Manifesting Love Club

Last fall I was working on a romance with a working title, Manifesting Love Club. I got stalled on this project when other tales with deadlines took over. I’d finished Heather’s part of the book, had started on Corecia’s love story with the other two ladies waiting their turn.

There’s been a change of plans. Instead of all four ladies falling in love in an intertwined way, they are going to be their own short stories. Heather’s story will be available next month and the other three ladies will follow.

Here’s the last snippet I’d written in Corecia’s story.

I’ll keep you posted here with news on Heather’s release.

Manifesting Love Club – hook

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘hook’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“Not boring and bland…peaceful and serene.” Tracey interjected without thinking. “Which makes you each unique and a pleasure to be around. You each have your own distinctly different personalities, just as all of us here do.”

Heather smiled in acknowledgment of her friends words. “That’s true. Even though I’m usually content with who I am, sometimes I see qualities in my friends that I’m a little envious about. But…enough about that…back to candles.”

Corecia leaned forward and stroked the assortment of candles arranged on the coffee table. “I’ve been waiting to hear why they’re all pink. Not red, like I would have expected.”

“I know. Right? That was my thought when we walked in here.” Juliette nodded her head in agreement.

“You’d think, wouldn’t you? I always thought so too.” Heather shrugged her shoulders and picked up the largest rosy colored pillar candle. “Friday is the best day to burn candles for your love life and relationships and the best color candles to burn on Fridays are pink. Red candles are best burned on Tuesdays, the day ruled by Mars, the Roman god of war. Although…the candle energy on those days are great for when you’re facing personal struggles and physical challenges. It brings forth personal courage. So, if you were having difficulties in a relationship, you could do red ones on Tuesdays to call up courage and strength. But for love and romance, I’d stick to pink ones on Friday’s.”

“So what’s the hook? You just burn the candle and – presto – love appears?” Tracey looked skeptical.

Corecia plucked one of the candles of the table and held it up, turning it this way and that, examining it closely. “Do tell, girlfriend. Cuz I’ve got me a hot lover to conjure up.”

“You can just burn them. But remember, just like with the affirmations we worked on last month, intent is a large part of seeing results. When you light the candles, focus your intent on what you’d like to manifest. Concentrate. Say a little prayer. Think of the positive qualities of the type of man you’d like to attract. Myself, I like to spend some time in quiet reflection and pulling up feelings and emotions to add energy to my thoughts. Then I like to release my desires to the universe, send them off in silent winged journey to the heavens. But, you’ll find your own special way of working with candles.”

“So…we just gonna talk about it all night? Or do we get to light one?” Corecia stroked the candle she held, her gaze off in the distance as if imagining her special man.

Heather bent down and picked a light up off the table. “Of course we all get to light one. I was thinking that we’d each choose a candle and take it to the mantle over the fireplace in the living room. One at a time. Then we each have a little private time to spend lighting it and sending our intention out. Want to go first, Corecia?”

The ebony beauty emphatically shook her head from side to side. “Nope. I want to go last.”

“I’ll go first.” Tracey hopped up and reached for the smallest candle on the table. “It doesn’t have to be romantic love, does it? Can it just be for love in general? A life filled with love?”

“Of course,” Heather agreed. “Love is love is love. Wanting a life filled with love can come from many avenues besides a lover. Family. Hey, even friends.” She thrust her hand out to take in the four friends that sat around the small family room.

Tracey didn’t take much time in the other room. She returned quickly with a hint of a smile displayed on her face. Juliette had her chosen candle in hand already, waiting for her turn, and disappeared as soon as Tracey took her seat on the sofa. She took more time than Tracey did, but was still returned fairly quickly. Corecia stood, still holding the candle she’d picked up earlier, one that held a deeper hint of mauve than the others.

While Corecia took her turn lighting her candle in the other room, the other three friends chatted quietly with one another. And chatted. And talked some more. Heather finally glanced at her watch with a quizzical expression. “What’s she doing in there that’s taking so long?” she whispered to Tracey and Juliette.

Manifesting Love Club – ghost

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘ghost’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Corecia laughed so hard so bent over and held her sides. “Waxing? The moon waxes? Does it yelp like I do?”

Heather merely shook her head and gave her friend some time to get the hilarity out of her system. “Guess that means you don’t pay attention to the moon phases. When it’s progressing from a new moon to a full moon, that’s called a waxing moon. It’s in a growing phase. This is a good time to set your intentions involving attraction.” She glanced around at the others to see if they were following her prattle. “This is a good time to attract a new job, a new lover, or more money. But…we’re looking at the lover aspect.”

