The pilot’s voice broke into my jumbled thoughts. "Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll land in Los Angeles in about fifteen minutes. Please raise your trays and seats. The temperature in Los Angeles is seventy-four degrees and sunny. Thank you for flying with us."

My stomach fluttered as we prepared to land. The uneasiness added to my concern about meeting David’s parents. Our trip to Los Angeles was to announce our engagement. I was eager to meet his family, but frightened at the same time. David’s best friend, Rick, visited the Stevens often. He portrayed Mrs. Stevens as a wicked and powerful woman.

"Kennalyn, are you okay? I know you’re nervous about the flight, but it’s almost over." David ran his finger across the top of my diamond.

"I’ll feel better once my feet are on the ground." Gripping his arm tightly, I watched the wheels lower to the ground as the plane prepared to land.

"Remember to take your ring off before we get to the house. Mother would spot it in a minute. She notices the smallest things, but misses the important ones." His voice trailed off as he leaned toward me.

"That was a strange comment. Should you warn me about your mother?"

"She’s an influential humanitarian, just ask her benefactors." A wry smile crossed his face. "Mother is unusual. One thing is certain;

she expects things to be done her way. The fact that we’re engaged will upset her. Of course, she might be thrilled to have a daughter." He gave me a quick kiss as I braced for the day that lay ahead. "Don’t worry, I’ll protect you." His admonishment not to worry sent a shiver down my spine.

I held firmly to David’s hand and we hurried through the crowded terminal. The Stevens’ family chauffeur was parked by the curb. This enabled a quick escape from the airport. The driver skillfully made his way through the traffic and soon we turned onto a drive bordered with stone columns.

A palatial home came into view as the car climbed the steep driveway. We stopped in front of the house and the chauffeur opened the car door. Marble steps shimmered in the California sunlight and columns stood at the top of the stairs near the grand entrance.

David jumped from the seat and unfolded his long legs. He held out his hand to help me from the car. I tilted my head slightly to look him in the eye, smiled and stood close.

Dahlias, begonias and gladiolas adorned the border of the front lawn. Each pastel hue colored the landscape on that November day. Along the front of the house, three tiers of windows shimmered in the sun. David spun me around to face the ocean.

"The view is incredible. It almost makes me feel like I’m home. Only it’s the wrong ocean." A nervous giggle escaped my throat as we climbed the daunting steps.

David said he wanted his mother to like me. This produced fear and excitement at the same time. Determined to make a good impression, I pressed on. His comments about her were unusual. It seemed that he struggled for her approval as well.

The front door opened as we approached. A petite woman around forty appeared in a maid’s uniform. Her unruly hair blew loosely in the breeze and her eyes shone when she looked at David.

"We’ve missed you, David. It’s good to have you home." Her arms wrapped around him in a fierce hug.

"It’s good to see you, too." David smiled and we stepped toward the doorway. "Kennalyn this is Ebbie, my greatest ally. I hope you’ll love her as much as I do."

"That’s sweet, David." Ebbie’s cheeks shone with a crimson blush and she turned to me. "Kennalyn, I love this boy. If you’re special to him, then you’re special to me." She hugged me and patted my back.

"Can you believe Kennalyn had me working in soup kitchens and taking meals to shut-ins? I never thought I could enjoy helping the less fortunate. Each day I see how great my life is with her." He gave me a quick hug to emphasis his words. My heart pounded harder when I heard his words.

"Your outlook has changed but you’re handsome as ever." She winked at me. Her love for David was obvious.

Her eyes glistened as she spoke in a choked voice, "Come inside so I can close this door. Your mother will be down any minute to say hello and you need to be in the foyer."

I wondered at the strange comment. Why would a loving mother care if her son was in the foyer or on the porch? It seemed his safe return would be more important than where he stood.

My mouth dropped open when we stepped inside. David’s home was beyond my imagination it was like a regal movie set. My eyes darted around the room as I absorbed my surroundings. The ceilings were high and ornate. I could touch the deep inlaid mahogany walls which were adorned with paintings. Each piece of art was illuminated. The staircase wound skyward. Tiffany lamps sat on the small tables in the foyer. The house and its furnishings belonged in a grand old film. I didn’t realize homes like this actually existed.

This was a long way from our humble lighthouse keeper’s house in Misty Cove. My home was unassuming and practical. My years in a small New England fishing village made the Stevens’ home seem even more surreal.

How could I hope to impress the woman of this house? I came from humble beginnings, but I’d strive to make a good impression. I tried to hide my nervousness.

I hoped Mrs. Stevens would be like my mother. While mom was alive, I could count on her support. It would be wonderful if David’s mother was supportive to me. A warm smile crossed my face as I thought of Mom.

My silhouette reflected in the marble floor. As I continued to look around, I heard a voice from the top of the stairs. "David, it is wonderful to have you home with us. I miss you when you are away at school. I treasure the time we have with one another." Her tone turned cold. "Who is that?"

These words brought me back to the present with a jolt. I glanced at the woman who had spoken. Her appearance was regal as she descended the stairs with her perfect posture and an elegant suit. Sunlight streamed through the window and shone on her string of pearls.

David climbed the stairs to meet her. "Mother this is the friend I told you about. Remember I mentioned she is from Misty Cove, Massachusetts, and her father is the lighthouse keeper? Mother, this is Kennalyn. Kennalyn, this is my mother, Mrs. Hilda Stevens. I’m glad you finally get to meet." His smile lit up the room.

She straightened to the point where I thought her back might snap. The knuckles on her manicured hands turned white as she gripped the banister. I stole a glance at my ragged nails and dreaded shaking her hand.

"David dear... I thought you would bring Rick home. You know how we enjoy his visits. Is he spending the holidays with his family? It seems appropriate to spend time with one’s own family. Don’t you agree Kimberly?"

"My name is Kennalyn, Mrs. Stevens. It’s also nice to meet new people and travel to new places." I hooked my arm through David’s and gave him a pointed look. "It’s great to spend time with family, isn’t it David?"

"You’re right, it is." He looked confused. Could his Mother’s behavior be normal?

I made an attempt at small talk. "You have a lovely home, Mrs. Stevens."

"My home is not what you are used to. Is it dear? Normally David’s friends are accustomed to the better things in life," she said with derision in her voice.

I hated to deal with rich and powerful people. They would often display a superior attitude. My mother had raised me to believe all people were special but not because of money or their station in life.

I began to understand why David was self-centered when we met.

As we spent more time together, there were subtle changes. Meeting his mother helped me realize how much he had changed. He was a product of this home and his mother’s influence.

I tried to clear my mind as I focused on Mrs. Stevens. She was David’s mother and I had to make this work.

"Mother, Kennalyn and I will get settled in. We’ll clean up and then come visit with you." Hopefully David’s words would provide a brief escape from Mrs. Stevens.

"Kimberly, Ebbie will show you to your room." Mrs. Stevens turned her attention to Ebbie. "You will help Kimberly with her bags. Take her to the east wing."

It was a warm November afternoon, but the chill in the house was unmistakable, ominous.

"Mother, you can’t be serious. There must be a room for Kennalyn in the west wing with us." David smiled as he reached for my hand. "I’ll show you the way."

"There is no room for her near us. Have you been away so long you have forgotten Mother knows best?" She turned to Ebbie with an unreadable look. "Take Kennalyn to the east wing where she can have a room with the servants."

Mrs. Stevens obviously felt I shouldn’t be near David. My face turned hot as I tried to control my anger. David gave me a stunned look as Ebbie approached.

"I’ll show you to a room."

David tried to reason with his mother as we walked in opposite directions. His voice was raised in irritation. Ebbie remained silent until we were out of earshot.

In hushed tones she said, "I’ve never seen her so protective of David." She chuckled under her breath and clamped her lips closed. She turned serious again, as if embarrassed by her outburst. "You must scare her. That’s the only possible reason for her behavior. She has definite opinions about the type of women David should date."

She shook her head and we continued down a long, dark hallway. "I can’t believe she put you in the east wing. We’ll find a room with some California sunshine and a view."

Ebbie’s support made me feel better. I needed someone in my corner. David had told me his mother was difficult but he didn’t prepare me for this.

"We’ll get you through this. David’s crazy about you and I think that’s Mrs. Stevens’ problem. This will be a fun week." Her sarcasm was obvious even in my confused state.

"You don’t seem to like her. Why do you stay?" I questioned and immediately suspected I’d crossed a line.

"I’ll stay until David is settled, so I can help David. I wouldn’t stay for Mrs. Stevens. We don’t like each other, but she doesn’t want to train someone new." Ebbie shrugged.

"David told me you and his mother butted heads over him. I’m sorry to put you in the middle of another argument."

"It’s not your fault."

Ebbie helped unpack my bag. Sheets and drapes were on the bed and they were quickly moved to a closet. A quick swipe with a rag removed the dust from the room. The ocean breeze blew into the room when we opened the windows. A sliver of sunlight filtered into the room.

I splashed water on my face in the small bathroom off my room. Through the towel, I heard David’s voice. This sound quelled my nervous feelings and I smiled with relief.

"Kennalyn, where are you?"

He poked his head in the door and looked pleased to see me. I rushed into his arms and struggled not to cry. David squeezed my hand tight.

"I’m here and don’t forget that, okay?" A quiet whisper passed my lips as I nodded.

"I should apologize for my mother. This isn’t how I remember her." He turned toward Ebbie. "Was I gone that long?"

"The distance will help you see your mother in a new, if unflattering light." She started toward the door.

Her statement was blunt, but I believed she was right. I thought he had exaggerated about his mother. His warning only scratched the surface.

"Maybe my mother’s approval isn’t that important." He appeared confused. "I don’t know what to say about her behavior. We’ll make our announcement Saturday night. Sunday morning we’ll leave for Cambridge. Is that all right with you?"

"Sure." I hoped that didn’t sound as uncertain as I felt.

~ * ~

Late on our second evening, I wandered into the garden. The cool air cleared my head. As I savored the scents in the garden and the crashing of the waves, Mrs. Stevens appeared.

"Why are you here alone?" she said in a rude tone.

I jumped involuntarily and turned toward her voice. "I wanted to enjoy the moonlight and ocean air. How are you this evening?"

"That is none of your concern. You must understand I have big plans for my son and you do not fit into them. Go back to your backwater town." Her eyes revealed her dislike.

My mouth gaped open, the cool air touched my tongue. I shook my head and said, "What do you know about my hometown?"

"I had you investigated. Your father is a lighthouse keeper. I am sure he does not rank on the social register, if your town has one. Your mother was saved years of humiliation when she died. Enjoy this short time in our world and go back to your little life." She spun on her heel and started to leave. "I will not allow him to throw away his life."

"Does it matter to you that David and I love each other?" I asked with a weak voice.

"Love. What could someone so young know about love?" She spat the words at me.

"I have to ask. Why do you dislike me?" I couldn’t figure it out.

"You remind me of someone I knew long ago in a different place." Her eyes had a faraway look.

"Did you dislike that person, too?" I wondered who it was.

"I hated everything about her. That included who she was and what she represented. I swore to myself to never have anything to do

with her or anyone like her again." There was no way to mistake the meaning of her words.

"I am sorry that I bring back these bad memories for you, Mrs. Stevens. But, I’m not this woman. Could you and I start over?"

"No." With that one final word she turned and disappeared into the garden.

Our encounter left me shaken. Could I have defended myself? Should I have to support our way of life? I was taken back by her malicious words. I never imagined she’d confront me.

The night air turned cooler, but I was rooted to the spot. I shivered and tried to regain my composure. Mrs. Stevens might take my continued presence as defiance. In truth it was panic.

My anger eased after about fifteen minutes. Briskly, I moved from the courtyard. The conversation combined with the cool temperature chilled me.

I sat in my empty bed and shivered. Mrs. Stevens’ assault was still vivid in my mind. How could she make rash assumptions about my family? She didn’t want to understand. David told her about me in a phone conversation. That had given her time to have me investigated. Was this how she showed her love for David?

Moonlight shone through the open curtains. I kicked off the covers and walked to the mirror. My reflection didn’t appear evil to me. My blonde hair brushed my shoulders. Dark circles formed under my deep, green eyes. I didn’t see any wicked changes in my appearance. What did she see?

She must’ve known my grandfathers had saved many lives. The government decorated them for years of bravery. My grandmothers helped many injured sailors recover and return to their families. How could Mrs. Stevens dismiss these things? The investigation must’ve revealed these facts.

Mrs. Stevens reminded me of my father. He was insufferable when I was younger. After my mother died, he treated me even worse. He let my sister and I know he viewed us as inferior. There was no doubt that he’d wanted sons and we were reminders of his disappointment. I was concerned about how much Mrs. Stevens know about my relationship with my father, Captain Bart.

Bart and I had argued for years, but I saw the feud hurt my mother. Once she got sick, I avoided arguments with Captain Bart and he took advantage of that. He saw my silence as weakness. I saw it as a defense mechanism. Would Mrs. Stevens see my silence the same way? Could I help her understand? Would it make a difference? My hopes for a loving relationship with David’s mother evaporated.

I paced the floor as my mind raced. Would Mrs. Stevens cause David to change his mind about me? He said her opinion didn’t matter, but she was a strong and influential woman. I needed to talk to him, but it would have to wait until morning.

I couldn’t shake the cold feeling. The sheets pulled loose from the corners of the mattress as I tossed and turned. Finally I left them loose. I lay on my back and stared at the ceiling. Too soon, the sun shone through my windows. I realized with dread it was time to face Mrs. Stevens again.

~ * ~

That morning, Ebbie woke me. "How are you this beautiful morning, Kennalyn?"

"I’m fine," I said in a noncommittal voice. "Ebbie, what do you see when you look at me?"

"I see a beautiful woman who loves David. And, I see love in David’s eyes when he looks at you." She gave me a quick wink and said, "Wash your face and comb your hair before breakfast."

"That’s what I see, too. That isn’t what Mrs. Stevens sees."

Ebbie sat on the side of the bed. "I think that is what she sees. Do you want to talk about it?"

Ebbie’s concern touched me. Why was she so kind to me? Did her love for David prompt her kindness? Whatever the reason, her support thrilled me.

"Its jitters, I guess." I tried to sound light and carefree, but I couldn’t even convince myself. I wanted to change the subject while I prepared for breakfast. "Tell me about David’s father? What’s he like?"

"Rune Stevens is a powerful and talented attorney. His standing in the community gives Mrs. Stevens a solid place in society. No one is better in court, but she overshadows him at home." Ebbie shook her

head and continued with her story. "He’s a kind man, but Mrs. Stevens dictates his behavior. You’ll see what I mean at dinner Saturday night. He watches her for direction. You have the chance to save David from that type of future." She held my cold hands and rubbed them softly. "Mrs. Stevens rules the house. She expects everyone to abide by her rules. I often wonder if she was always like this. I’ll probably never know the truth."

~ * ~

David and I planned to announce our engagement Saturday at dinner. His mother’s behavior changed our plans. David wanted to spring all the news on them at once but that didn’t seem like a good idea. After meeting his mother, I wanted to run. We would know soon enough, this was Friday.

I have free "samplers" that I created to give you more information about each of my stories. It has information about the setting of my books, the opening chapters of each book along with other information that I think you might enjoy. If you would like a copy of these samplers, please email me at: nikki-leigh@excite.com.