#best seller children books

[noam-easter-bunny]

The Pascha Pumpkin’s Gift

Once upon a moonlit night in Moriah Hallow, where enchanted forests whispered secrets and mystical creatures danced under silver leaves, Noam the Easter Bunny discovered a hidden path. It led to a cozy adobe house adorned with marigolds and flickering candles—a place where the veil between worlds was thin.

The Ximena family lived there, their hearts heavy with memories of loved ones who had crossed over. Día de los Muertos was approaching, and they prepared their ofrenda with care. But this year, something extraordinary awaited them.

Noam hopped up the stone steps, his fluffy tail twitching in anticipation. He carried a pumpkin—a pumpkin unlike any other. Its skin shimmered like moonstone, and when Noam touched it, he felt warmth and ancient magic.

“Dear Ximena family,” Noam whispered, “I bring you the Pascha Pumpkin. It holds the essence of love, faith, remembrance, and connection.”  A connection between the living and the departed.

The family gathered around, eyes wide with wonder. They placed the Pascha Pumpkin on the ofrenda (alter) to honor their grandparents, its glow illuminating cherished photographs. It became the focal point for their Día de los Muertos celebrations. The ofrenda serves as a bridge between the living and the spirits. The Pascha Pumpkin radiant stories of departed grandparents, whispered secrets from the Otherworld, and sang songs that made the candles dance.

As midnight approached, the veil lifted. Spirits emerged—their laughter like wind chimes, their presence a balm for grieving hearts. Noam watched as the Ximena parents held hands, tears glistening. They felt their ancestors’ love, as tangible as the pumpkin’s warmth.

The Pascha Pumpkin pulsed, weaving memories into the night. It whispered forgotten lullabies, and the Ximena children giggled, feeling their grandparents’ kisses on their foreheads. And then, a miracle: the pumpkin split open, revealing tiny golden seeds. Each seed held a memory—a shared laugh, a stolen kiss, a favorite recipe. 

Día de los Muertos dawned, and the ofrenda glowed with the Pascha Pumpkin miracle. The spirits danced, twirling with joy. Noam watched; his heart full. He knew that love transcended worlds, that even in grief, there is beauty.

And so, every year, the Ximena family planted the Pascha Pumpkin seeds in their garden, and soon, marigolds bloomed, their petals echoing laughter, sharing stories. Seeds from a Pascha Pumpkin can only grow marigolds and not another pumpkin. Noam visited, leaving gifts—a feather, a moonbeam, a whispered promise.

The Pascha Pumpkin’s legacy lived on, reminding all who passed by: Love was the bridge between realms, and remembrance was a gift to be cherished.

And that, my dear reader, is how Noam the Easter Bunny and the Pascha Pumpkin wove miracles into the tapestry of Moriah Hallow.

May your heart be as warm as a pumpkin’s glow, and may you find joy in the whispers of memories.

Learn more about The Pascha Pumpkin; in Noam Fall Garden adventure story book.

Hope you find One--- Hope you get One

[bookrabbit]

Noam Series Adventure Story Books

The Noam Fall Garden series is a delightful collection of stories that whisk readers away to the magical world of Moriah Hallow. Let me paint a vivid picture for you:

Moriah Hallow: Imagine a charming forest where Easter Bunnies attend school. It’s a place where seasons blend seamlessly, and magic dances in the air. In Moriah Hallow, Noam and his friends embark on heartwarming adventures.

Noam the Easter Bunny: Our protagonist, Noam, is curious, kind-hearted, and always ready for an adventure. His fluffy ears twitch with excitement as he discovers secrets hidden among the autumn leaves.

Pascha Pumpkins: These mystical pumpkins symbolize God’s love. During Halloween, the forest comes alive with festivities, and the Pascha Pumpkins play a central role. Their golden glow warms hearts and inspires acts of kindness.

Mr. Rufus the Black Cat: Noam’s loyal companion, Mr. Rufus, is more than just a feline friend. Together, they explore the forest, unravel mysteries, and share moments of faith and friendship.