Juliette leaned forward in rapt attention. “So…do we like…have to go out in the middle of the night for this?”

“Not at all. I mean, you can if you want. But you can do this inside. At night. Middle of the day. Whenever it’s convenient for you. You’ve got a two week period when the moon is growing to full. After full, when the visibility is shrinking each night, that’s called waning. You wouldn’t want to do your love candle magic in that two week period.”

“So what phase are we in now? Is this a good time, or do we have to wait?” For someone that wasn’t interested in finding new love, Tracey seemed more curious than the others.

Corecia turned towards Tracey, the oldest friend in the bunch, and inquired, “You all hot and bothered to conjure up a new hottie?”

Tracey pulled back her shoulders and huffed up her chest. “Ha! Not a ghost of a chance! No one could replace my sweet Luke. But all this moon and candle doohickey intrigues me.”

Corecia snickered. “That’s okay. You can use yours and send me the good vibes. I am ready to find my knight. All this one date-one night baloney is for the birds. This mama’s ready to grab her an armful of hunk, settle down and feather our nest with love. Especially if that hunk o’ man is Noah.”

“Now, now…” Heather held up a hand in reproach.

“I know…I know. I can’t use this to work on Noah specifically.” Corecia pursed her mouth to show what she thought of Heather’s caution.

“No you can’t. You can set an intention for love. But don’t try capturing one certain person. That takes away his free will in the matter. Plus, he might not be the one. There may be a better match for you out there that the universe wants you to hook up with. But if you go messing with things, you may latch onto someone that’s not the best for you…and miss out on the goodness that was headed your way.”

Juliette settled back on the sofa and heaved a huge sigh. “I’m ready too. But I don’t want the mamby-pamby guys that I keep meeting at work. There’s just no sizzle there. I’m ready for a little heat and action in my life.”

“Then try this. And keep doing your affirmations that we worked on last month. Heather continued with the little lesson she’d planned for the others. “I don’t think I answered Tracey’s question earlier, about the phase we’re in now. The new moon was last week, so we’re smack dab in the middle of the optimum period. Now, even though there’s a two week window in there, and you can do it any day, Fridays are the best day to draw love your way.”

“Why Fridays?” Tracey and Juliette spoke in unison and started laughing.

Heather glanced down at the notes she held in her hand. “Friday is the day of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and sex.”

“Mmmm huh. Love and sex. Now you’re speaking my language.” Corecia bobbed her head up and down and shook in a mini-shimmey, as much as she could perform while seated on the plush couch cushions. She glanced up and caught the look on Heather’s face. “What girlfriend? You think I’m joshin’ you?”

Heather was quick to reply. “Oh no, that’s not it at all. Hey girl, after how many years I’ve know you…no, I know you’re all over the sex part. I was just thinking that I wish I had some of your spontaneity and zest for life. Sometimes around you I feel so…boring and bland.”

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Manifesting Love – picture prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to a picture prompt. Picture prompt snippets are short. Only 300 words. Makes for a quick read this week. Come see how the bread picture I chose works its way into the story.

Then, return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

As everyone else stood, Corecia held a hand in the air as if she were a school girl waiting for permission to speak. “Wait a minute. I want another roll first. I could make a meal of good bread, ‘specially when it’s as fresh as this. Trader Joes?”

Heather held the platter that held an assortment of crusty treats towards her friend. “Nope. Central Market.”

Clutching a soft, pumpernickel roll on a napkin, Corecia joined her friends in the living room. The women clustered around the square coffee table nestled in the corner of the L-shaped sofa and examined the plethora arranged for their manifesting lesson.

Juliette plopped down at one of the ends, leaning back with a huge sigh. “Pink candles? I thought candles to attract love would be red.”

“Me too,” Tracey agreed. “I’d planned on sharing what we learn tonight with my son. But he called yesterday all in a tizzy, telling me all about his new girlfriend. Guess he doesn’t need any candle help in his love life.”

Heather grabbed a sheaf of papers from the table and began passing them out. “To use candle magic in your life, you need to know what days’ work best for your intent. Also, we need to know about what phase the moon is in.”

“Phase of the moon? Now you’re starting to sound all new-agey on us Heather.” Juliette waggled her fingers in the air for added effect.

Heather straightened her shoulders and appeared startled. “Don’t you pay attention to the moon?”

“Only when it’s a full one. Then all the loonies come out. You wouldn’t believe the customers I get the few days around a full moon.”

