Accidentally Married on Purpose: A Love and Games Novel

by Rachel Harris

  If she weren’t in so much pain, it’d be adorable. Gripping his shoulders tight, she lifted her chin in acknowledgment and exhaled.

  Strong fingers pressed into her back. The silly lessons her Lamaze coach taught them came flooding back, the ones she’d sworn she’d never do because they looked so dumb. But when the pain continued, Sherry decided dumb or not, anything was worth a shot.

  “He he hooo.” Yep, complete and total idiot. “He he hooo.” But dang it if she cared.

  The breathing exercises continued until, a few moments later, the contraction passed. “Holy crap.” Sherry sagged against her husband and huffed a laugh. “Yo, labor ain’t no joke.”

  She shook her head and then raised it to find Tyler’s mouth curved in an awed smile. A mix of anxiety and wonder filled his green eyes, and he gently slid a palm around to cradle her stomach. “You’re about to be a mama.”

  Happy tears sprang to her eyes as her heart melted all over the floor. She touched a hand to his cheek and said, “You’re about to be a daddy.”

  His gaze lowered to his hand on her swollen abdomen. The muscles of his jaw flexed and her hair fanned with his exhale. Locking his gaze with hers, he said, “Thank you.”

  She knew he meant more than for just this moment. This was emotional for both of them, wishing their mothers could be there. But in their own way, they were. And their daughter would forever honor both her namesakes: Elizabeth Blue and Angelina Robicheaux.

  Sherry smiled, feeling the slow glide of tears on her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Charlie cleared his throat behind them. The bus came to a stop, and Sherry glanced out the window. The doors for Meadow Crest Hospital were just beyond, and already a few people were gawking in their direction. Apparently, tour buses didn’t roll up here that often.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Charlie said, “but we’re here.”

  Sherry rolled her shoulders as the chorus of “Roar” started in her head. She looked up at Tyler and asked, “Ready to do this, Daddy?”

  His answering smile, while still a bit anxious, was also full of excitement. “Ready for the next adventure with you? Definitely.”

  Both men grabbed a hand and helped her down the stairs. For once, she didn’t mind the fussing. Face-planting out of a tour bus in front of a crowd was most certainly not a part of her birth plan. When she reached the ground, she grabbed hold of her husband’s steadying arm and said, “Just think of the songs you’ll write after this.”

  “Already on it.”

  Unsurprising, Tyler withdrew a pad of sticky notes from his pocket. What was surprising was that the first sheet was already filled with words. A boyish grin replaced his usual confident one as he handed her the note.

  My Gorgeous Wife,

  Marrying you was the best decision I ever made.

  Our future child is the best gift I’ve ever received.

  Thank you.

  Tyler

  P.S. I hope this girl’s as crazy as you are.

  Tears fell freely now, and Sherry didn’t even bother to swipe them. Sniffling, she looked over and said, “I’m crazy, huh?”

  “Certifiable.” His response was immediate and seemed sincere. But before she could get all riled up, he added, “And I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

  She laughed aloud and reached down to link her fingers with his. Then, hand in hand, they walked through the emergency room doors, ready for their next adventure.

  * * *

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  Acknowledgments

  When I sat down to plot this book, I had such a smile on my face. It’s no secret that Sherry has been a fan favorite since day one…truthfully, she’s my favorite, too. I couldn’t wait to dive into her world and give her the happy ending she so rightfully deserved. I hope you enjoyed the outcome!

  Writing the Love and Games series has been such a thrill. This was my first foray into adult romance, even though I’ve been reading the genre since I was a young girl swiping books from my mama’s shelf. Words don’t exist to thank you for the incredible welcome I’ve received, so for every reader, reviewer, and blogger who’s taken a chance, for every sweet message and letter I’ve received, and for every friend I’ve made on this journey, just know that I adore you. You are my daily dose of inspiration and gratitude.

  Rose Garcia, thank you for sharing your sweet mother-in-law’s story with me. Char Ryken was a courageous woman who battled peritoneal cancer but never lost her spunk. Peritoneal cancer acts and is treated in much the same way as ovarian cancer, and it is Char’s story that inspired Tyler’s mother. For every woman who has faced a similar battle, and for every loving family member who has held their hands, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

  Ashley Bodette, assistant extraordinaire, you are the cure for my insanity. Thank you for speed-reading these pages as I write them, and then reading the second, third, and fourth drafts if I can’t seem to get a certain scene right. Thank you for not laughing too hard at my crazy plot outlines, for your keen insight into the editing process, and for all the laughter.

  Trish Wolfe and Shannon Duffy blessed these pages with their notes and love—best critique partners ever! Also a shoutout to Trish for the character name inspiration J Jessica Mangicaro blew my mind with her beta notes (and love for Tyler, *mwah*). And I can’t thank Caisey Quinn, Megan Rigdon, and Staci Murden enough for their enthusiasm and fabulous feedback. Love you, girls!

