Sunday Sample - DNA

Here's today's snippet of DNA, which will be live on June 26.

Russ studied Amoy, admitting that with one incident, he no longer trusted her. His reaction was weird, given that what happened was far in the past. But there it was, and until he got past the hurt, he'd second guess everything, including her reluctance to move abroad. That was a whole other matter. When his gaze met hers, he shoved the thought aside but knew he'd revisit it.

“Russ, would you pray for us, please?” Amoy asked.

He said grace, thanking God for His provision and for their family.

They dug in, with the boys ignoring Amoy's instructions for them to stop talking with their mouths full. Their chatter rose and fell in waves. Junior was curious about everything and normally, his observations would have tickled Russ. Now his questions about Amoy's face—which was now free of makeup—served as an irritant.

“Can you give it a rest, Junior?” His tone was harsher than he intended it to be, and he was sorry the moment he spoke.

Junior dipped his head, and Russ winced.

The boys were not used to hearing him speak that way.

Silence descended around them and Amoy's concerned gaze went to Junior. Then her focus turned back to Russ. Though she wouldn't say anything about his tone in front of the boys, her disappointment was clear.

Was he picking on Junior because of what he knew, or was it the boy’s concern for Amoy?  Whatever it was, Russ didn't want to dig too deeply.

They finished their meal in silence, while Russ grew more uncomfortable. His snooping changed things in a way he never anticipated. With every hour that crawled by, Russ wished he'd left the past where it belonged.

To find out more, go to lrd.to//DNAvav

Sunday Sample - DNA

Today's sample comes to you from DNA, which is coming in January. 

At the sound of his voice, Troy looked up and Junior lowered the tablet. The apprehension in his eyes squeezed Amoy’s heart. She swallowed hard, wishing with her whole heart that the man she married wasn’t such a sneak, and that she had even the whisper of a plan to put things right between them.

Russ laid his hand on top of hers, which rested on her knees. “We didn’t tell you that we’ll be moving away for a while. To Miami.”

Troy pumped his fists. “Wow! When?”

“In a few months.”

 “But … ” Troy looked at Junior over his shoulder, then back at his father. “What about Grandpa and our friends?”

“All of us?” Junior blurted and sat forward, his gaze swiveling between Russ and her.

Russ’s hesitation was barely perceptible, but it like a dart piercing Amoy.

He nodded, then glanced at her.

Amoy didn’t look at him, but felt him shift. Her insides were shattering in tiny pieces as anxiety shrouded her son. He’d always been her joy. Bright and bubbly. Now, because of something she didn’t know she’d done, he was turning into an insecure shadow of himself.

She let her gaze go to Junior as Russ explained the situation. Junior kept his eyes on her and instinctively, she pulled her lips into a smile to reassure him. Hard to do, since she didn’t know whether she was coming or going.

“ … not necessary for you to know all of that now.”

“But—”

“Don’t argue. That’s all you need to know this minute.”

Frowning, Amoy wondered what she’d missed.

Russ directed a glare at Junior that had him lowering his eyes to his lap. When his lips trembled, Amoy pulled her hand away. “Junior, go to your room.”

“We’re not finished yet,” Russ said, his tone tight.

“Russ—”

Russ overrode her words. “Like I said, we’re not done.”

Using the side of his fist, Junior swiped at his cheek and curled in on himself.

Troy sat on his heels staring at them, his brows wrinkled.

Exhaling on a loud tide, Amoy counted to five. Her gaze swept both boys, then under her breath she said, “Can’t you see what you’re doing—”

“You wanted us to have this talk.” The flash of annoyance in his eyes was unmistakable. “That’s what I’m doing, if you’d let me.”

She studied him sifting through the range of emotions she witnessed—anger, disgust, frustration. Keeping her voice even, she said, “I’m only trying to help.”

“I don’t need your help,” he ground out. His jaw flexed as he continued. “You’ve done enough already.”

