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Friday 27 September 2013

The Family You Choose by Deborah Nam-Krane

 I'm honoured to welcome Deborah Nam - Krane back to Beyond My Writing Space.  Back in March Deborah brought us the fabulous first in The New Pioneers series  The Smartest Girl in the Room and she back with the follow up and another fantastic read The Family You Choose

The Blurb

Miranda Harel has been in love with her guardian Alex Sheldon since she was five years old, and Michael Abbot has despised them both for just as long. When Miranda finds out why she wants both men out of her life for good and questions everything she believed about where and who she came from. Finding out the truth will break her heart. Without family or true love, will her friends be enough? The Family You Choose is Book Two in The New Pioneers Series

My Review

We meet Miranda Harel in the first book (The Smartest Girl in the Room) and are given the sneaky suspicion there's more to her story. And boy is there more to her story!

Miranda is a loving warm character and her innocence is endearing. For someone who is orphaned and alone by the age of five, terrorised by bad boy Michael for entire duration of her childhood and beyond, she learns to love her friends like siblings. But she is tainted with the knowledge of how the world of old money and blackmail works. So when she finds out her life has been the product of this darkened world the good girl goes bad. And she's awesome angry. Miranda has a feisty 'so you thought you could mess with me did you?' kind of attitude that makes you want to punch the air and shout "you tell 'em girl!" - I love her!

I also spent a great deal of this book falling for Miranda's love idol Alex, mysterious Alex who is also Miranda's guardian with a multitude of sins just waiting for you to discover, and the rest of the time despising Michael, and wondering whether the girl was for real... Is he a leopard who can change his spots? When Miranda was happy finally having chosen what she wanted in her life, more layers to her past are revealed. I so did not see the twist at the end coming. 

Miranda's journey is a heart wrenching tale focused on discovering who you are and who your family is. There's a well known saying 'you cant choose your family' and Deborah Nam-Krane explores the possibilty of what if you could beautifully. 

The Family You Choose is an enlightening look into the past for all characters who play an integral part in Miranda's life while also giving fans of The New Pioneers an insight into what happened to the other characters you came to love in Deborah Nam - Krane's first outing.

It definitely gets the thumbs up from me and I can wait for the next round. Watch this space for The China Doll by Deborah Nam - Krane coming soon. 

Grab the Family You Choose at 

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Family-Choose-Pioneers-ebook/dp/B00FIMIZIY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

And for all other platforms at Smashwords 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/345252

I received an advanced review copy from the author. This has not affected my opinion. 

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Silver Linings

I don't talk about what ails me very much on Beyond My Writing Space. This is usually a migraine free zone. But today I thought I'd let you in to my little world.

In Feb 2010 I woke up with a migraine and its never really gone away. It just depends on how effective the ever increasing number of medications I take are at controlling the symptoms to whether I can live my life today or not. Lately,  the meds have stopped working and I am back to living with symptoms varying from washed out and fuzzy to full blown unable to get out of bed and I always have at least one of the various auras, the current favourite is reduced sensation on the right side, but the light and sound sensitivity are making regular appearances also.  Its very rare I have a day of no symptoms at all.

Meh... as frustrating as this is I still consider myself rather lucky that it's nothing more serious than migraine. (Although migraine is more than "just a headache" and should be taken seriously,   I've had enough tests to rule out any thing more serious or life threatening and this is why I consider myself fortunate to suffer from migraine.)

So, originally I thought the sleeplessness was as a result of Topirimate. I suffered from permanent alertness, which although quite rare was a side effect. But it seems I can spend just as many nights wide awake even though I haven't taken Topirimate for over 4 months.

The great thing about permanent alertness is I can write. I can spend this super peaceful time (when the entire seems to be world quiet) just lost in my character's world with very little distraction.  Its fabulous! In the past month I've had to take two weeks unpaid sick leave from work due to the debilitating symptoms. But I've also finished Behind Closed Doors, written the first draft of Maybe Tomorrow and I have the first 12k words of Valentina Secrets Book 3 Whispers Behind the Curtain.

So I thought I share my silver little lining with you.

Monday 16 September 2013

Fortune Teller Bloghop. Tainted Love: July 4th 2005


Welcome to the Fortune Teller BlogHop. Here's a little something to wet your appetites for the upcoming second book in the Valentina Secrets Series. You'll find all the participants of the BlogHop below.

A hand wraps around my wrist. My heart rate soars as he prevents me from getting away. No don’t do this now. We’re in the middle of the crowd milling around the carnival on Main Street. I tug my hand away but he refuses to let me go. He pulls. I turn and tumble into his strong arms as he holds me tight. I face a wall of solid muscle. I closed my eyes. Hold them real tight. I hate this. I hate the panic rising from within, the need to scream and make it stop and even when his finger tucks beneath my chin and tilts my head towards his face I can’t look. I’m too frightened to open my eyes. What if this time it’s not John who’s got me? “Faith?” I hear the right voice. I know the familiar feeling of these arms and they will always protect me. Yet still my heart races. “babe” He’s not always this patient. Sometimes he shouts and tells me he’s not Cal. But some days my head just doesn’t want to believe it. “Faith, come back to me.” 
My breath stutters and then stops entirely because I have to face reality. But the fear still grips me oh so tight. What if... I open my eyes.
John smiles at me and his gaze holds mine in place. I breathe. The tension seeps away. “Darlin’” He whispers and somehow he knows to step back, to keep me at arm’s length. “Babe I didn’t tell you, did I?” His fingers entwine with mine. He has this amazing ability to make me feel like my past never happened. “You are the best thing to ever happen to me.” 
The butterflies take flight inside my belly and for a moment I just feel the warmth of his gaze and the love in his touch and my world slots back into place. Now I feel comfortable enough to tease him. “What about Lisa?” His daughter “Zoe, Cate, Caleb, Georgia” My children “and Darryl?” and My baby brother.
John’s eyes shift away as he pretends to ponder the point, pretends to be perplexed by a tug of war inside. Then he laughs and it’s a wonderful sound. His smile lights up his eyes. “Mrs. Dixon that was hideous of you!” 
Is this really my new life? I have to mentally pinch; just to remind myself that it’s not new anymore. It’s been years since his brother Drew arrested my ex. It’s our first wedding anniversary in a few weeks’ time and we’re celebrating at the cabin in Washington.  
“Four years ago today” He begins and the music and merriment of Fourth of July celebrations around us just fades away. In this moment, it’s just us, and we’ve been frozen in time.  “We stood in this very spot and I said to you ‘when life gave you lemons’ and you said ‘you’re supposed to juggle ‘til you drop them’”. I know I remember. He sent me the most dazzling smile as he looked over his shoulder at me. “You smiled at me, do you remember?” I nod because it really was a magical stumbling into Hawthorne Creek and finding a home, even though that day had gone so horribly wrong half way through. “I think I toppled head long in love with you in that moment Faith.” 
Oh, I feel all glittery inside. He almost always knows exactly what to say to chase my daemons away. I know I don’t say these words enough to him. “I love you John.” 
He reaches for me, his big hands cup my face and he steps into the gap between us. I close my eyes and anticipate the most perfect moment ending with a heart stopping kiss. 
“Mom!”
The bubble burst. We both deflate in disappointment, look each in the eyes and a laugh tumbles from deep within. “Bloody kids!” John shakes his head.
“Dad!” Caitlyn shouts and I watch John swell up with pride. Cate made the decision to call John ‘Dad’, and she no longer wants to see Cal. She’s far wiser than just twelve years old so what was I to say? I think she’s big enough to make that choice.
 “Hurry up Uncle D!” Lisa is dragging my brother along by his hand. It’s so wonderful to see them embrace him like this because we were apart for most of their lives. 
Then Zoe appears. She mimics the gypsy fortune teller whose authentic caravan is set up on the outskirts of the stalls, and she asking her will she be a famous actress. The fortune teller replies “I see stars in your eyes dear child.” 
“Tell her what you told Uncle D!” Cate grins. 
