance.com/alien-fury-by-janice-seagraves/?fsp_sid=131

Alien Fury by Janice Seagraves

The Arcon, Thorn Grindstone, finds himself alone and injured, thawing in a disabled cryogenics tank. Making an impulsive deal for a fighter, he launches into a battle with a pirate ship before beginning is search for his people.

After Thorn crash-lands in the widow Roxie Carson’s corn field. Roxie nurses the injured Arcon. As tension worsens between Roxie and her brother-in-law, Thorn turns out to be an unexpected ally.

Roxie is grateful to the handsome alien, but what will happen when the Arcon government finally shows up and takes Thorn away? What will her brother-in-law do then?

Video Link

https://youtu.be/Lk-h_Oe140A

Purchase Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Fury-Chronicles-Janice-Seagraves/dp/B0CLM6RDV9
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1465609
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alien-fury-chronicles-of-arcon-book-8-janice-seagraves/1144231999

Where to find Janice:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceSeagravesAuthor/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/janiceseagraves
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiceseagravesauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janiceseagraves/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceseagraves
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JaniceSeagraves



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Down at the Shore by Karen Cino

An Author’s Twelve Days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, it is our time to reflect on the year gone by and start getting together a list of resolutions for the New Year. This is one of my comic relief poems. I refer to it as my quick pick-me-upper when my muse comes to a halt. This is my version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my friends gave to me:

 	Twelve hours of nonstop writing,
 Eleven great plots ideas with a twist,
 Ten true to life characters,
 Nine boxes of tissues,
 Eight books on writing,
 Seven sites on marketing,
 Six unique promo tips,
 Five colored highlighters,
 Four packages of post it notes,
 Three colorful loose-leaf binders,
 Two boxes of colorful paperclips,
 And a bottle of Procesecco to stimulate my mind.

To all my writer friends and readers I'd like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness! I'm sharing with you my Christmas tree and decorations.

If you stop by and leave a comment, you will be put in a drawing to receive an ebook of your choice: Roses or Seaside Reboot (Jersey Route 35 Cozy Mystery). All you need to do is tell me your favorite Christmas/Holiday treat and/or what you want Santa to bring! Good luck!
Down at the Shore
Brooke Dascoli is in a relationship that’s going nowhere. She moves into the beach house her grandmother left her at the Jersey Shore and forms a friendship with her neighbors, Flo Meadows and Jane Cummings. Flo carries around a huge secret that has haunted her since her first marriage and Jane is having a hard time dealing with a cheating husband who died shortly after their divorce. Together each woman shares their past indiscretions and future dreams, while dealing with loss, renewal and starting over.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Shore-Five-Beach-Road-ebook/dp/B09F6Z73FY
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bzKJ7j

Where to find Karen
Her website: https://karencino.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/karencino
X (formerly Twitter): @karencino
Instagram: @karencino
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/karencino

 

1 of 3 ways to win

Black Friday / ...

Down at the Shore by Karen Cino

An Author’s Twelve Days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, it is our time to reflect on the year gone by and start getting together a list of resolutions for the New Year. This is one of my comic relief poems. I refer to it as my quick pick-me-upper when my muse comes to a halt. This is my version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my friends gave to me:

Twelve hours of nonstop writing,
Eleven great plots ideas with a twist,
Ten true to life characters,
Nine boxes of tissues,
Eight books on writing,
Seven sites on marketing,
Six unique promo tips,
Five colored highlighters,
Four packages of post it notes,
Three colorful loose-leaf binders,
Two boxes of colorful paperclips,
And a bottle of Procesecco to stimulate my mind.

To all my writer friends and readers I`d like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness! I`m sharing with you my Christmas tree and decorations.

