Addictive Paranormal Reads Halloween Box Set

by Nana Malone

Her grandma’s sharp voice filled the room. “Who are you talking to, girl?”

  Amanda handed her dad the urn, knelt down in front of Grandma, and took her hands. “Grandpa’s here.”

  Grandma wrenched her hands away. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

  “Remember how you’ve been smelling Grandpa’s aftershave lately?” At her grandma’s nod, Amanda recaptured her hands. Tears stung her eyes. “He’s here and he wants me to tell you Morty is going to be fine.”

  Grandma gave a sob and clung harder to Amanda’s hands.

  “He says he still loves you and he’s sorry for taking your love for granted.”

  “But how can you—” Elvira peered past Amanda, searching the room with her gaze.

  “I don’t know, Grandma. He’s here. And he wishes you and Morty many years of happiness.”

  Grandpa howled. “That’s not what I said.”

  Amanda ignored her grandpa, and as she felt Dane come to stand behind her and place one hand on her shoulder, she focused on her grandma. “I don’t know how much longer he’ll be here, but he can hear you, Grandma. Is there anything you want to tell him?”

  Grandma squinted into the space around Amanda. “George, can you really hear me? Give me a sign.”

  “I’m here, baby,” Grandpa crooned.

  Amanda choked. “You call her baby?”

  “Oh George, it’s really you,” Grandma sobbed, one hand covering her mouth so her words came out mumbled. “I love you, my dearest darling. After you left me, I was lonely for so very long. And then Morty made me love him and he filled the empty spot in my heart. Will you forgive me for betraying you, my love?”

  When there was only silence, Amanda peered over her shoulder and saw Grandpa wiping tears off his cheeks. She squeezed her grandma’s hands and whispered, “He’s a little choked up right now, Grandma, but he’ll love whoever you love, if it makes you happy.”

  Grandpa mumbled something under his breath about fricking Morty. Amanda cupped a hand around one ear and said, “What was that, Gramps? Oh, you want me to tell Grandma that if Morty makes her happy, you’re happy for her?” She turned to her grandma, laughter bubbling up her throat and tears in her eyes. “Did you hear that, Grandma? He loves Morty, too.”

  * * * * *

  Chapter Eight

  Within the hour, they received word that Morty’s condition had stabilized. It had been a bad case of indigestion brought on by stress from the wedding and the hospital personnel promised to release him in plenty of time for the wedding.

  By mid-afternoon the next day, Amanda stood at the back of the Cranberry Cove Community Hall with her grandma. The elderly woman wore a beautiful taffeta beige gown that swirled around her legs every time she moved. She looked like an elegant ballroom dancer from the fifties.

  The perfect bride, except for the black marble urn in her arms.

  Grandma shifted the urn onto one arm and turned her back on the outer door. “Where is your dad? If he’s not here soon, you’ll have to walk me down the aisle or Morty will think I’ve become a runaway bride.”

  Amanda checked the clock on the wall. “We still have another five minutes.”

  “I hate to keep him waiting. After last night, he must be so tired. I wonder if he’ll want to delay the honeymoon until he catches up on his sleep?”

  “He’s a man, Grandma. I’m sure he’ll want to, you know, make you his.” Amanda almost choked on the words, until she thought of her parents, still in love, still finding new ways to love each other. She held out her hands. “Why don’t you give me the urn before the ceremony begins?”

  Grandpa appeared beside her, a glower on his face. “What are you doing, bumpkin?”

  Grandma peered down at the dress, then handed the urn to Amanda. “You’re right. Besides, I promised Morty. No more ghosts in our marriage.”

  Amanda took the urn from Grandma and set it down on the bookcase in the corner.

  Grandpa crossed his arms over his chest and grunted. “Does this mean she’s kicking me out of the bedroom, too? Good thing because I don’t want to see Morty’s wrinkled old butt like you saw your dad’s.”

  The Community Hall door swung open and Amanda’s parents rushed in, breathless and mussed, still doing up buttons and zippers. Amanda exchanged a look with her grandma and they both burst out laughing.