“She said he wasn’t going to get married for a real long time.” Zoe interrupts. I looked at his fiancée at his side. She’s wearing an expression mixed with annoyance and concern. “and they’re going to have a baby-” 
“She said daughter.” Cate corrects. 
“Everyone is going to know his name too! Uncle D’s going to be famous.”
“Infamous.” Cate corrects again. 
I know it’s futile to believe, she been around all day and has probably observed us all. Besides D owns one of the biggest chain of health and well-being practices in the state of New York and his fiancée is a popular girl. They’re already well-known to those who read society pages. I’m not surprise his name is going to be infamous in future. He has big plans for the psychiatry practice started by our Dad.
“Do mommy!” Zoe demands. And the woman gives me an unnerving stare and suddenly I don’t want to know my future. I shiver and wave her away. “Please.” Zoe begs.
“My dear” she takes my hand without my permission. “I see a lifetime of sorrow in your eyes.” Her words crawl along my spine. I try to tug my hand away but she holds firm and closes her eyes. “Shadows have been cast around you but I still see you standing in the light.” She falls silent for a few moments. “Your future is intertwined with a young boy. Maybe a son?” My heart stops and I swallow before I look at John. He’s gone a ghostly shade of pale. He shakes his head. And I agree. We’re not having any more kids! 
“No” She corrects. “He’s too old to be your son.”  
My gaze lands on Darryl... and voila! The boy too old to be my son. This is nothing but a party trick.
“Oh” She opens her eyes. “Dear girl. You’ll never see how important you are.” She takes John’s hand and joins our palms together. Her gaze switches between us both. Then she casts her eyes to the floor. She shakes her head and when she looks up there are tears in her eyes. “You’ve further heartbreak on the horizon.” She whispers. “This is something you will face alone.” John’s other hand wraps around my waist as I try to tug away my hand again. “I want you to understand you need not worry, you have made the right choices and taught them to true value of family.”  She pats our hands and turns to walk away.
John reaches out and grabs her shoulder. “What do you mean? What did you see?” 
“Nothing.” She looks at me. “Flowers that’s all.”
I wrap my hands around my waist grabbing hold of Johns hand as he snaps “What kind of flowers?”
Shakes her head “I don’t know. They were white. Lillies I think.” I gasp. They’re the flowers of death. “It was a very brief glimpse. They have even been roses.”
White Roses? My blood runs cold. How did she know? We’d told no one about Cal’s threat.
“Charlatan!” John shouts and she cries out, shaking her head furiously. “How can you say this stuff in front of kids? It was him, wasn’t it? Did he send you?” John’s livid he’s almost foaming at his lips. “I’m calling my brother and reporting his threats. So if you want to avoid fraud charges you’d better get in that caravan and get out of this town right now.” She scurries away “and you give him a message from me.” His voice grows louder the further away she runs. “If he touches my wife again I’ll kill him!”
“John!” I touch his shoulder. He’s so mad he’s trembling under my hand. “It’s nothing but hocus pocus.” I tell him even though I’m trembling too. But the look on the girls’ faces, they’re so scared they’re clinging to Darryl and he holds them so protectively. He’s worried. His eyes are questioning me. I’d argued with him when the white roses arrived. I told him not to worry. They all need our reassurance after John’s outburst. Everything is going to be fine. He’s not allowed anywhere near here and Darryl takes Zoe to see him. I will never see Calvin McKenzie again. “She read our reactions. It’s a scam, a carnival trick, a way to make a quick buck.” But I can’t fight the sickly feeling growing in my stomach. We didn’t pay her a penny. 
He wraps both arms around me. He holds me ever-so tight. “You’re right.” We stand in silence and no body moves. We’ve all had a terrible fright. “I overreacted.” John kisses my cheek and says “But still, I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow.” 
I frown, then start to chuckle. “I thought you said god loves your genes?”
“He might but five kids and a little brother are enough kids for me thank very much.”
“Hey!” Darryl cries, my three girls are yet to move away from him. “Less of the little. I’m thirty-three years old, you know!”


