Here’s a made in the USA gift that’s unusual and neat – freehollowbooks.com #giftidea
Of course, all my books are made right here in the good old US of A, too, and they’ve got words in the middle! Available in trade paperback and in digital formats for kindle and nook, too.
Plus, all books are easy to wrap! Support a local author this holiday season.
Happy shopping~
Nancy
My second novel with ties to the small southern town of Adams Grove is Out of Focus. If you haven’t read Sweet Tea and Secrets – you can check out the whole first chapter of that story here.
Here’s your #Sample of Out of Focus.
JUST RELEASED
OUT OF FOCUS – An Adams Grove Novel
A woman is caught in a web of friendship and betrayal as she desperately searches for her son.
CHAPTER ONE
Kasey Phillips snapped off three more pictures of the country singer straddling seven hundred pounds of sleek American-made motorcycle. Cody Tuggle looked more rugged than the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains that swelled in the background.
At her command, Tuggle leaned forward across the wide chrome handlebars. Even with the bandanna tied around his head like a do-rag, a look she’d never found appealing, there was no denying this guy was sizzling hot and all man.
Kasey’s eyes narrowed as she leaned to get a unique angle. The estate was the perfect setting for this magazine shoot. It belonged to Cody’s agent, Arty Max. From the looks of the place, Tuggle’s fame had paid off big for everyone.
Band members and roadies lined the perimeter, but she stayed focused on her subject. Curious onlookers were one of the biggest obstacles at an outdoor shoot, but it was easy to tune them out when the subject was someone with such star quality.
Working with the light and shadows, she repositioned to find the right interplay to intensify the image. The camera clicked at a fast clip, and then not at all, as she considered the next best opportunity.
Click. Click. Click-click-click.
“I thought this was supposed to be hard work,” Cody said, pulling her out of her zone. “Those bikini models are always complaining about it on TV.” Laughter laced his voice. “Y’know, that fanny duster job, dusting the sand off those cuties’ hind ends. Now that looks like a right sweet gig. Got any connections?”
Kasey lowered her camera. “You mean, in case the singing thing doesn’t work out for you?” She gave him a scolding look. As the mom of a three-year old, she’d pretty much perfected it. “If you keep talking I’ll catch you with your mouth wide open, and you’ll look dopey. Shhhsh.”
“That must be why I always look drunk in those tabloids.” Cody flashed a devilish smile. “Anybody ever tell you, you’re kinda bossy?”
“I got both of those shots,” she warned. “Those weekly gossip rags pay big bucks for celeb uglies. The uglier they are, the more they pay. They’d pay top dollar for those last two pictures.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“You’re right.” She raised her hand in front of her like a traffic cop. “Stay still. Yeah. Right there.” A perfect shot. The candy-apple red Harley was only feet away from the black fence that surrounded the estate. Light swept through a stand of birch trees in the distance, their thin white-barked trunks made the colors appear more vibrant and crisp. The forest displayed a myriad of green shades now. Those leaves would boast orange, yellow, reds and purples in the fall as the chlorophyll faded and autumn arrived—an awesome display to capture on film.
Cody spoke to someone just behind her.
She shot him the look.
“What? It’s hard to sit still this long and not say a word.” Cody rewarded her with a natural smile. She took advantage of it, snapping the image.
Kasey enjoyed the gentle sparring. “What’s the problem? You got ants in your pants? You said this modeling stuff was so easy, but all I’ve heard for the past thirty minutes is a bunch of girly complaining.”
“Hey now, be nice. Girly? Me? You’re gonna hurt my feelin’s.”
The roadies and band members nudged one another.
“Somehow I doubt that.” Kasey watched the star’s smile fade into an exaggerated pout. He might be used to women falling at his feet, but she wasn’t one of his groupies. “Did I bruise your frail ego?” What a ham. “Maybe it’s that silly rag on your head makin’ you all girly.”
She couldn’t help herself. The man in front of her was huge, at least six foot four, with shoulders so broad the wide-set handlebars on the motorcycle didn’t look nearly as impressive. This guy could wear a pink tutu and look masculine.
The band members and roadies seemed to enjoy the banter, but she wasn’t sure whom they were rooting for—Cody or her.
