NAME GAME PART TWO

Flames leapt higher as Tyburn tossed another log into the fire pit outside his and Rachel’s home.  The outdoor thermometer read 20 degrees.  A stiff wind blew over the roof dropping snow on to the patio.  Rachel sat regal as ever bundled up in her down parka, boots, ski pants, and crocheted hat and gloves.  On her lap lay a tablet with several lines of writing.  On the side table next to her, a huge mug of cinnamon chocolate truffle hot chocolate sat.  Steam rolled off it.  

“You aren’t going to escape this any longer, Tyburn.” Rachel spit out in between her chattering teeth.  “The kids need names.”

“Yea, they do.  Why do I have to decide this?”  Tyburn reached for his mug of hot chocolate.  He blew on the liquid hoping he didn’t burn his tongue a second time.  His first sip sent a sear of pain down his throat and deep into his gullet.  Rachel’s exasperated sigh and rigid posture told him he’d better get down to business or he’d be sleeping on the couch again.  Pesky cat kept cuddling up to him all night.  Sneezing and watery eyes didn’t become him.  Nor did tripping over the dog in the middle of the night either.  So much for domesticity mortal style.

“Because you’re their father,” Rachel ground out.  She wrapped her hands around her mug and blew across the top before raising it to her lips.  

Tyburn waited until she sat the mug down.  Like it or not, he couldn’t escape the truth.  His children needed names.  Neither Louis nor Dwayne sounded right as he watched his son sleep.  Even as he held him, images of an athletic teen came to mind.  Lowell came and went as a consideration.  Then there was they’re daughter.  No way was that girl getting Boadicea hung on her.  How much human or Phoenix these two had in them might not manifest itself for years.  Possibly ages before any of them knew.

“What about Ailis Ena?”  Tyburn dropped into the chair closest to Rachel.  “The spelling is unique.”

“What is its translation?”  Rachel wrote the name on the page.  

“Noble kind and flame or fire. After all she’s got some phoenix in her somewhere.”  Tyburn sipped more of his drink.  

Rachel nodded, tucked her pen back in her pocket, and wrapped her hands back around her mug.  “What about our son?”

“Bryce Kent.  Easy and simple.  Noble and head chief.  He turn out as head strong as either of us.”  Tyburn set his mug back on the table and rose.

Rachel hastily scribbled on her pad.  She shoved both in to her pocket before scooting forward on her chair.  “Dowse the fire, please.”  She held out her mug to him.

Tyburn didn’t ask.  He didn’t wait.  He poured her mug and his on the fire.  Sparks leaped up and sizzled before the flames died down.  After a couple shovels of snow took the flames down to red coals, he held his hand out to Rachel.  If he tried to speak, he’d probably spit his teeth out they chattered so hard.

“My votes go for Ailis Kaylene and Bryce James.”  Rachel trotted toward the back steps leading up to the enclosed sun porch.

Tyburn shook his head as he followed.  At least they were closer to deciding.  If the decision continued, inside where warmth and a hot shower awaited made more sense than freezing his . . .wait, maybe that’s what Rachel intended all along.  “Woman, wait up,” he called out picking up his pace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!

Next up are Rachel and Tyburn with their decisions on names.  Looks like it isn't decided quite yet with these too.  Who's minding the twins while the name discussion continues?  Tyburn's twin sister may have a few suggestions for them too.  I think the flames are going to fly more before this is done.

Keep warm and safe as winter blows across the land.  These temperatures are crazy.  I dug out my thermal underwear and don't wanna go out without them until April maybe.  LOL!  

Remember keep a good book or two nearby to share with your loves and spice.  I know I am!

Until Next Week,

Solara

I'll Just Do It Myself...

Nick shifted in his seat, seeking out a more comfortable position and mildly concerned that watching Ziva nurse his daughter was turning him on to such a degree.  Thankfully, he’d read those books about being a new dad and knew that arousal at the sight was not uncommon.

It was times like this he wished he could draw or paint or do something even slightly creative to immortalize the beauty before him.

“What are you thinking about, Nicky?”

“Nicky? Am I in trouble?”

