Autumn's Kiss: 8 Contemporary & Historical Sweet Romances

By 8 Sweet Romance Authors, Beth Barany, Jo Grafford and 7 more

Eight sweet, short stories of love. Eight great authors. Eight ways to celebrate Autumn.
Falling in love is timeless. From a sexy medieval stonemason to a big-city businessman, Regency England to Napa Vineyards, this selection of Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal and Time-Travel romantic short stories is sure to capture your heart.

AUTUMN VOWS. Patricia Kiyono. Contemporary
For 30 years, busy wife and mother Yolanda Murray pushed aside her career for family. With the kids grown now, it’s her turn. But her husband Craig needs surgery, and his worries extend far beyond his health issues. Will this couple survive the changes in the autumn of their lives?

CAROUSEL MAGIC. LaVerne St. George. Contemporary.
For Thomas Martin, feelings don't get in the way of business. As the new owner of an amusement park, he's determined to replace the old carousel with video games. Mayor Ginger Fairchild is equally determined to save the vintage carousel. Can the carousel's magic touch two more hearts?

THE FALL APPLES AND MR. CRAIGSON. Kathy Bosman. Contemporary
Trina knows most men are out for her money, so a fantasy rich husband acts as her shield. She hires attractive Seth Craigson to cut down unwanted trees, certain he won’t discover her secret. As Trina's heart leans toward Seth, he sees past her lie. Does he accept her for herself or see only her wealth?

FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN. Beth Barany. Paranormal/Time Travel
Sexy Medieval stonemason Julien relies on his fiancée Rose to adapt to 21st century life and struggles to find his place in modern times. Holding down two jobs to support her and Julien in expensive San Francisco, software expert Rose has no time for romance. A weekend getaway may provide just the spark these time-crossed lovers need.

A HARVEST OF HOPE. Debby Lee. Historical
After putting away a crooked bootlegger, Meggie and Luke Preston set out for California, hoping for a second chance at life. When their past catches up with them, Meggie must find the courage to face the issues that have driven a wedge into her marriage... or she may lose everything.

RUNAWAY LOVE. Nicole Zoltack. Historical
After harvesting his crops, the last thing Corin Jannings expects is rescuing a woman tossed from a runaway horse. A woman who can't remember who she is. She's highborn, obviously, so it's only a matter of time before someone comes for her. And since she's a lady, Corin cannot dare risk falling for her.

SOFT BURGUNDY NIGHTS. Ruth Roberts. Contemporary
For the first time since she was abandoned, Jessica Rayne has a real home and her dream job as manager of Marchetti Vineyard. After ten years, Rafaele Marchetti has returned from New York, still bitter over his father's mistakes. Rafaele may take away everything Jessica's worked for... or make her dreams of love come true.
THE WITCHING WELL. Kristy Tate. Time Travel
Celia Quinn holds Jason West responsible for the demise of her grandmother's dress shop, so when she takes a sip of water from the witching well and is transported back to Regency England, Jason West is the last person she wants to see--or kiss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Book
• Release date: Oct 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9780989134439

8 Sweet Romance Authors

8 Sweet Romance Authors is a collaboration among a group of talented romance writers to publish anthologies and promote each others' works. You can find more of our work on the Facebook group "Romantic Clean Reads". The 8 authors are: Nicole Zoltack, Debby Lee, Beth Barany, Ruth Roberts, Kathy Bosman, LaVerne St. George, Kristy Tate and Patricia Kiyono.

Book preview

AUTUMN VOWS

By Patricia Kiyono

Contemporary Romance

Can love endure in the autumn of our lives?

Copyright 2014 by Patricia Gordon

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my street team, the Sweet and Sassy Storytellers, for providing me with phenomenal support for my writing efforts, and willingness to brainstorm ideas, even at the oddest of times. Special thanks to Yolanda Gamble for helping me nail down my hero’s conflict, and for proofreading the story.

The Sweet/Clean Romance Author group is also instrumental in providing the impetus to write and complete this project after a long, dry summer. Thanks for the inspiration and the kick in the pants!

Finally, I need to thank my parents, Robert and Fusae Seino, for showing me that love endures in the autumn and winter of our lives.