Cody sat up straight on the bike, his smile gone. He pulled the bandanna off and ran his fingers through his flattened mass of blonde hair.
She took in a quick breath. Maybe that last comment had crossed a line. She knew the do-rag was symbolic to the band, but then if her jab got him to quit mugging around, it would be worth it. She’d get the best shots of the day.
His hair bounced back into its usual tangle of waves, softening his chiseled look. He stuffed the slip of fabric into his back pocket with a half grin, maybe just short of a smirk.
Kasey clicked like mad. “Now we’re talking.”
Cody tugged open the snaps of his western shirt.
She switched cameras and gave him a nod of encouragement. Tuggle’s PR guys had left last night. She called the shots now. Just the way she liked it. This was all Cody.
His tan accentuated his chest. Flawless. He didn’t have a soft, white-collar body. This was the body of a guy who enjoyed getting physical.
“Looking right manly now, Mr. Tuggle.” Her heart and soul belonged to Nick, but staring at Cody Tuggle for hours at a time was no punishment.
“Mr. Tuggle? Why is it the less I’m wearin’ the more business you get?” He stepped off the motorcycle in one easy movement and took a step in her direction.
“Quit it, you big flirt.” She took another picture. “I’m married.” She wiggled her ring finger in his direction.
Kasey glanced at her watch. It was almost nine. “Let’s take five.” She walked to a table nearby, pulled her phone from her hip and dialed home. Every day on the road, at nine o’clock sharp each morning, there was nothing more important than checking in with Nick and Jake. She loved her work, but they were the light of each day, and three days in a row of not being with them was torture.
With her back to Cody and the others, she talked to Nick. He caught her up on their plan for the day. She checked her watch again, then forced herself to wrap up the call. “Love, love, love you boys.”
“I love you ten and five, Mom.” Jake’s tiny voice made her heart bubble. Ten and five was the biggest number in the world to him.
“Love you, babe. See you at the other end of the day,” Nick said and hung up.
A familiar surge of happiness consumed her. She couldn’t wait to be home with them. She and Nick had wed just a few months after they’d met. It was a marriage made in heaven, and Jake was the icing on the wedding cake. That little angel was the best thing she’d ever done
in her life.
She snapped her phone shut and headed back to the shoot. “Let’s go, guys.”
Tuggle turned his attention back to her. “Call home to check in with Mr. Phillips?”
“Not exactly. Phillips is my maiden name.” She switched to her digital camera for the final run. “But yes. I was checking in at home.”
“That dude’s one lucky guy.”
“Two, actually.”
Cody leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Two? I bet number one doesn’t think much of that.”
“Funny.” She wrinkled her nose. “Husband and son.”
Read the rest of OUT OF FOCUS – available in trade paperback, and digital formats at all your favorite etailers. You can get your copy today::
Available in trade paperback on Amazon.com, for kindle, and for nook.
Are you on twitter?? Tweet this sample to your friends by using this link = Have you read the sample of OUT OF FOCUS by @NancyNaigle :: NancyNaigle.wordpress.com #lovestory
Thanks for your support and help spreading the word!
Hugs and happy reading~
Nancy
Sandy from the Book Club Babes made this delicious pumpkin bread for book club in September. Coating the pans with sugar makes for a sweetness around the edges that is so good against the spicy mix. You’ve got to try this. The recipe yields two nice size loaves. Enough for you and one to share!
Thanks, Sandy~
PUMPKIN SPICE BREAD
Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray and then sugar (instead of flour).
Mix dry ingredients, add oil, add pumpkin, add eggs one at a time.
Bake 350 degrees for 50-60 mins. Enjoy!!!
I loved this recipe so much that I’m going to try it in little cupcake muffin pans and drizzle with cream cheese icing for a bite-size treat that ought to be awesome with my favorite Harney & Sons Paris Tea.
Hugs and happy baking,
Nancy
Filed under Uncategorized
It’s October and what says October more than pumpkins? Well, maybe trick or treat candy, but that’s a whole other story!
I thought I’d share pumpkin recipes the next few posts.
Here’s one from one of the readers of Sweet Tea and Secrets – Kim Hudson for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
You’ll need:
Mix and coat thoroughly, spread on a foil lined 15″ x 10″ baking sheet and bake (250 degrees) for 45-50 min., stirring occasionally.
