by M. A. Lee
Everyone jumped and applauded as we were finally announced as husband and wife. Holding hands, we left the stage and walked back down the aisle I had just ventured down as a single girl. I was now leaving a blissfully happy married woman.
The next hour was spent smiling until our faces hurt for the photographer. When we finally entered the venue again for the reception, I finally found time to slow down and enjoy my wedding.
Sweet music played from the DJ in the corner and as the sky fell dark outside, the lights inside glowed. My cake, a three-layer masterpiece with silver lining and a beautiful heart with mine and Isaac’s initials engraved on it was nestled at the top of the cake.
The food which consisted of various pasta and chicken dishes was delicious and the savory smells mixed together with the music and wine to provide the perfect night and day ever.
As I sat down and took in everyone who was smiling and dancing around me, I couldn’t help but sigh. My life was absolutely perfect.
“Can I sit down?” a voice asked from behind.
I turned to see Cole standing with a nervous smile. His black hair was gelled back and his matching black tux made him look like a superhero in disguise.
Isaac waved to both of us from across the room as he danced with my mom. I still couldn’t believe he was mine. He was breathtaking and looked like my dark prince charming.
“Sure,” I smiled as I patted to the empty seat next to me.
“Where is Mel?” I asked.
It was strange to see Cole without Melanie close by.
“That’s what I want to talk to you about,” he began. He swallowed down a lump in his throat and he ran his hands through his hair in a nervous gesture. “I told Melanie to grab us some drinks. I wanted to ask your permission to marry her,” Cole said as he looked at me with deep sincerity in his eyes.
“Cole, of course, you have my blessing to marry Melanie. But, shouldn’t you be asking Melanie’s dad?” I questioned. I appreciated him thinking of me, but if he wanted to follow tradition I think he was a little backward.
Smiling, Cole almost laughed. “Yes, I already asked him. I wanted your permission too. You are Melanie’s best friend. She loves you more than the world and she values your opinion. You saved her. You brought her to me and I will forever be grateful for you for giving me the greatest love of my life,” he finished with tears filling his eyes.
I had never seen Cole so emotional and it made my heart swell with love and appreciation.
“I think you and Melanie are wonderful together. You both deserve a great love and life,” I said as I reached down and squeezed his hand.
“So, when are you going to propose?” I asked, already planning their wedding in my head.
“That’s what I want to talk to you about. I don’t want to steal your day. You and Isaac deserve this perfect wedding, especially after everything you two have been through. I want to do it when you get from your honeymoon. I will do it on the first snowfall of the year. I will just carry the ring with me and wait for the day it snows so I can take her outside and get down on one knee and propose,” he said with a gigantic smile.
“Cole, she will love that,” I beamed.
I could see Melanie approaching carrying two glasses of water. Cole and I quickly ended our conversation and as Isaac made his way over too, we all left the table and moved to the dance floor.
Wrapped in Isaac’s arms we swayed to the soft love song playing just for us. Lonestar’s “Amazed” sang to us as we danced until we couldn’t stand any longer.
Isaac and I broke through the boundaries placed in front of us and were bound back together by promises of love, hope, and honor. We were a united front. A team. A married couple who would forever love one another and nothing would ever stop our happiness.
My life was perfect and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of my journey had in store for me.
THE END
EPILOGUE
Lauren
“What’s wrong?” Isaac asked as he rushed into the bedroom.
I had called him while he was at work and asked him to come home and meet me. After leaving work early, I had called Melanie first before calling Isaac. News like this has to be shared with your best friend first.
“Yes, everything is fine,” I smiled as I placed my hand on his cheek.
“Ok, good. I was worried. We were signing the papers for the second shop rental space,” Isaac said with a soft smile.
“I know. I’m so sorry to call you and have you come home, but I have something really important to tell you. But first, I want you to know how proud of you I am. You have come so far and to be opening another shop, that is incredible,” I added.
My nerves were starting to get the best of me and I wasn’t sure if I could keep this news a secret much longer.
“Thank you, Lauren. I wouldn’t even be here today with this opportunity without you. Your love has given me the strength and motivation to pursue my dreams and push myself professionally. Smalls is so stoked to be managing the second shop,” Isaac added with a bright smile.
I loved how happy he was.
“Isaac, I love you more than anything. Being married to you has been the greatest gift of my life. Until now,” I added.
My hands started shaking as I watched Isaac’s face. Confusion set in as he was clearly not following what I was saying.
“What are you talking about?” Isaac said with a nervous laugh.
Reaching down, I grabbed his hands and held them tightly. “Isaac, you know how I have been asking you to stop at Burger King each night to get me a double whopper? And remember how I thought I was getting sick because I have been really nauseous?” I asked.
Isaac only nodded his head yes.
“Well, I went to the doctor yesterday and...”
I pulled out the sonogram picture from my pocket and handed it to Isaac.
As he viewed the small dot on the gray and white image, his eyes filled with tears and a bright, beaming smile grew on his face.