Themes: The series weaves themes of love, faith, and kindness into its enchanting fabric. Noam’s adventures remind us that miracles exist in everyday acts of compassion.

So, whether it’s unraveling pumpkin riddles, dancing under moonlit leaves, or savoring pumpkin-spiced acorns, the Noam Fall Garden series invites readers to embrace wonder and celebrate the changing seasons.  Hope you get One!   Hope you find One!

[uwmspeccoll]

Science Saturday

RACHEL CARSON

In 1951 Oxford University Press published American marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson‘s critically-acclaimed book, The Sea Around Us. It became one of the most successful books ever written about the natural world. Rachel Carson's rare ability to combine scientific insight with moving, poetic prose catapulted her book to first place on The New York Times best-seller list, where it enjoyed wide attention for thirty-one consecutive weeks. It remained on the list for more than a year and a half and ultimately sold well over a million copies, was translated into 28 languages, inspired an Academy Award-winning documentary, and won both the 1952 National Book Award and the John Burroughs Medal.

In 1958, Simon and Schuster published this special edition for young readers, adapted by Russian Empire-born American writer Anne Terry White, with illustrations by Rene Martin and maps by Emil Lowenstein. It also includes an additional chapter by Jeffrey Levinton, a leading expert in marine ecology, who incorporates the most recent thinking on continental drift, coral reefs, the spread of the ocean floor, the deterioration of the oceans, mass extinction of sea life, and many other topics. In addition, noted nature writer Ann Zwinger contributed a brief foreword. The last photographic image shown here is by American science photographer Fritz Goro.

View our 2021 Earth Day post on Rachel Carson’s most influential book, Silent Spring.

View more Science Saturday posts

[amisoma]

So a random ranpoe as parents hc i made

Poe would tell nighttime stories to their kids bcs ranpo convinced him to but he would make those stories up and somehow along the way it became an interconnected plot and goin to bed became like clicking next ep this lasted for like till the kids slept in the same bed as them ranpo somehow convinced poe to write it down and realise it the book became a best seller and it had one of those for my daughter and husband kinda second page uk u see in books aight i might delete this if i wake up tmrw mornin and realise this was cringe

[birthday-journey-posts]

The Pascha Pumpkin’s Gift

Once upon a moonlit night in Moriah Hallow, where enchanted forests whispered secrets and mystical creatures danced under silver leaves, Noam the Easter Bunny discovered a hidden path. It led to a cozy adobe house adorned with marigolds and flickering candles—a place where the veil between worlds was thin.

The Ximena family lived there, their hearts heavy with memories of loved ones who had crossed over. Día de los Muertos was approaching, and they prepared their ofrenda with care. But this year, something extraordinary awaited them.

Noam hopped up the stone steps, his fluffy tail twitching in anticipation. He carried a pumpkin—a pumpkin unlike any other. Its skin shimmered like moonstone, and when Noam touched it, he felt warmth and ancient magic.

“Dear Ximena family,” Noam whispered, “I bring you the Pascha Pumpkin. It holds the essence of love, faith, remembrance, and connection.”  A connection between the living and the departed.

The family gathered around, eyes wide with wonder. They placed the Pascha Pumpkin on the ofrenda (alter) to honor their grandparents, its glow illuminating cherished photographs. It became the focal point for their Día de los Muertos celebrations. The ofrenda serves as a bridge between the living and the spirits. The Pascha Pumpkin radiant stories of departed grandparents, whispered secrets from the Otherworld, and sang songs that made the candles dance.

As midnight approached, the veil lifted. Spirits emerged—their laughter like wind chimes, their presence a balm for grieving hearts. Noam watched as the Ximena parents held hands, tears glistening. They felt their ancestors’ love, as tangible as the pumpkin’s warmth.