Increase heat to 325 degrees and bake 5 min. longer or until seeds are dry and lightly browned. Then serve.
THANKS KIM!
Filed under recipe, Uncategorized
On Friday, September 30th, I drove down to Suffolk, VA and spent the evening with the BOOK CLUB BABES. Special thanks to Sonja who was the host of the meeting and invited me.
What a wonderful surprise to see this sign right on the front door. 
The hosts daughter made it for me. I’ve got it in my office on my wall now. It makes me smile every time I glance at it! Thanks!
This group of educators gets together once a month. These gals do it right, too. They move the meeting to different members houses each month and whoever is the host is responsible for the meal. Yes! A meal … and wine … and dessert, too. Members bring side dishes to round out a wonderful evening of food and fun.
Since Sweet Tea and Secrets was the book for the month, they even made sweet tea, Jill’s Quickie Chopped Slaw Salad and Pearl’s Famous Chocolate Pecan Pie — all recipes found in the book.
I had the most wondeful time with these ladies. One of the highlights was flipping through their scrapbook. They have a scrapbook page for every single book the club has read. It’s creative and fun and walking down memory lane was so much fun. They even lent me one of their recent reads, The Venetian Mask. An awesome book. I really enjoyed it.
This was my first official book club visit. They sure did set a high bar, but I can’t wait to attend more.
Thank you so much to the Suffolk Book Club Babes for making such a special night for Sweet Tea and Secrets and sharing their thoughts about the town and folks of Adams Grove.
Hugs and happy reading,
Nancy
Filed under Event, Nancy Naigle, SWEET TEA AND SECRETS, Uncategorized
The 2011 SIBA Trade Show was held in beautiful Charleston, SC this year.
This event was the best of all worlds. I had the chance to network with pubishers, booksellers and other authors. I enjoyed several “fan girl” moments as I got free books signed by some of my very favorite southern authors. Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than this!
I aspire to someday have one of my books become an Okra Pick …. yes you read that right. An Okra Pick. Now Oprah would be awesome, too, but Okra Picks are southern books and that is where my heart is! It was exciting to meet authors that achieved that dream already.
I had the pleasure of introducing William Mangum (great guy, talented artist and awesome speaker) for his session about the ART of Marketing. It was a wonderful segment full of tips and practical to-do’s. I took away several ideas and an awesome calendar, too! His coffee table book, NORTH CAROLINA BEAUTIFUL is one that any proud southerner would treasure. The perfect gift. I can’t wait to make a trip to his studio in Greensboro, NC and see him paint. Amazing.
Exhausted but blissful on Monday I was ready to head home.
Good thing my car has a big trunk because I came home with lots and lots of books to read. Now the problem is deciding in which order they’ll get read! I do know the first is THE BUTTERFLY’S DAUGHTER by Mary Alice Monroe. After that…I may have to do some eenie-meenie-miney’s to decide.
Hugs and happy reading~
Nancy
Filed under Uncategorized
Who is reading Sweet Tea and Secrets? Well, the beautiful people….as you can well soo. Here’s Gillian 
doing a little summer reading.
Filed under Uncategorized
I flew back in to the Norfolk International Airport on Sunday night and was back in Southampton County by midnight. My husband had warned me about the trees in the road, but boy was it surreal in the pitch black and so much foilage on the road I wasn’t sure I was ON the road at some points.
I idled slowly through the slices the locals had chainsawed just wide enough to get a car through hoping I wouldn’t bump into anything or edge off onto the soft shoulder. My little CTS did just fine but I sure did miss my GMC Canyon 4×4 a lot this week.
Mike took me out on Monday morning to get a picture of what I’d navigated through the night before.
The last picture is of a huge cedar that fell onto the power lines across the street from Mom’s house. I’m so happy it wasn’t her Magnolia that came crashing down.
We’re thankful that other than some inconveniences things are getting back to normal. All the goats did just fine, too. The fire in the Great Dismal Swamp is slogging down and that’s a good thing. One more good rain and we might put that behind us.
My thoughts and prayers are with those still without power and who met with true devastation from the unwelcome visitor, Irene.
