Simon & Rose

To all of my readers and fans of the Le Beau Series, I hope you enjoy the new HEA (Happy Ever After) novella series. I appreciate you more than I can say.

Thank you to my fans, friends, Ya ya Sisters, and family. You cheer me on and give me the energy to keep writing.

Thank you to all the Bayou Babes who support me every day.

...Enjoy the adventure

SIMON

&

ROSE

Le Beau Series HEA

Book 2

Please be aware, this novella is a follow-up to SIMON and takes place during and after the charity ball. Timelines will simultaneous to the Le Beau Series and may over lap those stories.

Enjoy Simon & Rose’s Happy Ever After.

Love and blessings to you all,

V.A. Dold

Simon Le Beau added sugar to his coffee. Around and around, his spoon slowly stirred the mocha liquid. The ripples reflecting the early morning sunrise went unnoticed. His father, Isaac Le Beau, wanted an answer. Would he return to the Le Beau corporate offices? He could, the problem was, after his time in the service, his dream changed. His heart wasn’t in the family business anymore.

Now, his thoughts were consumed with his fellow servicemen. So many needed assistance. What he really wanted was to provide PTSD dogs to those in need. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans suffering in silence. Unconsciously, his palm rubbed a circle over his chest. Just thinking about them made his heart ache.

There had to be a way to help some of them. As he absently stirred, a commercial aired on the television for a children’s charity. Simon bolted upright in his chair. That was it! A charity. But how did an individual begin that kind of endeavor?

He was pondering the issue when his commander Mark Anderson pinged him on Skype. Of course! Mark was the perfect person to help him figure this out.

“Hi, Mark, how’s it going?”

“Okay, I guess. Ah, hell. That’s a bald faced lie. To tell the truth, I’m bored stiff. I have no idea what to do with myself outside the Corps.”

“In that case, you came to the right place. I was just tossing around the idea of starting a charity for PTSD service animals. Since you have experience with that, would you be interested in working for me as the vice president of operations? What do you think? Would you like to start a charity with me and build it from the ground up?”

Mark didn’t answer immediately, instead he tipped his head and seemed to think the suggestion through. “Do you know anything about charities? I sure as hell don’t.”

Simon laughed. “Not a thing. It looks like we have a lot of work to do. Since neither of us have the knowledge we need, we’ll have to gather information. Could you do some research? If you start with where you got Rizzo, you might learn enough from them so I could start looking for a compound location. Then if you feel comfortable traveling, visit the other top organizations around the country for comparison. With what you learn, we can design our operation based on what works well and what doesn’t. I want our charity to be the best available. That way people will more willingly make donations and service people will automatically contact us without thinking twice.”

Simon watched as Mark mulled it over. He studied his friend’s expression for a long time. Finally, Mark parted his lips to respond. “I think that’s the smartest way to go about it. Are there funds to get us started?”

“I’m sure the Le Beau Corporation will make a sizable donation, and I’ll talk to Rose. When I tell her about the charity, she’ll want to organize a fundraiser.”

“All right, you work the money end, and I’ll start working on the research.”

Simon searched Mark’s face, excitement bubbling in his heart. “You mean you’ll take the job?”

Mark chuckled. “Yeah. I guess I just did.”

Simon grinned broadly. “Excellent. I’ll set you up with an expense account today. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much your help means to me.”

Mark smiled at him from his computer screen. “Believe me, you’re doing me a much bigger favor.”

Several weeks later

Simon sat at his desk, coffee in hand. He prayed Mark was awake as his call went through on Skype. For the life of him, he couldn’t remember which time zone Mark was in that week. He was relieved when the call was answered on the second ring.

Mark yawned as he accepted Simon’s call. “Good morning, boss man.”

“Good morning, sunshine.” Simon chuckled. “How’s the research coming?”

Mark yawned again and took a sip of his coffee. “Great. I visited with the last trainer on my list yesterday and I have solid ideas for the charity program and the facility.”

“That’s great news. I talked with Rose and she had a tremendous idea for a fundraiser. She’s going to organize a charity ball. And the main attraction will be a singles auction.”

Mark could have had a house land on his head and looked less shocked. He sat back and stared at Simon for the length of several sips of coffee. Then yawned again as he silently poured himself a fresh cup. Finally, he said. “I know I’m going to regret asking this, but what the heck is a singles auction?”

“It’s a fundraiser where local professionals are auctioned off for a dinner date. Rose crunched the numbers, and based on past experience, the proceeds from the auction could be a game changer for us.”

Mark lifted his eyes from his cup, looked at Simon blankly before cocking a brow as confusion colored his expression. “That’s a thing?”

Simon laughed at Mark’s incredulous expression. “Believe it or not, it is.”

His statement was met with another round of dead silence. Nodding slowly, Mark closed his eyes, drew a breath, then cleared his throat. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this. Granted, I have no idea if anyone will be interested, but if it would help, I could be one of the bachelors for the auction. It’s only dinner, right? Wait. Before you answer that, tell me only women will be allowed to bid on me.”

Simon barked a laugh. “Absolutely. Only women. And it’s just dinner. We aren’t selling the singles for a night of sex. Unless the people involved choose to include other activities, of course.”

Mark’s shoulders visibly relaxed and he let out a long breath. “Okay, then if you want, you can count me in.”

Simon leaned forward in his chair. “Are you sure you’re willing to do that?”

“Sure, if you think someone would bid on me. The more money for the charity the better.”

“I would love to have you join the bachelors. After your speech about the dogs, you could kick off the auction as our first single up for bid.”

“I hope this isn’t a monumental mistake. I don’t want to embarrass myself or the charity.”

Simon waggled his brows. “Mark, they’re going to eat you up. And you, my friend, are about to have a hot date with a wonderful woman.”

Two days sped by in a whirlwind of activity, and even though he didn’t have a minute to spare, Simon was on his way to the airport. He wanted to welcome his friend home and help him settle with his dog Rizzo in an extended-stay hotel. Once the facility was built, Mark would have a house on site and play a major role in management and publicity. Until then, he booked Mark in the nicest suite available.

Simon hustled from the parking ramp to the arrivals area of the airport. He wanted to hear the additional ideas Mark had for the organization. Basic needs the charity would meet, and what training they would provide for both the dogs and the recipients were already decided. Now they could flesh out other benefits to complement those core aids.

Based on those decisions, they had designed the buildings for the compound. There was no one he trusted more than Mark to help build this charity. He had the connections in the military and Washington, as well as, firsthand experience in the needs of a returning vet.

They had a catchy name, too. The Unforgotten Hero Foundation or TUHF, and the charity was well on its way to being a viable organization. The land was purchased, and the contractor and architect were working furiously to have a scale model ready for the charity ball.

Simon waved to Mark when he rounded the corner to baggage claim. “Mark, you look wonderful.”

“Hi, Simon. You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

Simon squatted in front of Mark’s dog. “And you must be Rizzo.”

“Yes, she is. Both of us look forward to staying in one spot for a while. Traveling is exhausting.”

“Then you’ll be happy to hear no trips are planned for the foreseeable future. We have a lot of work to do at the compound before we talk about additional travel.”

“I like the sound of that.”

They started toward the baggage carousel and Mark noticed Simon was analyzing his gate. “I have a prototype, hi-tech prosthesis. Most people won’t even notice I have a fake leg.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. We should look into providing a rehabilitation service and custom fitting for prostheses. Do you think the prototype company would work with us?”

“I can give them a call. I know they’re looking for people to test drive new designs.”

Simon slapped Mark playfully on the back. “Excellent. Let’s get you settled in. The ball is Saturday, so you have a couple days to relax before you go on the auction block.”

“Funny, Simon. Really funny.”

Sharon Lejeune turned this way and that as she judged her reflection in the full-length mirror. With a huff, she rejected yet another of her beautiful gowns. Tonight had an air of importance about it, and she wasn’t sure why. All she knew was her intuition insisted she should look her best. Something big was about to happen and she wanted to be ready for it.

So, here she stood, hands on hips, brows pinched, scowling at her closet. Maybe it was time for something new. Her mind made up, she quickly dressed and made a beeline to her favorite boutique.

“Sharon! I haven’t seen you in over a week. What can I help you with today?”

“Hello, Mary. I need a dress for the ball tonight. You know, the one Simon Le Beau is hosting for his charity.”

“In that case, you need something jaw dropping. I heard the big bucks will be flowing freely at the auction.”

“For Simon’s sake, I hope so. I would really like to see his charity become a success. Anyway, I went through my closet and didn’t find anything fancy enough that I haven’t already worn. I desperately need a new gown.”

Mary waved her forward and went straight to the New York designer section of the store. Clicking her tongue at each gown, she slid one incredible creation after another across the rod. Then she paused, and made a sour face. “Mrs. Smith was in yesterday. You need a gown that will outshine that horrid woman and put her in her place.”

She snapped her fingers and her face brightened. “I had a delivery this morning of some of the most stunning gowns I’ve seen since last year’s line.”

“Really? Did you get anything in red?”

“As a matter of fact, I did, and it’s your size, too.”

Mary giggled excitedly and disappeared into the receiving area of the shop. She returned with a triumphant smile, carrying a garment bag.

Sharon crossed her fingers as Mary lowered the zipper to reveal a breathtaking red designer gown.

Mary grinned at the stunned expression on Sharon’s face. “I ordered this specifically for you as a surprise.”

“It’s stunning. You know my taste so well.”

