She ventured a look in Sam’s direction. His dark eyes revealed nothing as he came closer, adding to her frustration. “So what do we do now that the custody case is a nonissue?”
“I’ll talk to Bill tomorrow and see where the case stands. I don’t know if Jasmine’s lawyer has to withdraw her petition or if the judge can throw it out based on the arrest. It may depend on the severity of her charges.”
“Bill sounded pretty psyched. I thought it was a done deal.”
“This close to our court date, we may be required to appear anyway.”
“But—”
“Are you that eager to end this?” The words exploded from him. He turned away with a muttered curse and ran a hand through his hair, making a few strands stand on end.
“No!” She ventured a sideways look. With his jaw set, eyes tightly closed and faint lines bracketing his mouth, his pain was clear to see. Hurting him was so not what she wanted. At this rate, not even their friendship would survive.
She had to let go of her fear and let the chips fall where they may.
“You were right when you said things had changed between us. At the time, I couldn’t admit it because I was afraid.”
In two long strides Sam was within her personal space. “I don’t understand. Afraid of what?”
She backed away and sat on the bed before her knees gave way, finally understanding it all. “If you knew I’d fallen in love with you, you’d have the upper hand. My fear was of losing control, of reverting to the person I was with Dean.”
“You’re much too strong for that now. Besides, there’s a hole in your theory.” He touched her face, a brief brush of knuckles across her cheek, his expression earnest.
“Maybe. All I knew was that as long as I stuck to our original agreement, I controlled how and why I would get hurt. I could handle that. After I asked you if having children mattered, I was terrified you’d answer and everything would change.”
Sam joined her on the bed.
“It’s not a risk to love someone when they love you back.”
“Oh.”
His mouth quirked at the corners. “I have an answer to your question when you’re ready to hear it.”
The wind howled against the window, rain spraying against it intermittently. The weather echoed her turbulent feelings. “Don’t sugarcoat it,” she demanded.
He reached for her hand, threaded their fingers together and rested both on his thigh. “It was falling in love with you and seeing you with Lorelei that got me thinking about having more children. Honestly, I’m content with what I have. I never expected to have a family, so you and Lorelei make me happy. But I want you to be happy too.”
She’d never seen a more sincere and earnest face than the one Sam presented to her. Which one of them moved first, she couldn’t say, but she found herself participating in a fierce hug. Kisses followed, frantic, giddy outward manifestations of their feelings bubbling to the surface.
“I think my heart knew who it really belonged to when you kissed away my tears the summer I turned fourteen. You probably don’t remember, but—”
“Not remember? Why do you think I kept my distance from you afterwards? My little friend had become very womanly while I was away at college.”
“Really?” Rosie couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face.
“Really. Even before then, we had a special connection. That kiss changed its focus.”
His admission prompted more kisses. When they became slower and more sensual, Sam broke away and touched his forehead to hers. “Marry me.”
“We’re already married.”
“Legally, yes. Marry me in your heart. Let’s call off the agreement and just . . . be.”
Old fears nagged at her. “Are you sure it’s what you want?”
“Very sure.”
His words settled over her like a warm blanket, loosening a tension she’d lived with for a long time. She pulled back, wanting to see his face. “Do we shake on it? Kiss? It feels like we should make it official somehow.”
He flashed a quick grin, then went all serious on her. “I may have the perfect solution.” A quick trip to his bureau drawer produced a small black box.
She looked at him questioningly.
“Like you, I wanted something official for this moment—in case you agreed—but I knew you’d be sentimental about the ring I’d already given you. So . . .” He opened the box, revealing a thin platinum band with two diamonds smaller than her engagement ring at either end of a semi-circle.
The candlelight played across the facets, making the stones glow from within. “This fits around the solitaire, forming an eternity ring. Three diamonds. A promise of yesterday, today and forever.”
He said the words like a pledge as he placed the ring on her finger.
“Yesterday, today and tomorrow.” She repeated his pledge. “Oh, Sam, it’s perfect. Thank you.”
And it was. She rewarded him with a leisurely kiss, enjoying the slow burn of fire building deep in her belly. And when the old longing for more surfaced, she pushed it back. She had a husband who loved her, warts and all. She had a child to mother. It would be enough.
Maybe it was the declaration of their earliest feelings for one another or the promise in Sam’s pledge, but they lingered over every caress, reveled in every kiss, prolonging their pleasure in the quest for completion.
“I love you, Sam.” She whispered the words, tender emotions clogging her throat.
“And I love you,” he responded in kind before kissing her again and again.
Sleep came soon after the candles burned out and the storm quieted. As forevers went, it was an auspicious beginning.
EPILOGUE
“Come here, you.” Sam tugged his wife backwards into his embrace. Together, they stood on her parent’s back porch, looking across the backyard where Lorelei, Tyler and Ryan played with X-Men figures. “Looks familiar, doesn’t it?”
“Now that you mention it, yes.” Rosie leaned her head back, smiling at him. “Except there were three of you guys to my one.”
