by Rebecca York
Helen nodded. “He did. And I used the same hold at the hospital. Your officer saw me.”
***
With the sheriff gone, Helen stepped back into the house. She felt drained by all the events of the past weeks. Drained, but content with the outcome.
Carlton caught her by the hand and pulled her gently into the other room. “Now that I’ve got you to myself, I need to know if you still want to marry me.”
“Of course.” Why wouldn’t she?
“Now listen. The threat to you and Todd is gone. The ranch will make it. You will make it. I can stay with my grandparents and drive over each day to help you here. You don’t have to marry me.”
She looked stricken. “Don’t you want to marry me?”
“Yes, but...marriage is forever, the way I want it. For a lifetime, at least. I don’t want you to feel forced into marrying someone you don’t love,” he said.
“I’m not.” She shook her head as her words weren’t coming out right. “I mean...” her gaze focused on him, “I mean that I would be marrying for love. I do love you.”
“For sure? I’ve never felt so strongly about anyone before, but... how can you tell?”
“Well... Would you want to marry anyone else?”
“No, but...”
“Would you want me to marry anyone else?”
“No!” He shook his head sharply.
“Same here. And would you want to be the man to share my life? My love? All the little moments, good and bad that make up a marriage?”
“Yes. Yes, I would.” His eyes shone as he agreed with her. He was so handsome. If she looked anything at all like that to him, no wonder he called her beautiful.
“Love grows,” she said. “It doesn’t stay static. It starts small and has to be nourished. I believe that our love will grow to the stars.”
“For sure. And I want to help Todd get his start. He’s a wonderful boy. When he’s ready, Frank would like for him to come work his ranch with the intention to own it some day.”
“What? But... He wouldn’t want you to do that?”
“He offered, but I said I’d rather work this one, with you. That one’s already built. This has more challenges.”
“You’ve already talked about this to Frank?” He was one step ahead of her.
“Yes. He said he was ready to turn his ranch over to someone else, a young man who loved the life as much as he does. He just hadn’t found a young man willing to work. Not like Todd works. And Todd knows ranching.”
“He’s so young.”
“Frank’s foreman will be there a few more years. And Frank can help him too. He can learn, be ready to take over. That ranch is large enough to accommodate several families, including Todd’s.”
So Carlton wasn’t just taking care of her, he was insuring that Todd would have a wonderful life also. She couldn’t be happier.
“I love you,” she said. “I love you more every minute.”
“And I you. I take it, that’s a yes.” He pulled her closer, wrapping her in his arms as if he would never let her go.
“Yes. Yes, I will marry you. The sooner, the better.” She’d been alone too long. She didn’t need a big wedding. A Justice of the Peace wedding would be enough for her. They had their license. They could marry any day now.
“I’d like a preacher to do it,” he said, kissing her.
“Fine. Get one and we’ll see if we can get married at your grandparents’ home. In front of that big window overlooking the Bitterroots.”
“I’d like that. I’ll call my folks, see how soon they can come. My mother would shoot me if I got married and she wasn’t there.”
“Probably my folks, too. We’ll set the date. Next week?”
“Not a day too soon for me.” He kissed her again. “Precious,” he said, and that was exactly the way she felt as she hugged him to her and returned his kisses.
The End
A Word from the Author
Thank you for reading Three French Hens. If you liked this book, I’d love for you to share your views on Amazon so others can see your comments and maybe buy the book because of them.
The account of finding the Spanish gold used by the Trahern family, is found in Cole and Marisol’s story, The Richest Man in Texas, which is #10 in the Trahern series.
Other Books by the Author
Sisters of Spirit Series
While attending Virginia Tech, several girls from the western states formed a group called the Sisters of Spirit, to support each other during and after their college days.
Turnagain Love: Two are hired to do the same job. (Jennel’s story)
Closed Doors: Will her “help” destroy the man she loves? (Ellen’s story)
Stolen Secret’s: Danger threatens to tear them apart. (Angie’s story)
Courage Dares: A woman of courage dares to control her life. (Mary’s story)
Scorpion’s Trail: Nothing is as it seems. Everyone wears a mask. (Perri’s story)
Tennessee Touch: Someone is killing football players. (Alison’s story)
Spirit of a Champion: She’ll do anything to keep her brother alive. (Stormy’s story)
Appaloosa Blues: Will her love for one man kill the other? (Joanna’s story)
A Tennessee Christmas: Two wounded people find love and strength in each other. (Robyn’s story)
Silver Bell series:
#1 A Tennessee Christmas
#2 Christmas on Cougar Mountain
#3 A Christmas Snowstar
#4 I’ll Be Home for Christmas
#5 Trouble Never Knocks (4th of July) Part of the Sweet & Sassy at the Beach collection
#6 The Holiday (Christmas) Part of Love, Christmas 2 collection
#7 Christmas Cupid
#8 Three French Hens (Christmas)
About The Author
NANCY RADKE has always invented stories in her mind, even “watching” stories in her dreams where she could control the characters and outcomes. She has turned this talent into writing traditional romances and romantic suspense, with plenty of plot twists. Born on a wheat and cattle ranch, she often writes about the popular Trahern family from Tennessee. These books, set just after the end of the Civil War, tell about members of a pioneer family moving westward, finding true love in the middle of danger. More modern Trahern books are found in the Silver Bell series. The Trahern books are read by both men and women and are her best sellers.
