“Trick or treat!” The words were shouted in unison by boys and girls who arrived at the door in abundant small groups, their ages ranging from three to ten years old. Some were dressed as cowboys, princesses, and zombies while the youngest of several groups had taken their masks off, making it hard to tell what they were supposed to be. Their only focus seemed to be the candy in the bowl that Charlotte was holding. “Tweet!”
Charlotte laughed and leaned down to the little boy who was first in line on this little group. His chubby hand reached in for a chocolate bar and came out with three. The smart little bugger ran off laughing, leaving the others behind as he made a beeline for the next house. Neal spotted Mandy walking up the road with Becky and some other friends who were hosting a going away party.
“She looks happy,” Charlotte said, stepping out onto the porch as they waited for Mandy to walk down the sidewalk. “I was worried she would change her mind and want to stay.”
“I think she’s ready for a new chapter in her life as well,” Neal replied, wrapping his arm around her to ward off the cold. “She mentioned a really good nursing school that she was going to apply to in San Diego. A change in scenery will do her some good.”
“She mentioned that when she returned to the high school to clear out her locker a few of the other seniors treated her differently.” Charlotte gripped the bowl a little tighter and Neal could relate to the anger she must be feeling. He was just as protective of Mandy and if he’d been there with her, those dickheads wouldn’t have looked at her twice. “You’re right. This move will be good for her.”
“Is Pam stopping over tonight?” Neal asked, knowing that would get Charlotte’s mind off of the troubles that they would leave behind first thing in the morning. “I’m glad she agreed to take over as manager of the shop.”
“It just didn’t feel right to give it up outright.” Charlotte had taken Neal’s advice and kept the majority stake in the bookstore. It should remain in their family should they ever decide to retire here. He still rented out his property and they would do the same with Charlotte’s, keeping ties in their hometown. “And yes, she’s stopping by to say goodbye.”
“Okay, lovebirds.” Mandy had made it to the steps of the porch and was looking up at them, a friend on either side. Becky pulling up the rear with a handful of makeup and what looked like wigs. Neal didn’t even want to know what they were dressing up for to wear to this party. “We came to get ready here because Becky’s younger brother wouldn’t leave us alone.”
“Those pesky brothers,” Charlotte tsked with her tongue, causing the other girls to laugh. “Of course you can get ready here.”
“Just make sure you’re home by midnight, kiddo,” Neal said, raising an eyebrow so that Mandy knew he was serious. He wasn’t sure how Charlotte handled the dating and late night parties that must have occurred, but he didn’t want his ass sitting on the porch worrying when Mandy was coming home. If this was a taste of what he’d feel like with his own children he was in for a world of hurt. “I mean it.”
“Neal, you can trust me.” Mandy walked up the steps and then used her tiptoes so that she could kiss him on the cheek. “Cinderella has to be home at the stroke of midnight anyway.”
The other girls laughed and followed Mandy into the house, Becky right behind them. She was smiling and seemed to be having fun, but Neal could sense that she was still adapting after having been rescued. It wasn’t an easy adjustment and her parents had assured him that they were getting Becky the counseling she needed.
“She won’t have any shoes to lose,” Neal warned, looking down at Charlotte who was biting her lip to keep from smiling. This was the way their life should have been and yet might not have been had they gone through with the wedding. Things happened for a reason and fate had decided that now was the time for them to experience these things together. Life was too precious to take for granted, as his job told him on a daily basis. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, tasting the chocolate she’d snuck from the bowl earlier. He could hear the happy voices coming down the walkway and knew they were about to get another group of pirates. He finally pulled away, whispering words that only she heard. “We’re finally home.”
The End
Discover the Surviving Ashes series…
Buried Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Three)
Mason Sykes had served many years in the Marine Corps for his country. His loyalty and sacrifice had left him disfigured—inside and out. He didn’t harbor regrets, especially since he’d finally found the peace and quiet he’d always desired on a Nebraska farm.
Brenna Helm was a country girl through and through, right down to her cowgirl boots. Her heart had always belonged to the acres of land that had been her family’s legacy through multiple generations. She’d only ever loved one thing more, and that was the military man who’d moved back to town a few years ago who’d come home a changed man—one who apparently wanted nothing to do with anyone.
The day the world filled with ash was the day Mason was forced to rise above his scars. Facing death off of the battlefield made him realize what he’d pushed away in the name of compassion, but that was about to change. The flames of desire he’d once felt were about to be reignited, but he first had to get Brenna to safety through the fiery, harsh new world that could claim their lives if they took one wrong step.
Essential Beginnings (Surviving Ashes, Book One)
Hidden Ashes (Surviving Ashes, Book Two)
Buried Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Three)
Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files 1)
Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2)
Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3)
Campaign of Desire (CSA Case Files 4)
Internal Temptation (CSA Case Files 5)
Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files 6)
Redeem My Heart (CSA Case Files 7)
Starr’s Awakening (Red Starr, The Prequel)
Hearths of Fire (Red Starr, Book One)
Targets Entangled (Red Starr, Book Two)
Igniting Passion (Red Starr, Book Three)
Untold Devotion (Red Starr, Book Four)
First and foremost, I love life. I love that I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister… and a writer.
I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.
Thank you for having joined me on their journeys…
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