daniwritessometimes

[daniwritessometimes]

Setting up Book 2 in the middle of Book 1!

            Athena asked suddenly, “Is he going to marry her?”

            “I’m sure he is.”

            “And what do I do?”

            “I don’t know, Thee.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Possibly marry again yourself?”

            “I don’t have anything to offer a new husband. I have enough money for me and Charlotte. And I have the house. But I don’t have anything else. What man is going to want to marry a widow with a baby?”

            “The right one.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze and then let go. “What was that?”

            She heard the giggling then. They both moved forward to find Sebastian and Jessalyn behind a tree. Jess had her back leaned against it and Sebastian was close, twirling a bit of her hair around his finger.

            “I don’t think so.” Alec stepped forward and took his brother by the arm. “You come with me.”

            “Alec!” Jess protested.

            Alec turned and pointed. “No, Jessalyn. This isn’t happening.” He turned and continued to drag Sebastian into the house.

            Jess slouched against the tree.

            Athena stepped forward and leaned against the side of the tree beside her. “I know what you’re feeling.”

            “You don’t know a damned thing, Athena.” Jess crossed her arms.

            “I do know. And I know you are just starting your marriage look. Any young man would be happy to marry you. You need to be careful, though. Sebastian is planning to join the navy. He cannot marry you if something happens.”

            “Nothing can happen.”

            Athena pushed away from the tree. “Has your mother spoken to you about intercourse?”

            “She told me enough when I started my cycles.” Jess’s cheeks turned red. “I didn’t plan to go to bed with him.”

            “Come with me.” She held out her hand and Jess took it.

[daniwritessometimes]

Hey!!! I read a couple of your snippets from the posts. And I love it. Can you please tell me where I can read the Osborne from the beginning...

Thank you so much!

Currently there isn't a place. I am in the process of writing them. But I have considered making a Tumblrblog or using another site.

[daniwritessometimes]

Osbornes Two Snippet

This bit I am about to share is the precursor to something I have been planning for this story for a long time. I really hope it makes it into the final version.

As always, please let me know if you would like to be tagged in any updates. I am considering uploading full chapters, but still undecided on that front.

(Summary: Jessalyn Seymour-Wyndham had a small fling with Alxander Osborne's younger brother Sebastian and ended up getting pregnant. Due to Sebastian joining the navy, Alec and Jess decided to marry each other and allow Sebastian to follow his dream. This scene is from Alec and Jess's wedding night. The pair are playing backgammon in Jess's room.)

“I wish Sebastian could have stayed another day,” Alec said as they set up the board.

 “Mm,” Jess said softly.

 He paused. “It really was by your choice? And you enjoyed it with him? Tell me, Jess.”

 “It was.” She sighed. “You say he spoke often of his conquests with you. Well, he spoke of them with me, too. And I asked if he wanted me to be one. So I was. And I was not entirely underwhelmed, but he was mostly concerned about himself. And I barely…” She turned an adorable shade of pink as she trailed off. “Well, it was decent.”

“Is that part of the reason you didn’t want to marry him? Mediocre sex for the rest of your life?”

She laughed. “No, not really. I would hope that it would improve with time together.” She shrugged. “It was mostly that I knew if we married, he wouldn’t be able to go right away. And he would resent me for that. And then, when he did leave and was gone for years, I would resent him. It wouldn’t be a happy marriage. No time for mediocre sex when there wouldn’t be any for years at a time.”

He laughed. “Well, I can tell you, it’s not always much better than mediocre. But, it is nice to think about trying new things with the same person. And doing the same things with them as well, if that’s what’s preferred.”

They played without conversation for several minutes before she asked, “So do you have a mistress? Or is it all just conquests for you, too?”

“I’ve never had a mistress. I have had a decent amount of sex with a small number of women. Some of them for months at a time, some just once was enough.”

“So you know a thing or two?”

He chuckled. “A thing or two, yes.”

She swallowed. “What is your favorite thing?”

Alec could feel his cheeks heating up. Why was that? He kept his eyes on the game as he said, “I quite enjoy taking a woman from behind.”

“Hm.” Jess was quiet again.

He lifted his eyes to watch her. She bit her lip. That was adorable. He wanted to kiss her again in that moment. Pull her across his lap and—

“That sounds very impersonal, though. Can’t see in each other’s eyes.”

“It’s easier to rub the woman’s pleasure spot while thrusting.”

She cleared her throat. “Well, then. I suppose that would make sense. Is that something that helps the man as well?”

“Yes.” His voice was husky.

They finished the game in silence and Alec quickly excused himself.

[daniwritessometimes]

So I started book 2 this weekend.

