Holding On (38 page)

“Well, the holidays, if you’d like. And we thought it might be nice if you could be here sometime in mid-April.”

“Mid-April.” Roger nodded. “Easter is it?”

Daniel shrugged. “I don’t know. We just thought you’d like to be around to meet your newest grandchild.”

“Grandchild.” Roger’s eyebrows drew together.

Daniel waited for him to process what he’d said. He saw that Marienne was watching too.

Roger’s mouth fell open. He turned to Marienne. “Are you expecting?”

Marienne’s face blossomed into a grin. She nodded.

“Congratulations.” Roger gave her a big hug. “That’s wonderful. Simply wonderful news.” Clearly elated, he turned toward Daniel and extended his hand.

Daniel took it, shaking firmly.

“Congratulations, Daniel.” He raised his other hand to clap Daniel’s shoulder.

Daniel stepped toward him and gave him a brief hug. “Thanks, Dad.” The word felt odd coming out of his mouth, but when he caught the expression on Roger’s face as he pulled away, he was glad he’d said it. His eyes were moist, grateful, and full of love.

Ella called in from the other room. “Are you coming?”

Roger cleared his throat. “Yes, Ella, be right there.” He gave a nod to Daniel and ran his hand down Marienne’s arm then turned and left the room. “Now, where’s this new kitten of yours?”

Marienne slipped her hand into Daniel’s, her warm fingers linking with his. “I’m so proud of you.”

THE END

About Karen Stivali

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.

Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another, so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details.

Holding on
is a sequel to Karen’s first full-length novel,
Meant To Be.
Ever wonder how Daniel wound up married to his first wife, Justine? For a glimpse into their past, check out “All I Need” in TMP’s
Foreign Affairs
anthology.

Visit Karen’s website at
karenstivali.com
.

If you enjoyed Karen Stivali’s
Holding On
,

you might also enjoy these authors

published by Turquoise Morning Press:

Margaret Ethridge, author of
Contentment

Jennifer Johnson, author of
Rescuing Riley

Maddie James, author of
Crazy for You

Thank you!

for purchasing this book from

Turquoise Morning Press.

We invite you to visit our Web site to learn more about our

quality Trade Paperback and eBook selections.

As a gift to you for purchasing this book, please use
COUPON CODE Ebook15
during your visit to receive
15% off
any digital title in our Turquoise Morning Press Bookstore.

http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com

Turquoise Morning Press

Because every good beach deserves a book.

www.turquoisemorningpress.com

~~~~

Sapphire Nights Books

Because sometimes the beach isn’t hot enough.

www.sapphirenightsbooks.com