Chapter One

Yolanda Murray tossed her book bag onto the passenger seat of her battered Chevy and slid behind the wheel. It had been a long, full day of classes, and now she had an hour’s drive home. Time to pick up something for dinner and get it on the table. Though it was her second semester back in school, it seemed odd not to cook every day, but this college degree was something she’d put off long enough. She’d quit after her freshman year almost thirty years ago, and while she’d never regretted marrying Craig, she often wished she’d put it off until after she’d graduated.

She took a deep drink from her water bottle and stuck it back in the pocket of her bag. No use wishing to rewrite the past. Thanks to her marriage, she had two beautiful children. Ben and Molly were on their own, so now it was her turn. And Craig was supportive about it. He’d helped her with all the paperwork, the scheduling, and even helped her study. Thanks to his help she’d made it into the nursing program at Grand Rapids Community College and completed her Pre-Nursing Semester with flying colors and been accepted into the Practical Nursing Program. She’d been worried about the commute, but the scenic drive from Grand Rapids to Big Rapids calmed her. Lush trees lined the highway as she made her way north. Soon those leaves would change color, painting the roadside with bright fall colors.

Bringing her mind back to her studies, she planned what she’d do that evening. Her lab homework for anatomy and physiology wasn’t due until the end of the week, so that could wait. But the professor had scheduled a test on Thursday in the lecture portion of the class. The three girls in her row had shared her anxiety and had agreed to meet later to study. One more thing to put on her schedule. How on earth had she managed late nights with the kids?

The highway narrowed, and she took a deep breath as she left the city limits. The drive would get difficult in the winter months, but she’d manage. She’d do it. There was no way she would blow this second chance at a nursing career.

She’d gotten about ten miles out of the city when a familiar tune played from inside her backpack. Reaching over, she pulled out her phone and answered it.

Hey, Landa, came a cheerful young voice. A bunch of us are going out for pizza, and then we’re going to go over the material from today’s lecture. Can you join us?

She laughed, delighted at the invitation from her classmate but regretful she wouldn’t be able to go. Thanks for the invitation, but I’m already about halfway home. Besides, I need to put my feet up. This old body is getting tired.

You’re not that old. I mean, I know you’ve got kids my age, but you sure act a lot younger than my mom. Well, I know you were worried about being ready for the quiz next week. Do you want to join us through a video call?

That would be perfect! Give me a call when you’re ready to meet, and I’ll make sure my laptop is on.

She hung up with a smile and let her mind let go of her school life and re-enter the mind set of her home life. Her other role—wife and mother. Since the kids were out of the house, she rarely wore her mom hat these days, but when she was home, she was Craig’s wife. And right now, Craig needed her.

Craig had always been the strong one in their relationship. Ten years older, he’d swept her off her feet, and had always taken good care of her and the kids. Both Ben and Molly had continued the family hobby, earning varsity letters in track and cross country. At twenty-five, Ben couldn’t imagine starting the day without a run. Molly and her husband, Greg, had purchased a running stroller so that she could continue her outings as soon as her baby was born.

But now, Yolanda’s knight in shining armor showed signs of wear and tear. He’d complained about his knees all winter, and had brushed aside her concerns. But when she’d seen the swelling, his stiffness when getting out of a chair, and the lines of pain etched in his face, she’d given him an ultimatum. Go and see Doctor Finch, she’d told him, or she wouldn’t go on vacation with him. So he’d gone, grumbling all the way.

The news had been worse than either of them had expected. Apparently Craig had been running despite the pain for quite some time, because arthritis had overtaken his knee to the point where his only option for relief was surgery. He’d refused, insisting on a second opinion. And a third. In the meantime, Landa resorted to running on the indoor track at school to avoid the arguments that started every time she got ready to run in the morning. He didn’t want her running alone, he said. Too many things could happen to her. Besides, he needed the exercise as much as or more than she did, since all he did at work was sit at a desk. She hated seeing him suffer, but unless he agreed to the surgery, there wasn’t much else she could do.

Using the voice commands on her phone, she called Craig. He answered on the first ring.

Hi, hon.

Hey, she replied. I’m on my way home. Do you want me to pick up some Chinese for supper?

Chinese sounds good. I’m just pulling into the garage. I’ll have the table set by the time you get home.

Perfect. See you soon. Love you.

Love you too, Sweets.

