And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. - J.K. Rowling
Neo knew that the night before divorce hearing was going to be hard on Jolene. After the third time that she cried out for him, Neo crawled under the black comforter and pulled her close. Wrapping a strong arm around her, he pressed a light kiss to the back of her head.“I’m here, baby. I’m here.”In the warm cocoon of the comfort that Neo offered, Jolene slept peacefully for the rest of the night. When she woke up in the early morning light, she expected him to be gone like he always was. But this time, he was still there and still asleep.She moved slowly and turned to look at him. He was a very handsome man with lush thick black eyelashes. Reaching out, she touched his cheek lightly. His head turned into her hand, and he kissed her palm. His eyes opened and focused on her.“Go get a shower and get ready.” He whispered. “We’ll go have breakfast before we go to the courthouOne of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul. – Brigette NicoleAfter breakfast, Neo drove them to Marti’s office where Jolene was briefed on what all was going to happen. They had gone through it several times, but Marti wanted to make sure that Jolene would be comfortable and feel prepared with everything.Everything including the trial, the judge and the process. But most importantly, the people. Hank and his family would be there. The press would be there. The judge had already forbidden any cameras and all cell phones must be turned off. Not silenced. Not on airplane mode. Completely turned off.With just over a third of the local police department having resigned, been let go or forced into retirement following the Fargo investigation, their divorce was still high profile. Binch would not be handling this one since he did not do civil law. It had been luck of the draw who they got.Judge White
Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water. – Miguel de CervantesOnce the court was adjourned, Steve quickly made his way out of the courtroom and to the main lobby. He knew what was coming and wanted to be prepared. Looking at the cameras, he picked the best location for everything to be filmed. The security kiosk was only a few feet away. He nodded to the guard and opened the messenger bag and pulled out the copy of the file that had been turned into the lawyer who gave it to the judge.As if it was scripted, Henry Fargo and his entourage exited the elevator and headed for Steve. With a motion that was second nature, he switched on his lapel camera and waited for the men to reach him.“What the hell was that?” Henry demanded.Steve handed him the file. “If you remember, I offered to provide you with everything that I had compiled. You declined and asked that I appear here with the file. You also obviously did not read the contract. Both of those are on you
She will rise with a spine of steel and a roar like thunder, she will rise. – Nicole LyonsFor the first time in longer than she would like to admit, Jolene felt free. She walked out of the courthouse knowing that she could go anywhere and do anything. There was no one watching her. No one was tracking her. No one had to know where she was unless she wanted them to know.She stood on the sidewalk with her face turned up to the sky. The warm sun felt wonderful on her face. Taking a deep breath, a small sob of relief escaped her. Helen placed a comforting hand on her daughter’s arm and held her close when she turned towards her.The princesses all moved off to the side and were having a quiet discussion. Bunny walked over and hugged both mother and daughter, squeezing her large belly between the two. Jaxon and JD stood close to the trio, between Reese and Neo, making sure that they were not bothered. Ty said goodbye to his aunt and uncle before taking up a post to pro
May you always be surrounded by good friends and better barbecue. – AnonHelen and the girls arrived back at the house after getting their nails done. Dean had asked to go with them before she went back to school on Monday. Jolene had been invited for the last several weeks and this time, she finally felt comfortable going with them. Her necklace was still on and with the comfort that it provided; her nightmares were lessened.Dean bounded over to JD to show him her black tip French nails. Bunny waddled over to her own men while Helen moved to Reese. Jolene waved at Shelby with a smile as she tried to figure out just where she belonged in this large crowd.She didn’t know the majority of the people that were there. Even with her own brothers, she felt odd. While she had been kept away from her family, JD had grown up into a young man. He even seemed taller than what she remembered.And Jaxon had finally come out of the closet and was expecting a baby. Jolene knew abo
You can take your “I’m okay” hat off now. It’s just me. Fall apart. I’m not going anywhere. – Erin Van VurenHer nails were done. Her hair was pulled into a tight French braid. The outfit had been chosen specifically for the day. Dark jeans, long sleeve t-shirt for her mom’s favorite band, rocker boots with both laces and buckles. All the work that she still had to turn in was in her black backpack. Her phone was fully charged and in her pocket.There was no makeup on, and Dean had no intention of putting any on. She walked into the kitchen and JD stood up from the bar and opened his arms to her. He had returned to school at the beginning of the month. Last week, he had not gone in on the day of Jolene’s divorce.Dean was engulfed into a hug and rested her cheek on his chest as she listened to his heartbeat. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she took a deep breath. His cologne filled her nose, the scent was calming her.“Where’s your cologne?” Dean asked quietly.