  Her mom walked by and raised her chin. “This is what happens when you marry your best friend.”

  Ahhhh, now there was a theory Amanda really wanted to test.

  The front doors opened again and Stephanie rushed into the foyer. “Am I late? Please don’t tell me I missed the wedding.”

  Dora clasped her oldest daughter to her chest. “You can say hello to everyone later. Right now, hang up your jacket so you can walk with me down the aisle.”

  The wedding went off without a hitch and there wasn’t a dry eye in the Community Hall. Friends of the newly married couple gathered around afterward to congratulate them, while Amanda stood off to the side, a permanent smile on her face, Grandpa’s urn back in her arms.

  A movement beside her caught her attention. She turned and there stood her grandpa, dressed in his Sunday best, tall and handsome and strong. Grandma had loved him for over half a century and she’d been happy. She’d raised a family, built a good life in the community, and now she had a second chance to love again.

  “Well, what do you think, bumpkin? Will the old bastard make her happy?”

  She smiled up at her grandpa, the urge to hug him before he moved on overwhelming. “You made her happy.”

  “That I did.”

  Her mom stopped beside her and put her arms around her shoulders. “Are you talking to your grandpa again?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Well.” Dora leaned forward and looked past her. Not seeing anything, she tsked and returned her attention back to her daughter. “Wasn’t it a beautiful ceremony?”

  “It really truly was. Even Gramps thought so.”

  “Did not,” he sputtered beside her. “Morty looked like a love struck fool. If Elvira wants to get any sleep tonight, she’s going to have to lock herself in the bathroom.”

  Her mom patted her on the shoulder. “I don’t want you to think I’m interfering in your life, but your aversion to Valentine’s Day doesn’t extend to Dane, does it?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she kissed Amanda on the cheek, then leaned back and rubbed at the lipstick she’d left behind. Her gaze went past Amanda and when it lit up, Amanda followed her gaze to her dad.

  “I want what you and Dad have.”

  “Then go find it, honey. Dane’s been your best friend forever. I understand he even loves your grinchly attitude toward Valentine’s Day.”

  Amanda watched her mom glide over to her dad, and as he swept her into his arms and out onto the dance floor, she felt the tight band around her heart ease. Could love be that simple?

  A moment later, Stephanie swept by, wrapped in the arms of a guy who looked a few years older than Dane and, in Amanda’s discerning opinion, almost as hunky.

  The man leaned down and just as Stephanie glanced her way, he whispered something in her ear. Her sister nodded, slipped out of his arms, then she joined Amanda on the sidelines.

  Stephanie fanned herself and blew out a breath of air. “That’s Dane’s cousin, on his mother’s side. He’s just in town for the night, which brings me to ... I have a favor to ask you.” Stephanie leaned closer. “He’s asked me to, well, you know. Can you tell Mom and Dad I had to head back to the city tonight?”

  Amanda frowned. “How long have you known this guy?”

  “Just met him this afternoon but hey, I’m not looking for anything permanent.” Stephanie gave her a peck on the cheek. “So what are you going to do about Dane? Every time I look his way, he’s looking at you hungry-like.”

  “He is?” She focused on her sister.

  “You’re just like Mom and Dad,” Stephanie said. “You know, it’s kind of sad. On the one hand, he�
��ll be your best friend for life. And yet, it’s a shame to ignore all that good chemistry just cause you’re scared.”

  Amanda felt her heart shrivel in her chest. “I don’t want to lose him, Steph.”

  “You’re not listening to what I’m saying, Sis.” Stephanie leaned in and gave her a hug. “Figure it out fast so I can start planning your wedding. Just make sure you book me well in advance.”

  With that, she gave Amanda another peck on the cheek, raced across the room and disappeared into the lobby.

  Amanda turned in a circle, searching the room, past faces she’d known since birth, until she found the one face she wanted to wake up to for the rest of her life.

