by Nathan Combs
The odor of wood smoke once again assailed Noah’s nostrils. But this time it was oak, and it was strong. Minutes later, he rode up the driveway to the house. Anna had made it. Smoke billowed from both chimneys. Relief washed over him, then it hit him. Nina!
With no idea of what to expect, he entered the house. The warmth was a punch to the face. Tiptoeing, he walked to the wall separating the kitchen and living room and cautiously peeked around. Anna and the baby were sound asleep on the couch. He moved to stand over them. The woman he loved more than anything in the world and his newborn daughter were all he had in this life. Conflicted, he did nothing. He just stood and stared.
Eventually, he shook his head like a dog shakes a bone.
There is no way Anna would harm me. He bent down and gently kissed her.
Anna’s eyes opened. She smiled.
Nina said, “Hi, Noah. What now?”
“What now? You’re my wife. I love you.”
“See, here’s the problem, Noah. We’re not a couple. You married Anna.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed. “Anna. Don’t, please.”
“I’m not Anna. I’m Nina.”
Noah’s eyebrows arched.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor Noah. He has a problem. He can’t have his weak-ass bitch bride without accepting me. And he can’t kill me without offing the love of his life.” She shook her head and grinned an evil grin. “And we both know that’s not gonna happen.”
Anna reached out and took his hand. She smiled. “I love you, Noah.”
Acknowledgements
I have the greatest literary team in the world. Editors don’t get any better than Debra L. Hartmann, and the talents of Glen and his team at Streetlight Graphics have no peer. So while I can take credit for the story line, the final product is the result of talents much greater than mine. Thank you Debra. Thank you Glen.
I would also like to thank Captain, Randal Combs, U.S. Army, for his advice regarding military matters and equipment. I’m very proud of you, Son.
About The Author
Nathan Combs, US Navy veteran, also spent many years as a deputy sheriff. He has hunted and camped throughout the United States and operated a successful survival website until July of 2015. He is retired in Cape Coral, Florida where he continues to write novels.
You can find out more at:
nathancombsauthor.com