Hugs and Hasta Lavista, Irene!!
Nancy
Filed under Uncategorized
*Discaimer: These posts are late because I’ve been out of power from Hurricane Irene. Hope you have fun catching up with me as I get you caught up on all the fun.
August 25-28 mystery and suspense writers and readers headed to the Hutton Hotel for the Killer Nashville Conference. We kicked off the event, founded by film producer, Clay Stafford, with a Wine Tasting. While sipping four different wines (I was really only a fan of one of them) we made new friends and talked about books.
A special hello to my new friends pictured here. From beautiful Ashville, NC, John is an aspiring writer and his lovely bride is as big a Fannie Flagg fan as I am. In the photo on the right is Joe Phillips, a native of Nashville working on his first novel, me and Phyllis Johnson. Phyllis and I co-wrote a young adult suspense, inkBLOT, together. inkBLOT came out in late July. Both inkBLOT and Sweet Tea and Secrets were featured in the Mysteries and More bookstore. (If you’re in Nashville, please visit their store! They have autographed copies of both books for sale and can always order any title they don’t have.)
Our waiter for the wine testing was Matthew. Thanks for the special treatment!
Following a day of travel and an evening of wine tasting we called it an early night so we could register and begin the fun on Friday.
Slated for the weekend of fun:
Friday at 6pm Phyllis and I joined Paul the Book Guy for a live podcast about Killer Nashville. Take a listen –> PAUL THE BOOK GUY Killer Nashville Podcast with Nancy and Phyllis.
Visit PaulTheBookGuy.com for great blogs and podcasts about books. He even has the first few chapters of the new Castle book up. You know what a big fan of the show Castle I am!
Oh..and while we’re talking about Paul – mark your calendar for September 11. I’ll be podcasting via phone with Paul recording live at South Side Shuffle. His spot is right beside the Cat Fish Shack run by http://www.mississippiqueenfoods.com It’ll be all Southern and Blues ….and that spells F U N to me!
Stay tuned for more…
Filed under Event, Nancy Naigle, SWEET TEA AND SECRETS, Uncategorized, Writing
Enjoy the twitter hashtag #ss #samplesunday and this freebie of Chapter One of my debut novel, Sweet Tea and Secrets. You can read more about this novel and others at www.NancyNaigle.com
Sweet Tea and Secrets :: An Adams Grove Novel
Chapter One
Jill Clemmons started each morning with Grandma Pearl’s favorite advice in mind: Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, ‘Oh shit, she’s awake!’
Sometimes that was harder than it sounded. Like today.
Even though Jill was thrilled to be half way home to Adams Grove for Pearl’s surprise party, the trip hadn’t come without its own set of hurdles. Bradley was unhappy about her dropping everything to make the trip up from Savannah to Virginia. He’d stomped around and mumbled about it being just two weeks before the big fundraiser and putting the timeline at risk. But Jill was in charge of that timeline and, aside from Bradley’s foul mood, the Kase Foundation wouldn’t suffer one bit by her being gone for one day.
Technically, Pearl’s birthday wasn’t until June 27th, after the fundraiser, but keeping a secret from Pearl was next to impossible. If Pearl’s friends succeeded in surprising her, it would be the first time anyone had. There was no way Jill was going to miss this, even if it did mean making the trip up and back in one day. Pearl’s party might not be one of Bradley’s priorities, but it darn sure was one of hers.
The tension from the week evaporated as Jill got closer to Adams Grove, the place she considered home.
She could hardly believe a year had passed since she’d packed all her stuff in Piggly Wiggly bags and hit the road in her little red pickup. Jill never thought she’d live anywhere but Adams Grove. But on the rebound from Garrett Malloy, accepting the fundraiser position with the Kase Foundation had been a no-brainer. In fact, getting away from Garrett by moving to Savannah had been one of the biggest perks of the job. The only downside was being away from Pearl.
As Jill took the exit off I-95, she turned the air conditioner up a notch then fumbled for the button to lower the window of her new BMW. She’d never been one to give two hoots about a fancy car, but fancy cars, big houses and appearances were the be-all, end-all to Bradley Kase. Since he’d become more than just a boss over the past year, she’d let him talk her into trading in Ol’ Red for something he considered more appropriate. She missed that truck and its trusty crank-down windows.