  Cindi Madsen, my completely adorable sister in love, I don’t think it’s possible for me to write a book anymore without a dozen text, Facebook, and phone conversations with you. Thank you for getting me, for all the advice and brainstorming sessions, and for letting me borrow your character for this story—I can’t wait to see Sadie shine in her own book!

  Lisa Burstein, our jaunt down the Vegas Strip not only inspired the beginning of this book, but it remains one of my favorite nights ever. Any excuse to hang with you is a blast, and I’m so grateful to call you friend.

  Melissa West, Christina Lee, Heidi McLaughlin, and Stina Lindenblatt…your belief in this book and in me are a gift. I love sharing this bookish life with you talented ladies! Thank you for loving Blue and for all the giggles.

  To the Cool Kids Mafia…secret handshake, chin lift, sly wink.

  Mega shoutout of gratitude to Rhonda Helms, Megan Erickson, Tara Fuller, Wendy Higgins, Cole Gibsen, Lea Nolan, Veronica Bartles, Cindy Hale, Ophelia London, Mindy Ruiz, AJ Pine, Lex Martin, and Mary Lindsey for all the support and friendship. It means the world to me.

  Arianne Cruz and Fizza Younis, two of my fabulous street teamers, thanks for letting me use your names!

  Debbie Suzuki and Kelly P. Simmon of InkSlinger PR are my lifesavers. They are crazy talented and their ideas never stop amazing me. Thank you for believing in me, ladies. Your tireless efforts are so very much appreciated.

  Stacy Cantor Abrams, you rock my socks. I count my lucky stars every day that you snapped me up from the slush pile. The past few years have been a wild and exciting journey, and it is all because of you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store!

  Jessica Cantor, your covers are flipping phenomenal!! Thank you for giving my stories the best possible chance. I couldn’t ask for a more talented artist. Mary Kate Castellani, thank you for your incredible wordsmith skills, and Alethea Spiridon-Hopson, thank you for your fabulous notes. And finally, Alycia Tornetta, thank you for being a constant cheerleader and champion of my stories. So, so blessed…

  Speaking of being blessed, my family rocks! My husband always helps plot my books, and he has inspired every single one of my heroes…but Tyler is the most like him. Gregg, you ins
pired Tyler’s sweet Post-it notes with the thirty notes you’ve stuck to our bathroom mirror, filled with words of love and encouragement. You show me what a true hero looks like, and I’m a very lucky woman. My daughters, Jordan and Cali, are so forgiving of when Mama needs to write, and they are the best publicists an author can ask for—they tell everyone about my books. And I do mean everyone. Angel Girl and Sweet Potato Bug, I love YOU more! My mom, dad, and brother live right next door, so they hear about these characters almost as much as my husband does…which is saying a lot. They also provide free babysitting! And my mother-in-law is a member of my street team and my number-one book pimp. I love all of you to pieces.

  Giant tackle hugs to every blogger, reviewer, and reader of Taste the Heat and Seven Day Fiance. Your #JasonIsADemiGod and #CaneIsMine tweets made me smile and laugh, and I hope you fell just as in love with Tyler Blue. Double tackle hugs go out to The Autumn Review, Good Choice Reading, Night Owl Reviews, Ramblings From This Chick, Stuck in Books, Lovin’ Los Libros, Imperfect Women, Jenna Does Books, A Bookish Escape, Meredith and Jennifer’s Musings, Library of a Book Witch, Pandora’s Books, Crystal in Bookland, Tsk Tsk What to Read, and Just a Booklover for going above and beyond as always.

  No list of acknowledgments would be complete without a mushy, sentimental thank-you to my street team, the Flirt Squad. Your enthusiasm for my books, your love of these characters, and your unending support mean the world to me. Thank you for laughing and sharing life with me—I adore each and every one of your faces! Extra gooey love goes out to the rock stars who went above and beyond supporting my last release: Meagan Rigdon, Valerie Fink, Mi-Mi Nguyen, Saleana Rae Carneiro, Heather Love King, Maliha Khan, Fatima Tariq, Jenna DeTrapani, Angelique Gouvas, Katrina Tinnon, Maura Trice, Denice Cordero, Gaby Navarro, Jennifer Stasi, Patricia Lopez, Vi Nguyen, Mary Hinson, Holly Underhill, Bette Hansen, Francine Soleil, Ciara Byars, Cynthia Bolasina, Cindy Ray Hale, Kathy Arguelles, Chrissy Wolfe, Veronica Bartles, Myra White, and Linda Townsend.

  And to everyone reading these words right now, a heartfelt thank-you. It’s never too late to chase your dreams!

  About the Author

  Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong families are a staple in each of her books...and kissing. Lots of kissing.

