Sunday Snippet: Harvest Haven (an Organic Nature short)

I'm going to start with a doggo update. We thought our older doggo was doing better but, sadly, that wasn't the case. The vet took an aspirated sample of her lymph node, and the results came back as cancerous, probably MAST cell. The prognosis is never great for that diagnosis. But we planned to keep her comfortable and spend as much time as we could with her. Unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse and on November 7, we let her go to the great beyond. Hardest decision to make but she stopped eating and couldn't really afford to lose more weight than she already had. My heart hurts right now, but we're trying to ease the loss for our other doggo and that's been a blessing.

Obviously, even with everything going on with our dog, work continued. I finished up a proofread and have a new one scheduled for the upcoming week. I also have a couple of client calls and I'm excited about those. I'm in the middle of a copy edit for an opening book to a new series and it's going well.

I had an okay viewing week. I made it most of the way through my regular shows, with the exception of Lower Decks. I'll get back to it this week. I hope.

Finished up the second season of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I love the Christmas in July episode so much. There's some subtle groundwork being laid for the final season and I appreciate being able to look back and see it.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War. I really wanted to smash everyone working against Foyle in the face. The arrogance of the military spies grated hard on me this time around.

Beyond Paradise ended up being a lot of fun. I like the romance with Archie and Ester. And I love Humphrey and Martha with their fostering. I'm a little put out with the mom being so cagey. I get the why but it's annoying. I'm kind of hoping she ends up confiding in Zoe.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I loved having him hoodwinked into solving a murder because an author wrote himself into a corner. And having the author kind of save the day was fun.

Elementary ended up being a great episode. I love Sherlock putting forth effort in his relationship and getting it wrong for the right reasons.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. Loved Bruce and Max working together to find Terry. I had some vague memories of this one but didn't remember everything that happened.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Harvest Haven, the September month in the Organic Nature short series.

Here's the miniblurb:

The harvest season is a busy time for Eppie, but with their future set, she and Vin celebrate their life surrounded by family and friends. The couple takes the long weekend to recharge and bask in their brand of love.

And a snippety peek…

Vin's mouth dropped open when Greg pulled into Eppie's drive. "Holy hell. Look at this place…" The transformation blew his mind.

Greg's mouth kicked up in a grin. "I knew it would blow your mind." He put the truck in park and cut the engine.

Vin popped the door and slid out of the front seat to get a better look at the amazing décor for his not wedding. An explosion of fall color dotted the yard with dark peach, rust, sienna, and cream flowers. Mostly mums, but Eppie … and her band of merry helpers … interspersed other varieties to add texture and whimsy. Navy bows with some kind of orange wash fluttered in the breeze, and dark blue and orange tin lanterns either hung from flower hooks or sat nestled in the arrangements.

Walking forward, he got his first glimpse of the yard. "Wow." His significant other pulled out every stop.

Greg moved up beside Vin. "Kind of amazing, huh?" He slapped Vin on the back.

Vin gave a nod. "Seriously. Look at that arbor. It screams fall even though the leaves haven't started changing yet." And Eppie's gram would love the TLC her granddaughter had given the special spot.

Greg grunted. "There's a lot of tradition here. The energy is off the charts." He huffed out a breath. "Think I've been spending too much time with Kristaphie."

Vin laughed. "Nah, man. Eppie swears her gram will be here today. And I believe her." He started toward the shed, where Eppie had the guys gathering to wait before the festivities began.

Greg followed. "Want to get the trunk? Or wait until after the reception."

Vin pondered the question. "Let's do it during the reception. I'm kind of hoping she'll open it with everyone around."

Greg nodded. "Yeah, good plan." He checked his phone. "T-minus thirty. You ready?"

Vin smiled wide. "More than. I can't wait to wait by the arbor for Eppie."

He couldn't be a luckier man.

This is the next to last story of Vin and Eppie and I'm having a lot of fun writing this couple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Harvest Haven (Organic Nature short)

Think I'm finally over the hump with the ear infection and tooth issues. Feeling much more clear-headed and able to function. Low-grade discomfort is such a distraction.

Had an okay week watching more Batman: The Animated Series. I finished up season one and got started on season two, which is much, much shorter than the first one.

Enjoyed the opening of season two with "House and Garden." Ivy can be very intriguing and watching her playing normal family ended up being fun.

Also enjoyed Ra's Agul's return. I like the fact he isn't part of the usual rogue's gallery and doesn't haunt Gotham like the rest of the villains do.

I'm hoping to finish out the year with the rest of season two and three, then maybe dive into some of my favorite Justice League episodes with Batman.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Harvest Haven, an Organic Nature short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The harvest season is a busy time for Eppie, but with their future set, she and Vin celebrate their life surrounded by family and friends. The couple takes the long weekend to recharge and bask in their brand of love.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie sighed. "It's perfect."

Hannah, Emily and Dani exchanged glances while Dani fussed with the skirt and crinoline  of Eppie's gown.