If you stop by and leave a comment, you will be put in a drawing to receive an ebook of your choice: Roses or Seaside Reboot (Jersey Route 35 Cozy Mystery). All you need to do is tell me your favorite Christmas/Holiday treat and/or what you want Santa to bring! Good luck!
Down at the Shore
Brooke Dascoli is in a relationship that’s going nowhere. She moves into the beach house her grandmother left her at the Jersey Shore and forms a friendship with her neighbors, Flo Meadows and Jane Cummings. Flo carries around a huge secret that has haunted her since her first marriage and Jane is having a hard time dealing with a cheating husband who died shortly after their divorce. Together each woman shares their past indiscretions and future dreams, while dealing with loss, renewal and starting over.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Shore-Five-Beach-Road-ebook/dp/B09F6Z73FY
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bzKJ7j

Where to find Karen
Her website: https://karencino.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/karencino
X (formerly Twitter): @karencino
Instagram: @karencino
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/karencino



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My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer
Escape to Italy for a summer romance
As the nights draw in and winter approaches, you may be indulging in hot cocoa, woolly sweaters, and Hallmark holiday movies...or you might be indulging in dreams of summery destinations and strappy sundresses. I'm definitely in the latter camp. I don't do well with the cold, so I hibernate all winter, warming myself up by escaping to warmer climes in the pages of books. One of my favorite destinations, no matter the season, is Italy - the home of pizza, pasta, gelato, and amazing wines. (And yes, I am a tad obsessed with the taste of Italy!)

Enjoy your own escape to Italy with "My Fake Italian Marriage," a romance filled with sunshine, mouth-watering food and wine, and (of course!) a heart-warming fake marriage romance.

In the words of The Unrepentant Bookaholic: "Set in the beautiful Tuscan hills and vineyards, this story was delightful, sweetly steamy, and still romantic. Sworn off men after two failed relationships, Cleo is sent to Luca's family vineyard to protect her company's investment. Sparks fly, and a reluctant partnership is formed to keep the failing business alive. Fabulous!"

Purchase Links: 

https://www.romysommer.com/montalcino-romances

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DYUWW1

Apple iBooks: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=apple

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-italian-marriage-romy-sommer/1143776409

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/my-fake-italian-marriage

Google Books: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=googleplay

Where to find Romy:

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/RomySommerAuthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/romy_sommer_author/

Threads:  https://www.threads.net/@romy_sommer_author

Pinterest:  https://pinterest.com/romysommer/

Mastodon:  https://romancelandia.club/@romy

Goodreads:  https://goodreads.com/author/show/6603454.Romy_Sommer

 

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My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer
Escape to Italy for a summer romance
As the nights draw in and winter approaches, you may be indulging in hot cocoa, woolly sweaters, and Hallmark holiday movies...or you might be indulging in dreams of summery destinations and strappy sundresses. I`m definitely in the latter camp. I don`t do well with the cold, so I hibernate all winter, warming myself up by escaping to warmer climes in the pages of books. One of my favorite destinations, no matter the season, is Italy - the home of pizza, pasta, gelato, and amazing wines. (And yes, I am a tad obsessed with the taste of Italy!)

Enjoy your own escape to Italy with "My Fake Italian Marriage," a romance filled with sunshine, mouth-watering food and wine, and (of course!) a heart-warming fake marriage romance.

In the words of The Unrepentant Bookaholic: "Set in the beautiful Tuscan hills and vineyards, this story was delightful, sweetly steamy, and still romantic. Sworn off men after two failed relationships, Cleo is sent to Luca`s family vineyard to protect her company`s investment. Sparks fly, and a reluctant partnership is formed to keep the failing business alive. Fabulous!"

