Sunday Snippet: Domestic Partners

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, mentors, fur baby mothers, aunties, found moms, and mother figures. I hope this day is joyful and everything you want it to be. For all those out there who have a hard time with this day, I hope peace and serenity find you.

Coming off a super-busy week with a lot going on between work and home. There are times I really wish I could split myself in two so I could get more accomplished.

Work projects ended up being chaotic. A bunch are finishing up, which is great. But they're also closing out with little things that need attention and happening all at once. Whew! I'm actually not sure how I made it through the week.

I have a couple of new projects starting this week and they're fairly normal, which is good for my executive function. I at least feel like I'll be able to breathe.

Even with all the chaos projects, I ended having a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows. I didn't get to watch any extras, but I'm okay with that.

Started out with Brokenwood Mysteries and really enjoyed the mystery. I rather like Reverend Green and Doctor Plummer and seeing them work through a rough patch kind of made the whole show.

Got started on an episode of Foyle's War and need to finish it up this week. I'd forgotten how twisty the last two seasons were with the spy thrilled angle.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Thoroughly enjoyed Mervin and Solomon interacting. Kind of curious where they'll go with things and I have a feeling it won't be to a good place.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved having Hastings return. The twisty, twisty tale also made for great viewing. Love it when Poirot almost stumbles then catches himself before he faceplants.

Elementary ended up being really good. I love Joan having Marcus's back. Getting the dirt for him made me so happy. Also loved the mystery they had to solve.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I'm pretty interested in where things go. I like the team figuring out how to interact and I look forward to seeing their new member.

Finished up the third season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Gotta say for someone who really disliked Mariner well into the second season, I'd probably die for her now. That's a great character arc. Just saying.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Domestic Partners, a novella that explores a second chance at romance for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tabby and Hale pretend to be domestic partners to keep the man who killed her husband from getting his hands on her. But when they're forced to live together, sparks and tempers fly, because Tabby broke a promise she made to Hale and he's not going to let her forget it.

And a sneaky peek…

Shock filled Hale. Her marriage had been for convenience? And it never worked?

Hale wondered what pushed Tabby to come clean. "Why tell me now?" Concern for him couldn't be the only deciding factor.

Tabby got up and paced again. "Because I'm dangerously close to breaking my promise to never fall again, and you and I"—she waved between them—"can't ever be." She whirled around and gazed out the small window.

Hale prodded again. "Why?" He might be poking an open wound, but he really needed to understand her mindset.

Tabby's fingers curled into her palms. "Argh! I hate that question." She faced him again. "Because I betrayed your trust and, even though I had a damn good reason, you've never forgotten. Nor will you." Her gaze dared him to deny her statement.

He wouldn't unravel the fragile thread being woven between them by lying to her.

Hale gave a short nod. "No, I won't." He moved to the edge of the bed. "But I can put it aside and move forward." At least start from a fresh perspective.

Tabby huffed out a breath. "I somehow doubt you can." She turned back to the window again.

Hale bit back a sigh. He wouldn't try to convince her otherwise. Not when she couldn't get out of her own way.

Hale stood up and gathered his gear. "That's your prerogative, Tabby, but it's also your problem." He hoisted his duffel over his shoulder. "If you can't get beyond your past actions, there's no hope for a future. Not just with me but for yourself." He paused for a moment. "It's bleak and lonely when you can't let anyone in."

Tabby remained quiet, not agreeing or disagreeing. 

Hale sighed. "Look, I'm going on standby for a two-day recon trip to the other mine." He started for the door. "Think about what you want and when I get back, we'll go from there." He left their yurt and headed for the dorms.

He hadn't planned on staying there tonight but giving Tabby some space couldn't hurt. And he could use a little distance himself after her revelations. She'd married Sam for convenience.

And she'd never loved him.

What do I do with that information?

Very pleased with how this one is coming along. Looking forward to finishing it up.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye