Valentine's Day Anthology 2011
by Turquoise Morning Press Authors
Krista Ames . Suzanne Barrett . Marissa Dobson . Janet Eaves . Margaret Ethridge . Susan Hatler . Jennifer Johnson . Amy Le Blanc . Tracy March . Nancy Naigle . Cat Shaffer . Bobbye Terry
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. All Romance eBooks . Bookstrand . Coffee Time Romance . Digibooks Cafe . 1 Place for RomanceA dozen short stories of love…just as good as roses.
Maybe even better.
This short story collection celebrates love—young love and old, mended love, secret love, and love enduring. Twelve talented writers share stories to touch your heart and soul.
An excerpt:
Valentina: The Untold Legend
Jennifer Johnson
With hands held, the young couple stood facing each other in front of the fireplace, flames burning in its hearth. Their love for each other shown as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
Gaius held a brass band in his hand and slid it on Elizabeth’s finger. “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
The priest who stood before them nodded his head in approval. “You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you with his blessings. What God hath joined, men must not divide. So be it.” He glanced toward his wife who stood next to the bride. “Valentina? What comes next, my heart?”
The woman smiled at her husband, “I believe the consent and marriage is sealed with a kiss.”
“Ah yes. Gaius, you may kiss your bride.”
Elizabeth blushed as she lowered her gaze. His face flushed as well, the young man stared at the priest who nodded encouragingly. Peeking surreptitiously at her new husband, she stepped closer to him, stood on her toes, and brushed her lips quickly across his, before moving away again.
Valentina cast an amused gaze at Ternay, her husband and the priest who had brought God’s blessing on this couple who had risked their lives to become married. As was her duty, Valentina led the bride and groom out of the house to their tent in which they would spend their wedding night. Raising the woven fabric, she motioned for them through before entering herself. Kneeling on the thick rug which stretched the length of the tent, Valentina picked up a flask and poured honeyed wine into cups sitting on the low table.
“This is mead which you both are to drink before bedding tonight and after you awake. It encourages the growth of sons in your womb, Elizabeth.”
Neither of them moved.
Valentina withheld a chuckle as she straightened. She had counseled young Elizabeth while Ternay had explained coupling to Gaius. Valentina felt sure it would be quite soon after she left their presence that they would overcome their reservations.
“Fare thee well then.” She exited their tent and secured the flap with a strip of leather.
Returning to her home, she joined Ternay where he sat at their table, his hands folded on its wooden surface.
“I shall leave to go to Phrygania,” he said as she settled herself on the bench.
Valentina shook her head. “Tomorrow.”
“No. Now. I will meet Diana’s betrothed and seek a place far off in her father’s fields for them to shelter after they wed. Her father has sent out men looking for her. He is anxious for her safety.”
“He is anxious for his money pouch,” Valentina returned.
Diana had run from her father’s house after learning he had signed a contract for her to marry a wealthy man in the town of Phrygania. The man was twice Diana’s age which was not a problem if Diana had consented to the union, but she had not. Diana was in love with Reuben, a shepherd who cared for the flocks of Diana’s father.
Diana had shown up at Ridgeland seeking Valentina knowing that she and Ternay would hide her from her father and arrange for her marriage to Reuben.
“Be that as it may, my heart, word has arrived that Diana’s father has connections with the capitol guards. I fear they may follow her scent here.” He grasped his wife’s hand. “Valentina, our service to the young lovers of our land has become known, and it is getting dangerous.”
“I fear not for our safety.”
“We will not be the only ones harmed. Anyone who is found with us will suffer as well. I will travel tonight, and before the sun rising, your father and mother will come for you and Diana. You will travel a different path to Phrygania.”
Valentina sighed. “I do wish you would include me in plans you make to secure our safety. We should all go tonight then.”
“I do not want you or the young maiden traveling with me after dark. I have spoken with Gaius who will keep an ear open and his sword close.”
“Ternay, really. On his marriage night? For shame. His only concern should be showing his affections toward his wife.”
Ternay rose and bent over to kiss the top of Valentina’s head. “You are such a romantic. This is why I love you.”
“Mayhap you demonstrate your love by showing your affections to your wife before your journey,” Valentina replied as she followed him across the room where he retrieved his quiver and bow.
“You must have spoken with Diana today about her nuptial duties. Such conversations always ignite your desire for your husband.”
“I have not spoken with her yet. We are to converse after dinner. My yearning stems from knowing my eyes will not see you alone nor my body be warmed by yours alone for a week.”
Ternay embraced his wife as he gazed into her lovely face. “I shall bring two tents, and your parents will bring theirs. Tomorrow night Reuben and Diana will bed as husband and wife in their tent. I shall bed with my wife in our own tent, and your mother and father will have their separate pallets in their own tent as is their custom.”
Valentina snickered. “We shall be old one day and seek out separate pallets to better our sleep.”
Ternay shook his head. “My only restful slumber is next to you.”
Read another excerpt from Love Takes the Cake by Krista Ames.
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