Life's Revival

By Amy Shannon

As the Markums welcome the birth of their daughter, they also feel the deep strain on their marriage. The secrets of Raina's work threaten their solid marriage, as Terry keeps his own secrets of his involvement with his family. As revenge gets put upon Raina, she disappears and then is found as Terry calls in special favors for her return.

Has Terry crossed over the line to the dark side all in the name of desperation for his wife? Will he let his mind be consumed with vengeance all in the name of love?

Jim betrays his wife, yet again, and this time, Raina gets placed in the middle of their drama. Will Alex be able to forgive for his constant indiscretions or will she find solace from a long-time friend?
As Raina deals with her own internal pain, her brother returns to town with a new life and new leg. Will the love and strength of the families of Sars Springs be able to revive all of their strengths?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Sep 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215578971

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Life’s Revival

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

As the Markums welcome the birth of their daughter, they also feel the deep strain on their marriage. The secrets of Raina's work threaten their solid marriage, as Terry keeps his own secrets of his involvement with his family. As revenge gets put upon Raina, she disappears and then is found as Terry calls in special favors for her return.

Has Terry crossed over the line to the dark side all in the name of desperation for his wife? Will he let his mind be consumed with vengeance all in the name of love?

Jim betrays his wife, yet again, and this time, Raina gets placed in the middle of their drama. Will Alex be able to forgive him for his constant indiscretions or will she find solace from a longtime friend?

As Raina deals with her own internal pain, her brother returns to town with a new life and new leg. Will the love and strength of the families of Sars Springs be able to revive all of their strengths?

1 Starr Light

DR. RAINA MARKUM stared at her bulging belly as she lay in the hospital bed. Come on, little one, any time now, she tried to sit up but was unsuccessful. She hit the call button for the nurse.

Lacy Reinhold smiled, as she walked into the room. Raina?

I’m sorry, but I can’t get comfortable. Can you help me get up?

Well, you’re supposed to have complete bed rest.

I know, but I’ve been in this damn bed for over a month. Lacy, she’s due any minute. Maybe it’ll make her want to come out quicker.

You’re not having a C-section?

Hopefully not. The last two were C-sections, but Dr. Malcolm told me that I may be able to have her naturally, Raina said, as Lacy helped her sit up. Raina dangled her feet off the bed. Can I just sit out on the balcony?

Lacy took Raina’s hand. Are you sure?

Yeah, I just need some air, please, Raina said, as she slowly stood up and slowly made her way out to the balcony. She held on to the railing and stared at the courtyard, four stories below. Ah, air. Just what I needed.

Lacy put her hand on Raina’s shoulder. Raina, are you all right?

Yeah, I just miss life, I guess. I feel so out of the loop. I can’t wait for my little one to be born, she smiled, as she patted her stomach.

Why don’t you take a seat and relax? I’m sure it won’t be long now, she sighed.

Lacy, is something wrong? You’re awfully quiet, today.

Oh, it’s nothing, Lacy stared over the balcony.

"Please, we’ve known each other basically all my life. What’s the matter?"

Lacy sat next to Raina and smiled. I love Mark so much, but there is still something missing from my life. I wish I knew what I wanted.

"How are you and Mark doing?"

Good. Really, I mean it. I guess he’s so busy working and then, he and Mike just… oh, I don’t know.

What about Mark and Mike?

Raina, you have enough to worry about.

Lacy, please, it’d be nice to hear someone else’s problems. I’m sure. What’s wrong?

"I still want to get married to Mark, but he’s always with Mike and Emily."

Lacy, you need to talk to him about that.

I have. I tried. I don’t know what to do. Sometimes, I just want to sit home, have a glass of wine and maybe… well, you know make love to the man I love. But, he’s in for dinner and then out with Mike. I don’t mind that he’s so close to his brother, but they work together all day and then they’re together half the night. You’d think they’d get bored of each other.

I’m sorry. I think that maybe you should talk to Emily. She may be able to help.

You think so? She loves Mike so much. Ever since we walked back, she just doesn’t want to upset him. I don’t know what it is with her.

Raina placed her hand on Lacy’s. It’s OK. You and Em should set up a plan. Have her do something romantic with Mike and then you can do the same with Mark, at the same time. Tell them how you feel. If you don’t say anything, it won’t work.

"Thanks, Raina. I may just do that. How about you? Are you and Terry OK? I couldn’t help but notice he hasn’t been around much lately."

Raina leaned back and spoke. It’s a long story.

Raina, please, it’s OK to share with me. You’re having your husband’s child and you’ve been cooped up in this hospital. I think I’ve only seen him here twice.

Raina took Lacy’s hand. "Do you want to know the real reason I’ve been here?’

I thought it was complications and you needed complete bed rest.

Um, no. I did it, so I could rest, yes, but be away from Terry for a little while.

I didn’t realize you two had problems. I’m sorry.

It started out as nothing. I’m not usually like this. I don’t want to be like my mother, but when this… this damn woman…

What happened?

"Well, he hired this new manager at Destino. I thought it would be good. I’d get to see my husband more often. However, it was the opposite. That Gina just wants to get in my husband’s pants. She fawns all over him and touches him whenever she can."

Raina, I’ve never seen you jealous before.

Well, when I look like a house and this woman, this skinny little twit, is hanging over my husband. It does piss me off, Raina grabbed her stomach. Oh, god. A contraction, she breathed through it.

Let’s get you on the monitor.

I’m fine. It’s only the first one, Raina said.

So, is he mad at you for being jealous?

"No. He thought it was no big deal, but a month or so ago, I walked in on them in his office at the restaurant. She was kissing him, Raina said. That damn bitch was kissing my husband."

What did you do?

"I wanted to punch both of them, but I didn’t. I walked out and walked away."

"Now, you are like your mother."

I just miss my husband. But I’m sure he’s with this Gina person now.

Did he cheat on you?

I don’t know. After that, I had Dr. Malcolm set me up a bed here. I really can’t have the stress. Lacy, you’ve seen the chart, haven’t you?

"Yes, the EDS?" Lacy asked.

It’s back, but not full blown like the last time. No one knows except Martin and Dr. Malcolm. As soon as this little one is born, she grabbed her stomach. Oh, god another one.

Five minutes? So quickly? Let’s get you in the bed, Lacy helped Raina back in the room and in the bed.

Raina looked into Lacy’s eyes. Call Martin, please.

I will. As soon as I call Dr. Malcolm. This little one seems to be in a hurry. I’ll be right back. Stay still.

Raina stared at the phone. Damn, she whispered, as Alex O’Roark ran in the room. Mom, what are you doing here?

I was on my way to see you. Lacy told me the labor started.

Yeah, Raina held her stomach again. It hurts, Momma.

Alex held her daughter’s hand. "It’s OK. I’m here. Why isn’t Terry here?"

"I didn’t want to bother him."

Raina, he needs to be with you. I know that you two are having problems, but he needs to be here. You two can work things out after this little one is born.

Oh, Momma, will you call him?

Yeah, I will, she picked up the phone.

Dr. Malcolm walked into the room. Ready for this baby to come out.

More than you know.

OK, let me take a look.

"No, I can’t do this," Raina cried, as Alex wiped her brow.

Yes, you can. Raina, this baby is ready to come out, Dr. Malcolm said.

No, Jan, Terry isn’t here. She can’t be born until he shows up.

Raina, this baby is coming. Now, I need you to start pushing.

Raina looked at her mother. Did you find him?

No, he didn’t answer his page or his cell phone. The restaurant said that he left for the bank an hour ago.

Damn him. He better get here or… Raina looked up as Terry rushed in the room.

He took her hand, but she pulled away. Doc?

"What took you so long?" she snapped.

"I was at the bank. I got held up."

What the hell could be more important than this? Raina cried, as she grabbed his hand. Jan, I have to push.

Terry looked up at Alex and then at his wife. "Doc, I was literally held up at the bank. There was a hold up. Everything is fine now. I’m sorry I’m late."

Raina looked at him. I missed you, she whispered, as she started to push.

Come on, Raina, you’re doing great. A few more times, Dr. Malcolm cried. OK, hold it there for 10 seconds and then breathe. She certainly is in a hurry.

As Raina took a deep breath, she felt the relief of the baby sliding out of her body. Soon, she placed the crying infant on Raina’s stomach. Raina, Terry, meet your new daughter.

Raina cried as she held her daughter. Welcome to the world, Starr.

Terry took the scissors from the nurse’s hand and carefully cut the cord. Oh, Doc, she’s beautiful. She looks just like her mother.

Raina gazed at her daughter, as she let out small cries. Oh, Starr, you are a beautiful little girl.

Alex kissed her daughter’s cheek. Oh, Raina, congratulations. She’s beautiful. She looks like both of you. Look at the beautiful black hair, Alex touched the tiny infant’s fingers.

Dr. Jackson walked into the room. So, this is little Starr Markum? he whispered.

Yes, Alan, this is our daughter, Raina said.

Dr. Jackson carefully lifted the baby out of Raina’s arms. Deputy Chief, would you like to hold your daughter before we take her?

Oh, may I? Terry asked, as he held out his arms. She’s so little. It’s been so long. Since our boys were small, Terry kissed her forehead and handed her back to Dr. Jackson.

Dr. Jackson took the baby and placed her in the bassinet. Raina, I’ll run all the tests and let you know.

Thanks, Alan, Raina said.

Let me get you cleaned up and then we’ll be out of your way, Lacy said. Congratulations.

Thank you, Raina and Terry both said at the same time.

Alex smiled at her daughter. I’m going to let the entire family know. We’ll come and see you soon. Terry, don’t upset her. She needs her rest, but you two also need to work through this, Alex kissed her daughter’s cheek and then left the room, closing the door behind her.

2 Life

TERRY STOOD UP and walked over to the window. Oh, Doc, what happened to us?

Raina slowly sat up in the bed. "I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?"

Terry turned around and gazed into her eyes. "Oh, Doc, I love you so much. I miss you. I miss you a lot."

"Then why? Why did you do that to me?"

"I didn’t do anything. I still don’t know why you left me," Terry sat down in the chair beside her bed.

"Because… she was kissing you… in your office," Raina cried.

"Raina, what are you talking about? Terry leaned back and covered his eyes with his forearm. Oh, you saw?"

Yeah, she wiped her eyes. "I was coming to see you. I needed tell you something so important and I walked in your office and there you were… kissing that slut!"

Why didn’t you say anything?

"Terry, I love you, but that killed me inside. I never, ever thought I’d see that with my own eyes. How long?"

"How long what?" he leaned forward in the chair.

"Have you been sleeping with her?"

"What? Doc? I’m not cheating on you. If you had stayed one more second, you would’ve seen me push her away. I fired her at that moment. I’ve been spending this last month trying to figure out what happened between us. You barely let me come and see you. I only come and sit with you when you’re sleeping. I don’t want to lose you."

Raina looked into his eyes. "You’re not lying, are you?"

No, Doc, he held her hand as he kissed it. "I love you so much. You’re my wife. You’re the one I want. You never told me."

"I guess I’m so stupid. I lost this entire month with you because I was afraid that I was right. Oh, can you ever forgive me?"

Yes, Doc. I know I’ve been different these past few months. I’m sorry. It’s all this stuff going on with Eric. I didn’t mean for it to affect our marriage. Maybe if I were home more, you wouldn’t think these things.

"Well, if I didn’t see her kissing you, I wouldn’t have even thought about it. Why did she kiss you?"

I think she wanted to see what she could get out of me. I really don’t know. Doc, I’m sorry. I love you. Can’t we just stop this and move on?

Raina gently touched his cheek. "Terry, do you really love me?"

Yes, of course I do. I miss you. I want my wife back.

Will you love me if I die?

Doc?

Dr. Martin Welch walked into the room and then stopped. Oh, I’m sorry. Did I interrupt?

No, partner, come here. We just had a few things to settle.

Martin looked at Terry, "Well, now that you know, are you going to leave her for it?"

"What? Terry stood up out of his chair. Martin, what is going on here?"

Um, Martin, don’t, Raina said.

Terry, don’t be like Uncle Jim. Don’t walk away from her just because she’s sick again. You’ve taken care of her all those other times, don’t leave her now.

Um, Martin, I hadn’t had the chance to tell him yet, Raina buried her face in her hands.

Terry looked at Raina and then at Martin. Doc? What is it?

EDS. It’s back, Raina cried.

"Well, it’s a different strand of Early Death Syndrome. Something with this pregnancy triggered a dormant gene. Even after her DNA was rebuilt years ago, the dormant gene managed its way into her system," Martin explained.

Why didn’t you tell me? he wiped the tears from her eyes.

I was going to. But, then, well, you know, Raina looked up at Martin. Um, did Dr. Jackson get the results back yet?

He called me and is sending the samples to the lab. I saw your daughter. She’s beautiful.

Thank you.

Doc, please, tell me what’s going on here?

Raina looked into her husband’s eyes. I’m just having the baby tested. I need to make sure I didn’t make her sick. I’ll never forgive myself if I did.

Terry held his wife. Martin, can we get a few more minutes please?

Martin nodded. Ray, I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything. We’ll start your protocol tomorrow. Lacy took your blood, right?

Yeah, earlier and then after the baby was born.

Martin kissed her cheek. You do have a waiting room of family members out there.

Tell them I’ll see them later this evening. I need to be with my husband right now.

I will. Thanks, Ray.

Terry touched her face. Raina, have we gotten so bad that we can’t share the most painful parts of our life with each other?

"I don’t know. Terry, did I lose you?"

Terry wiped his eyes and softly kissed her mouth. "No, you didn’t lose me. Did I lose you?"

No, I’m scared. Not for me, but for our little Starr.

"She’s going to be just fine and so will you. I know it. When you come home,