Love Is More Than Skin Deep (A Hidden Hearts Novel Book 4)

by Mary Crawford

  “Grandpa, is all this necessary?” Jessica asks. “I thought that you were just going to say a few sentimental words to make it all legal for us.”

  “I want to make sure I had all the highlights,” Walter explains. “I don’t want you guys complaining that I missed something crucial.”

  “Gramps, don’t be silly. I love Mitch, and he loves me and we’re here to tell the world about it. We’re going to trade rings, kiss awkwardly as we try not to embarrass ourselves and then we’re going to eat some cake. Does it really have to get any more complicated than that?”

  Walter’s heavy eyebrows draw together as he thinks for a moment. Finally, he says, “No, I suppose not. Any objections to that plan?”

  Everyone in the audience looks at each other and shrugs.

  Walter smiles at his granddaughter as he says, “Sweet Pea, it looks like you’re in the clear. Congratulations, Mitch is a fine young man. As a minister in the state of Kansas and through several online ministries throughout the United States, I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss your groom, Mrs. Mitch Campbell.”

  “Grandpa, what about our rings?” Jessica asks with a confused expression on her face.

  Walter winks her as he says, “You said you wanted the ceremony short and sweet. I figured you guys could exchange rings after you’re done eating cake.”

  Jessica sighs as she concludes, “Oh… Gramps, you forgot the wedding rings in the hotel room, didn’t you?”

  “I’m old. I can’t be expected to remember everything —my cell phone died,” Walter explains. “Now are you going to kiss your husband or what?”

  As the whole audience breaks out into enthusiastic applause, Shelby whispers in my ear, “I don’t know if this means we should automatically book this guy as our minister or make sure we never call him?”

  I shrug as I answer, “I don’t know, I can’t decide either. One thing is for certain, if we put Walter in charge of our wedding, it won’t be boring.”

  “HOW IN THE WORLD DID you talk Dad into letting me do this?” Ketki asks me. “He’s usually pretty adamant about extra holes in my body.”

  “Does the word surprise ring any bells?” I answer vaguely.

  “Oh, so you’re just not telling him — otherwise known as lying.” Ketki confronts me in her usual blunt way.

  “Well, you’re partially right. It is a little bit of a surprise and a little bit of not telling him. I’m two years cancer free and the PET scan looks great. He is out of town doing those trainings for the new branches of Hunters Crossing. So, instead of getting my dream catcher tattoo on my back like I originally planned, Rogue is going to put it on the outside of my thigh. My skin is less irritated there and the dermatologist said it would be okay.”

  “Really? I thought that doctors were totally against tattoos,” Ketki replies.

  “No, from what I understand it has a lot to do with the quality of ink. Ink’d Deep uses the highest quality medical grade tattoo ink, so the risk of allergic reaction or infection is a lot less,” I explain

  “You should see some of the videos out there on YouTube; it’s a scary thing,” Ketki remarks.

  “That’s why your mom is taking you to Ink’d Deep. You don’t end up with some weird disease from mall-funk,” Tanyanita, declares with a shudder. “I know they don’t use an autoclave to clean their equipment at the mall.”

  “Geez guys, I’m just getting my ears pierced it’s not like I’m getting something major done.” Ketki complains. “Sometimes, having two moms is a drag.”

  “Yeah, like when we take you out for your birthday and buy you twice as many video games?” I suggest.

  “Or, when Shelby and I pool our resources to get you more expensive kicks or other cool stuff, I bet that’s a real drag then too,” Tanyanita teases.

  “Having two of us to help with boy problems — I bet that sucks too,” I add facetiously.

  Ketki turns red like every other twelve-year-old when you talk about boys. “It does suck!” she exclaims. “It’s like you guys coordinate your advice or something. Most of the time it’s almost exactly the same. What you guys do, think with one brain?”

  I laugh as I respond, “I wish I shared her brain. I’ve got a student in AP Biology and he’s pushing my area of expertise. I could use Tanyanita’s smarts about now.”

