Once Upon a Star

by Lorana Hoopes

  Audrey nodded. “I told her to go there if Tony showed up.”

  “No, now, before Tony shows up. At least that way Evelyn is there to help, and she's forceful enough to be convincing. I will call Sergeant Powell and see if there's any information on Tony's past we can use as leverage.”

  Blake's words sent Audrey’s head spinning, and she gaped at him unsure of where to start.

  "What's Tony's last name?"

  "Bachetti," Audrey managed through the cloud of uncertainty.

  “Good, call Elliana. I’ll be right back.” Blake’s tone was firm and pushed Audrey into gear.

  She picked up the desk phone as he pulled out his cell.

  Within minutes, Blake and Audrey were in his car on the way to her house. Audrey clutched a fax in her hand, surprised at the information it contained. She'd had no idea Tony had a record, but hoped it would be enough to get him to leave.

  Tony's car was in the driveway when they pulled up, but thankfully Ellie's wasn't.

  "You ready?" Blake asked, squeezing her hand after turning off the engine.

  Audrey nodded, though her nerves were wound as tight as a drum. After a final deep breath, she opened the car door and stepped out.

  "Where's my son?" Tony asked approaching her. An aggressive wave rolled off his demeanor halting Audrey's steps until Blake's hand landed on her back, a reassuring gesture.

  "Cayden's not here," Audrey said after flashing a look of gratitude Blake's direction. "You didn't come here seeking to be Cayden's father. You came here in hopes of money, but you won't get any."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "This!" Audrey held out the paper and Tony snatched it, his eyes widening at the information. "You shouldn't even be here, Tony. According to this, you are violating parole, and I'm sure the LAPD would love to obtain that information."

  Tony's eyes narrowed into slits.

  "Or you can go back to LA and forget about Audrey and Cayden and we can tear this paper up," Blake said, taking a step forward.

  "You haven't seen the last of me." Tony scowled before crumpling the paper and stomping to his car.

  As the black Mercedes Benz roared to life, and the tires squealed out of the driveway, Audrey sagged against Blake, the adrenaline leaving her knees weak.

  "Everything will be okay," Blake said, wrapping both arms around her. "We'll get a lawyer and get you full custody, so he can't do this again."

  Audrey turned to Blake. "Thank you. I couldn't have done this without you."

  Instead of a verbal response, his arms tightened around her, and he lowered his head to mark her lips with his own.

  "I want to make sure Cayden's okay," Audrey said as the kiss ended. The desire to remain in Blake's chiseled arms was strong, but so was the maternal instinct to check on her son. Blake nodded and ten minutes later they pulled into the estate.

  Elliana opened the door instead of Julie, sending alarm bells ringing in Audrey’s head.

  “Where’s Cayden? Is he okay?” Audrey asked. Her eyes darted behind Elliana in search of her son.

  “Relax, he’s fine. He’s with Mother. Tony never even showed up here."

  "That's because we met him first. I hope he won't be back," Audrey said.

  "If he does, we'll figure something out," Blake said, squeezing her shoulder.

  “I need to see Cayden.”

  Ellie led the way to the formal living room where Evelyn sat with Cayden on her lap.

  The change in Evelyn stopped Audrey in her tracks. Not only was Evelyn not in a pantsuit, but no pearls adorned her neck. “Mother?”

  Evelyn looked up and smiled, sending another shock of disbelief down Audrey’s spine. When was the last time her mother had smiled like that?

  “Ah, Audrey, Blake, welcome.”

  Audrey glanced at Blake who shrugged and then she turned her attention to Ellie. With a raise of her eyebrows, she asked the silent question, knowing Ellie would understand.

  “You got me,” Ellie said with a laugh. “She’s been like this for about an hour. After Cayden spit up on her white Nina McLemore suit, she changed into this and her whole attitude shifted. You should have seen her laying on the floor with him.”

  “I can relax on occasion,” Evelyn said, feigning mock hurt.

  “No, you can’t Mother,” Audrey said. She wanted to scoop up Cayden to make sure he was okay, but shock kept her rooted in place.

  “Ah, Blake,” her father’s voice grabbed everyone's attention as he entered the living room, “I want to say thank you for your calm head today.”

  “You’re welcome, Sir. I’m glad I could help.”

  “You should all stay for dinner,” Evelyn said, “though with all the hubbub today, I’m not sure Maurice cooked anything, but there is always pizza.”

  “Pizza? Mother are you feeling all right?” Audrey moved to a chair and sat down, the complete and utter change in Evelyn too much to deal with.

  Evelyn shot a pointed look and sighed. “I’m fine. Look, when I heard Tony was trying to take Cayden away, I realized more important things in life exist than money, but if you’d like me to go back...”

  “No,” Audrey and Ellie shouted simultaneously and then laughed. “No, Mother,” Audrey said, “We like this new you. It’s just going to take some getting used to, but I hope you’ve also changed your mind about Blake.” She smiled up at him and reached for his hand. “Because I expect he will be in my life for the foreseeable future.” He squeezed her hand and grinned.

  “I think we may have been too hasty in our earlier judgment,” Bruce said, clearing his throat. “Anyone who can conduct himself the way Blake did today is welcome in my house and to date my daughter.”

  “Thank you, Bruce, and while I don’t think it matters, I can support Audrey financially. My father was very wealthy, and when he died, he left me a small fortune.

  “I’m glad to hear it, but I agree with Evelyn. Money has been our bane for far too long. Family is what really matters.”

  Audrey and Ellie shared another glance, and Audrey knew Ellie was wondering the same thing: Was this for real and would it last?

  “I think you should stay here,” Evelyn said as the family retired into the living room after dinner. “At least until we know Tony has left town.”

  Audrey shook her head. “I can’t, Mother. All of Cayden’s stuff is at my house. I need to go back.”

  “Evelyn might be right,” Blake said. “I’m not comfortable with you staying there alone either,” he raised his hand as Audrey opened her mouth to object, “but I know you need to be at home, so I was wondering if anyone would object to my staying on her couch at least for tonight.”

  “I could agree to that,” Evelyn said. “It sounds like you proved yourself today.”

  “I can’t say I’m a fan of you two being in the house alone together,” Bruce said.

  “I understand your concern Bruce," Blake said. "But I’m a God-fearing man. While I care for your daughter, my love for God is even greater. I assure you I will do nothing to harm that relationship or your daughter’s virtue.”

  Bruce leaned back and regarded Blake. "I don't know about this God thing, but not many men today would say what you did, so I will accept it as well."

  A handshake sealed the deal, and after a round of hugs—another thing that never happened in the McAllister household—Audrey and Blake headed out to the car.

  “That might just have been the weirdest day of my life,” Audrey said as Blake strapped Cayden in the car seat.

  “I thought it was nice,” Blake said.

  “No, it was nice," Audrey said as she buckled her seatbelt. "But you met my mother before. Is it natural for someone to make such a drastic change in so short a time?”

  Blake smiled. “I’m no expert, but the threat of loss can cause drastic changes. Couple that with the fact we’ve been praying for them, and I’m not surprised at all.”

  “I hope you’re right. They invited us over for Christmas on Friday. Fee
l up to it?”

  He squeezed her hand before starting the car and turning his attention to the road. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Do you think they would mind if I brought my mother?”

  Audrey chuckled and shook her head. “Yesterday, I wouldn’t have even believed they would invite you, but after tonight, I don’t think they’d mind.”

  Chapter 11

  Audrey glanced around the room and marveled at the difference. Years ago, when she left, she would never have pictured a happy gathering at her parent’s house.

  Blake had told her the Christmas party was often held at work, but Evelyn had hired a last-minute decorator to adorn the house, so it would exude a welcoming and Christmassy air for the party. No expense had been spared. A twelve-foot tree complete with lights and decorations sat near the fireplace and twinkle lights hung from the beams in the ceiling. Garland draped across nearly every surface and fake snowflakes hung from invisible threads.

  Even more surprising was that half the town had showed up at the McAllister's invite. Max and Layla stood by the long table sipping eggnog or cider. Ned and Amelia sat on one of the white couches looking like uncomfortable statues afraid to touch anything. Only their eyes moved back and forth as they watched the crowd. Paula had cornered Barnard near the tree and the two were arguing over whether white lights or colored lights looked better on trees.

  Evelyn and Bruce sat in the chairs nearest the fireplace with Cayden asleep on Evelyn's lap. She had scooped him up as soon as Audrey arrived and carried him around the room showing him off to everyone. Audrey couldn't remember seeing her mother so happy.

  Blake's mother, Irene, stood near Evelyn smiling down at Cayden's dark head. She had spent most of the night by Evelyn's side, probably to be by the baby, but now the two appeared to be fast friends. Audrey shook her head at the image. She would never have believed it if she wasn't seeing it with her own eyes.

  Last but certainly not least, Philip and Elliana stood near the refreshments sharing a quiet conversation. Audrey smiled as she watched Elliana touch Philip's arm and laugh. It was obvious her sister was still very much in love with her husband.

  “Come here.” Blake grabbed Audrey's hand and pulled her out of the living room.

  “Where are we going?” Audrey asked, laughing.

  “I want a moment alone with you,” Blake said. His eyes scanned the doorways as he pulled her from one room to another. “Ah, there we go.”

  Audrey looked up and felt the heat sear across her face. Hanging from the door jamb was a bright green sprig of mistletoe.

  “You needed a mistletoe to kiss me?” Audrey laughed.

  “No, but it makes it more romantic at Christmastime, don’t you think?” His arms circled her waist as he pulled her closer.

  Her arms wound around his neck, and she smiled. “I can’t imagine anything more romantic.” As she closed her eyes, her lips parted expecting his, but nothing came. She opened her eyes, confused.

  Blake’s grin reached from ear to ear. “I wanted to tell you before I kissed you that I had one thing even more romantic than Mistletoe.”

  Audrey couldn't imagine anything more romantic than being under the mistletoe with Blake. “What's that?”

  “I heard from the LA police today. Tony was back at work today, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday. I asked a friend of mine to keep a tab on him and let me know if he disappears again.”

  “That may be the best Christmas present ever,” Audrey said with a smile. Though she'd miss having Blake on her couch, she was relieved she could stop worrying about Tony showing up and stealing Cayden in the night.

  “No, the best Christmas present ever is you,” Blake said. “I love you Audrey McAllister.”

  “I love you too, Blake Dalton.”

  Electricity crackled between them as he lowered his face to hers. When his lips touched hers, heat flooded her body. She couldn’t believe how much her life had changed in such a short time, but she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

  The End!

  * * *

  If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review at your retailer. Just a few words really helps!

  Author’s Note

  This book was originally part of the Under the Mistletoe multi-author Christmas collection, but after that Christmas, we all pulled our novellas and I put mine in Star Lake because I loved the small town feel.

  I hope you enjoyed this book. If you did, would you do me a favor? Please leave a review at your retailer.. It really helps. It doesn’t have to be long - just a few words to help other readers know what they’re getting.

  I’d love to hear from you, not only about this story, but about the characters or stories you’d like read in the future. I’m always looking for new ideas and if I use one of your characters or stories, I’ll send you a free ebook and paperback of the book with a special dedication. Write to me at loranahoopes@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see what’s coming next, be sure to stop by authorloranahoopes.com

  I also have a weekly newsletter that contains many wonderful things like pictures of my adorable children, chances to win awesome prizes, new releases and sales I might be holding, great books from other authors, and anything else that strikes my fancy and that I think you would enjoy. I’ll even send you the first chapter of my newest (maybe not even released yet) book if you’d like to sign up.