Her eyes widened and the air rushed from her chest. She pulled her head back. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Mommy, you said a bad word.”

Troy was on his feet, pointing at her. “You said a—”

“Yes, honey.” She got up, throwing Russ a bad look. Lowering her voice, she added, “Mommy’s sorry.”

As her attention turned to Junior, who sniffed and rubbed a tear off the tablet screen. 

Holding out her hand toward him, she said, “Junior, let’s go.”

Amoy circled the sofa, leaving Russ sitting with both elbows on his knees and his hands clasped in front of his mouth. She sent him a glare that said she wasn’t finished with him. Not by a long shot.

Amazon Giveaways - Enter Today!

I'm doing an Amazon giveaway for Dissolution that ends this at midnight. If you haven't read Dissolution, here's the giveaway link and the blurb. https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/81750a3dc65c5b50

Sherryn Allbright is the envy of her peers. She is a wife, mother, and successful business woman, but her life turns topsy-turvy when a woman leaves a child on her doorstep, claiming her husband is the father. Denial is useless, for the boy resembles Reece too closely not to be his offspring. 

Sherryn is ready to end their marriage and blames Reece's problems on his old neighborhood—a Kingston ghetto. If he'd sever ties there, he wouldn't be caught up in baby-mother drama. 

When the boy's mother is murdered, Reece becomes the prime suspect and things go haywire for the Allbrights, whose lives will never be the same.

That's not all because there's another giveaway you can enter today. This one is for lovers of Kimani romances. You can check out this giveaway at this link https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/96c422d900b7e1e3

A millionaire with a wary heart…

And a first love worth repeating

Success couldn’t make former model Alexis Armstrong forget the one who got away. When she “rents” Derek Moore at a fund-raiser to show him what he’s missed, things don’t go as planned.


Their sizzling chemistry reignites…with lasting repercussions. Derek wants to be there for his baby, but Alexis will only marry for love. Can he convince the stubborn beauty he’s for real?

Be sure to try your luck! https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/96c422d900b7e1e3

A Holiday Treat #MegaSale

This holiday weekend, I have something special for you. My book, The Thick of Things, that was released in March is on sale for a limited time. Also on sale are two anthologies you may be interested in getting for yourself or giving as gifts. They are regularly priced at $4.99. So, go ahead and tread yourself. 

The Thick of Things

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. 

Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all. 

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.

Download your copy here http://lrd.to/ttothings

Sugar Anthology

Nine authors, featuring New York Times bestseller, S. L. Jennings, bring the unexpected with unique short stories that are sure to leave a sweet taste on the tip of your tongue. 

Among the delicacies penned by national bestsellers Naleighna Kai, J. D. Mason, Shakir Rashaan, London St. Charles, and also Sierra Kay, Karen D. Bradley, Anita L. Roseboro, and MarZé Scott, are contemporary fiction, suspense, women’s fiction, erotica, and even romance that will warm the heart. This anthology is a perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more. When you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, venture into our savory anthology entitled Spice featuring national bestselling authors Pat G’Orge Walker, Martha Kennerson, Lisa Watson, Naleighna Kai, and many others.

Sugar Anthology: lrd.to/SugarAnthology

Spice Anthology:

Nine authors, featuring national bestsellers and award-winners, bring an array of prose that is sure to provide a delicious literary experience. 

Naleighna Kai, Lisa Watson, Pat G’Orge Walker, Martha Kennerson, Michelle D. Rayford, Janice Pernell, J. L. Campbell, Kisha Green, and Terri Ann Johnson have crafted stories in a range of genres from contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, erotica, and even a thriller to give you a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. We hope you’ll find this anthology is an eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.

Spice Anthology:  lrd.to/SpiceAnthology

Sunday Sample - Retribution

Since I'm showing off this oldie, but goodie this weekend, enjoy this sample from Retribution. Xavier has discovered that Justine has hidden his son for six years, so of course, he gets on her case...

