Forever Us: Barringer and Calista Blackstone, Book 2.5

The Blackstone Family #2.5

by Tina Martin

**NOTE: This is a short story based on the book, Leaving Barringer. It is strongly recommended that you read Leaving Barringer before reading Forever Us.**

Barringer Blackstone is rough around the edges. That’s no surprise to Calista. His demeanor is a gift and a curse – a gift because his strong-willed character makes him a great business leader. A curse because that same no-nonsense, merciless attitude doesn’t make for a loving, passionate husband at times – the very reason Calista left him for four months.
They’ve been back together for two months and while their marriage and communication has improved, a weekend away reveals that their issues haven’t been fully resolved. Is another separation in the works for this Blackstone couple?

* * *
The Blackstone Family novels are all standalone books.
Any follow-up short stories correspond to the full-length novel.

Book 1 - Evenings With Bryson - Bryson and Kalina
Book 2 - Leaving Barringer - Barringer and Calista
Book 2.5 - Forever Us: Barringer and Calista Blackstone - A Short Story
Book 3 - The Things Everson Lost

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2016

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 95 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo!)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Her books are listed below:

Discover other books by Tina Martin!

Christenbury Hills:
Thankful
Snow in Love With You

The Alexander Series:
The Millionaire’s Arranged Marriage

Tell Me Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Tell Me: The Prelude
Tell Me You Love Me
Tell Me You Want Me

The Love of Elias Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Been in Love With You
When Hearts Cry
You Belong To Me
When I Call You Mine
Who Do You Love
Forever Mine

The Accidental Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Accidental Deception
Accidental Heartbreak
Accidental Lovers
Accidental Vows

DePaul & Company Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Rude Boss
Rude Boss 2
Rude Boss Special Edition w/sprayed edges

The Boardwalk Bakery Romance Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3

St. Claire Series:
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Monty
Major
Zander
Zavier
Zimyra
Jeremiah

St. Claire Life Series:
Honeymoon With a St. Claire (Follow up to Monty)
Just Being Us (The Prequel to Zander)
Keep That Same Energy (Follow up to Zander)

St. Claire Women Series:
Gemma
Gianna

An Unlikely Love Series:
When I Needed You
When You Needed Me
Flicker: An Ahmalee + Cain Update
Flame: An Ahmalee + Cain Update

Seasons of Love Series:
Hot Chocolate: A Winter Novella
Spring Break: A Spring Novella

The Marriage Chronicles:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Life’s A Beach
Falling Out
War, Then Love

The Blackstone Family Series:
*All books in this series are standalone novels and are full, complete stories.
Read them in any order.
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us: Barringer and Calista Blackstone
The Things Everson Lost
Candy’s Corporate Crush

The Champion Brothers Series:
*All books in this series are standalone novels and are full, complete stories.
Read them in any order.
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring
A Champion’s Proposal
The Convenient Husband
At The Right Time

A Lennox in Love Series:
*All books in this series are standalone novellas and are full, complete stories.
Read them in any order.
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox
Before You Say I Do
Winter Wonder
Winter Wedding
The Weekend
One Day You’ll Be Mine

Dying to Love Her (Ava & Andre):
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
Destination Romance – Prequel to Dying to Love Her

The Dare and Deja Chronicles:
Reception Romance
Long Distance Troubles
Back to the Valley
Into Forever

Back To Love Short Stories:
Marriage Quarrel in Quarantine
Countdown to You
Offsides: A Superbowl Party Second Chance Romance
Crushed
Summer Interrupted

Non-Series Titles:
*Individual standalone books that are not part of a series.
Wasn’t Supposed To Love Her
What Wifey Wants (Follow-up to Wasn’t Supposed To Love Her)
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
How To Love Me
For Ruby (Follow-up to How To Love Me)
Weekend Fiancé
Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley
Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable (Baes of Juneteenth)
Brushstrokes and Love Notes
The Inheritance
Or Forever Hold Your Peace
This Time Next Year
You Were Made for Me
Let Me
Let Me Special Edition w/sprayed edges + bonus chapter
Secrets

