Magnolia's Fall From Grace

by Zara Teleg

  My dearest Vincent,

  Three days ago, we were in love. Two days ago, you shattered my heart. I gave you my all, my innocence, we bared our souls to each other, and you pushed me away without even saying goodbye. Was it easy or was it all a lie? The pain I felt when you ended things was something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. But, Vincent, I would go through it all again—a thousand times over—just to have one kiss, one touch, a second of you, in my life.

  Before you came into my life, I had no idea what love was or how it felt to give everything to someone. Meeting you has changed my life—it has changed me. You’ve convinced me that I could do anything I wanted with my life. You can too, Vincent. I still believe in you. Although our futures were destined for different things, it doesn’t mean we weren’t meant for each other. I don’t believe fate would bring us together only to tear us apart.

  My heart is in so much pain, but it’s only because it had been so full. And that, I won’t trade for anything. You are my greatest love and greatest loss.

  Though you may not have granted me the goodbye I had hoped for, there was no way I was leaving without you knowing how you’ve touched my life.

  I couldn’t take your gift with me. I feel you need her more than I do. The Holy Mother will always protect you; you need to just ask her. Someday, maybe fate will cross our paths and I’ll see her, and you, again. I wish you all the happiness life can give you. I know we said it was only for the summer, but you will reside in my heart forever.

  I will never forget you—my love, my protector, my personal archangel.

  With all my love,

  Maggie Grace

  The End

  Epilogue

  Venom

  Twenty years later

  The phone rang again and again. I lifted my head from the pillow, pushing over the naked woman warming my bed as I felt around for the phone. I had forgotten she was there. I picked her up earlier that night at the bar I closed, just like every other night. I cursed the buzzing phone on the nightstand knocking over the bottle we had finished.

  Three missed calls.

  The screen lit up with a text from Vicious. Just three numbers…911

  Aww, fuck, what the hell happened now.

  He answered up on the first ring.

  “You need to get to the club now.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Now,” he repeated and then the phone went dead.

  There was nothing that could have prepared me for this. My boots stomped down the hall where I was pointed in the direction of a room only used for fucking. What the fuck was I doing here?

  “This better be important.” I groaned my annoyance from being woken up in the middle of the night. “I swear, you little pussies better have not woken me up for some little bitch.”

  “Brother.” Vicious’s face was pale as he guarded the door. “Wait, there’s something you need to know before you go in there.” I ignored his warning, flinging the door open, not knowing what to expect.

  She peeked her head out from behind one of the younger club members.

  It was like seeing a ghost. Everything I had ever done right and wrong in my life had come back for a giant karmic slap to my face when she looked at me.

  A spark of shocking pain spread through my chest. The heart that had been dead and withered more than twenty years suddenly had a pulse.

  Maggie’s face materialized before me, only it had big violet eyes, not Maggie’s green ones. The gut-stabbing pain tore me in two. The child I believed to have perished with her mother was here, alive, and right in front of me. She looked as if she had been through hell. A deer in headlights surrounded by men in my club. Around her neck was something I hadn’t seen since I was a new member of the Cajun Kings. My tag looked just as it did the day I placed it around Maggie’s neck and promised to protect her forever.

  I had to play this right. I couldn’t let my emotions show. It could be her end if anyone caught wind of me having someone I cared about—a beautiful, vulnerable daughter. In a split second, I knew what people meant when they said their life took on a whole new meaning when they first laid eyes on their child.

  It was all white noise until she said her name…

  “Paige Victoria.”

  Hope

  “You have a call.” Julian popped around the corner, interrupting the line of patients.

  “Does that mean I don’t have to get my shot?” Big brown eyes pleaded with me as he began to pull his sleeve down.

  “Now, you can’t have a treat if you don’t get your shot. I promise it won’t hurt. Just a tiny pinch.” I tickled the boy.

  “Um, do you want to take it?” Julian tapped his foot as he waited.

  “Who, Julian? It helps to know that if you want an answer.”

  “Doc.”

  “Tell him I’ll call him back.”

  “So, Juan, do you have your Christmas tree up?” He pondered the question, trying to get his English correct. “Yes. We made it decorated.”

  “I bet it is beautiful.” I cleaned the area on his arm.

  “Do you have any kids?”

  I just shook my head. “I have lots of kids to take care of, like you.” I tapped the end of his nose.

  “Can you look at the silly elf on the wall? Now, on the count of three. One, two—”

  “Ouch!” He jumped.

  “All done.” I smiled, placing the cotton ball over the spot before covering it with a piece of tape.

  “I was going to ask Jesus to bring you a good present, but that hurt.” He scrunched his face looking at his arm.

  I held the box of my freshly baked Christmas cookies to him. His eyes widened as he selected the one shaped like a stocking and frosted in red.

  Juan took a big bite. “Mmm, can I have one for my sister?” Crumbs tumbled out of his mouth as his eyes dove back to the box. “She likes bells.”

  “Okay, but make sure she gets it.” His small hand reached in again, taking the frosted bell and then wrapping it up in a napkin.