Tuesday 10 September 2013

Past Regrets by Shelley Munroe @ShelleyMunro & @GoddessFish


Goddess Fish Virtual Book Took 
&
Author GiveAway


The deets


Never look back…unless that’s where your heart belongs.

Love and Friendship, Book 2

Julia Maxwell was a seize-the-moment party girl until the night she spent with up-and-coming rocker Ryan Callander. From that moment, she was a one-man woman. Pity he hasn’t kept with the program.

Tired of the secrets that have kept her out of the press and Ryan’s fans happy, angry with mounting evidence of infidelity, Julia is older, wiser, and determined to divorce his cheatin’ ass.

Ryan’s long European tour had more than its share of hard knocks—one of which landed on his head when he was mugged. Divorce papers waiting for him at home are a shock that fills in some of the holes in his sketchy memory. But it could be too late to salvage his marriage.

If Ryan thinks flirtatious smiles, seductive touches, and hot-and-heavy kisses are going to smooth things over, Julia’s got a hammer with his name on it. To her surprise, he picks it up, determined to rebuild a bright future for both of them. But the past is lurking with some missing pieces that could bring their hearts crashing down.

Warning: Contains a pissed ex-stripper turned burlesque dancer, a bunch of nosy friends and a smooth-talking rocker with one thing on his mind. Stripper poles and skimpy costumes may be involved.

Sneak peek inside the cover of Past Regrets


 “Julia, it can’t be that bad,” Maggie said.

“It’s worse.” Julia pulled the envelope from her handbag, going for diversion from the most troubling truth. “This is a letter from my mother.”

“You never talk about her,” Susan said. “Where does she live?”

“Auckland.” They lived in the same city, and her mother felt she had to post her a letter rather than pick up the phone or even send an email. It said a lot about their relationship.

“But you never… Do you see her?” Maggie asked.

“We talk on the phone, and I drop in to see her once or twice a month.” Julia winced. “That sounds heartless, as if I don’t care, but we’ve never been super close. She’s always been busy working or involved with a man.” Usually a different one every month, but she didn’t voice the thought. It seemed disloyal when her record was no better.

Maggie wrinkled her nose. “I’d be the last one to cast stones. My relationship with my parents isn’t worth shouting about. I’m closer to Connor’s parents than mine.”

“What’s the problem?” Susan’s blue eyes held genuine concern. “What can we do to help?”

Julia’s hand tightened around her glass. Afraid of breaking it, she set her wine aside. How would her friends react? “My mother runs a club on Karangahape Road. A strip club.” Julia sucked in a quick breath and scanned her friends’ faces, ready for their responses. She’d heard every variation while growing up and had a smartass cut down for each dirty, snide comment.

“K’ Road? Really?” The pitch of Maggie’s voice rose, clear amusement in the quirk of her lips.

“Is that all you’re gonna say?” Julia demanded.



Who is Shelley Munroe,,,?


Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.

Shelley is also a writer blessed with a VERY vivid imagination and lives with her very own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres for publishers Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. You can learn more about Shelley and her books at http://www.ShelleyMunro.com.

Connect with Shelley


Friday 6 September 2013

Stealing fire by SusanSloate @GoddessFish



Today's Friday Feature is Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate.

Susan is giving away a notebook perfect for journaling to a random commenter throughout the tour. So don't forget to leave your thoughts below.


The Deets...


“How do you recognize your soulmate?

In glittery 1980’s Los Angeles, Beau Kellogg is a brilliant Broadway lyricist now writing advertising jingles and yearning for one more hit to compensate for his miserable marriage and disappointing life.
Amanda Harary, a young singer out of synch with her contemporaries, works at a small New York hotel, while she dreams of singing on Broadway.
When they meet late at night over the hotel switchboard, what begins will bring them each unexpected success, untold joy, and piercing heartache ... until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.
STEALING FIRE is, at its heart, a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.”
STEALING FIRE was a Quarter-Finalist (Top 5%) in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.