Heather nodded in agreement. “Full moons are important to watch. So are the new moons. But knowing when its transitioning between full and new is what you need to know. A waxing moon…”

Manifesting Love Club – fasten

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Now it’s Corecia’s time to find love. She has her eye on a new man, but is unsure about Noah as he’s claimed that he doesn’t want to be tied down.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘fasten’.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

A frown flickered across Corecia’s face and she opened her mouth, although no words came out.

Tracey looked up and caught the expression on Corecia’s face. “Now you’ve done it, Juliette. Why do you two have to snip at each other so often?”

“No, no…it’s okay,” Corecia rushed in to explain. “I’m not upset about what she said. Hell, I give it back as good as anyone gives me. Or better.” She heaved a huge sigh and her shoulders sank. “It’s just what she said about that I found my man. I talk all big and brash. But it’s not always what’s really going on in my life. She said ‘I found my man.’ But I haven’t. Oh, Noah’s a hunk. The brother is one fine piece of manhood. But we’ve only had two dates. And…he’s made it very clear that he likes being single and having time to run with the guys. No strings. No attachments.”

“Bu, dear, don’t you like it that way?” Tracey softly questioned her friend.

“I liked it like that before. I didn’t want tied down either. On to the newest and flashiest conquest I guess. But there’s something about this one…something that makes me wish he didn’t feel that way. So, no. I haven’t found my guy. And it bothers the hell out of me.”

Heather settled into her chair on the end before reaching for the parmigiana which she passed to Juliette on her right. “Does he have the qualities that you listed the night we worked on affirmations?”

Corecia’s face lit up in delight. “The brother packs a load of fine qualities that I like. Did I tell you he used to be a football player? Not that that part was on my list. But I like how he’s a manly man. He likes all sports and doing things with the guys, like meeting for beers and poker nights. But he’s also smart and kind and funny. I laugh around him. He enjoys life. He’s divorced. No kids. But you should see him around kids. He’s patient. He talks to them like people. Not condescending at all, like some guys are.

Juliette took a helping of the main dish before passing it on. Reaching for the salad she asked the next round of questions. “What happened on your last date? Where’d you end up at the end of the evening? Not that I want to know any of those details. But you know, like, did he ask you out again?”

“We went to a movie. Then for ice cream after. He came in for a bit afterwards. Did have a sweet make out session on the couch.” Corecia fanned her face as if the flames of heat reignited as she talked about it. “That man can kiss! But then he stood up, kissed me on the top of my head and said he’d better leave before things got out of hand. Talk about leaving a sister all hot and bothered. Although, he did call the next day and invite me to a basketball game. He’s got to cover the game for work and had an extra ticket, so I don’t know if that really counts as a date.”

Tracey slapped her hand on the table, causing her wine glass to jiggle. “Yes it counts. Even if it’s work related and he didn’t buy the tickets. He wouldn’t be asking you if he didn’t want to spend time with you.”

Heather nodded in agreement. “I second that. If he asked you, he wants to see you. That’s a date. Period.”

The chatter died down as the ladies ate their meals with gusto. As all four scraped their plates clean, not leaving a single bite remaining, Corecia spoke up. “Have to give you props, Heather. This was the bomb. Even if it didn’t have any meat in it.”

Smothering a pleased smile, their hostess nodded and stood up. “Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. If everyone’s done, let’s head into the living room and we’ll talk about a way to rev up our love life manifesting.”

“Let me help with dishes first,” Tracey volunteered.

“Let them sit. I’ll get them later. When we’re done.” Heather grabbed a notebook that was laying on the oak side table. “C’mon ladies, let go get ‘em. You’re going to have to sit down and fasten your seatbelts. I think you’ll find that a little candle magic will pack a wallop in your love life.”

Minolta DSC

Manifesting Love Club – picture prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Leaving them all lovey-dovey and snuggled up together, we’re jumping ahead in the story to Corecia. It’s time for her to have some fun and find a little love.

This week we’re writing to a picture prompt. Picture prompt snippets are short – only 300 words.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“That’s his hook then? He can kiss?” Tracey shook her head in dismay.

“When his mouth is on mine and his arms wrapped around me…yo girl, he is an angel on earth and I never want the moment to end.”

Juliette held her hand high in the air. “TMI. TMI. We do not need to go any further with this conversation.”

Heather tossed a dish towel on the counter. “I agree. Besides, dinner is ready. Go get a seat and I’ll bring the entrée in.”