Her half smile soothed him.  They’d been fighting more than usual of late and they both knew why.  Names. Another thing he’d read in the book was that it was not uncommon to have trouble naming your baby.  Lots of couples struggled with it, of course, those couples weren’t usually made up of two alpha wolves.

“You know, Z, we really need to resolve this name issue.”

Ziva looked up and smiled at him, the baby girl at her breast.  Her happiness at being a mother written all over her face for the world to see.

“I know we do, but Nick, I just can’t go with Monica, like you suggested, or Dwayne.  Ralph would attach himself to our son and we would have to break all those bear habits he’d instill in our boy.”

“I agree, no names Ralph suggested.  You know that’s going to make him crankier than usual.”

“Ralph needs to get himself laid but good and burn some of those vacation days he’s been hoarding. 
He is a bear, they need to hibernate.”

Nick laughed.  His mate was always spot on with her assessments of the people around her.  “You going to tell him that before or after you tell him we didn’t pick his names.”

“I’m going to let you tell him.  Air kisses…”

“Thanks.”  He shook his head and smiled.  “You know, I’ll back off of Monica if you’d be willing to let go of Misha.”

Emotions played across Ziva’s face and Nick worried she was going to continue to be stubborn about naming their son, Misha.

“But…Misha is a beautiful name!  Girls will love that name…”

“Z, we’re shifters, he’d be teased and beat up just because of his name.”

“Not in this town,” she said, setting their well-fed, sleeping girl back into the bassinet and picking up the gentle boy whose name was being disputed.  She put him to her other breast and swiped a soft touch down his cheek.

“Especially in this town, Z.”  He leaned forward and touched the silky head of his son.  “He’s beta, and even with all of our protection he has a tough road to follow.  Let’s at least give him a strong name, not something that would get him pick on.”

“Do you have a suggestion?”

Nick released a breath, happy she was willing to finally talk.  “I do, actually.  What about Michael or Sam?”

Ziva was quiet for a few minutes before she spoke.  “Those are strong names, but to plain.”

“Okay, then how about Cooper?”

The little prince squawked and squealed, shook his tiny fist before once again nuzzling at his momma breast. “Well, I guess he likes that name,” Ziva said through a smile.

“He’s a smart boy…takes after his mom, for sure.”

“Suck up.” She snorted, but grinned all the same. “Can I keep DeClan as his middle name?”

“If I say yes will it win me points when it comes to our daughter’s name?”

Ziva gave him her wickedest smile and predictably, he went stone hard.  “Nope, but Penny called to tell me about the new store of rulers that were delivered to the G&B the other day…”

Nick groaned.

“I had her send me one, or two.”

“Oh Lupa…”