I got to a point in book one where it felt perfect for an overlap to happen. So events in books 1 and 2 are on a very close similar timeline. Books 3 and 4 may also end up that way, but I'll have to figure that one out when I get there.

[daniwritessometimes]

Osbornes One - First Chapter

Please feel free to share. Let me know if you would like to be tagged in any updates.

Chapter One One Year Later "I don't want to leave you, my little love." Athena pressed a kiss to ber baby girl's face. "But I made a promise to your great-aunt that I would watch over Jessalyn at her first ball." She kissed her again and handed her to her nanny. "As soon as I get home, I will come see her." "Yes, ma'am, of course," Sophie said. Athena went to her room where she donned her gown for the night. It was deep shades of grey with deep purple trimmings. It was not quite a ball gown, but nice enough that she wouldn't completely stand out like a sore thumb. She was there to chaperone. Alec met her at the bottom of the stairs. He wore a dark red coat over a grey waistcoat patterned with roses. His breeches were the same shade of grey as his waistcoat. "Just because we're twins doesn't mean we need to match," She said as he helped her into her wrap. "Excuse me, my coat is red. If I was going to match you, I would have chosen the purple. And I look hideous in purple." He held out his arm. "Besides that, I just got this waistcoat and purple wouldn't have done well with the roses." "Well, you look quite handsome. All the ladies will be falling over themselves to dance with you." "I promised the waltz to Jess yesterday." He helped her up into the carriage. "She said she was still too nervous with that one to dance with anyone else."

"Don't let her fall in love with you," Athena teased.

Alec laughed, "Wouldn't dream of it."

"The dress is light pink," Jessalyn explained to Charlie. "The sleeves puff at the shoulders. The skirt has roses embroidered around the hem."

"I assume you are wearing a matching bonnet and carrying the complementing fan."

"I am." Charlie smiled, "It sounds quite pretty. Especially they way Mama was bustling around you." He paused a moment. "Are you as worried for her as I am?"

She placed a hand on his arm. "Mama has done this twice already. She'll be fine."

"But this one is more dangerous. Papa is staying close." "She said he did that with both of us. Stop worrying. You're supposed to loosen up and charm some ladies."

"Can't charm ladies who prefer to dance rather than talk." She poked his side. "There will be someone, Chip. Just smile and relax."

He turned to her and gave her his most dazzling smile. "Good enough."

She brushed a lock of hair off his forehead. "Perfect. I do have a few friends who would be interested, you know? I will introduce you."

"Thank you." They sat in silence through the rest of the carriage ride.

Once it stopped, Charlie made his way out and held out his hand for Jess. Once out of the carriage, she slipped her arm through his and started chattering about the sights around them as she led them to the receiving line. He adored how much she described things to him. She'd picked it up from their parents from the time she could start to talk. Alec and Athena did as well. But Jess did it with such enthusiasm that Charlie owed to her artistic mind.

"Chip!" Alec called. A moment later his friend clapped him on the shoulder. "Thee and I have been waiting for you." He purposely took Jess's arm from Charlie's.

There was a moment of silence in which Charlie was sure the twins were speaking to each other with their gestures.

Then Athena's gardenia scent overwhelmed his senses as she slipped her arm into Charlie's. "You look quite handsome tonight," Athena said softly.

"Thank you. I assume you look quite pretty, even in half mourning."

She took in a sharp breath. "Alec says so. But I can't take his word for it, he's my brother."

They made their way through the receiving line to greet the hosts.

Once inside, the sound was disorienting. "Would you like to go to the games room?" Jess asked.

He gave her a withering look. "Aren't I supposed to meet your friends?"

"I can bring them in there," Jess said, slipping her arm into his empty one. "The crowd is smaller and the conversation less superficial."

He smiled down at his little sister. "I do appreciate how you attempt to take care of me. But I'll remain in here for now. Just steer me toward a corner." He looked between the ladies on his arms. "One or the other of you, at least."

"I will procure refreshment," Athena said, removing her arm from his. "Come along, baby brother."

"You're only older than me by four minutes," Alec argued as they walked away.

Jess found Charlie a spot near the terrace doors. He could smell the fresh air coming through them.

She guided him to a chair. "It's about ten steps to your right to get out."

"I can tell where the light changes, Jessie. Thank you, though."

She kissed his cheek and turned to speak to her group of friends who had found her. Their voices overlapped and then mingled with the rest of the crowd.

Part of Charlie wished he could dance. He did know the steps to all the dances, but of course without being able to see the others, he would make the biggest fool of himself. So he always sat at these balls. And waited for sympathetic people to introduce themselves or for someone desperate to introduce their daughter to any bachelor.

"This is my brother," Jess was saying. "Lord Charles Seymore-Wyndham, this is Miss Margaret Latham."

