Finding Stone (The Stone Brothers Series) (Volume 1)
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Authors: T. Saint John
Finding Stone
T. Saint John
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales are purely coincidental.
FINDING STONE
Copyright
©
2015 T. Saint John
All rights reserved.
Cover photos owned by DollarPhotoClub/Anetta. You may not copy these photos without written permission of its owners.
This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or photos herein is prohibited without the express written consent of the author.
First EBook edition 2015
The Stone Brothers Series
Finding Stone-- Noah and Molly
Rebuilding from Stone-- Maddox and Kerrigan--- Summer 2015
Uncovering a Stone-- Evan and Lani--- Winter 2015
Brayden and Missy Novella---Early 2016
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There are so many people I want to thank. Two people in particular have stood by me and helped turn this book into what it's become.
First Jenni, I can't say thank you enough.
When I first wrote this, my thoughts were out of order. I felt like I had something, though. I shared it with a girl I never spoke to in high school. One day while scrolling through Facebook, I noticed she liked an author’s page. I had read a book by that author and realized we both liked the same types of books. Something in me said to show it to her. I sent her a quick email, not expecting anything, but hoping she'd at least read the first two pages and give me feedback. Never in a million years did I expect her response. She read what I sent her and asked for more. At first, she started fixing things that were out of place. Then the more she read of Molly and Noah, the more help she became. We had an endless amount of phone calls, texts, and messages.
She was brave enough to tell me when I turned Molly into a whiny witch. Her help with the medical scenes proved invaluable. She is also responsible for my favorite quote in his book. "Sex and strawberries are my new favorite scent," and a million more things. You were my final hope, Jenni. I am so thankful I took that chance. I am even more thankful for your overwhelming amount of help. Next book should be so much easier. Oh, and thanks for not trying to spare my feelings. The fact we can butt heads on a scene and come to an agreement is exactly what this book needed. Thank you, Jenni. No matter what happens with this book it was a lot of fun. And I hope you get your new kindle.
Next, I want to thank the other big contributor to this book, Noelle. Again, this is a girl I never spoke to, a stranger. I knew she was a technical writer, other than that, nothing. Once Jenni helped me get things together, I thought “Well, let me share it with her and see what she says.” Honestly, I expected nothing. She jumped in and took control of the editing and formatting. It was hysterical going through her side notes. I left her all kinds of confused. Thank you, Noelle. Don't worry I won't make you a hooker in Evan’s book. You totally deserve to be a submissive. Just kidding. I can't thank you enough. I hope you have enough sanity left to finish the series with me. I see Sangrias and St. Croix in our future, or at the very least, Giovanni’s pizza and good time at the roller rink.
Noah, I want to say a big thank you to you. You were the only family to be so excited for me. If you had not been so excited, I would have never published. Sorry I named the male character after you. I'm happy to know I'm not the only freak in the family. I love you girl.
To my sister, "Ella," I love you. I didn't share it with you until very late in the game because, well, you know me. I have a habit of saying I'm going to do something and don't. It's you and me girl. Your support has meant so much to me. Not just with this book, but everything I've ever done in my life.
Now I have to thank one of my best friends Jessica M.N. Girl, you kept me writing. What you did for me I could never repay. You don't know what it meant to receive your emails asking for more. I love you so much.
To all my other friends who have offered advice and opinions, I appreciate each of you. Hollie, Missy, Donna, Kennetta, Megan, Holly, Angie, MJ, April, Melanie, Stephanie, Nici, Tiana, Andrea, Maura, Robyn R. Robyn T., Trish, Candace, Rachel, Yvonne, Kathy, Deanna, Beth, Brad R. and Lacey. If I forgot anyone, let me know I'll name a character after you in one of the next books.
To my two guy friends who were brave enough to read this. Thom, sorry I didn't take your advice and rename it Finding Bone. I love you and Feenie like crazy. Brad F., thank you for your feedback. I can't wait til our twenty-year high school reunion. With you there, I know I can count on a good time. Funny. Very little has changed.
Lastly, to my husband. He was deployed when I wrote this book. I was most afraid to share it with him. My husband is super-quiet and reserved. When I got the courage to tell him and then share some with him, I was happy with his response. "I don't understand, but okay." Thanks babe, your indifference gave me courage. I love you. Sorry this took so much time away from your homecoming. For Fathers Day, you’re totally getting a golf outing.
Molly
I've been in Chicago for a couple of weeks. After looking at a dozen apartments, I settled on a remodeled building about a block from the hospital where I start work tomorrow. From what I can tell, the neighborhood is mostly single people, like me, who want to be able to walk to work.
