I Love the USA by Barbara Edwards

With everyone talking about romantic love this month, I had a hard time deciding on a love topic. I was going to do a travel post about this beautiful country but need to find the right pictures... So....  

Being the grand-daughter of immigrants is the most powerful reason why I love this country. I remember my Grand-mother at the age of sixty decided to become a citizen. She had to learn to read and write English to take the exam although she was already fluent in Polish. She was always a stay-at-home wife although she arrived here with the promise of a job as a second story maid for the Parsons Estate. My Grand-father was the head gardener there.

My other Grandmother emigrated with a Jewish family who needed a child-care worker to help the nanny.  My Grand-father and his brothers were sent to the Americas by their father when the Russian Army conscripted all the young men from Poland. They were go to Brazil, but my Grand-father was so sea-sick he refused to continue after they reached New York.

They prized this country. It gave them the opportunity to find jobs, buy homes and raise their children without fear of the government.

Maybe the fact my uncles fought in WWII in France, Italy, North Africa and the Pacific Theater for the Army, Navy and Marines adds to my belief this country is worth my love. PS my aunt riveted airplane wings and my Father worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yards on the ships.

Don’t let me forget my husband is a retired policeman, another way to serve and love your country. My grandson is going to college to take up law enforcement.  

This country enabled me to be the first in my family to get a college degree. I worked as a waitress to pay my tuition and for my books until I got a scholarship. Then I worked at the school to pay part of my costs.

I try to write that love into my historical romances. I know my children love this country. My daughter Theresa and her husband Donald Spahr were in the Army. My oldest son and his wife retired from the Navy. My youngest son was in the Navy on a submarine. Another grandson and a granddaughter are in the Navy.

To this day I hear the National Anthem and choke up. I can’t sing God Bless America without crying.

 I love the United States of America. I hope you take the time to remember why you do, too.

 Visit www.barbaraedwards.net for free reads and excerpts from my books.

  

Planning for Valentine's Day by Amber Leigh Williams

Every year just before dawn on February fourteenth, the town of Montpelier, Vermont is hit by a phantom - a Valentine phantom. For the last decade, The Montpelier Valentine Phantom has decorated the storefronts of Montpelier, Vermont with thousands of red hearts. It started in the heart of town, on Main Street, but over the years the Valentine's Day cheer has spread to other streets. Even in 2007 when heavy snow marred the streets, the phantom continued his work. The residents of Montpelier woke not just to a snowy white landscape, but to the welcome sight of the phantom's hearts. The phantom's "phans" have dedicated a Facebook page to its decade-long run....

This is just one of the many reasons I love Valentine's Day! I make no secret of my love for the holiday every February. Every year around this time, I get out the construction paper, scissors and Elmer's glue. Nothing says "I love you" like homemade cards and paper heart chains! (This year my sister and I even plan on sending a box of paper hearts and homemade chocolate turtles to our father in Georgia.) And with a sweet, new, baby boy in our lives, the whole family is ready to dive into the holidays this year with all the youthful fervor we did when we were children ourselves.

I'm still a big believer in doing things the simple way. This year, the hub and I thought the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day would be to cook a meal for each other. Our little man makes quick and easy meal preparation a necessity throughout the week and some weekends. To treat ourselves, we decided to go all out for a holiday feast. The hub will make me a steak dinner and I will prepare him a large, strawberry-vanilla cake for dessert. This is my first attempt at baking a cake, but I'm determined to pull it off and to have fun while I'm at it. We'll top it off with some sweet wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. And instead of setting the table for this fine meal, we'll spread a blanket on the living room floor, light some candles and have our very own homespun picnic. Simple, romantic, intimate - right up our alley! So much so that I wonder why we never thought of it before instead of dipping deep into our pockets for a meal in a loud, crowded restaurant or expensive presents. As new parents, we realize now more than ever that the quality time together is more than enough!