Sneak Peek inside the cover of Stealing Fire



The phones were ringing off the hook, and it was after three.  And Amanda was tired.     She disposed of all the calls; she didn't think she could be bright and bubbling tonight. As she started to put down her headset, she realized she'd left one call on hold; the red light winked tantalizingly at her. She pushed the button, and was startled to hear a light, clear whistle delicately sounding one of her favorite old songs.     For a moment, she just listened. Then she started to hum along, filling in the words where she could remember them.     The whistling stopped, and the voice she'd come to recognize and dread pushed out at her.  "So you know it."     "It's one of my favorites." She hummed a few more bars, hesitatingly. "I've known it for years."     "Remember the title?"  It was a challenge.     "`Bursting Bubbles'."  That was easy.  She remembered the scratchy old record that Josie had broken years ago. Even now she felt a small pang at losing it. "From a show called The Life and Times."     "Well, well. I'm impressed. Two points for you."     "And for you, 704.  Are you into trivia games?"     He chuckled.  "So you know who I am. That makes you one up on me. I don't know who you are."     "Why do you want to know? Gonna complain to the boss?"     "I wanted to thank you. I don't often have a chocolate shake for breakfast, but it really hit the spot this morning. I never get service like this, not even at the Lorelei."



Who is Susan Sloate ... ?



Susan Sloate is the author of 20 published books, including FORWARD TO CAMELOT (with Kevin Finn), an alternative history of the JFK assassination, STEALING FIRE, an autobiographical love story, and REALIZING YOU (with Ron Doades), for which she invented a new genre – the self-help novel.  FORWARD TO CAMELOT was a #6 Amazon bestseller, took honors in 3 literary competitions and was optioned for film production by a Hollywood company. STEALING FIRE was a quarter-finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. Susan has also written young-adult fiction and non-fiction, including RAY CHARLES: FIND ANOTHER WAY!, which won a silver medal in the 2007 Children’s Moonbeam Book Awards, AMELIA EARHART: CHALLENGING THE SKIES, a perennial Amazon bestseller, and MYSTERIES UNWRAPPED: THE SECRETS OF ALCATRAZ, which led to her appearance on a special for The History Channel in 2009, as well as books for five girls’ fiction series. As a screenwriter, she has written an informational film for McGraw-Hill Films and optioned two scripts to Hollywood production companies. As a sportswriter, she’s covered the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. She’s also managed two recent political campaigns, founded the East Cooper Authors Festival (which put 18 professional authors in 17 area schools in one day) and serves on the Culture, Arts and Pride Commission of the Town of Mount Pleasant.





Erin

Posts You May Have Missed

Thursday 5 September 2013

Thursdays With Faith - Revisited.

Back in March, Faith McKenzie took a trip over to PattiLarsen.com and I realised I'd never shared the post here on my blog.  