There are a couple of markets nearby and a lot of places to eat for all different budgets. My favorite place is a little bar that I wandered into once that had the best quesadilla. I plan to go back. It seems like a place where a lot of young professionals go to unwind.
I haven't experienced a Chicago winter. I've heard it's brutal, but I have a good feeling about Chicago. I am excited for my first day of work and living in a big city.
Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, where people die from boredom, I realized that wasn't what I wanted for my life. I still have amazing friends there, and my parents are the best. Something has always been missing in my life, though. I’ve always had a need for excitement. I didn't want to go straight from high school to a life that revolved around getting married and having babies, like my friends. One day I plan to return, when I feel it's time to settle down. I want my children to have what I did growing up.
Looking at my wardrobe, which consists of mostly scrubs, I try to determine which ones to wear tomorrow. Who knew that picking out a pair of scrubs required so much thought? Knowing I could stand here all night, I choose to go with the butterfly print. You can't go wrong with butterflies.
I decide to shower since it's getting late. I'm nervous about tomorrow; what will it bring? I've thought about this day for years.
I am twenty-four. After high school, my best friend and I did a missionary trip to Nepal. My father, a preacher, encouraged me to see the world. He wanted me to see what's wrong with it and how I can be a part of fixing it. That trip opened my eyes to a whole other world. It also confirmed what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to go into nursing because I want to help people and make a difference. I eventually plan to return to the mission field and play a bigger role in the trip, not just be a whipping girl who holds a light, cleans bloody equipment, and mops up vomit.
Scrubs are laid out, shower done, I'm ready for bed. It's already 11p.m. I have to report to the hospital by 7:00 a.m. I can’t be late for my first day. I left my old life behind to try a life on my own. The last thing I want is to lose my job before it begins.
I am supposed to report to Katherine, the charge nurse. I hate walking in not knowing anyone. How early should I be? Should I wear make-up? Will people think I am a kiss ass if I show up too early? I have always hated that assumption. Since I'm a preacher’s daughter, people always called me a goody two-shoes. They can talk all they want. I am far from being a prude. I drink, I cuss like a trucker, and not to brag, but I have one hell of a right hook.
Noah
It's a rare night off for me. Sitting on my balcony, I stare at the Chicago skyline because it's my favorite thing about this city. I served six years in the Army as a doctor. After leaving, I decided to return here to my hometown.
My brothers are here. They are the only family I have left.
Another reason I came back to Chicago - I was offered a position as an E.R. doctor at Faith Memorial. I will admit though, day-to-day life here is bland. It just seems like the same thing every day. However, there are times something exciting comes into the ER that gets my adrenaline running. Those are the times that make up for the day-to-day drudgery.
Choosing not to settle down and have my own family isn't a popular choice, but it is my choice. I like being single. Sure, I find some comfort inside of a woman, well, until she starts running her mouth. Sarah is my only repeat, and convenience is only the reason. She knows I don't want a wife and definitely not children. I like not having to answer to anyone. I spent most of my life doing that.
I left Chicago to find some peace. I left to get away from my dad. He was a mean son of a bitch that no one wanted to cross. Unfortunately, living with him made that impossible.
It might sound horrible, but the day he died, I felt relief. I had hoped his death would allow me to start living, but it didn't. I keep telling myself that there has to be more to life than this.
I am looking forward to my scheduled time off next month. My brothers and I have decided to go on a hunting trip. It doesn't sound city like, but it was something my dad did with us from time to time. I think we continue doing it because for all of us, it was the only time we were ever at peace. Maybe it was the only time my father was at peace.
My mom, who is still alive somewhere, was a money chaser. My father told her he was going to receive a sizable inheritance. She had kids to ensure a paycheck in the form of child support. After realizing he lied, she left, leaving us behind. I am pretty sure she was the only woman he ever loved.
My brothers and I look like our mom. She was Sicilian. From my memories, I believe she was beautiful.
I have two brothers. Maddox and Evan. We are close. We learned at an early age that we only had each other to depend upon. Well, they depended on me, but I needed them too. They drive me crazy sometimes, but they have brought me the only humor and joy that I have in my life.
My brother Maddox is a street cop on the Chicago P.D. I worry every day that he will be brought in to my ER, but I am proud of him. I know that being a cop was always what he was meant to be. He always stayed out of trouble and was a rule follower growing up.
Evan, my middle brother, is an attorney. I wasn't surprised when he announced his decision. He grew up being the mediator. He always tried to keep the peace between us. Sometimes, I feel like he's the best of us all. Though, like the rest of us, he keeps his honest feelings locked away. Not truly living is killing us all.