The shopkeeper stood a little taller with a pleased expression. “This is a one of a kind from my designer in New York, so no one else will have a gown like it. Mrs. Smith’s gown was nowhere near this breathtaking.”

Sharon ran her fingers over the fine fabric. “Oh, Mary, it’s divine. May I try it on?”

“Of course. I’ll meet you in the dressing room.”

Ten minutes later, Sharon walked out of the boutique with a huge smile and a new gown.  Now she needed shoes and a handbag. Two more stops and she would be set.

As Carlos drove her home, the ball consumed her thoughts. She prayed there would be at least one interesting man in attendance. Sharon was tired of her friends and family setting her up with one loser after another in the hopes she would find her mate.

Sighing, she thought,
maybe I don’t have one.
Her eyes closed and she shook her head slowly. “Oh, don’t be silly,”
she reprimanded herself. “The Goddess would never do that to one of her children.” Besides, Emma assured her there was a mate waiting for her and she just needed to be patient a little longer.

Finally home, she hung the new gown in the dressing area next to her en suite. She needed to take a few minutes to relax the stress of the day away before she dressed for the evening meal. Dressing for dinner was a habit she had yet to break. With only her at the table, there really was no reason for it, but her father had always insisted on the antiquated tradition. Somehow, it stuck with her. With that thought, she decided tonight would be the first of many she didn’t dress formally. Tonight, she would wear jeans and a T-shirt. She grinned, imagining her father’s scandalized expression. Sharon rolled her shoulders. A soak in her claw-foot tub was exactly what she needed before she started breaking the rules.

She paid for the plated dinner at the ball, but hated to eat in front of her peers. She shook her head remembering the last function. She had sat in a room filled with judgmental people afraid to eat more than a few bites. Not that she cared what they thought of her. She just preferred to avoid the gossip pages. And a wealthy society woman of size, eating a healthy portion would be fodder for the local society page. She favored Isaac’s barbeques. But this was a good cause, so she bought the ticket knowing she would forego the meal.

Sharon closed her eyes and relaxed deeper into the warm water. Every inch of her body was scented with her favorite body wash. Lavender always calmed her and tonight was no different. While she was in town shopping, her hairdresser swept her hair into a flattering style, and all she had left was her makeup and to slip into her gorgeous dress. It had been some time since she had felt as excited about an event as she did tonight.

Her intuition screamed for her to look her very best. So she’d taken great care including her intimate wear and painted toenails. Having learned many decades ago to listen to her highly tuned psychic gift, she chose a sexy bra and panty set she purchased months ago and had yet to wear. Smiling to herself, she pulled the tags from the demi bra and thong, then slipped them on. They made her feel sexy, naughty, and ultra-feminine. It occurred to her, she needed to return to the lingerie store and purchase a few more sets so she could wear them more often.

Sharon lowered the hidden side zipper, and shimmied into her gown without ruining the upswept style her hairdresser created. Now she needed a little bling to complement the gown. From her wall safe, Sharon carefully removed a thin velvet case. She hadn’t worn her grandmother’s diamond and pearl necklace and earrings since she inherited them over fifty years ago. Until now, they had been too painful to think about. For some reason, tonight felt like the right time to woman up and wear them. The earrings were each two-carat diamonds with a teardrop pearl dangling below her earlobes. Beautiful. Then with infinite care she clasped the string of pearls with its incredible ten-carat teardrop diamond pendant and admired her reflection.

“Thank you, Grandma. I miss you every day,” she whispered as she gingerly ran a finger along the strand.

She dabbed with a tissue to capture the single tear threatening to escape down her cheek. It wouldn’t do to mess up her makeup. All that was left were her heels and she was ready.

A quick glance at the clock told her she had time for a glass of wine to toast her grandmother before her limo arrived. A bottle of her favorite white wine was chilled in the wine cellar waiting for just an occasion like tonight.

Carlos, her driver, had impeccable timing as always. He arrived as she took the last sip from her wine glass. It was time to face whatever this night had in store.

*****

Mark Anderson took a deep breath. He could do this. He had spoken in front of an audience before. This would be no different, except for the fact Simon was going to auction him off. Rizzo whined and bumped his hand. His PTSD dog had no doubt picked up on his anxiety.

“I’m fine, girl. I’m just a little nervous. You know how I like a challenge. It’s just that sometimes the challenge scares the crap out of me. And this is one of those times.”

Rizzo sat back on her haunches, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth. Mark always thought she looked like she was smiling when she did that.

He gave her a pat on the head and adjusted his prosthetic leg, then began dressing in the new tuxedo Simon dropped off earlier that morning. The last time he’d worn one was his brother’s wedding ten years ago. He hadn’t liked it then and he was sure he wasn’t going to like it now. Simon hadn’t had time to get it fitted; the shoulders were slightly too narrow and the seat-of-the-pants was slightly too roomy. The dang things were flat-out uncomfortable. Needless to say, he was looking forward to taking it off as soon as possible.