Charlie stood and held out his hand. She took it and he bent over it. "Lovely to meet you, Miss Latham."

"And you, Lord Charles." The young woman's voice was deeper than some of the other ladies he often was introduced to.

Jess cleared her throat at the awkward silence. "Margot, my brother is very fond of taking a turn about the room. I'm sure your mama wouldn't object as long as you stay within her eyesight."

"Yes, go on, Margot." This came from an older woman. "I shall be right here when you return."

"Jessalyn, where is Athena?" Charlie asked.

"I am here," Athena said. "Hello, Mrs. Latham. How lovely to see you and your daughter this evening."

"Lady Athena," the older woman said, "How is your baby?"

"Growing like a wild vine." Athena chuckled. "Oh, good evening, Margot."

"Good evening, Lady Athena."

Charlie held out his arm to Margaret. "Shall we take that turn about then?"

"Yes, of course." She slipped her arm into his.

He murmured, "I must ask you to please guide me around people and obstacles."

"Of course, it is no problem."

They walked in a comfortable silence for a while, greeting those they passed.

Once they were for sure out of earshot, Margaret broke the silence. "This is my fourth season," she said quickly. "No proposals. I think I scare men away when I start to tell them about my interest in plants. Especially flowers. Are you fond of flowers, Lord Charles?"

Charlie grinned, "I must admit I know very little about flowers. Please tell me your favorite."

She giggled. "Oh, it's difficult for me to name a favorite." She continued to talk about several different flowers, naming their scientific names as well as the common ones. She explained the different scents and shapes and other characteristics.

Charlie was glad of it. She had a kind voice and demeanor.

They arrived back where they started. "Thank you for listening, Lord Charles."

"Thank you for telling me about those flowers." He heard someone clear their throat and he was certain it was Jessalyn. "May I call tomorrow and you can show me your garden?"

"Mama?"

"Please, do, Lord Charles," said Mrs. Latham.

[daniwritessometimes]

I am determined to finish a story this year and work toward publishing!!

Anyway, here's the prologue:

Athena Osborne-Jones sat in the middle of the room as everyone milled about. Her black clothes and maternity corset hid her growing belly. No one was told officially yet other than her twin Alec and her dear friend Charles Seymore-Windham. Charlie.

She looked across the room where Charlie and Alec stood together chatting with one of Martin's brothers. He was the defacto heir until the baby was born. If it was a boy, that is. If she had a girl, the land and all titles went to Michael. She would still get a house in London, as would the child, boy or girl.

Charlie squinted around the room. He was mostly blind, but he could see enough to spot where he and Alec had left her. He touched Alec's arm and said something to him before slowly making his way toward where she sat.

"Do you need anything?" Charlie asked softly.

She shook her head.

"It's a little dark in this corner, Thee, I can't see getsures well."

"I don't need anything, Charlie." She took hold of his sleeve. "Just sit here a moment, please."

He took the chair she guided him toward and leaned closer. "Your brother-in-law is already talking about what he wants to change."

Athena sighed. "Of course he is. He never liked how I decorated the house. Nor that Martin allowed me to do so in the first place."

"I don't like him."

She snorted a soft laugh and then started sobbing again. "This is the worst thing that could have ever happened."

He reached out a hand to pat her arm, but missed and his hand touched her stomach.

She let out a soft sound and he pulled his hand away quickly. "Apologies, my lady," Charlie said softly.

"Don't do that," Athena scolded. She wiped at her eyes. "I need to be alone." She got up and walked quickly out of the room.

--

Charlie listened as her feet hurried out of the room and up the stairs. No doubt to her room. Would everyone still be here much longer? The immediate family had been here for the last several days and planned to stay for another week as Athena settled in. Alec promised to stay as long as Athena needed. He had brought with him all the legal documents they needed to go over.

He stood and found his way out the back door and into the garden. He slowly walked around the path that led to the little rose garden in the middle. The bench was warm from the summer day. Charlie closed his eyes and lifted his face toward the sun.

Alec found him a short time later. "What did you say to her?"

"I accidentally touched her stomach. But I don't think that's what sent her off."

Alec sighed and sat down beside Charlie. "What bullshit, eh?"

Charlie looked toward him. "How long do you think you'll stay?"

"Through the end of her confinement at least." Alec swiped up Charlie's cane. "Will you stay, too?"

"I don't think Matthews and Andrews will allow both of us to be gone for the next several months."

Alec took the cane and ballanced it on his finger. "I'm not going to be here the whole time. I'll return for all the trials and for meetings. It's just an hour into London from here. But I won't leave her completely alone."

Charlie stood and tried to swipe the cane out of his hand. He missed and stumbled into the rosebush, slicing up his face on the thorns.

"Fuck!" Alec exclaimed, pulling him up out of the plant. "I'm sorry, Chip. Let's go get you cleaned up."

--

"What in the world were you doing?" Athena asked sharply as she cleaned out the cuts on Charlie's face.

"Alec stole my cane," Charlie said.

"I was bored," Alec protested.

"Right into my rosebushes." Athena finished. "At least it was enough to send the extras home when you came in bleeding all over my carpet."

"I didn't bleed that much," Charlie pointed out.

"There's a fair number of scratches, though." This came from his father Horace as he walked back into the drawing room followed by Audrey, Sarah, and Wulfric.

"I figured." Charlie looked to Athena. "Are you done yet?"

"Yes, I am, you baby." She picked up her things and headed out of the room.

"Talking of babies..." Sarah trailed off.

Athena nodded. "Yes. In about four months."

She walked out of the room to deposit the bloody cloths and her bag of medical supplies in the hall. She turned to find her mother and aunt standing there waiting for her. She motioned for them to follow and she turned to Martin's study.

Sarah wrapped her arms around her daughter and held her close.

Folded into her mother's arms, Athena started sobbing again. How could she still be crying? How could there still be tears? She's been doing so for over a week.

When she finally pulled away, Audrey handed her a cup of tea. "You are entering a very important club."

"But I don't want to be. Not without him. Life isn't fair. And I can't help but think..." She trailed off.

"About Charlie," Audrey finished for her.

Athena sipped her tea. "Is this punishment, do you think?"

Sarah squeezed her hand. "Audrey and I advised you toward this. If it is wrong, it's our fault. But we all worked out that Martin was the better choice at the time."

"And I broke Charlie's heart. I would never have broken Martin's." She put her tea cup down and walked toward the desk. She trailed her fingers over the papers left exactly how Martin had left them. "What would have happened if I had rejected Martin's offer?"

"He would have died alone. He would have had to give everything to his brother sooner. Just pray the baby is a boy and that Michael doesn't take everything from under you before then."

[daniwritessometimes]

I am super behind! But here's some sexy times:

In Richard's room, Vick took hold of the front of his shirt and pulled him in for a deep kiss. She loosened all the buttons and pushed it off his shoulders. He allowed her to take charge, not touching her until he was in just his pants.

Then he took hold of her hips and guided her toward the bed. He slowly untied her dressing gown and then pulled it away. "Are you wearing any knickers under that nightgown?"

She shook her head with a wicked grin.

"Glorious." He pulled the gown up slowly as he took charge of the kiss once more. His fingers finally brushed against her bare skin and he grasped tightly. "You already feel fantastic. I can't wait to be inside you."

"Slow down, young man. We have quite a way to go before that happens."

He let out a growl. "I like you reminding me you're older than me. Does it make you experienced, Victoria?"

"I've been with my fair share of men. I know what I'm doing." She slipped her hand down his pants and started rubbing him.

He lifted her hand away. "As you said, not yet." Richard pulled the nightgown over Victoria's head and dropped it to the side on top of her robe.

"Get on the bed," she ordered.

He pushed his pants to the ground and did as she commanded.

She followed. Hands and mouths roamed. Victoria felt herself growing more and more aroused, but she also sensed something was holding Richard back.

She cupped her hand over his face and looked at him. "Is something wrong?"

He sighed. "I've been struggling with impotence."

She trailed her thumb over his lips and then kissed him. "This isn't a problem. Perhaps it will all work out of we give it a bit more time."

"And then perhaps not." He slipped his hand between them. "I can at least help you. If you want."

"I do want." She moved closer and draped her leg over his hip.

His fingers gently rubbed over the hard nub as he kissed her. She ground her hips against him. He slipped his fingers inside her and pressed his palm against her clit.

"God, that's nice." Her voice came out in a pant. "So nice."

"Tell me, are you close?"

"So close." She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her nails into him. "Richard," she moaned and then pressed her mouth into his to stifle her groan as she came.

[daniwritessometimes]

NaNo 2023 - Just shy of 2500 words!

"You're late!" Beryl said to Rich as he walked into the drawing room the next morning.

"Please don't shout." He dropped into the closest chair and accepted the cup of tea sat at his elbow a moment later.

"You stayed out drinking all night with your friends again?" She scolded.

"I did. And then came here afterward, of course." He sipped the tea. "I'm going to go to bed and sleep until the ball." He looked up at a comotion at the door. There was a familiar-looking woman just a little older than him. In his foggy brain, he remembered who she was. "Victoria Osborne?" She looked at him a moment and then smiled.

"Little Dickie!" He groaned.

"Sir Richard, if you please." He stood, rubbing his head. "I will see you both this evening." He walked out of the room, but turned slightly as he walked past Victoria to examine her figure.

Beryl cleared her throat, she noticed it seems.

[daniwritessometimes]

First 555 Words

It Keeps No Record of Wrongs

Love Never Fails 7

By Danielle Cheri

NaNoWriMo 2023

Chapter One

1911

Beryl Dyer was Victoria Osborne's oldest and dearest friend. They had been playmates for as long as Vick could remember. It was a little stab every time one of her friends married or had a child, but it was an assault when Beryl announced her own engagement.

Vick smiled and hugged Beryl and told her how happy she was for her. But deep down she was having a crisis. The pair of them had each respectively celebrated their 25th birthdays. The biggest difference was that Beryl was always surrounded by interesting men, but Vick rarely was. Sure, there were plenty that were attreacted to her and paid calls, but she never felt anything beyond friendly with most of them.

Sometimes, when she was feeling particularly petty, she blamed other members of her family. Susan, Anthony, and Zoe lived very comfortably together in their modest home. No one ever said aloud that her brother and sister shared their relationship with Susan, but every wione knew. And Anthony had been arrested for indecency when he was found in a compromising position with another man. This had been long before Victoria was born, but if she knew about it, then so did all of London.

Then there was Jason and his wife. Or rather, his husband, she supposed. But that was a slightly better secret than Anthony's past. Though there was plenty of talk about the man who had moved into the house Jason and his wife had once shared. And they way Michael treated Phillip, it was easy to see that there was more to the man than one first saw.

Beryl brought the invitation in person as the summer started to set in. It was a pretty cream with gold lettering.

"You are cordially invited to the nuptuals…."

Vick smiled, "A country wedding?"

Beryl laughed, "Yes. I know it sounds quaint, but Mama insisted we show hospitality and do somwthing out of the ordinary. Besides, Rupert's family actually owns the neighboring estate, so we've decided to make quite thr show of it. Your mother is invited, too, of course. We wouldn't dream of leaving her out so soon after your father's passing. And Mama has offered to be her companion the whole time she isn't fretting over the wedding. She also thinks your mother will have plenty of insight to the final preparations with how many of you there were."

Vick gave a laugh that she didn't entirely feel. "I'll make sure to pass this along to Mama. But unofficially we accept the invitation."

"That's just grand!" Beryl gave Vick a warm embrace and then sat back. "And don't you worry, Rupert and I are putting our heads together about all the elegiable men from both our guest lists and will introduce you to as many of them as we can at all the festivities leading up. Perhaps you can find your prince." She leaned in close, "Or at least find someone to have a memorable affair with."

Victoria felt her cheeks turning red. "Either way, I will do my best to be a good sport about it, but please leave it to a minimum."

Beryl held out her pinkie. "Promise."

Vick wrapped her own pinkie around Beryl's.

[daniwritessometimes]

First 555 Words

It Keeps No Record of Wrongs

Love Never Fails 7

By Danielle Cheri

NaNoWriMo 2023

Chapter One

1911

Beryl Dyer was Victoria Osborne's oldest and dearest friend. They had been playmates for as long as Vick could remember. It was a little stab every time one of her friends married or had a child, but it was an assault when Beryl announced her own engagement.

Vick smiled and hugged Beryl and told her how happy she was for her. But deep down she was having a crisis. The pair of them had each respectively celebrated their 25th birthdays. The biggest difference was that Beryl was always surrounded by interesting men, but Vick rarely was. Sure, there were plenty that were attreacted to her and paid calls, but she never felt anything beyond friendly with most of them.

Sometimes, when she was feeling particularly petty, she blamed other members of her family. Susan, Anthony, and Zoe lived very comfortably together in their modest home. No one ever said aloud that her brother and sister shared their relationship with Susan, but every wione knew. And Anthony had been arrested for indecency when he was found in a compromising position with another man. This had been long before Victoria was born, but if she knew about it, then so did all of London.

Then there was Jason and his wife. Or rather, his husband, she supposed. But that was a slightly better secret than Anthony's past. Though there was plenty of talk about the man who had moved into the house Jason and his wife had once shared. And they way Michael treated Phillip, it was easy to see that there was more to the man than one first saw.

Beryl brought the invitation in person as the summer started to set in. It was a pretty cream with gold lettering.

"You are cordially invited to the nuptuals…."

Vick smiled, "A country wedding?"

Beryl laughed, "Yes. I know it sounds quaint, but Mama insisted we show hospitality and do somwthing out of the ordinary. Besides, Rupert's family actually owns the neighboring estate, so we've decided to make quite thr show of it. Your mother is invited, too, of course. We wouldn't dream of leaving her out so soon after your father's passing. And Mama has offered to be her companion the whole time she isn't fretting over the wedding. She also thinks your mother will have plenty of insight to the final preparations with how many of you there were."

Vick gave a laugh that she didn't entirely feel. "I'll make sure to pass this along to Mama. But unofficially we accept the invitation."

"That's just grand!" Beryl gave Vick a warm embrace and then sat back. "And don't you worry, Rupert and I are putting our heads together about all the elegiable men from both our guest lists and will introduce you to as many of them as we can at all the festivities leading up. Perhaps you can find your prince." She leaned in close, "Or at least find someone to have a memorable affair with."

Victoria felt her cheeks turning red. "Either way, I will do my best to be a good sport about it, but please leave it to a minimum."

Beryl held out her pinkie. "Promise."

Vick wrapped her own pinkie around Beryl's.

[daniwritessometimes]

I haven't been on here much in a while.

But, folks, it's almost National Novel Writing Month!!!!

So I will share on my writing blog @daniwritessometimes through the month.

The last few years have been a bust, but I'm going to really try to win this year. I am going to work on an Osborne (Love Never Fails) Series book that has age gap where the leading lady is older than the leading man. I don't have many other details sorted because I'm a pamtser when it comes to writing. It will take place at the LM's country home as the LL is besties with his sister and has invited LL to the home for a few weeks after her initial mourning period for her father.

Main romantic characters are Victoria (Tori/Torey/Vick-haven't fully decided on her nickname as I have an employee named Tori and I'm not sure I want that name or spelling) and Richard (Little Dickie). The others will have names at least by November 1st, even as place holders.

I would appreciate any and all support with this. If you want to follow along, follow the writer blog tagged above.

[daniwritessometimes]

I'm Back! With another snippet from Love Never Fails series!!

They walked up the stairs in silence, switching off lights as they went. They hesitated just outside the doors to their rooms before Anthony tugged her into his. They kissed again once inside the room and then walked to the bed. "Do you have a side you prefer?" Susan asked. Anthony laughed. "I always sleep directly in the middle." "Not tonight." She shed her clothes as she walked to the far side of the bed and climbed under the blanket. He swallowed. "Do you often sleep naked?" "Yes. But I can be dressed if you prefer." He shook his head. "No, that's all right." He hesitated before he pulled his shirt off over his head. "Would you mind looking away a moment?" He waited until she faced the other direction before he shucked his trousers and slid into the other side of the bed. She rolled over and smiled. "Can I hold you?" "How?" "How do you usually sleep?" "On my stomach." She sat up and gestured. "Get yourself comfortable, then." Anthony rolled to his stomach and settled with his hands under the pillow. A moment later, Susan wrapped her arm around his back and slid her hand into one of his under the pillow. She kissed his cheek and then settled her head against his. "Is this all right?" She asked softly. "Yes." He yawned and closed his eyes. He easily fell asleep in her arms.

[daniwritessometimes]

Love is Kind - Chapter One(!)

I ended up writing more than one chapter on this one, so I decided to share the whole first chapter. I will tag below all the people who have interacted with the previous posts. Please let me know if you don’t want to be part of it and I can remove you. If you read this and decide you want updates, please let me know and I will add you to the tags in any future posts.

Love is Kind is book 2 of the Love Never Fails Series starring the Osborne siblings, To see the overview, please go here.

Jessalyn moved through the house. There were too many people. There were always too many people. The Osborne and Seymore-Wyndham families were together a lot, especially in the wake of the news that Audrey Seymour-Wyndham and Wulfric Osborne weren’t the siblings they always assumed they were as Audrey grew up.

She had reached the library and heard the laughter on the other side. Charlie, Athena, and Alec were inside. The three of them were often inseparable when everyone was together. And even more now that Athena and Charlie had finally married after the birth of Athena’s child with her late husband.

Jess opened up the door and smiled at the trio.

Charlie turned his head toward her. “Hello, Little Sister.”

“I still don’t understand how you can tell everyone apart.” Jess took a seat beside Athena and reached over to tickle her niece’s tiny foot.

“It’s the way you walk,” Charlie said. “Also, you always huff like you’re put upon when you walk into any room and find it occupied. Even though I am entirely certain you heard us in here.”

Jess stuck her tongue out at Charlie.

“Did she just stick her tongue out at me?” Charlie asked.

Alec chuckled. “She most certainly did.”

Charlie gave her a ruder gesture with his hand. The room erupted in laughter again.

Baby Charlotte started crying.

Athena made a face. “Time to get you upstairs to change your nappy.” She stood and walked across to Charlie. “Give your Papa love.”

“I’m coming with you.” Charlie stood and his hand easily found the small of Athena’s back.

Athena looked over her shoulder at Alec. “We’ll be back shortly.”

Jess waited until they were out of the room and then she closed the door. She turned. “I have an issue.”