The Pascha Pumpkin pulsed, weaving memories into the night. It whispered forgotten lullabies, and the Ximena children giggled, feeling their grandparents’ kisses on their foreheads. And then, a miracle: the pumpkin split open, revealing tiny golden seeds. Each seed held a memory—a shared laugh, a stolen kiss, a favorite recipe. 

Día de los Muertos dawned, and the ofrenda glowed with Pascha Pumpkin miracle. The spirits danced, twirling with joy. Noam watched; his heart full. He knew that love transcended worlds, that even in grief, there was beauty.

And so, every year, the Ximena family planted the seed in their garden, and soon, marigolds bloomed, their petals echoing laughter, sharing stories and savoring pumpkin soup. Noam visited, leaving gifts—a feather, a moonbeam, a whispered promise.

The Pascha Pumpkin’s legacy lived on, reminding all who passed by: Love was the bridge between realms, and remembrance was a gift to be cherished.

And that, my dear reader, is how Noam the Easter Bunny and the Pascha Pumpkin wove magic into the tapestry of Moriah Hallow.

May your heart be as warm as a pumpkin’s glow, and may you find joy in the whispers of memories.

Learn more about The Pascha Pumpkin; in Noam Fall Garden adventure story book.

Hope you find One--- Hope you get One

[readingtrend]

Little Blue Truck's Valentine by Alice Schertle

Find the #1 NYT Bestseller Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle from your local library. Click Check on Amazon to read book reviews on Amazon. Click Google Preview to read chapters from Google Books if available. Click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, follow Change Local Library to reset it. Little Blue Truck’s…

[carolynsart]

Whoo Hoo! My book The Gift From Little Raccoon was a best seller for two whole days!!

[beu-ytr]

Resenha de "O Orfanato da Srta. Peregrine para Crianças Peculiares", primeiro livro da hexalogia de Ramson Riggs

*com spoilers

O Orfanato da Srta. Peregrine para Crianças Peculiares conta a história de Jacob, um garoto que tem a sua vida virada de ponta cabeça depois de presenciar o assassinato de seu avô por uma criatura sinistra que aparentemente só ele consegue ver

A partir dessa descoberta, Jacob se depara com um mundo completamente diferente do seu, onde crianças presas em fendas temporais possuem poderes peculiares, treinadas pela supervisora Srta. Peregrine

Esse livro tem uma narrativa super digerível, e na minha opinião é o melhor dessa saga, o autor tem um objetivo e ele o alcança completamente

De todos os livros de fantasia que eu já li, acho que esse é o mais consistente de todos. Tem uma narrativa super coesa, os personagens são muito bem construídos e no final, tudo se encaixa pra uma possível sequência

Outra coisa que me fascina muito nessa saga, são as fotografias que acompanham cada capítulo, ilustrando perfeitamente a estranheza que é a vida de um peculiar e ao mesmo tempo combinando perfeitamente com aquela sensação de desconforto que a gente sente quando vê uma foto antiga um pouco suspeita

Pelo o que eu li na internet, o autor dirigiu algumas das fotos ele mesmo e com o resto ele coletou algumas fotos antigas bem bizarras ou algo assim (algumas são reais!!!!)

Não sei se essa informação realmente procede, mas supondo que ela seja verdadeira, é muito maneiro isso tudo porque meio que te dá uma visão do quão empenhado o autor estava e dá um tchan muito maior pra história

Enfim, esse livro de longe é o melhor da saga, é o que nos introduz a muita coisa, é aquele que nos faz querer ler o resto e cumpre perfeitamente o seu papel de best seller

Obrigado pela atenção e até a próxima resenha;)

[productionsbyfaith]

Thank you from my heart, Kindle Readers around the World, for your Support. I am humbled and honored. Thank you, GW Tolley

[nightingale-prompts]

Talents -DC X DP prompt

The public is aware that each of the Wayne children are creatively gifted. It was almost expected. Richard Grayson was the acrobatic of course and no one was surprised but highly praised. So many parents began putting their children in gymnastics after seeing Dick's performances.

