Naturally Beautiful: An Inspirational Romance Novel

By Debra Fulton-White

Autumn's Song

What would you do if you recently inherited more money than you could ever count in an entire lifetime? What if you were constantly considered one of the most beautiful young bi-racial women in the world? What would you do about the unfortunate hunger situation that exists right here in the United States of America? What if you couldnt decide what to do with yourself after college graduation? What should you do with all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon you?

In this Inspirational Romance novel you will find the answers to these questions and more. Despite the fact that Autumn Flowers struggles with herself to discover where her passions truly lie, her priorities align to reveal the depths of her innermost desires. She is tormented by concerns of the heart when she attempts to adopt a homeless bi-racial child, she is devastated when her aunt dies and leaves her to manage the affairs of her multi-million dollar estate, she suffers with grief when her life-long caretaker is stricken with cancer, and the man of her dreams who happens to be white has moved to Italy after college graduation. Her heart of gold is revealed throughout this tale of self-realization, independence, and giving back to God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 18, 2008
• ISBN: 9781440104466

Debra Fulton-White

Debra Fulton-White is a native of sunny San Diego, California where she resides with her family and is an active board member of the Parent Teacher Association. Please visit her website at: www.mylandisyourland.com Email: [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Autumn had to literally stop herself from pacing across the middle of her gigantic bedroom as she massaged the ever-building stress from her throbbing temples. She thought that if she considered her post-graduation plans one more time that day, the blood vessels in her head would probably rupture. So once again, she left the thought alone figuring that after her cross-country travel plans were completed, she’d have plenty of time to think about her future and with that, she continued to wander around the enormous room hoping that she didn’t come across anything left to do before her last final exam in the morning.

Knock, knock, Sweetie, came a gentle voice from the other side her bedroom door. Cookie wrapped lightly own it as she turned the solid gold handle and poked her head inside.

Oh, hey Cookie. Come on in. Excuse the mess, Autumn said.

I’m not going to keep you, Sweetie, I just wanted to wish you luck on your final exam tomorrow but I know you and I’m sure you won’t need it. You’ll do just fine, the words rushing out of Cookie’s mouth just before a hacking wet cough erupted that forced her to bend over and grab at her stomach.

Oh my God, Cookie! Are you all right? Autumn asked as she caressed Cookie on the back, a show of deep concern washing over her face.

After Cookie caught her breath she managed the words, I’ll be fine. I don’t know what that is in my throat but it’s been there all week.

Well, sit down, you don’t look fine. Autumn pushed a stack of her economics notes deeper into the pile of study materials on her bed. You just take it easy for a minute, young lady, Autumn insisted.

Cookie, who had been running Autumn’s parents estate for the past twenty-some-odd years and had practically raised her, knew she had better oblige Miss Autumn or she would never hear the end of it.

Well, all right, Sweetie, but only for moment. It’s already two hours past my usual bedtime. Clutching her stomach, Cookie stepped over a three-inch-thick binder full of Autumn’s semester notes and took a seat. Enough about me, Miss Autumn, tell me—are you ready for this great big ol’ world?

I guess so. I’m ready for my last final for sure, I’m ready for my cross country trip, and I’m ready to get to the bottom of why you don’t look quite like my Cookie lately Cook, Autumn craftily commented. Do you have too much work to do around here? I know mom and dad wouldn’t put more on you than they know you could handle and I know Spencer is pitching in all he can around here!

Sweetie, your parents are great and Spencer is a dream. Actually, your parents don’t have enough for me to do seeing as how they’re always on vacation. Yes, everything is under control there and as for Spencer—he’s always accepted me as his equal ever since I came to work for your family. A slight blush arose on her cheeks as she strained a shy giggle, he’s the finest butler I’ve ever known … and I do mean fine!

"Spence is quite the gentleman but I think you need a vacation yourself, you know, some time away. Hey, maybe you could join me on my trip!" Autumn’s bright idea surprised even her.

Sweetie, thank you so much for thinking of me but I think I’d better stay put for the moment anyway.

Well, you just let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. Okay, Cook.

Yes ma’am, Miss Autumn. Yes ma’am, Cookie said through a forced smile as she stood and headed toward the door. I’ll be just fine. Goodnight Sweetie."

Night, night Cook.

As soon as Cookie closed the door behind her, Autumn dropped to her knees, clasped her hands together, and asked for help as she always did when she didn’t have an immediate answer.

Dear Lord, please help Cookie. Please take those dark circles from underneath her eyes and give her her strength back. I know something is wrong with her so God, please, please bless my Cookie. Thank you, Father. I love you with all of my heart. Amen.

She then lifted her head and looked around her bedroom. Back to work! she sighed.