“Nope, you can call me ma’am.”
~~~

Well, that's one down and one to go.  The newest beta in the McMahon clan is Cooper DeClan and he picked the name himself...kinda.  Now they just need to agree on a name for their little alpha girl...

Have a great weekend!
Serena

Keina soared on wings of sheer bliss.

New Year howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

Here's a draft of Chapter Ten from my current ShapeShifter Seductions WIP, which is tentatively titled: His Invisible Gift. However, that doesn't seem quite right, so the title is likely to change. Anyway, Keina, my winged horse heroine, and Drev, my hero, who is human but has enhanced abilities... have just enjoyed a very hot sex scene.

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Chapter Ten

Keina soared on wings of sheer bliss. "Stud, my stud," she whispered over and over. She hugged Drev's neck, and pressed herself even closer to the shield of muscle that was his chest. His potent sexual scent filled her nostrils. The strength of his cock still filled her, and his grip on her hadn't weakened.

Long moments later as they continued hugging each other, as her afterglow shimmered every fiber of her, Keina murmured, "You can put me down, Drev." 

"Clean sheets," he tempted. The rough timbre of his voice tickled her ear deliciously.

"Yes." Keina smiled, her happiness a bright flare inside her. She could at least allow this time between them before...flubergastov, before she had to think about leaving him. "I want to stay in your arms, hunter."

"Hang on, sweetheart." Drev wrapped his hunky arms around her, pivoted, and  began carrying her to, she assumed, his bedroom.

Keina nestled her head on his shoulder, just to know the feeling. How could she not adore a virile man such as this? Who cared for his family. Who she knew possessed a good character. After all, she'd touched his mind, glimpsed his soul.

"Do you know how good you feel, Keina?" he rasped, once they entered a cozy warm room, and he was lowering her onto the bed.

Keeping her arms locked around his neck, she teased, "How good?"

"Good enough to be your stud again." He subtly rocked inside her pussy, and Keina sank deeper into the thick down comforter.

"You are good enough." Keina wiggled provocatively on his studly shaft.

Drev slid his hands from beneath her back, then sensually molded her curves, as he stroked downward over her thighs. Their gazes merged, and Keina lost herself in the gold-flame glints of his eyes.

She felt her heart reach for him, but ignored the sweet yearning, even as she caressed the nape of his neck.

"Lights?" he asked. "Or do I tuck you and me in?"

"Tuck, please."

"Wait a minute." Even in the darkness, Keina watched his expression change to one of concern. "Are you hungry? You did fly here, right?"

"I flew, yes, Drev. In the morning I'll be able to eat three plates of pancakes. Now, I want to be in bed with you."

"Three plates." His voice held a grin. "I can do that."

"Oat pancakes with apple caramel topping?"

"Oatmeal added to the mix. I could make some topping." Drev touched a kiss to the tip of her nose. "You are so beautiful."

The deep sincerity of Drev's compliment bubbly-rushed through Keina, and she combed her fingers through his lush mane. "Skin to skin beneath the covers, my stud."

Drev gently eased his cock from her, then reached to open the top drawer of his simple wood nightstand. Keina watched him flick out a large handkerchief. "How about I use this to wipe those gorgeous thighs of yours?"

Keina nodded, adoring him for taking care of her. With a gentle yet competent touch he cleaned his cum from her. All the while, his gaze hungrily roved over her body.

No stranger to being desired, still Keina reveled in her hunter's desire for her -- intensely different somehow, and more wondrously pleasurable.

After tossing the cloth into a nearby whicker basket, Drev straightened. He lifted her in a tender manner with one arm, then bent to one side. Swiftly, he tossed back the covers, and placed her in the center of a surprisingly comfortable bed. From what Keina could tell it was king-sized, and the sheets smelled fresh.

Without thought, she smoothed her hand over the soft flannel. "Winter sheets. Let's warm them up more."

"Give me a few minutes, Keina." Drev bent to her, planted a kiss on her mouth, then thoughtfully arranged the covers over her. "I need to check the front room stove. Make certain there's enough wood for tonight."

Keina brushed her fingertips over his stubble tracing his cheekbone. "You feel so good. I'll be right here...waiting, Drev. That's an unusual name, right?"

He grinned disarmingly. Yet, both humor and sadness shone in the depths of his eyes. "I'll explain once I return, Keina."

As Drev strode out of the room, Keina raised to her elbows appreciating his backside. Her gaze traveled from his yummy broad shoulders to the chiseled definition of his back, then down to his *I want to feel your* ass.

Keina stared at his beautiful-to-her-eye legs just before he disappeared through the doorway. Sizzly-hot inside, she lowered herself onto one of the plump pillows and pulled the covers up.

Seconds later, she realized she'd never seen such powerful thighs and calves on a man, which struck her as odd, given the men-stallions she knew in her home realm. Drev wasn't what Earthers called overly musclebound like...what was that actor-governor's name?...Arnold something.

No, her hunter's build was athletically balanced, proportioned for strength and speed. 
Her hunter. Keina shivered inside, knowing she wished with all her heart that he could be hers. If, if somehow...but that would be a fairytale or a fantasy wish.

Don't think about, she told herself. Be with him before the storms of life take you away.

Inhaling his woodsy unique scent, Keina scooched down into the pleasantness that was Drev's bed. She shimmied back and forth as she enjoyed doing in her own bed, a lavish affair with sheer mist-like draping, and velvet curtains the color of purple pansies.

Her world, with its majestic granite and crystal castles, was pleasurably luxurious for the overall population when compared to most of Earth. The vast stretches of land, the lush various terrains, were ideal for running and traveling as horse.

Keina adored her home castle, and most of her herd-family -- missing them like  Persephone missed the sun-bright surface of Earth. While she heart-embraced her realm, she couldn't abide the endless, ridiculous, shoulder-bumping intrigue. She despised the *hoof slamming into your head* politics.

Emotions, turbulent and raw, raced through Keina, her joy at being with Drev, an achy sadness at being banished -- and a biting-anger that could rip through the hide of a rhinoceros. She blew out a long sigh.

Hearing Drev's return steps, Keina trembled with excitement, with a longing that  was so torrid her blood ran like flame through every inch of her.

Then, her inner filly pranced, her tail switching madly. Hadn't her dear mother mentioned such a state when she'd fallen head-over-hooves in love with her Keina's sire?

Oh whinny no! Now she'd have to recover from a badly broken heart...flubergastov!

Keina bolted to a sitting position at the sight of Drev, naked and carrying two mugs. The fragrance of apple cider steamed toward her already sniffing nostrils.

"Thirsty?" Her prince who wasn't a prince asked.

