He stared into the glass of wine, his mind elsewhere. Then, he heard a woman's low husky voice, singing a variation of the song which Laura and he danced at their wedding. Abruptly, he rose to his feet, muttered, "I'm sorry, Jenny, but, I can't do this," and left. Bemused, Jenny thought, "I guess he …
Fear & Future Happiness
Getty Image "Antonia pushed you?" "Yes." "I believe that she's capable of a lot of things but attempted murder?" "She pushed me down the stairs, Laird. Maybe she didn't intend to kill me but my injuries could have been fatal." "What exactly happened?" "When she came here, she accused me of ruining her chances with …
A Trip to Bath and Older Men
"Aren't you coming to Bath with us?" Chelsey asked Ruth. Ruth shook her head. "No." "How come?" "I just don't feel up to it." "It's such a beautiful day. Why would you want to spend it indoors?" "If I want to enjoy the outdoors, I can go in the garden or go into the conservatory …
A Close Call
PHOTO PROMPT © Carole Erdman-Grant It was a cold day in April and he was in the café, warming himself with a hot chocolate. He was there because he could not get a moment’s peace at home. His wife nagged him about fixing the fence and his kids kept asking him when he was going to …
Teach Your Children About God
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up - Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 (New Living …
In Portland
"Are you cold?" Hank asked Ede. They had just stepped outside of the airport and were going to the pick-up location for a taxicab to take them to his mother's house in Hawthorne. "Not really," she replied as her eyes darted everywhere with excitement. They were finally in Portland after a very long flight. Being …
New Shirts & the Step-daughter
"Hello, Gideon." "Hello, Pete. How are Fiona and the kids?" "They're doing well, thanks. How is Ruth?" "She's fine, thanks." "And how are things between you and Chelsey?" Chelsey was George's step-daughter. "They're much better." "Good. I'm happy to hear that. Here to buy more shirts?" "Yes. This the only place in the world where …
Christmas in Madeira
"Your mother wants us to spend Christmas in Madeira?" "Yes." "Are you sure she wants me to go too?" "Of course. Why wouldn't she?" "I still don't think that she likes me." "Maybe in the beginning she wasn't as warm and welcoming as she should have been, but I thought things were improving." "I wish …
Tricked & Tormented
He was in a foul mood because of his future father-in-law. When they were together in his office, the older man said to him, "Lord Seton's estate is up for sale. I was thinking that I could buy and give it to you and Camilla as a wedding present." Patrizio scowled at him. "No, thank …
Alone with Nature
Photo by Krista Strutz “Loretta, where’s Jim?” “Up at the cabin.” “How come you didn’t go with him?” “I didn’t feel like going.” “You mean he didn’t ask you to go.” “I never liked going up there, anyway. It’s too remote. I never felt safe. And there’s not much to do except go for walks …
Notes to Women 