She hung up, analyzing her husband’s end of the conversation. He didn’t sound like he was in pain, but he didn’t sound like his usual cheerful self. Maybe he was hiding it.

Maybe he got the call. Her hands clenched the wheel as she remembered. The orthopedic specialist was due to call today with his recommendation. Well, maybe if this third doctor agreed with the others, Mr. I’m-not-getting-surgery would listen.

Or maybe not. She sighed. What was it going to take to get him to get the help he needed? Why did he have to be so stubborn?

Chapter Two

Craig Murray pulled into his garage and shut off the engine. The left side of the garage was still empty—Landa was on her way home. Maybe he’d have time to ice his knees before she got there.

He couldn’t bear to see her disappointment at being married to an old man. They’d been running, hiking, and playing tennis together for almost thirty years. Since they’d been young. Well, since she had been young. He’d never forget the day he met her. She was just out of high school, and he was a graduate student with plans to take the corporate world by storm. They’d met at the indoor track in the student center early one Saturday. He’d worked up the courage to introduce himself, and they’d been running together ever since.

But that was about to end. The three specialists he’d consulted all agreed: the arthritis in his knees had progressed to the point where the only relief available was to replace the joints. Total knee replacement and the months of rehabilitation meant he’d no longer be able to run alongside the love of his life. Yolanda could still run—but would she run away?

Well, there was nothing he could do about it. For years he’d ignored the knee pain, treating his swelling joints with ice. He’d been so sure he could handle it himself until he’d collapsed on a morning run and had to wait by the side of the road until his young wife had raced home for the car. He’d never been so embarrassed in his life. After that Landa had practically dragged him to the doctor’s office, and he’d tried physical therapy, acupuncture, and a list of other treatments, but none had helped. The doctor had sent him to a specialist who’d recommended surgery, but he’d balked, wanting a second opinion. But the second specialist had agreed, and now the third.

He’d never felt so old.

In a few months he’d be sixty years old. Middle-aged. What his parents had called the autumn years. He’d already received offers for an early retirement incentive. He’d never thought about retirement, always figured it would happen sometime down the road when he was too old to get up and go to work every day. Maybe he needed to rethink that.

Especially if he couldn’t make it out of his car.

He took a deep breath and braced his arms against the car door frame, using them to lift himself out of the seat. He winced as the pain shot from his knee as soon as he put weight on it. Leaning against the car for support, he slowly made his way to the back door. If Landa were here she’d be fussing over him, trying to support his weight on her tiny shoulders and nagging him about calling the doctor earlier. Thank goodness he wouldn’t have to deal with that tonight. By the time she got home, the joint would be loosened up and he could forget about the pain for a moment. He could pretend all was as it should be.

By the time he made it to the kitchen, the pain had eased up enough that he could walk without hanging on to something. He hobbled to the cupboard and grabbed his giant bottle of pain killers, the ones Landa insisted would eat up his stomach. Maybe they would, but right now a messed up stomach was preferable to the mind-numbing drugs the doctors had tried to push on him.

Leaning against the counter, he waited for the meds to begin their magic. He should be thankful, he supposed, for the years he’d had with Landa. No matter what storms had cropped in their lives, they’d always been able to work them out during their morning runs. When the kids were small they’d pushed them along in strollers until they were old enough to ride bikes. Before long, Ben and Molly were outrunning their parents.

So I’ve come full circle—now the kids will have to push their father in his wheelchair.

He gave himself a mental shake. No use moping and feeling sorry for himself. That’s what had gotten his dad in the nursing home. The old man had refused to take care of himself and ended up in an extended care facility before he was sixty years old, grumbling and complaining the whole time. He’d heard the nurses had tried to bribe each other to go and take care of him. Even Mom got to the point where she needed a stiff drink before going to see her own husband. Craig had vowed he’d never be like his dad.

Surgery. Rehab. The doctors had all agreed that eventually he’d be able to run again, but would it be too late? Would Landa give up on him? He wouldn’t blame her if she did.

Dinner. She would be home with food soon, and he’d promised to set the table. He set about gathering the plates, glasses, and the chopsticks she’d bought during their trip to California. There. The table was set. But Landa always liked to spruce things up with flowers, and linens and stuff. Maybe he should get out those fancy red and gold place mats she’d bought during that same trip. Where were they? Oh yeah, in the bottom cupboards of the hutch. He knelt down to retrieve them.

