1
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
THE IDEAL WIFE
A NOVEL BY JACQUELIN THOMAS
Approximate Word Count: 80,350 words
2
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
estate the first time she came to have dinner with Lawrence Collins—her husband of one Angeles was nothing like this Hollywood Hills mansion, although she didn’t see it as a years, moved in to care for Jana, who was twelve when they died. week.
bedrooms, six-bath paradise that was now her home. Jana had fallen in love with the grand The modest three-bedroom house where she grew up on Fourth and Jefferson in Los
The long, sleek black limo rolled to a stop in the driveway of the Tuscan-style four
CHAPTER 1
premature deaths, her then twenty-seven year old sister, Robyn and her husband of three always wanted children but had suffered three miscarriages and finally a hysterectomy. bringing her out of her reverie. Despite her personal grief, she had been a wonderful mother to Jana. “Welcome home, Mrs. Collins.” Lawrence’s fingers brushed her collarbone and lingered there for a moment,
slight—she loved growing up in the house that once belonged to her parents. After their
A touch of sadness filtered through her as she thought about her sister. Robyn had
fact that at twenty-four years old, she was now a married woman. “I love hearing you call me that,” she murmured softly. “You belong to me now,” Lawrence responded before placing a kiss on her lips.
She shivered a little every time he called her that. Jana was still trying to digest the
Lawrence came around and helped her out of the car.
He led her by the hand through widely arched, wooden double doors, a foyer with
Their driver parked in the circular driveway, then got out to open the door for her.
3
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
high ceilings, marble inlay floors and past a balustrade staircase to the formal living room. take some getting used to, but I’ll have you know that I’m up to the challenge.” Lawrence laughed. “This house is so beautiful.” Jana broke into a wide grin. “Living here is going to
him. Jana had always had a secret crush on Samuel Jackson, so when she first laid eyes on Lawrence—he looked so much like the actor that they could pass for twins. He was tall, possessed big, beautiful eyes and a bright smile that simply warmed you all over. He thirty-six years. Hugging Lawrence, Jana whispered, “I love you so much.” sported a baldhead that Jana found incredibly sexy and looked much younger than his
She loved the sound of his laughter. The truth was that she loved everything about
wedding and the honeymoon.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he responded. “Especially after all the money I spent on our She gave him a playful shove. “I told you we could’ve had a smaller wedding. It
wouldn’t have mattered to me.”
perfect spring day designed especially for their wedding—a gift from the Lord. Her sister had the church decorated with lilies and exotic greenery throughout. Her brother-in-law officiated the ceremony while her mother’s brother escorted her down the aisle. Her wedding day couldn’t have been more special.
Jana’s mind traveled back to April 4th, the day she married Lawrence. It had been a
most women do.” Lawrence’s hand slid down her arm and tightened around her wrist.
“That’s not what you really wanted and you know it. You wanted a big wedding— “You’re right,” Jana confessed. “I used to dream of the kind of wedding I wanted.
4
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
Lawrence, you gave me the wedding of my dreams. Thank you for that, honey.” true.”
He looked her over seductively. “Now it’s your turn to make all my dreams come
in my stomach. I’m starved.”
“It’ll be my pleasure,” she murmured. “But first I’m going to need to put something Hand in hand, they walked towards the kitchen. Jana loved the gourmet kitchen, which featured granite counters, alder cabinetry
and a center island. “All this really inspires me to cook,” she murmured. shopping. We’ll probably have to eat out tonight.” enjoy our evening together—just the two of us.”
“There’s not much here,” Lawrence stated. “You’re going to need to do some grocery Jana checked the pantry and the refrigerator. “I’m pretty sure I can piece something She glanced over into the family room to the huge stacks of gifts on the sofa and on
together. I don’t feel like going back out, Lawrence. I just want to stay home with you and the carpet near the fireplace. “We have a lot of wedding presents to open. I guess we’ll Thank-You notes.”
eventually get to them sometime tomorrow. I don’t want to wait too long to send out the
with Ron and Lela Boykin tomorrow night. I’d like to be able to thank them personally for whatever they gave us.” back. I didn’t know you’d accepted a dinner invitation.” She didn’t really want to go anywhere on her first night in her new home.
