No Exchanges, No Returns

by Laurie Kellogg

  “If you don’t after this meal, you will when you git back from that Caribbean cruise yer all goin’ on,” Innes warned.

  “You should know.” Mattie patted her husband’s paunch as she added a dish of creamed onions to the table and then bustled back to the kitchen.

  Innes and Mattie had just returned from an Alaskan cruise with Gerald and Judy. Holly had stayed with David and Casey while her grandparents were away. Now it was payback time.

  The four senior members of the family had offered to babysit all the little ones while David, Paul, and Marc took their wives on a short, much-needed vacation to celebrate Brianna beating the odds for another year.

  When they’d discovered a small metastasis only a month after she’d married Marc, they’d all been prepared for the worst, but mercifully they were blessed. It had been five years since she’d undergone gamma-knife radiosurgery to destroy the new growth. Afterward, Brianna hadn’t had a single recurrence or even a suspicious MRI.

  “I can’t wait to leave tomorrow,” Marc said.

  “I know. If the kids weren’t so young, I would’ve booked a seven-night cruise instead of only five,” Paul said as he rubbed his hands together in eager anticipation. “Andy’s breasts are finally all mine again.”

  “You would deny your poor daughter just to get your wife’s boobs all to yourself?” David sputtered. “What kind of dad are you?”

  “Hey, Sofia turned a year old last week. I’m not waiting fifteen months again like I did with her brother. If we hadn’t weaned her, we wouldn’t be able to leave her and Mason this week. Anyway, who are you to talk? I don’t notice Casey still nursing Connor.”

  Marc laughed. “Now there’s an advantage to having a ready-made family I hadn’t considered.”

  Sadly, two years ago, Marc’s cousin and her husband had been killed during an evening out together, orphaning their twin toddler boys and six-month-old daughter. At first, Brianna had been reluctant to adopt the three children, hating the idea of them possibly losing another mother. But the moment she’d held them, she’d lost the will to refuse.

  Paul watched Gerald scoop David’s oldest daughter, Jamie, off her Poppa Innes’s back, leaving the other man to continue bouncing her three-year-old sister, Ashley, on his knee. “You don’t think eight kids under the age of six will be too much for the oldsters?”

  “Nah.” David picked up his son as he tried to climb up his daddy’s leg. “Besides, Holly will help keep the kids in line. She’s great with them.”

  Innes’s granddaughter had blossomed into a beautiful teenager who worked part-time as one of Casey’s day-care aides after school.

  “And my dad and Liz are driving up from North Carolina to give them a hand,” Casey added, wheeling a cart bearing both a golden brown turkey the size of an ostrich as well as a huge smoked ham into the dining room.

  “Jeez, how many people were you girls planning to serve.” Mark asked. “It looks like you made enough to feed the entire down of Redemption.”

  “Well, Casey and I figured we’d need plenty of ham and turkey left for the party tonight,” Brianna told him. “All of the guests are bringing cold salads and desserts.”

  “How many people are coming?” Paul asked.

  “Well, naturally, there’ll be all of us. Plus, the preschool’s new kindergarten teacher, Annie Fitzpatrick, and her husband, Tyler, will be here with their three kids.” Brianna counted on her fingers. “And Jake, Maggie, Alex and Emma Manion are bringing their kids.”

  “Don’t forget your dad and Liz hope to be here by tonight,” David added, “Oh, and I just remembered, when Samantha brought Christian in for his check-up this week, I asked her and Nick to come, too.”

  “Okay, so half of Redemption will be here.” Innes laughed.

  “Also, Matt and Abby are coming dressed as Mr. and Mrs. C-L-A-U-S,” Casey spelled to protect the little ears in the room. “S-A-N-T-A is going to pass out the G-I-F-T-S to all of the K-I-D-S.”

  “Personally, I think you’re all a little nuts to be having a huge party the night before you leave on vacation,” Judy said.

