~EXCERPT~
Spinning around, Penelope found herself nose to nose with Prince Andrew, former scoundrel, puller of pigtails, and the subject of entirely too many conversations that day. And to her dismay, he had not grown stodgy over the last few years, either. Quite the contrary.
In fact, he had grown shockingly handsome.
The princeβs face broke into a sly smile. βI knew it was you,β he said, leaning one elbow against the railing. βI recognized you the moment I saw the mud on that hem.β
Indignant words filled Penelopeβs mouth, but when she glanced at her skirt she saw that it was indeed spotted with mud, probably from her trek through the stables. This was exactly why she hated skirts. They were always getting dirty, and climbing trees in them was a nightmare. She much preferred trousers.
She realized sheβd just spoken the thought out loud when Andrewβs smile widened. βIf there was any doubt in my mind that itβs you behind that pretty face,β he said, βItβs gone now. Youβre still climbing trees, eh? You havenβt changed as much as I thought.β
βPretty face?β She replied, planting both hands on her hips. βSpare me whatever joke youβre making at my expense.β
ββ¦And apparently you still canβt take a compliment. You really havenβt changed a bit, have you?β Despite the dismayed shake of his head, the prince looked pleased about it, too.
She scowled. βWhat do you want, Andrew?β
~SUMMARY~
In this humorous collection of fairy tale mashups combining modern day technology with fairy tale sensibilities, Rumpelstiltskin and Red Riding Hood are married and running a royal wedding planner venue, Rapunzel has been rescued from her tower and is about to start her happily ever after, and the Grimm Brothers are a group of notorious thieves who are forced to rescue a kidnapped princess in order to avoid execution.
This collection includes the short stories "Once Upon a Wedding," "Once Upon a Heist," and "Once Upon a Beanstalk."
Approximately 20,000 words in length.