She was brave and strong and broken all at once. – Anna FunderReese and Helen talked all through dinner. He told her about growing up with parents who couldn’t seem to make up their minds on spouses. And being the only boy among all of the kids. She carefully sidestepped questions about her. Until the dam broke and it all came out. “My mom died in childbirth with my little brother, he died a few days later. Dad never could look at me without seeing her. He married a woman so that I had a mom. Coralynn did not like me. The older I got, the more I looked like my mom and the more dad stayed away. The more he stayed away, the meaner Coralynn got.”“By meaner, do you mean abusive?” Reese asked gently and she nodded. “I didn’t realize it at the time. I just thought that I was bad.” Helen looked at her plate as tears filled her eyes. Reese moved his chair around the small table until he was next to her. Placing an arm around her shoulders, he gently pulled her into him. Helen leaned int
You’ve outgrown the old you. You’re uncomfortable because your old life doesn’t fit anymore. – Leighann HeilReese pulled into the driveway and was glad to see that Dean was back home. He parked in his spot and went to open the door for Helen. She was nervous and he could tell. They walked to his front door with his hand at the small of her back.He punched in the code to his door and pushed it open. Sitting on his couch, watching another slasher movie, was Dean. “Hey, Uncle O- Miss Helen!” Dean squealed as she ran over and hugged the woman. “Hi, did you have fun at the dance?” Helen asked hugging her back. “I did. I had a blast. The idiot that dumped me had a miserable time. All the single chaperones and teachers spent all night hitting on Uncle Owen.” She smiled up at her uncle. “I so approve.”“I’m glad I have the approval of my sixteen year old niece.” Reese said hugging the teen. “And we’ll discuss it later, go to bed.”“OK, but-.”“Dean.” Reese warned. “Right. Thick thighs,
A soul mate isn’t someone who completes you. No, a soul mate is someone who inspires you to complete yourself. – Bianca SparacinoDean entered Reese’s house the following morning to get details about his date. Obviously it went well since he broke his own rule and brought her home. Dean’s plan was to do what she did most mornings, snuggle up next to him in bed and talk until it was time for her to leave. Except, when she got to his room, Miss Helen was still there. He lay on his back and her head was on his shoulder. He had an arm around her and his other hand held hers against his chest. They were both still dressed.Quietly, she snapped a picture and then walked out of the house. She sent a quick message to the group chat simply labeled ‘King’s Princesses.’ But the picture was hers.Almost immediately, there were questions about the new Queen. Dean said she didn’t know much, but they were asleep in his bed. Cheryl asked if it was his bed or the other bed. They all knew about the s
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destination. – Zig Ziglar“What do you want me to do with these other dresses?” Helen asked walking into the open living area. “Do you like them?” Reese asked plating two egg white vegetarian omelets. “Yes.”“Hang them up in my closet. I’ll make some room for you this afternoon.” He carried the plates over to the table that already had coffee, juice and water waiting for them. “Are you sure? I might not-.”“You said that you enjoyed last night.” He slowly moved towards her.“Yes.” She felt like prey.“You said you enjoyed waking up with me this morning.” He grinned and moved closer as she stepped back.“Yes.” She was definitely prey.“Would you like to do it again? Because I would.” Her back hit the wall and his hands went on the wall caging her in. She blushed and nodded her head."Use your words, sweet mermaid." He softly commanded. "Yes." She breathed out. “Then go hang them up.” He brushed a light kiss on her lips before pushing away
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua J. MarineTy had been with the fire department for just over ten years. He loved it. As a hellion in his youth, he ended up doing community service with the fire department. It was an agreement made between the chief, Ty and his parents. He had been seventeen when his friends dared him to spray paint the garage door at the fire house. Being young, dumb and thinking he was cool, he did it. And got caught almost as soon as he started. By the chief, no less. Twelve thirty at night and his parents had to pick him up. Chief Konuk gave him a choice. Call the police. Or community service over summer. He chose community service.Even when his time had been completed, he still hung around. Saturdays and school holidays, you could find him at station three. The crews presented him with an official department polo with his name and trainee on it.When he graduated high school, he received the
What you do makes a difference. And you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Jane GoodallJD had talked his mom into playing a game with him. It had been a long time since they had sat down across from each other. Helen grinned and when he looked back at the board, he saw his mistake. “King me.” She said after her move and collecting the four pieces she had jumped. “Ugh. Now I remember why I quit playing with you.” He teased as he kinged her piece.“Really?” she said pointing at his large collection of her pieces and his two kings.“You still have pieces!” he pointed out with a grin. “Five pieces does not make a checkers game.” She replied.“You just got four of my pieces and kinged. I’d say it does.” He got a look of deep thought for just a moment. “Would I be making you a king? Or a queen?”“Fine. Queen me.” Helen laughed as she stood up to go refill her water. “Mom, I don’t know if I told you, I’m really proud of you.” She stopped and leaned against the c
If you are going through hell, keep going. Why would you stop in hell? – Steve HarveyA few minutes later, JD pulled into the parking lot and found a spot. He got out of the car and started to walk towards the building. When he didn’t hear his mom’s door he went back and opened it.“Sorry. I guess I got in the habit of Reese getting the door for me.” Helen said sheepishly.JD put his arm around her shoulders and walked with her into the building. They walked up to the reception desk where a blonde sat looking bored.“I’m looking for Tyrus Johnson.” Helen said with a smile.“One moment.” She picked up the phone and spoke into the receiver.A few minutes later, a nurse opened the door and looked towards the woman with long braids and dark skin. “For Tyrus Johnson?”“That’s me.” Helen said stepping towards
If you want something different, you have to stop accepting what you are used to. – Samantha King HolmesTy was released the following day after the pulmonary specialist was able to assess him. The family dinner was moved to their house to accommodate him. His voice was still a bit raspy but he sounded more like himself.Bunny kept apologizing for the meal. She had pulled out two frozen packages of chili for the slow cookers. And attempted cornbread. The bottoms were burned and the centers were gooey.“You, go sit down.” Helen told the younger woman.Tears threatened to fall as she laid her head on Helen’s shoulder. “I just can’t do anything in the kitchen.”“That’s OK. You can do other things.” Helen assured her. “Come on, let’s go talk up here. JD can you make some cornbread?”“You trust him to cook?” Jaxon teased
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