Tour Stop, Excerpt & Giveaway: Marly in Pieces by Cathrina Constantine

 Golden globe streetlights cast a brilliant sheen over the winter wonderland that had swathed the region. Accruing snowbanks fenced us in as Duffy and I rambled, gloved hand in gloved hand, along the Erie Basin Marina. Our booted footprints tracked behind us as we scuffed fresh descending snowflakes. Sounds of subdued merriment coasted over the glittering mounds as skaters glided on crystalized ice.

Even though Canalside was bursting with winter activities—people skating, sledding, and snowshoeing—we’d been content to wander the outskirts, keeping to ourselves. When a cold draft sailed across the nape of my neck, I yanked the collar of my coat to my chin and pulled my knit cap lower to cover my ears. I replaced my gloved hand in his, liking the flawless fit. As he smiled down at me, his dimple hit me full force, and my heart performed an acrobatics routine that left me winded.

Duffy’s homecoming from the hospital had been bittersweet. He wanted to see what was left of Sanctuary—me, not so much. Nevertheless, I acquiesced. When we reached the cabin’s skeleton of charred wood, we found the stone fireplace somewhat intact. The pit of my stomach soured as memories swarmed me. Rae’s scrolled promise was ashes, and the diamond studs buried.