His big angry eyes glare at me as the front door slams. The windows rattle. Oh god! What had I done this time? The urge to run away pools deep in my belly. I didn’t believe it. For the first time in years we were alone. My not so little anymore brother is sleeping at a friend’s house as requested, and hopefully staying out of trouble, while my son and daughter are enjoying birthday sleepover parties at their friends’ homes. I’d been looking forward this night since my doctor’s appointment a few days ago.
I had the news we’d both longed for and it was killing me keeping it from him. But I couldn’t tell him now. From the look in his eyes if I tell him we’re expecting a baby all hell would break loose. The blissful-can’t-keep-our-hands-to our-self way of life we’d lived for the past nine weeks would shatter like one of the crystal champagne glasses sitting on the dining room table.
It was four months before he forgave me after I broke the news we were expecting Caleb and he wore the same expression on his face today as he had that night. It would be my fault we were pregnant again even though we’d planned this baby, even though Cal wanted this baby. Suddenly, this baby has the worst timing ever!
Still frozen on to my spot on the stairs, I fight the fear curling in my stomach. The last time I saw such fury in his eyes he reached for me and I swear he was going to hurt me. But he didn’t hurt me. Far from it. We … we … well we made the little miracle I now carry. And it was amazing. Beautiful. I’ve never felt more connected to Calvin then I had that day.
I shake my head, attempt to shake off the anxiety. He never hurts me. Not intentionally. I’m overreacting. He’s had a bad day at work. It’s nothing what I have planned for him can’t resolve. After his favourite meal, a glass of wine, and a child free night he’ll be mellowed and ready to receive the good news. At least I think it’s still good news.
“Hi” I smile, walk down the rest of the stairs and cross the entrance hall. “You look like you could do with a drink.” My hand gently caresses his forearm.
“I just came to drop my things off.” He brushes me off and walks on as though I’m not even there. “I can’t be around the kids tonight.”
I ignore the stab in my heart from his rejection. “Cal?”
The study door slams shut in answer. I don’t follow. I haven’t been allowed into his study since we…  um…  Well, it’s been nine weeks since I’ve been allowed in the study. Besides, I know better than to follow him when he’s in a mood like this, it’s likely to end in tears.
Instead, I go into the dining room. We never use the dining, except for entertaining, holidays and special occasions and I guess tonight wasn’t going to be one of them after all. I fail to fight the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes as I unset the table and put the best china, crystal and silverware back in the cabinet. All that is left is my mom’s antique candle sticks when I hear Cal call out. But more tears fall. It’s been over ten years since Mom and Dad were snatched away at gunpoint but suddenly it feels like yesterday.
Cal voice carries from somewhere deeper in the house. Great! He’s still angry and now he’s looking for me. I know I have a fight coming my way but I can’t… My parents’ death is balled up in my throat and my voice won’t reach around it. They missed so much. My brother was so little when they died. Georgia was just a baby. They never met Caleb, my hand rests on my flat tummy, and they’d never meet our newest addition to the family either.
“What are you doing in here?” Cal grumbles. I brush away my tears before I face him. “And where are the kids?”
“I’m putting stuff away” I manage to mumble turning and putting Mum’s candlesticks away and erase all signs of any plans I had. “You’re going out and the kids are at sleepovers.”
He stares at me. The time draws on and I try not to squirm under his silent scrutiny. Then he frowns “You’ve been crying?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me.” He snaps “You don’t cry about nothing.”
“We’ve been through this twice before Cal” I quip walking passed him “I’m sure you’ll remember how the next nine months are going to play out.” I leave him standing in the dining room alone.
“Don’t talk to me like that Faith!”
I march into the kitchen waiting for his usual adage; you know I don’t like it. The steak, already tenderised within an inch of its life, and the ingredient I’d already prepared for his favourite steak sauce look at me from the counter. I was going to indulge him tonight. There was even a bottle of champagne chilling in the wine cooler because I knew how much he wanted this baby. We’d talked about it only a couple of days ago that ended with some silly ideas of ice cream in the bedroom. Packing the steak and the vegetables in airtight containers, I cross the kitchen and put them in the fridge, slamming the door. Cal is behind it.
I jump about a mile out of my skin. My heart beat racing. The look in his eyes hasn’t changed. “Cal!” I gasp fighting to keep the fear of what he’ll do next from my voice and my expression. “You scared the life out me.”
“A patient committed suicide.” Even though his voice is terse, I don’t know if he’s angry with me or himself anymore, so I can’t seem to let my guard down. I don’t know if he wants my sympathy because he wants to fight with me. I know he does. But he doesn’t look at all happy about it. I swallow against my suddenly desert dry mouth and step back. I don’t trust myself not to do the wrong thing, whatever that maybe. “Did you mean what you said?” He asks “It’s just you and me tonight?”
“Uh-huh” Is all I can manage as I put the island between us.
“And the other thing you said” He frowns again as his gaze drift away from mine “Did you mean…” He looks at me. His expression is blank. “Are you…?” It’s as though he never expected it to happen. “Are we…?” I nod and he gasps. Both hands grip the opposite end of the island and his eyes close. He draws in several really long deep breaths. He can’t do this! He can’t take this news badly. He’s not allowed. This baby was his idea!
Just as I’m about to lose my mind he stands upright. He has a mischievous glint in his eyes and a wicked grin on his lips. Just like that the fight it over and he’s happy. He turns towards the freezer. “Then I believe” He chuckles as he opens the door “You owe me an ice cream sundae.”
“What?” My head is spinning from the suddenly change in direction. “No!” I shriek as a tub of luxury ice cream slides across the counter. “You’re not…” I can’t believe he’s even contemplating this.
“You promised. You said I could have syrup, and sprinkles, and whipped cream, and the whole damn cherry on top if we got pregnant this side of Christmas. I intend to hold you to it.”
“But-” I wasn’t serious! He wasn’t serious! I eyed the offensive ice cream between us. The condensation forming on the outside chills me to the bone. I shiver at the thought of cream to skin contact. “That’s really cold. Think of the baby.”
Cal burst into a delighted laughter. “Babies love ice cream!”
It was hard to remain horrified at the sound of his happiness but still, he was not covering me in ice cream. “No!” I made for the left and he blocked my exit. So I started for the right and he made to block that exit too. “No Cal.” I half shriek half laugh and shake my head.
“You promised me Fay.” His eyes sparkle as he reaches for the ice cream.
“No way,” I use his distraction as an opportunity to escape, dodging his overstretched arm as he realises I’m making a break for it. “You’re not making a sundae out of me!” I sprint into the entrance hall as the most magnificent laugh bursts from the kitchen. It’s so light, so free. In all the years we’ve been married I’ve never heard Calvin laugh like that before.
I freeze. I turn around as he leaves the kitchen Ice cream and sundae paraphernalia in his hands. This is what my husband looks and acts like when he’s completely happy. It hits me I’ve never seen him this way before. We’d finally done it. We were thrown into the life he didn’t want and one we both knew couldn’t make him happy.  And yet, it did. And he was, ecstatically so. My heart swelled.
“I will if I catch you.”
What?! Oh yes, the ice cream! My gaze darts around the entrance hall. Where the hell did I go? I couldn’t take this outside and he blocked the only other exit except upwards. Where in God’s name did I hide? He steps forward. I’m out of time so I spring into action. “You’ll never catch me.” I challenge and sprint and leap for the stairs.
There’s a sudden clatter of a dozen dropped objects as Cal plucks me out of mid air. His arm wrapping around my waist and he whirls me around to face him. “Gotcha!”
My legs wrap around him. My arms hook around his neck and I grouch “You don’t have to look so smug about it.”
“Oh yes I do” He chuckles before his lips meet mine. His kisses are so soft.  His touch is so tender. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud as we climb the stairs and he carries me towards the bedroom. “Fay?” He whispers. “Did I ever tell you you’re the best damn thing that ever happened to me?”


