Gypsy's Game - Delia Latham

Welcome back, Delia. This has been such a fun few days. I have enjoyed all of your Solomon's Gate stories thus far (as well as chatting with your characters).

This has been fun! I've loved watching you get to know my heroines...and Solomon, of course. He's a bit standoffish unless he wants to be seen. I'm really glad you got that tiny glimpse of him, at least. 

I have to ask (but I'm afraid to know the answer) - are there more coming? After all, the angel promised and showed lots of happy couples. Do we get to see more?

As far as I know for sure right now, our view of Solomon's Gate will close with Gypsy's story. I know, that's sad, and probably the reason I had such a hard time writing this one. I didn't want to say good-bye! However...I do have something in mind for sweet little Lea's future, if I can sell my publisher on the idea. That's something you can all help me pray about. 

I'll certainly keep you in my prayers. Anything else in the works?


While I develop the plan for Lea and try to get my publisher on board, I'm working on several novella's for various anthologies, and one full-length novel. Now to decide which one I need to finish first... 

Well, whichever you choose will be great, I'm sure. I can't wait to see what's next...and sweet Lea? I don't see how anyone can turn her down!

God bless you!

Well, here's a glimpse of the last story from Solomon's Gate. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Blurb:

Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything but a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn’t make it easy. A stipulation in the man’s will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers. Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her ailing mother’s life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband. Someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him.

Jal Garridan is neither of those things, but he's willing to take on the challenge presented by the beautiful stranger—on his own terms. What Gypsy doesn’t know is that Solomon’s Gate is a dating agency with a Divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother’s life. It may save Gypsy’s soul.

Excerpt:

“Let me be honest, Destiny. I’m not here to find—” Gypsy tossed a derisive glance at the scripture on the wall. “—’he whom my soul loveth.’ I have no use for romance, and I don’t believe in love. I just need a husband for a few months.”

“I—I beg your pardon?” Destiny stammered.

Her elegant hostess seemed a bit ruffled. Oh, well.

“Look, I’m sorry, but I don’t have time to play games. I stand to inherit quite a bit of money. Money I desperately need.” She balled her fists at her side and steeled her voice. “I am entitled to that inheritance, and I intend to have it. My father owes me.”

“What does that have to do with your being here?”

Gypsy crossed the room to stand in front of the other woman. “I can’t claim any of this inheritance unless I’m married. And I have to stay married at least six months in order to get the entirety of it.” She tried to smile, and felt her lips curl into what felt more like a bitter snarl. “My dad wasn’t around while I was growing up. He left when I was four and we—my mother and I—never heard from him again. Until now, that is, and apparently this is his last laugh. Dangling his money in front of me like a carrot, then jerking it out of reach by attaching this ridiculous stipulation to the will.”

Destiny stood and crossed her arms under her breasts. Her shoulders raised a bit, hunching towards her neck, and she shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t help you, Gypsy. I’m sorry.”

Something in the matchmaker’s somber gaze gripped Gypsy’s heart. Sadness? Pity? Whatever it was, it curled her stomach into a tight little ball and stung the backs of her eyes with forbidden tears.
On to Sacramento, then.

She bent to pick up her purse and slipped the strap over her shoulder, and then met Destiny’s gaze, which now brimmed with moisture. Oh, good heavens. Waterworks. Just what she needed.

Pretending not to notice the matchmaker’s emotional reaction, Gypsy offered her hand. “I’m sorry, too. I wish we could have made it work.”

To her surprise, Destiny ignored her outstretched hand and pulled her into a warm hug. “I’ll pray for you, Gypsy.” She stepped back and swiped at her damp cheeks with one hand. “I really w—”

“I’ll do it.” A deep, resonant voice interrupted, and both women spun around to face the door. “I’ll marry the lady.”

Gypsy sucked in a startled breath. She wasn’t fond of men, but she wasn’t blind, either. This guy left “mediocre” miles behind. He lolled against the door frame as if he’d been formed for no better reason than to stand there in that position. A pair of dark, impossibly beautiful eyes narrowed as he raked her face with a piercing gaze. A lock of deep brown hair fell over his forehead, and a five o’clock shadow lent a slight rakish look, which was further defined when his precisely molded lips curved into a crooked half smile.

Gorgeous. The man was gorgeous, and he’d offered to marry her. 

Maybe there was a God. 

Review:

What a novel path this story took from the rest. Gypsy, the Seeker in this story is not a Christian, but she comes to Solomon's Gate becasue she feels she will be safer in her "unusual circumstances" with a Christian man. What a wonderful testament to the Christians she must have come in contact with in her life.

Obviously, Destiny has a problem with these circumstances and is unwilling to join a believer with an unbeliever - until Jal steps in and relieves her of the responsibility.

This story was so full of the love and understanding mercy that can come only from God, that my heart was warmed with every word Jal spoke.

Thank you for the blessing of this story, Delia. It was phenomenal.

For more about Delia Latham:

www.delialatham.net (Website)

Living the Write Life (Blog)

Gypsy's Game Buy link: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/gypsy-s-game