REINE (eBook)

Rochelle Jenkins (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
224 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
979-8-9899300-4-3 (ISBN)

Infos

In the heart of Paris, amidst the ancient vines of her family's vineyard, Reine has come full circle. Now facing a new chapter of challenges and triumphs, Reine and Armand navigate the complexities of life.

As the author of three captivating fiction novels and two thought-provoking non-fiction works, Rochelle has a passion for storytelling that knows no bounds. She brings a unique perspective to the literary world, crafting narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth. Driven by a desire to share compelling stories with readers around the globe, Rochelle took the bold step of founding Kitabu Publishing LLC, a boutique publishing company. Through Kitabu Publishing LLC, she has embraced the challenge of self-publishing, secing her visions come to life. With an unwavering commitment to quality and creativity, Rochelle continues to push boundaries of literary expression, seeking to inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversations that endure long after the final page is turned.

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Amidst the joys, sorrow lurks in the shadows. A sudden loss sends shockwaves through the family, and troubles in the vineyard threaten the legacy she holds dear. United in the face of adversity, Reine and Armand embark on a journey of discovery, confronting mysterious plots and life-changing revelations. Each twist and turn brings them closer to the heart of what truly matters: each other.

Textauszug

1

WHISPERS OF THE VINES AMONG US

EMBRACING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE VINEYARD OF TIME

With each passing day since Maël's birth, Reine and Armand cherish the evolving chapters of parenthood. Now, on the cusp of his first birthday, they stand in quiet awe—amazed at how quickly time slips through their fingers.

Miles away, Attesor and Jonathan leave behind New York's pulse, their hearts steadying toward Paris. Attesor, especially, feels a deep emotional tether to this day, her anticipation layered with quiet reverence.

Inside their home, Reine moves with the precision of a conductor—adjusting the candles, checking the oven timer, aligning the plates just so. The space hums with anticipation for the joyous occasion.

In the nursery, Aurélie, Maël's devoted caregiver, bounces a plush rabbit in sync with his laughter. His giggles burst into the air, echoing through the home like wind chimes catching morning light.

As the household stirs amidst a flurry of activity. Reine cradles the phone between her shoulder and ear. "Bonjour, Armand." Her cheerful tone shifts. "Tu te souviens de la nappe?" [Did you remember the tablecloth?]

She juggles the details with practiced ease—calls, flourishes, tiny crises. Even her pacing has a rhythm, like the opening bars of a symphony waiting to swell.

"Bonjour, Beautiful. Yes, the tablecloth's safely packed in the car. Don't worry—Quinton and I have dotted every 'I' and crossed every 'T'. Everything 's set for Maël's big day," His voice, is a smile she can almost see.

"I'll be home in thirty minutes," he adds, confidence underscoring his devotion to their son's celebration.

"Quinton, Shannon, and Ashley are still coming, correct?" Her voice tightens slightly, just enough to betray her edge.

"Of course. They wouldn't miss it for the world," he says, adding a playful layer to their exchange. "But tell me—how many double espressos have you had today? Try to pace yourself, Beautiful. Your energy's hitting an all-time high."

His teasing is a gentle nudge, meant to steady her boundless enthusiasm with a touch of light-heartedness.

"Without a doubt, I've got it covered. Catch you later, Superstar," Her words hang in the air—a commitment to making Maël's birthday nothing short of unforgettable.

"Salut, Père. Comment vais-je? Hors de contrôle." [Hello, Father. How am I? Out of control.] Her voice is bright, laughter echoing with the complex emotions behind her words.

"Armand suggested I take a moment to unwind. I want everything to be flawless—well, as flawless as a one-year-old's birthday can be," She lets the words breathe, revealing the deep care behind her need for precision.

Then, lighter still. "I must admit, this indecisiveness is simply not me." There it is—that flicker beneath the buoyancy, a soft bewilderment curling at the edges of her composure.

"Reine, this is a special day for Maël. I understand your pursuit of 'flawlessness,' as you put it," His tone is as calming as a breeze through an open window. "Taking time to breathe—even just a few moments—wouldn't be the worst idea. It might even make the party better," he adds, echoing Armand's earlier wisdom.

She answers in a heartfelt whisper. "What time does your flight land? Grégoire will be at the airport to pick you up."

"We're scheduled to arrive at six-thirty tonight."

"Perfect, I'll let him know. I can hardly wait for you and Mère to arrive. Au revoir."

"Au revoir, my dear." His voice holds a smile as they end the call, that warmth lingering like an embrace just out of reach.

Maël toddles through the house, his unsteady steps chasing laughter from room to room. Behind him, Aurélie keeps close, her arms half-outstretched in quiet anticipation, both swept up in the joyful chaos of his morning adventure.