  “See you after Christmas. Be good for Mama and Papa.”

  His smile was warm and big as he ran out of the room holding out the cookie to his little sister, who was waiting with their mother.

  The clinic was always busiest at Christmas. I stayed after we closed to catch up on paperwork. Looking at the clock, I thought it may be too late to call him back.

  “Please tell me you are at your apartment and not still at the clinic,” he said as he answered the phone.

  “I had paperwork to finish, boss.”

  “All you do is work. You need to stop getting so attached to those kids. Your six months there is almost up.”

  “I know, you tell me every time. I don’t care. You know how I feel.”

  “I do. Time flies.”

  “Tell me about it. I’ll be packed next week. Mexico, here I come,” I said dryly.

  “I’m looking forward to seeing you there. I’ve missed you. And I have a special dinner planned for when you arrive. All your favorites.” He laughed.

  “Unless you bring me beignets again, you are going to fall short.” Twenty-four years later and Cajun cuisine still made my heart hurt.

  I spun the pen on my desk. Venezuela may not have been an ideal place to spend the holidays alone, but they certainly knew how to honor what this holiday was truly about. My heart warmed, knowing that the children asked Jesus for presents and not just Santa.

  I walked two blocks to Christmas Eve mass. A living nativity greeted me as I made my way inside the candlelit cathedral. Incense burned in the air. Midnight mass was crowded, forcing me to stand at the back. It might have been in a different language, one I now spoke fluently, but it seemed even more beautiful. I donated to the basket and made my way back to the one-room apartment I had called home the past six months.

  I woke up on Christmas morning to the sounds of singing and fireworks in the streets. Even the poorest of the poor could not deny the spirit of Christmas. I gazed out the win
dow enjoying seeing the odd tradition they had roller-skating to mass.

  I was boiling water for my coffee when I heard my iPad ring. I accepted the FaceTime call.

  “Merry Christmas, Alcide.”

  “Merry Christmas, beautiful.” His face wasn’t the relaxed, joyful one he usually had. I knew when something wasn’t right.

  “What’s wrong?” The bells were ringing in the street, and I couldn’t hear what he said as the connection quality became poor. I suspected the already weak internet was bombarded with calls to people’s families, putting a strain on the system.

  “Can you say that again? Between the bells and the connection, I didn’t hear you.”

  He threw his head back. “I didn’t think after all these years, someone would be asking.” He rubbed his eyes. “I got a call from the mission in Louisiana.”

  That had my stomach plummeting as a strange feeling came over me. The hair on my arms stood up.

  “Some private detective, Gavin something, called asking to speak to me. He wanted to know if they knew anything about a volunteer from the nineties named Magnolia Bordelon.”

  I hadn’t heard that name in such a long time. Chills came over me.

  “Ave Maria” floated through the window being sung by children in the street, like heaven was sending me a message. Shock left me speechless.

  “Mexico is awfully close to home. Let me see if I can find out what he wants. Don’t worry.”

  I didn’t need to know. The envelope I gave to Marie Rose surfaced in my mind. I regretted that moment of weakness for too many years. I should have never left any evidence behind. I knew this day might come.

  Alcide continued talking, but I didn’t hear a word—it had to be Paige, she knew.

  “I gotta go, Doc, I’m losing the connection.” I flipped off the screen and twenty-four years of tears began to burst from my eyes. There was not a day that went by that I did not think of her, pray for her, and wish I could know she was alright. Alcide still had connections to the mission, but I made him promise never to indulge me, even if I was weak and asked him. I knew in my heart I had made the right decision. As long as no one knew about her, Paige was safe. I convinced myself that had to be true.

  I began to pack. It wouldn’t take much since my next assignment was in a small town and my room would be half this size. I lived a simple life, traveling and helping the poor get medical treatment. It was what I had always wanted. The satisfaction I got from my work helped numb the pain, but it didn’t matter how long it had been, the gaping wound left in my heart would always be there, as fresh as it was the moment I left Paige and Vincent behind.

  Once my suitcase and two boxes of belongings, mostly books, were packed, I poured myself the rest of the wine the staff had given to me as a present. I drowned out the happy sounds from the celebration outside by turning on the Adele song that seemed at times to have been written just for me. “Million Years Ago” played on repeat from my phone speaker while I let myself dream of what could have been, or maybe someday, what could be.

  Please and Thank You

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking the time to read Magnolia’s Fall From Grace. I truly hope you enjoyed it! If you did and want to show it some love, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. A simple one or two lines and a rating can make a huge difference in spreading the word to potential readers. A few quick words would mean the world to me. I’m grateful for each and every one of you and appreciate every review!

  If you want to be informed of new releases, please join my newsletter atwww.zarateleg.com. I send periodic updates with exclusive content, giveaways, and important release dates.

  I love connecting with readers in my Facebook group, Love the Man. Love the Club. We talk books, have giveaways, and share lots of laughs. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram, where I share my adventures in writing and with all my crazy pets. Hope to see you there!

