Secret Santa

Depressed over thinking she’ll be fired before the holidays, Bella decides to get drunk at the company party. Woken the next morning by Rose texting her to look at Facebook posts from the night before, she realizes exactly how drunk she got—and it’s bad. She and Santa were very naughty, but the worst comes when Bella realizes exactly who was playing Santa. Suddenly, Bella’s last day takes on new meaning as she struggles to resist temptation.

Memento Mori Chapter Ten

“I only ran to avoid killing you.” Edward and Isabella sat together on the edge of the charred dais.

“You came back for me?”

Memento Mori Chapter Nine

Edward wasn’t positive how he’d gotten himself stuck in the cell the vampire had been locked in as though he was some criminal. It didn't escape his notice that in his mind he was referring to her as ‘the vampire’ again. He should have known she’d save herself and leave him to his own pathetic fate. It was in her nature, really, and he couldn't even fault her for it. It irked him, he couldn't deny that, but he knew she couldn't help herself. It was like the feeding frenzy that she couldn't stop even with great effort.

Memento Mori Chapter Eight

As she lay there within the echoing walls, the voices crowded in her head. There was a vampire she was familiar with that gained new powers after suffering great trauma. Isabella wasn't quite pleased with the new talent she’d acquired, since she couldn't silence the constant noise.

“Get the fuck out of my head!” she screamed.

Memento Mori Chapter Seven

There were more voices inside Isabella’s head than she was used to. It seemed she could hear everyone within the town. There were thoughts of breakfast and baths, getting to work in the fields or the town. Only one voice caught her attention—that of Edward. She felt that he was nearby, the bond between them aching behind her ribcage. She tried to reach out to him with her mind, but she was uncertain if such a thing were possible. He was in an alley, searching for food. It gave her the most unpleasant feeling; one of caring what happened to him more than what happened to her. She had thought the mate bond consisted of bloodlust and lust of the flesh, not endearing feelings of devotion.

Memento Mori Chapter Six

Edward woke to darkness. He assumed he was dead, and he didn't like the looks of the afterlife. He was cold, for one thing. He didn’t see his farm, or anything else, for that matter. There were no angels, no clouds, but also no demons. He sat up tentatively and discovered his head throbbed like no other. He couldn't seem to catch his bearings from his position, so he moved to all fours until he was positive he could straighten without keeling over.

Memento Mori Chapter Five

The pounding was back. Edward couldn't decide if it was in his head or on the door. He cracked an eye and looked around, squinting in the bright light. It was such an insistent sound that it made him want to slam his head against the wall to drown it out, but he figured that wouldn't help. Instead, he got out of bed and answered the door.

Memento Mori Chapter Four

When next he woke, it was almost a repeat of the night before. He was disoriented and thought he’d had a strange dream. The difference was that the sun was shining and someone was banging on his door.

Memento Mori Chapter Three

He was alone when he next woke to a darkened sky and frigid room. He rose slowly from his bed feeling weak but no longer dizzy. He made his way into his small kitchen area and cut a hunk of bread from the hard loaf on the counter. He was an abysmal baker, but he’d learned to make do. He leaned heavily on the counter as he tried to reconcile what had happened. He came to the conclusion that he’d dreamed the encounter with the red-eyed woman.

Memento Mori Chapter Two

She knew she’d found him when she caught his scent. Her nostrils flared, as did her thirst. Her coven leader had warned her that her mate was likely her blood singer, judging by her intense need to find him. She longed to feed, to satiate the burn raging in her throat. Her hand went up to cup her neck as she moved silently forward, hearing with a new clarity the banal words he was thinking. Everything had previously sounded like it was coming through a radio station just out of range—she could make out what he thought, but it was fraught with static. As she moved in his direction, his inner voice was clear as a bell. He was harvesting something, worried about the profit to be made, and pondering the offer made by a Jacob Black.

Memento Mori Chapter One

Every day for the past twenty-two years, she’d heard the thoughts in his mind. From baby babblings to the thoughts of a grown man helping his father provide for the family, it had all been there inside her mind, too. She knew he lived in a place with misty forests and perpetual rain, but he had no name for the location beyond the town of Forks. Isabella had never heard of such a place, and neither had any of the vampires she encountered on her search for her soulmate.

Memento Mori Prologue

1,500 Acres Ten Years Later

“You want me to do what?”

“Lower your voice, Edward.”

“She’s my baby! He’s old.”

“She’s twenty-two, and he’s thirty. Try again.”

“He’s too old for her.”

1,500 Acres Outtake

We ran through the dark like a pair of children, hands clasped and hushed giggles escaping my throat. I had never in my life done something quite so carefree, or even—dare I say—scandalous, and it made me slightly hysterical. The door to the truck creaked as Edward opened it, and I laughed some more, covering my mouth with my hand like it was some clandestine meeting rather than my truck in our backyard. There was very little moonlight so we did almost everything by memory instead of real sight. In my mind’s eye, I saw his green eyes shining with lust as he closed us in our temporary haven.

1,500 Acres Future Take Part Two

Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I can see it in your eyes
You can feel it from my heart
From here on after
Let's stay the way we are right now
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow

I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true

In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine

You will always be the miracle
That makes my life complete
And as long as there's a breath in me
I'll make yours just as sweet

As we look into the future
It's as far as we can see
So let's make each tomorrow
Be the best that it can be

I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine

And if along the way we find a day
It starts to storm
You've got the promise of my love
To keep you warm

~George Strait, I Cross My Heart

1,500 Acres Future Take Part One

Love ain't a candle

It doesn't burn for one night

And need the dark to shine

Love is alive

And love ain't just a word

In every dictionary

But nowhere defined

Love is a man and he's mine

Love is alive

And at our breakfast table

Every day of the week

Love is alive

And it grows every day and night

Even in our sleep

Love is alive

And it's made a happy woman out of me

Oh, love is alive

And here by me

Love ain't just a mood

A distant far away dream

That needs the night to rise

Love is alive

And love ain't just a song

Sweet words of music

To go dancin' by

Love is a man and he's mine

~ The Judds, Love is Alive

1,500 Acres Chapter 17

Delicate buds were perched like luminescent pearls on outstretched branches. They littered the ground like a kid gone crazy with confetti, leaving the most beautiful backdrop. Spring had arrived on the farm, and the signs were everywhere. Hatchlings squawked from the nests high in the trees, Lucy nursed a bow-legged foal, the pigpen was empty and had been moved, and—best of all—it was my wedding day.

1,500 Acres Chapter 16

The next morning found me on the porch with my coffee, as was my habit. It had snowed more overnight, and I loved to see my land and buildings covered in it. It gave everything a hushed, reverent feel. I’d already slipped on my muddy boots and wound my way to the horse barn, so there were tracks from me and Rusty, but other than that the snow was clean and smooth and perfect looking. I breathed deeply, enjoying the clean smell and crisp air.

1,500 Acres Chapter 15

There weren't any vehicles for sale in the entire county, at least not advertised. Most people around here kept their vehicles until they ran them into the ground, and then they fixed them or found someone to fix them. It had been a struggle without one for sure, but my friends had been generous and helpful in that regard. I would be happy to stop paying a delivery fee to Mike. Even though I loved the Newton family, I didn't need to pass off any more of my income than necessary. The only solution I could find to buying a truck was to go either to Buffalo, or even further to Woodwater.

1,500 Acres Chapter 14

I suppose I should have seen it coming, but it didn't occur to me until it was too late. When we all returned to the barn to hand our horses off to Seth, Carlisle tried to climb off Blaze by himself. The sight of him struggling to throw his leg over Blaze’s neck was so undignified, but that wasn't what made me shout for him to stop and let someone help. His ankle was turned in the stirrup as he swung his other leg over the saddle horn, and as a result he got tangled and fell off. It wasn't simply him falling, which would have been bad enough. It was that he was near the entrance of the stalls, where puddles had formed after the snow melted. Carlisle ended up ass first in sloppy mud.

1,500 Acres Chapter 13

The next day went pretty much as I expected. The Cullens arrived just after breakfast dressed in designer jeans that looked like they’d been starched and pressed. Esme’s coat wasn't fur, but it was an unfamiliar fabric that was really soft when she hugged me. I was pleased with her greeting and unwilling to begin the day on the wrong track, so I let go all of my preconceived ideas and acted like this wasn’t a working ranch that had several things waiting to be done.

1,500 Acres Chapter 12

Mr. and Mrs. Cullen were coming to my home. There was no doubt in my mind that they were going to judge my ranch and me, and they were going to give Edward a hard time for wanting to live here. I was sure he would tell them he was in love and wanted to marry me, and they would tell him his decisions were ruled by his dick. It was what I would have said to my child if they suddenly wanted to give up a stable job in the family business to go live in a city they knew nothing about after only a few months working on a ranch with a widow who became his lover.

1,500 Acres Chapter 11

His fingertips trailing over my face woke me up. I felt whole again, fully at peace and rested for the first time since he left two months ago. Hooded eyes were gazing at me as I blinked to clear the lingering sleep and reassure myself he was here, naked, in my bed.

1,500 Acres Chapter 10

Everything was the same the next morning. I didn't know what I expected, but there was nothing dramatic going on at my humble ranch. The night had been difficult; I used to relish being alone, bask in it, even. Now it was lonely and strange. My bed was cold and I missed having Edward pressed up against me. The breakfast table was too quiet, the horses too solemn. Rusty wandered aimlessly, probably looking for his friend. His dark, droopy eyes looked up at me despondently.

