Sometime Life gets in the way...

It was just called to my attention the lack of traffic here on the blog. I for one must apologize for my absence. Sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions.
I have a legitimate excuse though. I am trying to finish up the first draft of Iron Horse Rider 3. Here's a sneak peek for those who might be interested.

Iron Horse Rider 3

Shane spent the morning with Chief Gray Owl washing any trace of winter from their bikes. Spring brought with it the sweet smell of damp earth, and while birds busied themselves making nests, lemon-yellow daffodils and pink and white tulips pushed upwards toward the sun—nature awakening in all its’ bounteous glory.

The first ride of the season—anticipation flowed through his veins. Tia insisted
on him taking the maiden voyage with her father. She’d have more than her share of riding once summer came and they left on the bike to parts unknown. The small brass bell hanging from the swing arm glinted—a constant reminder that his father would always be with him.

Tia’s laughter carried on the morning breeze. She strolled with her mother toward the open fire in front of the main wigwam. Soon the village would move to the summer place. Mother and daughter talked animatedly to each other, undoubtedly about preparations for the spring solstice celebration.

The wind stopped, and a silence blanketed the village. In the distance, a wolf howled, and Shane knew without looking that Kelly was here. As expected, the familiar blonde wolf appeared at the barren tree line surrounding the camp. She moved closer, transforming into the gentle spirit of the woman he’d known as his wife. Kelly drifted to Tia’s side and knelt. He hadn’t seen any sign of his wife’s ghost since returning home last fall. His first love smiled and placed a hand over Tia’s stomach. She gave him a knowing nod, her image fading from his view. Her gaze comforted him like a gentle caress, and an undeniable sense of wellbeing came over him.

Is she telling me what I think she’s telling me?

He stared at Tia, noticing the plumpness of her breasts and the rosy glow to her
cheeks for the first time.…
“Did you hear a word I just said?” Chief Gray Owl waved a hand in front of Shane’s face.
Startled, Shane blinked rapidly, and turned to face him. Kelly’s appearance offered him the nudge needed to do what he’d been thinking of doing over the long winter months.
“I want to ask you something, but I’m not sure of the right way to do it.”
“The truth can never be wrong.” Gray Owl laid a hand on Shane’s shoulder. “You should know by now you can ask me anything.”
Shane took a deep breath and met the chief’s puzzled gaze. “I hope you know how much I love your daughter. I wondered if you’d give me permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Chief Gray Owl slapped his knee and smiled broadly. “What took you so long? Of course I give you my permission.”
“I want it to be a surprise. Do you think it would be okay to ask her at the Spring Solstice celebration?”
“Okay? It’s more than okay. Wait ‘til her mother hears about this.” He gathered Shane to his chest and hugged him affectionately.
“What’s going on?” Tia stepped toward them, her brow creased.
“Your father is a little excited to be going for the first ride of the season.” Shane wasn’t proud the lie came so easily.
Tia shook her head and smiled. “Sometimes you two act like little boys.”
Shane stood and kissed her flushed cheek. He took the pail of water from her. “Let me carry this for you.”
Her gaze narrowed suspiciously. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you two were up to something.”
He put an arm around her and pulled her to his side. “Where do you want this? We’ll be taking off soon.”
“I am more than capable of carrying my own water. You two better get a move on while the sun is high.”
She reached for the pail only to have Shane firm his hold on it. “Where do you want it?”
Tia threw up her hands. “Follow me, if you insist.”
Shane followed the swing of her hips to the side of the main wigwam where they washed dishes. His heartbeat quickened at the prospect of asking her to be his wife. He never dreamed he’d marry again after the tragedy of losing Kelly. Ironically, it was Kelly who gave him permission to love again. He set the pail down next to the table and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Are you sure you don’t mind if me and Chief go for a ride?” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“Would it matter if I did?” She laughed and pushed him back. “Go on with you. It will be mighty chilly once the sun sets.”
“We’ll be back long before then.” He matched her suspicious gaze and stepped forward to kiss her lightly on the forehead. “Don’t be carrying those heavy buckets. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
“I’ve been carrying these buckets since I was old enough to walk. Are you sure you’re not up to something? You’re acting rather strange.”
Shane spun on his heel, cursing himself for being so over protective all of a sudden. He opted not to tell her of Kelly’s visit—at least not now. He waved back at her. “We’ll be back in time to eat.”
Without looking back, he knew she was watching him, wondering why he was acting the way he was. He’d have to be careful if he wanted to keep it a secret. He smiled broadly.

I’m going to be a father.

So what's been going on in your life? Aside from writing I had a wakeup call in regard to my health. Tomorrow is the beginning of quitting smoking (hopefully for good this time!) and changing my habits to more healthy, well-balance way of eating. I've set a goal of 50 pounds. I will be held accountable by posting every Sunday on my blog with an update on pounds lost and days smoke free. Feel free to pop by and kick my butt if need be.

I hope to hear from some of the SRN authors here on the blog. I know the loops are slow in relation to chats, but I still enjoy visiting blogs and catching up on all the news.
Does anyone have a new release they want to shout out about? I'd love to hear about it.

Adelle Laudan
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