Chapter 1
After Thomas Howard's kids ruined dinner again, I told him I wanted a divorce.
Thomas didn't stop me or beg me to stay. He calmly listed the pros and cons of divorce.
"Yvonne, you're 27. People say you're getting old for dating," he began.
"You grew up without family, and after divorcing me, you'll only meet mediocre men.
"I'm good-looking, fit, a CEO, and rich.
"You'll never match me, but I can find someone prettier, younger, and better than you.
"Are you sure you want this divorce?"
I nodded. "I'm sure."
He looked incredulous, rubbing his brow tiredly.
He continued, "I've worked all day. Stop whining like a child.
"Are you doing this just because they ruined your dinner?"
I laughed softly. "Guess I'm not cut out to be a stepmom.
"Some kids never appreciate your efforts, no matter how hard you try."
*****
When Max knocked over my dinner again, I reached out to stop him.
Hot tomato basil soup spilled on my hand, burning my forearm and reddening the skin.
I jerked my hand back in pain.
The food table crashed to the floor.
Food and porcelain shards littered the floor.
Grease and soup trickled everywhere.
I gripped my arm and stared at Max.
He stared at my red arm and swallowed.
His dark eyes flicked around, but he still made a fearless face at me.
Max stuck out his tongue and said, "Nyah nyah, bad lady!
"We're not eating your food! Maybe it's poisoned!
"Get out! We don't want you here or as our new mom!"
Six-year-old Zoey puffed her cheeks and whined, "You're bad! You stole our dad and drove mom away.
"You're a homewrecker!
More venomous words followed, each one a tiny, sharp knife.
Rosie Bennett grabbed Zoey and Max's hand, pulling them inside quickly.
After settling the kids, Rosie said, "Mrs. Howard, kids say funny things. Don't take it to heart. They'll grow out of it."
I said nothing and took a cab to the hospital to have my burn checked.
The doctor popped my arm blisters with a needle, cleaned them, and applied ointment.
It hurt like hell.
I silently watched the doctor work.
My friend's warnings about marrying Thomas kept echoing in my head.
"Yvonne, are you sure? Being a stepmom isn't easy.
"Thomas might be a catch, but his kids are a handful.
"You'll never match their real mom in their eyes.
"You can discipline your kids, but touching others' kids will haunt you."
Back then, I just laughed it off and said.
"I believe if I'm good to them, they'll appreciate it.
"I like kids and think I'd be a good stepmom."
I grew up in an orphanage and longed for a real home and kids.
Thomas was eight years my senior.
Before marrying him, I knew he had a previous marriage and two kids.
His son was Max; his daughter, Zoey.
Thomas was always busy balancing work and home.
Joya Sterling, his ex-wife, cheated because she couldn't handle loneliness.
Thomas divorced her.
Joya took her share and walked away, not seeking custody.
Thomas always had someone else care for the kids.
How Thomas and I met was dramatic.
I majored in medical nutrition and became a certified dietitian after graduation.
He sought a dietitian to plan his kids' meals; the pay was tempting.
I passed several interviews and tests before getting the job.
On my first official day, Thomas stayed home to judge my cooking.
I had a low fever, staggered, grabbed his arm, and blacked out.
I woke in the hospital to find Thomas sitting beside me.
I clung to his sleeve, desperate and begging.
"Mr. Howard, today was an accident. It won't happen again.
"Please, don't fire me."