All available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Radke/e/B007L354UA/
Contacts
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[email protected]
SPARKLES OF THE SEASON
Sparkles of the Season
Susan Jean Ricci
USA Today Bestselling Author
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 by Susan Jean Ricci
All rights reserved.
Book Description
Sparks fly in all directions as the bells of the Holiday season ring, when the romance fairy sprinkles stardust on this family foursome.
During his son’s visit with Santa, the instant attraction between an injured football player and the widow turned photographer seems to change everything.
Sonia and Lars’s flirtation is encouraged by both of their single parents, but will a hot kiss in the backseat of a limo inspire the young couple to move forward without the parents’ intervention?
Embrace the fun when Sonia’s mom and Lars’s dad alleviate their yesterdays and prove by example that happily ever after’s do exist - Complete the equation with the lure of the Holidays as these four people rediscover the magic of Christmas, with a New Year’s surprise.
Dedication
In Loving Memory
Joseph C. Ricci
1948-2019
Praise and Awards for Susan Jean Ricci
CHRISTMAS WITH NIAGARA
Finalist in the Novella category: The 2019 IAN Book of the Year Awards
SHARING SEA GLASS
Finalist in the Novella Category: The 2019 IAN Book of the Year Awards
DINOSAURS And CHERRY STEMS
The Reader’s Favorite: Third Place for Humor 2015
Global EBooks Awards: Third Place for Romance & Erotica 2015
Finalist in the Independent Author Network Contest for Outstanding First Novel 2015
Semi-finalist in The Kindle Book Reviews 2013, Best Indie Book Awards.
FALLING FOR NIAGARA
Finalist in the Short Story / Novella category: “Short Story / Novella” 2017 IAN Book of the Year Awards
THE SUGAR TICKET
Outstanding “Women’s Fiction” The 2016 IAN Book of the Year awards
“Author Susan Jean Ricci is gifted at writing deftly and sketching out the basics needed for a complete story without adding too much “fluff” to fatten up a story unnecessarily.” ~ Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite
“Jace and Niagara are marvelous characters, both strong and independent ... Ricci's plot is contemplative and powerful, and her writing is smooth and flowing.” ~ Jack Magnus for Reader’s Favorite
“Susan Jean Ricci is an excellent writer and knows how to tell a fun and entertaining story. The Sugar Ticket is both thought-provoking and hilariously laugh-out-loud...” ~ Hilary Hawkes for Reader’s Favorite
“Evasion: Do No Harm is a novella deftly written in clear-cut prose and a straightforward narrative without unnecessary frills to fully deliver the story in a short read. It has drama, suspense, humor, romance, and even a small dose of mystery.” ~ Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Prologue
New Year’s Day 2019
“Lord, please help me not make a fool of myself.”
Lars slipped an arm around Sonia’s waist and tendered a gentle hug. “Hey, prayers are fine, but none of that other silliness, lovely lady. You’re going be great.”
She fanned her face and managed a tiny smile. “This is just nerve wracking. I’ve never given a speech in front of so many people before. Do I look all right?”
Lars stepped back, appraising her from head to toe. His dark eyes gleamed with vivid approval and the smile he wore made shivers race up her spine.
The white satin gown Sonia had chosen for the event was the prettiest she’d ever owned. Not only did the silver trim compliment her delicate complexion, the purity of the white enhanced her rich chestnut hair and russet eyes.
Mindful of possible eavesdroppers nearby, Lars’s soft voice tickled her ear. “I don’t want to sound like the proverbial guy in heat, but you’ve never looked more amazing. That material clings to your curves like a second skin.”
Sonia’s cheeks flushed deeper from his compliment. “If you meant to distract me from my jitters, then consider yourself successful,” she whispered back. “Now behave. There’s Mayor Flynn walking to the podium.”
As the crowd applauded Sonia peeked through the curtain and searched the audience. While the mayor welcomed his guests to the Annual Chamber of Commerce Ball, she found Lars’s father Adam four rows from the stage sitting between her mother Miriam and Lars’s little son Jeff. When the two grownups were finished clapping, her eyes widened when she saw Adam take her mom’s hand in his, lift it to his mouth and kiss it.
They exchanged a warm smile and her heartbeat quickened with gratitude - her mother’s dreams were coming true.
“Lars, come here,” she whispered. “Check out your dad and my mom. The looks they’re giving each other are almost indecent. Isn’t that great?”
“Oh, heck yeah,” he replied softly. “But it’s no secret those two have been joined at the hip for a while now. You saying you didn’t notice?”