I did everything he did but backwards and in high heels. – Ginger RogersJolene got home from classes and found a note taped to her door. There’s an outfit on your bed. Put it on and come to the gym. – NSmirking as she unlocked the door, she had two questions in her mind.Was Neo too long to write so it needed to be shortened from three letters to one?What was the point of having a lock on her door if he just let himself in whenever he wanted?Not that she was going to complain. He had chased away nightmares. Given her comfort when she needed it. Made sure that her favorite foods were stocked in the kitchen.She was pretty sure that he had even done her laundry a few times.What woman was going to object to that?Walking into the bedroom, she was expecting to see a new workout outfit. With her workouts and training sessions, her body was changing. It also changed after her hospital stay when it was discovered that she had her mother’s thyroid i
There has never been a sadness that can’t be cured by breakfast food. – Ron SwansonReese pulled Helen closer to him and rested his hand over her belly. He nibbled on her neck as she began to stir. “Pancakes.” She murmured as she started to move.“Does my Kitten want pancakes.”“Mmmmmm….” She made a small purring noise that had caused her nickname. “With bacon.”“You want pancakes and bacon?” he lightly bit her ear.“I want pancakes with bacon inside them.” She rolled to her back and looked up at him. “That sounds weird, doesn’t it?”“If my Kitten wants pancake covered bacon, then that’s what she’s going to get.” He told her before he kissed her. Slipping her arms around his neck, she sank into the kiss. Reese groaned as he moved over her, settling between her legs as she wrapped them around his waist. He shifted to take a nipple into his mouth. Helen arched into his touch and let out a soft moan.“Monster!” JD screamed as Dean yelled no.It
Debt basically enables people to live a lie. – Rachel CruzeThe call that Alexander Devonshire dreaded came later than he had expected. With everything that had happened, he had expected to get the call before Christmas. And then after he lost his position. And every one of his specially chosen officers lost their jobs.But now, it had come.He made Regina prepare a full four course meal. They would describe the guests as old college buddies in town for the night. She made a large meal that the four of them enjoyed. After the dishes were cleared, the men moved to the living room.“You said,” Jose Gutierrez spoke with a cold voice as he sat on the brown leather couch, “that nothing would happen. You said that you had everything under control.”“It’s the damned state investigator and sheriff.” The former police chief complained.“We cannot take them both out.” Miguel Delgado pointed out. “You need to get our product back.”Alex shook his head. “I can’t. the
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved. – George SandWhen Dean had shown them the walk-in closet of wedding dresses, Bunny had fallen in love with the dress that they dubbed the *Big Fat Greek Wedding* Dress. The skirt was so large that her arms couldn’t go down straight by her sides.Smirking, Deam had pointed out that her arms weren’t the only things that would not be straight at the wedding. When she had quit laughing, Bunny threatened to put the teen in pink. They both knew it was an empty threat.Two days before the wedding, Helen had shown up at the two-story house with a new set of petticoats. Even though they would not be seen during the ceremony, it still meant a lot to the three of them. Especially for Jaxon.Although they all knew that Helen accepted Jaxon and his partners, the gift of the rainbow-colored petticoats solidified it. It meant even more to learn that Daphne had helped Helen
I have never met a vampire personally, but I don’t know what might happen tomorrow. – Bela LugosiJD walked up behind Dean and wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck as she made herself a sandwich. “How are you going to eat that?”“One bite at a time.” She replied as she sliced the tomato.“Smart ass.” He chuckled.“You want one?”Kissing her cheek, he smiled at her before turning and looking at the sandwich. There needed to be a different word for this … monstrosity. Rye bread with mayonnaise and mustard. Three types of cheeses. Five types of deli sliced meat. Romaine and iceberg lettuce. Sliced tomato, pickles, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers and black olives.“Yeah.” He answered with a soft chuckle.She gave a small laugh as she finished her sandwich and pushed the plate away before grabbing another paper plate leftover from the
As your kids grow they may forget what you said, but won’t forget how you made them feel. – Kevin HeathIt had been a long weekend, starting with Dean’s graduation on Friday night and ending with the babies’ first birthday party today. After the party had broken up, several people had stayed just to play in the pool. Ariel, true to her namesake, loved being in the water and was upset when they finally got out of the pool.She had started to cry, but Ty and Jaxon were there with cuddles. If there was any doubt about her being daddy’s girl, it would only be because the doubter had never seen her light up when either of them came into view.Her favorite place was between her two fathers. She definitely took after her mother in that regard. Most nights she would fall asleep on Bunny’s lap or shoulder, a hand or foot on each of the men.Currently, she lay on Bunny’s shoulder, her hand tightly gripping Jaxon&rs
Some students go an entire day at school without anyone saying their name. be the adult who speaks to each student by name. Everyone loves to hear their name. – Educator Justin TarteEvery night, Jolene sat between Neo’s legs and would read to him. Some nights the passages were nothing more than written porn. Other nights, they were sweet, or amusing. After the first few nights of carefully curated smut scenes, he chose a book, and they would read a few chapters each night.They were on book three of a series of five tonight and she was having a hard time concentrating. The light touch of his calloused hands under her shirt did not help her concentration. Nor did his mouth on her neck.Certainly, the bulge at her lower back was a bit distracting.“Something’s on your mind.” He whispered and then lightly bit her earlobe.“No…” she tried to brush off his observation and he simply chuckled
Because he wants to create a stable, lasting relationship with one person. Brad, believe me, there is nothing in this world so wonderful, so fulfilling, as coming home to the same woman every night. – Tony Randall as Jonathon Forbes in Pillow Talk 1959Cheryl snuggled against Waylon’s chest as they lay in the new bed at their new house. She wore a large National Fire Academy T-shirt that was stretched tight across her large belly. He wore a pair of boxers and kept squirming seeking a more comfortable position between the rough, stiff cotton sheets.The guys from the fire department had helped them move early Saturday morning. She and Waylon left the guys putting together furniture when they went to the unveiling of Dean’s mural.When they returned to the house with pizzas and beers, they found the six men sitting on the back patio with their feet up. On furniture that Cheryl adored but did not remember getting.“I
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. – Johann Wolfgang von GoetheReese had told Helen that there was a second restaurant at the Private Club that he wanted to eat at. She knew about the other restaurant. When they had all met for lunch last, Marnie had taken Helen over and showed her the other restaurant. The one with low cushioned tables and pillows on the floor.The lights were up during the day, but for meals, they would be lowered. Lights would shine out from inside the tables, illuminating the sub on display. There were cushions that could be moved to accommodate the person on the table. One under the knees, a small one under the lower back and one to support the neck and head.Marnie had told the older woman that she loved the other restaurant. The meals were finger foods that were served on the sub. Helen had looked at the Brat who smiled at her.“On the sub.” Marnie said again. “Steve
Most of our childhood is stored not in photos, but in certain biscuits, lights of day, smells, textures of carpet. – Alain de BottonReese sat on the outdoor couch on the lower deck watching the girls in the pool with the babies. Cheryl, Bunny, Dean and Allison, the only female Seabee that came with JD, each had a baby in their arms as they bounced and spun. Watching her children and grandchild smile and laugh, Helen snuggled into his side, and he pulled her into his lap.She had lost most of her baby weight, and currently had made her way back into size eighteen dresses, which she was quite proud of. Today she wore the dress that Reese had bought her specifically for the birthday party. A pink satin shift with a cream-colored mesh overdress with pink and blue flowers embroidered on it.Earlier in the day she had also been in the pool in a pink swimsuit with a sheer fish scale skirt that Reese had a hard time looking away from. He had p
Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you. – Chuck KlostermanThere was a rather large gathering in the closed parking lot across the street from the mural. About half of them were part of the Princess Club and extended family. The large white canvas tarp that covered the wall billowed in the midmorning breeze. JD wrapped his arm around Dean’s waist and pulled her to his side.She wore a knee length black skirt and matching jacket with a white lace shirt underneath. Her hair was pulled up in a tight twist in an effort to keep it contained in the wind. She wore sapphire and silver teardrop earrings that matched her shoes.The leg of JD’s course BDU uniform brushed up against her bare leg as she moved in closer to him. Curling into his chest, she smiled as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Nervous?” he asked quietly.She nodded. “Yes. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done for so many people to see. What if no one likes it?”
I’m the big sister. I want to make sure she has everything, even if I don’t have anything. It’s hard. I love her too much. That’s what counts. – Venus WilliamsLast night, Dean graduated from high school with a large cheering section made up of her family, friends and a small contingent of Seabees. And a cardboard cutout of her mom. This afternoon, they were having her graduation party. It was shaping up to be one hell of a party. JD was home until Wednesday but would be back a week and half later for his brother’s commitment ceremony to Bunny and Ty. The other Seabees would leave tomorrow, only a few planned to stay for the birthday party for the four babies. Although they had all been invited.All the princess club and their families would be there.They had all been upset when they learned that she had got married without them. But then the newlywed couple promised to have a real wedding on their one-year anniversary.Deon and Craig were both home for summer and t