Jason Todd took up writing and published his own books at the age of 13. Poetry, anthologies, and historical fiction were the genres he favored. His books still remain on the best-seller's list, especially after his death. His poetry book "Blackouts" is an emotional journey of everyday tragedies and miracles of life. People would often quote lines from his poems after tragic events.

Tim Drake was more elusive. No one knew what he did until his name came up under a national photography award. His album called "The Shades of Gotham" was a contract between parties of the wealthy and the impoverished citizens of Gotham.

Cassandra Cain kept to herself constantly. No one knew what she did for years. People assumed that Bruce Wayne stopped forcing his kids to perform and others argued that she just didn't have any talents to showcase. All wrong of course. Cassandra posted one of her recent projects online which proved she was very talented. It was a beautiful scarf she was making for the winter. Cassandra was gifted with a talent for textiles. She knitted, weaved, and sowed many of the clothes she was seen wearing. It was no secret that some of the clothes the Waynes wore could not be found anywhere else but people assumed they had a tailor to make custom designs but no one knew it was Cassandra.

Damian Wayne did not lag behind his siblings as she quickly showed off his artistic talents. He's still young so he hasn't gone as far as opening his first gallery but one of his paintings has already been put in a museum. Some call it nepotism but art is subjective. The other Waynes disagree since they have hung every art piece Damian makes in their offices and home right next to Tim's photos.

Duke Thomas isn't one to show off too much. But he does go all out in his hobbies. He secretly takes after Jason in writing poetry and has been inspired by "Blackout" since he first learned to read. Duck related to it deeply. But along the way, he learned a different way to express himself. Kids on the streets of Gotham learned a bit of breakdancing and Duke was no exception. Duke is an accomplished dancer and has gotten a few competitions under his belt now.

Now that there is a new member of the Wayne family the public is waiting to find out what Danny Nightingale's talent is. Everyone knew that Waynes were creative but honestly, no one expected this. A play was announced at Monarch Theater and none other then Danny's names was on the ticket as the star.

[noam-easter-bunny]

Emile B. LaCerte Jr. is the author of several delightful books in the Noam Adventure series, featuring the charming Easter Bunny named Noam. Let’s explore some of these heartwarming tales:

Noam: The First Easter Bunny: This enchanting story introduces us to Noam, a rabbit and his adventures in becoming the Easter Bunny. It combines the legend of the Easter Bunny with the Passion of Christ, a delightful tale that captures the miracle of Easter and the joy of spreading faith and kindness.

Noam: Easter Bunny School: In this book, Noam headmaster of the Easter Bunny School in Moriah Hallow. We get to see how Easter Bunnies color eggs and learn about Noam's unique abilities. It’s a delightful blend of faith and friendship.

Noam: Spring Garden: Join Noam as he explores the wonders of spring in Ireland. With the help of St Patrick, he celebrates the beauty of the season and learns valuable lessons. 

Noam: Summer Garden: In this adventure, Noam discovers the goodness of all God’s creatures alongside a young boy named Francesco. The story unfolds in Moriah Hallow, the school for Easter Bunnies. 

Noam: Fall Garden: Halloween and Day of the Dead arrives at Moriah Hallow, and Noam and his forest friends celebrate the harvesting of the Pascha pumpkins. It’s a spectacular Halloween festival filled with magic and wonder. 

Noam: Winter Garden: Nestled in his underground home, Noam celebrates Christmas Eve with forest friends. Another heartwarming tale from Emile B. LaCerte Jr. 

Noam: The Wonder of the Easter Egg: In this heartwarming tale, we discover the magic of Easter eggs and their significance. It’s a delightful story that captures the joy of springtime, faith and friendship. 

 Noam El Conejito de Pascua: In Spanish. In this story, Noam, the Easter Bunny, combines the legend of the Easter Bunny with the Passion of Christ. The narrative follows an ordinary rabbit that becomes a symbol of Jesus' triumph through the resurrection. 

Noam Catch an Easter Bunny:  Journey with Dani and Bunnycakes as they set out to catch an Easter Bunny and embark on an imaginative adventure to Moriah Hallow. There, they meet Noam, the Easter Bunny himself. With a blend of imagination, hope, and love, their dreams become reality.

In the enchanting Noam Adventure series by Emile B. LaCerte Jr., Noam embarks on heartwarming journeys, celebrates holidays, and learns valuable lessons alongside forest friends. From spring gardens to Halloween festivals, Noam’s world is filled with wonder and kindness.

If you’re curious about more Noam tales or have any other questions, feel free to search YouTube videos.

These books are perfect for readers of all ages, and they beautifully blend imagination, hope, and love. If you’re looking for magical adventures, Noam’s world is a delightful place to explore!

''That's what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again'' (Walt Disney)

You can find these books on platforms like Amazon and ThriftBooks. Happy reading

[bookrabbit]

Moriah Hallow is the enchanting school for Easter bunnies and their forest friends. Led by Noam, the wise headmaster, this magical place prepares Easter bunnies for their most important day of the year.

Here’s a glimpse into Moriah Hallow:

Noam Moriah Hallow: Easter Bunny School:

In the delightful book “Noam Moriah Hallow: Easter Bunny School” by Emile B. Lacerte Jr., readers step into the heart of Moriah Hallow.

Noam shares his wisdom, instruction, and educational teachings with young Easter bunnies. They learn how to prepare for their special role in bringing joy to children and forest creatures.

When Noam’s blessed feet turn red, he can perform amazing feats: coloring eggs and transforming food into sweet treats for good children and forest friends.

A lucky rabbit’s foot symbolizes Noam’s connection to God’s love, making him a beloved figure in Moriah Hallow

Pascha Pumpkins:

These magical pumpkins play a significant role in Moriah Hallow. They hold secrets, blessings, and wonder. When Halloween arrives, Easter bunnies harvest Pascha pumpkins, adding to the enchantment of the season.

Imagine the joy of celebrating Halloween in a world where bunnies and magical creatures coexist!

So, whether you’re curious about Noam’s teachings, the Pascha Pumpkins, or the forest friends, Moriah Hallow invites you to explore its mystical realm

[5shortstories]

Thank you to Synergy Network Worldwide for editing the Spanish version of Barcos de batalla, huérfanos, gitanos, bodas, y una Con

[thatsmzbitchtoyou]

Sugar & Spicy Books Chapter 1

Summary:  Y/N is an accomplished writer who is newly divorced, and out of fear of the unknown, moves back to her small hometown she swore she’d never come back to.  She comes across her best friend that never left, who helps her out of a tough spot.  Will old feelings arise?  Or is she just too big for such a small place now?

Warnings:  language, smut

Next chapter

“And with all that said, you are now officially divorced,” the judge announced.

Y/N sighed heavily, closing her eyes.  The relief that flooded through her made her feel like she was floating, her heart soaring at the freedom it felt.  She opened her eyes and smiled as she stood and hugged her divorce lawyer, then started gathering her things.

“I guess that’s it,” Raphael, her now ex-husband, said as he sidled up to her.

“That’s it,” Y/N nodded, barely sparing him a glance.

“So um…everything is set up for you at the house.  All my things are out, and I got your car detailed as a, you know, sign of no ill will–”

“Raf, it’s okay if we don’t speak.  I’d rather we never spoke again,” Y/N said, finally facing him.  They looked each other over one last time before Y/N gave him a small smile.  “Goodbye,” she nodded at him, then walked out of the courtroom.

***

New York City felt too big.  The house was too big.  The car was too big.  Y/N felt like she was shrinking inside herself as she walked the too-quiet rooms of the brownstone.  She and Raf had never had any children, although he had pushed her many times over the years, sometimes too far.  But Y/N had been focused on her writing career, and not having children had made the divorce so much easier.  

“Y/N Y/L/N?  Oh my god it’s really you!  Can I get an autograph?” A woman approached her in the supermarket, smiling widely and slightly jumping as she rushed up to Y/N.

“Oh, um, yes,” Y/N stammered, taking the notebook and pen the woman shoved in her face and signing it.

“Could I get a picture?  The girls in my book club won’t believe it!”

“Sure,” Y/N smiled tightly, then tried to look pleasant as the woman wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in too close, smiling up at the phone raised high in her hand.

“Oh thank you!”  

Y/N managed to slink away from the awkward conversation that was about to ensue and quickly finished her shopping before running back home.  Her career had been successful, earning the top spot three times on the New York Times Best Sellers list, as well as book tours, big sequel book deals, and she was even in talks for one of her first books to become a movie.  The books were what would be considered “spicy” or “dark romance.”  She had no experience in actually having any spicy or dark romance in her real life.  Raf had been extremely simple in the bedroom, and part of their divorce stemmed from his insecurity about her stories.  

Six weeks after her divorce she had had enough.  She sold the brownstone, everything of value in it, the fancy car, and bought the car of her dreams:  a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.  It was something she had always wanted, but seemed impractical or Raf would always talk her out of it.  She loaded what little she had left into the little light blue car and headed to Woodstock, Vermont.

Y/N had grown up in Woodstock.  It was a very small but scenic town that thrived mostly on tourism because of its quaint, old America charm, and access to nearby hills that made for great snow sports.  When she was 18 she had earned a full ride scholarship to NYU and had run from it as fast as she could.  It was just too small, too stifling, but now as she was dealing with how big the world felt after her divorce, she ran back home in fear and trepidation of what to do next.  

As she reached the city limits she heard the Beetle make a strange puttering sound.  “Oh no, come on, B!” she groaned as the car started to shake and struggle.  “So much for ‘it’s in tip top condition,’” she griped, pulling off the main street in town toward the first mechanic shop she saw.  The Beetle sputtered to a stop and let out a high pitched whine as she turned off the engine.  She sighed and got out of the car, kicking the tire before heading towards the shop door.  A bell tinkled when she swung it open and she looked around at the shop’s front desk and waiting area.  It was small, utilitarian, and very tidy.  In the corner she was surprised to see a small play area for children that had a number of children’s books, a small table and chair, some coloring books and coloring pencils, and a little tea set on the table.

She smiled at the set up and walked over to the front desk.  There was no one there and she looked around until she saw a doorbell button on the side of the desk with a small note taped to the desk countertop that read, “Press for Service.”  Y/N pressed it and heard a doorbell ring noise from the shop behind the door beyond the desk.

“Coming!” she heard a male voice yell.

Y/N waited, looking around the room again until the door swung open.  “Hey there, sorry I was working on something, what can I–”  Y/N gasped when she saw who it was, and his wide eyes and open mouth matched hers.  “Y/N?” he whispered.

“Bucky?” she whispered back.

Bucky’s shocked expression quickly changed into one of excitement as he smiled widely and threw his dirtied rag that he was holding on the desk.  “No fucking way!” he yelled, rounding the desk and reaching out for her.  Y/N gladly accepted the hug, giggling when he picked her up and swung her around as he held her tight.  

“My God, Buck,” Y/N huffed when he set her down.  “You look so grown!”

“Well, it has been, what…14 years since I last saw you?” Bucky said, looking at her with a disapproving but teasing look.  “You look great.”

“Oh, thank you.  So do you,” Y/N blushed.  “So, you work here now?”

“I own this,” Bucky said, gesturing to the shop.

“Oh!  That’s amazing!”  Y/N said happily.  

“Yeah, old man Pierce finally died and I took over it,” Bucky explained, smiling at the waiting room.  “But hey, you’re a big writer in New York, right?  I read your books.”

“Oh my god, please tell me you didn’t!” Y/N said with wide eyes.

“I did,” Bucky arched his eyebrows at her.  “Very spicy stuff there, Y/L/N.”

Y/N hung her head in her hands, making Bucky laugh.  “I want to die,” she whined.

