Etou-Fae the Hard Way: Paranormal Women's Fiction (Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Book 6)

ETOU-FAE THE HARD WAY TWISTED SISTERS MIDLIFE MAELSTROM BOOK 6 BRENDA TRIM CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 EXCERPT FROM HEROES, HAIL MARYS, & HURRICANES BOOK #6 AUTHOR’S NOTE Also by Brenda Trim GLOSSARY OF THE SIX TWISTED SISTERS & THEIR HUSBANDS GLOSSARY OF THE SMITH FAMILY Copyright © February 2023 by Brenda Trim Editor: Chris Cain & Kelly Smyczynski Cover Art by Fiona Jayde * * * This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction of this work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the authors. Created with Vellum Life is short. Spend it with people that make you feel, laugh and feel loved. CHAPTER 1 DAHLIA “We need to get the stuff to make the bahn mi sandwiches,” Kota said as she turned the corner, pushing the cart. We were in one of the bulk stores buying food and necessities for the week. It had been a quiet couple of days since Marie managed to stuff Baron Samedi in a body, so we were taking the opportunity to grab what we needed while we had the chance. My mouth watered when she mentioned the sandwich she created based on our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. “We need the pork tenderloin and buns. We still have to get the radish, carrots, and cucumber for the slaw.” Kota scanned the freezers as we walked down the aisle, stopping at the fish section. “I wish we could find the crusty rolls they use at the restaurant. Those would make them even better.” I lifted a shoulder as I grabbed some shrimp, orange roughy, and tortilla-crusted tilapia. “We should ask Lucas and Noah if they know a good bakery that might have them. They seem to have a vast knowledge about food in this city.” Kota snorted and waved a hand down the front of her body. “You’d think it would be me with that knowledge.” Setting the frozen fish in the basket, I frowned at my sister. “Why? You never eat out. And don’t say because of your weight. You’re beautiful and, with all these cases, you’re moving your body more and improving your health. That’s what matters. Now, is there anything we need to get for the tea party?” Dakota continued walking with a smile on her face. Getting magic had helped us all in different ways, but it was good to see Kota confident despite the extra weight she carried. Not that it took way from her beauty. She might be a size sixteen, but she was gorgeous. "Who throws a tea party for a bachelorette party, anyway? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Although I have to admit, I can’t wait to see the low tables Dani and Dre are making. The big teal cushions I ordered for them to sit on will be perfect for the outdoor setting.” My thoughts echoed Kota’s. It made me feel old to think that wasn’t how it was done when I was younger. When I was in my twenties, women would go on short trips or do the traditional party of naughty clothing, drinking, and strippers. One more reminder that I was in the middle of my life. My age wasn’t something I thought about that often. Back to the tea party, Kota and Dani had come up with an exquisite boho-chic theme for the event next week. “It’s better than getting drunk and not remembering your night." Kota chuckled and grabbed a bag of tortilla chips. “I can’t imagine going out and drinking like we used to twenty years ago. I’d rather be home at Willowberry. We should grab some of those nice plastic plates. Or are we using the China? I can’t see that, given they’ll be sitting in our grass. Speaking of grass. Have we made sure Fred cuts the grass beforehand?” That was a brilliant idea. It would save having to clean dishes afterward. “That’s not a bad idea. And, Phi let Fred know. How many are coming again?” There was a woman ahead giving out samples of a pot sticker. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten breakfast. We would have to try what she had to offer. Kota scanned the freezer to our left as we walked. “Heidi said at least seventy-five. That’s another thing. Who has that many friends? I had ten at mine, and half of them were my sisters. How can it be personal with so many there?” We were accustomed to large parties in our family. Just getting the ten siblings together with their families was over sixty people. I used to be embarrassed by how big my family was. Now I was happy to share about them with anyone who would listen. And I couldn’t imagine not having them. “That would be our immediate family, along with her Aunt Shelly's family. However, I get the feeling from the maid of honor, Heidi, that this doesn’t involve any family. It seems that they come from money. I understood this is more about making a show than anything else. Heidi wanted to do something unique for her friends.” Kota snorted. “High tea at a plantation with custom platforms and boho-chic décor is definitely that.” My chuckle died off as the smell of