If you're planning on keeping it simple this Valentine's Day with your special someone, might I make a musical suggestion? We're forgoing the usual movie this year (since we can never really agree on a genre anyway - ah, the great debate over action, comedy or romance) and choosing to go the old-fashioned route. Or...the eighties' and nineties' way - the mixed tape. Only this time, we're getting really creative. In the dating years, we covered songs that held special meaning for us. This year I thought it would be fun to compile a playlist of songs based on real-life love stories written either by the people who experienced them or others inspired by them. It's makes for good ambience and interesting conversation. My personal favorite so far is "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash, written by June Carter about their complex relationship at the time. (I couldn't resist throwing in "Jackson," Johnny's duet with June, which over the years has become a staple of ours on karaoke night.) Some others that made the cut include "My Girl" (written for Smokey Robinson's wife), "Wonderful Tonight" (written by Eric Clapton for his spouse at the time), and "Maybe I'm Amazed" (which Paul McCartney dedicated to his wife, Linda).

 

So, folks, what are your plans this Valentine's Day? Do you prefer to keep it simple or go all out?

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!


Amber Leigh Williams

Sharing the Love--of Reading! by Alison Henderson

This month the Roses of Prose are sharing the love, and what could be more appropriate than sharing the love of reading? After all, that’s what has brought us together. I want to tell you about an organization formed up in my neck of the woods to do just that.

Little Free Library is a non-profit founded in Wisconsin in 2009 and dedicated to sharing the love of reading and fostering community. The concept is simple: any interested person constructs a small box, similar to a large birdhouse, and mounts it on a post in front of their house near the street—or any other easily accessible place on private property. They fill the box with books that are free for the borrowing to anyone who happens by. Neighbors can take a book, read it, and return it then donate a book or two of their own. If the supply dwindles, the community (in the city this may be only a block or two) donates additional books. One of the houses in my neighborhood has one in the parkway, and I have never seen it empty.

In its first three years, the movement has absolutely exploded. The organization estimates that 1,650,000 books have been donated and borrowed during that time. There are now 5,000 to 6,000 Little Free Libraries in 36 countries. In 2012, they received a $70,000 grant from AARP to address the need for connections for socially isolated and vulnerable adults over 50.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Little Free Library, check out LittleFreeLibrary.org. They have lots of information, including plans for building your own. It’s a wonderful way to share the love of reading.

Alison Henderson
www.alisonhenderson.com
http://alisonhendersonblogspot.com

Sharing the Love - Christine DePetrillo

Love is at the heart of all romances. This month is about sharing that love, so here is an excerpt from my contemporary romance, Kisses to Remember. In this tale, graphic designer Johanna Ware welcomes pilot Holden Lancaster into her home after he is injured in a plane crash. He's lost part of his memory, but creates new memories while staying with Johanna, her son, and her father-in-law.

Enjoy the love! :)

****

Johanna fussed with her hair in the bathroom mirror. After returning from the hospital, she’d agreed to the boys’ requests that she stay away from the kitchen, dining, and living room areas. She’d worked a little in her office, showered, and now had on a black tank dress that cut to a V at her breasts. A bit of makeup graced her face and a necklace with a silver heart on the end Kam had given her one Christmas was around her neck. She hoped she had the right look going for whatever Kam, Holden, and apparently even Ted were scheming to do tonight.

She’d beaten herself up mentally about cutting into the vision Holden had at the hospital, but he’d looked pale and hazy. Her first thought had been that Dr. Sakala had delivered some horrifying news. She should have known he was remembering something by the faraway expression on his face. 

She inspected herself in the mirror again and said to Miles sitting by her feet, “I’ll make it up to him later tonight.” She adjusted her breasts in the dress to make more of her cleavage show. “Hope you can handle Fancy Johanna, Holden Lancaster.”

After smearing on more lipstick, she snuck into her bedroom with Miles scratching along behind her. She peered at the alarm clock by her bed. 6:58 p.m. Two minutes until Holden said she was allowed to make her appearance in the kitchen. Fifty-seven seconds to think about how wonderful it was to have Holden around. Forty-nine seconds to wonder if she’d gone overboard with the lavender body spray. Thirty-eight seconds to think about how happy Kam was about spending time with Holden. Thirty-two seconds to be impressed by the progress of Ted’s cabin. Twenty-six seconds to worry about Alex getting beat up in prison. Twenty-one seconds to consider putting on shoes, then deciding against it. Fourteen seconds to open her bedroom door a crack and inhale the garlic-scented air coming from the forbidden rooms. Nine seconds to brush dog hair off her dress, six seconds to give herself one more look in the bathroom mirror, three seconds to edge down the hallway and…

“Johanna,” Holden said, nearly bumping into her. “You’re right on schedule, my lady, and you look…holy shit, you look amazing.” He stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. Ah, the power of the little black dress.

