Meet Varek Leale of Stolen Destiny by Gabrielle Bisset

I’d like to welcome Varek Leale, the hero from Gabrielle Bisset’s new novel, Stolen Destiny. First, here’s a little about the book.

Released from prison to find a murderer, a prison-hardened Varek Leale is convinced no woman deserves the man he’s become, but his Aeveren destiny makes him succumb to sweet and sexy Callia Reynolds. To catch a murderer, he and Callia must find an Aeveren with the power to control time. But Amon Kalins isn’t a man to trifle with, and when he wants something, he’ll use his powers, devastating charm, and good looks to get it.

When Amon manipulates time and seduces her away, Varek must turn to the people who set him free for help to get her back. But the Council doesn’t do anything without requiring something in return, and what they want is Amon Kalins, one of the most powerful Aeveren ever. Varek will do what he must to capture Amon and find Callia. If he doesn’t, she’ll be lost to him for untold lifetimes.

RIW: Varek, would you tell everyone a little about yourself?

V: I’m an Aeveren and...I spent three lifetimes in Nil. My wife, Callia, and I have a newborn baby boy and my daughter Tia from my first destined one.

RIW: What are Aeveren?

V: Aeveren are a race of people created by the Archangel Raziel. We’re physiologically just like humans. Where we differ is in the fact that we live fifty lives through reincarnation, have destined ones that we’re drawn to lifetime after lifetime, and some of us possess powers above what humans possess.

RIW: Maybe you should explain what Nil is for the readers, Varek.

V: (hesitating) ...Nil is Aeveren prison. I was sent there because I murdered my first destined one and her lover as they... while they were in bed—my bed.

RIW: How long were you there?

V: Three lifetimes. I’d still be there if the Council hadn’t needed me to find the murderer in New Hope.

RIW: Aeveren live many lifetimes through reincarnation, but three lifetimes is a long time, isn’t it?

V: Aeveren value life even more than humans do. It’s one of our core ideas. So when I murdered another Aeveren, the Council decided I needed to forfeit lifetimes of my time on Earth. I deserved what I got. But time in Nil is a little different as it’s in a different dimension. I simply lived the equivalent of three lifetimes in Nil, never aging, I’m just happy that my first destined one was able to forgive me.

RIW: Does that surprise you that your first destined one, Neera, forgave you?

V: No, not really. But it shows that she understood I made a horrible mistake. I can’t thank her enough for that. If she hadn’t been able to forgive me, then I’d still be rotting in Nil.

RIW: I guess it can be said that forgiveness is a key part of being Aeveren too.

V: I think so. When you live fifty lives, you carry a lot of memories and history with you. If you didn’t forgive what others had done, you’d be pretty damn unhappy.

RIW: So I guess you’ve forgiven Amon then?

V: (scowling) Not so fast. Amon isn’t the same thing at all.

RIW: I know Amon did some terrible things to you, but Callia’s forgiven him. Don’t you think you could?

V: Callia is a much kinder person than I am. The man manipulated time and took her from me. I don’t care if he rots in Nil for the rest of time.

RIW: I understand. How about we change the conversation to something a little lighter, ok? Tell the readers something they wouldn’t know just by reading Stolen Destiny.

V: Something they wouldn’t know? Like that in a past lifetime I was someone famous?

RIW: Were you?

V: (laughing) No. How about I tell them a little more about Tia? My daughter, like Callia’s great-aunt Jean, is an ancient Aeveren. That seems strange to some people since she’s just a preschooler, but in fact, she’s lived almost enough lives to move on.

RIW: That’s very interesting. What power does she have?

V: An even more interesting thing. Tia has the ability to read minds. And now that Callia seems to have that power, thankfully she hasn’t been able to use it with me much, but now I have two people in my house who know what others are thinking.

RIW: And what about your son?

V: Hunter is just a baby, so we don’t know yet. But if he’s past his twentieth lifetime, when most of us receive our powers, so he’ll probably have something too. We won’t know what lifetime he’s in until he’s older and can tell us.

