Christmas Rush

By Barbara Sheridan

Ellie Bouchard died while formulating a plan to see her only child Remy reunited with the one person he was too stubborn to acknowledge as "The One."

 

Determined to see her plan through, Ellie will do whatever it takes from the afterlife -- including heavenly blackmail and a few sneaky tricks -- to reunite Remy with his childhood companion Michael Carson this holiday season.

 

A secobd chance M/M short romance, low spice

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Sheridan
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223112549

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Cupid's mouth dipped into a nasty frown as the three Spirits of Christmas ushered him and a most annoying newcomer to the Heavenly Realm into their reception chamber. The frown deepened into a full scowl when the Spirit of Christmas Past swept his hands in a wide circle before a floating mirror. Deep within the Mists of Time swirled and parted, bringing into focus an event from Earth that had occurred a decade and a half earlier.

Michael Carson tramped through the fresh layer of snow toward the simple frame house that marked the spot the first immigrant Carson had landed more than a century ago, the last piece of the once sizable property that hadn’t been sold off by relations he couldn’t even remember.

The faint scent of wood smoke spiraling up confirmed his mom’s feeling that something amiss out here. They were only an hour outside of Chicago, but he doubted someone had made their way here to squat. But someone could have. A few someones could have, then what would he do? Shit. Mom should have called a cop instead of sending him. Or better yet, should have tried to get his father to get off his ass and come out here. He’d love an excuse to beat the shit out of someone.

Distracted by his thoughts, Michael didn’t sweep the weak bean of his flashlight wide enough and missed a tangle of fallen tree branches his path. He hit the ground with a muffled curse, his clothing becoming wet and cold as he turned this way and that in an effort to remove his foot from the branches.

He let loose another string of curses as he struggled to his feet. He flexed his sore ankle, then took off again, more limping than walking.  What the hell? Michael whispered upon seeing a familiar truck that had been blocked by trees. That explained the fireplace being lit but what the hell was his best friend Remy Bouchard doing out here today of all days. Remy'd been planning a special surprise for his girlfriend for weeks and he should be at the Hawthorne Motel getting laid by now.

Stomping the snow off his boots, Michael slipped inside without so much as a backward glance of acknowledgement from Remy who sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the fireplace watching the flames consume the last of a huge, heart-shaped velvet box.

Remy remained impervious as Michael removed his boots and jacket and padded across the wooden floor. Michael crouched beside his friend, placed his hand on Remy's slumped shoulder. What happened with Jane? Did she stand you up?

I wish, Remy muttered.

He turned his head and Michael felt the sadness within the depths of those blue eyes tear at his own heart. What happened?

She broke up with me. She said she didn't want anything to do with anyone who would turn their back on a thriving family business to go off and major in drama half way across the country.