  “How is that teaching position working out for you? I’d think it would be hard for you to work with kids with cancer after having fought it yourself,” Tanyanita asks with the insight of someone who works in healthcare. “Aren’t you afraid fear will overtake you if you see people sick all the time?”

  “Teaching in virtual classrooms has been great for me and the kids. However, I can’t deny that there is some of that, especially when I see the kiddos really sick from chemo. My stomach instinctively lurches out of sympathy. Yet, I think there’s a lot to be said for being able to show them what it’s like to be on the other side of it. I know as a skin cancer survivor, I won’t ever be cured, only managed. Fortunately, the worst is behind me.”

  “I’m just sad that you and Dad won’t have any babies. I always wanted to have a little sister,” Ketki remarks.

  I glance at her with surprise as I comment, “Really? This is the first time you’ve said anything. I didn’t know you felt that way. I barely knew your dad at the time, so it was weird — but he made sure that I sought out the advice an infertility specialist and harvested some eggs before I started chemotherapy. There is still a chance of a baby for us, although the doctor did say it would be harder after chemotherapy.”

  Ketki rolls her eyes as she says, “My dad is so strange. Only he would plan that far in advance. Still, I’m kinda glad he did.”

  I put my arm around Ketki as I declare, “You know your dad. He likes to say things are left up to fate and then he likes to push fate around.”

  Rogue comes back to her station with my dream catcher design all scaled down to fit my thigh. Before she begins placing the stencil, I smile at her and announce, “I’ve got some good news.”

  Rogue raises an eyebrow and asks, “Does this mean you and Mister-Tall-Dark-and-Handsome have officially set a date to get married?”

  I laugh out loud because Rogue asks me this every time I see her. It’s been a huge bone of contention between Mark and I. I have some outstanding bills from when I wasn’t working that I want to pay off before I get married. I’m almost done with that now that I have a job. It won’t be too long before we can get married. Mark thinks I’m being absolutely ludicrous because he has the money several times over. To me, that’s not the point — it’s about dignity. I spent too many years as a child begging for my very existence to feel comfortable doing it now, even though I know Mark doesn’t see it that way.

  “No, this is better — okay, maybe not better, but different,” I acquiesce. “My latest cancer scan is completely clear.”

  Rogue lets out a huge victory cheer as she pulls Ketki up next to her. They both stand on the back of the couch. Ketki manages to look both slightly terrified and majorly impressed. Rogue shouts across the showroom floor to Marcus. “Marcus! I have some phenomenally great news breaking from Station Four.”

  Marcus answers, “Really? What kind of news is that, Ro?”

  This time I’m prepared for the stomping and clapping that starts as a dull roar, but it takes Tanyanita by surprise. She laughs as she promises, “The best possible kind!”

  The cheers grow louder.

  Marcus eggs the customers on by challenging, “What do we do at Ink’d Deep if someone has good news?”

  Rising to the challenge seemingly in unison, they all answer, “We celebrate!”

  Ketki is watching the display with wide-eyed amazement. I’ve told her the story of how her dad and I met many times before, yet to see it unfold was a whole another thing. As if he can tell I’m thinking about him, my phone rings.

  “Hello?” I yell over the din of noise.

  “What are you doing?” Mark asks when he hears the
commotion.

  “Oh, just sharing a little good news,” I admit. “Listen,” I instruct as I place my phone on speaker phone.

  “Stones, why don’t you spill the good news —” Marcus tells Ketki.

  “My mom had a special cancer scan and it didn’t show any cancer. She doesn’t have to have another test for a whole six months…and I’m twelve—that’s almost like being a teenager!”

  The whole shop is cheering and applauding. It’s amazing how much my life has changed since the first time Marcus rang the bell for me.

  I take the phone off of speakerphone as I gush to Mark, “Did you hear our daughter? She did so great!”

  “I thought you and Tanyanita were going to take Ketki out for her birthday.”

  “We are,” I confirm. “We have celebrations planned all around.”

  “Well, don’t overdo it,” Mark cautions. “I love you, Shelby. Tell Marcus to ring that bell extra loud. It seemed to work pretty well last time.”