1,500 Acres Chapter 9

With the money I made during the month of August, I was able to pay off all of the debt that my husband had accrued. This helped me to begin saving money to pay a ranch hand to start by the beginning of September.

1,500 Acres Chapter 8

The rest of July went by in a blur. I was trying my best to live in the moment, to enjoy Edward and everything he had to offer. He was witty; he made me laugh until I almost peed in my pants. He was caring, insisting I took Sundays off while he tended to the animals. He was solicitous, constantly asking if I felt okay or if he’d hurt me. I was going out of my mind with lust for him some days, and I got a little carried away. I had to assure him that I liked it when he took control and that it didn't hurt or frighten me. I’d discovered his birthday was back in June and I insisted on baking him a cake. We might or might not have ended up with flour in interesting crevices.

1,500 Acres Chapter 7

As we ate the reheated dinner Rose left for us, Edward told me that he and Emmett had accomplished everything on my list and then some. I told him that my surrounding neighbors were coming over in August to help harvest the wheat. It was the first time in years, and it would save me bruises and cuts, sore muscles, and even crop losses. Around here, the community helped each other out without having to be asked. It was a small community and one I loved. I hadn't felt very much like I was a part of it since I was a teenager, which was a pity, but things were changing. They’d accepted me back into their circle without question.

1,500 Acres Chapter 6

The second the McCartys left, I felt nervous. Butterflies waged a war in my gut as I stood looking out the back door. I’d heard the front door open and close, and footsteps going up the stairs. The pipes groaned inside the walls as he turned on the shower, and my mind wandered back to thoughts of what he would look like naked. To distract myself, I watched Rusty shuffle off across the yard and smiled at the simplicity of his life.

1,500 Acres Chapter 5

I needed to put space between me and Edward in a way that was clear cut. I avoided him for the next few days, knowing he would tend to his chores while I tended to mine. I took my meals into my bedroom with me, feeling like a coward but unable to figure out a better way to send the message that we were never going to be more than a farmer and a hand. Rusty seemed to be more loyal to Edward, because he started to follow him around the property instead of me. I couldn't honestly blame him. I was miserable to be around.

1,500 Acres Chapter 4

My agitation at having the strange man in my house only seemed to grow as time went on. Rather than grow accustomed to his presence, he set me on edge. He was polite, helped out without being asked, and was up at the same time as me after the first week. He was perfect, and that was the crux of the problem.

1,500 Acres Chapter 3

I was up the next morning at five, as usual. I slipped on my shoes and headed out into the dark to get the animals fed. Rusty followed along as I added oats to the horses’ feeding troughs. Soon the wheat would be ready to harvest and I could feed the animals the separated chaff, but for now they would eat the feed I bought them. The chickens came next; I fed them before collecting their eggs to make sure they were happy by the time I got back to them. I didn't feed the cattle anything special, since they were strictly pasture animals, but I did make sure they had fresh water. I’d contemplated getting pigs for various reasons, but I couldn't afford the time and trouble yet, much less the cost to bring them on the farm.

1,500 Acres Chapter 2

BPOV

I had to stop and sit down; I was working myself to death, and I knew it. I sat on the bench outside the chicken coop and used my bandana to wipe my sweaty face. My old hound, Rusty, plopped his butt next to me, leaning in to my hand as I scratched his ear. It had been months since my bastard husband had been put in the ground, and I had lost fifteen pounds from all the extra work I was having to put in. I needed a solution, and I needed it quick.

1,500 Acres Chapter 1

One summer between high school and college changed Edward’s ideas about his life’s plans. Could he really build a life with a much older woman two thousand miles away?

12 Days of Christmas- 12

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

When two people who've lost their way come back together to create one.

Part Two- The Beginning

When they woke late in the morning, they discovered their little cabin had been snowed in. Bella laughed at the snow drift that had built up outside their door, blocking them inside their cocoon.

Edward raided the mini bar for chocolate and liquor, and they ate leftovers from the party placed in the fridge the previous night by an employee.

While they sat naked together on the bed, he realized it had been a very long time since he'd seen her without her clothes on. He was dying to ask her why she'd wanted a divorce; he didn't think it was merely the hours he worked.

Satisfied with the night and the morning, Bella sat against her husband, resting on his chest and running her hands over his forearms. "How do you manage to stay so toned when you work so much?" she murmured, tracing the definition of his muscles.

He frowned. "I use the gym in the company's building."

"Oh." Her continued movements nagged him, but he couldn't place why.

"Does it… bother you… that I don't?" she said hesitantly.

"Don't what?" His frown deepened, and he covered her hands with his. "Bella, what's going on? What was last night really about?"

She wouldn't look him in the eye, even when he shifted his head to try. Finally he grasped her face and stared until she met his gaze.

