TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the Twilight  fandom has to offer, and we are delighted to have the chance  to offer  you even MORE. We've enjoyed watching stories grow and develop from  first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of  the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.

This week we’re excited to have Payton79, author of Tie The Knot and Two Blue Lines, sharing a glimpse of her new fic, It Takes a Village.

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It Takes a Village

by Payton79

Summary: Nowadays, families come in all shades and forms. When 32-year-old pediatrician Edward meets the woman of his dreams, he gets more than he bargained for. She’s captivating, but complicated, with her unconventional variation of family dynamic. Does she come with more baggage—or people—than he can handle? Will he be able to keep his distance? Maybe things aren’t quite as they seem. Sometimes, it takes a village...

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What was my inspiration for writing ITaV?
When I was almost finished writing my last story, Tie the Knot, a coworker, who had recently joined our Pharmaceutical team, shared something very private with us. Her husband wanted another life. In turn, her family went through a rare, emotional crisis that society made more difficult by looking down on all of them in shock, lack of understanding, and even disgust.

Impressed with the way my coworker handled her situation — with grace, acceptance, and dignity, but at a high price for her personal life — I thought it would be interesting to have Bella and her family go through something similar — and, of course, to throw Edward into the mix ;).

With the story told solely from Edward’s point of view, it keeps the mystery about Bella's circumstances for a good portion of the story, and the readers get the opportunity to make up their own minds about what might be going on behind the closed door of Bella’s home with her non-traditional family.

I think I’ve come up with something unique for my readers — well, at least, I haven't read anything like it — and I’m pleased with the outcome, as I poured my heart into it, having felt the story was worth writing.

Now, let me introduce you to Dr. Edward Cullen, Pediatrician, and his new friend and neighbor Bella, in It Takes a Village:

Tuesday morning, I found Bella sitting at my table from the previous day, a big mug in her hands. I ordered a tall black coffee, then strolled over to her.

“Is it just me, or am I the one being stalked today?” With a lopsided grin, I sat down, regarding her expectantly.

“I thought I'd turn the tables on you, for once. Are you complaining?” Her answering smirk made my heart stutter in my chest. 

What was it about this woman that had me act and feel like a school boy?

“I wouldn't dare. What are you having today?” I asked, motioning toward the coffee cup in her hand.

“Well, to be honest, I don't like the taste of coffee much, but I really enjoy the scent and need the caffeine. So I always drown it in a whole lot of milk. A break with a latte macchiato is a ritual I can't do without. The flavor is something I decide on a whim. It's a caramel macchiato this morning.”

Her confession was so cute, her expression almost embarrassed when she admitted to not liking coffee. I found myself immersed in every one of her words, eager to learn more.

“Doesn't like coffee. Interesting. Is there anything else to put in my shrine for you? Like, what do you like?”

My comment made her laugh out loud. “So, a shrine? I don't think anyone ever dedicated a shrine to me.”

I laughed along with her and continued with my joke. “Every self-respecting stalker has a shrine.”

Taking a sip of her girly excuse for coffee, she played along. “Then tell me, Edward, where is that shrine?”

“Well, for now, it's at my aunt and uncle's house, but I'm buying a house, so I’m soon going to relocate.”

Even though I'd have loved to continue flirting with Bella, it was getting late. “I'm sorry, but I need to get going. My first appointment for today is in five minutes.” Reluctantly, I got up. “Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked hopefully.

Smiling sweetly, Bella replied, “I'll be here. Have a great day.”

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It Takes a Village begins posting on November 1, so be sure to put Payton79 on alert so you don’t miss out on this exciting new fic!

♥ Six