Wish for Love

by Daria White

  She squealed and hugged his neck tight. “I love you too.

  Then he kissed her again. He was the only man in the world for her. How did they change from friends in high school? From helping each other out in study hall, to where now she didn’t see the rest of her life without him. Next thing she knew, he sprung her to her feet.

  “What are you doing?” She grinned.

  He led her into a waltz. “I want a do-over.”

  She spun around him. “A do-over?”

  Then he dipped her from one side to the next. “I felt cheated at the wedding coming that close to kissing you.”

  Leah’s smile only got bigger. “I ran away though.”

  “So, a do-over is our best option.” His hands pressed into her back.

  She stood on her tiptoes, angling her mouth toward him. “This work for you?”

  A low pleasant hum escaped his mouth as he covered her lips with his. Her arms coiled around him as he peppered her mouth with soft kisses. When he picked her up off her feet and swung her in the air, she smiled against his lips.

  ****

  Cole and Leah returned to the festival walking hand in hand inside the barn. Her eyes roamed the room, and she spotted Craig dancing with Joanna. A corner of her mouth quirked up, as soon as Cole laced his fingers with hers.

  “Is that Tyler?” he asked.

  Leah twirled her head and caught sight of Tyler Gage with Amber, her assistant. “I guess so.”

  “It seems as if everyone is paired tonight.” Leah grinned as soon as Seth and Celeste came into view. Seth leaned in closer to Celeste as if to whisper in her ear. She giggled, while eating a cupcake.

  “I’m happy for them,” Leah told Cole.

  “Me too. She practically shocked Seth at PV’s.”

  Leah raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

  “She came over and told Seth she liked him. He didn’t know what to say.”

  “It’s rare to catch him off guard like that.”

  “I know, but I’m glad he’s met someone.”

  “It worried you?” Leah coiled her arms around him.

  “A little, but I’m better now.” He leaned in and gave her a quick peck on her lips.

  “Me too.”

  Chapter 31

  A few weeks later…

  Leah bit her bottom lip as she watched April’s reaction to her finished wedding dress. Like all her designs, she poured her sweat and tears into her work, and thanks to her help from Amber, they completed the dress in record time.

  “Well…” Leah wrung her hands together. Biting at her lips, her eyes followed April as she circled the mannequin. She finished her second cup of coffee after pulling an all-nighter two days in a row.

  She could only smile since Cole called a few times to help her stay awake, but once midnight struck, he fell asleep on her. Yet, she loved his efforts. She couldn’t wait to see him later.

  “I love it, Leah!” April clapped her hands. “It’s the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen.”

  “I told you not to worry,” Amber said, winking at her best friend.

  April eyed her friend, but her wide grin gave her away.

  Leah blew out her cheeks. “Thank goodness. For a second, I thought you would tell me something different.”

  “It’s perfect.” April inched closer and ran her fingers down the bodice. “I love the beading. It was one thing to see it in the drawing, but in person, it’s incredible.” She pulled Leah into a hug. “I’ve got to try it on.”

  “Of course.” Leah carefully undid the buttons in the back. Motioning Amber over, they both carefully removed the dress from the mannequin, and then Amber accompanied her best friend to the dressing room.

  Leah stood with her hands on her hips. Though not as crowded as before when her photos hit the web, she kept a fair crowd every day, with new faces popping inside now and then. Next, a familiar scent hit her nose. She pivoted towards her front door to spot the love of her life. Cole carried in his hand a brown paper bag. “You smelled them, didn’t you?”

  She hurried to his side for a hug, careful not to crush the bag. “I’m happy to see you too.” She kissed his lips.

  “Yeah sure,” he teased in between soft pecks to her lips. “I’m only good for these chocolate muffins.”

  “I can buy them myself, you know.”

  “I know, but I enjoy seeing you smile when I bring them.” He planted another kiss to her mouth before handing over her treat for the day. “Consider this my way of apologizing for falling asleep on you last night.”

  She clutched the bag. “Don’t worry about it. You had a long day too.”

  “Are we still on for tonight? I finally unpacked the last box at my new place.” Cole’s eyes shined. While he never complained about living with his brother, he’d recently found a place of his own.

  “You’re cooking for me?” Leah asked.

  “Yes, it’s all set. All I want you to do is enjoy yourself.”

  “I can’t help a little?” She puckered out her bottom lip.