The ladies made their way to the dining table and proceeded with the delicate feminine dance of choosing who sat where. Heather carried a steaming dish in and placed it on the trivet.

“Mmmmm, that smells delicious.” Tracey inhaled deeply and rubbed her hand across her stomach. “What is it?”

“Zucchini Parmigiana.” Heather sat a spatula next to the white corning ware dish that held their meal.

“Zucchini? Where’s the beef?” Corecia joked. “I know you’re all Miss-Eat-Healthy after your brush with cancer. But girl…the rest of us still eat beef. A nice sizzling steak sure would be nice sittin’ next to that veggie dish you call a meal.”

“Don’t worry, Corecia. Besides, if you keep going on about Noah, I have a feeling we’ll all hear plenty about ‘da beef’.” The twinkle in Tracey’s eyes and her soft chuckle let everyone know she spoke in jest.

“Oh, Corecia, just zip it up for one night, will you? Didn’t your mama ever teach you ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’?” Juliette shook her head and rubbed her finger tips across her forehead in exasperation. “I just want to eat. I’m famished. Then I can’t wait to hear what Heather’s going to tell us about candle spells. You may have found your man, but I’m still looking for mine.”

Manifesting Love Club – ‘call’ prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Leaving them all lovey-dovey and snuggled up together, we’re jumping ahead in the story to Corecia. It’s time for her to have some fun and find a little love.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘call.’

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“Not at a club. He came into the office for a meeting with my boss. He’s a sports writer.”

“That’s outside your usual style.” Juliette held up her wine glass in salute.

“I know, huh? He doesn’t even like going to the clubs. Now, I ask you, how can such a fine man not enjoy a good night out at the club?” Corecia heaved a huge sigh. “Guess I can learn to live without the clubs though…he’s got so much going for him.”

“Sounds like it’s getting pretty serious. Tell us more.” Tracey was still curious.

“Wellllll….” Corecia paused before continuing. “It’s going to get serious. So far we’ve only had two dates. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be tied down in a relationship. But other than that, he’s perfect. So, like Heather says, I’m going to manifest us into a relationship.”

“Whoa!” Heather held up her hands in dismay. “I’m all for preaching about manifesting and creating a life you want. But you can’t try to bring a specific person into your life.”

“It worked for you,” Corecia disputed. “Look at how you brought Brian into your life. Now you’re so crazy in love it isn’t funny. I want that too.”

“Brian did enter my life. And, yes, we are madly in love. But I didn’t say all my affirmations to bring Brian into my life. Where does that leave any free will for him? I merely keep repeating what kind of relationship I wanted in my life. Then I let the universe set about finding someone that meshed with what I wanted.”

“But…I want Noah.”

“You can’t put in an order for Noah. That may not be what he wants. You have to be clear about what you want in a love, and also what you won’t tolerate. When you’re clear on those parameters, then you’ll see who meets your needs and who won’t. It may be Noah. It may be someone else.”

“I’m with Heather,” Tracey said. “When I was younger, I was wildly, madly in love with Scott. He was the most perfect man on the planet. I wanted him something bad. I would have done anything to get him. He made it clear that he didn’t want me. Then I met Luke and fell in love with him. Luke and I had almost thirty-five glorious years together. He was a gentle, kind man with a heart of gold. When I ran into Scott at our high school reunion, he was on wife number four. He was rude, opinionated and arrogant. That night I thanked my lucky stars that I wasn’t able to conjure any magic or call on any God’s to give him to me. I would have ended up in a disastrous marriage.”

Juliette refilled her wine glass and held up the bottle in silent question. Tracey held a hand over her glass. Heather was still scurrying around the kitchen in preparation for dinner and didn’t notice. Corecia, in typical Corecia style, had drained her glass and held up the empty vessel for a refill. As Juliette poured amber nectar, she continued her line of questions. “Tell us about Noah. What does he like to do? What kind of man is he? How does he spend his spare time?”

“Ummmmm…well….” Corecia stammered and her chocolate skin deepened with an invisible blush. “It’s not like we’ve had a lot of time to chat.”

Juliette prodded. “But you’re the one that said he liked to talk. He must have given some clues about himself with all this discussion you’ve had.”

“He does like to talk. Kind of. Mostly I meant I could listen to him talk. He’s got this delicious Jamaican accent going on. Kind of Bob Marley style. But talking about sports instead of music. I could just eat him all up listening to the man. And whoooheee! Can he kiss!”