He removed his hand from her grip, ignoring the heat seeping into his face. He didn’t need to be reminded of what her touch did to him. “I don’t care how you explain this to your husband. You figure it out.”

“But Milton is…” She sighed. “Why d’you want to do this. Why can’t we just keep things the way they are now? Why d’you have to stir things up?”

A bark of laughter escaped him. Had she lost her mind? “We’re not talking about a pet. This boy is my son, who you chose to hide to suit your purposes.” Reckless with frustration, Xavier spoke before he thought. “Milton obviously couldn’t give you a son, so you soothed his ego with mine.”

She choked on the insult, which in turn shamed him. He felt as if he’d kicked a puppy. He knew better than to say something like that, even if it was the truth. However, he refused to apologize. He didn’t owe her any kindness. If anything, she owed him a whole lot more than an apology.

Justine pulled her handbag off the back of the chair and dropped it in her lap, still glaring at him. “That’s not true!”

“Why else would you pass off my son as your husband’s child?”

“For a quiet and peaceful life!”

She dragged a handful of tissue out of the bag and blew her nose. With watery eyes, she studied him. He stared back at her, refusing to change course. He smiled, but the gesture had nothing to do with amusement. “Milton must be blind or stupid to believe that boy belongs to him. So much for your quiet and peaceful life.”

She hunched over the table, but he continued to punish her. “Maybe it suits you to think Milton is a fool, like the fool you took me for, but he probably knows what you did. You just refuse to acknowledge that he knows.”

She blew into the tissue again and shoved the wadded paper into her handbag. “There’s no need for you to act like this.”

His forehead throbbed and he struggled not to smash his fists on the table. When he was sure the top of his head hadn’t exploded, Xavier spoke again. “Woman, don’t force me to be rude to you. All I’m prepared to do is give you time to think about how you’re going to arrange for me to meet my son.”

Follow their story by going to lrd.to/retribution

Sample Sunday ... Retribution

Today's #SampleSunday snippet comes from an oldie, but goodie - Retribution. It's a story about a woman who ... I think you better read the excerpt to find out what she did.

The customers in the coffee bar went still. The only sound relieving the lull was the cash register’s chatter. Head lowered, Justine picked at something in her lap. Another moment passed before the other customers forgot them and restarted their conversation.

Xavier didn’t give a shit. He suspected Justine was blinking back tears, but reminded himself to stay focused. Remember what she did to you.

“I want to see my son. I want to talk to him. I need to spend time with him.”

She grabbed his wrist, squeezing hard. Tears hung on her lashes. “I…don’t do this. Please…I…”

He removed his hand from her grip, ignoring the heat seeping into his face. He didn’t need to be reminded of what her touch did to him. “I don’t care how you explain this to your husband. You figure it out.”

“But Milton is…” She sighed. “Why d’you want to do this. Why can’t we just keep things the way they are now? Why d’you have to stir things up?”

A bark of laughter escaped him. Had she lost her mind? “We’re not talking about a pet. This boy is my son, who you chose to hide to suit your purposes.” Reckless with frustration, Xavier spoke before he thought. “Milton obviously couldn’t give you a son, so you soothed his ego with mine.”

She choked on the insult, which in turn shamed him. He felt as if he’d kicked a puppy. He knew better than to say something like that, even if it was the truth. However, he refused to apologize. He didn’t owe her any kindness. If anything, she owed him a whole lot more than an apology.

Justine pulled her handbag off the back of the chair and dropped it in her lap, still glaring at him. “That’s not true!”

“Why else would you pass off my son as your husband’s child?”

“For a quiet and peaceful life!”

She dragged a handful of tissue out of the bag and blew her nose. With watery eyes, she studied him. He stared back at her, refusing to change course. He smiled, but the gesture had nothing to do with amusement. “Milton must be blind or stupid to believe that boy belongs to him. So much for your quiet and peaceful life.”

She hunched over the table, but he continued to punish her.