  “Well, we would’ve done it later this week, but as you know, we won’t be here.” David reminded her.

  “And this way, we can leave the mess from the party for all of our babysitters to clean up,” Casey teased.

  After securing Connor in his high chair, David stepped behind Casey and wrapped his arms around her. “Only twenty-two more hours, and we’ll be in our suite on the ship.” He nuzzled her neck and whispered. “Just imagine—quiet, civilized conversations at dinner, dancing all evening cheek-to-cheek, and playing Sultan and concubine for five straight nights without any munchkins interrupting.”

  She spun in his arms and smiled up at him. “No way, pal,” she whispered. “This harem girl isn’t visiting the Sultan’s boudoir until after she gets a long massage from her eunuch.”

  “I think that could be arranged.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he pulled her chair out, murmuring. “Is a relaxing rubdown all my mistress desires?”

  A shy smiled curled her mouth as she slid into her seat. “Not necessarily. I’m counting on you to use your imagination.”

  He chuckled, recalling the flavored massage oil, and sexy harem girl costume he’d hidden in his carry-on bag.

  Andy flashed a suspicious look at them as she placed a green bean casserole and a dish of pineapple on the table. “What’re you two whispering and giggling about over there?”

  “Nothing special,” he answered, feigning innocence. “We’re just going over our last-minute checklist for the cruise.”

  Oh, yeah. They were definitely going to enjoy this trip.

  ~*~

  Casey gazed over the floral centerpiece at her husband doting on their two little princesses seated beside him at the opposite end of the long table. Connor banged on his high chair tray next to her, squealing for her attention. She handed their eleven-month-old son a piece of warm cornbread to mutilate and smiled, thinking about the surprise she was waiting to share with David on their trip. Despite his complaints about their children’s intrusion on their love life, she knew he wouldn’t have it any other way.

  As soon as everyone was seated, Judy suggested, “How about instead of a formal grace, we go around the table and each say what we’re grateful for this Christmas. I’ll start. I’m thankful for two wonderful daughter-in-laws and a son who knows how much he means to his dad and me.”

  “Ditto,” Gerald added.

  Holly buttered a dinner roll and gave it to Ashley. “I’m really glad I passed my last calculus exam.”

  “I’m blessed to have the family and grandchildren I never thought I’d have,” Mattie said, stroking Holly’s hair.

  Brianna smiled at Casey and then Marc. “I’m grateful for the most generous sister anyone could want and for each day I have with my husband and kids.”

  Casey’s eyes flooded with tears while everyone nodded and silently thanked God for their Christmas miracle—continued health for her sister.

  Several seconds later, Jamie broke the peace and mumbled past a mouthful of miniature gherkins, “I’m just happy we got cranberry sauce and pickles.”

  While everyone laughed, David’s gaze swept around the dining room filled with their family and friends before he finally said, “I have so much to be thankful for I don’t know where to start.”

  Laying her hand over her belly, Casey imagined how grateful he’d be when he learned their dinner table would soon be more crowded and noisier than ever.

  He smiled at her across their holiday feast and winked. “But I know right where I’ll always end up.”

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  About the Author

  Laurie Kellogg is a two-time winner and seven-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® award, the winner of Pacific Northwest Writers Association® Zola award, and a Romantic Times® American Title I finalist. She began writing to avoid housework and has since resorted to naming the dust-bunnies multiplying as fast as real rabbits while she plots love stories that are Steamy, Heartwarming, Romantic Fun!