Eppie stared in the mirror while Hannah zipped up her dress. The design—lifted from a vintage Gunne Sax bridesmaid dress their mother wore—suited the setting and Eppie's personality. Dani did the sketch, scaling down some of the lacy elements, and Emily stitched the frock from the softest fabric Eppie had ever worn.

Hannah put her hands on Eppie's shoulders. "My brother is one lucky man." Her fingers squeezed gently. "I'm so glad he found you."

Emily snorted. "And lost the here-today, gone-tomorrow she-devil." She referred to Vin's ex, Shari.

Dani's lips twitched. "If we wanted to be really mean, we could introduce Shari to Jordan, Eppie's ex-bastard of a boyfriend."

Eppie laughed. "I don't think either one will be around this area anytime soon." Thank whatever ruled the universe.

Dani stepped back. "You're right, Ep. It's perfect." Reaching out, she adjusted the draping of the skirt.

Maj poked her head into the room. "Room for one more?" Her eyes went wide. "Eppie, you're gorgeous."

Eppie swiveled and gave her friend a wide smile. "Maj! I'm so glad you're here." She motioned Maj into the room.

Maj entered, flinging her arms wide. "I wouldn't miss this. I've never been to a not-wedding before and I wanna take notes … to hopefully use at a later date." She waggled her eyebrows.

Eppie clasped her hand. "Does that mean you brought him? You're ready to go public?" Maj had terrific guy but scheduling conflicts and her job frequently kept them apart.

Maj grinned. "I did and we are." She gave Eppie a quick hug. "I'll share more later; he's waiting downstairs." Easing back, she met Eppie's gaze. "I'm so happy for you." With a quick wave to everyone else, she turned and headed out of the room.

Dani arched her brows. "There's a story there, right?"

Eppie smiled. "There is. I'll bet Maj will be happy to spill after the ceremony." She took one last look in the mirror before picking up her bouquet. "Everyone ready?"

The three women gave affirmative nods and preceded Eppie out of the studio.

Eppie trailed them down the stairs to wait in the sitting room for Vin to arrive.

This is the next to last book in the series featuring Eppie and Vin. I've loved dropping in on a monthly basis to see them grow.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Harvest Haven (An Organic Nature short)

How did we get to the halfway mark of November already? See, the month is flying by again. At least I didn't have any illness or medical drama this week. LOL

I caught some television but not much. Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm happy to have the opportunity to see how Leo and Harry were introduced. I originally started watching the show sometime around season nine, I think.

I also spent a fair amount of time catching up on laundry and watched a few episodes of Blue Heelers. The new guy is finally starting to grow on me.

I also caught my usual mystery shows on Ovation and did a brief dive into classic Perry Mason. I've been in the mood for mysteries lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is Harvest Haven, an Organic Nature sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The harvest season is a busy time for Eppie, but with their future set, she and Vin celebrate their life surrounded by family and friends. The couple takes the long weekend to recharge and bask in their brand of love.

And a snippety peek…

Vin ran his palm over the rustic chest he'd made for Eppie. "I think she's gonna love this." Unvarnished walnut, but smooth as silk, the gift would be part of set with a mirror, armoire, and bench.

He planned to finish the other items over the downtime during the colder months. The week spent with his crew gave them lots of time to brainstorm a brilliant idea. They were branching out to make custom furniture and setting up a co-op to share in the profits.

Greg Rhodes pulled out the ticking material fashioned into a huge gift bag. "She'll more than love the chest. She'll go nuts over it." He waved the material back and forth. "And this. I've been around long enough now to know she'll find at least a dozen ways to use this for Organic Nature."

Vin grinned. "Yeah, no doubt."

The ticking had been Dani's idea and Vin found some with blue and orange stripes. Emily pieced the yardage together and with a few simple snips, the bag could be used as a quilt. She'd added cotton batting to make sure the edges of the trunk were protected.

Greg lifted one end of the heavy wooden chest. "Let's get this covered and I'll load it in the truck."

Vin frowned. "You're gonna need some help. It's a two-person job."

Greg hand-waved. "Got it covered. You don't get to see your vehicle until we're ready to head over to Eppie's." His lips curved in a smirk.

Vin shook his head. "I'm gonna hate what you guys did, aren't I?" He slid the bag over, making sure it didn't catch on the legs.

Greg shot him an innocent look. "I make no claim on helping. I'm just the hall monitor here." He lifted the other end then took over, pulling the rust-colored calico drawstring closed.

Vin laughed. "Honestly, I don't care. As long as it gets me where I need to go." He'd waited a long time to celebrate finding Eppie and sharing their love with everyone they cared about.

Greg crossed over to the door and rapped twice.

It opened and Deke Malone stuck his head in. "Is it ready?"

Greg nodded and Deke entered with Mark Barnett. They picked up the chest and carried it out. Both men made a show of almost dropping it when they crossed the threshold. The whole week had been filled with that kind of fun. Vin wouldn't trade it for anything, even though he originally hated the idea.

Greg quickly shut the door behind them then jerked his head toward the entrance to the house. "Time to get moving. You gotta go first so there's plenty of time for the anticipation to build and the nerves to kick in." He waggled his eyebrows.

