Passionate Welcome Home

This is a tiny taste of new content you will find in Chapter 1 of the sixth published book in my Beauty of Life series, SERENITY: A Path Home.

* SERENITY: A Path Home (Beauty of Life, Book Six) is available now on Amazon along with the other five books. Search for Laura Acton to find all six books (the ebook version is available now and the paperback version will be available within the next 72 hours.)

Get your copy of SERENITY today and stroll down a path with Daniel Broderick.

Dan Broderick returns to Alpha Team twelve days before Christmas after recovering from a near-fatal wound. Unlike last year, Dan has real plans for the holidays … but does he possess the serenity, courage, and wisdom to find a path home?

For Dan, the hardest obstacle to serenity is leaving his agonizing past behind. Can he accept the truth and allow light to dispel lingering shadows, bringing joy to his family?

He has found his purpose, his family, and his beauty of life. Do Lexa and Dan have the courage to trust one another and risk all to be together?

Will a well-intentioned gift destroy him or provide him with wisdom to begin healing and strengthening his fragile soul?

SETTING FOR THIS SCENE: In the published Beauty of Life world, Dan (Sam) spends nearly three weeks rehashing all of his Special Forces time (for the investigation to court-martial Plouffe and others) before returning to Toronto and rejoining the team after recovering from his near-fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Sam's and Jules' relationship is in the beginning stages (friends with benefits and secret). This is AU for Flashpoint canon but is canon for my published version of Beauty of Life story of Dan and Lexa.

Enjoy this little sneak peek of SERENITY.

December 11
Jules' Home – Front Porch – 6:10 p.m.

Soaking wet, icy rainwater dripping down his face, Sam Braddock's WOW smile began to falter. Jules gaped at him, her eyes wide with shock, fear, and concern. The fear troubled him. Maybe one of the team, like Spike is here. That would be bad. How will I explain why I showed up?

"Um, okay. Not such a smart idea." Sam turned to leave and noticed the taxi had already gone even though he asked the driver to wait in case Jules wasn't home. Crap!

Jules Callaghan shook herself out of her mental stupor. "Wait!"

Sam took a breath before swiveling his head. "Sorry, I should've called. If you don't mind, I'll just wait here and call another cab."

Stepping out on her covered porch, right into a puddle of cold water, Jules groaned. She shivered as the wind shifted long enough to wet her sweater with a blast of freezing rain. She moved out of the water, her soggy socks leaving footprints on the concrete. A chill seeped in quickly from the soles of her feet. Jules touched Sam's arm. "It's freezing. You can't stay out here. Come inside before you catch your death. With your lungs …" she trailed off as Sam's sapphire blue eyes flashed and hardened like an iceberg.

Crap, I shouldn't have mentioned his lungs. Touchy subject. But I'm right! It is too cold out here for him, especially when he is stupid enough not to be wearing a jacket and allowed himself to get soaked.

Sam bristled at Jules' remark. I'm no different than before I got shot. Sure it's cold, but nothing like the cold where I grew up. The Yukon makes this weather seem like a balmy day at the beach.

"No, I'll—" Sam stopped abruptly when two women appeared in Jules' doorway, clutching throw blankets around themselves and carrying glasses of wine.

Hailey and Amy reached the door, wondering why Jules remained outside in the storm. Both stared at the blond man standing at her entrance, instantly recognizing him from all the news reports.

Amy said, "Jules, what are you doing outside?"

At the same time, Hailey said, "Jules, he's soaking wet and going to freeze to death. Why don't you bring him inside where it is warm?"

Her brown eyes went soft with concern but retained a flash of irritation. Jules pulled on Sam's arm. "Come in, Sam."

No way of getting out of this. More questions would be asked if I refuse. Sam turned and reluctantly followed Jules into her home.

Jules' Home – Entryway – 6:12 p.m.

"So what brings you out in such horrible weather?" Hailey asked as she nudged Amy. Both detected Jules' discomfiture, but didn't quite understand if it was because she still didn't like the guy or was perturbed he interrupted girl's night out … err, in this weather, turned night in.

Sam stood in the entryway, glad for a tile floor instead of wood or carpet as he dripped. He scrambled for a plausible reason and came up with a lame one. "I just flew in and wanted to deliver some cookies my mom made for Jules." Sam dropped his duffle bag then shrugged off his backpack. He unzipped the bag and pulled out a baggie of double-double chocolate chunk cookies.

Amy chuckled. "Did you fly with or without a plane? You're shivering."

As he held out the cookies to Jules, he noted his hand did shake a bit. He would blame the cold, but actually being near Jules had his adrenaline pumping. The ever-present desire to pull her to him, ravage her mouth, and make love to her caused his body to shiver.

Jules took the baggie. "Thanks. Why would your mom make me cookies?"

As the three women stared at him, Sam realized he sucked at this. "Um, well they are sorta my Christmas present to the team. Remember the conversation about desserts after you made me the shake?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I didn't …" Sam wiped the dripping rain from his face. "Didn't really know if the team exchanged gifts, so I thought cookies might be a good compromise. I spent a few days with my mom, and she was willing to help me. Otherwise, they would've been store bought and not as tasty."

