by Risk, Mona
“Greg and I chose the Diabs to be our daughters’ godparents. They love to take care of Lucia and Julia.”
“We better take our seats,” Greg suggested. “The bridal limousine has arrived.”
“Mom, can you hold Lucia during the wedding? I’ll be standing next to the bride as her maid of honor and witness.” Leila didn’t want a formal cortege since she didn’t have other friends in the U.S. yet. Roxanne handed the giggling baby to her mother and proceeded to stand at the altar across from the groom and his brother.
Greg located Roxanne’s sister, Tiffany, and gave her Baby Julia to hold. “I have to walk the mother of the bride to the front pew.”
The Mendelssohn Wedding March chimed through the cathedral.
“Oh my God. Leila is so beautiful,” Roxanne whispered.
Stiff as a pole, Steve nodded. “Gorgeous.”
“And Uncle Elias looks so proud.”
“Steve is so nervous.” Standing behind Roxanne, Greg chuckled, forgetting how tense he’d been at his own wedding in the same cathedral almost a year ago.
Wearing a splendid dress in embroidered lace with a long train, her sable hair piled high on her head in an elaborate chignon partly covered by her veil, the bride proceeded up the aisle on her father’s arm. In front of them, Michael in a black tux and white shirt held a pillow with two rings.
“Dearly beloved...”
After the bride and groom exchanged rings, the priest declared them husband and wife. They kissed and turned toward the congregation. Several men in uniform lined up in two rows along the aisle, clicked their heels, and raised their swords in a V. Steve and Leila sauntered under the crossed swords as the guests clapped hands.
While the newlyweds received the guests’ congratulations, Roxanne and Greg collected their babies. Standing next to them and Barbara, Lou contemplated them pensively.
“What’s going on, Lou?” Roxanne asked.
“I was wondering if you’re ready for a fantastic assignment.”
“No, she’s not,” Greg answered with a scowl.
“The job is in Paris,” Lou specified with a wicked smile.
“Oh in Paris?” Roxanne spun toward her husband. “Maybe you can come with me, darling.”
Lou nodded. “Of course he can go.”
“We don’t like to leave our daughters.” Greg’s scowl deepened.
“For a week, it wouldn’t be a big deal to take them along. Barbara, how would you like to visit Paris?”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been dreaming of going to Paris for ages. I’m a small town gal who has never crossed the Atlantic, what with five girls to raise and later the grandchildren to babysit.”
“I’ll be going along too. If you don’t mind I’d love to help you babysit those little darlings. We’ll have a chauffeured limousine to sightsee while Roxanne carries out her interviews.”
“I’ll also tell Leila’s mother. I’m sure she’d love visiting her sister-in-law in Paris. We’ll take turns babysitting,” Barbara added with a dreamy gaze.
“Wonderful, we’ll have a great time in Paris.” Lou’s smile would have melted a rock.
Greg dragged Roxanne aside. “Lou seems quite taken with your mother.”
Roxanne chuckled. “He hasn’t yet discovered my mom. She can twist him around her little finger. The question is, does she want him?”
“Darling, how about what you want?” Greg peered into his wife’s turquoise eyes. “You’re really interested in the Paris assignment, aren’t you?”
“Only if you and the girls come with me. I promised you that my career will never interfere with our family life.”
“Then I’ll take a week’s vacation and we’ll all go. I promised you that your happiness is more important to me than anything in the world.” Enfolding babies and mother in his arms, Greg kissed his beautiful wife. “Wherever you want to go, we’ll be together.”
THE END
Thank you for reading Valentine Babies
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If you enjoyed Valentine Babies, you might also enjoy these other books by Mona Risk
Christmas Babies
Holiday Babies, Book 1
More than 47 five-star reviews. Praise for Christmas Babies...
“Mona Risk once again delivers an emotional story of great depth that touches the heart.”~ Debbie A.
“Love the book. I read it in one night and couldn’t put it down. The author is very good. I want to read more of her books.”~ L. Holloway
“This was a good bok I would read again in the future.”~Danielle Whitney
“Very heartfelt and funny. Colorful and sad, but a great book to read.”~ Chrisy Miller
“I enjoyed it immensely and definitely keeping it to reread it.”~Christina Strawn
A heartwarming holiday story, set in South Florida.
Christmas is such a joyful Season. Except for the serious Dr. Madelyn Ramsay who has no time for fun. An unexpected health problem jolts her into the realization that there’s more to life than just work—more, like dating the charming but secretive Dr. Nick Preston and caring for the newborn twins nobody wants. Or more, like enjoying her Christmas gifts before it’s too late.
Read a sample or buy Christmas Babies on Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/burgd9j
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Babies in the Bargain
Babies in the Bargain, voted BEST ROMANCE NOVEL at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2009.
Babies in the Bargain won 2010 BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE NOVEL at Readers Favorite.
Praise for Babies in the Bargain...
“Babies in the Bargain is one novel that pulls you into the story and holds you captive to the last page.”~ Romance Junkies
“Babies in the Bargain was just amazing! It started out very dramatic and got my attention from the first paragraph.”~ The Long And The Short Reviews
“The story is one that will leave the reader believing in the power of true love.”~ Sally Pink Reviews.
With only one year left to complete her medical training, Dr. Holly Collier vows not to let anyone mess up her schedule. Especially not Dr. Marc Suarez. The heartthrob of the hospital who used to collect sports' trophies and nurses' kisses broke her heart seven years ago.
When a tragic accident transforms the carefree playboy into a dedicated, but novice father to his nephew, Holly gives in to her maternal instincts and turns her structured life upside down for the orphaned preemie. But can she learn to trust Marc again and believe in true love?