“Then we should probably do it today,” Lawrence suggested. “We’re having dinner
Stunned, Jana said, “I thought maybe we’d spend some time alone when we first got
5
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
school together. One of the reasons our law firm is so successful is because we are a family. We spend a lot of time together.” wedding. The two men acted like brothers. “I understand that,” Jana responded. “But—” going. What did that Bible College you attended teach you? Didn’t it tell you that you’re supposed to be submissive to me? Didn’t you agree at our wedding to obey me?” as far as Jana was concerned. Lawrence was a bit of a control freak. She knew this about him and married him She released a soft sigh. “Okay Lawrence, I get it already. We’re going to have Lawrence interrupted her. “No buts, sweetheart. They invited us over and we’re She knew they were close, especially since Ron had been the best man at their
“Ron is one of my partners and he is my best friend. We went to college and law
anyway. After all, she wasn’t perfect either. His good qualities far outweighed the negative dinner with the Ron and Lela Boykin instead of staying home and cuddling.” “Thank you,” she murmured.
to enjoy your first night in your new home.”
He kissed her. “We’re going to make it a quick dinner and then we’re coming home Jana eyed the six feet four inch frame of her handsome husband as he scanned
through a stack of mail. Lawrence was twelve years older than she was, although he looked to be in his late-twenties. He was a senior partner in the prestigious Beverly Hills law firm of Collins, Boykin, Richards’ & Lennox. Lawrence worked out every morning to keep his body toned and muscular. band. God had not only blessed her with a handsome husband but one who was also She glanced down at the two-carat, yellow diamond engagement ring and wedding
6
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
financially secure. Jana never had to worry about working another day in her life. He’d
even convinced her to withdraw from the Los Angeles Bible College so that she could focus on being a full-time wife. She already held a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, but Jana was interested in obtaining a second degree in Christian Counseling. Her goals changed when she met Lawrence. respected her decision. Robyn and her husband were not just her guardians as she was growing up, but also her role models. to being the first lady of Jefferson Street Baptist Church, her sister Robyn also owned a a happy one. Her sister wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Jana dropping out of college, but she
clothing boutique named after her on Third Avenue. Despite the ten-year differences in
Daniel Barker was the senior pastor of Jefferson Street Baptist Church. In addition
their ages, Robyn and Daniel were very much in love and devoted to making their marriage stated. “Your American Express card is in my office. I’ll give it to you later.” my own credit cards—two of them.” Lawrence opened an envelope and handed a credit card to her. “This is for you,” he
“Thank you,” Jana responded. “But you didn’t have to do this, Lawrence. I do have She and Lawrence had discussed finances before the wedding but he never once
mentioned his plans to acquire credit cards for her. If he had, she would’ve told him not to credit limits on your cards don’t come close to the ones I opened for you. Jana, you can keep the ones you have or simply pay them off and close out the accounts. It’s your bother. She wasn’t a fan of credit cards. Lawrence glanced over at her and said, “You’re married to me now. I’m sure the
7
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas decision.” He placed the pile of opened envelopes on the breakfast counter. “Oh, you’ll also “Clothing allowance?”
have an allowance of two thousand a month for your own personal use. This doesn’t include household expenses or your clothing allowance.”
strayed to her pants. “Denim of any kind won’t be appropriate.” cut it at the Oscars.” trend.” She glanced downward. “I love my jeans.”
“Jana, as my wife—we’ll be attending a lot of functions and well …” Lawrence’s eyes
His fingers were warm and strong as they grasped hers. “I know that, but they won’t Jana broke into a smile. “It just hasn’t been done yet. Who knows … I might start a
face. He could be so serious at times.
have any problems when it comes to shopping. I was the buyer for my sister’s boutique. I have some nice stuff in my closet. I’m just more comfortable in jeans.” announced. “I’ve asked Lela Boykin to take you shopping one day during the week,” Lawrence
“Honey, I’m kidding,” she assured him. “You of all people should know that I don’t
Lawrence didn’t crack a smile and Jana could see the tensing of the muscles in his
needed a chaperone? “So what other plans have you made for us?” she asked pointedly. “In case you didn’t hear me, I’m going to repeat myself. I was the buyer for Robyn’s Boutique. I’m pretty sure if I can buy for a store—I can manage to pick out my own wardrobe.”