RIW: Thanks for sitting down with me today, Varek. It’s been a pleasure. And congratulations on your new life. You have a lot to be thankful for.

V: I do. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for a second chance.

Excerpt:

Varek stood looking down, her hurt coming in waves toward him. He wanted to take her in his arms, hold her body to his, and kiss her pain away, taking it into him. But he didn’t because he knew he would only cause her more pain in the end.

She seemed so small standing in front of him. Her head would rest on his chest just over his heart if he pulled her to him. His mind wandered, and he thought about his hands stroking her long hair as he held her to him. The thought caused him to reflexively breathe in deeply, and before he could stop himself, he sighed as he exhaled.

Callia watched him silently and told herself to just walk away, but something possessed her to ask him why he’d done what he did.

“Why do you reject me as your destined one?”

The words were like knives that cut him but didn’t leave him numb. Her pain stabbed at him, causing his chest to tighten and ache.

“You don’t want me. Trust me.” Another deep breath of cold air.

Callia couldn’t believe she had opened herself up for more humiliation. She felt angry at him and now herself.

“I guess I have no say in this. Great. Seven lifetimes with no destined one and when I’m finally given one, he doesn’t want me and blames me, saying I won’t want him.” Tears began to well up in her eyes like they always did when she was furious. She turned on her heel and walked away as fast as she could without looking like she was anything but angry. She was angry, but more than that, she was hurt and disappointed.

Varek watched her walk away and fought for control over his body, which wanted to run after her. Finally given one? Why would the universe do this to her—make me her first?

As he walked behind her, instinctively protecting her, he told himself he was doing the right thing by not being with her. He wasn’t the type of male she needed. She should have someone kind and gentle, who knew nothing of the horrors he’d experienced, someone who didn’t carry the scars of something wrong in him where she could see.

For every reason he told himself he shouldn’t be with her, his body answered in making his legs move faster to catch up with her. He was losing this battle.

Callia realized about halfway home that he was following her. She considered turning around to ask him why and to demand he stop, but she didn’t want to give him another chance to hurt her. She considered running, but knew that any man with legs that long and a body that well-built was in good shape and would catch up to her in no time.

She reached her apartment and turned to see if he was still behind her. He was, and he was coming toward her. Suddenly, she was frightened. Had she angered him? Was that why he was following her? She quickly reached into her coat pocket for her keys and nervously fumbled with them as she tried to put the correct key in the lock. She stopped dead and sensed him standing on the sidewalk behind her, staring at her as she stood too afraid to move.

Varek knew he had frightened her. She stood stiffly, as if readying herself for an attack.

“I’m sorry,” he said, unsure why he began like that.

Callia turned around and stared down at him. The kindness she had seen when she’d first met him had returned. She decided to open herself up one more time.

“Would you like to come in?”

Varek knew what could happen if he went in with her. He could touch her soft hair, kiss her beautiful lips, and feel her next to him. Biological yearning won out over fear and anger.

He nodded. “Yes.”

Website: http://www.gabriellebisset.com

Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/stolen-destiny

Scooby Doo Meets NASCAR and I Play Gunga Din

Christine and Elizabeth

These photos must have been early in the day before people started arriving.

Last weekend (June 4, 2011), I had more fun with my daughter, Elizabeth’s job at the Volo Auto Museum www.volocars.com.  I spent Saturday playing Gunga Din to the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine crew.  They were at the Chicagoland Speedway for a NASCAR race.  My younger daughter, Christine is a huge NASCAR fan, so Elizabeth of course asked her for assistance.  There were four passes, so it was Elizabeth and her boyfriend Marshall, Christine and her best friend Anita.

Anita, Elizabeth and Christine

 

 They didn't think to take food and drink when they left home at five a.m., so when they got down there and discovered hot dogs were $10 a piece they called me for an emergency food/drink run, which took all day, part of which I spent driving around in circles outside the parking lot trying to find "Gate 4."  No one knew where it was.  If the kids had said they were outside the main gate, I'd have had no trouble finding them.  That's where I finally gave up and went.  And sat through a horrible, blinding downpour with hail.  When it cleared up, I could see the Scooby Doo van just beyond the Programs booth.

