TICEES

SHAE MILLS

TICEES

Where cultures collide.

Copyright
©
2015

TICEES by Shae Mills

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without the express written permission of the author.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is greatly appreciated.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

To my sons.

Because of you,

all things are possible.

To my Dad.

I know you would be proud.

My boys, you are my life, my motivation, my inspiration, and my happiness. Without you there would be nothing.

My family, who has asked for twenty-five years, “When are you going to publish?” Thanks for sticking with me. My boys came first. Now it’s my time.

Greg, you are the world’s most talented computer wizard. What would I have ever done without you? Thank you for letting me run with this project and for always being there to pick up the pieces.

Mike, you uttered three simple words to me so long ago, “You should write,” and I did. For that suggestion I am forever grateful. You saved my life.

Louise, the foundation of our friendship transcends all the normal ties that bind. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are my emotional rock, my cherished friend.

Aman, thank you for volunteering to read my huge manuscript at such a busy time in your life, and for providing such valuable and insightful feedback on everything. Your enthusiasm and interest in this journey have been both boundless and encouraging.

My developmental editor and dear friend, Patricia Smith, thank you for taking a chance and for believing in me. Your guidance, support, and expertise have all proven invaluable, your friendship everlasting.

Jodie Young, my copyeditor, thank you for accepting such a huge work and for all your wonderful and informative direction. We had our share of giggles. Our worlds have entwined in the most unexpected and wondrous way, and I’m looking forward to sharing that bottle of wine with you in person.

Candace Johnson, my proofreader, thank you for all your kind words and support. I can’t imagine what it took to study such a large work for every little detail. I would have been cross-eyed for months.

Dr. Morris Gordon, who so long ago was gracious and generous enough to take time out from his busy practice to answer a litany of medical questions, thank you! And don’t worry, all your answers given twenty-five years ago are still correct.

Jimmy Thomas, who worked tirelessly for months to keep me happy and to provide the cover that depicted my characters so well, I thank you for a job well done. I could not have asked for a better model.

Fiona Jayde, who did such a wonderful job of my cover art, thank you! You captured the essence of my book perfectly.

All my author friends, thank you for your support, your expertise, and your encouragement. You have all meant so much to me.

And now, my new readers, thank you, and welcome to
TICEES
, where the journey continues. Enjoy!

For information about the author, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/shae.mills.54

Chelan lay on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. Tonight was the night she had been dreading for weeks. Jim was throwing another of his philanthropic galas, and, of course, she was expected to attend. How she managed to let herself get swept into all his drama eluded her, but once again, here she was.