  Laurie also writes red-hot romantic comedies under L.L. Kellogg which she’s branded as A Little Naughty and a Lot of Fun! If you would like to know more about Laurie and her books visit http://www.LaurieKellogg.com and be sure to subscribe to her blog at http://www.LaurieKellogg.wordpress.com

  Connect with Laurie at:

  Website: http://www.LaurieKellogg.com

  Blog: http://www.LaurieKellogg.wordpress.com

  e-mail: Contact@LaurieKellogg.com

  Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/Laurie_Kellogg

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Laurie.Kellogg.Books

  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laurie-kellogg/44/19b/650

  If you’re interested in reading more of Laurie’s Steamy, Heartwarming Fun romances you can find them here:

  The Memory of You (prequel to the Return to Redemption Series)

  A Little Bit of Déjà Vu (Book One of the Return to Redemption series)

  The Great Bedroom War (Book Two of the Return to Redemption series)

  The Parent Pact (Book Three of the Return to Redemption series)

  If you’d like to try her L.L. Kellogg A Little Naughty and a lot of Fun romances you can find the first one here:

  Hypnotic Seduction (Book One of the Seduction Series)

  Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finalist

  She has a problem relaxing with men

  Frumpy wallflower Hannah Oliver is nearly thirty and has a serious self-image problem. Growing up in her centerfold mother’s shadow and being raised by her pious grandparents has left her so self-conscious about her matronly, D-cup figure she gets tongue-tied around good-looking guys. So when Hannah discovers her fiancé/employer boinking her roommate, she’s not only devastated— she’s unemployed.

  He’s got a problem fending off women

  Pharmaceutical CEO Jordan Calder has a huge image problem too— his professional image. Most guys would kill to be publicly proclaimed a world-class lover, but other men don’t share his dark, shameful past. The only thing women have ever wanted Jordan for is what he can give them in and out of bed. So when his grandfather drags dowdy Hannah into his office as an executive assistant candidate, Jordan hires the mousey woman on the spot.

  Could hypnosis be a solution?

  After miraculously landing her plum new position, sexually frustrated Hannah resorts to hypnosis to boost her self-confidence with men, hoping to attract another mate. Unfortunately, a post-hypnotic suggestion compels her to kiss her sexy playboy boss, who she then stupidly falls for in and out of bed. Despair induces her to use similar hypnotic principles on him— in the form of subliminal messages— to convince the man she loves that he wants a happy-ever-after with her. But as everyone knows, desperate measures usually spell disaster.

  Find other books by Laurie Kellogg

  A Little Bit of Déjà Vu

  Winner of the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® award

  Winner of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association® Zola award

  Sometimes destiny has the last word....and laugh

  Fate thrust them together

  Blackmail and deception tore them apart

  Nineteen years later, their children’s love reunites them

  Now, only truth and forgiveness can make them a family

  Margie Bradford is picking up the pieces of her shattered life following her husband’s death. When her meddling cousin encourages her to make a fresh start with her teenage daughter, unsuspecting Margie takes a reading specialist job in the small town of Redemption, PA. The last person she expects to encounter is Rocket Manion, the ex-NFL quarterback and Dr. Phil wannabe who broke her heart nineteen years ago.

  Divorced teacher and head football coach Jake Manion experiences an eerie sense of déjà vu when his son announces he’s gotten his girlfriend pregnant. The feeling simply grows stronger when Jake learns the girl’s mother is Maggie, the same woman on whom he’s wasted nearly two decades of bitterness.

  While planning their kids’ wedding and helping them grow up too soon, Jake attempts to pick up right where he left off— in Margie’s bed. But no matter how irresistible his kisses are, she isn’t stupid enough to let him hurt her again. Or is she?

  Excerpt of A Little Bit of Déjà Vu

  Prologue

  “What’d you say” — Margie Bradford choked on the warm chocolate chip cookie that had shattered her willpower — “your teacher’s” — cough— “name is?”

  Her throat continued its spasm to expel the lodged crumbs while her daughter, Emma, slapped Margie’s back hard enough to leave a permanent handprint.

  Didn’t they cover the Heimlich maneuver in health class anymore?

  Then again, it would serve her right if the coroner listed cookies as the cause of her death. The last thing her thirty-six-year-old body needed was more fat and sugar. Since Dan’s death five months ago, her hips had spread like an albatross’s wings.

  Emma dashed to the kitchen sink, splashed water into a glass, and shoved it into Margie’s hand. “You okay, Mom?”

  “Yes,” she gasped. Or she would be— just as soon as she confirmed she’d suffered from an auditory hallucination.

  She gulped the water, and inhaled the mouthwatering aroma of chocolate melting in the oven. For the preservation of her waistline, she had to find something besides sweets to reward her students in the future. “Your Human Development teacher— what’d you say his name is?”

  “Mr. Manion.” Her daughter’s light gray gaze narrowed. “Why? Have you met him?”

  “No,” Margie squeaked. At least, she sure as heck hoped not. There must be thousands of Manions in the world. Squashing her paranoia, she forced her voice back down the full octave it had risen. “What’s his first name?”

  “How should I know?” Emma rolled her eyes. “Someone probably mentioned it, but I forget. Do you tell your classes your first name?”

  Her daughter had a point. Most of Margie’s middle school students wouldn’t know her name, either— especially since she was new to the district.

  “Whatever it is, he’s the only teacher in the whole darn high school who pays any attention to me. My class before his is practically next door, so I always get there early. Mr. M sits and talks to me every day while he’s waiting for the rest of the kids.”

  Margie pulled the last tray of cookies from the oven and flipped the control dial off. “So how old is he?”

  “Ewww.” Emma wrinkled her nose. “It’s not what you’re thinking. He’s just being nice. We talk about movies, books….what I want to do after graduation. Stuff like that.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting the man was hitting on you.” Margie sucked in a deep breath in a futile attempt to force her pulse to return to its normal rhythm. “I was simply trying to get a mental picture of him.”

  Yeah, right. And if her daughter didn’t spit out what the man looked like in the next thirty seconds, Margie would expire from asphyxiation rather than death by Toll House cookies.

  “I guess he’s a little older than you.” Emma shrugged, brushing her long dark hair back from her face. “It’s hard to tell. All I know is his son, Alex, is an absolute hunk. I’d give my entire CD collection for a date with him.”

  Seeing her daughter act like a normal seventee
n-year-old again warmed Margie’s heart. Regardless of her teacher’s identity, his extra attention was just what the child needed.

  Ever since Dan’s 737 crashed the previous spring, Emma had been having nightmares and spent a lot of her free time sleeping. She’d been her daddy’s little princess, and she missed him terribly. Perhaps even more than Margie did— which was a lot.

  Cookies might dull her pain during the day, but at night, they just left crumbs in the vacant half of her bed.

  Emma’s resemblance to Dan brought a lump to Margie’s raw throat. She swallowed hard and transferred the baked goodies to the wire racks spread across the center work island. “Okay, so what’s he look like?”

  Her daughter filched a warm cookie and nibbled it, pacing the length of the condo’s kitchen. “Mmm, I’d say his hair’s about the same shade of light brown as yours before Aunt Barbie talked you into the highlights. And his eyes....” Her dreamy sigh said her description was of Alex, not his father. “They’re like two shimmering pools of mercury.”

  “No-o. His dad. What’s he look like?”

  Emma did a double take and peered at her. “Why the inquisition about Mr. Manion?”

  What could Margie say? That she wanted to know if the teacher was the same guy who’d gotten her pregnant and broken her heart eighteen years ago? “I’m just curious.”

  “Actually, he looks a little like daddy— only taller.”

  In other words, dark hair and silver eyes. Just like Jake Manion. The bitter taste of dread overpowered the sweet chocolate lingering on her tongue.

  “You’ve probably seen pictures of him when he was younger,” Emma added. “He was a famous quarterback a gazillion years ago. He coaches our high school team now.”

  Margie’s knees buckled, and she sank onto one of the counter’s stools. That tidbit of information erased all doubt. Little wonder Emma didn’t know his first name. The media had always referred to Jake as....