 Elizabeth and Marshall

We could have stayed and hung out with the kids--maybe even have seen the races, but I hadn't brought all the grandkids--just my grandson, Alex and Anita's son, Dusty to help carry the heavy cooler.  My granddaughters were home and I wanted to spend time with them, too.  So, I left immediately and couldn't get out of the place.  There was a barricade and a cop there.

Anyone familiar with the ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will appreciate this.  Here’s a snippet of his genius and what was going through my head that day. There are some bleeps in this You Tube clip, but it’ll help you understand my conversation with this cop.  Mind you, we were in Joliet, IL, about 50 miles south of Chicago and I live near Fox Lake, about 50 miles north of Chicago.  Here’s a link to Jeff Dunham and Sweet Daddy D talking about NASCAR, followed by my own conversation with the cop who finally told me how to get out of the parking lot after I made my delivery.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roVKS-rlCc4

"I've been driving around in circles for half an hour making nothing but left turns.  How do I get out of here, Officer?"

The officer's lips twitch toward a smile. "Where're you trying to go, Ma'am?"

"Fox Lake."

He's trying to keep a straight face.

"You turn around and go down to the other end of the stadium--"

"Aw me-ann.  ANOTHER left turn?"

Poor guy's trying to keep it together while he gives me instructions. "Yes, Ma'am.  Then at the end, you turn right and, and at the light you turn right again and go straight back to the Interstate.

"I finally get to make a RIGHT turn?  Yay!"

He was in full, gut-shaking belly laughter when I drove away.  I hope I lightened his day.  I overshot the Interstate entrance and got lost once more before I got on and headed north, but I finally got home and watched a movie with my granddaugthers.

The kids arrived home from the races around one a.m.  There was a band there I've never heard of.  Puddle of Mud?  Several people were jealous that Elizabeth took the van down there when they heard about the band.  Perks of the job.

If you're in the Chicago area, come on up and see us.  We have the Doc Hudson from the movie CARS, and on July 3, George Barris, the Hollywood auto magician will unveil Lightening McQueen.  Elizabeth's bosses are our landlords, so we live right here.  Our backyard abuts the rear of the museum.  There's always something going on!

Welcome Christine Ashworth, Author of Demon Soul

My guest this week is Christine Ashworth.  Let’s get to know her better.

RW: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

CA: Rochelle, thanks so much for having me here! I came to writing late, intimidated by my family of storytellers and published, prolific writers. Now, however, it’s my joy to write about strong, sexy men who are sure about everything, and hit them with a strong, sexy woman who makes them doubt. Plus, demons, faeries, and witches – what’s not to enjoy?

RW: How long have you been writing?

CA: I wrote my first short story in grade school, and followed that up with a play that we performed in sixth grade. I had some living to do though, so put aside my pencil for quite awhile. I’ve been writing with an eye to publication for ten years now.

RW: What is/are your favorite genre/s?

CA: I read everything. No, seriously everything! John Connolley has a book of short stories out called Nocturnes – it has the same flavor that H.P. Lovecraft’s stories do, deliciously shivery. I also read YA, women’s lit, historical romance, well – ALL romance across genres – if it’s a good story, I’ll read it. Mysteries, cookbooks, history books and even litRAHchure. Right now I’m swept away by the huge fantasy series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.

RW: Who are your favorite authors?

CA: Tolkien. Stephanie Laurens for historical romance. Nora Roberts. Marcus Aurelius. Goethe (his Italian Journeys are eye-opening.) Rosamund Pilcher. Sherrilyn Kenyon. Christine Feehan. Walt Whitman. Herman Hesse. Lovecraft. Elizabeth David. Martha Grimes. Jan Karon. Robin McKinley. Joss Whedon is a God. Not sure yet if Jordan will become a favorite author – but he kept me awake until 2:30am this morning, so…maybe!