“Maybe it suits you to think Milton is a fool, like the fool you took me for, but he probably knows what you did. You just refuse to acknowledge that he knows.”

She blew into the tissue again and shoved the wadded paper into her handbag. “There’s no need for you to act like this.”

His forehead throbbed and he struggled not to smash his fists on the table. When he was sure the top of his head hadn’t exploded, Xavier spoke again. “Woman, don’t force me to be rude to you. All I’m prepared to do is give you time to think about how you’re going to arrange for me to meet my son.”

Want to know more? Go to lrd.to/retribution 

The Thick of Things is here!

Today is the day that the reading public meets Douglas and Khalila, a couple who meet each other under less-than-perfect circumstances, but move on to make the best of their situation. If a story filled with mature characters is to your liking, then you will enjoy The Thick of Things. lrd,to/ttothings 

TAGLINE: When love takes you by storm, hang on for the ride of your life.

BLURB: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk. 

GENRE: women's fiction with romantic elements, contemporary romance

Excerpt: 

We watched each other as we drank from our glasses. When we placed them on the table, Douglas wrapped one hand around my arm and sat closer. He was going to kiss me.

My breathing went raspy and I licked my lip.

As Douglas’s lips covered mine, I sucked in a breath. His skin against mine was a teasing whisper and the hairs of his moustache were downy. He planted a soft kiss on my lips and then another.

My mouth opened and Douglas’s hand went to the back of my head, holding me still. His tongue met mine in a bold, demanding move. I made a soft sound in my throat and laid my hands on his chest. The cognac on his tongue and the wine in my belly made for a drugging recipe.

Douglas deepened the kiss and I knew if we didn’t stop, I would be in danger of doing something stupid. His other hand settled on my knee and my heart took off like a runaway train.

I laid my hand on his as a deterrent, but he made no move to take things further.

He continued to seduce me, laving my tongue with his in lengthy kisses that had me wanting more of him. With his fingertips, Douglas stroked the back of my neck in circles that had me squirming. A warning bell jangled in my head, but I was too far gone to think about anything but how wonderful it felt to be with this man. Our lips separated and he laid a soft trail of kisses to my ear, then sucked the lobe into his mouth. The brush of his moustache against my skin made me shiver.

This second would have been a good time to end what was sure to be a disaster if it went any further, but I was undone. The tip of his tongue traced my outer ear, and when he whispered my name, I raised my head to stare into his eyes. After a silent but intense exchange, I nodded.

He got up and stretched his hand to me.

I slipped mine into his.

Douglas—and the heat between us—was the only thing that existed now and I wanted him more than I had wanted anything for the longest time. I sighed again, knowing that at this point, there was no going back.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

B & N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thick-of-things-jl-campbell/1128105800?ean=2940159080509

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book//the-thick-of-things/id1353238245?l=en&mt=11&at=

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-thick-of-things

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Hang on for the Ride of Your Life!

Time is winding down and I'm getting excited because The Thick Of Things will be released on March 16.  🤩 The main character, at forty-two, is a tad older than most of the heroines I’ve written. But, if you enjoy thought-provoking women’s fiction that has strong romantic elements, this book is for you!

Please do me a wonderful favour and add The Thick of Things to your shelf on Goodreads.  📚Thanks! Here’s the link to Goodreads.

Blurb

When love takes you by storm, hang on for the ride of your life.

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.

You can hop over to Goodreads from here. 

Thanks so much!

Sunday Sample - The Hole in One

Today, I'm sharing another sample from my work in progress, The Hole in One.

He looked away from Brianna, and our eyes met. She lay sprawled on his chest, a tiny smile on her face, sucking her pacifier. Her eyes were closed and she was such a precious reflection of her dad that tears stung my eyes.

Bryan covered my hand where it lay on the sheet and laced his fingers between mine. We’d gotten sidetracked earlier when Brianna demanded something to eat and then wanted Bryan to chase her around the living room furniture.

She’d exhausted herself and we wound up lying in bed watching television.