 

Manifesting Love – paper

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather and Brian found each other, even though Heather didn’t expect to fall for a full-time clown. Leaving them all lovey-dovey and snuggled up together, we’re jumping ahead in the story to Corecia. It’s time for her to have some fun and find a little love.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘paper.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

Corecia stood in front of the bathroom mirror, makeup brush in hand, scrutinizing her face for any visible flaws she could conceal. She glanced down at her phone laying on the counter next to her and gasped. Where did the time go? I’m going to be late. No way can I get to Heather’s in ten minutes.

A few brushes and dabs later, with a quick dusting of silvery sparkle across her eyelids, she deemed herself ready for the girls night out. When Heather answered the door, Corecia breezed into the room like a summertime windstorm stirring up everything in its path. “I know…I know. I’m late.” She scurried around the kitchen passing out hugs and air kisses.

“As usual. We know if Corecia’s coming, the party’s starting late,” Juliette joked.

“What can I say? Just cuz I’m not a follow-the-rules, punch-the-clock fuddy-duddy like y’all are.”

Tracey fought back a smirk. “So…what does your boss say about your punctuality?”

Waving a hand in the air as if her boss’s opinion didn’t matter, Corecia had a handy retort. “Doesn’t matter. I’m so good, they want to keep me on board. Even if I can’t get there at eight on the dot.”

“Humble, too.” Heather patted Corecia’s arm to show she was jesting.

“Damn straight. Not gonna hide my light under a bushel.” She grabbed a green olive off the relish tray sitting on the counter and popped it in her mouth. “So, girlfriend, what’cha got planned for us tonight? Not that I need it. Your affirmation thingy’s hooked me a live one.”

Heather pulled a pair of salad tongs out of a drawer and tossed the mixed greens waiting in a large, clear bowl as she answered. “Candle spells.”

“Spells? As in witchcraft?” A horrified look settled on Tracey’s face, making it clear what she thought of the idea.

Heather stirred the salad a bit more vigorously than she needed to. “No. No witchcraft involved, dear. Don’t get your knickers in a twist. We’re going to use the affirmations we worked on last month, and just add a little punch with some candle power.”

“No circles and stirring brew and potions? But I came all prepared to learn some new magic.” Juliette looked amused.

Heather mouthed a silent thank you across the room.

Corecia laughed and motioned a floor to ceiling wave in front of Juliette. “But girl…you came dressed for the occasion. Look at you, dressed all in black, head to toe.”

Tracey’s mouth remained taunt, but she managed to join in the frivolity of the others. “Outfit’s complete. You’re just missing a witch’s hat.”

Juliette ran her hands down her sides. “Yeah. Couldn’t bring it tonight. It’s out at the tailor’s getting some black Belgian lace sewn on the brim.”

Heather passed through the kitchen carrying the salad bowl, which she sat in the middle of the dining room table. Returning to the kitchen she moved next to Corecia, who had placed herself in front of the appetizer tray and was doing her best to consume much of it. Heather bumped her hip up against Corecia. “Excuse me hon’. I need to get the plates out of here.”

Snatching up a celery stick before she scooted away, Corecia said, “That’s why I come here to eat. Real china. Not like the paper plates I use at home.”

“Speaking of home,” Tracey said, “tell us about your new guy. Who is he? Where’d you meet him? How’s it going?”

Corecia lit up like a light bulb. “Noah! He’s a dreamboat too. Tall, ebony man, over six foot. Manners. And mmmmm – can he talk. I could listen to him all night.” She rubbed her hands together in glee.

“Talk? That’s what you call in now?” Juliette didn’t look convinced. “So what club did you meet him at? You know he won’t last. Club men are all players. Seems you should have figured that one out by now.”

 

Manifesting Love Club – spider

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather is the first of the group that finds love – with someone unexpected. Brian’s a clown. A real life clown. His humor is the spark that Heather needs in her life at the moment.

This week we’re writing to the prompt ‘spider’. We’ve jumped ahead a bit in the story.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

After barreling down the dirt road for about a mile, gravel and dust spewing behind them, Brian slowed to a near stop. Heather looked at him, curiosity in her eyes, as he turned into a barely discernible driveway. “With all the weeds and growth, you can’t even tell this was here. You’ve evidently been here before.”

A small smile crossed his face, but it didn’t make it to his eyes. A hint of sadness lingered in the depths. He started to speak, but choked up and no words came out.

Heather turned her head and searched his face for clues. “Brian? You okay?”