  My heart turns to mush over my fairy-tale life. I glance over at the girl who has stolen my heart. The fact that she is growing up at the speed of light is hard on all of us. Ketki holds up a pair of skull earrings with flashing eye sockets and shows them to me with an excited grin. I shake my head as I sigh. I figure what Mark doesn’t know won’t hurt him. He is a sucker for presents after all…

  THE END

  I would like to acknowledge the author of the forward to this book, Judy Noble Cloud. In the current social media climate, it is extremely difficult to put yourself out there in anything except the most positive light. Hence the reason for dozens and dozens of programs for your phone to pre filter your photographs before they ever hit the Internet. I cannot imagine the amount of bravery that it took her to post those raw, unfiltered photographs of her healing process. Yet, I cannot tell you how glad I am that she did. The raw honesty in those pictures are the basis for this story. After reading Judy’s story on Facebook, I knew that I had to do my part to increase awareness. She has been so gracious in answering all of my questions, no matter how undignified and intrusive. Judy, I hope I did your story justice.

  A huge thank you to Kathern Watts — who spent a great deal time during the creation of this book underwater — both literally and figuratively. She has been elevated from a beta reader to a full-fledged research assistant and she does a phenomenal job for me. I cannot thank her enough.

  Ada Frost, the cover is pure magic. Thank you.

  As an author, your words are just your words until they are edited. I was honored to work with Lacie Redding and Jim Dodds on this project. Thank you very much for your contributions toward making me a stronger writer.

  Kudos to Theodore Ashford who has been helping me create gorgeous marketing materials. Thank you for your time and artistry.

  Thank you to all of my beta readers and my friends on the NaNoWriMo board. You all kept me going through some very difficult health challenges. Without you, I don’t believe this book would’ve been possible. Write on. See you in November.

  Rosemary McKenna, your last minute save was epic beyond belief. Thank you.

  Antonia Trujillo — thank you for trying so hard to keep me in one piece and breathing throughout this whole process. It is not an easy job.

  Brandon, Justin and Leonard — as usual, you rock. Without you, I would be nothing.

  I’ve been lucky enough to live my own version of a romance novel. I married the guy who kissed me at summer camp. He told me on the night we met that he was going to marry me and be the father of my children. Eventually, I stopped giggling when he said it, and we just celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. We have two children. The oldest is in medical school, where he recently found and married the love of his life, and the youngest is now tackling middle school.

  I write full time now. I have published over a dozen books and have several more underway. I volunteer my time to a variety of causes. I have worked as a Civil Rights Attorney and diversity advocate. I spent several years working for various social service agencies before becoming an attorney. In my spare time, I love to cook, decorate cakes and of course, I obsessively, compulsively read.

  If you have questions or comments, please E-mail me at Mary@MaryCrawfordAuthor.com or find me on the following social networks:

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormarycrawford

  Website: MaryCrawfordAuthor.com

  Twitter:www.twitter.com/MaryCrawfordAut

  If you enjoyed Shelby and Mark’s love story, similar adventures continue in the upcoming releases in The Hidden Beauty Series titles:

  Until the Stars Fall from the Sky (A Hidden Beauty Novel #1) — Jeff and Kiera — June 3, 2014

  So the Heart Can Dance (A Hidden Beauty Novel #2) — Aidan and Tara — April 24, 2015

  Joy and Tiers (A Hidden Beauty Novel #3) — Heather and Ty — August 15, 2015

  Love Naturally (A Hidden Beauty Novel #4) — Madison and Trevor— December 24, 2015

  Love Seasoned (A Hidden Beauty Novel #5) — Denny and Gwendolyn—January 19, 2016

  Love Claimed (A Hidden Beauty Novel #6) — Donda and Jaxson — June 17, 2016

  Jude’s Song (A Hidden Beauty Novel #7) —Tasha and Jude — Coming Late Fall 2016

  If You Knew Me (and other silent musings) — Elijah and Sadie (A Hidden Beauty Novella)— Coming Fall 2016

  Love Against Code (A Hidden Beauty Novel #8) —Matt and Devon — Coming Winter 2016

  Paths Not Taken (A Hidden Beauty Novel #9) —Jordan and Cristiano — Coming Early Spring 2017

  The Hidden Hearts Series:

  Identity of the Heart (A Hidden Hearts Novel #1) — Ivy and Marcus and Rogue and Tristan — September 21, 2015

  Sheltered Heart (A Hidden Hearts Novel #2) — Jessica and Mitch — March 28, 2016.