Jill turned on Horseshoe Run Road and a bittersweet smile eased across her lips. She inhaled the scent of honeysuckle and mimosa that filled this stretch of road every summer. When the wind blew downriver, even Farmer Young’s smelly pigs couldn’t drown out the fragrance.
The gentle slope of the terrain had a way of making things seem to appear out of nowhere, but Jill had lived here her whole life so she knew the lay of this land. Just around the curve, the church steeple came into view. Stately oaks lined the road and colorful wreaths dotted headstones between the mighty trunks that framed the old cemetery next to the church.
Gravel crunched beneath her tires as she turned into the church parking lot.
Aunt Milly’s mission was to get Pearl to the party under the guise of preparing for a reception later that evening. They’d park near the kitchen entrance and, hopefully, Pearl would never be the wiser.
Jill pulled around to the far side of the church, near the fellowship hall, and parked among the thirty or so other cars already there. She grabbed a bag from the passenger seat, went to the locked door, knocked, and waited.
A pretty blonde girl Jill didn’t recognize opened the door, and rushed her inside. “Sorry. We’re trying to be sure Pearl doesn’t sneak up on us.”
“Good thinking,” Jill said.
“I’m Brandy,” the girl said and whisked Jill into the room. “I recognize you from the pictures Pearl showed me. I just moved here not long ago. I work for Floral & Hardy. That’s how I know your grandmother.”
“Well, welcome to Adams Grove. I’m sure you’ll love working for Ted. We go way back.”
“I know. Like everyone knows everyone around here. I love that. Well, I think I do. Anyway, it’s really nice to meet you.”
Jill scanned the room. A banner that read ‘Happy early 85th Birthday, Pearl’ was duct-taped above a long table filled with home-baked casseroles and desserts. Bright helium filled balloons flanked the banner and so many soared above the chair-of-honor that they threatened to lift it right off the floor.
The thought of her tiny grandmother whizzing around the room above all the guests made Jill laugh.
Brandy pointed out a stove-sized box heaping full of nonperishables set up near the cake. The food drive was Pearl’s pet project, and the cans, a perfect gift.
“She’s going to love this.” Jill hitched the bag up on her hip and added the canned goods she’d brought to the pile. “All this food’ll feed dozens of families for a good long while.”
“It was the best idea ever,” said Brandy, then hurried back to stand guard at the door.
Jill set a brightly wrapped package next to the cake, then took her camera from her purse and snapped a picture.
Mac’s Bakery had outdone themselves. This cake had those creations on Food Network Challenge beat hands-down. The three tiers stood over two feet tall. The top layer looked just like one of Pearl’s award-winning chocolate pecan pies; the bottom layer like a knitting basket full of colorful fondant-wrapped balls of yarn. Knitting needles rose high above it with a blue ribbon the size of a dinner plate attached. Just like the one Pearl had won last year. That honor would be up for grabs at the annual Festival Days Bake-Off on Fourth of July weekend. Everyone in the county vied for the coveted award, but Pearl’s pie had won the last three years in a row.
The room buzzed with excitement. Jill took pictures and exchanged hellos with old friends she hadn’t seen since she moved a year ago. Suddenly, the room went dark and a hush settled.
Jill wondered how good an idea it was for fifty people to yell ‘surprise’ at an eighty-five year old woman. But then Pearl wasn’t your average old lady either.
Aunt Milly and Pearl’s chatter echoed from the kitchen. Everyone listened intently for the magic moment. Then, 3-2-1, the door swung open. “Surprise!”
Pearl’s mouth dropped wide. She wagged a crooked finger across the crowd of friends lined up in front of her.
“You little devils,” Pearl said. “You sure know how to scare the puddin’ out of an old girl.”
Everyone cheered. Two young girls bounced up and down, still excited by the anticipation of it all.
Jill hung back, taking in the pleasure of seeing Pearl revel in everyone’s delight. She had her doubts that Pearl had been surprised, though.
“Oh, my. Is this? It is! You know the way right to my heart.” Pearl headed straight for the bin of food. “This will feed so many.” Her eyes twinkled as she turned around. “Thanks y’all. All y’all.” She swept a tear from the rim of her glasses. “So much.”