Erin

Posts You May Have Missed

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Evolution

I love the evolution of a story. 

Sometimes, for me,  it begins with a voice.Others, its just a spark on an idea. As I listen, and invest my time into the idea, it grows. It becomes a world with places, people, and events. It develops a past, a present and a future. Its inhabitants get families,  friends,  jobs. They have regrets and flaws and hopes and dreams just like anyone else. It becomes their story and they tell it. I just listen and write it all down.

I recently began Maybe Tomorrow.  This story began with Darcy. It began with a what if? It began with butterflies  and fairy cakes.  It began with Darcy being celebrated for her achievements in the field.  It began with Darcy running into the man she left to chase butterflies. It began with a kiss on a rooftop and a strike of lightning. Awww swoon. It began with Darcy discovering she was sick and she was going to die.
But it was Keon's voice that was stronger.Keon who told me when and how they met. How she captivated him and threw him of his destined path. How they loved and lost. And it was Keon who told me their story. He broke my heart and made me cry. For he's never stopped loving Darcy and now fate brought her back into his life, death is ripping her away. And he told me he was her doctor he was the one to break the news. So this story became Keon's and Keon's alone.

You know it's funny, the evolution of a story.  Because Darcy isnt happy with the way Keon is telling their story. Hates the way she is being presented. So now I hear Darcy. There are things she wants to do and things she needs to say. So maybe it's not just Keon's story after all?
Like I said, I love the evolution of a story. I love the way the characters take this spark of an idea, bring it to life, and make it their own. I love not quite knowing if the path I'm on is the one I'll stay on right to the very end.

My entire story has changed since the first time I met Darcy and Keon. It's still very much two broken hearts fighting to forgive, fighting for closure, fighting to overcome the inevitable need for acceptance. But what is their fate?
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The Legal Bit

All characters have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation to anyone baring the same name. They are not inspired by an individual known or unknown by the author and all incidents are pure invention.

The articles, excerpts, and other written work published under the pseudonym Erin Cawood are copyright protected by the author. Guest articles are published by arrangement and also copyright protected by the guest author.

Images of Erin Cawood are provided by Paul Miguel Photography.


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