“Are you...pregnant?” Isaac asked as he stepped closer to me.
“Yes,” I cried.
Placing his hands on my face, Isaac pulled me close to him. He kissed me so passionately I thought my legs would buckle and give out on me.
“Lauren, this is the best news. I am going to be a father! You have given me a baby,” Isaac said through his own tears.
“I am so glad you are happy about this. I was so nervous at first, but nothing makes me happier than thinking of us having a family together,” I said.
“You have given me everything I could ever want and more. I love you so, so much. A baby. Cole and Melanie getting married. Smalls and Kat eloping. Jagger meeting a girl he is crazy about. How did everything fall into place so perfectly?” he asked with a smile and tears.
“I don’t know, but our life is absolutely perfect,” I added.
We hugged and looked at the image of our little baby. While this little miracle grew inside of me, outside the world was changing and growing and evolving. Life can throw you curve balls sometimes and people can walk into your life with the pure intention of destroying you. But, when you have good friends, an unbreakable love, and faith on your side, nothing can tear you down.
WHAT’S NEXT WITH THE BREAKING BOUNDARIES SERIES?
Want more of the sexy and complicated couples from the Breaking Boundaries series?
Check out what happens with Smalls and Kat in the novella, Breaking Out.
Want to hear about Cole and Melanie’s dream wedding? Find out what happens after marriage in Breaking Hearts.
Stay updated on these upcoming releases and more books from M.A. Lee by following:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.A. LEE RESIDES IN a small Kentucky town and enjoys writing tales of romance that includes the bitter and sometimes ugly truth of love, angst, heartache, and desire that all come
with falling in love.
Meet M.A. Lee and other fabulous authors at the Lexington Legendary Book Bash on July 14th, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Find the event on Facebook and Eventbrite for more details.
Sneak Peek Into Faded by M.A. Lee
CHAPTER 1
Three Years Later
All around me bright lights glowed throughout the large city I had just arrived in. Showers of reds, golds, and blues painted the scene before me as voices blended in with the sounds of honking cars and loud music. Each shining color tempted me to stay and find pleasure among the large buildings and crowds of people. There was something very enticing and alluring about a city that never sleeps. Almost like it held secrets and desires that could only be unlocked with one touch.
“This is it,” I sighed as we stepped out of the cab and onto the busy sidewalk. It was past midnight but the city of Las Vegas was busting at the seams like it was mid-day in any other city.
I squeezed through the crowd of people blocking my path on the sidewalk as I looked up at the large hotel and casino towering about me. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was more than what I had ever expected or dreamed it to be.
We were on the most focal point of the strip, the boulevard where dreams came true and you could go from rags to riches overnight. Or, vice versa. My eyes darted from the fountains gushing vibrant colors as lights were synchronized to music playing from hidden locations. With one look, it was like you had somehow transported all the worlds’ gems onto one four-mile stretch. I could see Egyptian pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, and Elvis Presley all in one city.
Turning to me, Avery pulled her suitcase from the cab and closed the door. Her blond hair blew in a light gust of the wind that flowed through the desert night. “I think so too,” she agreed. “Welcome to Sin City,” she laughed.
After leaving town with me, Avery and I had spent the last three years waiting tables in small towns as we moved our way west and to Las Vegas. I was determined to make a life for myself even if I had to keep running the rest of my life.
Reaching back, I grabbed Avery’s hand and pulled her through the crowd and toward where I was standing.
“I have enough money to get us a room tonight. Tomorrow we can interview at a few casinos and then apply at the Nevada School of Graphic Design,” I said with sparks in my eyes.
Since I had left home three years ago, this was the first time that I had found hope and happiness. I had a dream and now I was one step closer to achieving that dream. All my life I had been forced to maintain a smile on my face as I pretended to enjoy having my life mapped out for me. Whenever I wanted a break from reality, I would begin to draw. Sometimes I would just doodle shapes and then explore colors and shades. Art was calming to me, it was an outlet for my pain and anxiety brought on by emotionally abusive parents and knowing I lived a life people believed I stole from my twin. Now, as I realized I could make art not just a hobby and coping mechanism, but a career too, I felt the overwhelming sense of excitement build in me. With the high of Vegas and the rush of seeing myself one step closer to my dream, I felt an unbelievable high. As we moved closer to the revolving doors leading to the large casino and hotel, I held my breath and pinched my arm to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.
The loud, vibrating sounds of a slot machine ringing cut through the smoky air of the casino lobby. All around me voices and sounds blurred as I took in the beauty of the inside of this massive complex. Gold pillars stood throughout the massive complex and as we shuffled along the black marble floors, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the flashing lights everywhere I looked. Signs for bars, stages where performances were being shown, and rooms dedicated to every form of gambling beckoned my senses to explore each colorful avenue.
Even at the witching hour of midnight, people lurked around the casino, watching one another and searching for their next win. Everything about this place screamed that I didn’t belong but it hugged me and pulled me in any way.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the next poker match will take place in the Millionaire’s Room in twenty minutes,” a loud voice boomed overhead where we stood.
