Chapter 1:
The New Daddy
“Mom, you really married him while I was away at college? I come home for summer and suddenly there is a whole new man living in our house,” I said, dropping my suitcase in the hallway. The place smelled different already, like expensive cologne and leather. Mom laughed and hugged me tight before she grabbed her work bag.
“Evangeline, honey, you will love Darius. He is so good to me. And he has been excited to meet you properly. Be nice, okay? I have to run to the office for a few hours but we will have dinner together tonight,” Mom replied, kissing my cheek quick. She rushed out the door, leaving me alone with the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.
Darius appeared at the top, tall and broad shouldered, forty seven years old with silver streaks running