He bowed before her and held out his elbow. He wore black jeans and a white T-shirt with a black, construction paper bow tie around his neck.

“Nice outfit on you too.” Johanna hooked her arm through his, and he escorted her into the dining room.  

He adjusted the paper tie. “Thank you. We went top-of-the-line on everything this evening.” His grin sent ripples of arousal through Johanna.

He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. Miles made a big circle around the table, but scooted into the kitchen when Kam came into the dining room also wearing black pants, a white T-shirt, and a paper bow tie. Johanna laughed and held out her hand to her son.

“Come over here.” She wiggled her fingers. “You look so handsome.” She raised her gaze to Holden. “Both of you do.”

Ted came hobbling in on his crutches wearing the same uniform, though his tie was a little crinkled and crooked.

“Wow,” Johanna said. “Ted too. This is quite an accomplishment.” Ted rarely deviated from his stained, heavy-duty work pants and threadbare T-shirts.

“It’s for a good cause,” Ted said as he settled in the chair at the head of the table.

Kam pulled out the closest chair so Ted could elevate his leg. “How’s that feel, Pep?”

“It feels like a pretty nurse gave me exactly the right pills.” He ruffled Kam’s hair and turned toward Johanna. “I may have convinced said pretty nurse to make a home visit to this invalid tomorrow. That okay?”

“Yeah,” Johanna said. “If I can take in pilots that fall from the sky, you can certainly have nurses stopping by.”

“No nurses,” Ted said. “Just one nurse.”

“A very special nurse,” Kam teased.

“Quit it, kid. I’ve got pictures of you learning how to use the crapper I can show Crystal, or Catherine, or…what’s her name?”

“I’m not telling you.” Kam stuck out his tongue at Ted, then looked at Holden. “Can we start now?”

“Yeah, Holden, can we start now?” Johanna mimicked Kam’s pleading tone and clapped her hands together. “What smells so good?”

“Me,” all three of the males answered together.

“You’re all so modest.” Johanna laughed.

“Kam, come help me.” Holden directed the boy back into the kitchen leaving Johanna and Ted in the dining room.

“What’s going on here?” Johanna asked.

“A little appreciation, that’s all.” Ted waved the bottle of wine he’d uncorked and Johanna handed him her glass. As he filled it, he said, “You take care of everybody, Johanna. Tonight is to show you how much we love you.” He tapped his glass to hers and they both took a sip.

Love. Johanna let this word cycle around her head. She knew Kam loved her. He said it all the time and well, they had ten years together under their collective belts. Ted loved her like a daughter as she loved him like a father. Her own father had died before she’d gotten married and truthfully, she’d never been that close to him. Not as close as she was to Ted.

But Holden? Does he love me too? Do I love him? She could see how easy it would be to fall completely in love with Holden, but was that wise? She kept telling herself that his past wouldn’t change things, but her more logical side knew that wasn’t necessarily true. He could remember something that would make it impossible for them to be together. That thought made her stomach protest.

“Hey.” Ted’s voice made her look at him. “Don’t think too hard, sweetheart. Enjoy the night. Holden and Kam worked hard.”

“Under your expert guidance, no doubt.”

Ted held out his hands. “Of course.”

With Miles on his heels, Kam came back into the dining room toting a bowl of salad, Holden right behind him with dressings and a basket of bread. When everyone had a full plate and a chunk of bread, Holden stood at his seat and cleared his throat.

“This evening is in tribute to the wonderful…”

“the amazing…” Kam added.

“the superfantasticspectacular…” Ted chimed in.

“woof…” Miles inserted.

“Johanna Ware,” Holden finished. “I know I haven’t been here as long as these other two guys, but you make me feel as if I have.”

Yeah, definitely easy to fall in love with him.

He motioned to Kam who reached under the table and presented Johanna with a neatly folded T-shirt. When she shook it out, the words, “World’s Best Everything” graced the front of it.

“We were going to make you a trophy,” Kam started, “but then no one else will know how awesome you are. This you can wear in public.” His little face beamed at her, and Johanna squeezed him around the waist.

“Thanks. All of you.” Her throat was tight as she fought not to cry like a blubbering idiot.   