I glanced at Avery who was as entranced with the room as I was.
“Wow,” she breathed. “This place is impressive,” Avery said with a large smile forming on her lips. Her blue eyes were sparkling in the gleaming lights overhead and if I didn’t know her as well as I did, I would swear she had just found the love of her life.
I was able to recognize that look because I knew I had the same expression on my olive colored face. For the first time in my life, I had found love. Only my love came in the form of poker chips and bright lights. To me, Las Vegas was freedom. It was a new start. The city was my new home and mother and it was enveloping me in a large hug.
“Get the Fuck out of my way,” an older woman yelled as she shoved her elbow into my side. Her fanny pack was lopsided and she was squinting her eyes at me as she continued to move like she just hadn't assaulted me.
“I’m sorry,” I tried to say but she was already gone before I could manage to get the apology out of my mouth.
“Damn, that was brutal, “Avery laughed.
“I guess Vegas is different than the small towns we have been living in,” I replied as I tried to find an excuse for this old woman’s nasty behavior.
“Yes, this is going to be very, very different,” Avery laughed as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the front desk.
With my heart pounding in my chest with a nervous energy that I was sure could power this entire city, I followed Avery’s lead. I had promised myself that when I started this journey to uncover the real Lizzie, that I wouldn't be afraid anymore.
When my family home was set into a blazing inferno, I had found my only outlet and way to escape my horrific life. Avery had never thought twice about joining me a month later. Her family had allowed her to take a year off of college to travel and ‘find herself’ while I worked and saved enough money to get me to the next town.
Because she and I were close and well, Avery was amazing, she had talked her family into allowing her to take online courses at a local hometown university until we transferred to the Nevada School for Graphic Design. Not once did Avery ever tell her family or anyone else for that matter, that I was still alive.
In the eyes of the world, Elizabeth Sawyers was dead. Lizzie Sawyers was here now and Avery and I were both on a mission to make sure my revival from the dead wasn’t in vain.
Now standing in the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel; one of Vegas’s most popular casino’s, I felt like I had finally taken the first step to my new life living as Lizzie.
Walking up to the front desk, we waited in line as several people before us, were waiting to book their rooms and head to their destinations.
“Geez Lizzie, can you calm down,” Avery joked as she noticed my anxious behavior.
Taking note, I noticed that my legs were shaking and I was rocking back and forth on my heels. “Avery, I know I look like I am batshit crazy right now, but I am so excited to be here. We have worked hard to get to Vegas and I am about to explode,” I said with a massive grin.
“I get it, trust me, I have been with you the whole way,” Avery began as she stepped forward. “But, can you tone it down just a little bit?” Avery asked as she squeezed my hand.
I looked down and couldn’t help but notice how much I didn’t belong here. With my yellow sundress and curled hair, I looked like I was ready to head to church and not check into a wild casino and ask for a job. Avery had a point though, my behavior was erratic and people were starting to look at me. Maybe it was the yellow dress?
“Okay, I will try and act normal,” I stated as I forced my legs to still.
Rolling her eyes, Avery just smirked as she stepped up to the front desk. “Hi, we have a room booked for Avery Manning.”
The lady at the desk began rapidly typing something into her computer without even glancing up at us. I arched my brows as Avery and I exchanged glances.
> “Yes, you are in room 702,” the woman spoke sharply as she handed Avery a silver room key. And with that, she turned her attention to the next person in line without any pleasantries.
Taking the key, Avery shifted her bag on her arm and I followed her toward the row of elevators near the entrance where we had just arrived.
“The poker game in the Millionaires Room is starting now. “
A loud voice boomed again overhead. Groups of men in expensive suits began rushing toward a big glass room that lined the left side of the casino. We had to pass by it to get to the elevators and I couldn’t help but snicker as I watched a line form to enter the secret room.
“That must be popular,” Avery said as she stood on her tiptoes to look over the crowd. Even with her long, lean legs, she had to try and stand taller to see over the men.
As we slowly strode past the blackened windows, the volume in the large room seemed to amplify with cheers as someone opened the massive glass doors to allow the waiting men inside the Millionaire’s Room. As the line parted, I spotted a set of muscular, and tanned arms holding the heavy doors open. The men seemed to take a few steps back as the man glowered at them. Without words, he commanded their attention and order.
As my eyes trailed up his hard chest covered in a black t-shirt, I found a stern looking face staring right at me. His heavy brown eyes were putting me in a trance and I couldn’t seem to look away from him.
He looked relaxed and serious as he stood like a tower, his presence seemed to cause fear in the men that passed by him and I found that scene wildly attractive. It was true, I had randomly dated a few guys from town to town, but nothing serious. Falling for a guy meant honesty and sharing emotions. Two things I couldn’t afford to lose right now.
I hadn’t even realized I had stopped walking until Avery nudged me from behind. “What are you doing?” she asked as she tried to search through the crowd for the source of my attention.