Sherryl Woods - Midnight Promises

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods draws you into the emotional journey of a marriage worth saving

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen’s strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.

Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them apart. Elliott’s desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned “baby money” stirs Karen’s deep-rooted financial insecurities. It’s the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott’s sister—and thinks it’s justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

Praise for the novels of Sherryl Woods

“Sherryl Woods writes emotionally satisfying novels about family, friendship and home. Truly feel-great reads!”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“Woods…is noted for appealing, character-driven stories that are often infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.”

—Library Journal

“Woods always thrills with her wonderful characters,

witty dialogue and warm and loving family interactions.”

—RT Book Reviews on An O’Brien Family Christmas

“Once again, Woods, with such authenticity,

weaves a tale of true love and the challenges

that can knock up against that love.”

—RT Book Reviews on Beach Lane

“Infused with the warmth and magic of the season, Woods’s fourth addition to her popular, small-town series once again unites the unruly, outspoken, endearing O’Brien clan in a touching, triumphant tale of forgiveness and love reclaimed.”

—Library Journal on A Chesapeake Shores Christmas

“A whimsical, sweet scenario…

the digressions have their own charm, and

Woods never fails to come back to the romantic point.”

—Publishers Weekly on Sweet Tea at Sunrise

“Woods’ readers will eagerly anticipate

her trademark small-town setting, loyal friendships and honorable mentors as they meet new characters and reconnect with familiar ones in this heartwarming tale.”

—Booklist on Home in Carolina

“Woods is a master heartstring puller, and her

endearingly flawed characters deal with their plethora of problems in a predictable but satisfying manner.”

—Publishers Weekly on Seaview Inn

Midnight Promises

Sherryl Woods

www.mirabooks.co.uk

Dear Friends,

From the moment I first wrote about struggling single mom Karen Ames in Feels Like Family, a book in the original Sweet Magnolias trilogy, readers wanted to know much, much more about her and her romance with sexy, caring personal trainer Elliott Cruz. Since they were on their way to the altar by the end of that book, I thought the story was over.

Recently, though, it seemed to me that romance and conflict don’t always end when marriage vows are spoken. And when Elliott’s dreams for their family collide with Karen’s past struggles, well, there’s a whole new story to be told. You’ll find that story right here in Midnight Promises as this couple faces the same questions that so many married couples face. Maybe the answers and compromises they find will be solutions for some of you, too.

You’ll also get to spend some time with what I like to think of as the “Senior Magnolias”—three vibrant, lively older women who create their share of laughter and poignant moments during this book and the two yet to come this summer.

I hope you’ll enjoy being back in the world of the Sweet Magnolias. As always, I’d love to know what you think. You can email me at Sherryl703@gmail.com or become a fan on Facebook and join in the conversation there.

All best,

Sherryl

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Discussion Questions

Excerpt

Prologue

The bride wore a cocktail-length, off-the-shoulder gown in shimmering off-white satin and an antique lace mantilla—a family heirloom—reluctantly provided by her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

At the front of the small Roman Catholic church in Serenity stood the man who’d changed Karen Ames’s mind about love, convincing her that the past was just that, over and done with. He’d promised her enduring love, a true partnership, and he’d shown her those traits time and again during their long courtship.

At a tug on her skirt, Karen leaned down to look into the excited face of her six-year-old daughter, Daisy.

“When are we getting married?” Daisy asked, practically bouncing up and down in anticipation.

Karen smiled at her eagerness. After too many years with no father figure around, Daisy and Mack had fallen as deeply in love with Elliott Cruz as Karen had. And in many ways, it was his kind and generous relationship with her children that had convinced Karen that Elliott was nothing like her first husband, a man who’d abandoned them all, leaving behind a mountain of debt.

“I want to be married to Elliott,” Daisy said with another tug in the direction of the altar. “Let’s hurry.”

Karen checked her four-year-old son to assure that Mack hadn’t stripped off the tie she’d put on for him earlier or managed to douse his new suit with soda. She also assured herself that the wedding rings were still firmly attached to the pillow he would carry down the aisle.

Dana Sue Sullivan, her boss, friend and matron-of-honor, touched a hand to her shoulder. “Everything’s good, Karen. How are your nerves?”

“Dancing a jig,” she responded candidly. “And then I look inside and see Elliott waiting there, and everything settles.”

“Then keep your eyes on him,” Dana Sue advised. “And let’s get this show on the road before these two leave without us.”

She glanced down at Daisy and Mack, who were already inching from the foyer into the church.

At some signal Karen didn’t even notice, the organist began to play for their entrance. Daisy took off down the aisle almost at a run, scattering rose petals with enthusiasm. Then, at some whispered comment, she grinned, glanced back at her mother and slowed to a more sedate pace. Mack was right on her heels, his expression solemn, a tiny frown puckering his brow until he’d safely reached Elliott’s side.

Dana Sue followed, winking at her husband who was sitting at the front of her church, then smiling broadly at Elliott, who was running a nervous finger under the collar of his shirt.

Karen took a last deep breath, reminded herself that this time her marriage was going to be forever, that she’d finally gotten it right.

She lifted her gaze until she met Elliott’s, then took that first confident, trusting step down the aisle into the future that promised to be everything her first marriage hadn’t been.

1

Now that fall was just around the corner, Karen Cruz was experimenting with a new navy bean soup recipe for tomorrow’s lunch at Sullivan’s when sous-chef and friend Erik Whitney peered over her shoulder, gave an approving nod, then asked, “So, are you excited about the gym Elliott’s going to open with us?”