RW: When do you get your best writing done?

CA: When I can let go of my inner Judge and just write. I am amazed sometimes at how things flow. I guess you could say when I’m tucked into my corner at Coffee Bean, with my music in my ears and a hot cup of coffee at hand, I’m at my most creative. Oh, and I have to have the internet turned off.

RW: What is a typical day like for you?

CA: I get up, shower, make myself coffee, hit the computer and clear out all my emails. Then it’s Twitter to see what’s going on, and drop by Facebook and do the same. Finally I’ll make the hubby and myself breakfast then get myself off to either Coffee Bean or Starbucks, depending on who I’m meeting for some serious writing sprints. Exercise is either before breakfast (a brisk 2 mile walk or a half-hour yoga DVD) or I head to my local gym for a “live” yoga class. When I’m really lucky, I’ll get a walk in with Kat Jameson, a writer in the same small town I live in and we’ll chatter about writing the entire time.

RW: What else have you published?

CA: I have an essay in Scott Cunningham’s Book of Shadows (Appendix III), published by Llewellyn Worldwide in October of 2009.

RW: If you went to “that God-forsaken rock the Moon,” what one special thing would you take?

CA: I would die without music. So I’d take the biggest iPod filled with as much music as possible, that also had a solar battery charger attached.

RW: Tell us about your current book.

CA: DEMON SOUL is the story of Gabriel Caine, one of the Caine brothers, who are tribreds – demon, human and Fae blood runs through their veins and has for a dozen generations. Each Caine has his own way of dealing with their blood and the gifts and traps that come with it. Gabriel has suffered from the demon blood inside him, and when his soul is stolen by a bitch-vamp, he’s got to get it back or he’ll become the demon he fears.

Tag Line

…to retrieve his soul, she’ll become fire…

RW: How can we reach you?

Website and Blog: http://christine-ashworth.com

E-Mail: Christineash@sbcglobal.net

Twitter: @CCAshworth

Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Demon-Soul-Christine-Ashworth/dp/0984180591

All Romance eBooks:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-demonsoul-532766-140.html

Crescent Moon Press: http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/books/DemonSoul.html

Blurb: Gabriel Caine stands on the edge of the abyss. A vampire has stolen his soul and if he doesn’t get it back soon, his next step will be into Hell.

Rose Walters has been sent back from the dead to complete one task- save Gabriel Caine. She’s drawn to Gabriel on the most basic level, but restoring his soul may cost Rose her life.

Rose has touched the whole of Gabriel, making him yearn for a love he believes he can never have. Her willingness to put her human life on the line for him forces him to bring all three parts of himself – demon, human, and Fae bloodlines, and the strengths of each – into harmony, and into the fight that will decide their fate.

DEMON SOUL Excerpt:

Gabriel approached Rose with caution. This time he got a better look at her demon form, and he couldn't believe what he was seeing—she was beautiful, eerie, flame licking along her arms, forming between her hands, flickering in her summer-sky blue eyes. Fire danced along the strands of her coppery curls. Her skin had taken on fur, an orangey hue with golden spots. He could see the horns protruding from her forehead, the ears elongated and pointy. Behind her, tiny wings, useless in flight, fluttered between her shoulder blades.

His own demon uncurled inside him. It fought to be freed, violently attracted to this transformed Rose. He shook his head fiercely and his demon subsided, pouting, though he knew his eyes still whirled green.

"Rose? It's me, Gabriel. How can you…it is you?" His voice held his demon, a growl that would not be denied.

She glanced at him over her shoulder. Her eyes took a bit to focus, and it seemed to him she'd grown taller. "It's me. I've got a fire demon's powers, and look at me! I know you’ve seen me before, but look. Look at what I can do." Her smile was quick and endearing as she rolled a ball of fire.

Before she could launch it, Gabriel caught her arm. Amazed at how hot she felt. "No." He growled the command even as his inner demon struggled again to be free.

