Meant To Be: A Malsum Pass Novel

by Kimberly Forrest

  While they were here, they planned to pack up her apartment. Anything they wanted to take with them to Conner’s apartment would go in the back of the truck while everything else would be packed up for the movers and placed in storage for the time being.

  Elizabeth also had every intention of hitting her brother up for tickets to Fenway. He typically had a few on hand as perks for his clients and if she could get her hands on some, she was going to drag Conner to a game – a first step in converting him away from the evil Yankees.

  Conner was being unusually quiet and she watched him from the corner of her eye. Was he nervous? That morning he had sat down with Jeremy and explained to him that he must never talk about shifters, detailing the dangers of what might happen. Her son had looked at Conner, rolled his eyes with a well, duh expression, and said, “I got your back, Dad. I’m team wolf, remember?”

  Elizabeth had nearly choked trying to keep from laughing, while Conner had looked slightly dazed. Now, however, he was just quiet. Placing her hand on his thigh, she gave a little squeeze. When he glanced her way she shot him a questioning look but he just gave her a tight smile. She obviously had to abandon subtlety. “What’s wrong?”

  Conner blew out a breath and rolled his shoulders. “They might hate me.”

  Elizabeth wanted to laugh but worried he’d take it wrong. Obviously he felt too strongly about this for her to make light of his fear. “No chance. I love you and Jeremy loves you so they will love you. You’ll see. Trust me.”

  He picked her hand up off his leg, kissed it and then laced their fingers together. She knew he appreciated what she had said, but the smile he shot her was still tight. Words weren’t going to convince him. He’d see soon enough.

  They had barely pulled into the drive when Elizabeth’s mother was running out the door. Her father and brother were a bit less obvious in their joy and hung back on the porch. Her mother hugged Jeremy first, then Elizabeth, exclaiming how happy she was to see them, and then her eyes had lit on Conner and she’d said, “Well, hello handsome!” Elizabeth could feel her cheeks heat with embarrassment as her mother actually winked at Conner before wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him. When she had pulled back from him with a large grin, she’d turned to Elizabeth and said, “You get your great taste in men from me.”

  “Give the man some room to breathe, Berta.” Her father said coming forward to shake Conner’s hand followed by Edward.

  Once inside, the usual get to know you questions were traded. Her father shared some of his hunting and fishing stories when he stayed at the camp on Bingo Road. One of them included a large bear scaring him while he was peeing in the woods that had everyone laughing and picking on him for the rest of the night.

  Conner, to Elizabeth’s relief, had relaxed and seemed at ease. He’d complimented her mother’s cooking which had the older woman giggling. Giggling – her mother! While, the men in her family were telling jokes and clapping him on the back like he was a long lost son. Perhaps, in this case, long awaited son-in-law and brother-in-law was more apt. They loved him, and Elizabeth couldn’t resist an “I told you so”.

  Before they left Boston, they managed to get everything packed up and closed out at her apartment. She contemplated going to see the Larkins, but rejected the idea. It would only spoil her mood and she wasn’t going to apologize for finding happiness. Prior to leaving Malsum Pass, she’d taken Conner’s advice and e-mailed them with an invitation to visit; they hadn’t bothered to respond. The ball was in their court at this point. If they wanted to see Jeremy, they would need to accept her choices and come to terms with the fact that she was moving on with her life.

  Edward had come through with some tickets to a game and the seats were pretty good. Conner hadn’t complained. He’d even worn a red T-shirt, though he did lift his pant leg at one point to show her his navy blue socks with the Yankees logo. It had made her and Jeremy both laugh. Well, no one expected him to be converted after only one game.

  All in all, it was a great trip, but Elizabeth was eager to get home. Funny how quickly love can change things. Malsum Pass was now her home, because home was wherever Conner Pierce was.

  The next several months were hectic. Conner had taken her to see a plot of land on the backside of pack territory that butted up to the forest. A plot, where they would build their home. It was quiet, peaceful, and she loved it. With plenty of room for both Jeremy and his puppy, who he had named Oscar, to grow. Plans for their dream house were already underway and they were scheduled to break ground in the spring.

  Jeremy went back to school, and was thriving. His teachers told Elizabeth and Conner that their son was smart, funny, and a pleasure to have in their class. He had a group of close friends, he got involved in sports and school activities, and he even played the piano in the school talent show and had brought the audience to their feet in a roar of applause. It had brought tears to Elizabeth’s eyes; her son had come so far.

  The Larkins finally dropped the silent treatment and agreed to come visit. Their attitude had been a bit chilly at first, but after checking out Jeremy’s school, talking with his teachers, and then talking with Jeremy, they had no choice but to agree that their grandson was thriving. Their attitude toward Conner… well, they saw him as their son’s replacement and they may never see him as anything more, but Jeremy loved him and that was what was important. Before they’d gone back to Boston, they’d been able to settle on a visitation schedule that worked well for everyone.

  The Pride of New England was also taking off and Elizabeth’s vendor list was growing by leaps and bounds. Reception of the catalog had exceeded all expectation and Walter had shaken his head. “Elizabeth Larkin,” he had said, “How you do amaze me. My wife will crow about this for at least a month.”

  And through all of this, Elizabeth somehow managed to plan a wedding…

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  She was getting married. Today. With all the pomp and circumstance that a wedding deserved. This time there would be no cold-faced officiant asking if she was doing this of her own free will. This time there would be vows, and an exchange of rings, and she’d be carrying a bouquet while wearing a gorgeous creation of a wedding dress. Today would be a fulfillment of dreams instead of a fulfillment of obligation.

