by Deena Remiel
“Okay, now you’re scaring me. Who are you, and what have you done with my soon-to-be husband?” She sat up in bed as Raphael launched himself next to her.
“I know something you don’t know,” he taunted, nibbling on her neck.
“What is it? Mmmm, that feels good,” she moaned and gathered her wits. “Don’t do that! You’re distracting me. Tell me what it is, Raphael.”
“Nope.”
“Your teasing is just plain criminal, you know that?” she cried out, pushing him away from his feast on her neck.
“There’s coffee on the stove and pancakes on the table. Gotta run! Gotta get ready! I got me a hot date with a sexy female in a little while. I may marry her, too.” He kissed her quickly and fled the scene of the crime.
“He’s certifiable, really,” she muttered out loud as she got up from bed, and started to prepare herself for the biggest day of her life.
***
“All systems go, Dad?” Raphael asked as he waited for him to come out of his bathroom. He had gone to the nursing home and brought over his future father-in-law’s tuxedo.
“Yep, it fits perfectly.” He opened the door and splayed his arms out. “What do you think? Do I look presentable enough to walk my daughter down the aisle?”
“You could be wearing a sack and she wouldn’t care.” Raphael gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder. “You’re walking great. Steady as she goes. I can’t begin to imagine her reaction. Today is more than just the day your daughter is getting married. It’s a testament to your spirit, a triumph over adversity, with a little bit of divine intervention splashed in for good measure. Come on, we’ve got a wedding to put on.”
***
Callie laced up the wedding gown, making it good and tight, just like in the old days. The gown, simply exquisite in antique ivory satin and lace, with one inch straps over the shoulders and a squared neckline, accentuated Serena’s assets and cast a warm glow over her skin. Beyond the tight-fitting bodice, the rest of the gown flowed downward in elegant waves around her. Crystals were sewn in throughout the gown, making Serena look like royalty. A small tiara with tulle attached made up her veil. She had to admit she felt like a princess.
Serena couldn’t wait to see Raphael, having only ever seen him in casual wear or nothing at all. Something told her he would be one extraordinarily dashing example of a man in his tuxedo. Taking it off him later, piece by piece, would surely prove to be quite pleasurable. A warm tingle spread through her body as she thought about the possibilities.
“All set, Serena.” Callie clapped her hands together. “You look like a fairy princess. Raphael is gonna be speechless. Time to go and get hitched, girlfriend!”
“Do my scars show too badly back there?” she asked worriedly.
“No, Serena, I promise. In fact they kinda look like tattoos. It’s pretty damn cool in my opinion.”
“Okay. Let’s get me hitched!” She hooked her arm in Callie’s, and they walked out the front door to the waiting limousine.
***
“Is she here yet?” Raphael asked Kemuel nervously, his palms cold and clammy. He may have been Mr. Calm, Cool, and Collected earlier, but right now he felt anything but.
“I don’t see the limo yet, brother. Don’t worry. She’ll be here.”
“Is Fred where I told you to put him?”
“For the hundredth time, yes. Now relax would you? You’re driving me crazy!”
“Excuse me, gentlemen, it’s time to take your places. The limousine has arrived.” Father Vasquez pointed to the open door of the church.
“Oh Lord! Here we go!” Raphael ran to hide behind a curtain. I feel utterly ridiculous, but I wouldn’t miss Serena’s reaction for the world. He watched as she entered the chapel with Callie. She stood there alone, a vision, an angel in her own right, and Raphael found it difficult to hold himself back from exposing his plans just so he could touch her. She epitomized the meaning of her name in that one solitary moment, serenity, and he knew he’d finally found his when he’d asked her to marry him.
Serena floated in on a cloud to the chapel’s foyer and whispered breathlessly to Callie, “This is it, my friend. What I’ve dreamed of all my life.”
“I’m so glad I could be here with you for this. Enjoy every moment. Savor it. Because this is forever, girlfriend.” Callie gave her a kiss on her cheek and entered the chapel.