Purchase Links:

https://www.romysommer.com/montalcino-romances

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DYUWW1

Apple iBooks: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=apple

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-italian-marriage-romy-sommer/1143776409

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/my-fake-italian-marriage

Google Books: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=googleplay

Where to find Romy:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/RomySommerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romy_sommer_author/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@romy_sommer_author

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/romysommer/

Mastodon: https://romancelandia.club/@romy

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/6603454.Romy_Sommer



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Interview with Lucy Felthousehttps://bit.ly/4fJavT3Welcome, today we are talking with Lucy Felthouse! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Lucy Felthouse that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I try to counteract my love of chocolate by spending lots of time walking in the countryside, going to Zumba once a week and doing Yoga at home.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was a child. I was a huge reader from a young age, and loved adventure stories, so anything by Enid Blyton, that kind of thing. I would spend hours making up my own stories and scribbling into notebooks. I wish I still had them now—I’m intrigued as to whether any of it was any good!

In terms of writing for publication, it’s getting on for twenty years now, since I was at university.

What have you found most challenging about it?

That when you write in certain genres, i.e. romance, and particularly steamy romance, you will often find people look down on you and what you write. There are certain places where writers of other genres will be welcomed, but you won’t. I’ve learnt to live with it, and don’t try to insert myself where “my face doesn’t fit”, but I do find it quite annoying at times. In a lot of ways, we still live in a very narrow minded world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional? 

All of the above! I’ve made myself laugh writing, I’ve made myself cry writing. I take it as a good sign, to be honest. As the writer, I know what’s going to happen, so if I still get emotional about it, then surely that means I’m doing something right!

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I don’t have a routine. I don’t write full time, and I don’t always have a book or story on the go. So it all depends. When I am writing a book, I t...

Interview with Lucy Felthousehttps://bit.ly/4fJavT3Welcome, today we are talking with Lucy Felthouse! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Lucy Felthouse that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I try to counteract my love of chocolate by spending lots of time walking in the countryside, going to Zumba once a week and doing Yoga at home.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was a child. I was a huge reader from a young age, and loved adventure stories, so anything by Enid Blyton, that kind of thing. I would spend hours making up my own stories and scribbling into notebooks. I wish I still had them now—I’m intrigued as to whether any of it was any good!

In terms of writing for publication, it’s getting on for twenty years now, since I was at university.

What have you found most challenging about it?

That when you write in certain genres, i.e. romance, and particularly steamy romance, you will often find people look down on you and what you write. There are certain places where writers of other genres will be welcomed, but you won’t. I’ve learnt to live with it, and don’t try to insert myself where “my face doesn’t fit”, but I do find it quite annoying at times. In a lot of ways, we still live in a very narrow minded world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

All of the above! I’ve made myself laugh writing, I’ve made myself cry writing. I take it as a good sign, to be honest. As the writer, I know what’s going to happen, so if I still get emotional about it, then surely that means I’m doing something right!

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I don’t have a routine. I don’t write full time, and I don’t always have a book or story on the go. So it all depends. When I am writing a book, I t...
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Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café by Kris Bock
Find #Romance at a Cat Café! #books
Start the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series for only 99 cents with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café!

Readers say: "I absolutely love this heartfelt series."

"I loved this book so much that I purchased the next in the series, and it is just as sweet!"

What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.

Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. She's busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. She's doing this for the cats, the community, and her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills.

Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming he's a master baker. Surely Marley will fall for a guy this sweet.

Colin has other ideas. It's Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he's spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He's not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series is available in ebook or print at all major retailers. Start the series for only 99 cents! Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC

Or at all retailers: https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple.

Get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a sweet romance novella, free when you sign up for Kris Bock's Romance and Mystery newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty....

Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café by Kris Bock
Find #Romance at a Cat Café! #books
Start the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series for only 99 cents with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café!

Readers say: "I absolutely love this heartfelt series."

"I loved this book so much that I purchased the next in the series, and it is just as sweet!"

What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.

Kari doesn`t have time for love when she`s opening her new cat café. She`s busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. She`s doing this for the cats, the community, and her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills.

Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming he`s a master baker. Surely Marley will fall for a guy this sweet.

Colin has other ideas. It`s Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he`s spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He`s not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series is available in ebook or print at all major retailers. Start the series for only 99 cents! Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC

Or at all retailers: https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple.