  Elizabeth looked at herself in the full-length mirror and sighed dreamily while her bridesmaids, mostly girlfriends that had made the trip up from Boston, and currently all wearing sunny yellow gowns, oohed and ahhed behind her. She probably had spent way more money on her gown than she should have, but it made her feel like a princess. She’d even donned a dainty tiara in lieu of a vail. She’d gone with white, despite the fact that she had been married before; a floor length ball gown of lace and tulle with a sweetheart neckline and natural waist that had a row of tiny buttons down the back. It was romantic, and everything she’d ever dreamed of as a child.

  She picked up her bouquet and inhaled deeply. She’d gone with yellow roses, the first flowers Conner had brought her, the night their relationship had undergone a change.

  “You look beautiful.” Sherry Pierce said, and Elizabeth met her eyes in the mirror with a smile of gratitude. Her soon to be mother-in-law had helped her plan the wedding and the woman was a force to be reckoned with when it came to demolishing a to-do list. She was a powerhouse of organization and planning that Elizabeth could admire.

  Sherry picked up her train and fluffed it out behind her. “Are you ready?”

  Elizabeth smiled, “I’ve been ready for this for years.”

  “Für Elise” by Beethoven began to play and the first of Elizabeth’s bridesmaids made her way down the aisle. Elizabeth thought she would be nervous, but she wasn’t. She was too excited. In fact, she hadn’t realized she was practically bouncing in place until her father patted her arm with a grin. She couldn’t resist hugging him. He looked so handsome in his black on black tuxedo. His dark hair, liberally highlighted with silver was combed back from his face and he
’d shaved his moustache. Elizabeth hadn’t seen her father with a naked upper lip in years.

  The opening trumpets of the Wedding March sounded and Elizabeth wanted to leap through the doorway and jog down the aisle. She was actually glad of her father’s restraining arm keeping her at a sedate place. The room was packed. The town’s people of Malsum Pass, her family and friends, people from work, all standing to watch her come through the doors, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

  Conner Pierce, with his dark red hair and beard, his twinkling brown eyes, and that smile. He may be a bad boy, but he was her bad boy, and she loved him, furry or not. It seemed to take an eternity before she was standing next to him. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You are gorgeous.” He said. “I love you, Elizabeth.”

  Sometimes it’s funny how life works out. For the last several months, Elizabeth had planned her perfect wedding, the one she didn’t get the first time around, the one that fulfilled all her childhood dreams. But now that she was living it, standing here with Conner looking at her like he couldn’t wait to get her alone, all she wanted was to hurry up and get it done so that she could be alone with her husband. This incredible, wonderful man who was speaking vows to love her, honor her, and cherish her until death.

  When it was her turn to speak the vows, she practically cutoff the poor reverend she was so eager – after all, their love was meant to be.

  THE END

  If you loved Meant To Be: A Malsum Pass Novel please leave a review.

  About The Author

  I'm a stay at home mom currently living in Virginia though I was born and raised in Vermont. I love a good romance… whether it's paranormal, historical or contemporary, sci-fi or comedy... Give it to me!!

  I've always had stories rolling around in my head just clamoring to get out so it wasn't surprising that I wanted to be a writer. Unfortunately, when I submitted my first work with intent to publish, I received rejection after rejection... it was discouraging. Quite frankly, I had given up on my dream. Luckily, I have the love and support of my family who encouraged me to get back to writing and make it happen.

  Stay connected with Kimberly via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyForrestAuthor/

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/KForrestAuthor

  Check out her website www.kimberlyforrest.com and sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive content.

  Curious about the inspiration for the Malsum Pass Series? Check out Kimberly’s boards on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/we3forrests/pins/

  What fans are saying about the Malsum Pass Series…

  Malsum Pass:

  “Loved this book and read it in one day.” – Paranormal Romance Guild

  “Do not hesitate, do not Pass go but do go and one click this book. You won't regret it.” – Amazon Customer

  “I was hooked from the prologue!!! Couldn't put my iPad down until I finished reading - it was outstanding!” – Amazon Customer

  “Great story wonderful characters....fun read...didn't want to put it down!!!!” – Amazon Customer

  “I really enjoyed this story. It kept me drawn in, turning pages, having to confirm my suspicions.” – Amazon Customer

  Until You:

  “There is sex, betrayal and a past filled with hurt that may or may not be rectified. Don’t miss this series it is well worth your time and money.” – Paranormal Romance Guild

  “This is book 2 of what I am hoping is going to be a long series...looking forward to book 3 already” – Amazon Customer

  “Once again Kim has it hit out if the ballpark!! I love the story of Sebastian and "Bug" – Amazon Customer

  “Another mesmerizing read!! Highly recommend this for anyone that enjoys paranormal romance!!!” – Amazon Customer

  For Her:

  "I love everything about this series, the shifters and the humans and I can't wait to come back and see whose story is next."

  -Paranormal Romance Guild

  “My favorite of the three in this series - and I found the 1st two mesmerizing!!! This was fantastic!!” – Amazon Customer

  “I love this third book maybe a little more than the other two” – Amazon Customer

  Coming Soon

  What’s next in the Malsum Pass Series? Find out what happens to Constance Tully when she meets up with the boogey men of the shifter world… fur traders!

  Look for Constance’s story later this year!

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  About The Author

  Coming Soon