Holden held up his wine glass. Ted held up his, and Kam held up his glass of milk.

“To Mom!” Kam roared.

They clinked glasses and dove into a meal Johanna would never forget. Stuffed mushrooms. Eggplant parmigiana with pasta. Fruit plate. Chocolate velvet pie for dessert. Each course brought her new levels of bliss. No one had ever cooked for her like this. Not her mother when she was a child. Not Alex. Not even restaurants she’d gone too, even the fancier ones when on a business meeting.

And it was more than the food being tasty. The guys had somehow managed to bake their gratitude into every bite.

“You’re all magnificent,” she announced when only crumbs remained on their dessert plates. She got up and kissed Ted on the cheek and Kam on the forehead. When she got to Holden’s seat, Ted nudged Kam.

“Come on, kid. Let’s get started on cleaning that kitchen. She ain’t going to think we’re that magnificent if she sees the mess in there.”

When they were gone, Holden pushed his chair back from the table and patted his lap. Johanna lowered and slid her arms around his shoulders.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He reached up and kissed her lips. A few slow tastes, but that was enough to get her hungry for more.

“This was a lovely night, Holden. Lovely.” She cupped his face in her hands and got lost in the blue of his eyes.

“Was?” He arched an eyebrow. “Who said it was over?”

 

****

 

Want some more love? Download Kisses to Remember today! From Amazon here and Nook here. Only $2.99.

 

 

Toodles,

 

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

www.nighteternal.weebly.com



HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO BE LOVED?

How long do you want to be loved? Is forever enough? Sound familiar. It should. It comes from Lullaby by the Dixie Chicks. I'm listening to the song as I'm writing this blog. The lyrics keep echoing in my head. What a hauntingly beautiful song!

We do want forever and when we love and are loved...it is forever. Love is a legacy. I was thinking what we leave behind—what we have given to this world. I was thinking of my grandmothers...my dad and I smiled. Their passing left a void, but it is filled with memories. Some memories fade in time; others magnify. I was fortunate to have been closed to both my grandmothers. Both gave taught me invaluable lessons, not by their words, but actions.

My grandmothers came from different worlds. One came from money and privilege; the other...not so much. If I credited one person for my writing it would have to be my Grandmother Dotson, the one with not so much money. I would sit for hours listening to her talk of her youth. She encouraged my imagination. She grew up the youngest of seven and she was the only girl. I can still picture her talking to me, her house, her room...even her smell. For some reason, we had a special connection. The greatest gift I ever received came from my Grandmother Dotson.

I am a middle child. No different than most middle children. In front of me, I had a beautiful sister who could do no wrong. Behind me, my brother, who got to go with my father everywhere because he was male. I was so envious. I felt that I kinda got lost in the mix. Grandmother Dotson made me feel special. She lived about an hour away. Every Saturday, my mom and I would go visit her. Most times no one else would go, but I wouldn't have missed it. Then one Saturday in December...just after I turned eleven, we went to visit only to find my grandmother collapsed on the floor. It was so strange and surreal. Even before Mother opened the door, I knew. I knew and already ran to the neighbors. My grandmother had passed away. Sadness enveloped me. It was only two weeks before Christmas.

Christmas wasn't the same that year until after everyone had opened their presents. Then away from all the others, my mother gave a small package, beautifully wrapped. Opening it, it was a watch. My grandmother, who didn't have a dime to spare, had bought it for me. My sister had wanted a particular watch for Christmas that my grandmother knew my parents were going to give to her. My grandmother wanted me to have one. I may have only been a simple Timex watch, but I loved it. I still have it to this day. The band long gone. Worn. Broken. But its one of my most precious items I own.

There are several times of love. Passionate love. Tender love. Motherly love. Compassionate love. Love.

My grandmother has been gone for over forty years, but I have always felt she was with me. She has never left. A love that crosses time...a love that is forever.

This is my post before Valentine's Day.

I have a book giveaway going on.

Amazon US    Amazon UK  Barnes and Noble

Seductive Secrets is a FREE ebook! Would you like a free paperback?  

Do you want a chance to win a signed copy of Seductive Secrets? I have some copies I’m giving away for the next few weeks. Not only Seductive Secrets, but a copy more of my books. In the Whispers of a Legend series under my other pen name Carrie James Haynes, Part Four- Time of the Nuxvenom or one of the Tides of Charleston Series, Another Night Falls. It will be your choice. But you have to comment to win!

