SJ Maylee Week 175: The Magic in the Mushroom

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 1

Title: The Magic in the Mushroom

Angela wandered through the woods mentally reviewing all the things she needed to finish before going to work in the morning. Sometime over the last few weeks, the leaves had changed from green to brown. Now, they’d all fallen from the trees and had created a blanket of crunch under her feet. She could no longer even see the path.

She tilted her head to the side and blinked several times. Nothing in front of her looked familiar. Nothing. How could she have meandered so far off the path? She walked the same path every week. Every part of her day worked like clockwork. With the execution of her careful lists, Nothing was ever out of place.

The hair lifted off the back of her neck and a chill covered her body. She looked down at her toes and noticed a rather large adorable mushroom. Her gaze focused on the center of the fungi and time began to slow until her world went black.

She squeezed her eyes several times and things came back into focus. The familiar path was once again before her but all the leaves were green and back on the trees and that sneaky mushroom was nowhere to be found.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

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SJ Maylee Week 169: Fire & Ice

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Fire & Ice

Sasha leaned forward over her leg. Her muscles, still warm from the brisk walk to the theatre, eased into the stretch. She had another ten minutes to prepare her body for the hour performance.

Normally, the muffled noise of the excited audience pushed her through the last minute jitters of opening night but she could no longer deny there was something different about the evening. The same eerie sense she was being watched crawled up her back. For weeks now, the feeling had invaded her thoughts.

Sasha. The same thick raspy voice from last year filled her head.

She pulled her leg from the barre and twirled around. Nothing but dancers surrounded her. She closed her eyes and braced her fists against her sides. With all her strength, she fought the urge to run. All she’d earned would disappear if she ran again.

Sasha. I have come.

She tripped over the dancer behind her and landed hard on her ass. Pain radiated down her leg. She grabbed her thigh.

Your fire is mine. This time, you will not escape me.

She clasped her chest. A fierce storm burned her from within. She searched her thoughts for that cold wet thing, the one image from her childhood she couldn’t erase, the chilly deep puddles that soaked her pant legs and left her shaking for hours. She filled her thoughts of being a little leaf sinking in one of those murky puddles.

The burning sizzled out and her world went black.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

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SJ Maylee Week 165: The Rooster’s Crow

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 2

Title: The Rooster’s Crow

Jenny left her house, letting the screen door slam closed to consume the void where her husband would have reminded her to be careful on her morning walk. Her days were mostly filled with quiet now. All those seemingly dull conversations were no longer an option, unless she spoke to the ghost that haunted her.

She made her way down the country road to the little stream. The smell of wet dirt filled the air and the soft ground squished under her old tennis shoes. She kept going until she could see the water.

The sounds of a rooster crowing brought her attention further down the embankment. A single hen and her rooster stood along the water’s edge. Pressure built in her chest and at the backs of her eyes. Years ago, this was the place where her Charlie had forced her to promise him she’d go on after he’d past. He never intended for her to stay on at the farm and keep their life going. He’d made her promise that she’d move along and rebuild her life.

“Damn you, Charlie, for leaving me!” she shouted. Emptiness walled her in and gave her nowhere to go. All she wanted was for the love of her life not to be dead. She had no desire to build something that he’d never see.

The rooster crowed again and her tears flowed anew.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

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SJ Maylee Week 163: Decision Time

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Decision Time

“Michael!” Carey hollered to her husband. “We need to make a final decision on this vacation. I’ve got everything on the table. Get your cute butt in here.”

Michael came in from the garage and she pointed to the sink, knowing full well his rag wouldn’t get all the grease off his hands. “Do you think we’re capable of making this decision?”

“Absolutely” She positioned pictures of her top pick and Michael’s in the center of the table. “It’s now or it’s not going to happen and I’m not waiting another year to take a trip.” The water facet turned off and she braced herself for his reaction.

“What the…” He stepped in next to her and picked up the picture of the beach he wanted to visit. “What the hell did you do to this picture?”

