Now and Forever: A BOX SET OF STANDALONE NOVELS

by Ann, Pamela

  The lake—our lake—where everything had begun between us. Where I had first set my eyes upon her and it had changed my life forever.

  The place was surrounded by torches, aglow with fire, while rose-scented floating candles lit the lake that was trimmed with blue LED strip lighting.

  This wouldn’t have been possible had Charlotte not offered to help me. She had since mellowed down, and was trying to make amends by building a relationship with me. It wouldn’t have been possible unless both parties were willing to move forward and, fortunately, such was the case.

  Basking in Ava’s glowing happiness, I knew there wasn’t anywhere else on earth I’d rather be than right here, content as I watched her take in everything with her eyes.

  Clearing my throat, my thumb caressed her hand before I got on one knee and gazed at my soul reflecting back at me in her eyes, showing me what the future held.

  “Ava Watson Chambers, you and I had a very passionate start. Short as it may have been, it ended on a tragic note that painted our lives differently. After years of separation, you and I found each other once more, and I can’t apologize enough for my horrific treatment of you in the beginning, but I will make up for it by making a solid foundation for our marriage, compromising when need be, and continuing to love you even if you’re being a lovely pain in my arse. Lovely perhaps, though a pain, all the same.” I beamed as she grinned, blushing profusely. “Marry me again, with our family and friends to witness our undying love and devotion, and I swear to you, on my honor, our honeymoon will be better than our living room floor.”

  “But I love that living room floor, and I wouldn’t dare change a thing about it. But with that aside, I am privileged to marry you again. As long as I’m with you, the rest is simply non-essential.”

  She looked into my eyes as I slipped the ring atop the other one I had given her. It was the same setting, yet a different stone. A diamond. Charlotte had given me the advice that diamonds were essential to a woman’s wardrobe. Therefore, with the expertise of a jeweler, I had found the perfect one for Ava.

  Grinning from ear to ear, I sealed our bond with a kiss, believing everything she had just said. As long as we were together, the rest was non-essential.

  Second chance at love. Second chance at marriage. Life certainly came with surprises.

  - THE END -

  Next book in the British Billionaires Series, Falling For The Enemy. An unconventional love story about Sebastian Black and Allie Davenport.

  Coming Soon

  * * *

  Lily’s Mistake

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright © 2013 by Pamela Ann

  Acknowledgments

  I just want to thank my beta readers, Tia Marie, Dawn Martens and Cami Hesnault for being so awesome! This novel wouldn’t be the same without you guys.

  To my family, thank you for everything…

  To my two white puffy puffballs, Sugar and Cookie, thank you for staying up late and keeping me company.

  For my mom,

  Thank you for being amazing.

  Prologue

  LILY

  eighteen years ago

  “Are you ready yet?” I call out from the bush I’m hiding behind. I don’t want Drake to get a peek at me while I’m getting ready.

  “All set!”

  I’m a few yards away from the white gazebo. Fixing my wildflower crown, I stand and slowly walk toward Drake’s line of sight. My hands tighten around the assortment of flowers bundled in my hands, but my shakiness vanishes when my eyes meet Drake’s. He’s gazing at me sheepishly as he waits for my approach.

  I fight the urge to just run up to him; I know I shouldn’t, though. Weddings are supposed to be savored. Fairytales are forever and I have all the time in the world to get there.

  I reach the few steps of the gazebo and almost falter going up them when Drake whispers, “You look beautiful.”

  I give him a toothy smile in return.

  We are finally standing side by side when he asks, “How do we do this? Do we just say forever and ever, then that’s it?”

  “Gosh, I don’t know. How did they do it at your cousin’s wedding yesterday?”

  Drake bites his lips as he thinks it through. “I don’t remember much, but I can try, I guess.”

  “Good.”

  He clears his throat and speaks, “I, Drake Tatum, take Lily Alexander forever and a day. I promise to give her flowers and kisses forever and ever until I die.” I giggle when Drake mentions kisses. “It’s your turn now, Lil. Just follow what I said.”

  I nod and clear my throat. Smiling, I repeat his words. “I, Lily Alexander, take Drake forever. I promise to give him kisses and share my Reese’s peanut butter cups once a week forever and ever until I die.”

  “That was not what I said, Lil! Now you just ruined it!”

  I giggle again. “Drake! Just stop it. Aren’t you supposed to kiss me now?” He suddenly looks nervous.

  “I guess.”

  When I see his face closing in on mine, I close my eyes and wait for his kiss. I catch my breath as his lips touch mine. It’s short and sweet, but it seals my fate; I will forever be Drake’s girl.

  When I open my eyes and blink a few times, I see Drake grinning at me. “There! Now we’re married!”

  “Kids! Wedding’s over! It’s snack time,” his mother, Patricia, interrupts us.

  When we pass by her, she laughs at our silliness. Once she piles our plates with sandwiches and cookies, she looks amusedly back at us. “So, how does it feel to be married?”

  “I love it!” I exclaim.

  Chapter 157

  “Hello?”

  “How did your job interview go, honey?” my mother’s soft voice asks on the other end of the phone. “It looks promising. They said they’ll call me in two weeks.” I maneuver my car out of the parking lot.

  I’ve been job hunting for the last three months with no prospects at all. I got fired from my last secretarial job when Mrs. Donald caught Mr. Donald trying to seduce me. Allan Donald is a true gentleman, That is, he was before his usual cocktail concoction of gin and brandy for breakfast. Then he became a little comfortable. It wasn’t the first time I had slapped his hand away, but this time, Carla Donald was there to witness it and fired me on the spot.

  “I called because Patricia’s back in town and wants you to join us for lunch at The Four Seasons.”

  Patricia Tatum is my godmother as well as my mother’s best friend since they were in diapers. She married Hugh Tatum, a very well-known import/export business man who is also a major financial backer for Hollywood blockbuster films.

  “What time? It’s almost noon.” I glance back at the clock on the dashboard.

  “Well, yes, dear, we need you to meet us right now.” My mom sounds a tad urgent.

  “Sure. See you in a bit.” It’s almost lunchtime and my stomach growls.

  A simple lunch at The Four Seasons would just be super!

  What could possibly go wrong?