No truer words have ever been spoken!
“Where’s my father?” Serena asked no one in particular. She looked around the foyer for a wheelchair, but saw nothing. Had Kemuel forgotten to pick him up? Absurd. Where is he? The bathroom, perhaps? She didn’t know, and she’d had enough of guessing.
“Where is my father?” she fumed. She twirled around, stricken by a memory of watching her father shaving in the morning. The scent of Old Spice tickled and teased her nose.
“What’s all the squawking about? I’m right here, sweet pea.”
Serena turned toward the sound of a voice from the past. A voice she’d been aching to hear for the longest time. And there, stepping out of the shadows and walking toward her, she thought was the ghost of a man she’d loved as a child and lost.
“Daddy?” she whispered. “It can’t be.” Serena stood paralyzed, her flowers dropped and forgotten on the floor. She blinked. The ghost moved closer.
“Daddy,” her voice quavered, “is it really you?”
“Yes, Serena darling.” Tears welled in his eyes. “It’s me.”
Serena couldn’t move; her feet refused to listen to her heart screaming for them to run, run into her father’s arms.
“Daddy? I…I can’t move,” she whispered and gasped for air. But her arms could, and opened wide in invitation. When her father reached her, he picked her up, and she clung to him as only a daughter could a father.
“Daddy, I’ve missed you so!” she cried out through her sobs of joy. “But how…I mean…nobody thought you would….” She held his face in her hands, searching his eyes for an answer to this miracle, and in their reflection, they told her everything she needed to know.
“Raphael,” she whispered. She leaned her forehead against her father’s and closed her eyes briefly. Her secret prayers had been answered, and by her own angel no less.
“Yes, sweetheart. Guilty as charged.” Raphael came out from his hiding place and approached the two who were now arm in arm. “How could we have a wedding without your father standing by your side? I couldn’t bear it, knowing what I’m capable of doing. And your dad has promised me he would join the land of the living, start over, appreciate all he has, and not grieve over what he’s lost. Isn’t that right, Dad?”
“Absolutely, son.” Serena’s father smiled broadly, and then frowned. “Serena, I’m so sorry. When your mother left us, I know I left you, too. Emotionally, I abandoned you and your brother. I know it’s too late for Jared and me, may he rest in peace, but it’s not too late for us. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you, starting with today. I’d like to walk you down the aisle, if you’ll have me. What do you say?”
“I say I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day or moment as this. It’s what I’ve dreamed of and prayed for,” she gushed. She turned to Raphael. “Thank you.”
“Hey, what’s the holdup? Sere…. Oh, my God!” Callie exclaimed as she came out of the chapel with Kemuel tagging behind. “Mr. Sikes! Is that you? Serena, your…your father is standing! He’s actually standing! It’s a miracle!”
“Yes, and I’m walking and talking, too,” he joked, and extended his hand. She shook it vigorously. “You must be Callie. Serena’s spoken of you so often during her visits. Thank you for being such a dear friend to her.”
“Well, you see, Mr. Sikes, Serena’s more like a sister to me.” Callie’s voice broke with emotion. She coughed and continued. “Now before we dissolve into total sappy land, what do you say we get these two fine people hitched? We can all cry as much as we want later. Kemuel, help your friend here find his spot
, will you?”
Kemuel dutifully ushered Raphael into the chapel while Callie took her place before Serena and her father. As the music began, father and daughter looked at one another.
“I just came back,” he whispered, snagging Serena again in a fierce hug, “and now I have to let you go. I don’t know if I can do this after all.”
“Let’s take it one step at a time, Daddy. One step at a time,” Serena comforted, with all the assuredness one had when the path ahead was clear and right and true.
***
Out in the desert, under the starlit indigo sky, the coyotes howled at the moon, the crickets chimed in to complete the serenade, and Serena and Raphael drank in their fill of the earth and sky, and of each other.
“Say them again, Raphael,” she requested drowsily, making light circles with her fingers on his chest and stomach, raising goose bumps on his skin, and she felt him shiver.
