I have three sons, one daughter, and a three year old granddaughter. I've been an English teacher, a childbirth instructor, and a fitness coach. My kids tell me that I just like to tell people what to do. They might be right. Last year I decided that teaching wasn't my "thing" anymore and I went back to school to be a massage therapist. Why massage therapy? I have no clue. It just sounded like fun. I just landed my dream job as a massage therapist and I'm having a great time. Reading and running keep me healthy, mind and body and all that stuff, you know. I'm the daughter and granddaughter of sailors. I've been an Army aunt, Army mom, Army sister-in-law, Navy wife, Navy stepdaughter, and Marine niece. The upshot of that is that I've spent my whole life around military men. Yeah, mostly men. And that also means I've got a filthy mouth. All of my kids inherited it. I'm pretty sure it's genetic. Anyway, you'll see that potty mouth show up in some of my stories, though I usually give a warning ahead of time. What can I say? I filter when I have to, and when I don't... I don't. I like to laugh, even at myself. Life is hard and if you can't laugh at it then it's a lot harder. I do stupid stuff all the time. If I forget it, my family reminds me. Which is just one reason I love them all so much. I write because it's cheaper than therapy and I enjoy it. My youngest son swears he'll be a famous drummer one day, so maybe I'll just be known as Alex R.'s mother. We'll have to see how that pans out. I'm up for it. Anyway, if you enjoy my work then I thank you. There are a lot of stories out there and I'm grateful you clicked on mine. And since Edward and Bella aren't mine (damn it), and I'm playing in someone else's sandbox anyway, I don't have a problem with you saving a file of my story or sharing it. I've posted it here to share, not because I think it's great but because I've enjoyed writing whatever I've posted and I'd rather write than pay a therapist. So...the only thing I'd ask is that this story not be resposted somewhere else under any name but mine. Cuz I've missed out on some serious sleep to scribble these words in crayon and I'm a tired old lady.

A PERSONAL NOTE: We recently had a granddaughter born at 25 weeks and you can imagine how stressful things have been. I'm not sure exactly when I'll get back to writing, but I know it won't be before she's at least out of critical condition. We have a long, hard road ahead of us and her condition changes hourly. I wanted to let you all know that as much as I love my writing and appreciate your interest, my brain is just filled with other stuff right now.

The generous and talented AMCAS made this lovely banner for The Bigger They Are. Thank you!

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For those who are interested, I read this book last year and this man was sort of my "inspiration" for Mac. I pictured Mac looking somewhat like this Marine. Not exactly, but it gives you an idea…

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This gorgeous banner was a generous treat from isabellaleigh:

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The incredibly talented MaggieCullen192 made this banner, and I have to admit that I got teary-eyed. You see, she included Mac... And that was enough to get me going. Mac became quite real to me while I was writing the story of his family. Because as much as they belonged to Edward, they belonged to Mac too.

http:///albums/uu32/maggie19_2009/?action=viewt=426493165_UqEwJ-M-8.jpg

Readergoof made this simply amazing banner for Bad Blood. I can't say thank you enough, so I'll simply say, "WOW!"

http:///albums/d117/MamaVader/Bad_Blood_by_LadyExcalibur_copy.jpg

Heather Dawn was kind enough to make this beautiful banner for Ready for Love?

http:///albums/a86/Kassiah/Banners/rfl.jpg

And laurachristen generously made this lovely banner for "From the Cup of Duty" and I think it's absolutely wonderful!

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