Page 61 of Judge Me Not

I chuckle. "It's okay. Mommy approved this one."

Abby claps, takes the box, and opens it. Her mouth falls open, and she traces the rose gold pendant. I had it specially designed. It's two interweaving words, Abby Ash.

When I proposed to Jasmine, she started asking a lot of questions. She was done with her treatments and wasn't sick anymore. We explained to Abby the best we could why she couldn't change her name to Ash until I could adopt her, but it was hard for her to understand.

She looks up, and tears fill her eyes.

I suddenly get nervous. "Do you still want me to adopt you?"

She nods her head, and tears fall down her cheeks.

"Okay, sweetie. Monday morning, we're going to the courthouse, and you'll officially be an Ash."

She inhales sharply. "Really?"

"Yes."

She throws her arms around me, and I blink hard, controlling my own tears. I put my other arm around Jasmine and hug my two girls tight. They're everything I never knew I needed.

Against all odds, we found each other. Maybe it was a Christmas miracle. I'm not even sure if I believe in those. But somehow, through all the challenges we've faced, we're all standing here, healthy and happy, enjoying a holiday both Jasmine and I previously couldn't stand.

I look around the kitchen, feeling grateful for all the love and happiness I have in my life. And maybe it was a Christmas miracle.

Andre and Naomi

She’s a Secret Treasure of War...

It’s a routine mission in Belize. Get in, get out, save the women.

Then I see Naomi’s photo and watch her hostage video.

A stirring...an ache...a desire so deep for her heats up my blood and annihilates me.

And then I meet her.

It accelerates my thirst, riling up my inner beast.

She’s an investigative reporter and knows things she shouldn’t.

But all the women have secrets...knowledge about a global force so powerful the world will implode with greed. Freedom will no longer exist.

Instead of delivering her, we run.

The heat of the jungle is a blow torch demolishing my restrain, until I have to make her mine.

But enemies lurk everywhere. After it’s over, I’ll have to piece her back together again.