~~~~~~


Wishing you love and passion on the wild side in the New Year

Savanna 

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance

Q and A

Sanjay led an unresisting Serenity away from the rowdy ruckus of the bachelor auction and over to a booth at the wall. From here they could still watch the action while remaining apart from it. It created an odd sensation: intimacy in the midst of a crowd. Whoever had designed the club this way, the owner had definitely gotten the most bang out of his buck.

That thought caused Serenity’s nerves to rear up and swamp her again. In spite of the number of people here, she was now, for all intents and purposes, alone with a total stranger. In fact, scratch the whole “people” label. The “people” here were shapeshifters, liable to turn into some kind of animal at a moment’s notice. Present company included.

He didn’t look like an animal. That was the problem. None of them did, until they grew fur and hooves and fangs and feathers and whatnot. It was the whatnot that bothered her most. What if he was one of those species who were, well, different down below? What if, now that she’d agreed to have dinner with him, he afterwards insisted on dessert?

“You’re getting sweaty again,” he observed. “Are you sure you’re not at least part deer?”

“I’m sure.” She wiped her hands on a napkin. “I’m human all the way. And you’re … what exactly are you? I never thought to ask.”

“Ah. The adventurous type.” He flashed those perfect teeth of his. “I’m a tiger, of course. Surely you could tell?”

Surely if she had, she would have run screaming out of the club and taken her chances walking home, all ten miles in the dead of night. A tiger? One of the big cats? They were more dangerous than wolves, and the things she’d heard about wolves …

“A tiger?” she squeaked.

“A son of Zhere Ghan himself,” he said proudly. “Even the humans have heard of him.”

“You mean the crime lord?” Dear God, she’d just bought the son of the Godfather.

Sanjay’s face fell. “I suppose he’s earned that title. At home, we prefer ‘businessman.’ I don’t take part in that aspect of his life. I assure you, I am not … packing.”

“So that bulge in your briefs is all you?”

“What—oh.” He hastily crossed his legs. His skin flushed even darker.

Even with anxiety in ascendance, Serenity had to giggle. “Maybe it would help if we got to know each other a bit. I mean, if we’re going to spend the evening together—” She cut that one off in a hurry. Yeesh. Freudian much?

To cover, she added, “You go first. Ask me whatever you want.”

“Are you older than twelve?”

“Huh? Of course I am. I’m in here, aren’t I? I think they card tweens at the door.”

“Thank Vishnu. An adult,” he murmured. “Your turn.”

“You’re not a criminal, are you? Please tell me you’re not a criminal.”

“I’m not a criminal,” he said somberly. “Neither is Guri. Father only shares his business doings with our brother Tasman, the first born. And our other brother Ravi. He’s recently returned to India. He’s running that end of the business now.”

“So what do you do?”

“That’s two questions.” He didn’t sound annoyed. “I am a student. Or was. Father plucked me out of University to drag me here to America. He said life would provide all the schooling I needed.” Sanjay sighed. “I miss the library. It’s so peaceful. You rarely get into fistfights in a library. And now I get two questions. You’re ill at ease around shapeshifters, are you not?”

Serenity snorted. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes,” he said, either missing or ignoring her sarcasm. “Which prompts me to ask why you would come here.”