“I’ve known they’ve been intimate for a while. I wasn’t sure if you did, or how you really felt about it.”
Lars chuckled. “I’m not that adult kid who scorns or begrudges a sexual relationship for a parent, as long as there’s affection or love involved. My father reminds me of an eighteen year old in love with his high school sweetheart – I haven’t seen him so happy in years, and you know I’m real fond of your mother, and so is Jeff. Truth is, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if destiny has plans for a double wedding in the future.”
Sonia snapped her head around and stared at the tall man standing beside her. Although she and Lars had crossed the boundaries of friendship weeks before Christmas, and he’d all but proposed, would she seriously consider remarriage?
“Wait, what…?” she stuttered, but Lars held a finger to her lips. “Shush. We’ll discuss it later – got your cheat sheet?” he asked.
She plucked the index card from the bodice of her dress and nodded.
“Please allow me to introduce our guest of honor, and the newest member of our Chamber of Commerce,” Mayor Flynn said in his cheerful, booming voice. “The people of this town have much to be grateful for, regarding Sonia Mattson’s unique contributions to our Magical Christmas event that took place in town hall since before Thanksgiving. Her hard work and dedication not only cemented our children and grandkids’ beliefs in Christmas miracles this holiday season, her skills with a camera captured their special moments with Santa that will live in their hearts forever. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ms. Sonia Mattson.”
Sonia’s spine stiffened when he announced her name and she cast a worried glance towards Lars. “Just breathe,” he murmured, and the exaggerated, toothy grin he sent her way almost made her giggle.
Her poise restored, Sonia returned his smile and stepped onto the stage.
Chapter One
April 2018: Sonia and David
Sonia Mattson leaned over her husband’s hospital bed and softly kissed his mouth.
That David’s lips were coated with cherry Chap Stick to keep the tender skin from flaking from the oxygen cannula in his nostrils and lack of oral liquids almost did her in.
Lip balm was the sole, physical comfort she could provide her husband at this point, other than her loving presence. The kidney specialist had restricted his fluid intake to zilch the day before, aside from tiny spoons of ice chips, but David had refused them. “I can’t stand their cold,” he’d whispered.
The forced-air warming blanket covering him maintained his body temperature, because it had decreased from normal to the low nineties. A tiny wire inserted into his bottom was attached to the small generator pumping air into the blanket and allowed the nurses caring for him to assess his current temperature by checking the digital display.
The warming blanket was light as a feather but bulky, and the only way Sonia could touch her husband was to hold his hand.
“Look at me, covered from head to toe with a raft-like piece of plastic that would better serve a kid floating around in a pool,” he’d joked five days prior when he’d been admitted to the unit. “But it feels nice to be warm again.”
Sonia had averted her eyes and swiped away the tears with a sleeve. David’s kidney disease had robbed his body of its natural capacity to retain warmth, and even in the house the month before, he’d started wearing sweatshirts, double-lined shirts of flannel, and two pairs of sweat pants – sometimes, he also wore his heavy wool coat.
She sent those memories back to the past where they belonged. David had been in the hospital for eight days, and dwelling on his discomfort at home was useless.
Now, she swallowed the lump of sorrow in her throat, stroked his fingers with hers, and arranged her features into a cheerful expression, for her husband’s sake. David, the love of her life, was the bravest person she’d ever known.
Because of his courage, Sonia forced herself to maintain hers, and not show him how much the pain of his illness tortured her troubled soul.
She lowered her head and kissed his hand. When she looked into his eyes, her smile was brighter than the long face she wore out of the hospital as she went about the business of grocery shopping, or whatever errand needed to be done – a far cry from that of a happy woman.
“I love you, baby,” she told him softl
y, ever aware of the need for quiet in the Critical Care Unit. “Love you so, so much.”
“I know you do, darling, just as I love you,” he replied with a tired smile.
Mostly the atmosphere in the Critical Care Unit remained hushed except for the occasional beeps from monitors when meds needing replacing, or codes blaring over the loudspeaker, indicating an immediate course of action was vital.
At those times, Sonia would hear the racing feet of nurses working the unit, as they rushed to help a patient weather a medical crisis, or ease the dying out of life.
Sonia caressed David’s sunken cheekbone with the back of her hand as someone on the PA system announced visiting hours were about to be over in ten minutes. “Have I mentioned how much I detest these restrictive visiting hours?” she asked. “Why they make families leave when their loved ones need them is beyond me.”
David’s skin was jaundiced from disease, but his upbeat personality never wavered. “You’re kidding me, right? You say so every time you have to leave,” he whispered with a wink. “But, it can’t be helped. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devotion of the nursing staff and how they care for the patients. There are tubes to be replaced, IV bags to be monitored, or changed. They empty my catheter. Do you really want to hang around and watch all that?”
Sonia’s amber eyes met his. “Listen, David, I don’t care about that stuff. I’m pretty well informed. Your doctors always keep me updated about your condition, and what the current game plans are. Do you think a little pee or poop bothers me?”