  A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, she firmly believes life’s problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations. She homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches way too much Food Network with her amazing husband.

  An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and losing herself in story. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

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  Other Books by Rachel Harris

  Seven Day Fiance

  a Love and Games novel

  Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning Cane at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

  Taste the Heat

  a Love and Games novel

  For Teen Readers

  My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

  A Tale of Two Centuries

  My Not So Super Sweet Life

  dpgroup.org

  If you love marriage of convenience stories, check out these Bliss releases…

  Last Chance Proposal

  by Barb DeLeo

  Cy Hathaway needs a wife to win custody of his son. He returns home to discover his childhood sweetheart has become a vibrant, beautiful woman. Even though wanting to sweep her off her feet wasn’t part of the plan… For Ellie, Cy’s reappearance awakens a flood of memories—and resentments for the way he’d abandoned her years ago. But she has a life now, a career. She can’t simply get hitched, even if the sight of him still makes her heart race.

  Stealing the Groom

  a Stealing the Heart novel by Sonya Weiss

  There’s no way Amelia Snyder is going to let her best bud Chad marry Mean Girl #1. But Amelia’s at-the-altar groomnapping scheme takes a surprising turn when she ends up as the blushing bride instead. Chad’s always been strictly anti-risk and definitely anti-love, and betting a lifetime of best friendship on the chance at forever might be the biggest gamble of all.

  Just My Luck

  a Shamrock Falls novel by Kelley Vitollo

  Betsy Harris has always known Jace Macnamara was off limits. He’s a close friend, plus her boss—making him doubly forbidden. Jace just found out he needs a wife now, but he never dreamed of settling down for real. Neither Betsy nor Jace wants to ruin their friendship when their fake marriage inevitably ends, but Jace begins to see his “wife” for the beautiful, caring woman she is. Can he risk their past for a future together?

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  a novel by Paula Altenburg

  Since being disowned by her strict father, Cass Stone has spent her adulthood trying to prove him wrong. Not even an incredible and mysterious one night stand that leaves her a single mom can trip her up...until the father of her baby stumbles back into her life, as sexy and unreliable as ever. Logan Alexander hasn’t forgotten the night he spent with Cass two years ago, but he never expects to end up undercover as her assistant. His job saves lives and he can’t afford complications. It’s difficult enough to maintain his cover as a carefree wanderer when he realizes his attraction to Cass hasn’t faded...and then he meets Cass’s daughter.

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  a Perfect Kisses novella by Ophelia London

  When journalist Justine Simms learns the notoriously reclusive pro-surfer Chase Ryder is coming out of retirement for a competition, she knows she’s found the perfect exclusive to save her career. Of course, then she learns he’s the gorgeous, secretly nerdy guy who broke her heart. Will Davenport—aka Chase Ryder—doesn’t do interviews. That is, until the still-heartbroken Justine blackmails him into giving her an exclusive. But despite their smoldering attraction, nothing has changed since he had to leave her the first time.

  Taming the Country Star

  a Hometown Heroes novella by Margo Bond Collins

  Country star Cole Grayson is in town, and Kylie Andrews is less than thrilled. As if months of changing the radio station and tearing down his posters weren’t bad enough, now she has to deal with a town of fans swarming toward the man who deceived her the year before. Cole is on a mission. After writing a song just for her, he sets off for her hometown to prove he’s not the player she thinks he is.

  Love for Beginners

  an Under the Hood novella by Sally Clements

  Mechanic Melody Swan is looking for a man who can share her hopes and dreams, but she swore she would never lose herself to passion. When sexy Heath Starr agrees to temporarily sub in the Under the Hood garage for his sister, Mel sees the perfect opportunity to enjoy being with a man without becoming attached. Heath came to Meadowsweet to photograph nature, not find a hookup, especially since his last relationship ended in disaster. When the two find themselves isolated in a rustic cabin, they could both break their promises if they aren’t careful…

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  Erin Watters is her small to
wn’s resident wild child—she doesn’t do boring, and after having her heart annihilated, she definitely doesn’t do relationships. Her friends have other ideas, though, and when they throw down a matchmaking challenge, impulsive Erin can’t ignore it. Even when the annoyingly hot Troy Strieber accepts the matchmaker role…Soon what started as an innocent game of matchmaking has them both thinking about the person right under their nose.

  Fiance by Fate

  an Anyone But You novel by Jennifer Shirk

  Sabrina Cassidy believes in fate. So when her fiancé breaks off their engagement, she’s convinced they’ll get back together eventually. But fate was not on her side when it brought Jack Brenner into her life—and work. Frustrating, gorgeous, and cocky, Jack has an offer that Sabrina can’t refuse. Not if it means getting the life she’s always imagined. Sabrina’s still hung up on her ex, and Jack will never settle down. But fate has other ideas…