Her eyes narrowed. Did Lawrence really find her taste in clothes so terrible that she
8
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
you’re looking for something to wear to church or a corporate function, but that’s not how I want my wife to dress.” He held up an engraved invitation. “On Thursday, we’re having dinner with John Lennox and his wife. It’s Rose’s birthday.” temper. “Is there anything else?” problem?” She withdrew her hand from his quickly and turned away, trying to control her “There’s a party on Saturday night.” Lawrence eyed her. “Why? Is there a
“I never liked anything I saw in your sister’s shop,” Lawrence stated. “They’re fine if
Lela and I go shopping?” Deep down, she was seething. she needed fashion advice from his best friend’s wife. too fine for that.”
Jana shook her head. “Why don’t you give me an idea of what I need to buy when
Lawrence was making plans without checking with her and had suddenly decided
I want you to dress for me. I don’t want you dressed like some frump or old maid. You’re Jana wrapped her arms around him. “Maybe I overreacted. I’m sorry too.” “Why don’t we open our gifts?” His large hand took Jana’s face and held it gently. “Sounds good to me,” she responded. “If you’re not hungry, I’m going to make “I’m fine, sweetheart.”
He reached for her, pulling her close. “Jana, I’m sorry if I offended you. It’s just that
“When we’re finished, we can go upstairs and take a nap.” myself a sandwich.”
and a loaf of bread. She could feel her husband’s eyes on her as she made her sandwich.
Jana strode into the kitchen and pulled out a pack of deli ham, a jar of mayonnaise
9
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
and I broke up. After every thing she put me through—I wasn’t sure I even wanted to remarry.” conversation. She bit into the soft bread and honey ham, chewing slowly. you are my future.”
“I still can’t believe how lucky I am. I never thought I’d get married again after Gia Jana didn’t respond. She had never met his ex-wife and could not contribute to the “I’m sorry. I guess I shouldn’t be talking about Alexis like that. She’s my past and When they first met, Lawrence talked about his life with Gia and how drinking
Without looking up, Jana asked, “Why are you staring at me like that?”
ruined their marriage. He couldn’t get her to face the fact that she was an alcoholic. A drunken driver killed Jana’s parents, so she knew firsthand how easily alcohol could destroy lives. She finished off her sandwich and cleaned up before joining Lawrence in the family “I feel the same way—only it’s not luck to me. I call it blessed.” “I hope you’ll feel this way five years from now.” His gaze rested on her. “I can live with that.”
room to open their wedding gifts. He embraced her, saying, “I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I can’t believe God brought you into my life.”
commitment to you, Lawrence. I also made one to God so you’re stuck with me.” present. “Open this one first—it’s from Ron and Lela.” “How did you know?”
Jana met his gaze. “I’m not Gia. When I married you, I didn’t just make a
Lawrence pulled his arm from around her and leaned forward to select a wedding
10
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
sure Ron’s was on the top because I knew we were having dinner with them when we got back. I also told her to put all the gifts from everyone at the firm on the sofa.” Jana sat down and began opening the present. Lawrence joined her, paper and pen in hand. “I’ll write down everything so that we She held up the box of crystal champagne glasses and said, “Well, as you know, this When they finished opening and recording the presents, Lawrence took Jana ####
“When I arranged for the presents to be brought here, I told my secretary to make
won’t make a faux pas by sending a thank you note to the wrong person for the wrong gift.” is from Ron and Lela.”
upstairs to celebrate their homecoming.
two-room, tastefully decorated master suite in a mint green and chocolate theme. traces of his former life with Gia to intrude upon his new life with her. This is my all mine.
Lawrence had the decorator work with Jana before the wedding because he wanted no High coved ceilings and archways, walnut floors, custom light fixtures and wrought
Satiated from making love to her husband, Jana’s eyes traveled the length of the
tile accents. She had never lived in such luxury.
iron details throughout completed the private oasis. She still couldn’t get over the walk-in Jana snuggled close to Lawrence, who was sleeping. She sent up another prayer of
closet that was as big as her last bedroom. Jana especially loved the spa tub with travertine
11
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
thanksgiving. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was how God had blessed her richly and that she couldn’t thank Him enough. Two hours later, they got up and showered together. Jana threw on a pair of jean shorts and a tee shirt while Lawrence dressed in linen
shorts and a matching shirt. He went to his office to make a couple of phone calls while she navigated towards the kitchen. ate on the outdoor log in front of the fireplace. months. She managed to make a simple dinner of pasta, garlic bread and a salad, which they
already told her that they would be having clients over quite a bit during the summer exclaimed. “I hit the jackpot when I met you, baby.”