Vin rolled his eyes. "I'm not gonna be nervous. As long as Eppie is in that grove when I get there, I'm more than ready." He slapped Greg on the shoulder.

Greg tsked. "Whatever you say, man. I'll check back and see if you feel the same way about five minutes before we leave."

His laughter followed Vin into the house.

This series of sexy shorts is such a joy to write. I'm excited to dive back into it and hopefully get rolling on monthly releases.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

 

Sunday Snippet: Harvest Haven (An Organic Nature Short)

Wow. We've officially completed half a year. Where does the time go? Seriously, it doesn't feel like half the year should be gone already.

Kind of a busy week, but I stayed pretty much caught up on my current slate of shows. I caught the Wonder Woman movie and it was pretty terrific. Looking forward to the next one.

Caught two episodes of Sense8. Really loving this show. I'm looking forward to watching the whole thing.

Also caught two episodes of Mutant X. I'd forgotten how much the wardrobe reminded me of La Femme Nikita. I miss the fashion of the late 90s sometimes.

Watched quite a few episodes of Classic Who this week and ended up about halfway through the Aztec arc.

Two episodes of Canal Road also. I'm finally getting a better feel for the characters and who they are. Really great mix of storylines.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders, Endeavor, The Sarah Conner Chronicles, and Constantine. Also watched Pensacola Wings of Gold, Band of Brothers, Strike Back, and Chicago Fire. I love the mysteries and military shows.

Caught part of the first season of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I've seen several episodes of this show but hadn't been able to see the first season. It's fun but nothing will ever top Batman the Animated Series.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Harvest Haven, an Organic Nature Short set in September.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The harvest season is a busy time for Eppie, but with their future set, she and Vin celebrate their life surrounded by family and friends. The couple takes the long weekend to recharge and bask in their brand of love.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie stared out over the arbor. "It's perfect." Dappled sunlight would filter through in the late afternoon.

Dani wrapped her arms around Eppie. "Did you really expect anything less?" Squeezing her, Dani laughed lightly. "You should know better."

Eppie chuckled. "You're right. I do know better." The twinkle lights draped through the arbor branches would provide a lovely setting for the evening festivities.

Once the guests were all gone.

Dani let go of Eppie and strolled to the dais, her hand lightly brushing over each row of chairs on the way. "The bows are lovely. Kristaphie did a terrific job." Navy with an iridescent burnt orange wash, the ribbons would contrast nicely with the flowers in shades of dark peach, rust, sienna, cream, and blue.

Eppie tamped a flurry of excitement down. She still had a list of things to check off before she could give free rein to exhilaration. And maybe let a little nervousness slide in. Not nerves, really. She loved Vin and committing to him wouldn't be a hardship. But being the center of attention? Not exactly her comfort zone.

Dani came back to stand by Eppie's side. "It's going to be a beautiful day." She sighed, the sound envious. "If I could do it all over again, I'd do something like this. Intimate, understated but gorgeous, and utterly divine." Draping an arm around Eppie's shoulder, Dani leaned in. "Has Vin seen this yet?"

Eppie shook her head. "Not since he built the dais. His crew came over and set the chairs up." She laughed. "They're taking the whole not seeing each other thing very seriously. It's like the only tradition they latched onto." Considering she and Vin weren't going the standard route, having a celebration of their love instead of an actual wedding, his employees insisted on a full week apart.

Eppie found their antics amusing and Vin thought having the guys at his house for the week leading up to their non-wedding might be fun. They'd decided the single workers would stay the entire week and the married ones would act as the chauffeurs today, making sure Vin got to the farm on time and without incident.

Kind of sweet, actually. And rather fun because they'd decorated Vin's truck for the occasion.

Dani nudged Eppie's shoulder. "He'll love what you've done here."

Eppie smiled. "What we've done. You and Kristaphie are quite the worker bees." And she couldn't discount Arabelle.

The teen did all the graphic work—invitations, seating chart, the menu items, and the thank-you cards Eppie wanted everyone to take home with them. If she didn't get an A on the project, Eppie would have a not-so-friendly chat with Arabelle's art teacher. Her exceptional workmanship shouldn't go unnoticed.

Eppie took one final look around. "Okay, this is set. I need to check in with Hannah and Emily. They've been preparing food since early this morning." She turned and started to cross the yard.

Dani followed behind. "Drop some hints, will you? When you're too busy to cater events, they'd make an excellent second option."

Eppie rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'll steamroll the girls into saying yes." Little did Dani know, Hannah and Emily were already on board with the idea.

Entering the house, Eppie took a brief moment to inhale the lovely aromas swirling out from the kitchen. The guests would be in for an orgasmic food treat. Eppie couldn't wait for the sit-down meal.

Walking into the kitchen, she moaned over the incredible smells. "Ladies, I'd offer you a hand, but, seriously, you have this well under control."

Something Eppie wouldn't take for granted. Not today.

I have so much fun writing Eppie and Vin's story. This couple is one of my favorites.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin