Excerpt 364 words:
“Man, I suck at this,” I blurt out, while on a jog around the perimeter of the Fall Fair with Jesse. We started hanging out years ago after our sisters became BFFs.

“O-kayyy…” He elongates the word, briefly cutting his eyes in my direction. “Do you care to elaborate?”

“Ugh, at romancing a woman. It’s like I forgot how to do it, since I haven’t dated for years. Before Kylee, Roxanne was the only woman I’d ever loved. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m sure Roxanne put the moves on me first. Which means, I have no game. Dang, I’m doomed.”

“I assume you’re talking about romancing Kylee? Tell me what happened before I give my opinion on the situation.

Shaking my head as we run past a seven-foot scarecrow and two smaller ones along the jogging trail, I try explaining. “It’s bad; really bad,” I huff. “One minute, we were sipping wine and cuddling on the sofa after an amazing French meal she made, and the next, something completely different than what I had planned to say came pouring out of my mouth.”

“Oh, gosh, what’d you say?”

“I said something like… if it’s not clear that I want us to have a future together and to, uh, share a house so we can do more stuff like this—”

“Stop!” We quit running as Jesse steps to the side of the trail. “You’re right, you do suck at this.” He chuckles. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard a guy say to the woman he loves. What was her response?”

“It wasn’t great. She didn’t say anything at first, so I added, unless it’s not something you want. Finally, she grabbed my hand and said she’d love for us to live in the same house, but then she looked confused after she said it.”

“Man, I can definitely see why. You need to watch some romance movies or something because you’re right, you have zero game with the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.”

“Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy,” I quip. As we resume running, I’m suddenly feeling worse than I did before.”

Excerpt From

New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls

Freda Ann

This material is copyrighted.

“I can’t even begin to imagine how helpless you must feel after finding out what happened to Nicole, especially since the two of you are so close.” I glance at Trace as he drives us to work.Bobbing his head, he admits, “It was tough to hear that she’s been a victim of repeated domestic violence which escalated over time. She’s been such a strong-minded person for much of her life, so to say I was shocked is an understatement.”

“Well, you still don’t know all the details. And if she was in love with the guy and they’ve been together for a while, people sometimes let certain things slide by. I’m sure she never thought it would get that bad.”

“You’re right. Look at me and Roxanne. I had no idea how bad her drinking had gotten, because I loved her and overlooked certain signs thinking she’d do the right thing in the end.”

“I can only imagine what you went through with your ex and also what Nicole is going through now,” Kylee acknowledges earnestly.

“It’s not like I’m blaming my sister for what happened. I know it wasn’t her fault. I’m still trying to digest it—though, I would love to get my hands on the guy who did this to her.”

Seeing the pain in his eyes, this is a whole new side of Trace that has never reared its head before. I see now just how protective he can be when it involves the people he loves.

“It really bothers me since my sister has never suffered from anxiety in her life. Now she’s seeing a counselor and is on medication to help her deal with it. But it’s comforting to know there’s a professional she can talk to who’s guiding her through it.”

“That’s something to be thankful for. Plus, that guy is behind bars now, and the doctor said her physical injuries will heal. That should give you peace of mind.”

“So true… I need to focus on the positive things.” Trace squeezes my hand before letting it go and parks the vehicle behind the cafe.

After Bobby makes my favorite latte, I carry it to the kitchen where Sophie and my sister are working to keep up with the holiday influx.

“Reinforcements are here ladies. Where do you need me first?” I ask, before sipping my steaming latte.

Sophie pipes up. “Since Bridge showed up extra early to get the bakery items in the oven, you can help me with the holiday cupcakes.”

Taking one more sip of my coffee, I set it near the back of the work space while the boss places a large mixing bowl full of cupcake batter in front of me.

“Mmm, how dare you tempt me so early in the morning with these Eggnog Cupcakes. You know they’re one of my weaknesses.” I glance at Sophie who winks at me and grins.

Excerpt From

New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls

Freda Ann

This material is copyrighted.