The perfect place for entertaining large groups, Jana noted silently. Lawrence had
“You’re beautiful … you have an incredible body and you’re a great cook,” Lawrence “I’m pretty smart, too,” Jana stated with a smile. He clearly wasn’t amused. “I’m aware of that.” Lawrence returned his attention to his plate.
being so serious all the time. Lighten up, will you?”
Jana reached over and covered his hand with her own. “Honey, you need to stop Shrugging in nonchalance, Jana did the same. She and Lawrence had had two He’s probably exhausted from all the traveling, she told herself. But whatever it
wonderful weeks on a private island in the Caribbean. Jana didn’t want to ruin the beginning of their home life with a fight, so she decided to keep her mouth shut.
was, she hoped it would pass soon. Jana loved her husband dearly but did not care for his
12
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas mood swings. While she ate, Jana’s mind traveled back to the day she met Lawrence. She was in
her car and leaving Santa Monica Christian Bible College in a hurry. She was on her cell Mercedes.
phone and not paying attention. Jana ended up in a fender bender when she hit Lawrence’s over the accident. He was more concerned about her. They exchanged phone numbers. asked her to marry him. A week later, Lawrence called and asked Jana out to dinner. Six months later, he Jana loved him and vowed to be the wife he deserved. #### While she was near hysterics, he acted surprisingly very calm and didn’t seem angry
wife. She had a perfect body, was beautiful and smart. She was the ideal wife.
Lawrence couldn’t keep his eyes off his bride. Jana was everything he wanted in a A few people commented how much Jana resembled his first wife but Lawrence Lawrence took great pleasure in that he was the only man that knew Jana so
didn’t really think so. Jana was much prettier and she wasn’t a alcoholic. She wouldn’t fall apart like Gia. intimately. She’d saved herself just for him—this was the perfect start to their marriage.
He knew that because her sister and brother-in-law had raised Jana, her views on sex were born of a more conservative nature, but he was confident that he could change them over
13
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas time. Lawrence was thankful to have found such a liberal-thinking church. It was there “What are you thinking about?”
that he’d been delivered from the religious thinking that has hurt marriages for centuries. He would now help Jana seek the truth for herself. He drew his attention back to her. “Honey, did you say something?”
word. Did you even hear anything I said?” “I’m sorry.”
Jana broke into a smile. “I’ve been talking non-stop to you, but you haven’t said a “So what were you thinking about?” Jana asked a second time, her eyes watching
up and walked over to where she was standing, pulling her into his arms. “I love you, sweetheart. I promise you I won’t ever do anything to hurt you.” kissed his lips. “Sometimes you are too honest.”
him intently, almost as if she were trying to read his thoughts.
“I was thinking about us and the kind of life we’re going to have.” Lawrence stood “I know that you would never intentionally hurt me. It’s one of the reasons why I “Okay … well, what are some of the other reasons you love me?” He asked.
love you so much. I love your honesty even though you can be a bit brash at times.” Jana “You’re extremely handsome and you make me feel as if I’m the only woman in the “There’s nothing I won’t do for you, Jana. As long as you’re good to me—I’ll be the
room, no matter where we are. You treat me like a queen. No one has ever done that to best husband in the world.” me.”
14
THE IDEAL WIFE – Jacquelin Thomas
stated. “I like that we have so much in common.” asked.
“I intend to be the best wife you’ve ever had. Lawrence, you’re my best friend,” Jana “Since we’re such best friends and all, are you interested in watching a movie?” he Jana nodded. “Sure. I’ll even let you pick.”
that had been a mistake on his part. This time he would slowly introduce Jana to the things that pleased him. He would treat her like a queen and she would refuse him nothing. He would teach her how to be the perfect wife—the ideal wife.
Lawrence couldn’t be happier in his new life. He wouldn’t rush her like he did Gia—
Want more? Order your copy today!
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Wife-JacquelinThomas/dp/1416599630/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249954681&sr=8-3
For more information about Jacquelin, visit her at JacquelinThomas.com.