"Why not?" A frown gathered between her eyes and she tossed the fireball from hand to hand. "We don't like that place. We can get rid of it. Easy. Just, poof!"

"There are people to save in there, Rose," he said. Sweat beaded on his face and he wondered how much longer he could hang onto her.

She tilted her head. "Then let's go in and save them. The demons are gone. Come on, Gabriel, let's go be big bad demons together."

Her hands squashed the fireball and she streaked to the open door of the club, as fast as any fire. Gabriel roared a challenge. She turned to him and grinned, did a little dance in the doorway. "Come on!"

Gabriel changed into his demon, his heart in his throat. He caught sight of Danny's eye on him. Focusing, he took the time to tell him the plan. "We go to save the weres." He moved to the back door of Twisted.

The place stank of vampire. Gabriel grumbled low in his throat as he followed Rose's scent of smoke and sunshine down the stairs, traceable among the heavier scent of vampire that clogged at the back of his throat. As a human, he had a difficult time with the stairwell. As a demon, he hated it—too enclosed, the steps too small for his feet, yet he followed her.

Found her. With her demon strength she broke open the locks. All the doors stood open on the floor, but only three of them had held prisoners. She stood now in front of one of the doors, her head cocked to one side, little flames licking along the edges of her hair. "It's okay," he heard her say. "You can come out. We're the good guys."

Sudah Garratti from Hyphema

Hi, and welcome to my blog. My guest today is Sudah Garratti, the heroine of Hyphema, by Chelle Cordero. Before we start the interview, it might help to learn a little bit about the book.

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…

Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors.

Before long, Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Now—Let’s meet Matt’s wife, Sudah.

How old are you?

I am in my early twenties.

What do you look like? If you had to describe yourself as though you were talking about someone else, what would you say?

I am petite with dark olive skin, dark eyes and I am very modest.

What are your speech patterns like? Can you think of someone on TV or on radio who speaks in a similar way?

I try very hard to speak English like Americans do, but I sometimes get confused with strange phrases.

What is your usual facial expression? Are people drawn to your warmth and cheerfulness, or are you seen as quiet / dour / grim / humorless / reserved / etc? Does your face reflect the 'inner you' or are looks deceiving?

I try to be quiet as I do not like to draw too much attention to myself.

How do you handle anger? Are you slow to anger or easy to annoy? Are people afraid of you, and if so is this justified?

A few times I have lost my temper and raised my voice, but this is something I should not do. I do not believe I give people any reason to be afraid of me.

How do you react to confrontation? Would you give anything for a quiet life or do you enjoy winning an argument or a fight?

Usually when a person wishes to argue, they are not willing to listen to the way another person sees things so I prefer not to argue.

How much power do you wield at home, in the workplace, and in social situations? Are you the quiet "power behind the throne" type or do you wield obvious power? Or do you feel powerless? If so, why—and what might be the catalyst to make you change?

I try to let the outside world see that my husband is in charge – but at home I know how much it means to matt that I am happy, so in truth, I feel very powerful.

What (in your opinion) would be the first impression most people get when they meet you?

People see a small woman who wears a scarf to be modest, they see a woman who comes from “over there,” and sometimes they worry that I am there to do harm. People are very suspicious of dark skinned Muslims. They do not understand that most of us are just like everybody else.

In your case, is “what you see is what you get,” or do people sometimes make the wrong judgment about you? If so, why would this be?

I was schooled in Pakistan. I guess it would be equivalent to high school. I came to America to study business in college but the college course ended because the school lost funding.

Are you happy with what you have achieved since you left school?

I do not study business right now, but I still go to college to learn about American history, I wish to become an American citizen and this is something I must know.

Where do you live?

We recently moved from New York to North Carolina.

Do you live alone, share a house, or¼?

I live in a house with my husband and young son. Matt says the house is small but to me it is very nice size. My cousin Raja comes to live in America and stays with us.

If yes, are you happy or discontented in the relationship / this family? Tell us about it.