She’d managed to keep Morrigan off of her mind long enough to complete her entire notebook review. He didn’t normally occupy so much space in her thoughts but for some strange reason, there he was—more and more everyday. It was probably because it finally dawned upon her that graduation day was almost there, they would be going their separate ways, and she still hadn’t told him her true feelings but then again, neither had he.

She thought, dare I allow myself to dream yet again about him? I don’t have time for this right now. I’m leaving college and since I’m pretty sure he would have made a move by now had he been interested in me, I’m going to do what I can to forget about him too. I’ll just chalk it up to him being someone I went to school with and leave it alone. I’ve got more important things to concern myself with.

She’d dotted her I’s and crossed her T’s and then closed the three-inch-thick binder that held a full semester’s notes and graded test papers. That last Economics of Agriculture course had proven itself to be a challenge but she had every confidence that she would successfully ace the final. It had been a grueling past few years but she was almost done. Finally—her Master of Arts in agriculture with a specialization in applied nutrition degree. Hopefully, she would find a way to put it to good use. She had decided it best to keep her options open and to not commit to any one avenue just yet.

Her cell phone rang. She halfheartedly hoped it was Morrigan but it wasn’t. It was Auntie Sirah.

Hello, this is Autumn.

Hi baby! It’s auntie Rah. How are you my love, my Autumn Rose?

Auntie Rah! Hi! I miss you!

I miss you too, my Rosie bud, my buddy Rose! Sirah seemed to struggle for breath as her tone noticeably saddened. Auntie just wanted to call and say how sorry I am for not being able to come to the graduation.

What’s wrong Auntie? Are you okay? What’s the matter? Autumn’s protective maternal instincts shining through.

"Oh, auntie’s fine. I’m just feeling a tad under the weather and plus I’ve got an emergency meeting with the board members of one of my zillion companies on the same day as the graduation and at the same exact time. It can’t be helped, Rosie, and I’m so sorry, baby."

Autumn suddenly had a strong vision that Auntie Rah was actually crying, tears streaming down her gracefully aging yet unnecessary face lift. She sensed an undercurrent of regret and doom in her aunt’s voice. Disaster seemed to speak louder than her aunt’s own words. She knew her aunt better than that and was convinced that it couldn’t have been a simple board meeting that would keep her aunt from showing up at her graduation.

Um hum, Auntie. Let me speak to Rebecca or Cedric, Autumn respectfully insisted.

Rosie, I told you I was fine. I’m okay, darling. Please don’t worry about auntie, her words fading in the distance. The phone had obviously dropped from her ear.

Auntie! Let me speak to Rebecca or Cedric! Autumn shouted.

Rebecca, Sirah’s trusted servant, picked up the phone.

Hello, Miss Autumn. This is Rebecca.

Rebecca what’s wrong with my Auntie Rah?

Well, it appears that something is terribly wrong but I just don’t know what it could be! She’s been crying an awful lot lately and she won’t eat. She’s being very mysterious about whatever it is that’s bothering her, Rebecca commented. Oh my goodness—hold on a minute, Miss Autumn! The phone unmistakably hit the floor.

In the background, Autumn could hear Rebecca shouting for Cedric, her aunt’s other loyal servant.

Cedric, hurry and help me lift Miss Sirah back up onto the bed! Cedric hurry! I need help! panic in her voice.

My word! Cedric shouted as he made his hurried approach. Miss Sirah! What on earth?

By now, Autumn was pacing in front of her bedroom window wall, listening in horror at the harrowing events taking place at her aunt Sirah’s multi-million dollar estate in northern California.

After Sirah had been safely placed in the middle of her massive five-step-up bed, she shouted at her servants. Give me the phone Rebecca! Hand me the phone right now Cedric! she demanded.

Rebecca did so but not before she spoke again to Autumn. Miss Autumn something really is dreadfully wrong with your aunt and I think you’re the only one in the world whom she trusts implicitly. Maybe you can get her to open up about whatever it is. Is it possible that you can come up here and check on her?

Of course I can, but— Autumn was cut off.

Rosie, there is absolutely no reason for you to come all the way up here to check on me! Sirah stressed after having snatched the phone from Rebecca. Rebecca is just being her usual worrywart self again. Auntie Rah is fine, baby.

But Auntie! You just fell off the bed!

Rosie, I tripped. I was going to the bathroom and you know how big this bed is! Besides, I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow afternoon anyway. He’ll be able to help me straighten this all out, Sirah insisted, her tone weakening with every word she spoke.

All right Auntie Rah. Have Rebecca fix you some soup. You get yourself some rest and I’ll talk to you soon. Let me speak to Cedric.

Okay, baby, and you have a wonderful, fantabulous, beautiful graduation, my Autumn Rose. Auntie loves you. Silence. Promise me you won’t try to come up here.

I love you too, Auntie. Autumn made no promises.

Only a short moment had passed before Cedric spoke up. Autumn could tell that one of them had muffled the phone with either their hand or the bed covers. She would have given anything to have heard what her aunt was telling the two servants.

Cedric removed the obstruction from the receiver and addressed Autumn. Yes, Miss Autumn.

Okay, Ced. What’s really going on with my aunt? Be straight with me, man! Autumn respectfully threatened.

Miss Autumn, your aunt insists that she not be disturbed by anyone until after she’s had a chance to be examined by her own personal physicians. Cedric obviously following directions from his beloved employer and simultaneously attempting to calm Autumn’s fears.

But is she okay, I mean—what’s wrong with her? Is she throwing up? Does she have a fever?—What?

None of that, Miss Autumn, but we are definitely concerned about her. I’m sure the doctor will advise us appropriately, Cedric reassured her. But again, Miss Autumn, please continue with your graduation plans. I pledge that if your presence is required or requested, I will make certain you are notified immediately.

I’m counting on that Cedric. Make sure you write down my cell number and keep it with you at all times.

Yes Miss Autumn, will do. Goodbye.

Okay, Cedric and please take good care of my auntie Rah, a now saddened Autumn pleaded. Bye-bye.

The full moonlight that illuminated the manicured rose garden outside of Autumn’s bedroom window wall gave rise to her thinking that a midnight stroll alongside the narrow creek that trickled over the natural rock garden might be in order. It was an amazing sight that had always had a calming effect on her but instead, she decided to stay put and get some much-needed sleep. So she made her way through the piles of course books, empty gourmet mixed-nut wrappers, and semester notes toward her gigantic four poster bed and plopped herself wearily upon it. She realized that the quick temple massage didn’t quite do the trick and she felt a slight headache fast approaching so she dimmed the light and picked up the half-full bottle of aspirin that sat upon the Luis the VI antique nightstand.

After she’d taken the pain killers she shut the light completely down, resting her tight neck and shoulder muscles on her very welcoming pillow. The natural moonlight streaming in through her massive window wall was all the night light she needed. She gently shut her eyes and could feel the medicine taking an immediate effect as fleeting thoughts of her future, Cookie, and her auntie Rah danced around in her head. What now? She briefly thought. What on earth should I do with myself now? An hour passed and her dreams would find her with deep hopeful dimples on her beautiful sun-kissed cheeks. She had always tried to keep a bright outlook about life, even in her sleep.

It was already after ten o’clock in the morning when Autumn offered a final goodbye handshake to her Economics of Agriculture professor. He accepted her test paper and pulled her into his prideful embrace. Autumn had been an A student her entire college career and knew that she would not come up short in her Economics of Agriculture class. She knew that if the professor were being honest with himself, he would admit to himself that he held Autumn in revere because of her naturally beautiful appearance and the fact that he appeared to be quite awestruck whenever he saw her. He also would most likely miss calling upon the most beautiful young woman on campus for answers whenever she would raise her hand in class. The uncontrollable quivering of his bottom lip let Autumn know that his well wishes were truly heartfelt and that he honestly did hope for her the very best in life. The professor proudly but sadly let her go, releasing her to the world.

Upon exiting the auditorium, Autumn was approached by a fellow classmate who adoringly insisted upon her autograph. Autumn noticed that during the semester he would make sure he sat in the rear of the room so that he could have a clear view of her no matter where she ended up sitting. Autumn signed her name on the back cover of his notepad, kindly one-arm hugged him, and watched him as he backed himself out the door, bowing to her as if to say I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy. He was joshing with her but Autumn had grown accustomed to compliments about her looks and didn’t think twice about it. The bashful smile on her lips shined even without gloss as she waved goodbye to one of her many admirers. Her parents and caregivers had always taught her to accept the compliments of others with courtesy and grace and not let them go to her head. She never did but at the same time, she could never really see what all the hype was about. To her, she was just plain ol’ Autumn Marie Flowers.

That same evening, Autumn rested well in her bed after having received a somewhat comforting phone call from Cedric. Auntie Sirah was going to be fine (or so she was told.)

The graduating class had started picking up commencement caps off the football field and folding chairs, not knowing whose had landed where but luckily they were all basically one-size fits all so it really didn’t matter.

A mild spring air was filled with confetti and laughter, an all-jazz rendition of Pomp and Circumstance could be heard playing over the speaker system, and ex-students began to search anxiously through the crowd for loved ones and friends of the family. People were exchanging ready-made calling cards with email addresses, cell phone numbers, space and face page locations, and websites. Someone had the good entrepreneurial sense to start a business card business on campus just for that specific reason—graduation day and they called it KITAG, Inc. for Keep In Touch After Graduation. It was a success and hopefully the start of something big for some forward-thinking recent college graduate.

The click, click, click of Morrigan’s focus-free camera let Autumn know that he couldn’t be far behind but before he could get his close up, Loren, Autumn’s best friend since tenth grade, high-fived her and gripped her neck with a giant bear hug, careful not to smudge their mutual makeup. Loren’s graduation cap flew off. Autumn bent down to pick it up for her and noticed Loren’s toe pointed and sticking out from underneath her graduation gown.

Aren’t these cute? she very confidently asked, modeling her glamorous new stiletto for Autumn.

Adorable! Autumn said, handing Loren her cap.

I should have known better than to wear them out here on this grass, but oh well. I look good anyway! Loren beamed.

You always do, girl. So what’s up? Are you still going to Miami for that shoot with the Metropolitan opera tomorrow? Autumn asked.

Autumn remembered seeing that same unabashed look of confidence on Loren’s face when she gracefully donned the cover of one of the latest leading hairstyle magazines. Autumn had honestly believed that Loren would be extremely successful because Loren was an aspiring semi-supermodel who had achieved somewhat of a superstar status thus far in her young career. She had already been featured on the covers of several fashion magazines and had proven herself on the runways of Paris, New York, and Miami on a number of occasions. Her biggest claim to fame was the eye-candy shot on the cover of Stoning Roll where she happily swung off the arm of ol’ Nick himself.

At five eleven, Loren also held her place amongst the most beautiful women on campus. A heart-shaped mole just below her left nostril and a tad above her top lip gave her the appearance of a 1920s Charleston Flapper. And you could bet her strawberry blond pageboy would take on a new shape and color the follow week. She always wore the flimsiest of clothes that made her appear graceful in the way she moved around campus and she relished in the way she would turn heads as she flowed through the ivy halls.

I leave first thing tomorrow, Loren said. Seven fifteen—bright and early, a certain sadness lacing her tone. And what about you, Autumn? What are you going to do, friendgirl? Have you made up your mind?

Click, click. Morrigan snapped a couple of close-ups of Autumn, her honey-nut brown eyes brightened, accustomed to the flash of his camera.

Autumn is going to fly away with me and become the next top model! Morrigan said assuredly.

Guys, guys, I still don’t know. But don’t worry; I’ve got plenty of time. You know I want to tour the states before I make that decision so I’m in no rush and Morrigan—you know how I feel about modeling. I’m still not ready to go there, modesty in her voice. But we’ll see, we’ll see.

"No worries, no pressures, Autumn. As long as you know that I will always be here for you whenever you are ready," promised Morrigan. I leave for New York in a couple of days, he said in a distressing tone after he briefly paused and gave it some serious though.

Autumn felt a considerable tingle that shot down the back of her legs when the side of his soft yet masculine hand smoothed the curve of her cheek. She wanted to ask when he would return from New York but didn’t. Morrigan gently lifted her chin to plant a rose petal soft kiss on her lips. At that precise moment, Autumn realized that that was something Morrigan had wanted to do ever since the beginning of time because it was something that she’d been hoping he’d do for the longest. She figured that since this was graduation day, he was finally going for it because he had nothing to lose.

As Autumn stood staring into his eyes, she had a brief but horrifying thought that made her break out in a mild sweat. In her mind, she saw him standing at the alter in front of a pastor with a beautiful bride by his side. After the pastor announced them to be husband and wife, they both turned around and faced the wedding guests. There Morrigan stood beaming with pride as he gazed upon the face of a mystery woman who didn’t resemble Autumn at all!

Autumn! Morrigan shouted.

Autumn just stood in the middle of the football field and trembled as if she’d seen a ghost. Morrigan noticed her distress and lightly shook her by the shoulders to break the trance.

Loren had since been barraged by fellow classmates and well wishers as Morrigan and Autumn struggled to pull their eyes away from each others. Autumn knew she would see Morrigan again someday, she just wasn’t sure when. Morrigan’s eyes reassured her that he felt the same.

Okay, you two. Break it up! Loren said as she was being pulled away by her friends and fans. See you at the reception tonight, don’t be late Autumn. I want to see you before I go to Miami! Okay? she hollered.

I’ll be there, Autumn guaranteed her as she reached out in her direction, unable to touch her best friend’s hand.

"We’ll be there," Morrigan added.

Autumn smiled with the sweet innocence of a baby kitten as she lowered her gaze to the football field. Morrigan took