  Dane.

  They’d nailed the best friends part. It was time for the rest of their life.

  She headed across the room and when she reached him, he looked down at the urn in her arms and grimaced. “So now that we’re related, does this mean I get my turn with Grandpa, too?”

  “Just temporarily.” She handed the urn to him. “You wouldn’t mind if he came and lived with us for a while, would you?”

  He juggled the urn into the crook of one arm, a frown gathering between his brows. “What happened to the plot your grandma bought for him?”

  “I don’t think he’s ready for it.” She captured his free hand with one of hers, gathered her long skirt up into her other hand, and knelt down on one knee. “Will you be my Valentine, Dane Weatherby?”

  He gave her a disgruntled look and tugged on her hand. “Get up off your knees and quit kidding around.”

  She stayed put and gazed up at him, willing him to see what was in her ever expanding heart. “It’s not enough, Dane, not any longer. I want the whole package. Your friendship, your body and your love.”

  For a moment, he appeared stunned. Then a micro-second later, he pulled her up against his chest, his green eyes dancing with laughter and something else. Something precious. Something she hoped to spend the rest of her life cherishing. “What? Has the Valentine Grinch vacated the building?”

  She gave him her most winsome smile, and felt her love for him expand in her chest until she couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Just for today. I thought it was time this grinch found love and I want it to be with you.”

  He bent his neck, until his mouth touched hers. “Does this mean you’re coming home with me tonight and every night after?”

  “Definitely. Kiss me, my love, and take me home and make me yours.”

  A poof of white light appeared beside them, but Amanda closed her eyes and gave herself over to Dane’s kiss and his love.

  Beside them, her Grandpa George howled. “Get a room, bumpkin.”

  Oh, yeah, tonight and forever after.

  As soon as they said their goodbyes.

  ~ ~ ~ THE END~ ~ ~

  A note from Sheila:

  Thank you

  Dear Readers

  Thank you for picking up a copy of The Valentine Grinch, book one in the Home For The Holidays series. I hope you enjoyed it.

  I’m fascinated by all things wedding, possibly because I’m in love with those princess gowns, or possibly because the very first book my parents gave me was a beautiful illustrated copy of Cinderella. Since then, I’ve been hooked.

  My mom gave my sisters and me her wedding gown to play with, so I’ve had lots of practice being a “bride”. We wore her beautiful gown until it was in tatters and I look at my own wedding dress now, carefully packed away in its box high up in the closet and wonder...will I ever have the opportunity to let a little girl play dress-up in it?

  Alas, as the mother of two boys, I must wait for granddaughters now.

  Writing The Valentine Grinch was a blast, especially when Amanda’s crochety grandpa appeared. He taught her that love should never be grumbled about or taken for granted, but should be treasured until the day we die...and long after.

  If you enjoyed The Valentine Grinch, please help others find it by recommending it to friends, readers groups and discussion boards. And if you have time, you can review The Wedding Grinch at one of the many reader review sites like Goodreads, Amazon, Smashwords, or any of the other online sites.

  I hope you’ll check out my website where you’ll be able to find out more about upcoming books. Please also join me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or look for me on Goodreads.

  Happy reading, dear Readers!

  Always Remember

  By Sheila Seabrook

  A midnight summons from rancher Nate Coltrane brings ex-lover Jessie Adams back to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Seventeen years ago, Jessie gave up Nate’s child for adoption and she hasn’t been home since. How can she sit by her mother’s side, surrounded by constant reminders of all she loved and lost? How can she face Nate without telling him the truth about the child he never knew existed?

  Nate doesn't think Jessie has the guts to return home and face him, but when she does, he’s afraid of losing everything he loves…for the second time in his life. But he’s made a promise...bring Jessie home. Give her mother one last opportunity to heal the rift with her daughter. Nate will do anything for Jessie’s mother because if not for her, he might never have known the love of his child.