When Bryan squeezed my fingers, I met his eyes. The apprehension in his gaze twisted my stomach.

“Aside from wanting to go back to work, I know you have other issues.” He stared at the television screen and then continued. “But I don’t think I’m ready for what you want.”

My eyes cut to him and I frowned. I didn’t understand why he was so afraid of marriage, because as far as I knew his parents had a great relationship. Bryan was so afraid of marriage, he couldn’t say the word.

I shrugged. “Maybe we simply want different things.” I waited a beat before I spoke again. “I just feel that life is passing me by and I’m not prepared to waste any more time.”

“Are you saying what we have is not worth your time?”

I studied Brianna’s face and then focused on him. His lips twisted and from the disappointment and hurt clouding his eyes, he read and understood my thoughts.

“I’m not saying that at all. I just don’t understand why you’re 
afraid of commitment.”

“Why would you say something like that? I wouldn’t be here with you and Brianna if I had a problem committing to you.”

I pulled my hand out of his. “We’ve been living together for five years and the only time the-word-you-can’t-say has come up between us is when I’ve mentioned it.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know. I’m not prepared to fart around with you forever.”

“You know that’s in my plans. One day—”

“One day may never come, and I’m not prepared to have you suck me dry while I wait for something that may never materialize.”

“Hold on now, do you know me as a user?”

“No, but I don’t see where our relationship is going and I don’t plan to be your baby-mother forever.”

“I don’t understand,” he said rubbing his forehead. “You’re getting uptight because our friends are getting married?”

“There, you said it, but it seems as if it’s out of bounds for us.”

“Come on, Kay, you know I’m working toward certain things, and until I get there marriage is out of the question.”

I sprang up from the mattress like a jack-in-the-box. “That’s just stupid and you’re making excuses.”

Cover Reveal - The Thick of Things

I'm happy to share the cover of The Thick of Things, a story I can't wait for you to read next month, thanks to my publisher, Garden Avenue Press. Today's the cover reveal and I hope you love this cover as much as I do. 

Blurb: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.  

Buy links coming soon ...

Sunday Sample - The Hole in One

Here's a sample from the The Hole in One ... I hope you enjoy. 

The conversation among the guys last night had upset Kathy and without sending another glance her way, I knew she was still sore. 

After the gang left, I played with Brianna while Kathy cleaned up. When she finished in the kitchen, she took Brianna from me and went to bedroom. Knowing I was in the doghouse, I made sure to leave the living room tidy.

I didn’t exactly dread going to bed, but with Kathy in a mood, I was wary. Once I stepped into the bedroom, I knew what kind of night it would be. Brianna was going to be sleeping with us and since she wasn't ill, it meant one thing: Kathy was mad as hell.

No matter how I felt, touching her tonight wouldn't be an option. She wasn't aiming, interested, or in the mood to make love with me. Nor did she want me in touching distance.

To cement her message, if I was dense enough not to get it, once the baby was asleep, Kathy surrounded her on both sides with soft pillows and turned away from me. It was childish, but in her mind she'd fulfilled her need to send me a message.

After a while, I slept but I was uneasy because Kathy had been restless for a while now.

Brianna squealed, as though needing my attention and her cry brought me back to the kitchen. I sent her air kisses, which made her giggle and when I looked away from her I realized Kathy was watching me.

"What did I do?"

The question slipped out before I could pull it back. I had more than an inkling of what had gone wrong, but I wasn't ready to face the music.

She took her time sipping coffee and met my gaze when she was good and ready. "You didn't do anything."

"So, what's the problem?"

I tickled Brianna with one finger, delighting in her squeal, but kept my eyes on Kathy.

"The fact that you can't even acknowledge what's wrong."

I swallowed a mouthful of coffee, analyzing her over the rim, and giving myself time to form the right words. "You know I don't play guessing games. If you don't tell me what's wrong, how can I know?"