Bad choice.

Getting down was bad, but getting up was worse. His knees buckled as he tried to rise and he landed on his hands and knees. The place mats sailed across the room and he bit back a curse. Crawling on all fours, he retrieved the pesky pieces of fabric and tossed them up on the table. Then he grabbed the seat of the nearest chair and pulled himself up until he could get his feet under him. By the time he’d pushed himself to a standing position he was panting from the exertion.

I’m home. Sorry, it took me a while to get through the traffic on— Yolanda stopped short and frowned. What’s wrong?

Nothing. Why?

Your face is all red, and you’re sweating, like you’ve been working hard at something. Did you fall?

No, I didn’t fall.

She set the bag on the table and crossed her arms. Tell me. What happened to make you look like you’ve been through the wringer?

He sighed and gestured to the table. I thought you might like these place mats out. But I had a little trouble getting them out of that bottom cupboard in the hutch.

That cute little rosebud mouth opened, and he braced himself for the tirade likely to come out of it. But the words didn’t come. At least not the words he expected.

Thanks for getting out the place mats. Sorry you had to work so hard to get them. You ready to eat? Her words were spoken quietly, but he could feel the ice behind them and shivered.

****

Craig helped Landa clear the table. Dinner had gone better than he’d expected. She hadn’t nagged him about the appointment, though it was obvious she wondered what had happened. Every once in a while he’d catch her giving him that look, the one that said I know you heard from the specialist. Now tell me what he said.

It was obvious what she wanted, but he didn’t really want to tell her. He wasn’t quite ready to admit that he’d resigned himself to the surgery, because that would mean he’d given up. That he’d lost the argument. That she’d won.

Still, she had to know sometime. He set his plate in the sink and braced his hands against the counter, as if gathering strength. Dr. Rogers called today.

Oh?

He agrees with the rest. Total knee replacement. The left side is worse, so he wants to do that first and maybe the right one later.

I see. She turned on the faucet and started rinsing the dishes.

She’s not going to make this easy on me. The scheduling nurse says he can fit me in next month if I want him to do it.

She turned those baby blues on him, but said nothing.

Deep breath. I told him I’d take it.

He’d half expected a cheer and an It’s about time comment, but she just nodded and kept loading the dishwasher. He tried again.

So that means I won’t be able to do any of the fall races with you.

That got a response. Who says I need to race?

We’ve done the Sleeping Bear Marathon every year since we were married. Other than the year Molly was born. We talked about doing the Grand Rapids Marathon. And you’ve been training. I saw you put your running clothes in your backpack.

Her eyes widened, but her guilty look was soon replaced with defiance. Maybe I just run to relieve stress between classes. You used to run during your lunch break at work. Just because I run doesn’t mean I’m training for a race.

Yeah, I suppose. But it would be a shame for you to give up racing for me. You always did well.

I did okay, but I’m not world class. I run because it makes me feel good. If I hurt the way you do, I wouldn’t. But I’m definitely not going to race if you’re in the hospital. She held up her hands, signaling an end to the conversation. "Let’s find out when your surgery is scheduled, and then I’ll think about whether or not I want to race."

Chapter Three

Landa rechecked her backpack. Maybe she wouldn’t have the time or inclination to study today, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared. Craig’s surgery would take several hours, so she’d need something to take her mind off her worries. Ben would arrive soon to join them for the trip to the hospital in Grand Rapids.

Where was Craig, anyway? He’d showered early and should be ready, but he hadn’t come into the kitchen. He hasn’t changed his mind about the surgery, has he? She found him in his study, staring at his computer screen. The study had been redecorated five years ago in celebration of his promotion at Harris and Dunn. An oversized mahogany desk took up most of what had previously been Ben’s room, and the sports memorabilia and posters had been replaced with bookshelves housing Craig’s reference books and office supplies. Vertical shades covered the windows, topped by the burgundy valances Landa had created.

All set to go? she asked.

He swiveled the office chair around and faced her. I guess. Ben said he’d be here at eight. That’s not for another twenty minutes or so. He let out a wistful sigh. I’d have time for a cup of coffee, but I’m not supposed to eat or drink.

Is that why you didn’t come into the kitchen?

That’s part of it. I didn’t want to smell that coffee and not down a mug of it. But I also wanted to get a few things taken care of before leaving. No telling when I’ll be back to work.

The doctor said—

I know he said I could be back in a month. Maybe sooner, if I make enough progress. But there’s always a chance things won’t work out. He hunched in his chair as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

Craig’s negative response stunned her, and she stepped back. When did you become such a pessimist?

I’m not a pessimist. Just being realistic.

You’ve always been a fighter. You’ll get through this in no time. She picked up the duffle bag he’d set next to the desk. I think I hear Ben pulling into the driveway. Have you heard from Molly?

She said she’d come down at noon and take an extended lunch. I don’t know why they need to come. They’d be better off at work than wasting time in the waiting room at the hospital. He used his arms to lift himself off his chair and stood, groaning as he straightened.

Where had this grumpy man come from? Does he really not understand how much his kids love him? They’re coming because they love you and worry about you. She sighed before continuing, as hesitant to admit a weakness. And they’re going to sit with me and hold my hand.

He spun his face toward her. Sit with you? Don’t you have class today?

Her jaw dropped, and she stared at her husband. And then the shock turned to anger. She put her hands on her hips and scowled. "How could I possibly concentrate on anything in class with you in surgery? I notified all my professors weeks ago and got my assignments turned in early. So no, I’m not going to class today. I’m taking some of my books in case I feel like studying for the quiz on Thursday or writing the paper due next week. But I am not going anywhere today except the hospital."

Craig held his hands out in front of him and backed up, as if warding her off. Okay, okay. I just didn’t realize you’d made those arrangements. No wonder you’ve been working so hard every night. I wondered if maybe you’d taken a tougher class load than you should have.

Landa’s arms dropped to her sides. I guess I have been pretty preoccupied lately. But I still don’t understand why you would think I’d even consider going to class while the love of my life is in surgery.

He paused. The love of your life? His expression reminded her of Ben, back when he was a toddler and asked for an extra treat.

Why is he having all these doubts? Have I been such a neglectful wife? She sighed. "I’m sorry if I made you feel I’m shallow enough to fall out of love with you just because you’re having surgery. All the doctors we’ve seen in the past year have told you that you don’t have to give up on running. After therapy, you’ll be as good as new. And even if you never run again, you are the only man I’ve ever wanted, and nothing is going to change that. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek and waited until his gaze met hers. You’re stuck with me, Buster, so don’t even try to get rid of me."

He lifted his hand to cover hers. You might regret that promise in a month or so. But that’s good to hear right now.

****

Four hours later, Yolanda and her children followed a nurse down a hall to the recovery room. She’d thought she was prepared for this, but her heart started to race faster as they walked. Had there been any complications? Was he awake enough to talk to? How long would he have to stay in the hospital?

They entered a large room curtained into smaller cubicles. The nurse led them to the back corner and swept aside the curtain for them.

Her Prince Charming lay on the hospital bed, hooked up to more tubes than she’d ever seen in her life. His normally imposing figure looked so small, and she didn’t know how to handle it. If it hadn’t been for her children standing behind her she might have cried out. But she couldn’t keep it all in.

Craig! She thought she’d said it to herself, but he must have heard her because his eyes opened. Those warm brown eyes that had captivated her all those years ago.

Hmm. His hand reached out for her and she raced toward him to clasp it. He looked so weak and helpless. How could she possibly leave him like this to go to class? Maybe she should contact her professors and arrange for more time off. Or maybe she should drop out for the rest of the semester.

Landa, he murmured. His voice was deep and gravelly, roughened from the medication, but his eyes shone with a frightening urgency.

She leaned closer. What is it, hun?

You’re still here. He sighed, squeezed her hand, and drifted off, a smile on his face.

Chapter Four

Did you do your exercises today?

Craig groaned. She’d been on his case every day since he’d come home from the hospital four weeks ago. The therapist had told him he could have gone sooner if he’d tried harder, but he just hadn’t been motivated. What incentive did he have to go home? His wife was never there. At least in the hospital he had company. Finally he’d done the stretches like the therapist had told him and promised he’d continue to work on them at home. Promising and doing were two different things. It was so embarrassing to let anyone else see him move around. He’d caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, and he looked like an old man. But he’d done them. Just what he was told, but no more than that. Hopefully in another week, he could start driving again and things