Krampus, Baby
S.C. Principale
Imogene
Growing up in a sheltered cabin in rural Alaska shielded me from the fact that there was something off about the way my parents raised me.
“Imprisoned me because of my freakish looks” might be a better description.
After years of begging and restlessness, they finally let me take some online college courses, and I began to see that I needed to escape, even if I had no money, no skills, no friends, and nowhere to go.
I’ll do whatever it takes—even take my chances at a job as a stranger’s “wife” thousands of miles away so my parents can’t find me...
I never expected to fall in love with my boss and his baby.
Artie
I never intended to be a father at twenty-four, but there you have it.
When I found a tiny baby with horn-like growths on her head and little hooves where her feet should be, I freaked out!
I knew I was too young and inexperienced to be a parent, but all I could picture was her ending up with people who experimented on her or put her in some kind of creepy freak show.
But good intentions and a boatful of love for my miracle girl are not enough.
I can’t work from home full-time and be a full-time parent.
With little money and less family, I don’t know where I can get help without risking Laurel’s life.
After two days without sleep and almost losing my job after a major mistake, I cracked.
I put up a “Wife Wanted” ad on a sketchy job-seeking site.
I can offer room, board, respect, kindness, her own room, and good health insurance—all she has to do is let me work and promise to help me protect Laurel.
In a year or two, when things are better, we can split up in a nice, friendly way, no harm done.
Except that Imogene is perfect for Laurel and me. When I discover the truth about her odd appearance and the bond she and Laurel share, it makes me want her even more. Can I convince her that our sham marriage has turned into true love?