I’m participating in the A to Z blogger challenge this year. Since April also is the anniversary month for the release of my novel, ’Til Death Do Us Part, I thought I’d use that for the theme of my posts. For each letter I will come up with a word that is pertinent to the story, and post a short excerpt featuring it.

In general these excerpts will bounce around the timeline (after all, the story isn’t told in alphabetical order). No worries, I’ll give a little context leading into each scene so it won’t be necessary to read the others to enjoy the snippet-of-the-day.

X is for eXit

Yeah, I know that’s kind of cheating, but there aren’t really any words that actually start with an X that apply to the story. Sam’s obsession with Henry getting a seat as near as possible to an exit row, though, is pertinent to the story. This is one of the flashback scenes and is told from Henry’s 3rd-person POV:

The student turned and they listened to his footsteps retreat down the hallway. Sam once again peered over Henry’s shoulder. “Have you made your seat selection?”

“Just about to.”

“Are there any exit row seats left?”

Henry smiled to himself at Sam’s concern and clicked on the link to make his selection. “Not available. I could sit toward the front for a faster exit when we land.”

“No, look.” Sam pointed at the wing area. “There’s an aisle seat right behind the exit row. How about that one?”

Henry surrendered without a fight. He knew it would ease Sam’s stress about the trip, and where he sat just wasn’t worth the battle to Henry. “Okay.” He clicked on the seat icon and finalized the purchase.

He gazed at his husband and thought back to the corny pun Sam had made at poor Brandon’s expense. He could easily picture Sam’s dad saying the same thing.

“I’m tired,” Henry had once made the mistake of saying in the man’s presence. “Hello, tired,” Truman had replied. Face meet palm.

But Truman was everything that a father should be. He was responsible, yet didn’t let his other commitments get in the way of what was important to him. He was always there for the family’s milestones. He made time for his family, even family that had been added by marriage, like Henry. Even though he was the man’s son’s husband, not wife.

Henry had noticed as Truman guided his children and grandchildren, never simply lecturing them, the lines of communication were always open. The cheesy dad jokes were part of the deal, and part of what Henry had come to love about the man.

And now they were part of what Henry loved about Sam, too. And out of the blue he could envision the future unfolding with their own little family, with Sam telling tall tales and cracking witticisms while the kids rolled their eyes.

The vision still scared him, and he kept that glimpse to himself. Someday, though. Perhaps someday before long he’d be ready to move forward with that idea. Just not today.

Henry shuddered and cast a grin at his husband. “I love you.”

Sam’s eyes glowed warmly, then crinkled at the corners as a mellow smile curved his mouth. “I love you, too.”

Blurb

Henry and Sam Miller-Greene are living the dream. They love their careers — which afford each of them opportunities to travel to exotic locations — they love their home, Sam’s caring family, and each other. They disagree on the subject of adoption, but are fully committed to each other in marriage … ’Til Death Do Us Part.

The dream is shattered when Henry’s plane crashes, and he’s presumed dead. But four people — Henry, two other men, and a child — survive undetected on a remote, small, and insignificant island. Will Sam and Henry’s love be able to survive as well?

Henry fights to endure in harsh conditions, never knowing when disaster will strike. Sam struggles with his loss, but with help moves on with his life. Will Sam be able to put aside his new love when he reunites with Henry?

Info & Links: ’Til Death Do Us Part