  XOXO,

  Zara

  Author Notes

  If you enjoyed reading Magnolia’s Fall From Grace, please note that the story does continue in A New Paige. There will be another book in the future that will go even further. So, if Maggie and Venom’s story updates are important to you, please join the newsletter. Book updates are posted there first, along with bonus material that is occasionally released.

  Newsletter link:

  www.zarateleg.com

  Playlist

  I love creating playlists for all my books. I listen to this each writing session. If you want to hear the songs that inspired Magnolia’s Fall From Grace, here they are! You can listen for free on the Spotify Playlist that was created for fans. I hope you enjoy!

  xoxo,

  Zara

  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/04Pb18vyhbeNWDCs2Eh5Ev?si=889ec09dfb7d486e

  Magnolia’s Fall From Grace Playlist

  Heaven - Julia Michaels

  Wild World - Cat Stevens

  To Be With You - Mr. Big

  Amazing Grace - LeAnn Rimes

  Right Now - Van Halen

  Feel Like Makin’ Love - Bad Company

  Bed of Roses - Bon Jovi

  I Was Made For Lovin’ You - Kiss

  Something I Can Never Have - Nine Inch Nails

  Blue on Black - Five Finger Death Punch

  Gone Away - Five Finger Death Punch

  For My Sake - Shinedown

  Devil’s Backbone - The Civil Wars

  These Arms of Mine - Otis Reading

  The Search Is Over - Survivor

  Blackbird Song - Lee DeWyze

  Angel - Sarah McLachlan

  When I See You Smile - Bad English

  Sister Christian - Night Ranger

  Under Your Spell - The Sweeplings

  Way Down in the Hole - Tom Waits

  If I Die Young - The Band Perry

  Gone Forever - Three Days Grace

  Something to Remind You - Staind

  Uninvited - Alanis Morissette

  I’ll Stand By You - Beth

  Free Fallin’ - Tom Petty

  Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce

  Call Me - Shinedown

  Don’t Cry - Guns N’ Roses

  Addicted to Love - Skylar Grey

  I Can’t Go On Without You - Kaleo

  Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls

  Million Years Ago - Adele

  Also by Zara Teleg

  Consumed By Rage (Book 1)

  Juliet

  Four years ago, I had it all… until one night changed everything. Now I am trapped in a prison of lies where my heart is locked away with my secrets. Rage has stirred things in me I thought I could never feel again. He thinks he can get through. But I can’t give in… I mustn't… for his sake and mine. I won’t let the ghosts of my past hurt anyone else.

  Rage

  As a member of the Stained Souls Motorcycle Club and MMA fighter, I was once a well-known and feared man in this town; now I am returning a stranger. Being home reminds me of the losses that have turned my soul dark and built my walls high. Until I met Juliet, the sexy yoga instructor who has invaded my every thought. Her light shines so brightly, it is like a beacon calling to me, cutting through my darkness. But there is something hidden behind her eyes, and she’s got walls as tall and thick as mine.

  Can these two damaged souls resist the urge to be together? Or will secrets and lies destroy them both?

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  A New Paige (Book 2)

  Would you risk losing the ones you love if it meant finally finding out the truth?

  Paige

  After being kidnapped and nearly killed by a sadistic drug lord, I discovered a startling secret, and I can't let it go. I was forced to move to small-town Sugar Maple. Kai, the hot-as-hell biker who rescued me, is now my new landlord and makes me feel safe. No matter how attracted I am to him, I won't let his womanizing ways distract me. No one, including my friends and family, can stop me from seeking the truth. The rabbit hole seems endless, and
the dangers are real. I may not like what I find in Pandora's box, but I refuse to let anyone control my life again.

  Kai

  My life in the MC has been one big party, just the way I like it. I have been burned once ---never again. Saving Paige woke a part of me I thought was long dead. One look into those violet eyes and I knew I could never let anyone hurt her again. Now the tempting little spitfire is up to something and I am going to find out what before she gets herself into trouble. Being her resident babysitter was not what I had in mind, but the closer we become the harder the attraction is to ignore. She's off-limits and all I can think about. The Stained Souls will have my head if I go there, but she may be worth the risk. Will she be my downfall or my salvation?

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  About the Author

  Zara Teleg is an American romance author, entrepreneur, tree hugger, yoga enthusiast, and coffee addict.

  Zara is a free spirit, who spends her days alternating between writing and cooking. No one makes a better veggie burger! Her love of animals has influenced her plant-based lifestyle. From the time she could walk she brought home every stray she came across, wanting to keep them all. Her friends nicknamed her “Snow White” because she is slightly obsessed with feeding every hungry wild animal in her neighborhood. If you follow her on Instagram, you know that’s true!

  She can often be found outside, reading or writing a slow-burn romance while listening to music under fairy lights, surrounded by plants, crystals, and wind chimes. Zara lives with her husband of 25 years, their teenage daughter, spoiled pit bulls, and her very ornery cat. She spends weekends drinking too much coffee and laughing on the Chesapeake Bay with her extremely loud Italian family! She dreams of moving to a place where she can walk barefoot and be on a paddleboard with her pit bulls all year long.