Get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a sweet romance novella, free when you sign up for Kris Bock`s Romance and Mystery newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty....
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Breaker by AK Nevermore
Check out Breaker, a Spicy Dystopian Romance...
Hey all, AK Nevermore back with the first book in a brand new series, Breaker. If you're a fan of Spicy Dystopian Romance, then this is the series for you!

Beware the Coming Storm...

On an alternate earth, a cataclysm has altered a subset of the population. Talents are persecuted for their psychic and physical mutations, giving rise to two conflicting societies based upon maintaining genetic purity. And the Source, a shadowy corporate entity dependent upon the exploitation of captive Talents, is hunting them...

Self-exiled to the Outside, Flynn Scot is oath-bound to a life of strict penance.

Cursed with a vicious temper and haunted by the blood-stained debauchery of his past, Flynn's sworn off women, whiskey, and violence, and doesn't give a damn about whispers of the coming war. He sure as hell isn't in the mood to make good on a debt when it's called in, especially when playing white knight outs him as a Talent, and the damsel in distress as his soulmate.

On the run from her future as a broodmare for the Source, escaped Talent Kara Jester is no distressed damsel.

And the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a blizzard with a surly—and frustratingly captivating—thug. Without the suppression meds holding her libido in check, her biology's primed to procreate, and Flynn's growled assurances that he won't touch her doesn't match the hunger in his eyes.

It doesn't align with what fate has in store for them, either.

With elite troops hot on their heels and the border set to close, it's a race to the North, away from Kara's horrific future and towards the dark past Flynn wants to keep buried. Clinging to the shreds of his oath, he's forced to choose between protecting the woman he's afraid to love and letting out the animal he swore he'd never be again. Either may destroy him, if Kara's secrets don't get them killed first.

Want more? It's free to read in Kindle Unlimited, and you can download the Breeder, the series prequel, for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/91ffk852qo

Purchase Link: Books2Read https://books2read.com/BreakerOne

Where to find AK Nevermore:

Facebook: ...

Breaker by AK Nevermore
Check out Breaker, a Spicy Dystopian Romance...
Hey all, AK Nevermore back with the first book in a brand new series, Breaker. If you`re a fan of Spicy Dystopian Romance, then this is the series for you!

Beware the Coming Storm...

On an alternate earth, a cataclysm has altered a subset of the population. Talents are persecuted for their psychic and physical mutations, giving rise to two conflicting societies based upon maintaining genetic purity. And the Source, a shadowy corporate entity dependent upon the exploitation of captive Talents, is hunting them...

Self-exiled to the Outside, Flynn Scot is oath-bound to a life of strict penance.

Cursed with a vicious temper and haunted by the blood-stained debauchery of his past, Flynn`s sworn off women, whiskey, and violence, and doesn`t give a damn about whispers of the coming war. He sure as hell isn`t in the mood to make good on a debt when it`s called in, especially when playing white knight outs him as a Talent, and the damsel in distress as his soulmate.

On the run from her future as a broodmare for the Source, escaped Talent Kara Jester is no distressed damsel.

And the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a blizzard with a surly—and frustratingly captivating—thug. Without the suppression meds holding her libido in check, her biology`s primed to procreate, and Flynn`s growled assurances that he won`t touch her doesn`t match the hunger in his eyes.

It doesn`t align with what fate has in store for them, either.

With elite troops hot on their heels and the border set to close, it`s a race to the North, away from Kara`s horrific future and towards the dark past Flynn wants to keep buried. Clinging to the shreds of his oath, he`s forced to choose between protecting the woman he`s afraid to love and letting out the animal he swore he`d never be again. Either may destroy him, if Kara`s secrets don`t get them killed first.

Want more? It`s free to read in Kindle Unlimited, and you can download the Breeder, the series prequel, for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/91ffk852qo

Purchase Link: Books2Read https://books2read.com/BreakerOne

Where to find AK Nevermore:

Facebook: ...
...

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