He needed the solid feel of her back against his chest as much as he needed to ease the pain she still carried within. “I thought everyone took the news of our unconventional marriage very well.”
“Better than I expected. You were right, Sam. Telling them the truth—all of it—was hard, but it was the right thing to do.”
“I didn’t like having to lie to them. Your family has always treated me like . . . well, family. They deserved better.” He’d also wanted Rosie’s support system back in full force before venturing into another painful subject.
“Do you think it was too much, my hitting them with everything at once?” Rosie asked as the back door opened and closed.
Claire joined them. “Not that you asked me, but it was a stroke of genius. Whatever hurt they had over your confession is completely overshadowed by their concern for what you went through with Dean. It’s obvious from the conversation in there, they love you—all three of you—very much.”
Sam nodded. Having a caring family again was a welcome change.
Claire took a step closer. “And speaking of Dean, with his history, I’d be looking for his next move if I were you.”
“Whatever he dishes out, we’ll handle together.” Sam gave Rosie a little squeeze.
“Sam’s right.” She touched Claire’s forearm. “Thanks for your concern, but what’s with the purse? You’re not leaving, are you?”
A shadow crossed Claire’s face seconds before she flashed Rosie a wide smile. “I’ve got an appointment this afternoon. Gotta run.”
“Someone wants their hair done on a Sunday?”
“I do have a life separate from the Curl Up & Dye, you know,” Claire retorted, stepping onto the lawn. She tossed an oversized bag over one arm of a lacy looking crop top and did a backwards wave. A collection of bracelets clanked and her long gauzy skirt swirled around red cowboy boots. “Call me next week. We’ll do lunch.”
Man, oh man. As getups and hairstyles went, Claire sure could find some outlandish ones, but as Rosie’s friend, she was growing on him.
Maybe it was his overactive writer’s imagination, but he’d bet there was an interesting story or two in her past. And unless he’d misread a few covert glances, one of them involved Travis—the sly dog. It looked like he still had a reputation with the ladies.
“Did you notice how she and Travis were thick as thieves at my birthday party, but hardly spoke today?”
Gently, Sam turned her to face him. “I did, but I’d rather talk about something else I’ve noticed.”
“What’s that?” She slid her arms around his neck and smiled. “You sound so serious.”
“When you talk about not being able to conceive, it’s never with absolutes. You leave a tiny possibility open.”
“No, I don’t,” she responded quickly, then frowned.
“I’m not sure you hear the distinction, but it’s there. And that’s okay,” he rushed to assure her. “If there’s anyone who shouldn’t have to relinquish the idea of being a mother, it’s you.”
“But you know—”
“It’s not likely by conventional methods. Yes. But I went to see a fertility specialist about other possibilities.” When Rosie tried to push away from him, he held her securely. “I didn’t want to give you false hope if I was sterile. Since Lorelei isn’t my biological child, I couldn’t be sure without being tested.”
“Sam.” She relaxed and drew in a shaky breath, her eyes glistening. “You did that for me?”
“I’m fine, and the doctor thinks in vitro fertilization is a viable alternative for us if you want to try it.”
“IVF? Isn’t it horribly expensive?”
“We can swing it.”
“And if it doesn’t work?”
“We’re both young and healthy. There’s a good chance it will. If not, we keep trying or we adopt. I’m with you all the way.”
Sam found himself enveloped in such an enthusiastic and heartfelt embrace he almost couldn’t breathe. Even so, he made no attempt to escape the arms of his perfectly suitable and incredibly loved wife.
* * * * *
TO MY READERS:
Thanks for reading my work. I hope you enjoyed it and will take a few moments to write a review.
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Acknowledgements
Creative endeavors have long been a part of my life, but way before I attempted to write professionally, I became a devoted reader and fan of many authors. To the librarians who nurtured my young mind, thank you for supplying me with fascinating characters from fantastic, commonplace and long-ago worlds. Oh, the places I’ve traveled through the written word!
Writing brought to life the characters who’d flitted through my imagination over the years, leaving me with disconnected snippets of their lives, random bits of conversation and visions of future friends.
I would be terribly remiss if I didn’t mention the influence of my parents regarding my love of romance. Their sweet touches and kisses in a busy kitchen were frequent in our home and instilled in me a desire to continue that loving legacy in my life. And that brings me to my family.
My intrepid husband, the great love of my life, is more supportive than I deserve. He and my son and daughter were my street team before the phrase was coined. Their faith in me is humbling and inspires me to be the person they believe I am. Our life together and the places Hubby’s job sent us to live have provided me with a wealth of settings.
Through Romance Writers of America, I found a welcoming and supportive community of writers willing to mentor, encourage and, when needed, give a little shove. A special shout out goes to the Aloha chapter (my first) and Georgia Romance Writers (my home chapter, no matter where I live). Many thanks go to my critique partners over the years who’ve offered great advice both online and in person. My books are stronger because of your input.
