TONY: Slow Burn (Raging Fire Book 1) by Kallypso Masters (the false prince TXT) 📕

when I return balance between my husband and my livelihood.” Her gaze spanned the circle of women’s faces. “Therefore, I intend to present the gift of attention and time together to the man who has made the most significant difference in my adult life.”

Carm didn’t really think being married would do anything other than take her away from her resort and wasn’t yet sure that was something she was prepared for.

Angelina nodded. “I understand completely, Cassie. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in things that we forget to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. I spent the last year getting my restaurant up and running while also devoting an enormous amount of time preparing for our wedding. I thought things would settle down after the honeymoon, but Marc’s paramedic training requires him to put in such insane hours, and the restaurant clientele keeps growing—not that I’m complaining—so we aren’t able to spend much time together.” She glanced down at the deck. “As a result, I’m finding that insecurities about my body are creeping back into my head because Marc isn’t around as much to reassure me. But that’s not his job. Starting tonight, I’m going to bring balance into my life by focusing on what I love about myself. I don’t need to wait for validation from Marc or anyone else.”

“You are beautiful, Angie,” Karla said.

Angelina smiled. “I’m going to make a list of the things I like about myself and add to it daily. Hopefully, the positives will push out the negative thoughts and they won’t intrude on the time Marc and I spend together.”

Karla gave Angelina a hug. “Having you validate that for yourself will be much more meaningful for you.”

After the others reassured Angelina too, Karla said, “I guess I’ll go next. I’m going to lose the guilt around wanting to pursue my singing career again. I’ve spent so much time taking care of the triplets and Adam that I can’t remember the last time I sang more than a lullaby.” She shrugged. “Adam and Luke made the perfect soundproof studio for me in the house, but I’ve barely used it. With Adam starting up his new security business, I’ve felt even more reluctant to take time away from the kids to do something for myself, but I’m going to carve out a few hours a week to hole up in my studio and rediscover my creativity. I can hire someone to babysit when Adam’s working. But honestly, I always was at my most creative at night, so he’ll probably be home by then.”

Savannah, Megan, and Cassie all offered up their babysitting services anytime they were available. Carm wasn’t sure how good she’d be with kids, especially three toddlers. Besides, she lived three and a half hours from Denver when Independence Pass closed for seven months of the year, so she remained silent along with Angelina who had a full plate and geographical differences, too. Megan wasn’t close to Denver, either, but Adam was her brother, so she already spent time there, and Cassie was Karla’s best friend.

“In fact, I’m going to make a commitment to spend the night once a month, Karla,” Megan said. A cloud washed over her face. “As some of you know, I’m not able to have babies of my own unless we adopt, and we aren’t ready for that yet. If I’m only meant to be an aunt, I’d like to be that crazy, fun aunt that kids look back on fondly after they grow up.” She laughed, brushing away words of compassion from her friends. “Who knows? I might not be cut out for motherhood.”

“I’ve seen you with my three, Megan,” Karla said. “You’ll be a fantastic mother, if that’s something you choose to pursue.”

Megan’s eyes grew a little misty. Carm’s heart ached for her, even though she wasn’t aware of the circumstances that prevented Megan from carrying a child.

“I love those three as if they were my own,” Megan assured Karla. “And Ryder and I also love working with kids who have disabilities or who’ve been abused or neglected and come to the ranch to find peace and comfort with our horses and other animals.”

Cassie smiled. “You are making such a difference in their lives.”

“I hope so,” Megan said.

Savannah quietly inserted herself into the conversation. “I love seeing us busy women making such strong commitments to self-care. Thank you for reminding us, Cassie, how important balance is in our lives.” She paused a moment, then continued. “While listening to your commitments, I’ve begun to realize that I need to do something just for me. Between my counseling job and taking care of Mari and J.D.—with Damián’s help, thankfully—me time has been nonexistent. While you all have talked in this circle, I’ve been thinking about what I might do for myself to help relieve stress. I’ve always wanted to take an art class or maybe even get into photography.”

“I can give you photography tips, or even lessons, Savannah, when I’m in Denver,” Megan offered.

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Savannah said.

“I’m passionate about photography and love to share it with others. And it wouldn’t take a lot of time to teach you. A few hours a month and then you can practice your skills on your own until the next time we get together for more pointers.”

Savannah’s face lit up. “I’d like that a lot, Megan. Thank you. My kids are growing up so fast, and you’re so good at capturing kids in photos that I’d like to focus on that area.”

“Well, you’ll have two beautiful subjects on hand at any given moment,” Megan said.

Carm had neither a husband nor kids and wasn’t in a relationship that would lead to either anytime soon. Nevertheless, all eyes turned toward her, waiting for her to put into words what she wanted as far as finding balance in her life. These women had been heartfelt and honest with her and deserved nothing less in her response.

“Watching you marry my brother, Angelina, got