"I've gotten fat," she whispered, hating the tremulous sound of her voice.

There was nothing but silence as he tried to process her absurd words, and she felt ashamed for having pointed it out.

"What? What the fuck are you talking about?" This confused him almost as much as when she'd asked for a divorce.

"I've gained weight over the last year. At first, it was only ten pounds and I didn't care so much. Then it was twenty, and thirty, until I had go up a few sizes. I feel fat, and the women talk about me behind my back, only they don't know I can hear them." She was sobbing at the end of her tirade, and Edward had wrapped his arms her and started rocking.

"Baby, I don't care. I never have. You're beautiful to me, and I love your body. Didn't I show you last night how much I love it?"

"I didn't know. I didn't know!" she sobbed.

"If I made you feel bad about yourself because I never thought to tell you I didn't mind the weight, or I forgot to compliment you, I'm really fucking sorry." He thought about something she'd said, and he was floored. "What women?" he demanded. She shook her head. "Tell me!"

"Your employees," she mouthed.

"Are you kidding me? My employees had the gall to disrespect my wife? Which ones?" He untangled himself and stood, forgetting his nakedness. "I'll fire them right now, tell me which ones!"

She'd never been more turned on by her husband as he stood there, undignified as he paced naked, indignation all over his face. His cock was partially hard, raised and pointing in her direction. She giggled through her tears. She couldn't help herself, she giggled at the absurdity of it.

"Edward."

"Did you just laugh at me?" He strode to her, pulling her up to her knees to meet his height.

"You look wonderful, pacing like a proud lion around the room."

His grin was quick, and he pressed his mouth to hers, devouring her lips with his. "You were gorgeous at the party last night, did I forget to tell you?"

She snorted. "It took me two months to find that dress, and I stuffed my fat into Spanx to look decent."

"What the hell is a Spanx?"

She giggled again. "Body shaper. Don't worry about it."

"Well, your tits looked amazing, as they do now." His hands were everywhere, and she moaned as he dipped his head to lick at her breasts.

"What about Tanya?" the words lurched out of her mouth unbidden.

His movements came to an abrupt halt. "What does my assistant have to do with anything?"

Bella sighed. "I didn't mean to say that."

"Come on, now you have to tell me. Has she done something?"

Bella sat back, pulling a pillow around to hold in front of her. "She told me she was going to sleep with you," she said in a tiny voice.

He inhaled sharply. "What?" He felt like that was all he'd been saying for the past two days.

"Every time I was there, she would criticize my outfit, my hair. She told me you were tired of me, that I was the fat and ugly wife, but she was the young and exciting mistress."

He took her shoulders, sitting next to her on the bed. "She's fired. I'll call her today and tell her. That's despicable, I cannot believe she said all of that."

"You can't fire her on Christmas Eve, Edward." She traced patterns on the pillow in her lap.

"The fuck I can't. No one talks to my wife like that!" he shouted.

"I should have told you."

"Yes, you should have. How long has it been going on?"

Bella looked at the pillow she was fidgeting with. "Since the day I met her."

Edward groaned. "No wonder you were sick of me. Bella, you know that none of that is true, right?" She didn't answer him. "Right?"

"The others whispered that you stayed at night to fuck her in your office, because you were tired of your dumpy wife."

Her voice was quiet and pained. Edward felt his heart break for his wife, because he'd been too foolish to notice that his staff was hideous. He scrubbed his hand through his hair.

"They fed your insecurities, and it damn near ruined our marriage!" he was back to pacing, only this time Bella didn't find it funny.

"I understand that you're mad at me, Edward."

"Mad at you? I'm fucking pissed at the staff I trusted! They've betrayed me by doing this." He knelt by the bed, taking her hands. "I do wish you'd told me." She gave a wan smile, and he brushed her hair off her face. "I don't ever want you to feel unwanted or inadequate. I love you, and your body turns me on."

He brought her hand down as he stood, and together they stroked the fullness of his cock, the proof that she did indeed turn him on. When he moved over her, pushing her back into the bed, she smiled genuinely at him. She'd been foolish to not tell him what she'd been feeling, but she'd been afraid of rejection. The insecurities were in her own head, not a reflection of how he felt.

"I love you, and that's never going to change," he repeated his words from the night before as he nipped at her skin. She wrapped her legs around him and was thrilled at the strength she had to pull him to her.

When his cock slipped inside her waiting body, she felt more connected to him than she ever had before. She felt like they were a team again.

"They're all fired," he groaned, working his hips against hers. "I'll hire hot men for you to ogle."

She laughed breathlessly, running her fingers through his hair and dragging his lips down to hers. "I only want to ogle you," she responded.

"I love you, my gorgeous wife."

"I love you too, Edward. I love you so much."

They had the best Christmas of their marriage that year.