“Oh, come on.” She nudged his ribs lightly. “We’ve been to that beach already and look how magical Scotland looks by comparison. Let’s do it. Let’s go on an adventure.”

“Woman, you’ve lost your mind.” He laughed out loud. “Only you would make a beach look this unattractive.”

“I know. It’s kind of brilliant isn’t it? I mean, just look at these two pictures. Where do you really want to go, another beach or the romantic highlands?” She held her breath.

He turned to her and pulled her in close. “You really want this don’t you?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I really do, please.” She pushed her breasts into his chests.

“Okay, we’ll go to Scotland.” He tightened his hold. “Thank you, thank you.” She squealed. “You’re going to have such a good time.”

“Oh, I know I will because my appreciative wife will need to make sure I do.” He grabbed her ass. “I wish I had thought of this sooner.”

He sealed their decision with a delicious kiss.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 161: Two Pieces

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Two Pieces

They’d been on the road for weeks. She’d seen more old locks than she cared to admit except for the one they sought. Two pieces for every puzzle, it’s the stories she grew up with. Never did she believe until her mother disappeared without a trace.

“Get ready, Jenny. The next salvage yard is on the next block on the right.” Tommy said.

“It’s going to be another dead end.” She squeezed the key in her palm. “I almost wish we’d never found it.” She rolled down her window. “What are we seriously hoping we’re going to find, anyways? She reached her hand out the window. The weight of the old key kept it in the center of her palm even after she opened her fingers. The damn thing wouldn’t fly away.

“I have a good feeling about this place. It’s your family history that tells you to find the lock after the key appears. Isn’t doubt right before you find the right lock also part of the story? Hey, what the hell are you doing?” Tommy pulled the car over.

She handed him the key. “You don’t know that we’ll ever find her just like we don’t know there’s any truth to the stories. They’re just that, stories geared toward scaring a little girl from straying too far from her mother.” She got out of the car. “Don’t you remember the other half of this story? If we connect this puzzle and find my mom, we’re bound to keep the curse going. This will happen to me and our daughter.” She rubbed her round belly.

Tommy walked around the car and grabbed her hand, dropping the key in her palm. “If that happens, I won’t stop looking for you. You believe me, don’t you?” He pushed back the hair from her face.

“My sweet, Tommy, I believe you.” She smiled at her husband and in that same moment the key warmed in her hand. “I believe.”

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 157: For a Smile

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 1

Title: For a Smile

Jason dabbed the inside of the jar over and over. He’d been at it all afternoon. At this rate, he’d finish just in time. He didn’t know if it would be enough to make her smile tonight but Beth deserved his best effort. He switched brushes and added more dots of blue glow in the dark paint to each jar.

When Mrs. Connors paired them as science partners, he never would have guessed how their friendship would grow, especially after their self-inflating balloon exploded and they spilled vinegar all over themselves. But once Beth had started to laugh, he no longer cared that he smelled like a ripe pickle. From that day forward, life was different.

Hours later, he carefully wrapped his gift and set them in his pack. With his lucky hat in place, he walked out the back door and in a direct line to the girl on his mind.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 151: Taylor’s Journey

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Taylor’s Journey

Taylor jogged along the path. Her weekly run had become a ritual. The same distance on the same path, week after week. She’d relied on the workout. It was the only thing in her life that wasn’t changing on her. Over the course of a few short weeks, her life had become something she no longer recognized.

The tornado that tore through her home a couple of weeks ago had also taken out the building where she worked and the man she’d met the week prior had disappeared the same night. She hadn’t known Jasper long, but something about him soothed her soul. The losses were immense but she was still breathing. Her luck was better than some. For all she knew, the tornado might have taken off with Jasper too. She squeezed her eyes shut as a sob ripped another slash across her heart.

She stopped and leaned against a large tree. The rugged bark gave her something to cling to as she took in large gulps of air. The sky darkened as her sobs grew. She couldn’t remember any stretch of the woods where the growth sheltered her from the sun. Her heart beat faster when the shadows grew around her.