Stepping to the mirror, he attempted to adjust his bow tie with trembling hands. He hadn’t been on a date since he lost his leg. A wave of insecurity washed over him, an emotion he was unaccustomed to. Point him toward the enemy and he was one hundred percent sure of himself. Leave him alone with a female, at least since the attack, and he was a wreck. The counselor he saw thought this auction would be a great way to ease into the dating world. A nice simple, no strings attached, no expectations dinner. God, he hoped that was how this night went. The last thing he wanted was to make a fool of himself in front of a crowd by demonstrating a full out panic attack. If he were standing next to a very large boulder, he would find a way under it.

Thank God for small favors. At least he wouldn’t have to explain his leg to a stranger. He hated the look of pity he received when someone learned of his injury. He insisted Simon tell the audience about it before he went on stage for the auction. Cowardly? Maybe. But he wanted to be sure the woman involved knew what she was getting into. Any woman who bid on him would know about his leg ahead of time. The way he and Simon set up his presentation as the first bachelor, he would be assured the woman wanted him regardless of his leg. His main concern was intimacy. He prayed the winner expected nothing more than the dinner date outlined in the auction rules. His lower region had been on an extended siesta since the attack, and regardless what the surgeon insisted, there was no sign of life in his pants these days.

*****

Sharon accepted Carlos’ hand and stepped from her limo. Instinctively, she smoothed her dress. This was it. It was time to put her game face on and try to have a little fun. She was excited, but at the same time her nerves were a bit worn from the heightened feelings of expectation. Her intuitive gift didn’t automatically indicate a positive outcome, and that had her radar on alert.
Please, Goddess, let whatever you have in store be a pleasant surprise.

She lifted her gown to avoid wrinkling the delicate fabric as she climbed the sweeping staircase that led to the main entrance. The building Simon and Rose rented for the evening was breathtaking. The architecture oozed of old New Orleans French charm and elegance. She looked forward to meeting Simon’s mate, Rose. Rumor was the woman was a miracle worker when it came to event planning. And from the sophisticated decor and tuxedoed staff, it looked as if Rose was indeed everything she’d heard.

A waiter paused to offer her a flute of champagne, which Sharon happily accepted. She sipped as she searched the crowd for Simon. He must be busy behind the scenes. He was nowhere in sight.

“Sharon! I’m so glad you made it,” Emma Le Beau said as she pulled her into a tight hug.

“Good evening, Emma. I’m happy to be here. Your daughter-in-law out did herself. The ballroom looks amazing.”

“Rose is a magician when it comes to events.”

“Has she started an event planning business here in New Orleans or are you keeping her all to yourself,” Sharon teased.

“So far, Simon has kept her busy with the charity, but if she decides to hang a shingle, I’ll let you know.”

“Please do. I have several charity events to plan each year for the children’s hospital and I would love to hire her.”

“Sharon!” Isaac greeted her with as much enthusiasm as his wife had. He wrapped his arm around Emma and held out his hand. “It’s wonderful to see you. It’s been much too long.”

Sharon shook his hand, smiling. “I agree. It has been much too long. I promise, I’ll be at the next pack run and barbecue. I hated missing the last one.”

“Excellent! Enjoy the evening. Many of the local pack members turned out as well as the upper crust of New Orleans. Mingle, and if your dance card isn’t full, please save a dance for me.”

“I’ll do that.” Then Sharon winked and added, “And if I don’t win a bachelor tonight, I might take you up on two dances.”

Isaac winked back. “Deal. I hate to run off, but we’re needed backstage. The auction will begin in a few minutes. Find a seat, and I’ll do my best to ensure you win a bachelor.”

“I’ll do that. If I don’t hurry, all the good seats will be taken. Good luck tonight. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Simon and Rose bring in a lot of money for the charity.”

*****

Mark took a deep breath and rubbed his churning stomach. Now that the time had come, his gut wasn’t happy with him. It was too late to change his mind. He crossed himself and prayed he didn’t lose his lunch on stage. That wouldn’t be cool or inspire bidding. Rizzo was working overtime to keep him on an even keel. He stroked her head and rubbed her ears. Petting her always helped.

Simon assured him, any woman who purchased him at the auction would be thrilled to spend time with him and only women of quality would be bidding. There would be no judgmental attitudes or pity involved. He counted on Simon to keep his word as he always had.

Speak of the devil, Simon chose that moment to join him behind the curtain that shielded the backstage from view of the audience.

“Hey, Mark. You’re looking a little green. Are you hanging in there?”

“I’m all right, just a bit nervous.”

Rose joined them and put her arm around Mark’s waist. “Do you mind if I hang out with you, Mark? We can support each other, and I’ll cheer you on when you take the stage.”