Alec picked up a scientific journal from the table and stood. “I feel honored you have come to me. However, I am not sure how well I can help.” He made his way toward a shelf and put the book up before taking out another.

Best to get it all out. “I’m pregnant.”

He paused before he sat down. “That isn’t good.” He tapped the book against his hand. “How far along?”

“Just shy of two months.”

He nodded and continued to tap the book on his hand for a few seconds. Then he sat it down and guided her back to the sofa. “There are a few options–”

“I don’t want to terminate. I have heard so many horror stories about women dying. Or if they don’t, they can’t have children again when they want to.” She wrung her hands. “I do want to be a mother. But I am just eighteen.”

Alec nodded. “In that case, you still have some choices. The first is going off and having the baby without many people knowing. The second is to marry. Will this man want to marry you?”

Jess shook her head. “He has a plan for his life and a wife and child would not work with it. And I don’t see being with him long-term.”

“Is he cruel?”

“Goodness, no. He is very kind. But I don’t think he and I would work out.”

He nodded. “We need to find an eligible man you do find compatible. And we need to do it quickly.” He stood and started pacing. He muttered to himself and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Would you do it?” Her voice was very small.

Alec shot to his feet. “Is that why you came in here?”

Chewing her lip, Jess nodded. “I know you still have plenty of time to find a wife, but everyone is wondering about your prospects. You spend a lot of time with your friends and not a lot of time wooing women.”

He heaved a sigh and sat down heavily beside her. “You’re right. It was the conclusion I was coming to, actually. I was running through all the men I know who are in the market for a wife and I cannot see any of them with you.” He poked her arm. “You’re far too picky.”

She smiled and took hold of his hand. “I promise if you decide to do this with me that I will be the best wife possible.”

He squeezed her hand and then got on his knees before her. “Listen, I don’t need you to make any promises other than to take care of yourself and let me help you to become who you want to be. In return, I promise to raise your child as my own and no one will ever need to know the difference.”

“What about our parents, though? What do we say to them? That’s the last bit I haven’t worked out.”

Just then the door opened and several people streamed in, Wulfric and Sarah at the front.

“Alec, what on earth?” Sarah asked, her hand to her throat.

Alec and Jess exchanged a look and then he stood and pulled her up with him. “Jess has agreed to marry me.”

At that, the group exploded with a mixture of joy and anger.

Horace pushed his way to the front. “I would have appreciated a conversation before this. We didn’t even know the pair of you were interested in each other.”

“It just sort of happened–” Alec began.

Wulfric cut in. “I believe we need to make this a private conversation.” He turned and motioned for everyone else to leave.

****

Alec pinched the bridge of his nose. This was ridiculous. But he did need to be married. Tristan had told him it was not good for the pair of them to be together all the time. But no women made Alecs heard beat the way Tristan did. And Jess needed a husband desperately in her situation. There was no other way out of this.

Once the door was shut again, Wuffric and Horace both glared at Alec.

Jess squeezed his hand. “Alec and I are getting married. We’d like to do it quickly.”

What was she thinking? “What Jess is trying to say–”

“How dare you?” Horace exploded.

Before Alec knew it, he and Horace were on the ground. The older man kept hitting him and he just tried to defend himself.

“Enough!” Audrey said, hauling her husband off Alec. “What on earth are you thinking, Horace?”

Horace looked to Jess. Alec saw it too. Not even two months along and her hand was stretched incriminatingly over her stomach. Damn.

He hurried and took her hand. Best to keep going with the lie. “Yes, Jess is, uh, well…”

“You’re having a baby?” Audrey said in wonder, looking at her daughter. “Oh, Jessie, I wish you had waited a little longer.” She walked over and took Jess’s face in her hands. “Yes, we can make sure everything is properly arranged, my dear.” Audrey kissed Jess’s cheek. She turned to Horace. “You apologize to Alec this instant.”

“I won’t.” Horace poked his finger hard into Alec’s chest. “How dare you violate my daughter?”

Sarah broke in, “Were you forced, Jess?”

“No,” Jess’s voice came out in a  surprised squeak.

“Then the violation was mutual, Horace.” Sarah shook her head at her son. “I thought you would know better.” She sighed and then turned away, threading her arm through Audrey’s and pulling Jess out of the room. “Let the men work this out. We have some quick planning to do.”

Wulfric walked over to the table in the corner where the liquor sat. He poured out three glasses and passed them out. He sipped on his and looked at the book that sat on the arm of the sofa. “Alec, I trust you believe you are making the right choice.”

“Yes, Papa. What other choice do I have?” He’d have to hold into this lie for the rest of his life, best to follow through right now. For a fleeting moment, he thought of running away to Gretna Green with Jess to marry in secret. No chance at all for that now.