I am very happy being married to matt and mother to Aden. My family in Pakistan is not happy that I am married to an American non-Muslim. It makes me sad that they do not accept my marriage.

Who is your best friend? When did this relationship start? What makes you friends?

My real best friend is my husband, matt. I have a very nice friendship with his former paramedic partner, Julie – I met her after matt and I were married. I am making good friends with some of the wives of matt’s coworkers here in north Carolina.

Who else is in your circle of acquaintances? Who would you turn to in times of trouble?

I like to go shopping with the wives of matt’s coworkers; I get along nicely with most of them. If I need to turn to someone it would be Laurie or Trish. Their husbands have worked with the EMS response agency for a while and they have welcomed matt and me nicely.

If there is anyone in your circle who might betray you, who would it be?

There is one of the wives—her name is donna. She does not like the fact that I am Pakistani or Muslim. She says many mean things and she embarrasses her husband with her insults.

How would you describe your personality? What are your best points and assets? What are your flaws or weaknesses?

I believe in my faith very much and I know that makes Allah happy. At the same time I worry that I am expecting my husband to blindly accept my ways; this was not the way he was raised.

If there was one thing about your looks that you could change, what would it be?

I would like to look more like an American woman so that my husband would not have to see people look at me with such distrust.

If there was one thing about your personality that you could change, what would it be?

I do not think that matt sees me as very strong. I would like to show him he can lean on me.

What makes you likeable? Are you likeable enough for people to want to spend extended periods of time with you?

I always try to see good in everyone. I think that is likeable.

What makes you unlikeable? Is this a chronic problem or can you change?

I need to learn more about American activities and things so that I can talk about interesting things.

What type of people would like you, and who might not like you?

People who have true faith in any religion, will love all of humanity and will give a person a chance to show who they are. Sometimes people are not comfortable with someone who is different because they do not know many different people. They are scared.

Would you describe your life to this point as being generally happy, pretty average, or generally unhappy? Can you briefly explain why?

I am very happy. I married a man who loves me and is a good man. I am very proud of him—he cares about people. My son brings me much joy. I like the home we live in and the land around us is very pretty. I have a good life.

What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you?

There are very traumatic things that happen in this story, but before the story begins—on September 11, 2001, I was just a little girl in Pakistan, my father’s very good friend was killed in nice when he tried to help people get out of the world trade center. His friend, Jamaal, was wishing to be an American citizen and bring his family to America. I was very sad when my mother held Jamaal’s wife while she cried.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?

The best thing that ever happened to me was meeting Matt in the college hallway.

Is there anything else you can tell me about yourself that has a bearing on what you might do or say in any given situation?

In Pakistan woman are taught to obey their husbands, take care of the home and children. They work, usually in a family business, when their husbands say they should. America is different. Women have rights to make their own decisions. I want to be a good wife and mother, not because I am expected to be, but because I want to be. America also allows me to choose my faith and I love my Muslim faith so I can keep praying to Allah even though my husband is a different religion, and we are free to raise our son how we choose to.

Finally, here’s a brief excerpt from Hypehma:

The diner waitress put their meals down in front of them. She smiled at Matt. “So are y’all new to the area?” Matt could see she was trying not to look at Sudah. “Where are y’all from?”

“New York.”

The waitress stole a quick glance at the infant in the carry seat next to his mother. “Cute babe.” She looked back towards Matt. “Your… wife from New Yawk too?”

He narrowed his eyes in annoyance. “Why don’t you ask her?”

The waitress blushed. “Uh…”

Sudah kindly piped in, “Yes I also lived in New York.” She was dressed in a long skirt and modest blouse. Her clothes were purely American even if the style was reserved. She also wore a hijab, a flowing scarf that hid her hair from the public.

Nodding and smiling politely at Sudah and Matt, the waitress made a hasty retreat.

“Matt, why are you angry? Sudah shook her head gently. “She was just making conversation.”

“She didn’t even give you the courtesy of asking you the question.”