"Maman, maman!" he calls out, his voice bright with glee, face lifted in a sunbeam of a smile. His delight radiates outward, turning the room into a cradle of warmth, as if joy itself had taken up residence in the walls.

Reine opens her arms, her face glowing like first light, and gathers him into a loving embrace. "Comment va mon petit aventurier?" [How's my little adventurer?] she murmurs, pulling him close.

Wrapped in her arms, he nestles into a fortress of affection. Every gentle squeeze speaks quiet joy. She plants a soft kiss on each cheek, and he answers with a bubbling giggle.

"Aurélie, tu peux emmener Maël chercher son fruit et son yaourt, s'il te plaît ?" [Aurélie, would you mind taking Maël for his fruit and yogurt, please?] Reine's tone carries a gentle authority, warm and steady.

"Of course, Madame Richelieu," Aurélie replied with an encouraging smile. "Allons à la cuisine, Maël." [Let's go to the kitchen, Maël.] She speaks playfully, guiding him toward the kitchen as his eager little steps patter behind her.

"Hello? Little help here, please," Armand calls out from the foyer, juggling a stack of vibrant, gift-wrapped packages in both arms.

Reine steps in, eyeing the haul with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Superstar, did you empty the entire shop?" She asks, brows raised. Remember—he's going to be showered with presents from everyone else."

Her chuckle rises like music through the room, adding another layer of warmth to the house already humming with joy.

"Maybe just a little!" Armand laughs, then calls out, "Maël, je suis de retour!" [Maël, I'm back!]

At the sound of his father's voice, Maël pauses mid-play in the kitchen, his hands and cheeks smudged with yogurt and fruit. A spark of recognition lights his face, and he charges forward, joy trailing in his wake.

Armand lifts him high, effortless and beaming. Their laughter fills the space—natural, full of life—an echo of the bond only they share.

"Armand, he's just had his yogurt," Reine warns, her tone laced with playful caution. "Maybe think twice before tossing him around."

" Reine! He loves this—right, Maël?" And within his father's arms, Maël's delight says everything.

"Fine, but you're doing this at your own risk," she conceded. "Why don't we aim for a peaceful nap? With your parents arriving soon, we both know how excited he gets. And if he turns fussy, that's on you. It'd be a shame if he missed Grégoire's adventures."

"You're right, Beautiful," Armand replies, sharing a look laced with knowing amusement. "I can hear it now: 'Armand, you knew we were coming—why is he worn out already?'" He mimicked his mother Solène's voice with just the right theatrical flair.

Maël's laughter bubbles in his arms, unbothered by the negotiation overhead. The air between them crackles with affection—playful looks, effortless banter, and that deep-seated rhythm only families share.

"Pourriez-vous aider Maël à s'installer pour sa sieste ? Merci Aurélie." [Would you mind helping Maël settle down for his nap? Thank you, Aurélie.] Reine's voice softens, threaded with both trust and quiet command.

"Certainly, Madame Richelieu," Aurélie takes Maël's hand, her smile warm and steady. Together, they head toward the nursery, their pace slow and even, a calming contrast to the joyful bustle that fills the house.

Their silhouettes fade into the afternoon light—two figures slipping into serenity, carried toward the hush that nap time promises.

Armand's grin widens as he takes in Reine's newfound tranquility. "It's great to see you like this, Reine. Looks like you've found your zen again. For a moment there, I was wondering where my calm, cool, and collected wife had vanished to."

"Me too, actually." She lets out a light laugh, visibly lighter. "I didn't care much for that feeling."

He shifts gears smoothly. "Have you spoken to your parents? When are they supposed to arrive?"

"Oh putain, j'ai complètement oublié d'appeler Grégoire. [Oh, damn, I completely forgot to call Grégoire.] She pulls her phone closer, scanning through memory. Let's see, mon père said their flight lands at six-thirty. Yes—six-thirty."

With that ever— reassuring smile, He nods."It's all good. We'll just update my parents when they arrive."Everything's going to work out.

Then, with a spark of spontaneity, " I'm thinking about making something special for lunch. Anything specific you're craving?"

Touched by his thoughtfulness, she smiled. "Anything you make will be wonderful. It's such a beautiful day—I'll ask Haydée to set the patio table." Her voice rings with warmth, bright and easy

Later, Reine slips into a well-earned moment of rest, drifting into the gentle hush of a peaceful nap. But the doorbell cuts through her quiet like a chime on glass. She stirs awake, catching the sound of...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 25.7.2025
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Romane / Erzählungen
• ISBN-13: 979-8-9899300-4-3 / 9798989930043