She sucked her teeth, which surprised me. She knew I didn't like it when she did that because we both understood it was her way of telling me she was done talking. True to form, she pushed the chair away from the table and got up. Shaking her head as if I was hopeless, she picked up my plate, although I wasn't finished eating.

Though I knew she wasn't in a receptive mood, I held on to her wrist and looked up at her. "Talk to me, Kay."

She glanced at the clock over the doorway to the kitchen before turning back to me. "Frankly, I'm tired of talking."

I didn’t know what to say because it was clear she wasn't in a good mood. To my surprise, her eyes softened. "Now isn't a good time, since you have to be at work."

"It's Saturday, remember? I don't have to be there early." I slipped my arm around my waist and pulled her to me. "Plus, I won't be able to concentrate if I know you're upset with me."

She rested her arm behind my shoulder and locked her gaze with mine. "I'm trying to be patient while you do your thing, but sometime I just … "

When the words wouldn't come, I asked, "Are you coming to the course later?"

She shook her head and pulled out of my hold. "No, I'm going to see Mom."

I didn't like the way she said it, but didn't want to start a fight over nothing so I released her. She walked away, and I let her go because there was nothing I could say to make things better.

An Exciting Journey in 2018

So after not being with a publisher for around four or so years, I signed a contract recently with Garden Avenue Press.

The Thick of Things is a women's fiction novel with strong romantic elements. The main characters are mature, which is something different for me, and I enjoyed writing this first part of their story. 

I'm excited about working with Garden Avenue Press to make this novel the best it can be and so far, the journey has been an interesting one. At this point, The Thick of Things is better than it was originally, thanks to some wonderful editors and a great team at GAP. 

We don't have a cover yet, which is going to be another exciting step. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in the next few months..

Here's the announcement: http://www.gardenavenuepress.com/blog/meet-our-new-authors

Sunday Sample ... Facing the Inevitable

He nodded again, and she turned away, distracted by the sound of the front grille opening. Miss Emelyn was the only person expected that early.

Maurice's face was now scrunched up, as though he had much on his mind. Sherryn blinked, cleared her throat, and muttered. "I'll be back."

In the passage outside, she leaned against the wall, stunned by her reaction to the boy. She tilted her head upward, willing the tears to go away. A moment later, she stared at the veined tiles, sighing at the idea of a five-and-a-half-year-old boy having to worry about his future. Teary and miserable, she re-entered the room.

Maurice sat up, finger in his mouth, while he picked at a scab on his knee.

Sherryn watched him, imagining that she was seeing Reece in the past he preferred not to talk about. Had he been haunted by the same concerns at Maurice's age? No. She recalled that he'd lived with his mother almost up to her death. She put aside her thoughts and focused on the child.

"Did you sleep all right?"

He spoke around his finger. "Yes."

"I'll be leaving in a little while, but—"

She swallowed hard when his eyes clouded with anxiety.

"I won't be out for long," she added, rushing her words.

Under the crumpled tee-shirt, his shoulders relaxed, thin and delicate as the wings of a hummingbird, making her want to cry again. Instead, she concentrated on making him comfortable.

"Miss Emelyn is downstairs. I'm going to ask her to come up to give you a bath and something to eat until I come back, okay?"

He apparently decided he could trust her, so he nodded.

"Catch you later," she said with a smile.

His lips curved, and Sherryn's tears threatened again, because it wasn't the smile of one of her happy I've-had-a-privileged-life children. It was the tentative approach of one who had seen abuse, like a dog who hoped for kindness, but had been kicked too many times.

She waved at him from the door, and he gave her a funny little wiggle of the hand that warmed her heart and an instant later, made her want to murder her worthless husband.

Downstairs, she greeted Miss Emelyn and asked her to take care of Maurice, adding that they would talk more when she got back. While rounding up the children and their assorted bags, lunch kits and folders, she wondered what explanation she'd give Miss Emelyn, who was like a mother to her and Reece.

She rushed outside after the children, dreading the ride she had to take with them.