Congratulations to last week's winners Vanessa, Renee, and Jessica! I’ll be giving away books until Broken Legacy is released!

You can comment anywhere I’m at socially…here,  Jerri Hines, Romance Author, Castle in the Air, Colleen Connally Blog, Novel Works, Whispers of a Legend Saga, or on twitter at @jhines340   @carriejhaynes  @colleenconnally or any of my Facebook pages.

Breathing New Life into an Old Series with FIVE FREE BOOKS by Jannine Gallant

The tendency of people to live for the moment then move on to the next new thing makes me nuts. We publish our books, promote like crazy for a month or two, bask in a few weeks of decent sales - then watch our babies fall off the face of the publishing cliff into a wasteland of old releases that have had their brief moment of glory. Many of these books were barely a blip on the radar screen of buyers. The Class of '85 Series with The Wild Rose Press falls into this category. These are terrific stories with a reunion theme written by talented authors. But for some reason, few people (except me LOL) bought them. I can attest to the fact that they're all winners.

So, I put on my thinking cap. I have three books in this series. Four other authors also have multiple books published with the Class of '85. Maybe as a group, we could make something happen. So I approached the authors and our marketing guru at TWRP with a proposal. We each offer one book in the series for free and hope that people will buy the others. After a little shuffling to follow the rules we came up with a plan. Five books from the Class of '85 will be offered on KDP Select exclusively through Amazon. This means free days to use for promotion! And today is the first free day - our big ONE DAY SALE. We're sharing the love. I hope everyone will download our books and spread the word for us.

Download Lonely Road To You by Jannine Gallant for free here.

Kate Abbott isn’t looking for excitement and is perfectly content with the secure life she’s built in Seattle, even if her son thinks she’s in an uninspired rut. Former rock star Tyler North has no intention of shaking up his life on the Montana ranch where he fled years before to escape the ravages of fame and fortune. Neither plan to attend their 25 year high school reunion in Summerville, but fate throws them together on a lonely road, leading them on a journey of discovery.

From the majesty of Yellowstone to the shores of Lake Ontario, Kate and Tyler fight unexpected attractions and old insecurities. Their journey is full of surprises and odd twists. From bison and bears to a deep crevasse and a crazy old man, they work together to overcome the obstacles in their path. But will these two opposites be able to put aside fear of change and rejection to take a chance on the promise of love?

Download To Be, Or Not by Margo Hoornstra for free here.

Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets.

Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life.

Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their newfound relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love?

Download Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran for free here.

Award-winning photojournalist Dru Horvath doesn't stay in one spot for too long. Her vocation of documenting abuses against women worldwide prevents her from risking her heart. Every day working stiff Rory McElroy is a two-time loser when it comes to women—and he doesn't plan to take a chance on a relationship again, thank you very much.

But when Dru comes back into his life, he's not sure which poses the greater risk: protecting her from third world thugs who want to silence her permanently—or allowing the one woman who captured his heart years ago to embrace him for good.

Download Promises, Promises by Silver James for free here.

Betrayed former society wife Kelly Kincaid only wants to make things right. Paying off her ex-husband’s debt of honor is tough when a minimum-wage job back in her hometown is the only one she can find. Could the answer to her problems be right in front of her?

The moment pub owner Michael Doogan sees Summerville High School’s former golden girl at the train station, he loses his heart. Again. He’d give Kelly Kincaid the world on a platter, but the stubborn woman is intent on going her way alone. A threat to her safety provides him the incentive to stand up for what he wants, but will he have the patience to win her love?

Download Something More by Keena Kincaid for free here.

If she could, Nora Emerson would demand a "do over" of the last twenty-five years. An emotionally abusive marriage, failed fertility treatments and a nasty, public divorce have left her bruised, skittish and determined to remain independent at all costs.

With an all-consuming business and a furious teenage sister on his hands, Nora is a complication Nick McPherson doesn't need. It's one he wants. Her vulnerability and kick-ass competency intrigue him, and the sexual sparks between them could set Summerville on fire. The more she insists the sex is just for fun, the more determined he becomes to turn their fling into something more.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you read and enjoy each of these books. And I hope my post gives you some inspiration. How can you breath new life into your older releases? Put on your thinking caps!