Reviews

[Martha Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

This book was a continuation of Leaving Barringer. Calista and Barringer still have some unresolved issues in their marriage. So they take a weekend trip to see if they can improve their communication skills.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay for Calista and Barringer

The follow-up story to Leaving Barringer was a nice little update. I had hoped the couple would still be together and making things better between them. I am happy to say readers will be pleased with this story. The tidbit of the coming story was excellent, too. Now I know another Blackstone marriage is in trouble. Poor June!

Reread Update. April 2026

Yes. I still liked Calista.. Barrington is better.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calista and Barry still having problems. Problems of distrust and feeling inadequate. They take a retreat to the cabin to try to work on their marriage and to consult with a counselor. The counseling session was an almost disaster. While it didn’t go as planned, it wasn’t a total loss. But surprisingly Barry stayed behind to spend just a few minutes of discussion with the counselor. He does realize he is a top notch jerk. Now can this couple reconnect and renew their love? Is Garrison still desired by Calista? He isn’t but Barry fear that’s the case. Does she want a baby so bad that she will leave him again if he can’t give her one? How can Barry get his relationship back on track? There’s a surprise yet for this couple that will change the dynamics of everything.

[Dj · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE BLACKSTONE FAMILY - Forever Us (eBook) Bk 2.5 [Barringer Blackstone is rough around the edges. That’s no surprise to Calista. His demeanor is a gift and a curse – a gift because his strong-willed character makes him a great business leader. A curse because that same no-nonsense, merciless attitude doesn’t make for a loving, passionate husband at times – the very reason Calista left him for four months. They’ve been back together for two months and while their marriage and communication has improved, a weekend away reveals that their issues haven’t been resolved. Is another separation in the works for this Blackstone couple?]

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Made It

Short and to the point, Barringer and Calista refused to give up on their marriage. Their love, faith, willingness to listen and communicate brought them to a happy ending or did it?

[Pamela session · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 😍

I truly love this series 💓 thank you Tina Martin .I love how they had so much love for each other and how they really didn't want let go and fight for their marriage simply the best.

[Abby G. Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Read!

I enjoyed reading this book! I am trying to adjust to the relationship between Barry and Calista! I feel that they definitely need counseling! I definitely recommend this book to everyone! I feel everyone who reads this book will enjoy it!

[BeLinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Slimmest Chance

The ups and downs of the marriage between Calista and Barringer Blackstone seemed insurmountable. Perseverance and communication paid off and bought a very happy ending.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

YEAH

Enjoyed the story dry much. Barringer, poor guy finally he got it. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone who read their beginnings. Great story. Thank Tina.

[Myrlita Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Vernell Renee Howard Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God!

I'm so glad that God is and will and forever be a way maker. Won't He Do It! Loved It from beginning to end. Great Read! ReneeG 👍

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barringer and Cali 2.5

I think Barringer and Cali will make it this time Barringer still needs to check his temper and realize others have feeling too.

[Sharon Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't think they were going to make it!

Love the mix of faith and family in this story! When two people are meant to be together nothing can stop them!

[Laura Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

short

I paid for this book thinking it would be longer. This could of been in either Barrington or Everton book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Barringer and Calista!

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story with Barry and Calista! I'm glad that this couple got their happy ending and were able to workout their problems. This couple are my favorite from the Blackstone series. They are very relatable when it comes to facing issues and dealing with them. It was great catching up with them and found myself crying happy tears along with Barringer and Calista! Thank-you Mrs. Martin for this very enjoyable short story. Now waiting to hear from Everson and June!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booklover

Thank you for completing the Barry and Calista story. Marriage is hard without a child ,that why God blesses you when the time is right. You should never give up on love when times get hard if you love him or her you got to fight and have faith he won't let you down. Another great read.