Hello and welcome to “At First Sight Saturday.” Today’s guest is author, Gayle Irwin, who gives us a ‘first sight’ scene from her novella Rhiann’s Rescue and introduces us to hero, Elias, and heroine, Rhiann. Be sure to leave a comment to let Gayle know what you think.
A Note from Gayle:
I’m excited to share the prequel to my Pet Rescue Romance series, a holiday novella titled Rhiann’s Rescue. The story’s settings include Spokane, Washington and Cave Creek, Arizona, and the theme involves family relationships with romantic overtones.
The first meeting between my primary female character and the man who makes her reconsider swearing off dating takes place poolside at a senior winter resort. Rhiann, the heroine, cares for her elderly grandmother; during winter they “snowbird” to Arizona. Rhiann, a freelance writer and pet rescue volunteer, stays with her beloved Grams at the resort, and as she works on a writing project, she encounters a man named Elias Griffin, an art gallery owner and nature photographer whose mother is also staying at the resort.
Excerpt: As she lounged near the pool at The Magnifico Resort near Phoenix, Rhiann held a small laptop on her knees. Adobe villas surrounded the manicured lawns brimming with blooming roses and tall palm trees. Within several yards of the oval pool loomed rolling hills of desert landscape, including saguaro and other cactus, many about to bloom. The 75-degree temperature warmed her skin as Rhiann relished the sunny sky while wearing her one-piece aqua-colored bathing suit with a white and cyan covering. She read the email she had received.
“Hi, Rhiann – I’m delighted to tell you that your story, ‘Moose Prance While Sandhills Dance: My Yellowstone Experience,’ has been accepted for the summer issue of Big Sky Magazine. Congratulations! I’ll be working with you during the next two months to edit the article for publication. You will receive $500 compensation, more with photos (which I believe you told me you have). I’ll send a contract with greater details in the next day or two and ask you to return a signed copy to me within one week. Thanks for your submission, and I look forward to working with you. If you have ideas for upcoming issues, please let me know. We are excited to work with you on your submitted story and other possible future articles. Sincerely, Etta Grace Johannsen – Managing Editor, Big Sky Magazine.”
A grin spread across Rhiann’s face.
“Dang, I love what I do!”
“That’s always a good thing, I believe.”
The deep masculine voice caused Rhiann to jerk her head. Her green eyes locked on the suntanned face of a man in his mid-40s, onyx eyes and full lips smiling. Rhiann startled.
“Oh! I didn’t hear anyone walk up.”
“Attributes of great walking shoes.”
He extended a leg to show off blue canvas boat loafers. Smile still on his face, the man asked, “So what do you do that makes you love your work?”
Rhiann closed the laptop. “I’m a writer.”
“Really? Awesome! I’m a nature photographer and art gallery owner.” He extended his hand. “Elias Griffin.”
She shook his hand. “Rhiann Kelly.”
“Rhiann? A unique, beautiful name.”
“Elias – that’s a name a person doesn’t often hear.”
He nodded. “Technically, I’m Elias Griffin the third. However, since my father and grandfather have already passed on, I dropped the more formal version.”
“I’m sorry they’ve passed. So have mine.”
“And I’m sorry for your loss, Miss Kelly – or is it Mrs.?”
“You were right the first time,” Rhiann responded, maintaining her smile.
He nodded toward a chair nearby. “Would you mind if I sit for a few moments?”
Rhiann shook her head and responded, “No, please. Have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
He chose the chair closest to her. Rhiann sat up straight and placed her laptop in a blue, green, and yellow tote bag. She looked at her visitor. Dressed in a short-sleeved green polo shirt and khaki kicker-style pants, the chocolate brown-haired man appeared more dressed for the golf course than the pool. She pondered his presence in this 55-and-older community. Being Grams’ caregiver allowed Rhiann to stay here.
“So, do you have family here, Mr. Griffin?” He gave her a quizzical look. “You just don’t seem to fit the required age group.”
He smiled. “Neither do you, Miss Kelly.”
“I take care of my grandmother, so when we come here during the winter, I can stay with her.”
“My mother is giving snowbirding a try for the first time. She came down the first of the year. I have a home in Mesa with an art gallery in downtown Phoenix and one in Tucson. I visit Mother whenever I can.”
“I imagine owning galleries in two cities keeps you busy.”
He nodded. “But I take a few mornings a week and Sundays to play golf with my mother. That’s one of the reasons she chose this place – the golf course as well as the swimming pool. Plus, being in Cave Creek, it’s a good stop after I’ve spent time at the gallery in Tucson, so I’m able to see her before going home.” He indicated his attire. “This was a golf day.”
“I gathered,” she said with a smile. “How is she liking her stay so far?”
“She’s greatly enjoying it. She’s been tiring of winter for the past few years, so we made plans for her to come down and be near me this year. Plus, my sister lives in El Paso. Mom will visit my sister in a few weeks.”
“Where does your mother live the rest of the year?”
“Montana. Missoula, Montana.” Rhiann stared at him. “What? Don’t tell me that’s where you and your grandmother live?”
Rhiann shook her head, a large smile on her face. “No, but it’s an area Grams may want to live. We’re discussing a move to Montana – we currently live in Spokane – but Grams was raised in Montana and she wants to return.”
He smiled. “What a sweet nickname for your grandmother. Tell you what – it’s almost lunchtime. How about I introduce you and your grandmother to my mother? Let me treat you ladies to lunch at the on-site restaurant.”
“Lunch would be wonderful, but you don’t need to pay for us.”
“Nonsense, I insist. I’d like to hear more about your writing.”
“And I’d enjoy learning more about your galleries. Grams and I enjoy exploring and art galleries are always on our list.”
He gave her a dazzling smile. “Well, if you haven’t visited the two of mine, I’d love for you to stop by sometime. I bring in delightful artists nearly every weekend, and I carry a great selection of paintings and pottery. Most are southwest artisans, including some from the Hopi, Navaho, and Apache tribes.”
He stood. “I’ll find my mother and meet you and your grandmother at the restaurant in about twenty minutes.”
She returned his smile. “We’ll be there.”
Rhiann watched him walk away and bit her lower lip. Her brain scolded, Not so fast, Rhiann. Remember how the male species hurts and takes advantage.
She swung her legs off the lounger, gathered her tote bag, and walked toward Grams’ cottage.
Blurb: Rhiann Kelly dreams of starting an animal rescue sanctuary, and her beloved grandmother desires to see her achieve that dream. However, they don’t agree on when or where. Because of the older woman’s health, Rhiann thinks it best they stay near large cities; Grams wants to return to Montana, where she was born and raised. During their annual winter trip to Arizona, the two women clash once again over relocating … as well as about Rhiann’s lack of desire to date and potentially end up with another broken heart. However, when art gallery owner and nature photographer Elias Griffin steps into her life, Rhiann reconsiders. Can she maintain her decision to not become romantically involved with someone again and keep her eyes fixed on helping animals and caring for her grandmother? Or will she decide Elias is worth the risk of possible heartbreak?
Available Now: E-book only .99 cents! Amazon Universal Buy Link
About Gayle: Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her clean, contemporary romance series, Pet Rescue Romance, consists of Rescue Road, released November 2019, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, released in May 2020, and a 2020 holiday novella, Rhiann’s Rescue, the series’ prequel. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.
Find Gayle Online: Facebook Author Page Pinterest (under Waggin’ Tales) Twitter Author Website
Recent Comments