“This wasn’t my idea. I was—” Crud with a dash of tabasco. Honesty, or lies? She looked into Sanjay’s open, untigerish face and realized even a white lie wasn’t an option. “I was on a date. My boyfriend—I mean my ex—brought me here to break up with me. The girl he was cheating on me with works here.” She realized she was tugging on the cloth napkin, trying to rip it apart. She tucked it into her lap. “I guess I’m single now. Is it my turn?” Sanjay nodded gravely. “Do you mind being with a human? I mean, just for tonight.”

In response, he took her hands in his. “Humans don’t offend me. You, however, are squeamish around shapeshifters. Here is my next question. Will you do something for me?”

Serenity stared at her hands, caught in his brown paws. If she tugged, would he let go? She feared he wouldn’t. She feared he would. “Okay,” she said uncertainly.

“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Very good. Now hold it, please.” He counted to five. “Now let it go. Slowly.” He counted while she exhaled. They went through the exercise again, and again.

Serenity found the waves of noise around her were receding into an audial blur. It was as if they’d been engulfed in a bubble that cut them off from the rest of the world, a bubble formed by Sanjay’s gentle voice. That loud, rapid thump in her ears became fainter and slower. Wait a minute. That was her heartbeat.

She opened her eyes, surprised. For the first time tonight, she felt … calm. “Wow,” she breathed. “How did you do that?”

“Is that your question?” he teased. “Very well. I’ve studied meditation. It helps on the hunt. One must be focused when stalking the prey. And should one miss the kill, one should be philosophical about it. No.” He held up a finger. “We don’t eat humans. That practice ended centuries ago. I believe it’s my turn now. What would you like for dinner?”

Serenity suddenly realized there was a server hovering by their booth. “Um … do you still serve the Clams Casino?”

Sanjay smiled broadly. “Seafood. An excellent choice. I will have the sea bass. Wine?” he asked her.

I shouldn’t, she thought. I shouldn’t drink around a predator. Oh, what the hell. He had to be the most un-predatious predator in the whole damn club. She let him choose the wine.

While the server poured their glasses, she asked herself one final question: Am I making a huge mistake? Earlier in the evening she might have said one thing. Now, with a relaxed heart rate and a glass of wine in her not-so-sweaty hand, the answer became: So what?

SNEAK PEEK SUNDAY: Her Midnight Stardust Cowboys ~ Chapter Forty

Her Midnight Stardust Cowboys

This week, Zance takes care of Sherilyn after their lovemaking session.

~~~

The last six paragraphs from ~


Chapter Forty:
Unexpected sensations of pleasure...

Before Sherilyn knew it, he strode across the room, carrying her. She wondered in her twilight state, if this was some kind of wonderful, but strange fairytale. Especially, since two princes wanted her instead of one.

If true, Sherilyn never wanted to awaken.

Nearly asleep, she was aware Zance placed her on cool sheets. She felt him cover her with a thick down comforter, and touch a kiss to her cheek.

"Don't let the bedbugs bite, sweetheart. Only me and Donny-cat get to do that."

A smile formed on her lips. Not moving an inch, Sherilyn entered the realm of darkness. Still, before slumber claimed her, she heard a whispering inside her mind.

Already too deep, Sherilyn couldn't grasp what she knew was an intuitive warning. She struggled to get hold, but it remained as elusive as a ghost.

~~~~~~

For more Sunday Sneak Peaks ~sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com~

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Blurb & Excerpts for HER MIDNIGHT STARDUST COWBOYS are on the page above.
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Wishing you shapeshifting cowboy love on the wild side...

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

AND THE WINNERS ARE. . .

Gill looked down at the list he held.  The top ten names, boys and girls, stood out on the computer printed sheet.  Rachel and Tyburn decided they would join in on the name game by bringing their brood over.  The one who cried when a name got called got that moniker.  Well, at least something had to happen.  Way things were going asexual names made sense.  Gill sighed as he folded the paper.  Names never seemed this hard when he decided what to call his pets.  Heck, even the chickens his granddad had were named easier than this.  Of course, all chickens looked the same after a while.  Your off spring didn’t.

Chloe sat down beside him.  She tucked loose strands of hair behind her ears.  Reaching out, she took Gill’s hand, speaking as she did.  “I think Rachel and I came up with names for our kids.”


