Everyone else spoke, leaving Allen last.
He stood with his water glass in his right hand. “There’s not much I can add to the list since most stole my reasons for why I’m grateful to have all of you in my life. But, I would like to offer a toast to Lizzie, who is a kindred spirit, brave, and the best big sister I could ask for.”
“Here, here.” Maddie banged her fist on the table.
“Don’t you dare spill the red wine on the tablecloth.” Sarah reached for her glass before it could topple.
After dinner, while most of the guests were in the living room, I found Allen and Bailey snuggling on the couch in the family room, watching It’s A Wonderful Life. “Hey, you two.”
“I need… something.” Bailey got to her feet, patting my shoulder as she fled.
I sat down next to Allen, the leather couch creaking. “I may have eaten too much today.”
He laughed, patting his Rudolph sweater. “Me too.”
I rubbed my chin. “Thanks for saying those words earlier. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel after our chat last night.”
“I meant what I said.” His eyes fell to the newly purchased soft blue afghan on his lap. “I had no idea she put you through all that. I’m sorry for inviting her to that dinner and bringing her to your home.”
“Hey now. You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have been upfront right from the start. It’s not easy for me to admit… weaknesses.”
He nodded as if he understood. “For the record, I don’t think you’re weak.”
“I… thanks.” I ruffled the top of his head. “Oh, before I forget.” I yanked a business card from my back pocket. “I asked around, and here’s a Russian tutor so you can continue your lessons. He’s located in Boulder, and your first ten lessons are paid for. Call him.”
“Wow!” He tossed his arms around my neck. “Thanks.”
“Man, when did you two get so sappy?” Maddie laughed, leading Gabe into the room by the hand.
“Says the woman who actually dittoed earlier because she was verklempt.” I got off the couch.
“Whatevs.” Maddie threaded an arm around Gabe, resting her head against his chest. “We’re heading out.”
“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Allen stood and gave me a high five.
Maddie circled a finger in the air. “I’m not liking this turn of events. You two being the funny ones.”
“Get used to it,” Allen and I said in unison.
Sarah entered with Freddie on her hip. “Get used to what?”
“Nothing,” Allen and I spoke at the same time again.
“A sea change, Sarah. A sea change.” Maddie hugged Sarah goodbye, kissed Fred’s head, and then wrapped her arms around me briefly.
When Maddie and Gabe left, Sarah asked, “Can you get Ollie? It’s way past their bedtimes.”
“Of course.” I turned to Allen, “Tell Bailey it’s safe to come back.”
In the nursery, Sarah placed Freddie in his crib. I followed suit with the already sleeping Ollie. After kissing each one on the head, she switched off the light.
In the hallway, she whispered, “Is everything okay between you and Allen?”
“All quiet on the Western—”
She kissed me. “We need to get you a different phrase. One that doesn’t involve war.”
“How about, I absolutely adore you?”
“I think I can live with that one.” She kissed me again. “Let’s kick out the guests who aren’t staying and retreat to the bedroom.”
“How come you can say retreat, but I can’t—?”
Her lips were on mine in a second.
A HUGE THANK YOU!
First, thanks so much for reading A Conflicted Woman. I’ve published more than a dozen novels, and I still find it simply amazing people read my stories. When I hit publish on my first book back in 2013, I had no idea what would happen. It’s been a wonderful journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support.
If you enjoyed the story, I would really appreciate a review. Even short reviews help immensely.
Finally, don’t forget if you want to stay in touch, sign up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a free copy of A Woman Lost, book 1 in the A Woman Lost series, plus the bonus chapters that are exclusive to subscribers. And, you’ll be able to enter monthly giveaways to win one of my books. Here’s the link to join: http://eepurl.com/dtzNv1
Also By T.B. Markinson
A WOMAN LOST SERIES
A Clueless Woman (Prequel)
A Woman Lost
A Woman Ignored
A Family Woman
A Conflicted Woman
CONFESSIONS SERIES
Confessions from the Heart (Prequel)
Confessions from the Coffee Shop
Confessions from the Dark
THE CHOSEN ONE SERIES
The Chosen One
The Hidden One
THE MIRACLE GIRL SERIES
The Miracle Girl
The Fall Girl
GIRL LOVE HAPPENS
Girl Love Happens (Prequel)
Girl Love Happens: Season One
Girl Love Happens: Season Two
STANDALONE NOVELS
Marionette
Claudia Must Die
About the Author
TB Markinson is an American living in England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.
Her novels have hit Amazon bestseller lists for lesbian fiction and lesbian romance. For a full listing of TB’s novels, please visit her Amazon page.
Feel free to visit TB’s website to say hello. She also runs I Heart Lesfic, a place for authors and fans of lesfic to come together to celebrate and chat about lesbian fiction. On her 50 Year Project blog, TB chronicles her challenge to visit 192 countries, read 1,001 books, and to watch the AFI’s top 100 movies.
You can follow TB Markinson on Twitter at @IHeartLesfic or email her at [email protected].
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