He swallowed and paused before answering. “Yeah…I’ve been here a time or two.” He inched the minivan through the waist high growth, trying to stay in the ruts carved from long ago visits. “This was my grandparents place. I spent most of my summers out here, running around through their fields.”

Heather placed a hand on the back of his neck, caressing the taunt muscles. “Sounds like there’s lots of happy memories here. Which makes it a sad place to visit, doesn’t it? I take it they’re gone?”

“Yes. About ten years now. Grandma went first. Grandpa right behind. He didn’t last more than a few months after she left. Don’t think he wanted to live life without her.”

“I’ve heard of that happening. Couples dying with weeks, sometimes days of each other. Especially if they’ve been together for a long time.”

“Almost fifty years. They didn’t quite make that anniversary. Short by a year or two.”

“I’m sorry, honey.” She kept stroking the back of his neck, sending reassurance and comfort through the tips of her fingers.

Brian rounded a curve and the old farmhouse stood before them. Barely stood. The porch roof threatened to spill down across the turned posts that tried vainly to support it. A back corner of the house had already given up the fight, with boards and shingles scattered over the ground as evidence to the battle that had taken place over the past few years.

“So…I’m guessing that no one lives here anymore.”

He pulled up beside what appeared to be a side door and turned off the ignition. He chuckled when he answered. “You’d be right about that. Maybe a few spiders and snakes. Possibly a mouse or two. Or twenty.”

“Who owns the land now?”

“I do. They left it to me. The house was already falling apart by then. I didn’t have the money, or the time, to try to keep it up. But I still try to make it up here once or twice a year. I usually camp out for a few days. Check on the place. Regroup. Remember the good times here.”

“You said you brought lunch with you?”

“Yes, ma’am, I did. A mighty tasty one too, if I say so myself. A fine, delicious feast for my maiden.” He glanced at Heather, but his eyes kept returning to the dilapidated structure in front of them.

“Then why don’t we stay here for lunch? We can see Turner Falls another day.”

“You’d do that? Even without any amenities?”

“Of course I would. This place is special to you. I’m pleased that you wanted to share it with me. Let’s spend more time here, to connect with your grandparents. You can share your memories with me. I believe they’ll be listening over our shoulders, delighted to hear them.”

Brian leaned over, wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tight. “You know…I wanted to tell you something today. At lunch by the falls. But I need to tell you now…before my heart explodes with happiness.”

He loosened his arms and took one hand to tip Heather’s chin up. Leaning in close, he touched his nose to hers and looked directly into her eyes. “Heather McKinney…you have stolen my soul and my heart. I love you beyond measure. And right now…I think I love you even more than that.”

Manifesting Love – picture prompt

This is a new work in progress, The Manifesting Love Club. Four friends. All single. Some looking for love. Some not. Join these ladies as they take their friendship into a new direction, to manifest love.

Heather is the first of the group that finds love – with someone unexpected. Brian’s a clown. A real life clown. His humor is the spark that Heather needs in her life at the moment.

This week we’re writing to a picture prompt. These snippets are short. Only 300 words. We’re jumping ahead a bit in the story for this prompt.

Return to TUESDAY TALES to read the rest of the story snippets.

“Being the nature girl you are, I’m surprised you’ve never been to Turner Falls.”

“My friend, Tracey’s talked about it. She and her husband used to go camping there before he died. I’ve never been though.”

“Then you, my dear, are in for a treat today. They have the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. Seventy seven feet tall. The scenery there is amazing. But, I want to make a quick stop first, to show you my favorite peaceful retreat. This is where I come when I need to get away and recharge.” He slowed the minivan to a crawl and turned onto a dirt road.

Heather gasped when she saw the view. “Look at the sunlight streaming across the road. It’s almost like it’s anointed with serenity.”

Brian eased to a stop, giving her time to enjoy the peaceful, rural scene in front of them.

He stepped on the gas to continue the journey and a serenade of small bits of gravel hit the undercarriage. Heather glanced at the cloud of swirling dust behind them, enveloping the road in its murky plume. “I see why you didn’t want to drive your Corvette today.”

“That’s why. You get the Clown-mobile today. Hope you don’t mind.”

She grinned in response. “Not at all. I can live with your offbeat transportation for some occasions.”

“I hope so. Because despite the unconventional ride today, I’m hoping to make it a special day for you.”

“It’s always special with you. I’ve laughed more you than I ever have before.” She patted his hand resting on the console and giggled. “I think I’m even used to you wearing your clown nose in public.”

“You’ll be proud of me. I left it at home. Today I only brought a secret arsenal of tempting items for our lunch.”