“Oh?” Gill heaved a sigh that said more than if he’d sputtered more words. 
Chloe nodded.  “Yes, between her and I we came up with names for the girls.  You and Tyburn get to name the boys.”

Gill slipped an arm around her, hugged her to him, and kissed her cheek.  Chloe glanced at him wondering what he was thinking.  His subdued response wasn’t like him.  His heated argument with her mother and grandfather sent them packing two days earlier.  Rachel called ready to bounce Tyburn out on his flaming arse if he didn’t stop calling their daughter Kitty Cat.  Taking matters into their feminine hands made sense.  Leaving their spouses out didn’t.  Now the three girls had six names amongst them to call their own depending on how they sounded said aloud.  Trying to do this with the din and noise at Miss Ellie’s during lunch rush hadn’t worked.

“How about you lay a few of the names on me?” Gill slumped lower on the couch.  His eyes closed as he slid his hand down Chloe’s arm.  “Seriously, what did you come up with?  I know Rachel’s creativity runs deep.”

Chloe smiled before she replied.  “Well we talked about how names can mark someone for life.”

“Oh that is so true.” 

“Our children need names that stand out as their own while also lending character and strength.”  Chloe laid her head on Gill’s shoulder.  “Here goes my first choice:  Judith Suzane.”

“Nice and easy to say.  What else you got?”  Gill kissed Chloe’s cheek as he sat up. 

“Patricia Carleen.”  Chloe faced Gill waiting for his response.

His gaze met hers.  “What did Rachel come up with for her daughter?”

“Celestine Boadicea.  A mouth full on that one,” Chloe said.

“Not really when you shorten it to Celeste Boadicea.  Easier on the first part.  I get why Rachel would go with that.”

“Which ones do you want for our girls?” Chloe picked up the pad and pen she laid on the coffee table earlier.

“Judith reminds me of a red head.  Our youngest according to your mother maybe a red head.”

“And our eldest daughter?” Chloe wrote down which names Gill claimed for their daughters.

“Her fairness reminds me of you.  So Carleen Patricia is what I like best.”  Gill opened his mouth to say more.  He found Chloe’s lips pressed against his.  Her tongue licked on his as if she were doused in lust.

Moments passed as he returned her ardent kiss.  Pulling back, he gulped air.  “What’s that all about?”

“Oh you took this in stride.  Made it easy.”  Chloe leaned in and kissed him again.  “Now about our son?”

“Well am I supposed to meet with Tyburn to settle this up?”  Gill scooted to the edge of the cushion ready to stand.

“Nope.” Chloe stretched as she spoke.  “Rachel said if he kept dodging the duty.  She’d handle it.”

“I bet there are sparks flying in that house tonight.”  Gill smiled as he rose.

“No she said they were going to meet around the outdoor fire pit.  Neither of them were going inside until this issue was done.”  Chloe pushed the pad to Gill after writing down one last item and underlining it. 


He read what she’d written.  “Our son’s name?”

Chloe nodded.

“Morgan Sullivan sounds good to me.” Gill reached for the pen to officially add the name to the paper.

Chloe held the pen out of reach.  “I like Sullivan Morgan better.  We can call him Sully.”

“That might create problems when he gets older.”  Gill tilted his head, cupping his chin.  “How about Morgan Gilbert?”

“Yes, that sounds lovely. A bit of his papa with him always.” Chloe handed Gill the pen.  “Add it to the list.  Tomorrow we can deal with birth certificates and the announcement for the paper.”

Gill yawned as he added Morgan’s name to his sisters’ on the paper.  The paper and certification for his brood could wait another eight to ten hours.  Sleep was a premium right now.  And getting more than two hours at a time was on his agenda.  He’d check with Tyburn in the morning to see how his name game came out.  Gill bet Rachel would be a worthy opponent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Looks like we got the first names settled on.  Now let's see what Rachel and Tyburn come up with.  Who is going to win the name pool lottery?  There's still God Parents to settle on as well.  I can see a few more weeks until all of this is ironed out.

Cold, more cold, and frigid temps are capturing the news.  Keep warm and safe as we enter mid month next week.  A few more weeks and we'll be thinking Spring and Easter.  Snuggle up with your spice and loves while you share a few good books together.  I know I am!

Until Next Week,

Solara