Hailey chuckled. "How could you not know if they gave each other gifts. You were here last year. I remember Jules—" An elbow in her ribs shut Hailey up. She blushed when she realized she was about to say, Jules complained about you standing around waiting to be told what to do.

Sam caught Jules' move and wondered what the woman was about to say.

Jules took control of the situation. "Sam, these are my friends Hailey," she waved to the blonde, "and Amy," Jules motioned toward the brunette. "We were about to have dinner. Would you like to join us?"

The aroma of something Italian wafted to Sam. He felt hungry but shook his head. "Nah, I'll call a cab and go. Sorry to intrude. Didn't realize the taxi would drive off without me. I asked him to wait."

"Oh, Jules, you can't let him leave." Amy moved in closer. "Come on, Sam, please stay."

Sam wiped his dripping hair again. "I'm soaked. I should go."

Hailey eyed the travel bag. "I bet you have a change of clothes in there, something drier at least. We've met all Jules' teammates except you. Stay for dinner. You can tell us all the things Jules leaves out of her stories."

Jules reached down for Sam's go bag. He was too wet, and he would catch a cold if he didn't put on something warm and dry. Getting sick with his lungs would be a bad thing whether he realized it or not. She smiled and said, "The downstairs bathroom is torn apart. The plumbing is shot and it's one of the rooms I need to redo. Follow me upstairs. You can take a warm shower and change before we eat."

As Jules started to move, Sam stared after her. Huh? The one hundred eighty degrees shift confused him.

Stopping on the fourth stair, Jules said, "Move it, Braddock. Don't want you calling out sick tomorrow. Your temporary is gone, and we can't be down a man." Her eyes shifted to her girlfriends. "I'm going to change into dry clothes and grab some fresh towels for Sam. Would you take the lasagna out of the oven and put in the garlic bread?"

"Sure, no problem," Amy said and started for the kitchen.

Hailey winked at Sam. "Well, go on. I promise not to follow you and peek into the shower. Though I will say, I'd love to see your full Monty."

Sam blushed and swiftly headed for the stairs. His rounded surprised eyes met Jules' and saw the merriment in hers.

Jules laughed. "Don't worry, Sam. Hailey likes to be shocking."

"Shocking or not, it is still true." Hailey sauntered away to help Amy with dinner. Yeah, I sure would like to take a gander at what lies beneath his clothes. Damn glad Jules can't date him. Amy is right. He is a hottie.

Jules' Home – Upstairs Guest Bathroom – 6:20 p.m.

Sam stripped off his shoes and shirts. He unbuckled his belt but waited for Jules to return with the towels before removing his jeans. He studied his reflection. What did I get myself into? I should've called. Jules is pissed. Her laugh was unusual. No, it was rather scary.

Jules opened the door to the bathroom, intending just to place towels on the counter. Her gaze caught Sam's in the mirror. Heat flashed between them. It had been three weeks since the last time they were together. She raked his chest with hungry eyes and noticed he was leaner. The interview must've been terrible if he lost weight.

She slipped into the room with two thoughts. First, she needed to wipe away the worried look on Sam's face. Second, she would make sure he took care of himself. A difficult task since he typically maintained a superman invincibility belief in his abilities. That is until he crashed, like with the bronchitis last year.

Sam shivered when Jules entered and closed the door behind her. He heard the snick of the lock too. When she lifted her shirt, displaying her lacy bra, Sam moved forward. That was all the invitation he needed.

Their lips met in a hungry dance, as Jules whispered, "Fast and quiet," as her hands went to his buttons. God, I love it when he goes commando.

Her sweats and panties came off in one swoop of Sam's hands, and she found herself lifted up against the wall. She wrapped her legs around his hips positioning herself for him. Sam sucked in a stunned breath as his fingers found Jules slick and ready for him. Jules moved his hand before she shifted and claimed his hard length—causing both to moan at their joining.

Their hips began to move in synchronous motions. Slow at first, then rapidly speeding up. Lips crushed together and their tongues plunged in and out at the same rate. Both wanting, needing, what the other could give them. They swallowed soft moans as they crested over the peak together. Shudders wracked their bodies. Sam held Jules securely in his arms as Jules' legs tightened on his torso and her arms clung to his neck.

Jules' eyes captured Sam's. She said in a teasing tone, "Hailey isn't ever gonna see your full Monty," but she meant it too.

Sam chuckled and leaned in for a softer kiss as one hand held her bottom, and the other ran through her silky, wavy, dark brown hair. He pulled back and smiled. "I'm back."

Sighing as Sam lowered her to her feet, missing the intimate connection as her body separated from his, Jules said, "Yes. Yes, you are." She picked up her garments. "Now take your shower and come down for dinner."

"You sure I should stay?" Sam asked as he turned on the water.

"Yeah, but not the night. Have you been home yet?"

