Okay, I’ll admit it. I hate to exercise. But my best friend, Leyna, is getting married
in three months, and the dress fitting for my bridesmaid gown did not go well. Let
me clarify. It was a level 4 disaster–not Armageddon–but pretty close. My mom’s oh-
Am I desperate enough to call the personal trainer on the church’s barter exchange list? Leyna and Mamaw told me Ian owns a gym right here in Fredericksburg, Virginia, not far from the swanky hair salon where I recently applied.
It couldn’t hurt to try. I mean, I could always quit. It’s a barter–not a life sentence.
I thought I had this single parent thing down–after all, I’ve been raising Michaela
by myself since the day she was born. But my adorable little girl turned into a sullen,
moody twelve-
She clearly needs a feminine influence in her life. My buddy tells me to find a girlfriend, but he doesn’t understand and I don’t want to fill him in–I’m not in a position to get emotionally attached. Maybe this barter exchange list at church will provide the answer to my prayers?
Darcy: Michaela is a sweetheart–a little shy–but she reminds me of me at that age. Working out with her hunkalicious father on the other hand? Not so great. Who wants to be a sweaty mess in front of such a hottie? Not me! But he’s been clear that our arrangement is temporary, so I figure a minor crush on him won’t hurt.
Ian: One word to sum up Darcy: Spunky. She makes me laugh, and it’s been a long time since I’ve laughed. She has a magic touch with Michaela, too. My girl is actually talking to me again. My only worry is what will happen when our barter ends, and it will end. I have no intention of telling Darcy my secret, even though I find myself wanting to more and more.
Darcy: Ian has helped me with so much more than just losing weight; he’s given me the courage to chase my dreams. I’m falling for him. I know he considers our friendship to have an expiration date, but I’m praying about it. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to Michaela...or to him.
Ian: I don’t know if Michaela and I can go back to life without Darcy. But I also don’t know if Darcy can handle the truth about my father. I don’t even understand it myself. Should I take a chance with the one woman who gets me? Or is the risk too great?
For Barter or For Worse is a completed 84,000 word inspirational contemporary romance novel. For more information about For Barter or For Worse, please contact Jill at jill@jillkemerer.com.
Jill is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency.