“You should have kept to yourself to begin with,” Horace snapped.

“Drink and calm yourself, Horace,” Wulfric advised. He paced and sipped his drink. “Now, Alec, as we have established you and Jessalyn have been stupid enough to not take more care in coupling–”

“Papa, please–”

“Then the wedding should take place in no more than a month and you need to go to one of my more remote estates until the childs is born and hope that mathematics isn’t the most common skill amongst the ton. Of course, yours won’t be the first or the last.”

Horace said something rude under his breath.

Wulfric continued, “I’ll send along a midwife to help monitor Jess through her time.”

Alec nodded.

“You’ll receive a higher allowance, but I trust you have started to make your own investments.”

“Yes, I have. And I’ll purchase a home before the wedding so we have somewhere to return after the baby is born.”

“No need.” Horace had finally recovered himself. “As part of Jess’s dowry, there is a home in Grosvenor Square. It currently has tenants, but I can inform them of their eviction in a year’s time.”

“Thank you.” Alec gave him a smile. “I never meant any harm, honestly. I really should have known better. But here we are. There’s no turning back now.”

As the older men continued to talk about the plans and giving Alec husbandly advice, Alec’s mind wandered to Tristan. Would he be happy for Alec? Or would this make him jealous? Of course, there was no reason he couldn’t make a visit during his and Jess’s seclusion, right?

__________

Again, I am going to tag all the people who have previously interacted with these posts. If you wish to be removed, please let me know. If you are only interested in one story, let me know that too. And if you aren’t tagged and wish to be, please let me know.

@lemonluvgirl @mollywog @b-boop5 @sudenmorsian @ldyglfr62 @bfinleyb @alexandramo24 @wizardwix @kyloknightren @broken-everlark @snixaroo

[daniwritessometimes]

It Is Not Proud - Love Never Fails 5

This is the 5th book of the Osborne series. I actually have never written a single word of this one until now. Sebastian has evolved over the years, so this one should be interesting.

....

Sebastian slowly opened his eyes. His head was pounding and his throat was scratchy. He looked up at an unfamiliar wooden ceiling.

“You’re awake!” An excited female voice said.

He looked over to see a young blonde girl poke her head out the open door and call for someone to fetch the doctor. She came back and smiled down at him.

“We thought you’d never wake again,” the young woman said. Her accent was hard to follow and his head was pounding just trying. “The doctor said your heart was strong and your lungs weren’t full of water–”

Sebastian interrupted, “Where am I?” His voice was so raspy.

“Lamb Head Broch.” [Orkney Island; placeholder for now]

“Water, please?”

She poured some water into a tin cup and handed it over and helped him to sit up. “I’m Elizabeth.”

“Sebastian.” He drank the water down and then collapsed on the bed once more. “What happened to me?”

“All we know is you washed up on the beach last week. You have a broken leg and there was a very nasty gash to your head. You kept asking for your mama, but we couldn’t get anything else.”

A young man with a pronounced limp came into the room. “Hello, I’m Doctor Smythe.” He put down his bag and started pulling out instruments. “And you are?”

“Sebastian Osborne.”

“Ah, a Londoner! I got my medical license there.” He looked over Sebastian and examined his head.

As the doctor poked and prodded, he could finally feel the concentration of the pain just at his temple. He hissed at the doctor’s fingers poking at the wound.

A gruff voice said from the doorway, “You know how you got here?”

Sebastian tried to shake his head, but it hurt too much. “Last I remember, I was on a ship headed north from Liverpool.” He squinted out the window. “It’s winter.”

“A keen eye, that one has,” the gruff man said.

“Pay my father no mind,” Elizabeth said, “Does winter hold significance?”

“It was the end of spring when we set sail,” Sebastian explained.

The doctor looked him over. “Royal Navy?”

“Yes.”

The doctor nodded. “I’ll send word. They’ll have listed you as missing.”

**

Tagging all the lovely people who were previously tagged and adding any extras who have interacted with the other posts:

@lemonluvgirl @mollywog @b-boop5 @sudenmorsian @ldyglfr62 @bfinleyb @alexandramo24 @wizardwix @kyloknightren @broken-everlark 

If I tagged you and you don’t want to be tagged, please tell me and I will take you off. If you do read this and want to be added to tags, let me know.

[daniwritessometimes]

Are there any active writeblrs still out there?

[daniwritessometimes]

I'd totally consider it. I think some of my characters would be fun to explore in a different setting.

I have a question for the writers of Tumblr

Would you ever consider writing fanfiction of your own work? And I don't just mean like random tidbits of characters, I mean full-on fanfic tropes like coffee-shop AUs and alternate universes.

I'd like to think I would, but I would be worried that I'd 'use up' my ideas for that particular world if that makes sense.