"No. Do you mind if I eat and run? Hailey scares me." He winked.

Jules chuckled. "No, that would be best. Keep you out of Hailey's clutches."

Sam gave Jules a WOW smile and stepped into the shower. "Give me five minutes. I'm starving." His stomach confirmed his statement by growling.

"Yeah, sounds angry. Feeding it lasagna will quiet it down."

Sam chuckled as Jules slipped out of the bathroom.

Sam's Apartment – 10:00 p.m.

He backed away from his desk, picked up his beer, and sat in his black swivel chair. His stereo was tuned to a station which played Christmas songs non-stop from December first until the twenty-sixth. Sam stared at the little live pine tree he purchased at the store across the street.

A smile played on his face as his gaze landed on the three popsicle stick ornaments adorning his very first Christmas tree as an adult. When he and Matt were MPs the base had a tree, and when they were in Special Forces, he was always in the field at Christmas. Holly's snowflake and Lily's tree hung from the branches. Allie's star he perched on the top of the tree. Better than any store-bought ornaments.

Sam pulled out his phone and snapped a picture to show Wordy tomorrow. Excitement for Christmas filled him for the first time since he was eight years old. Though if he had to pick his favorite one, it would be when he was six and learned the truth about Santa Claus and giving.

It was his memories of his sixth Christmas he used to plan this one. Sam would be the one doing the surprising this year. He swiveled back and forth as he contemplated the expression which would be on his parent's faces come Christmas morning.

His mind shifted to the team. He was eager to return to work and put the whole court-martial stuff behind him. Hopefully, Bonomi and Kenric would leave him alone over the holidays. If they wanted any more details before the first of the year, they would need to wait.

Sam glanced at the table and all the baggies of cookies he brought back. With his Ducati still at CFB Borden, he would ride his bicycle to work if the weather permitted. So he must decide who's to take first because he couldn't fit them all in his go bag with his uniforms and gear without crushing them. His eyes landed on the snickerdoodles and made his decision.

Wordy's would be first. His eyes shifted back to his tree and the presents lying next to it on the desk. This time the gifts for Lily, Holly, and Allie would actually be from him. When he went shopping with his mom in Ottawa, he found gifts for them and Clark too.

Mom had a blast shopping for the little girls. She hinted at him that she would like to have grandbabies. She even said that her sister Ann was beating her in the grandbaby department. He sidestepped the discussion by deflecting.

Sam had no idea if what he had with Jules would grow into what he wanted. He was a patient man, must be to become an expert sniper, so he would give her time to decide. Sam finished his beer and headed for bed. Jules' passionate welcome home would sustain him and fill his dreams tonight.

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The Beauty of Life series takes my original fanfiction stories and revamps them—with tons of new content and expanded storylines while still keeping the same heart and familiar feel of my fanfiction stories.

The first SIX books in my Beauty of Life series are available as ebooks or paperbacks on Amazon—just search for Laura Acton in books.

If you don't have a Kindle—no problem—just download Amazon's free reader app—it works on phones, tablets, and computers.

If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read them for FREE, too. And I think Amazon offers a free 30-day trial of Kindle Unlimited (where available) which is even better for you if you want to read all of them in one month :)

Beauty of Life series

- FORSAKEN: On the Edge of Oblivion (Beauty of Life, Book One)

- SOLACE: Behind the Shield (Beauty of Life, Book Two)

- BELONGING: Hope, Truth, and Malice (Beauty of Life, Book Three)

- OUTLIER: Blood, Brotherhood, and Beauty (Beauty of Life, Book Four)

- PURGATORY: Bonds Forged in Hellfire (Beauty of Life, Book Five)

- SERENITY: A Path Home (Beauty of Life, Book Six) - Published December 11th

- Work in Progress: GUARDIANS: Mission to Rescue Innocence (Beauty of Life, Book Seven)

You can visit Amazon and search for LAURA ACTON in Kindle Books to read the first few chapters of each book with the look inside feature.

Come meet Dan Broderick, Lexa McKenna, Jon Hardy, Nick Pastore, Loki Baldovino, Bram De Haven, Ray Palomo, Tia Walsh, Brody Hunter and the rest of your favorite characters (General Broderick, Yvonne, the Broderick cousins, Blaze, Mason, Patch, Winds, Ripsaw, etc.). Delve into a complex world of courageous men and women riding a roller coaster of emotions and danger. Explore the nature of relationships and bonds developed, tested, and strengthened in the face of adversity as they seek to find the beauty of life.

If you like all the details, twists, turns, and connections of my fanfiction – then you'll love the books — they're filled with them.

If you're a JAM fan become a LAN fan – come fall in love with Dan and Lexa. Their relationship has passion with new excitement and steaminess. Their relationship has a surprising beginning that turns into a slow-burning build of their soulmate connection—it's quite a ride.

If you love the Team, the General, the Broderick cousins, Blaze, Patch, Winds, Mason, and the rest of the cast of characters, you should enjoy the new Beauty of Life series—they get more time than before.