“It’s okay, honey, they were spicy but good!” he reassured her, squeezing her arms.  “I liked them.  Especially that one about the uh, what was it, the mafia one?”

“Fucking hell,” Y/N shook her head, trying to hide her blush.  “I know it sounds stupid, but you just never really think about people you grew up with reading your stuff?”

Bucky’s head fell back as he laughed.  “Well, you’ve got a little fan club here in town,” he said.  

“How embarrassing,” Y/N laughed.

Bucky stared at her for a minute.  “Sorry, I just can’t believe you’re here…why are you here?” he asked with a frown.

“Well, uh, right now I’m here because my car broke down as I drove in,” she said, pointing to the Beetle outside.

Bucky turned and looked at the car, then looked back at her with a smile.  “Got that Beetle you always wanted, huh?”

“Well, just recently, but yeah,” Y/N smiled, appreciating how he remembered how much she loved old Beetles.

“Well you came to the best mechanic in town,” he smirked.  “Let me take a look.”  She handed him her keys and followed him out to the car.  Bucky popped the back and looked over the engine for a minute before sighing.  “Yeah, looks like these belts need replacing,” he said, pointing at something that Y/N didn’t understand.  “I’ll have to order them, or maybe dig around and see if I can find any nearby.  It’ll probably take me a while,” he grimaced as he looked at her.

“I got nowhere to be,” Y/N shrugged.  “So I’m happy to wait.”

“Great,” Bucky nodded, shutting the door.  He pushed the Beetle into the garage and started making calls as Y/N sat in the waiting room.  After twenty minutes he came in with another grimace on his face.  “So, um…those specific belts won’t be delivered here for about three weeks.”

“That’s okay,” Y/N said quickly, shaking her head.  “Like I said, I got nowhere to be.”

Bucky narrowed his eyes.  “Don’t you have a husband to get back to?”

Y/N sighed and shook her head again, looking away.  “No, not anymore.”

Bucky froze for a moment before stepping forward and grabbing one of the other chairs, setting it in front of her so he could sit facing her.  “Wanna talk about it?” he asked gently.

Y/N snorted.  “What do you wanna know?”

“Everything,” he replied.

Y/N smiled.  “Um…well, I was married to a very successful luxury home realtor,” she began, looking at her hands wringing in her lap.  Her naked left ring finger still had an imprint from her old ring on her skin.  “His name was Raphael.  I called him Raf.”  Bucky nodded, listening intently.  “He was…kind.  Funny.  Very ambitious, which I liked at the time.  But when my writing took off he became insecure, especially when I started out-earning him, and he felt emasculated by the stories I wrote.”

“Emasculated?” Bucky scoffed.  “Why?  He couldn’t get it up?”

Y/N laughed, Bucky joining her.  “No, he was just very…vanilla, compared to what I wrote,” she explained, making Bucky nod in understanding.  “Which I never minded, but he took some kind of weird offense to it and thought I expected too much of him in that department.”

“Idiot,” Bucky shook his head.

Y/N shrugged.  “We had a few issues over the years.  I was focused on my career, and he wanted me to have babies.  There were a few times he, uh,” she looked away again, crossing her arms over her chest.  “He was pushy about it.  We never could get over it.”

“What do you mean, ‘pushy’?” Bucky frowned, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.

Y/N shrugged again, glancing at him.  “It’s not a big deal, Buck.”  He gave her an unimpressed look.  “He…he tried to force me, a couple of times,” she said quietly, swallowing harshly.  “Tampered with my birth control.”

Bucky’s frown deepened, a sharp huff blowing through his nose.  His jaw ticked and he looked at his hands.  He reached forward for her hands, and she met him halfway.  He studied her hands, his right thumb gliding over her empty ring finger.  “I’m sorry, honey,” he said quietly, finally looking back up at her.  “You didn’t deserve that.  I’m glad you got out.”  