“Say what again, sweetheart?” he responded, picking up those fingers and kissing each of their tips, one at a time. He shifted slightly in their sleeping bag, and she could see his face, glowing in the moon’s golden light. He kept her as close as a second skin. Some people had thought they were a little crazy to camp out as a honeymoon, but those who knew them well enough knew better how deeply connected to the land the two of them were.
“Say your vows again to me. They were so beautiful; I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing them.”
“Gee, sweetie, I don’t know if I remember them. It’s been so long since I’ve recited them. At the least, twelve hours ago.” She gave him a pinch. “Ow!” He laughed heartily. “Okay, okay! I’ll do it. But only because you’re so goddamn irresistible. And because I love you.”
“Thank you. And I love you, too,” Serena cooed and batted her eyes at him.
“Let’s see, how did I begin? Oh yes…. Serena, you are my forever love. I pledge to you my heart and soul, the very essence of who I am. I promise to cherish you, honor you, heal and comfort you always, until the end of time.” Raphael eyes glistened with tears as he leaned in to kiss her, skimming over her lips lightly like a whisper. Serena deepened the kiss, wanting—no, needing to not only feel his lips against hers, but to taste him. And by tasting him, knowing him as no other would.
“Oh, Raphael, I love you so very much,” she sighed against his mouth. “You know I’ve dreamed of having five kids, right?”
“Mm hmm.” He caressed her cheek while nibbling her bottom lip.
“And two dogs and two cats.” She raked her hands through his hair and pulled him impossibly closer.
“Uh huh.” He flipped her on her back and hovered, staring at her with all seriousness. “Don’t forget the parrot named Jim, sweetheart.”
Serena gaped at him.
“What?” he asked with innocence laced in his voice. “You know my thoughts and dreams; it’s only fair that I found out yours.”
“I’ll give you that. So, can you tell what I’m thinking right now?” she asked saucily.
“Oh honey, I think there are laws against saying out loud what you’re thinking right now. But I’m all for breaking them with you, over and over again.”
~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at the heartstrings.
You can visit Deena at:
www.deenaremiel.com
Trinity
A Brethren Novel
One way or another, terror will reign tonight.
School teacher and single mom, Emma Livingston, has been through hell—and back so she thinks. While dealing with the night terrors and active imagination of her five-year old daughter, Hannah, she attempts to lead a normal life. That is, until the demon from those nightmares pays her a visit, too, and threatens both of their lives. Desperate, she reaches out for help—and finds Michael waiting.
Michael D’Angelo is known to everyone in Prophet’s Point, Arizona, as their loving elementary school principal. But to The Brethren, he is the most powerful Protector. Immortal and angelic does not mean he’s without doubts or fears, as protecting Emma and Hannah from Evil tests his ability to fight his tortured past.
As the Trinity is formed, ancient secrets are revealed and faith is tested. When a prophecy is exposed, Hannah becomes the main target and Emma wonders if a normal life will ever be possible again. Hope is like an anchor, but can a mother, her daughter, and an angel overcome the evil determined to annihilate the world?
Trinity
Ghost of a Chance
A 1Night Stand Story
Susannah’s married to her career. And she’s about ready for a divorce. Drowning in grief over the loss of her husband years ago, she initially immersed herself in a high-powered position at her marketing firm. But recently, she’s lost that loving feeling. Is she finally able to accept that her need for a man, for love in her life is stronger than her desire to bury it?
Remy, once a high-profile building magnate, is a ghost of a man, literally. Cursed by a vengeful ex-wife he neglected, he’s relegated to shadows of his former world. She meant for him to spend the rest of his life without the chance of normalcy ever again, and he believed she succeeded. But could there be a way out?
Susannah and Remy, two people ghosting through life, until they are brought together by a fateful One Night Stand. Both are seeking re-entry to the land of the living and loving. Can they fulfill each other’s deepest desires and learn what it means to live again?
Ghost of a Chance
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~