Authors: Marissa Dobson

Explosive Passion (9 page)

BOOK: Explosive Passion

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T
he holiday season was quickly approaching and Wynn was ready for her first holidays with the newest additions: her sister-in-law Gwen, her niece, and most of all her new husband. Thanksgiving was only a week away and her parents would be arriving soon, though she tried not to think about that. Besides her parents still being opposed to her career, maybe now more than ever since she was married, all the other tumbling blocks of life were finally coming together. Finding Jared, Roll of the Diamond was doing better than it ever had, not to mention the expansion to New York being a hit; everything in her life was perfect. Even Ace had accepted her marriage and welcomed Jared into the family with open arms. They’d watch each other’s backs during deployments, making sure they both made it home in one piece.

Wynn sat at the dining room table, holding her niece,
Roulette. She rocked the sweet little girl in her arms, amazed at all the thick blonde hair she had. She looked more like an Angel with her blonde hair and blue eyes but Ace and Gwen had stuck with the family tradition of naming the kids after the Vegas parties the Diamond family used to host.

“I leave you alone for ten minutes and you’re holding her. What happened to her napping?”

“She woke up and demanded her auntie’s attention. Didn’t you, sweetie?” She looked down at her dozing niece.

“Sure.” Gwen set the laundry aside and plopped down on a chair across the table from Wynn.

“Where are our men?”

“I don’t know, but I can tell you Ace is on baby duty tonight. I haven’t slept more than three hours in the last forty-eight. That beautiful niece of yours has an ear infection and her sleep schedule is off.”

She took note of the dark circles shadowing Gwen’s eyes. “Jared and I could take her for the night if you want? Then you and Ace can get some sleep.”

“Oh no, I’m well aware of that deadline you have with New York. I won’t interrupt that with Roulette. You can have her for a long weekend after the newlywed stage, if she isn’t in college by then.” Gwen laughed at her own smart-ass comment. “Seriously though, I know you need to get the designs sent to New York before the holidays and with your parents arriving Saturday time is limited.”

“Things will settle down after the holidays and I promise I’ll take her. You and Ace need some quality couple time.”

Before Gwen could comment, the front door swung open. “We’re home!” Ace called.

“Shhh, my niece is sleeping.” She scolded her brother, before seeing Jared come in behind Ace, looking a little green around the gills. “Hey, sweetie. Everything okay?”

“We’ve received word of training the week after Thanksgiving.”

Her heart sank. Training and deployments were part of military life, but since this was their first holiday season today she had hoped he would at least be able to be there through it, especially for Christmas. “Will you be home for Christmas?”

“The training should take two weeks, but we’ll be home for Christmas and unless we’re called up for a mission we’ll be home through the New Year.” He laid his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Good.” She rubbed the side of her head against the back of his hand.
This would be their first actual training as a married couple where he’d be away, but since they got together she knew they’d make it through it and anything else life threw at them. They were in it through thick and thin. “It will be fine. What about the leave for New York, did you get it approved?”

Jared nodded. “Everything is set for that.”

“What’s this about New York?” Ace came back in from the kitchen with beers.

“The shops on Fifth Avenue that have been showcasing my work are doing a fashion show after the New Year and some of my work will be included. I need to be there and Jared will be going with me. I will also be meeting with a new shop there about another line I’m launching.”

“Another line?” Gwen asked. “How are you going to manage that when you’ve just purchased the adjoining shop by your boutique to expand?”

“Actually, the boutique isn’t expanding, the new line will take over the new shop. We’re set to open at the end of January.” She reached over and laid her niece back in the bassinet, before grabbing a garment from her purse and handing it to Gwen.

“What is this?” She unfolded the first dress for the line. It was a cute little Navy-inspired dress: a white top with a blue collar and a single line of America flag buttons and a waist that ruffled out into a blue skirt.

“The new line. It started when I wanted to make a few special things for Roulette. Our men inspired that one, along with a few other ones that will only be carried in the Virginia Beach boutique to cater to our military families.” She waited for Gwen to look up from the outfit. “Heart of Diamond will be baby and toddler outfits.”

“She got the idea when we found out she’s expecting.” Jared squeezed her hand. “Our son or daughter will be born in June.”

“That’s wonderful!” Gwen dashed around the table, her arms wrapping around Wynn in a tight hug. “I’m so happy for the both of you and the design is beautiful! I’m sure you’ll be a success with the new branch.”

She watched Ace over her sister-in-law’s shoulder as he sat with his beer. “I wouldn’t expect for my nieces or nephews look anything but as if they just walked off the catwalk. You’ve always had an eye for fashion, not settling for the comfortable jeans and T-shirts most favor. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” she whispered as her brother took Gwen’s place hugging her.

“Mom’s going to…”

With a wave of her hand, she cut off Ace. “Please, I know she’s going to have a fit. Our parents believe that I should be a stay at home wife like Mom was, but I can’t, not completely. I’ll have Melody running Roll of the Diamond and I’ve been interviewing someone to handle Heart of Diamond, but I’m not stepping back completely. I’ll focus on the designs, handle things from home as much as I can, but I won’t give up or close the shops.” Unable to sit while Ace towered nearby, she stood up from the chair.

“I’m not asking you to, just as I didn’t ask Gwen to give up her career. I understand that you both love what you do and that’s what matters. It also gives you something to occupy your time with when we’re deployed. I just want you to be prepared for what Mom’s going to say when she finds out.”

“We’ll handle your parents.” Jared slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Designing and the boutiques are something she enjoys, it’s time your parents start to accept that and be supportive, or keep their mouths shut.”

“I couldn’t have put it better myself.” She leaned up kissing him. “My husband supports me and that’s what matters most. It’s also nice to have the backing from Lucky, Gwen and you. It gives me the courage to do what I love.”

Filled with love, she snuggled against Jared’s body. He supported her and loved her through everything, even the long hours she had been putting in recently. All those years she had refused to even consider someone in uniform had finally led her to the perfect man. The one that now had her heart. Everything was perfect. Finally, she got her very own happy ever after…

Marissa Dobson

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you’re never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read, she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn't until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.

Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to her bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

She love to hear from readers so send her an email at [email protected] or visit her online at
http://www.marissadobson.com
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Other Books by Marissa Dobson

Alaskan Tigers Series:

Tiger Time

The Tiger’s Heart

Tigress for Two

Night with a Tiger

Trusting a Tiger

Jinx’s Mate

Two for Protection

Stormkin Series:

Storm Queen