Read a sample or buy Babies in the Bargain on Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/6mcd6e3
* * * *
No More Lies
2011 EPPIE Award Finalist.
2010 Best Contemporary Romance ~ Readers Favorite
Praise for No More Lies...
“Such a charming story. Keeping the reader entertained with the twists and turns in the plot.” ~Got Romance!
“Full of emotion, suspense, intrigue, good intentions and determination.” ~The Long And The Short Reviews
“A wonderfully written book about true love and the rarity of second chances.” ~Happily Ever After
A lie that brings a smile... or the truth that draws tears?
Dr. Olivia Crane lives a quiet life. No one questions why she doesn't socialize or where she spends every weekend. When the visiting physician from France strolls into her office, with open arms and a confident smile, her perfect control is about to cr
umble.
Good God, he can't be Dr. Luc George, the man she loved ten years ago? Should she return his scorching kisses, or should she lock her door before he digs into her many secrets?
Secret daughter, secret friend, secret enemy. Had Luc really known his sweet Olivia back then? He wants her back, but he wants the truth, too. Now, Olivia has to face her past before she can grab her second chance.
Read a sample or buy No More Lies on Amazon.com
http://tinyurl.com/79r88wp
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Right Name, Wrong Man
Praise for Right Name, Wrong Man...
“Unforgettable! Pulled me in within the first chapter and kept me hooked.”~ Seniorcitizen
“This contemporary romance has it all: a strong likeable heroine who has overcome problems that will resonate with many readers, a to-die-for hero, the perfect alpha male, and a fantastic setting in the beautiful French countryside.”~Loves Romance
“This is a must read. If you like it then I also recommend "Babies in the Bargain" and "No More Lies". They are truly art in words.” ~ Cheryl Hayes Gassen
What's a girl to do when she whispers another man's name in her fiancé's arms?
When forbidden dreams about the sexy French Dr. Yves Malroux assail her at every turn, Mary-Beth puts her wedding plans on hold. The man would probably not even remember the plump nerd she was three years ago, before she lost her illusions faster than her pounds. Regardless, to be able to marry her fiancé without any reservations, Mary-Beth needs to confront her past, and flies to France for a summer training program in surgery with Yves.
But Yves never forgets an organ he removed from a patient or a woman he dated. And he never forgot the pretty student of Harvard Medical School who has turned into a stunning beauty, and now seems in need of coaching about spicing her serious life with some fun and passion.
While too many questions still swirled in her mind, her jealous fiancé summons her back home. Will Mary-Beth let her heart decide who's her right man? Will Yves break his no-strings-attached rule to offer love and commitment?
Read a sample or buy Right Name, Wrong Man on Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/85o4wg7
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Neighbors and More (High Rise Series)
Praise for Neighbors and More...
“Mona Risk was able to keep you guessing until the very end of the book, a page turner for sure, as to who the perpetrators of the various crimes were. ”~ Cheryl Hayes Gassen
“With a cast of interesting secondary characters and a beautifully described setting, this is a compelling romantic suspense. ” ~Loves Romance
“A great take-you-away read for a summer weekend!”~Michele Drier
Neighbors and More is a romantic suspense, and the first book of the High Rise Series.
High Rises are like large families where members face love, hate, meddling, and gossiping. When the neighbor who was harassing her is found dead in the Jacuzzi, Alexa is a prime suspect. Can she count on her dear neighbors, including the delectable Italian, Dante, for help? With too many skeletons in their own closets, would they save or incriminate her?
Read a sample or buy Neighbors and More on Amazon.com
http://tinyurl.com/96bjqcm
* * * *
Her Greek Romance
Praise for Her Greek Romance...
"It's like a Mini Vacation! Mona Risk Creates a 'New Subgenre': The `Highly Romantic' Romance!" Vincent Mooney
"Her Greek Romance" is a wonderful romantic escape with a beautiful romantic setting.
I highly recommend it.”~ Sally Pink Reviews
A sexy and humorous Contemporary Romance
— Romeo and Juliette Greek style
— Love letters from the past and a crumbling pink villa.
—A Greek God--well, no, an ordinary man who only looks like one--and a lovely and brilliant American attorney.
—All set in Mykonos Island.
In court, Ashley is in for a nasty surprise about her handsome Greek god and Stefano is about to lose the only woman who's ever touched his heart. Will Stefano be able to convince Ashley he's not the enemy anymore?
Read a sample or buy Her Greek Romance on Amazon.com
http://tinyurl.com/7xwp8eo
A Word about the author...
In a past life, Mona Risk was a chemist who mixed solutions, dipped her gloved fingers in dirty waste, and ran complicated equipment in order to declare drinking water safe for consumption. When her Ph.D. and work in chemistry landed her international contracts to refurbish laboratories, she traveled to more than sixty countries on business or vacation. To relax from her hectic schedule, she avidly read romance novels and mentally plotted her own books.
Eventually she left a scientific career to share with her readers the many stories brewing in her head. M. Risk likes to set her novels in the fascinating places she visited, from exotic Belarus, and historical France, to the beaches of Greece, the monuments of Egypt and the mysterious Islands of Seychelles.
Her books have garnered: Top Picks; Outstanding Read; Sweetheart of the Week; Best Book of the Week at various reviewers, received two mentions in Publisher’s Weekly, and have won several awards, from Best Contemporary Romance of the Year at READERS FAVORITE, to Best Romance Novel of the Year at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll.
Mona Risk continues to write and read while traveling and discovering unchartered territories and fresh inspiration for new stories and different settings.
Contact Information
Mona Risk can be found at: www.monarisk.com
www.monarisk.blogspot.com
On Twitter: @monarisk.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MonaRisk?ref=tn_tnmn
Nothing would please her more than to hear from her readers. You can write to her at [email protected]
Table of Content
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Epilogue