And finally, I thank my fans who’ve written asking if the book is out yet and where they can buy it. You’ve no idea how much those e-mails mean to this author. Bless you for taking the time to write! I hope you enjoy reading about the characters in this series who’ve grown out of an imagination backed by years of reading romance. Stay in touch!
Other Books by Carol Burnside
Her Unexpected Family
Sweetwater Springs Novel #2, February, 2014
Former bad boy, Travis Baxter, has a reputation to live down, a job to do fast, and one woman he can’t seem to avoid. He’s starting a 24/7 renovation flip on Claire’s beauty salon when a surprise appears at his door . . . a three-year-old son. Immediate custody brings Travis a major problem. He needs a nanny.
Claire Larkin glimpsed a rare and appealing side of Travis during one ill-fated date, but her personal policy is no involvement, no strings. Not even a pet until she’s pronounced cancer free. With free time until her salon is done, Claire pitches in to help the grieving little boy and stunned father. Despite her best efforts to resist, she and Travis succumb to their attraction.
When it appears Claire’s cancer has returned, she pulls away and Travis is faced with a seemingly impossible decision. Protect his son from another loss or support the woman he’s come to love?
2009 2nd Place: Golden Rose Contest (Short Contemporary)
2008 Winner: Put Your Heart In A Book Contest (Short Contemporary)
2008 Winner: Reveal Your Inner Vixen (Short Contemporary)
2008 Winner: Picture This Contest (Short Contemporary)
His Small Town Princess
Sweetwater Springs Novel #3, March, 2014
Home for Christmas (A FREE short story and sample chapters)
Seasons and Seashells
(A sweet romance anthology. Features Carol’s short story, “Do Over”)
* * * * *
WRITING AS ANNIE RAYBURN
Imagine our world today with a humanoid race very much like us (Crainesians) living peacefully among us here on Earth and searching for their life-mate. They have the ability to communicate telepathically, can project visions and share dreams. Can you imagine? Not just phone sex, but dream sex? Annie writes contemporary erotic romance with soft sci-fi and lite paranormal twists. Talk about cross-genre sizzle!
Insight, a Crainesian short story
Phantoms & Fantasies, a Crainesian novella
Bittersweet Obsessions, a Crainesian novel
Excerpt from: HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY
(A Sweetwater Springs Novel) (#2)
Copyright © 2014 by Carol Burnside
CHAPTER ONE
“You just keep your secret, Claire Larkin.” Marge Heller lifted a determined chin, intensifying the odor of permanent wave solution inside the small salon. “In a small town like Sweetwater Springs, the truth will come out.”
Not this time. “What would you and Miss Lilah talk about then? The weather? It’s barely May and already there’s talk of the summer being a scorcher. Hot and humid covers that subject.” Claire smiled indulgently at both customers via the beauty station mirror while avoiding her own ultra-short cut.
“I’ll bet she drives into Little Rock to visit a wild rocker boyfriend with tattoos and a blue Mohawk. Come on, Claire honey, fess up.” LouAnne Lebowitz, owner of the Curl Up & Dye, leaned over the L-shaped reception counter, bracing on plump forearms.
Claire flicked an annoyed glance at her boss. She’d shared her medical past with LouAnne of necessity, but that didn’t mean an over-the-top cover up was called for. “You’re all way off base. I’m not even looking for a man, but you could find my boss one. She deserves someone special.”
LouAnne’s sputtered protest sparked a round of good-natured teasing.
Claire removed curlers from Lilah Bradshaw’s frizzy, grayish-brown hair, pretending to concentrate on a task as second nature to her as walking. Both Marge and Lilah were bread-and-butter customers, keeping weekly shampoo, set and style appointments with the occasional cut or perm.
The phone rang. LouAnne answered, and the lines marring her forehead softened. She flicked a look over the trio and turned her back to them, her voice lowered.
Well, well. Maybe she didn’t need anyone to find her a man.
“She could be leading a double life,” Marge mused from a nearby styling chair, in her deep Arkansas drawl.
“Who? LouAnne?” Lilah’s brow wrinkled.
“No. Claire.” Marge shook her head. “Get with the program, honey. We’re talking about Claire’s mysterious appointments.”
Claire suppressed a groan. While there were advantages in moving to a place where a quarter still bought you a half-hour on the parking meter, there could be drawbacks too. As much as she loved living here and being semi-adopted by her customers, she wasn’t entirely comfortable being treated like folks’ cousin twice removed. She’d never had those kind of family connections back in Texas. Even in foster homes, no one had encouraged more familiarity than was necessary.
“Oh, yes. Come on, Claire. Tell us the truth. You have a love slave stashed in Little Rock, don’t you?” Lilah winked at Claire in the beauty station mirror and tittered with Marge over the delicious prospect.
“Love slave? Good gravy, Miss Lilah. Your imagination is working overtime this morning.” Her trips into the city to give cancer patients free beauty services was private. But her salon customers enjoyed the mystery and remained ever hopeful she’d cough up a clue.
A Suitable Wife: A Sweetwater Springs Novel Page 19