  Even better, I solemnly swear to only send out one newsletter a week (usually on Tuesday unless life gets in the way which with three kids it usually does). I will not spam you, sell your email address to solicitors or anyone else, or any of those other terrible things.

  This series will be continued, but for now, would you like to meet some characters for a new series.

  * * *

  Prayers and blessings,

  Lorana

  Not ready to say Goodbye yet?

  Once Upon a Star is the second book in the Star Lake series. Each book can be read stand alone, and you’ll see some of your favorite characters appear in other books.

  The next book in the series follows Lanie Hall as she tries to find love after her divorce.

  * * *

  Love Conquers All

  A woman reeling from a recent divorce…

  Lanie Perkins Hall did not expect to be divorced at thirty. Unsure of her future, she returns to her past haunts and finds an old friend. She isn’t looking for love, but she can’t deny the attraction.

  He’s loved her since the day he met her….

  Azarius Jacobson has loved Lanie since the day he met her, but his past has left him guarded. He couldn’t tell Lanie how he felt before but now that she’s single again, will he find the courage?

  One night changes everything….

  When emotions send Lanie to Azarius’s arms, her life takes an unexpected turn.

  Read of for a sneak peek at Love Conquers All….

  Love Conquers All Preview

  Lanie Hall’s footsteps echoed in the now half empty house. True to his word, Denny had cleared out his half of the furniture. The rusty orange recliner she had always hated? Gone. The glass topped coffee table she had always imagined children breaking and cutting themselves on? It was gone too. The fact they had never had kids to break the coffee table hadn’t deterred her fears over the years.

  All that remained of the living room furniture now was the couch her parents had given her when she first moved out. Faded and slightly stained, but otherwise in decent shape, it had lasted through college, and without kids, had held up well over the years as well.

  Lanie wandered into the kitchen. Most of the appliances remained on the counter, but she noted the absence of the coffee pot. She might have to replace that as Denny’s morning coffee habit had rubbed off on her some time in their ten years together.

  With a heavy heart, Lanie followed the hallway into the bedroom which had felt empty for the last few years anyway. Somewhere around their fifth year of marriage, she and Denny had stopped touching and kissing. Forget sle
eping in the same room at the same time. She would turn in and read a new book or get lost in a tv show until she fell asleep. He would fall asleep in the living room and leave for work without even saying goodbye. And that’s how the last few years had passed.

  Lanie crossed to the closet and opened the door. The small room had once been bursting with both their clothes, but now only hers hung on one side, creating a haphazard effect like a sinking ship. With a sigh she thought back to the last conversation she’d had with Denny.

  * * *

  “I can’t do this anymore, Lanie. We hardly talk, and when we do, it’s short and curt. I want to experience something again.”

  “Let’s try counseling, Denny,” Lanie said, curling her hands against her legs. “I don’t like feeling like roommates either.”

  “We could.” Denny nodded and ran a hand through his short brown hair, “but I don’t expect it would help. Neither of us is getting anything out of this marriage any longer. I think it best we go our separate ways.”

  Lanie blinked at him but nodded. A part of her had hoped he would fight, that he would agree to counseling or something else, but his adamant stance informed her he no longer cared to try. It saddened her a little, but she didn’t have the energy to fight for them both.

  * * *

  She shut the closet door, hating the reminder of her failed marriage. Though the divorce wasn’t official yet, it was only a matter of time. Denny was gone, and the paperwork was filed. As they hadn’t wanted any of the same things and they planned on selling the house and splitting the profits, the smooth process had taken no time, and now she was simply playing the waiting game.

  Suddenly, the house felt too empty, too condemning, and Lanie needed a break. She retraced her steps, grabbing her keys at the door, and hurried to her car. With no idea of where to go, she let her mind wander and her hands do the steering, but it wasn’t much of a surprise when she pulled into Mic’s, the radio station hang out.