Yay for new release blog hops!
My newest release with Rebel Ink Press, A Place for Liam, comes out later this month in The Dad Plan.
Darren Carson is a thrown-into-single-fatherhood dad, doing his best to care for his infant son. With no support network, Darren turns to Maggie – the woman downstairs – for help. When Baby Liam’s health takes a turn for the worse, can Darren and Maggie’s new relationship take the stress? Or will Darren’s whole world come crashing down.
Excerpt:
“I’ve heard it helps if they see you eat it first,” a voice offered through the screen door. Maggie grinned sheepishly when Darren whirled around. “I left my purse in your living room.” “He’s so picky about eating for me,” Darren said. “He’ll eat all the fruit I give him, but he hates vegetables.”
“Most kids like fruit better; it’s sweet.” Maggie chewed her lip. “I usually mix some apples in with his veggies,” she offered. “It helps him get used to the flavor. Plus, he’s young. He’s new to eating solids; just give him some more time to adjust.”
Darren sighed heavily. “I’m really not very good at this, am I?” he asked. “Being a dad.”
The defeated set to his shoulders cut Maggie to the quick. “You’re good at the important part – you love him. The rest you’ll figure out.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll just grab my purse and head out. I’ll see you tomorrow? You want me to bring anything else?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Just the salad is plenty,” he said. “I have the steaks and beans. And beer,” he laughed.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” The front door slammed behind her and Liam flinched. “Sorry!” she called from the porch.
Darren couldn’t help the soft smile that covered his face. He could look, right? That wouldn’t hurt anything.
Dinner was leftover spaghetti from the night before and Darren waited to open a beer until he was on the couch in front of the television. He plopped Liam down on the couch beside him and clicked the television on. “Game day, pal,” he said. “No matter what anyone tells you, early season games are just as important as late season games.”
Liam gurgled and chewed on the rattle strapped to his wrist. “Guh,” he said. He waved his arms happily from his nook next to Dad.
“See, I knew you’d get it.” Darren cracked the top on a fresh beer and kicked his feet up on the coffee table. “So the guy in the middle with the ball? He’s the pitcher.” Darren pointed at the screen and Liam drooled on his bib.
“And the guy he just threw the ball to is the batter; that hit’s called a line drive and that’s the short stop diving for it.” Darren looked down at Liam to find him staring at the ceiling fan. “Are you paying any attention? How can you hope to learn anything about baseball if you don’t look at the screen?”
He shifted Liam so that he was facing the television again. “Okay, pay attention. We’re up to bat.” Darren explained the game, the players, the positions, the plays themselves, to Liam until his eyes started to droop and he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth. Seeing his half-asleep son, Darren carried him to his room and laid him down in his crib.
As part of Rebel Ink Press’s blog hop, I’ll be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter! The winner will be contacted tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!
♥SB
Cute excerpt. I like the image of a dad trying to teach his infant son about baseball.
Love the excerpt Thankyou, I love stories with children involved, they usually bring a tear to my eye, which is always a good thing, lol, strange as they may sound, Thankyou for a wonderful giveaway, x x
julienewberry(at)btinternet(dot)com
Great blurb. I’d love to read more!
Hi! Congrats on your latest release! Sounds great! Loved the excerpt. Cant wait to read more. I love a story line with a baby. All the emotions flying, the love, etc. *sigh* Thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful day! Thanks for the hop and the giveaway!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
SOunds like a great read! Best of Luck!