First Love by Jena Galifany

 February is the month of Love. Every one knows it and everyone embraces it (with the exception of many grade school aged boys). While researching the holiday of Valentine's day, I've seen in one place that men spend the most money and another that says women hold that distinction. But does money need to play an important role in showing someone your affection for them?

It can sometimes be a difficult thing to show your love for another. There are many levels of love. My first love was at the age of four. I fell in love with an actor named Guy Williams. I saw him in a movie titled "Captain Sindbad". He was the most wonder man I'd ever seen and growing up at the movie theater, I'd seen many in the first four years of my life. Five years later, I found him again in the Walt Disney version of "Zorro". Again I was thunderstruck.

Commemorative Lapel Pin Aug. 2, 2001

My love of Guy lasted many years. I've written fan-fiction for his version of Zorro. In 2001, I had the privilege of working with a group, along with Guy Jr., in getting Guy his posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I was further working on getting Guy "Legend" status at Disney via letting the powers that be know that Guy was as huge part of the building of Disney Land in California in the 50's by proceeds raised from Zorro merchandise. We wanted them to know that after all of these years, Guy as Zorro was still encouraging writers, artists and young people. We compiled and submitted two books of fan-fiction, artwork and letters confirming his continued inspiration.

I had to leave the group due to work restrictions. This second honor was bestowed on Guy in 2011. I have no regrets at being a part of these projects to honor my first love, Armando Catalano, better known as Guy Williams.(Zorro, Prof. John Robinson of Lost in Space).

I can't spend so much time talking about love and not mention my husband of twenty-two years, Steve. When we met, he told me that he was not a romantic person. Over the years, he's shown me that the statement was not altogether true. He's made a few fabulous shows of romance. One spectacular example is the piece he wrote for ShadowsForge, Retaking America, book three in the series. Lead singer Geoff Richards is trying to decide how to propose to Valerie Leonard. I hope you enjoy it:
_________________

Geoff dropped the ring into his pocket, squared his shoulders, stepped up to the door and knocked. An eternity passed before Valerie answered with a smile.

“I’ll be right with you.” Valerie went to the table, shutting down her laptop as Geoff waited in the doorway. She was wearing the same outfit she had worn at the interview, navy blue slacks that fit every curve, blue blouse and black heels. We’ve come full circle.

“I thought we’d eat in my room, if that’s all right with you.”

Valerie nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’m ready.” She stepped past Geoff, allowing him to pull her door closed.

Geoff put his arm around her as they walked in silence down the hall to his room. Valerie smiled when he opened the door for her. The lights were dim. The drapes were open, providing the backdrop of a starry night sky. A table had been set up, dinner for two. Candles, white tablecloth, champagne, and a single white rose.

“This is beautiful. Not exactly your style but I love it.”

She moved to the window. While she enjoyed the view, Geoff took the ring from his pocket, hoping the perfect opportunity would present itself. He stepped up behind her, trying to think of the right words as he palmed the ring.

She glanced up at him. “I wish I could hold the stars in my hand.”

He couldn’t have asked for a better opening. “Would you like me to get them for you?”

Valerie looked over her shoulder at him. “You’d do that for me?”

He smiled his media smile. “Watch this.” He wrapped one arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. He swept the star field back and forth as he gathered every twinkling light. Holding them tight, he showed her his closed fist. Reaching around her with both arms, he worked to compact the stars, tucking in any escaping starlight between his fingers. He wrapped his arm around her again, opening his hand. The ring sparkled in his palm, reflecting the candlelight. “The stars—for you.”

  ________________________

Being an ex-roadie, Steve gives me the technical guidance for back stage with ShadowsForge but I believe he gave me the most romantic moment in Retaking America.

 Expressions of love don't have to cost money. In my opinion, I'd rather have kind words softly spoken than pink verse mass produced with a single name signed at the bottom. I'd rather have a circle of warm arms embracing me than a cold piece of metal to adorn my skin. Give me the scent of a real man, not the fragrance of dying blossoms. Time with the one that I love is what I want most on St. Valentine's Day or any day of the week, month or year, for that matter.

 Zorro fan-fiction can be read HERE.
More on the history of St. Valentine's Day can be read HERE.
More ShadowsForge can be found on my WEBSITE.

Cheers,
Jena' Galifany