A haze swirled in front of her and she lost her footing, sliding downward, but there were no hills in the forest.

She screamed and it echoed back to her.

A flurry of disorientation left her light headed. She went down hard, landing on her ass. Stoney pebbles bit into her palms. She kicked out, trying to stop her downward movement.

Finally, she stopped. Her feet had rammed against something. The mist cleared away revealing an expansive canyon and the man who had stopped her slide.

“Jasper?”

“I knew you would come.”

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

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SJ Maylee Week 147: A New Search

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: A New Search

Gabriella wandered through the rubble of yet another home torn apart by their ugly war. As a little girl, she’d dreamed of growing up and joining the Alliance, of bringing peace to the land. The ruin broke her heart, but the memories of all that could have been tore her in two.

She looked through the doorway of what used to be someone’s basement. If only they could find some sign the tribe had left the area before the fighting began, but the inspections hadn’t revealed anything new in days. She prayed they’d all gotten out since there didn’t seem to be anything left.

Her focus zoned out at the site of her shadow.

Maybe there was something to learn from what they were seeing. She pulled on a burned plant from the ground and it broke at the stem. The same dead bunches of scorched bushes were everywhere.

“Jamison, take a look at this.” She held out the burnt bush. “Is it possible this means this land has long been deserted?” Hope bloomed inside her.

“I think this is Salsola. The tribe would never have allowed this to grow so close to their homes.”

This was the sign they’d been searching for. She ran as fast as she could back to the ship, eager to re-enter the search algorithm. The tribe wasn’t lost. They just had to find them.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 145: The Gift of the Empty Stockings

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: The Gift of the Empty Stockings

The helicopter made its final turn back to the landing pad. The short flight had done the trick. The investor was ready to sign the deal. Charlotte’s heart swelled. This would be the third deal she got off the ground this year. The partnership was hers.

She swiped through her phone, wishing her mother was still around, wishing she had someone special in her life to share her news.

A blast of sun blinded her and sent her back to the year when Christmas had never come. Her mother hadn’t taken down the stockings, promising she’d fill them. She hadn’t, but not for lack of effort. It had taken all her mother had to keep them from losing another home. She’d never told her mother how much not moving again had meant to her. That one fact had been huge. She’d been blind to it as she stared at the empty stockings week after week.

It was the thought of those empty stockings that drove her to work harder and harder. She looked into the sun, realizing she’d taken the wrong message with her all these years.

A new goal filled her soul.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 143: Things She Never Knew

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Things She Never Knew

Gina sat down on her bed and stared out the window. Her husband would no doubt come looking for her if she didn’t come down soon. Emotions were coming at her from unsuspecting things and none of it made any sense. However, most of her life she didn’t recognize anymore. Living with the love of her live was just the tip of the iceberg. The life of a newlywed was easy and messy all at the same time.

She slipped off her heels and fell back. All week she’d been exhausted, but it was the smells in the restaurant that almost did her in. She rubbed her belly and rolled onto her side.

A flutter of panic froze her movement.

“I can’t be.”

She counted back the days and knew immediately it was a possibility.

“Marcus!”

She looked down at her belly, holding it gently as a rush of emotions turned her life in a new direction.

An uncomfortable rumble of nausea sent her to the bathroom.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 139: A Homerun

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: A Homerun

Jane pulled Tony into the Cider Mill. They’d arrived just in time for the last hay ride of the night. Her photo shoot had gone a little long, but she’d gotten the pictures she’d wanted and the spread would look amazing in their next ad campaign.

“Tony, don’t let me forget to get some cider this time.” They’d come for the barn party to launch the season a few weeks ago, but they’d had such a good time that they’d completely forgotten to get some cider before they left.

“That all depends.” He stepped in behind her.

“What do you want?”

“Well, you’re done with your prep for the campaign, right?”

“Tony?” She turned around to face him. “Here? Tonight?” She dragged her finger down his chest. Their games had started innocent enough, but each time they’d gotten a bit more daring.

“You did lose the bet and I’m tired of waiting.” He took her hand and led her outside and around the corner. “I want to cash in tonight.”

“Okay.” She looked over her shoulder, confirming they were out of sight before rubbing up against him. “Second base it is.”

“Oh no, that was last time.” He pulled her closer.

“Tony!”

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 137: Right Place, Different Time

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Right Place, Different Time

“Renee, would you stop day dreaming. We’re here. It’s time to let go. You promised.”

She opened her eyes as her brother pulled the car to a stop.

“Stop thinking about that damn painting and look at this place.”

“It is quite beautiful.” She got out of the car and stretched her legs. The hike today is exactly what she needed. Ever since that painting landed in her department, nothing seemed right. She was losing time day dreaming about something she couldn’t even put into words. “How long do we need to hike before we reach the waterfall?”

“It will take about a half hour.”

“That’s not bad.” She got out of the car and began stretching her legs.

“Ready?”

“Let’s do this.” They walked in silence most of the way. It was just one of the things she loved about her brother. He watched out for her and only stepped in when she needed it. As much as he knew she needed this break, he also knew she needed the silence to think and refresh her mind.

She took a deep breath of the crisp morning, the cool air filling her lungs. The breeze was scented heavily by the bed of ferns covering the woods around them. She stretched out her arms and felt the tension easing from her limbs. It was like she was finally walking in the right direction.

They must be getting close. The once quiet park was over taken by a constant rushing of water.

“There it is.”

She walked up behind her brother and took in the small area and the ultimate beauty of the falls.

The painting came back to mind and she decided to walk through the pool to stand under the rushing waters.

“Renee, you’ll freeze. Get out of there.”

She kept moving forward.

“Renee.”

Almost there. It was like her mother was calling her home. No, not her mother, something else. She hiked up her knees as she quickened her pace. The moment she was under the falls, everything changed.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 135: A Way Through

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: A Way Throughs

Jonathon landed in Norfolk last week. Since he gave up on his attempts to reach Chicago, the fates have let him stay longer and longer in each spot. They might think he’d given up on reaching his Roxanne, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It didn’t matter how long it took, he’d figure a way to get to her.

The search was the only thing keeping him going. The weight of losing her might get heavier every year, but the thought of giving up was something he couldn’t do.

He looked at his watch and began pacing. The innkeeper claimed the town philosopher walked by this time every afternoon. It had taken him far too long this time to track someone down. Any minute, the fates could take him away. He kicked the side of the building. If he was ever going to figure out a way, he’d have to up his game.

Landing in the swamp area last year was his turning point. The tribe he’d met in the surrounding woods had provided him with a wealth of information. From their teachings, he’d learned the importance of perspective. They may have given him research for the fates, but, more importantly, they sparked an idea.

He might not be able to get to Roxanne, but she might be able to bring him to her.

His gaze caught movement behind him. He tripped over his feet as he crossed the street.

“Mr. Perkins?”

“Yes?” The man kept moving, only glancing his way for a mere second.

“Sir, I’m hoping you can help me.” He picked up his pace. Heat raced up the front of his shins. “Please, you might be my last hope.” Tension buzzed through him each time his heel struck the pavement.

“Not here.” His stride remained even. “My shop’s on the next block.”

He struggled to keep pace with the little man. A moment later, they entered the dusty shop.

“I’ve been expecting you.” He pulled out a box from behind the counter and laid out a pen, a notebook, and a candle. “We have no time to waste.”

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 133: The Light

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 1

Title: The Light

Jillian sat up a little straighter, adjusting the little pillow at her back. The light was finally perfect. Yesterday, she’d arrived too late and missed a whole day.

She only had a few days to capture the scene before she’d be expected home and back at her desk job. Andy was pissed she was using up her last bit of vacation, but she put him out of her mind. She was tired of dealing with his snide remarks.

It’s pretty, but who’s going to buy it?

Interesting, but you can’t eat it.

Over the past year, the only time she felt centered was when she was out in the world with her sketch pad. The smooth glide of the pastels soothed her soul like nothing she’d ever experienced.

She set down the dark green and picked up the yellow, smudging her way into the shade she wanted. As the picture came together, warmth gathered in the middle of her chest.

This was the thing she couldn’t live without.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 131: The Moment

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: The Moment

The path finally began its downward descent. He’d lost track of the miles they’d wandered, but Roxanne seemed content to explore the trail. He was looking forward to their day of rest tomorrow before they moved on to a new country.

She stopped at a lookout point and examined her map and he examined her. Soft light and a swift breeze kissed her sweet face. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Even though it had been at least a year since the fates gave him a glimpse of her, it felt like only yesterday. Time was flying by and he knew it wouldn’t be long before they were found.

He had to think of something. There had to be a way for them to outmaneuver their chosen destiny.

The day they’d finally let him have a glimpse of her, he’d been on the platform waiting for a train. Rush hour was in full swing and a man with a barrel of long stemmed sunflowers struggled to get through the crowd. Jonathon caught the man’s elbow as he tripped and together they’d righted the barrel, stopping the flowers from spilling free. He hadn’t thought about that man since. Strange, he couldn’t recall any details about him other than his thank you. When Jonathon turned to say you’re welcome, that’s when he’d seen her.

Roxanne had stood on the far edge of the platform, her hair flying free as it was now and the train zoomed into the station. She’d boarded the train and he hadn’t been able to move. He’d simply stood there for hours, replaying in his mind’s eye the pureness of her beauty.

He rubbed his chest as he remembered how hard his heart had beaten that day. In that moment, he couldn’t have predicted what she would come to mean to him, but that was the moment he knew his life would never be the same.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 129: Finding the Girl

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 2

Title: Finding the Girl

After years of searching for Vivian, he finally found a lead. Gavin crept low at the fence line and peered at the house barely visible through the messy woods.

“What are you doing out here, Viv?”

She’d disappeared from his life without notice and every day since he’d thought about her, wondered what made her leave. His life wasn’t an easy one to share, but he hated to think his actions had driven her away. He’d feared harm had come to her, but he’d never found a single shred of evidence to support the idea.

His binoculars gave him no more answers. There were no signs of life besides the two squirrels chasing each other up and down the fallen tree and the earthy smell of a wood fire. He pulled out his phone and checked the information again. His coordinates were correct.

She was here or had been here last night.

The squeak of a door echoed from the house. A peek through the binoculars and his breathing eased. He saw past the extra-long dark hair to the easy gait of a woman who’d stolen his heart long ago.

He expected the need to charge forth and demand answers to push him forward through the woods in a direct line to her. Instead, he sat back and watched. She was safe and for now that was enough.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 125: Her Power

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: 1

Title: Her Power

It had been a year. Roxanne had felt this day coming. It was like a black hole pulling her towards the one thing she wished she had the power to change.

She’d spent the year trying to find a way to move on with her life. The Fates had won when they’d taken her Jonathon. They kept winning each day they kept them apart. The sharp pain in her heart nagged at her to move on, but she continued to pray she would find him again, that this horrible monotony would be broken.

She walked through the woods surrounding the cabin they’d shared during their last days together. It was her first trip back here. She’d thought it would hurt more, but in this place her memories seemed more alive.

In that moment, she knew she couldn’t move on. She wouldn’t. Not until they could do it together.

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 123: The Sweet Life

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: The Sweet Life

“When can we eat them?” Jonathon licked his lips. He figured if the pretty snowflake cookies tasted even half as good as they smelled they’d be the best he’d ever had.

“Let me fill the tins first and then we can eat some.” Roxanne bumped him with her hip. “We need to leave for the party in about an hour.”

He stepped back and watched her work. Her silky dark hair flowed down her back. She really was the most enticing creature. When he was around her, he forgot every worry he had.

“I can’t believe they’ve been married a year already.” She turned around to face him. “I wish I’d known you then. Their wedding was like a fairy tale.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Would you like a winter wedding?” The need to give her anything she wanted was growing faster than he could control. A tick of concern chipped away at his blissful mood.

“I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.” She caressed the nape of his neck.

“I thought all girls grew up dreaming about their wedding.” He pulled her closer.

“My childhood was different.”

“Someday I hope you’ll tell me about your childhood.”

“And I have the same hope.” She reached behind her and then brought a cookie to his lips.

He took a bite of her offering and an explosion of sweet spices warmed him all over. “You make me want to give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”

“Right now, all I want is you.”

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 121: Lost and Found

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Lost and Found

Where had the time gone? It was winter when she fell in love and now the leaves were putting on their stunning show of gold and burning red. Roxanne looked behind her and admired the cause of her distraction.

“I think this would look fabulous on you.” Jonathon held up a skimpy black dress.

“You say that about everything and it’s hardly every true.” She ambled around the rack of clothes and hugged him from behind. “I’m still convinced the last dress you had me try on was actually a shirt.”

“And you looked incredible in it.” He turned around and grabbed her ass, pulling her close to his hard body.

“Jonathon.” She eyed the clerk watching them, slipped from his arms, and walked out of the store.

The quaint town they arrived in yesterday had little treasures from around the world. Jonathon had known the origins of each item they’d found from firsthand knowledge. She was starting to believe Jonathon had been everywhere, even though she knew that couldn’t be true. She of course hadn’t seen any of them before. Her first time out of Illinois was when they left for their first trip several months ago. Yesterday, she discovered something she’d done that Jonathon had not, feeding giraffes. The giant gentle creatures with their long tongues were always the highlight of her trips to the zoo.

On the next block, she found something she was familiar with.

“I know where these are from,” she said.

“Have you ever been inside one?” When she shook her head, he grabbed her hand, kissed her knuckles, and then dragged her closer to the telephone booth. Once he opened the door, he pulled her inside.

“There sure isn’t a lot of space. They don’t even have phones in here.”

“You want to call someone?” He pushed her against the side of the booth and grabbed her ass again.

“No.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Everyone I need is right here.” She pressed her lips to his and lost herself in his kiss.

He pressed his body against hers while he took control of their kiss. His way was deep and demanding. When she was in his arms she was home. She wanted nothing but the moment to continue forever.

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SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration

SJ Maylee Week 119: Finding Their Happy

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SJ Maylee’s’ Choice: Both

Title: Finding Their Happy

“Jared, slow down.” Sara braced herself as he swung the car around the almost empty parking lot. She had a dozen things to do before the moving trucks arrived tomorrow.

“Oh, come on.” He put the car in reverse and turned around. “For old time’s sake.”

“The kids are waiting for us to get back. Besides, are you sure our car can handle it?”

“I thought you were trying to talk me out of it?” He picked up speed and headed for the hill. “Tomorrow we’re moving away from all of this.”

“Yes, finally we’ll be out of this town.” They may have grown up here, but the small town and all its gossip had been a nightmare the last few months.

“We both deserve to move on, but let’s not forget how much fun we’ve had here.”

“Okay. Sounds good. Let’s get out and roll down the hill over there like we did when we were six.”

“I remember that. I thought you were the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.” He reached out and caressed her cheek and then increased their speed, heading for the hill.

“Jared.” She screamed as the car raced up the hill. With her eyes closed, she felt the moment when the car crested the hill and the tires lifted from the ground. Her stomach flipped, everything seemed lighter than air until it all crashed to the ground. “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe you just did that.”

Jared was hollering at the top of his lungs. It was probably one of their best landings. She shook her head and started laughing. A fit of giggles hit her hard, lifting the stress from the past several months.

“There. That’s what I needed to see. When we leave tomorrow, we’re going to leave all this ugliness behind.” He pulled the car to a stop. “I promised to take care of you and love you.”

“You’ve always done that.”

“Not if I’m not seeing that smile.” He leaned in and kissed her. “You deserve to be happy.”

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Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

SJ Maylee believes hearts are meant to come together and find love. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together. You can follow her at @SJMaylee,

#DailyPicspiration