  His mouth twitched into a grin. “Fine, I’ll find something for you to help with.” He kissed her cheek. “I think you’re using me as a pushover.”

  She touched a hand to her chest. “I would never.” She inched closer. “Besides, I love you.”

  He ran his forefinger along her jawline. “I love you too. I’ll see you tonight.” He planted one last kiss to her lips, and then he exited the building.

  Leah stood in place for a moment. Would it always be this way between her and Cole? She blinked as she inhaled deeply to get her bearings.

  ****

  Cole rubbed his hands together as his doorbell rang. He already finished the smothered steaks, and his mashed potatoes he seasoned to perfection. He hurried to the door to find Leah holding Chip in her arms.

  “You brought our guest,” he said.

  She entered the living room and set Chip down on the hardwood floors. Her eyes widened at the space. “Cole…”

  His home was a mixture of traditional and modern design. A TV mounted the wall and end tables held lamps and coasters, compliments of his mother. Cole followed behind her as she admired his new place. A brick fireplace with a mantel, an area rug on the mahogany floor, and his own pictures decorated the walls.

  Curtains framed his windows, while built-in bookshelves held a few of his classic reads. Next Leah explored the kitchen which didn’t need much updating. A hanging rack with pots and pans dangled from the ceiling and tiled flooring stressed the stainless-steel appliances.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  She beamed as they made eye contact. “I love it. It suits you.”

  He inched closer. “Did I give you a proper hello?”

  A low pleasant hum slipped from her lips. “What do you mean by proper?”

  He bracketed her waist in his arms. “Well, people usually say ‘Hi, how are you?’”

  “No, you didn’t say that.” Leah stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I guess something distracted you.”

  “But see it goes deeper if the person is your significant other.”

  “How so?” She licked her lips.

  “Well, a proper greeting for a person in that category would be a hug or…”

  “Or what?”

  He brought their mouths within the same breathing space. “Guess.” Then he covered her lips with his. He listened as she sighed and only cradled her closer. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead against hers.

  “I guess you didn’t give me a proper greeting,” she said.

  “Should I try again?”

  “I think so.”

  He kissed her again, but Chip’s barks disturbed them. The couple smiled against each other’s lips.

  Epilogue

  Two years later…

  “You look beautiful.” Cole cradled Leah’s face in his hands, softly kissing her lips.

  “We’re not at that part yet, you two,” Pastor Hill
said.

  The congregation at Piedmont Valley Church laughed as Cole pulled away from Leah. She didn’t mind that he caved and kissed her before it was time. She glided down the aisle on her father’s arm, locking eyes with her husband to be. By the time she made it to the altar, kissed her father’s cheek, he lifted her veil from her face and kissed her lips. She didn’t mind at all.

  “Sorry, Pastor Hill.” Cole clasped Leah’s hands in his, as the wedding ceremony officially started.

  Leah smiled and his upturned face made her knees weak, but she stood firm on her feet.

  “You may start with your vows, Leah,” Pastor Hill said.

  Lifting her chin, she gazed into Cole’s eyes. “Cole, if someone would have told me I would fall in love with you, I would have said they were crazy. Our friendship was too precious to risk, but now I love the fact we started as friends. While our days aren’t perfect, they’re worth every minute.”

  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

  Leah’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I love you so much. I vow from this day forward to love you no matter what. You have my support, trust, fidelity, and my heart. I choose you.”

  Cole cleared his throat. “I love you, Leah Renee Morris. No matter where life takes me in my travels, know I’ll always come back to you. I vow to you today my love, support, trust, and fidelity until I take my last breath.”

  With that, Pastor Hill moved onto the rings, and Leah and Cole exchanged vows putting them on each other. Following a final blessing, Pastor Hill pronounced the couple man and wife. Cole wasted no time kissing Leah, wrapping his arms around her waist. She rested her hands on his shoulders as her heart pounded. He moved his mouth lightly over hers but then deepened it, stealing her breath. The world around him faded like a dream as her one true love was holding her. She was his bride. His wife.

  “I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole Parsons,” Pastor Hill said.

  The congregation applauded as Cole gave her one last peck to her lips. He clutched her hand in his, as they sauntered down the aisle. After the couple made it to the limo outside, he assisted her inside the limo.

  Leah removed her veil as a dull headache surfaced. “This was hurting.”

  “You look amazing.”