Pearl’s eyebrows suddenly shot straight up.
Now that was a surprised look. “Surprise,” Jill said.
Pearl marched over to Jill and kissed her on the cheek, leaving a bright magenta smudge that Pearl quickly rubbed in with her thumb. “Maybe I should smooch the other side and make it even.”
“It’s fine.” Jill hugged Pearl. “It’s so good to see you.”
“I knew it was going to be a perfect day today. There was only one contrail across the sky when we drove up,” said Pearl.
“That is good.” Jill and Pearl had made it a practice to count the condensation trails behind the jets that soared across the sky. Less than three or four was a rare and lucky day.
Pearl clapped her hands. “What are you doing here? You have that big shindig coming up. How did you get away?”
“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. I can’t stay over though. I’ll be heading back tonight.”
Pearl raised a penciled brow, and tsked. “I’m not surprised. You work way too hard, my dear, but I’m delighted you’re here now.”
“I’ll be back once the fundraiser is behind me. I can’t wait to spend some time with you.”
Pearl squeezed Jill’s hand. “I’d love that.”
Jill lifted two plastic champagne flutes of sweet tea from the table. She took a sip from one and handed the other to Pearl. “Not as good as yours,” she whispered.
“No surprise there. We know the secret.” Pearl said, and then turned her attention to the voices blending into the best round of Happy Birthday ever. Only two candles stood tall on the cake. An eight and a five.
“Thank goodness someone was thinking. We’d need the volunteer fire department here if we had eighty five flames on this cake.” Pearl blew out the candles.
Everyone cheered.
Pearl picked up the knife, then stepped back. “This cake is almost too pretty to cut.”
“I’ve got pictures,” Jill said, raising her camera. “Dig in.”
“Don’t have to ask me twice about desserts.” Pearl cut the first slice, and everyone lined up to get a piece of cake.
A loud knock from the fellowship hall door interrupted the moment.
Everyone’s attention spun in that direction.
“We locked that so you wouldn’t sneak in on us,” someone shouted. “I’ll get it.”
Pearl plopped a piece of cake on a small plate. “That’s probably Garrett. I asked him to come help move tables. I thought we were setting up for a reception.”
Jill froze. “You didn’t.”
Pearl licked frosting from her fingers and then wiped her hands on a napkin.
Jill leaned in. “I knew your hair looked a little too perfect. You knew about this party, didn’t you?”
Pearl didn’t deny it.
“You knew I was coming, and you didn’t invite Garrett to move tables, did you? You’re matchmaking again.” Jill turned to walk away but Pearl grabbed her by the wrist.
“Oh come on, dear,” she pleaded. “It’s my birthday. You two have to talk eventually.
What better time than over cake? It’s a party. Wait right here.” Pearl scurried toward the door.
A warm rush heated Jill’s cheeks. Maybe she was overacting. Maybe it wasn’t even him. Maybe it was just someone who was late. A singing telegram. A stripper. Anyone but Garrett.
But it was him.
She sucked in a breath. Why did he have to look so good?
Her heart pounded so hard the room began to swim. She turned and high-tailed it down the hall to the sanctuary without looking back until the door clicked behind her.
Out of breath, she stood clutching her chest.
She might have to talk to Garrett someday, but it wasn’t going to be today. The sound of rustling fabric rescued her from the thought of him. When she looked up, a bleached-blonde in an unfortunate red hoop-skirted bridesmaid dress stepped out of the choir room. A young man wearing a tuxedo t-shirt emerged behind her. Both froze when they saw her standing there.
“We just…we were getting something for the bride. She left something back here.”
I bet. Like what? Your virginity? Jill rolled her eyes. In church?
The two hurried out, slamming the door behind them.
Jill lowered herself onto the back pew and gazed at the huge white ribbons adorning the first few rows.
The wedding she’d always dreamed of in this beautiful church would never happen now. The day she and Garrett pinky swore their life-long commitment under the monkey bars in the fourth grade, she’d started filling notebooks with wedding details. She’d even sketched out the fancy five-layer cake she’d have Mac create just for her. Delicate pink rosebuds and soft green buttercream vines would climb the layers of shiny white fondant to a topper of double hearts made of sugar pearls. The bridal bouquet would be long stemmed flowers bundled by flowing pink ribbon.