Y/N stared at his intense eyes.  He’d always had a way of looking straight into her soul with those eyes, the bright blue stunning her every time.  He was an incredibly cute teenager, and seeing him as a full grown adult now, with some patches of silver dotting his beard on his chin, the fine lines deepened in the corners of his eyes, he was even more handsome.  Bucky had been her number one when they were kids, he and his family taking her in when her parents were negligent and uncaring.  Even though they had only ever been friends, he’d been her first kiss before she left for college.  It was like their final farewell before she went off to bigger and better things, while he stayed home, unable to get scholarships or have enough money to go anywhere but a trade school.  They had lost touch, but she always thought of him and how he was doing.

“Thanks…Sugar,” she winked at him.

Bucky’s eyes widened before a wide smile spread across his face again and he hung his head as she laughed.  “Man, you’re never going to let that go, are you?” he groaned.

“Nope,” Y/N shook her head.  She squeezed his hands.  “But seriously, thank you.”

“I hope you got everything out of him in the divorce,” Bucky said, letting go of her hands and sitting back in the chair.  

“I did very well,” Y/N nodded.  “I had a great lawyer.  And it was helpful that he wasn’t very good at hiding his affair.”

“Affair?” Bucky scoffed.  “That fucker cheated on you?”

“Well, who else was he going to get babies from, Buck?” Y/N asked teasingly, raising her eyebrows.

Bucky rubbed his face harshly.  “Asshole.”

“Tell me about it,” she grimaced.  “But basically, I got to keep all my book earnings, and since we were married for a while and he out-earned me those first few years, I’ll be getting alimony.  And I sold almost everything before I drove here, so I should be set for a while.”

“Good,” Bucky smirked.  “But why come back here to Woodstock of all places?”

Y/N stared at him.  “I actually don’t know,” she frowned.  “New York just suddenly felt…too big.”  

Bucky watched her for a moment.  “Do you have a place to stay?”

“No,” Y/N shook her head.  “Is the hotel on Idalia still there?”

Bucky frowned.  “Yeah, but it’s still a shithole.  You’re not staying there.”  Y/N sighed.  “You can stay with me,” he offered.

“Oh, no Buck that’s okay, I don’t wanna intrude–”

“You won’t be.”

“What about…do you have a girlfriend...wife?”

“Nope,” he shook his head.  “But I do have a daughter.”

Y/N’s mouth dropped open in shock.  “A daughter?”  He smiled and nodded.  “Oh my god!”  Y/N smiled widely.  “Is that what this is for?” she asked, gesturing to the play area in the waiting room.

“Yep,” Bucky nodded.  “Though she’s far too big for tea sets now.”

“How old is she?  What’s her name?  Wait, where’s her mom? I’m sorry, is that rude of me to ask?  I’m just curious–”

“Breathe, honey,” Bucky interrupted her.  “Her name is Autumn.  She’s about to turn ten.  Her mom and I met while I was at trade school at a party.  We were both too drunk and irresponsible.  By the time I learned about Autumn her mother was trying to give her away for adoption.  She was Catholic and hid the pregnancy from her family, then tried to get rid of the baby once she was born.”  Y/N frowned.  “I took her and her mom signed away her rights.  Haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

Y/N nodded but her frown stayed.  “I’m sorry, Buck,” she said quietly.

“It’s okay,” he shrugged.  “She’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  It was hard, but I wouldn’t change a thing.  My mom has been a huge help.  Speaking of which,” he leaned forward again.  “In exchange for me fixing your car, you can help babysit Autumn until I get off work.  Ma’s getting old and can’t quite keep up with her anymore.”

“You’ll…you’ll fix my car for free, and let me stay with you for the foreseeable future, as long as I watch your daughter?” Y/N scoffed.

“Yep,” Bucky nodded, his smirk returning.  “Best friends help each other out.”

“True,” Y/N smiled.  She contemplated it for a moment.  “Deal,” she said, holding her hand out.

Bucky laughed and took her hand, shaking it firmly.  “Deal,” he said.

[birthday-journey-posts]

Noam Fall Garden Pascha Pumpkin Challenge