Everything Stolen
Page 23
“You should have seen Allison the first time we left Gemma and Silas overnight. I had to drag her out the door. You two will do fine.”
“Thanks, Charles,” I offer sincerely.
The older man pats me on the back before he helps his wife into the car. The Chambers have become close friends over the years. Allison and Charles treat my wife and my children like treasures. They wave as they back down the driveway and the children yell their goodbyes.
I never imagined that I’d come to regard Silas’ parents as an adopted part of my family, but they’re closer to our children then Bruce and Sharon will ever be. To their credit, my parents have warmed to Sylvie over the years. They’ve enjoyed the admiration of their friends for having exceptionally beautiful grandchildren. And shallow as they are, even they can see how happy my wife makes me.
“Dad! Can we still go to the woods today?” asks Levi. “I wanted to try out that new finch whistle.”
“Let’s do it!” I say, tossing the boy over my shoulder.
He doesn’t protest the way he does when his mother tries to snuggle him. He still indulges me and I’m grateful. Maybe he still remembers those first few years when I wasn’t there to play with him?
I look back to see Sylvie smiling as she sees us. Our eyes lock and she mouths ‘I love you.’ I grin back at her while Violet plays with the charms on her necklace. I gave her the necklace last night, an early anniversary gift. Each of the children's initials and birthstones hang from the silver chain. She loved it. And I love them all. As I carry my oldest son into the house to get our hiking gear, I breathe easy, overwhelmed with gratitude for my abundance of riches, my family.
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Check out:
a Story of Summers by Sophia Scarlet
The moment I met him I started wanting things that I hadn’t wanted before. It crept up on me slowly. I remember a curious look, an electric touch, the polite kiss the first night we met. I remember wondering if he wanted me. He did. This is the story of those summers when we were young, a story about friendship, sex, forgiveness, and in the end, a story about love.
Check out:
Bend me, Break me, Bind me
the complete Absolution series
by Sophia Scarlet
What would you do if your worst fears came true? If everything you loved was stripped away in one indifferent stroke? Who would you become if you blamed yourself? Who would you turn to for absolution?
When Agnes Bright loses her infant son and her husband files for divorce, she finds herself drowning in sorrow and bitterness, unable to grieve. She seeks an expert to help her explore the sensual world of masochism and test the boundaries of her quiet rage. What she finds sets her on a path of lies, love, and self-discovery. How far can she bend before she breaks?
Successful entrepreneur and experienced Dominant David Lake isn't looking for love. But when he meets an irresistible woman, he doesn't hesitate to show her what it means to be his. When one night with her isn’t enough, David grows hungry for more and determined to claim her in every possible way.
***This volume contains all three book in the Absolution series: Bend Me (Absolution part one), Break Me (Absolution part two), and Bind Me (Absolution part three).
Thank you for reading Everything Stolen. I wrote this novel while everyone in my family had the flu. The words poured out, and twenty-eight days later, I had a draft that I loved. My revisions were squeezed in over the course of a horrendous six-part move from my home, which I loved, to the instability of rentals and storage units, which are perfectly sufficient until we can find someplace to call home again. My writing keeps me sane and I hope that it enriches your life too. In this story, I wanted to explore loss and love in all of their beautiful and enduring complexities. I hope you enjoyed it.
All of my stories start with a simple outline and a very small group of very indulgent people who listen to them and share their initial impressions. I am deeply indebted to the friends and family who support me and my stories as they grow from tiny seeds to full blown novels. Shane has been especially supportive of my process and I am very grateful to have her on my team. Thank you SF.
My alpha and beta readers for this novel were particularly generous with their feedback and their willingness to share their candid thoughts. I know that the story would not be as rich without your notes and your perspective. In particular, Sam, Laz, Saleena Chamberlin, RJ Crayton, Kayla Pickrell, Rachel Spencer, Robyn Cacciapalle, Jenny Brightman Harris, Ellen Montoya, Tracy Adams, Jennifer Keninitz, and Jodee Farrar contributed their insightful comments.
RJ Crayton has been generously in my corner since I began my writing journey and her thoughtfulness and insights continue to enrich my life. You’re a rockstar RJ!
I would likely never finish anything without the support, inspiration, and compassionate critique of Sam Markham. You’re amazing Sammy! Your friendship is one of the highlights of my writing adventure.
My ARC team is the only reason anyone ever heard about my novels in the first place and I am beyond grateful for every single review and recommendation they offer. I love you all and without you I wouldn’t be writing.
Yocla Designs was helpful in my cover concept development and with organizing my teasers. Tease Me Designs created beautiful teasers and ads for me. Shari Ryan at Mad Hat Covers graciously formatted my paperback and ebook. I am so grateful for her last minute troubleshooting and for the lovely teasers she contributed.
Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations brought this beautiful cover to life. I am in awe of her near magical ability to layer images and graphics to create truly stunning cover art. Sarah, you are brilliant!
Megan Maxwell found the errors I missed and made this novel fit for publishing. Thank you all for your professionalism, your creativity, and you time.
Lydia from HEA book tours organized my kick ass blog tour.
Linda from Sassy Savvy Fabulous pimped my book like a boss! She has taken my visibility to the next level and I am so grateful for everything that she has done. Without her hard work this novel would be lost in obscurity and without her very generous hand holding, I may have pulled out all of my hair before this novel launched.
Most importantly, I am so grateful for the love, inspiration, and relentless support of my husband Phillip. Everything in my life is more beautiful for having lived it with you. You are my everything and I am forever yours.
Sophia Scarlet is a Maryland native. She lives with her husband, two children, and cat in a magical land not far from the Potomac River. When she is not buried under a mountain of laundry, writing, or shuttling her children around, you can find her practicing yoga, cooking, or picking seasonal vegetables at the local CSA.
She started reading Sunfire Romances as a teen and loves a twisty turning love story with a happily ever after ending. She endeavors to write vivid characters that challenge and inspire. With many projects in the works, she hopes to continue exploring love, sex, friendship, and adventure through literature.