All those sugar-plum dreams were history now. Just like her relationship with Garrett.
She squeezed her eyes closed and shifted her thoughts back to Bradley. He’d been dropping hints that something big was about to happen and she was sure he was going to pop the question, but he’d made it clear that his wedding would be quick and simple, preferably on a beach. The dress she’d dreamed of for her wedding day wouldn’t do well on a beach. Sand and salt water would ruin a beaded satin gown in a hurry, and she wasn’t about to spend that kind of money and then ruin her dress, even if Bradley would.
A cool hand rested on her shoulder. She turned to see Pearl standing there.
“You missed him,” Pearl said, sliding into the pew next to her.
Jill flattened her sweating palms against her pants. “I’m done missing him.”
Pearl harrumphed. “Milly was right.”
“I’m glad someone finally believes it’s over between me and Garrett.”
“No. Not that. Milly says you’re pigheaded.”
Jill sat up straight. “I am not.”
Pearl shrugged. “Yes, you are. Oh, don’t go looking all offended. Sometimes that’s good.”
Jill sat back in the pew.
“Not good this time, but sometimes.”
Jill looked heavenward. Pearl always won. Jill changed the subject. “You know, I think Bradley’s going to propose.”
“Oh honey, don’t do something crazy. You don’t want to marry him. You’re not in love with him. You’re in love with the idea of being in love and married.”
“He’s really good to me,” Jill said.
“Don’t confuse material things for love, honey. I know you and Garrett went through some tough times. Trust me, I know about the challenges true love brings, but you two are meant to be.” She tapped the top of Jill’s hand in time with each syllable that followed. “Better to fight for what you really want than to be left wanting what you didn’t fight for.”
Jill laid her head on Pearl’s shoulder. “Your matchmaker radar is off kilter when it comes to me and Garrett. He didn’t want a partner. He wants to plan his future down to the minute with a money-back guarantee before he takes one step forward. That’s not what marriage is about.” She couldn’t tell Pearl what Bradley had told her about Garrett or about the accusations Garrett had made. There was no sense dragging Pearl into that drama. Especially, not a year later.
“I seem to remember someone else wanting things her way, too.” Pearl patted Jill’s hand. “Here’s the good thing about the future. It comes one day at a time. Follow your heart each day. You’ll get where you’re supposed to go.”
“I love you, Grandma Pearl.”
“Aw, honey. You haven’t called me that in years.”
“I know. I’m suddenly feeling like a little girl again.” When Pearl took the role of parent and grandmother, Jill had started just calling her Pearl. Grandma Pearl was more special than a grandma could ever be.
“Forgive me for the stunt with Garrett?” Pearl asked.
“You know I can never be mad at you.”
“Good and when you come back, I’ll tell you the story of all love stories. You think you and Garrett had problems…” She raised her hand to Jill’s cheek. “Sometimes love requires great sacrifice.” Pearl brushed Jill’s bangs from her face. “Love’s kind of like sweet tea. The secret is all in having the patience to let it steep.”
Stories. Pearl had a million of them. Jill had a feeling Pearl made up most of them to suit her point, but it didn’t matter. They were always spellbinding.
Jill stood. “Come on. Let’s go back to your party. I brought you a special little something.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Oh, when you see what it is, you’ll know I had to. You’re going to love it.”
They walked back to the fellowship hall and filled plates with homemade goodies before sitting at one of the tables with a crowd of friends gathered together to celebrate.
Aunt Milly rushed toward them with her camera. “There you two are. I need pictures.”
Pearl tucked a raw broccoli floret behind her ear and leaned in with a huge smile.
—–
Get your copy of Sweet Tea and Secrets at::
** Don’t forget to click like on the purchase site to help me spread the word!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can follow me on twitter: @NancyNaigle – friend me on facebook or visit my website at http://www.NancyNaigle.com
Hugs and Happy Reading~
Filed under Lake Reads, Nancy Naigle, Relax, SWEET TEA AND SECRETS, Uncategorized