  She faced him, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “We’re really married?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Parsons, we’re married.” He scooted closer for another kiss. Leah was thankful the divider blocked the driver’s vision.

  “You know what I can’t wait for?” she asked.

  “The red velvet cake at the reception?”

  She pointed at him, but he only took her hand in his.

  “I can’t either, to tell you the truth.”

  She then rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe we’re going to Rome for our honeymoon.”

  He stroked her arm. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

  “You left the brochure on your desk in your office.”

  “Which you were ‘cleaning’ for no apparent reason.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine, I was snooping. I was only getting my things settled for when I move into your place.”

  He kissed her temple. “It’s okay. I love you anyway.”

  “I love you too. Do you think Seth will propose to Celeste?”

  Cole shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know for sure, but he said he hated leaving her behind for his book tour. I can’t believe my brother is a best-selling author.”

  Leah nuzzled closer to him. “I’m glad he’s happy.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you happy?” She leaned her head back.

  He met her gaze and cupped her cheek. “I’m more than happy.” He kissed her lips only for a moment and then cradled her closer to his chest. She shut her eyes, basking in his fresh manly scent. For the rest of her life, she would love that scent. Then Leah jerked back, turning her body to face the window.

  “Stop here, please,” she said into the intercom.

  “What for? We can’t be late for our own reception.” Cole’s eyebrows etched together.

  “Just for a moment, please?” She gave him her puppy dog eyes.

  His shoulders sagged. “Okay, only for a moment.” The limo came to a stop.

  She grabbed the door handle. “Besides, we’re the guests of honor.”

  Leah walked to her beloved fountain with Cole behind her. The wind picked up, causing her loose curls to float in the breeze and the hem of her dress to levitate. He came up beside her, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Grateful for the secret pocket in her dress, Leah took out a quarter.

  “What’s that for? A wish?” Cole asked.

  She faced him. “I never told you this, but…” she held up her coin. “I made a wish here two years ago. I stood in this same spot heartbroken and afraid that I would never find true love. After I made my wish though, I decided maybe I needed time for myself.”

  “Was it worth it?”

  “Yes, because it gave me you.” She stared at her quarter. “I want to make one final wish. I know it’s a legend, but the sentiment means a lot to me. I want to share my wish with you.”

  “What is it?”

  “That you and I will love each other always. No matter what happens, may our love keep us together.”

  His grin grew on his face as he grabbed a piece of the coin with her. Then he gestured his head to the fountain. “Shall we?”

  Leah grinned, and they tossed the coin in the water together. They each leaned over to watch it sink to the bottom. Cole wrapped an arm around her waist as she touched a hand to his chest.

  “Silly, huh?” she said.

  “It’s our secret.”

  She cupped his cheek this time, grazing her fingers in his stubble. “I love you so much.”

  His hands splayed over her back. “I love you too.”

  Cole kissed her as the sound of the water gurgled behind them. Leah coiled her arms around him, teasing the nape of his neck with her fingers. She couldn’t have asked for a happier ending.

  ###

  Thank you for taking the time to read my book! If you enjoyed Wish for Love, please leave a review at any of your favorite retailers.

  Best Regards,

  Daria

  About the Author

  Daria started writing as a teenager. Since she loves romance novels, she figured why not write them too? She graduated with a degree in health care management, so writing was not in the cards for her. It’s rare that you won’t catch her reading. Aside from that, she loves Turner Classic Movies, Hallmark/Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, Pilates, the piano, and chocolate.

  Stay in Touch!

  My website: www.dariawhite.com and subscribe to my newsletter!

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  Thank you from Daria

  I really appreciate you taking the time to read my book. I only meant writing to be a hobby. For a long time I wanted to be a doctor and even had the opportunity to be a singer. Despite this, my passion for reading took over. I never thought about publishing until college. Even then I wasn’t convinced to do it. Eventually I took a risk, and it’s the most vulnerable state I’ve ever been in, but people enjoy my work. So, I intend to write more for those who will love my stories.

  Thank you so much! Again, if you enjoyed this story, please take a few minutes to leave a review. If it’s only a few words, it’s perfectly fine with me. Unbelievably, it helps other readers to decide if they want to read my work or not.

  I look forward to sharing the next story with you. There’s more to come!

  God Bless,

  Daria

  Shout outs!

  www.firstediting.com (Thank you Christine!)

  www.viladesign.net (Tatiana as always you deliver the perfect cover every time)

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