Lake Redstone

by Hollyfield, J. D.

  Sherry comes up, leaning into Mick for a hug. “Hello, dear.” They share a sweet, motherly embrace. Mick always said she reminded him of his own mother. “We’re not here to stay. Larry and I are jet-setting off to the Cayman Islands here shortly, but we wanted to stop here first and give you both something.”

  Mick’s eyes find Poppy’s. “Don’t look at me. Look at your boyfriend.” His eyes widen even more as he focuses his attention on Jim.

  “Us?”

  “Unless you’re cheating on him with someone else,” Larry snickers and pulls an envelope from his back pocket. “This is for you both. Wanted to see your faces when you opened it.”

  They both share a look. Confused, but Mick steps forward, accepting the envelope. He rips open the seal and unfolds the document. Only a minute passes, but it feels like an eternity as we all watch his facial expression morph into disbelief.

  “You’re shittin’ me,” he says.

  “What? Did we get disqualified ’cause you took your shirt off at the last match?”

  Mick waves for Jim to come closer. “Dude…” His eyes raise to Larry’s. “Dude…”

  “Just spit it out, man.” Mick’s stopped functioning, so Jim snatches the paper out of his hands and reads through the letter.

  “You have to be shittin’ me!”

  “Oh, Jesus, just spit it out. Enough shittin’,” Katie gripes.

  Mick and Jim stare at one another, in shock, until the excitement of the news starts to sink in. I got wind of this about a week ago, and it’s been hell keeping it a secret. Poppy had the Rodgers’ plan a detour before their trip to give the guys the news.

  Since neither one can spit out the news, Larry does the honors. “That letter is an invitation to play at the US Open.”

  “You’ve got to be shittin’ me!” Jason spits out.

  I can’t help the happiness forming in my tear-filled eyes watching the elation of Jim’s face. If I were mistaken, he may also be just as emotional.

  “It’s very unheard of, two people making their way to the top of the ranking so fast. Especially ones who’ve only been playing the sport less than a year. But the board is impressed and would like to see your talent on their courts at the end of this summer.”

  “I don’t…I don’t even know what to say.” Mick fights back his own emotions.

  “Say you’ll accept, so the missus and I can get on with our vacation.”

  Jim steps up since Mick is still broken. “Yes. Fuck yes.” He sticks his hand out and vigorously shakes Larry’s. “Thank you. This is—”

  “Awesome! We’re going to the US Open!” Mick’s back in action. The two face one another and chest bump, hooting and howling.

  I look over at Poppy, who’s wiping a tear away, her smile just as full of appreciation. The guys hug and express their gratitude, until the Rodgers insist it’s time they get going. Everyone says their goodbyes, and as we all watch the SUV trek back up the hill, until the sound of a beer cracking open breaks the silence.

  “So! Now that that’s over, let’s get this show on the road. I’ve been thinking about drinking Casey’s shitty spritzers all week long.” Katie takes a swig and gives us her back as she makes her way down toward the dock.

  One by one, everyone follows, Mick throwing Poppy over his shoulder and carrying his bride to the boat. When it’s just Jim and I, he gives me his full attention, my body turning into Jell-O at the way he stares at me.

  “Did you know about this?”

  I shrug. “Maybe.”

  “Is this when I caught you under a bunch of blankets in the bathtub?”

  Another shrug. “I didn’t want you to hear me. Ruin the surprise.”

  He brings his hand around my neck and tugs me close, my breasts finding comfort in his solid chest. “I love you.”

  Three words I will never get used to hearing. As if I’m being gifted them for the very first time, the fullness in my heart overflows.

  “Love you too.”

  His hand extends outward, and his fingers thread into my hair. “There’s nothing in this world as beautiful as you.”

  “Even your vinyl collection?” I ask.

  “Only a spec in comparison,” he replies, placing a small peck to my lips.

  “Even Mick?” This is where I lose him. But then he shocks me without even a second of denial.

  “Mick who?”

  At that, I laugh, smacking him on his shoulder. Just as fast, he plants his lips back on mine. He kisses me with every fiber of his being. And I accept it, pouring just as much love and devotion into this moment. When we finally pull away, we’re both light on our feet.

  There’s a light breeze in the air, catching a lose strand of hair as it whisks across my face. Jim tucks it behind my ear. “Hope you’re ready for another crazy weekend.”

  “Me? Oh, I was just hoping for some quiet time on the lake. Maybe jumping off a steep cliff, a dance off, running for my life from a psychopath. Who knows? Not sure if we’ll have enough time.”

  His laugher is a flame to my soul, setting my entire body into a heated ball of fire. He startles me by scooping me up in his arms and starts our trek down the hill to the dock. “Looks like I have my work cut out for me. But I have a feeling this weekend will top last year. Just you wait.”

  I would agree, considering tonight, I plan on telling him I’m pregnant.

  The end.

  J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she’s not cooking, event planning, or spending time with her family, she’s relaxing with her nose stuck in a book. With her love for romance, and her head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own stories to life. Living in the Midwest, she’s currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.

  J.D. Hollyfield dabbles in all genres, from romantic comedy, contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, fantasy and erotica! Want to know more! Follow her on all platforms!

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  First, and most importantly, it wouldn’t be a proper acknowledgement if I didn’t thank myself It’s not easy having to drink all the wine in the world and sit in front of a computer writing your heart out, drinking your liver off and resembling a crazy person while you talk to fictional characters day and night. You truly are amazing and probably the prettiest person in all the land. Keep doing what you’re doing.

  Will the real Redstone Crew Please stand up?

  Matt, Jen, JJ, Kristen, the Dixie Chick who knew Earl had to die, Jeff and the other Jeff.

  This book would never have been written if you all weren’t so damn crazy. Of course, fun, amazing and quite possibly the funniest people I know. Thank you for such amazing memories and such an insane weekend that it made its way on paper.

  Mary and Gary. Thank you for inviting us into your home and letting us turn it into a frat party. Even though you were the instigators for half the mayhem that went down. May every year bring us new memories and even juicier storylines.

  To my bestie, Gary. You are the best manager. I’ll forever be convinced you were a pimp in your previous life. I’m your biggest fan.

  Thanks to all my eyes and ears. Having a squad who has your back is the utmost important when creating a masterpiece. From betas, to proofers, to PA’s to my dog, Jackson, who just gets me when I don’t get myself, thank you. This success is not a solo mission. It comes with an entourage of awesome people who got my back. So, shout out to, Ashley Cestra, Jenny Hanson, Amber Higbie, Gina Behrends, Melissa Rizzo Schaub, Amy Wiater, my boo thang Kristi Webster and anyone who I may have forgotten! I appreciate you all!

  Thank you to Monica Black at Word Nerd Editing, for helping bring this story to where it needed to be.

  Thank you to All By
Design for creating my amazing cover. A cover is the first representation of a story and she nailed it, as she always does

  Thank you to my awesome reader group, Club JD. All your constant support for what I do warms my heart. I appreciate all the time you take in helping my stories come to life within this community.

  Thank you to Emilie at InkSlinger for all your hard work in creating all my beautiful promotional material!

  Thank you to Nicole at Indiesage for all her hard work on promotions!

  Big thanks for Stacey at Champagne Formats for always making my stories look so amazing!

  And most importantly every single reader and blogger! THANK YOU for all that you do. For supporting me, reading my stories, spreading the word. It’s because of you that I get to continue in this business. And for that I am forever grateful.

  Cheers. This big glass of wine is for you.