  But sometimes the truth turns out to be a lie…

  Excerpt:

  Just as he was about to surrender to the urge to bolt, she appeared — Jessie Adams, queen of country music — and apprehension returned with the force of a punch to the gut.

  Beneath the mirrored sunglasses perched on a perfect nose, the seductive line of her mouth curved upward. She had the kind of smile that sent every male over the age of twelve racing to download her latest single to their iPod. The kind of smile that left her male fans looking like love sick fools and her female fans mimicking her style. The kind of smile that had always weakened his knees, turned him inside out, upside down... hell, every which way but straight.

  Nate’s attention dropped from her face to the squirming baby in her arms. Bitterness extinguished the last of his nervousness and he wondered if he’d make a promise he couldn’t keep.

  Bring Jessie home. Make a sick old woman happy. Give her mother one last opportunity to heal the rift between them. It was all Maude wanted, she’d said, all she needed before she could go in peace. Because if not for his housekeeper, Maude, he’d never have known...

  Dammit, he didn’t have a choice. Nate scowled as he closed the distance between them.

  From a distance, Jessie looked steady and cool, as though coming home to face him was an everyday occurrence. The baby waved her pudgy arms in the air, grabbed hold of the sunglasses, and yanked them off her mother’s face.

  It was like being ten again, looking into Jessie’s eyes for the very first time. Instantaneous sweating of the palms. Heart thundering in response to the prettiest girl he’d ever seen.

  He’d forgotten how the hues of green changed with her mood, like the ring he’d given her the summer she turned fifteen. Right now, her eyes were smoky with worry, a green so pale he was reminded of the first time he’d found her in the fields, alone and lost.

  As her gaze connected with his, uncertainty pooled within the expressive depths of her eyes and he knew he had to admit the truth to himself. For the last seventeen years, he’d been waiting for her to return.

  With each step forward that he took, the stiff set of her shoulders grew more rigid. Her chin crept up a notch and her mouth moved, the words swept away by the squall of the baby. Another wail from the baby reminded Nate where he was and why. Not to open old wounds, but to bring Jessie home and give Maude peace.

  She shifted the sobbing baby in her arms and hugged the child close to her body. As he reached her side, she leaned forward and he caught the subtle fragrance of perfume, a hint of flowers at sunset, teasing him with a more potent memory.

  The image of the morning after, the scent of her still on his skin.

  “How’s my mother?” No polite hello. No I so screwed you over, babe. He gritted his teet
h. “We brought her home yesterday. Hired a nurse to come in and care for her. I thought it might be easier for both Sam and Maude that way.”

  She nodded, glanced toward the passageway as though looking for someone — a husband? — then faced him again. “What are you doing here? I could’ve found my own way to the ranch. I don’t need your help.”

  She hadn’t back then either. She’d walked off without a backward glance, without a goodbye. Not even a damn explanation. For just a moment, she reminded him of Sara, defiant, proud, and so damn spunky it annoyed the hell out of him.

  A weary passenger bulldozed past them and nearly knocked her off her feet. Automatically Nate closed his arms around mother and child, and glanced down into the little tyke’s tear streaked face.

  The big blue eyes. The quivering bottom lip as the kid prepared for another ear-piercing wail. The tantalizing softness of mother and child.

  In an instant, Nate released them. “We better get your luggage and get out of here.”

  ~ Always Remember ~

  Romance/Contemporary/Western

  Available at most distribution platforms

  Also available at Amazon for $2.99

  * * * * *

  About Sheila Seabrook

  Sheila Seabrook writes romantic comedy and women’s fiction from her home on the Canadian prairies. Her parents taught her that family is number one — even when you want to sometimes smother them with a pillow. Needless to say, when Sheila’s not writing, her life is filled with family, more family, and more family still. Fortunately these sometimes odd and strange people are the inspiration for her quirky secondary characters.

  Sheila is the author of two contemporary romances, ALWAYS REMEMBER and TERMS OF SURRENDER, and two novellas, WEDDING FEVER and THE VALENTINE GRINCH.

  Contact Sheila: