Read Online Treasured Submission by Maggie Ryan - Free Book Online Page B

into the carafe, she filled her favorite mug. As she added a generous spoonful of sugar, as well as an even more generous amount of flavored creamer, she thought about Dean treating her to coffee the evening before. Smiling as she recalled telling him she was a coffee addict, she pushed open her back door and carefully carried her brimming mug and a plate with her toasted bagel out to the back porch. Settling into the soft cushions of her porch swing, her face showed her pleasure as she took her first sip of sweet coffee. Her yard was full of flowers and thick, green grass. It was always calming to sit on the swing and just relax before jumping into a new day. A few birds were bathing themselves in the birdbath, though Abby knew they'd quickly disappear if Cicero decided to join his owner on the swing. He loved to chase them away, though thankfully he'd never managed to catch one. Finishing both her bagel and her coffee, she headed back inside to pour another cup.
    A buzzing sound caught her attention and she realized that it was her phone. Hurrying to her bedroom and her purse, Dean's book again captured her attention, before another sequence of buzzing made her remember what she was looking for. Pawing through the contents of the bag, she once again made herself a promise that she would clean out all the clutter. Just as she grabbed the phone, the buzzing stopped. "Figures," she muttered, shoving everything but the phone back into the bag. As she started to slide the book out of sight, she blushed. "Get a grip Abby, geeze…" Tucking the book under her arm, she carried both it and the phone out to the swing, along with her fresh mug of coffee. Activating the screen, she saw that Sam had just called. Abigail smiled as she pressed the speed dial and listened as the phone rang.
    Sam sounded breathless answering the phone. "Hi, um how was the book review?"
    Abigail's smile slipped just a bit as she said, "Glad you asked. I'd like to talk to you about it and—"
    Sam interrupted her, "Sure, but, hey, can it wait? I'm on my way out the door and really need to get going." Abigail looked down at her watch and realized that it was getting late. Sam continued, "Can you to come to dinner tonight—about seven? We can talk about it then, okay?"
    "Okay, should I bring anything?" Abigail asked.
    "Nope—just come as you are," Sam said, and then disconnected. Abigail gave a small frown; Sam usually wasn't so rude on the phone, hanging up without a goodbye. Abby put down the phone and picked up her coffee. Tilting the mug to take a sip, she almost spilled it when a loud chirping sound startled her. After glancing at the phone and realizing that it was not the source, she looked up to see Cicero stalking around the birdbath. The birds had abandoned their morning bath and were now loudly scolding the frustrated cat from the safety of the trees. Shaking her head in amusement, Abby tucked her feet up under her and picked up the book. Before opening the cover, she looked around as if to reassure herself that no lurking feminists were about to attack her for her choice of reading material. She gave a small giggle and opened the book.
    " Abigail – I admire your desire to seek education and hope you continue to be brave enough to explore all the possibilities life has to offer. I hope you feel cherished and protected by that special someone who shares in the delights of discovery. Enjoy the journey for each step is a treasure – just as you are. Dean"
    Abby smiled at the words of possibilities, discoveries and journeys—almost as if life were a huge adventure. Suddenly she felt a little unsettled. Had she lost the interest to explore? Was there even someone who wanted to explore with her? She realized that she didn't feel protected, much less cherished. Sure, she was loved by her family but didn't think his inscription was referring to family members. It had been years since any man had made her feel like a woman, and never had she felt as