She shrugged. “They see the color of my skin and my scarf. I’m different. They do not mean any harm.”

“You’re my wife Sudah and I want people to respect that.”

“Maybe they worry I don’t speak English?”

“If they bothered to speak to you they would find out that you do.” His wife always made excuses for people; she never wanted to see bad in any of them. But even her positivity wasn't enough to dispel his foul mood.

Matt was feeling edgy all day. He was very aware of the hostile looks they received earlier in the day while touring some nearby towns. One old man even called Sudah an Aaa-Rab and made fun of her head covering. Matt almost lost his temper with the old man, but Sudah’s light touch on his arm calmed him. When she politely told the man she was Pakistani, the old guy guffawed and said “same thing.” Later, Sudah explained to Matt that she didn’t think it was worthwhile to argue. “We will not change a man’s mind unless he wants to hear something new.”

Earlier in the day he drove to the college campus with them so that Sudah could see the route she would have to take. He also wanted to see the area she’d be spending so much time in for himself and make sure that it was safe for her. That’s when he first got an uneasy feeling that they were being watched, but he didn’t see anyone specific. Matt convinced himself that it was just more of those hostile looks keeping him on edge. There was a small mosque in the student center and Sudah told him that she would pray there. Matt hoped she wouldn't be harassed because of her faith. The campus advertised that childcare was available but neither of them were impressed with the facilities. That was when they started exploring and finally wound up in the diner on their way back home.

Sudah fed Aden creamed corn from a small jar while they waited for their orders. The waitress put heaping platters of food in front of each of them. She made sure to thank the waitress.

Matt bit into an overstuffed club sandwich with turkey and ham Sudah chewed slowly on her grilled cheese sandwich while she helped Aden hold his bottle.

“I am happy the drive to school will not be long.” She took time to chew the bite of sandwich she just put in her mouth.

He nodded. “It’s a pretty direct route. That’s good.”

“Matt, thank you for bringing us here.”

He took a gulp of lemonade. “Oh baby, I hope you’re happy.”

“Yes, I am happy.” She smiled at him. “You give us a nice home. You are taking care of your family.”

The three left the diner with their stomachs full and his foul mood dispelled a bit by his wife’s optimism. Matt stayed off of the highway as they headed back towards their home in order to see a little more of the area. Driving along a street of one and two million dollar homes, Matt tried to imagine coming home to Sudah and their son in one of those luxurious estates.

“One of these days…”

“One of these days what, Matt?” Sudah asked about his barely audible statement. Her own voice was low because of the sleeping infant in the rear seat.

He chuckled. “One of these days I would love to afford one of these homes for you and Aden.”

She looked out of her passenger side window. “These homes, they are so big.”

“Yeah. They’re beautiful.”

“But Matt, compared to the house I grew up in, our home is a,” she paused to come up with the right word, “a… a big house.”

“Like a mansion?” He was amused by his wife’s naiveté about the language and expressions.

“Yes, a mansion. It is a mansion to me.”

He pulled the car to the side of the road and put it in park. A wisp of hair had escaped the scarf she wound around her head. Reaching towards her, Matt tenderly brushed it behind her ear. “Baby, I want to give you so much. I want to do so much for you and Aden.” He wanted to be the perfect husband and father, everything his own father wasn’t.

She smiled demurely. “You have given me everything. You are everything that I need.” Looking around quickly to make sure they were not being observed, Sudah leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips. “You have made me very happy. I never thought that I would find a man like you for me. I am so lucky.”

When Sudah looked at him like that, she made him feel successful. “I’m the lucky one.” He gently pulled her forward to kiss her again. “Would you mind if we went home?” He knew she wasn’t comfortable with public displays and it was a lot more than simple kissing that he wanted to do with her at that moment.

“I think that might be a very good idea.”

Meet Chelle Cordero:  http://chellecordero.com/

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Trailer:  http://youtu.be/8IcK1NN7P2E

Sample (22Pages):  http://bit.ly/ezia8N

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