“In The Best Interest of the Child”
by Felicia Denise
Women’s Fiction/
Release Date: September 30, 2016
Snippet:
Remembering all the cars parked out front, Olivia knew there were quite a few family members in attendance, but when Marissa threw open the family room doors, Olivia was stunned. There had to be at least forty people before her, and a third of them were children. Leading the overwhelmed attorney through the throng of family, Marissa loudly announced, “Bellamys, this is Olivia Chandler. Olivia…the Bellamys. You’ll learn names in time.” Olivia managed to give a short wave as her evidently new life coach forged on. Passing through a doorway into the formal dining room, they approached four older women sitting at the table in a very animated discussion.
“You were always wearing ruby red lipstick, trying to get attention!”
“Well, you were always dying your hair blond!” Marissa dropped Olivia’s hand and threw her own up in frustration.
“Please tell me you’re not having another ‘Who Was the Biggest Floozy’ argument? What if any of the grands heard you? Don’t make me call the Bellamy men in here!” Olivia figured that was not something the women wanted because they remained quiet and looked properly chastised. Marissa moved to stand behind the two bickering women, resting her arms on their shoulders. Motioning to the woman on her right, Marissa introduced her. “Olivia, this ruby red lipstick wearing firecracker is my mother-in-law, Bernadette Bellamy, and the bottle blonde here is her sister-in-law, Bettina Bellamy. They are married to brothers, but they are also cousins.” Olivia smiled at them both.
“Mrs. Bellamy and Mrs. Bellamy…it’s a pleasure.” Bernadette held her hand up.
“None of that Mrs.-stuff. I’m Aunt Bernie and she’s Aunt Bettie. She’ll answer to ‘streetwalker’ too!” Olivia’s hand flew up to cover her mouth and muffle her laugh, but the other women roared with laughter. Through narrowed eyes, Bettina glared at her cousin.
“You’ll pay for that.” Bernadette pulled a face while still laughing. Marissa shook her head and stepped behind the other two women.
“And this is my mom, Gladys Monroe, and her sister, Darlene Preston.” Olivia smiled at the women, but this time was hesitant to address them. They resolved the issue for her.
“You can call me Lena”, Darlene grinned broadly and nudged her sister. Gladys waved her off.
“You can call me whatever you like if you give me that gorgeous suit you’re wearing.” Olivia glanced down at her suit and back at Gladys Monroe, who wasn’t much taller than her daughter.
“Um, thank you…for the compliment.”
“Don’t mind my mom, Olivia. She’s just always been a fan of tailored clothing.” Gladys waved her daughter off.
“Olivia has excellent taste and a great eye. I wish I was built like you, young lady. You’re probably beating the guys off with a stick.” The flustered attorney grinned.
“I’m not. But I do appreciate the compliment.” Marissa saved Olivia by changing the subject.
Olivia’s journey is filled with fun and laughter…and tears and sadness. Will she get her happily ever after?
Find out by 1-clicking today!
Felicia Denise, Author 