*~*Love Note: Paul to Aspen – The Compound Series by Melissa Brown*~*
Secrets.
So many secrets. Nothing but secrets.I started another life with a new husband, thirteen new sister wives and a new place to call home.
But the secrets weigh on me, on all of us.
And every secret leads back to the Prophet the, self-proclaimed, mouthpiece of God.
The man I’ve worshiped since childhood, the man we obey without question.
And he’s the man who will destroy us all.I must reveal his secrets.
Prove his betrayal, his lies and his deceit.
I will not be silenced, no matter how hard he tries.And I will never give up. Ever.
Obstacles.
So many obstacles. Nothing but obstacles.Months ago, I agreed to help Aspen Black take down the Prophet of the FLDS—to prevent her daughter from being married at an early age, and to save innocent lives from systemic abuse on the compound.The obstacles in this case are mounting, as are my feelings for Aspen. The tension between us is palpable and I know there’s more to our connection than the increasingly difficult case at hand. But, she’s not only married to the Prophet’s brother, she’s equally devoted to her faith. Two obstacles that just may be insurmountable.
But, no matter what happens, I will close this case.
Even if it kills me.
Fools. So many fools. Nothing but fools.That worm of a detective, my mother, Paul. Fools—all of them. But Aspen, oh Aspen…she was the biggest fool of all.
Aspen Black, a seemingly ordinary woman of the compound, transformed into the utter bane of my existence in just a matter of months. She had the gall to question me, to seek the counsel of an outsider, and to disobey my word.
To add to her list of transgressions, Aspen recruited my own brother in the crusade against me. For this, they must both be punished. And their daughter, Ruthie, is the key to their retribution.
Aspen and Paul will pay for their crimes against the one true prophet. If it’s the very last thing I do.
Did you see Porter’s note from two years ago? He did a love note last year too – check it out!
Lipstick. Bright, red lipstick. Nothing but lipstick.
Even though it’s against our faith to wear a color that screams of sexual promiscuity and deviant behavior, I’m not allowed to protest.
But, I want to.
So badly.
You see, there’s more to me than the braid that spills down my back.
More to me than the layers of heavy fabric that maintain my modesty.
And so much more than the oppressive wedding band that adorns my finger–the same band that each of my sister wives wear.
So much more.
To protest would be sinful.
I must keep sweet, that is my duty.
So I’ll wear the lipstick. I’ll do as I’m told.
And I’ll do my best to silence the resistance within me, to push him from my mind.
If only my heart would do the same.
I didn’t think I’d ever want to devote my life to someone. That is, until Brin.
I was twenty-six years old the day she entered my life, just when I’d given up hope, just when I’d given up completely on having any shred of happiness in my pathetic excuse for a life. After years of indecision, self-destruction and soul-searching, she found me.
Brinley challenged everything I thought I knew. She proved that goodness could still come from that hellish compound. Goodness, bravery and love. She changed everything the moment she knocked on the door of my apartment, acting as brave as a lion, even though she was shaking like a terrified mouse stuck in my trap.
And now, three years later, I want her as my wife. My only wife. Till death do us part.
Just us.
And I’ve never wanted anything more.
Paul is just the sweetest!
Keep reading to see the full Love Note!
My Dearest Aspen,
Our years together have been anything but easy, but that doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. You’ve taught me so much about what it is to love. Before you, I never knew that love could be a verb. With every action you’ve taken, you’ve shown me how to love—to truly love my wives, my children, the family I will spend the rest of my life protecting. No matter what conflicts life may throw our way, I know we can get through anything. Together.
I will love you forever.
Your husband,
Paul
I am a writer and stay-at-home Mom living in the Chicago suburbs with my husband and two young children. I love books—everything about them. I love reading them, being surrounded by them in bookstores and libraries, and most recently, writing some of my own.
There are four books in the Love of my Life series:
Bouquet Toss Champagne Toast Picturing Perfect (available exclusively through Amazon.com/Montlake Romance Unwanted Stars.
I also love to bake. Cake truffles, cupcakes, homemade fudge and bark, cookies and whoopie pies are some of my favorites to make. I enjoy making creative gifts for friends, family and my kids’ teachers. I’m excited to share my baking adventures with you.
And finally, I must admit, I am wild for actor Henry Cavill. He makes me swoon like no other celebrity can. I love reading his interviews and admiring him in photos.
Discover more from True Story Book Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.