  Hearts of Jade (A Hidden Hearts Novel #3) — Jade and Declan —July 31, 2016

  Port in the Storm (A Hidden Hearts Novella) — Sam and Taylor — Debuting at Passion in Portland 2016

  Love Is More Than Skin Deep (A Hidden Hearts Novel #4) — Shelby and Mark — September 7, 2016

  This book is for everyone who

  has felt like they no longer have the

  strength to go on …

  and yet somehow do.

  You are a warrior.

  If you find yourself in a position

  where you think no one cares if you live or die,

  somebody does. Someone always does.

  Reach out to somebody, anybody — any way you can.

  We are here and we care.

  In memory of my friend, Valencia, who never knew how many people loved her until it was far too late.

  “BARBARA ANN, WHY ARE YOU being such a drama queen about this? I thought we were going to have matching Celtic friendship knots because I am your best friend. Why did you let her choose the design first?”

  The blonde sitting in my chair flips her hair back violently, almost screwing up my line. “Maybe you didn’t get the first shot because you can’t remember what to call me,” she answers sardonically. “The only person who still calls me Barbara Ann is my grandma and even she can remember to call me Lennox most of the time.”

  The girl who was whining looks really confused for a moment as she remarks, “Barbara — I mean Lennox — that doesn’t make sense; it’s not like we don’t know your real name. We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. I don’t get what’s wrong with your name, but whatever.”

  The blonde in my chair huffs as she says, “Ashley Nicole gets it. It bugs me that you don’t. Maybe you aren’t such a good friend, Allie.”

  Oh man! My head hurts too much to deal with this kind of drama today. I hated it in high school. I hate it even more now.

  Allie just rolls her eyes, “That’s because Ashley Nicole likes to kiss your butt or make up some drama like she’s gonna cut herself to get your attention. You play right into her game, too. You know she probably doesn’t really even cut herself, right? She just tells you she’s gonna. Ma
ybe I should tell you I’m going to kill myself. Would it score me extra bonus friendship points?” she suggests sarcastically.

  “At least Ashley Nicole talks to me about more than how she’s gonna pay for college; you’re so boring that if you killed yourself no one would miss you,” the blonde smugly answers as if she’s scored some sort of verbal blow.

  The third girl, a tall, willowy blonde woman with round glasses who had been quietly sitting on the sidelines flipping through our portfolio books seems to realize that a terrible line has been crossed. “Lennox, you shouldn’t say stuff like that, it’s not funny.”

  “Yes it is,” she asserts with a loud snort of laughter. “Only losers commit suicide. If they want to leave the planet, why should I stop them?”

  I lift my tattoo machine from her forearm and set it down on the table beside my chair as I declare, “You’re done. Get out of my shop.”

  I walk over to my purse, pull out three, one hundred dollar bills as I yank the stencil off the light-box and sign and date it. “This amount of money will get this design, three times over in any tattoo shop in this neighborhood. I’m not finishing your tattoo and I’m not asking any of my artists to work on you either. You might be pretty on the outside, but your soul is ugly.”

  The blonde looks at me with a blank expression on her face as she asks, “What? What did I do? You don’t like my name?”

  Ashley Nicole just rolls her eyes as she remarks, “You dumbass, I’m embarrassed that I ever thought you were my friend. She probably knew someone who committed suicide.”

  Lennox-What’s-Her-Face snatches the sketch and the money out of my hand. She takes the stencil, crumples it and makes a big production of throwing it in the garbage. I just shrug; I can’t help it if she’s a little dim. If she knew anything about me, she probably would’ve realized that she could have gotten a few bucks for that on eBay. People are paying a crazy amount for even my signature these days since Over It became a huge hit. It’s hard to say what she could have gotten for a signed and dated stencil. Unfortunately, you really can’t fix stupid.