Free The Vicarage Bench Anthology by Mimi Barbour

same, only older, but after a short while they could tell that John’s brilliant mind had weakened. He had lapses of memory and tended to cling to his wife fretfully.
    Jake and Jenna were saddened, because their precious reminiscences were so strongly entrenched in their hearts.
    It was a short visit, as they had a plane trip to get ready for, but they left with warm handshakes and best wishes—and an emptiness deep in Jenna’s soul.
    Then, just at the moment they reached the car, a soft voice could be heard. “Jenna?” Lucy called questioningly. “My dear, I feel I need to hug you goodbye.”
    Jenna reached out and warmly scooped the shorter woman into her arms. She closed her eyes and held on, all her energy forming a shimmering net of love around them.
    “I missed you,” whispered Lucy.



He’s Her
    In a small English town, a casino owner from Vegas, Rhett Parks, was relaxing on a bench in front of the vicarage. To his dismay, a young woman interrupted his sanctuary. A minute later, his body was out cold on the ground and he was taking up residence inside of the intruder - schoolteacher Carrie Temple - and without her permission.
    Her first words “ get out ” didn’t solve anything because he had no idea of how he got in. During the next few weeks they fought each other, taught each other and began to love each other, not an easy accomplishment considering the situation—but doable, as Rhett proved too sweet, naïve Carrie.
    They became involved with strange Dr. Andrews who assured them he had the answers to solve their problem. Rhett’s brother, Ashley, who they turned to for help, was absolutely certain that the man they were putting their faith in was a charlatan and a quack.

Great Reviews for He’s Her
    “ He’s Her is not like any paranormal romance I’ve read lately. It’s quirky. I recommend He’s Her to anyone looking for a quick, fun summer romance about a wallflower who learns to stand up for herself and finds love in the process.”
    ~Reviewed by Dorothy Johnson
    “ He’s Her is a fun read with a few twists and turns that make the characters endearing and even the gruff ‘Rhett’ worms his way into the reader’s heart. I was invested in these characters and couldn’t wait to see the end! I look forward to reading the other stories in the Vicarage Bench Series—do yourself a favor and pick up this fun, quick read.”
    Reviewed by ~ Agapanthus, Long and Short Reviews.

Prologue
    2007
    “If we do this, there’ll be no turning back. Sweetheart, are you sure it’s what you want?” His frail voice wavered.
    “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. I want to keep you with me—always. Please, please understand. You must.” The grey-haired woman, faded beauty in her weary face, leaned her slender form towards the pale travesty of a once vibrant man. The washed-out blue pajamas he wore were typical hospital couture; not so was the luxurious navy velour robe that hung on his withered frame. In contrast, dressed in her stylish turquoise dress, the woman had a youthful heartiness and an innate vitality despite the tired lines around her eyes.
    Her companion sighed, slapped his hands on his knees and nodded. “Right! We’ll leave as soon as we can make the arrangements. Each day my strength fails a little more. I don’t want to be a burden longer than necessary, and the doctors did warn us that the end would come quickly.”
    “Darling, I’ve asked your brother to come, and he’s willing and ready to leave at a moment’s notice. He’ll be a strong arm to cling to, through everything.”
    “Yes, it’s a good idea.” He leaned to tenderly caress the beloved face of the woman he’d adored for forty-seven wonderful years. “You’re still so beautiful, my wild rose.”
    “And you’re still a silver-tongued devil.” She kissed him softly, lingeringly.
    “Sweetheart, I must tell you. I feel a sense of relief in making this decision.”
    “You do? I’m glad.”