“I’ll never let you fall, Buttercup. Not as long as there’s breath left in my body.”
I grip his arm tighter. “I know, Dad. Thank you for being an amazing father. Today and every other day of my life.”
I think it’s true what they say about weddings. That it brings every emotion to the surface and helps you realize how lucky you are to be loved by so many people. As I glance around the church, at the smiling faces of our family and friends, I acknowledge the truth of my thoughts.
My eyes turn to my son, and I’m crying again. He’s our ringbearer today, and he’s walking in front of me. He turned three a couple months back, and he’s such a big boy now. He glances over his shoulder, as if he’s privy to my inner thoughts, shooting me a big, goofy grin. He gets more like Dylan with every passing day, and my heart soars with love every time I look at him.
We’re nearing the top of the aisle, and I let my eyes feast on my intended. We lock eyes instantly, and I stop breathing. Slater looks so handsome in his tux, but it’s the unflinching adoration and unmistakable love in his gaze that derails me.
We don’t lose eye contact as Dad hands me over to my man. The instant my hand is in Slater’s, I feel at home. “You look so beautiful,” he whispers, leaning over to kiss my cheek. “You’re like an angel.”
“You look beautiful too, and I love you so very much.” I can’t keep the smile off my face as I peer into his glistening brown eyes.
The priest welcomes everyone, and the service proceeds. I hold Slater’s hand the entire time, and we can’t stop grinning at one another. It’s almost surreal. That we’ve made it to this point when there were times I thought I’d lost him forever.
Most of the words ghost over my head, because I’m so lost in my gorgeous, strong, compassionate man, until it’s time to recite our vows.
We face one another, holding hands, our eyes glued to each other. My heart is complete as I promise to love and cherish Slater every day of my life. I can’t hold my tears back as he professes his love for me before the congregation and slips his ring on my finger. A round of enthusiastic applause and raucous whooping breaks out when the priest announces we are husband and wife. Slater’s joy is obvious in his passionate kiss, and I wrap my arms around his neck, high on love and the thought that he is mine and I am his forever and ever.
“Daddy Slater?”
We break apart at the sound of Billy’s cute little voice. He’s looking up at Slate with so much awe on his face. “Does this mean you’re my real daddy now?” Slater lifts him up, keeping him on one side of his body while he wraps his arm around me on the other side. I circle my arm around my son, overjoyed to finally be a proper family, even if his question still plucks at my heartstrings. But I’m over my sadness and nothing can diminish the joy and happiness of finally having the family unit I’ve craved. “I will always be your daddy, Billy, and I will be here for you every second of every day that you need me. But Daddy Dylan will always be your daddy too, watching over you from heaven and making sure you’re safe.”
“Wow. I’m really lucky I have two awesome daddies.”
I almost choke over the lump in my throat. “Yes, you are, sweetie. We’re both so lucky.” Slate and I dot kisses all over Billy’s face before Ryan coaxes him out of our arms, so the ceremony can conclude. He looks so handsome in his tux too; all my brothers do. I glance briefly at my bridesmaids, making sure Myndi is okay. I know this day is hard for her, and I love her so much for putting aside her own feelings to be here for me.
After the church, we travel to our new house, where the wedding reception is being held, by chauffeur-driven limo. Billy is sitting in between us, in the car, holding both our hands, with a huge, happy smile on his face. “Can I sleep in my new room tonight, Mommy?”
I kiss the top of his head. “Yes, little munchkin. You get to sleep in your new room tonight.”
Since Slate and I bought the house three months ago, Billy has been chomping at the bit to move in. But we wanted to carry out some renovations first, and Slater wanted to do things the traditional way, waiting until we were married before officially moving in. We’re not even staying here tonight. We’re staying in a suite at a top hotel close to the airport. My parents are babysitting Billy, and they’ll bring him to meet us in the morning. Neither of us wanted to go off on a honeymoon and leave him behind, so the three of us are going on a vacation-slash-honeymoon. It will be our first family holiday abroad, and I think I’m more excited than our son.
“Yay, yay, yay.” Billy is bouncing up and down, overjoyed at the prospect of sleeping in his new Marvel-themed bedroom. Slate insisted on doing all the work in his room and our master suite himself, and he’s done an amazing job.
Slate watches Billy jumping around with emotion etched all over his face. He leans over Billy’s head to kiss me. “I love you, Mrs. Evans. Thank you for giving me this amazing life.”
“Right back at ya, Mr. Evans.” I peck his lips. “I’m so happy I get to share the rest of my life with you.”
The driveway is already overflowing with cars when we arrive. We’ve hired catering staff for the day and they are ready to greet us, offering us both a glass of champagne. A red carpet stretches around the side of the house, bringing people to the marquee that’s been set up in our vast backyard.
Once Slate and I decided we wanted to buy someplace new to start our married life, we wasted no time house hunting. It was this beautifully landscaped garden that ultimately led to our decision to buy this house even if the interiors needed some work.
I knew living in the house Dylan bought was a stretch too far for Slater, and I had already come to terms with moving out. I refused to sell it though. I want to keep it for Billy until he comes of age. Perhaps he’ll want to raise his own family there some day. We considered moving into Slater’s house—his mom’s old home—but that would’ve only been a temporary stopgap. It’s not a large family home and considering we both want plenty of kids it would only suit us in the short term. So, after discussing it at length, we decided we’d buy something together. I have more than enough money to buy it outright, but I knew Slater would never go for it. I was sad when he put his Mom’s house on the market, but I understand his need to do this on equal terms, and I didn’t attempt to stop him.
All has worked out well in the end, and we’re happy with our decision.
The scent of jasmine tickles my nostrils as we walk into the lavishly decorated marquee. Laini, the wedding planner, has outdone herself. Circular tables dressed in shades of gold and cream occupy one side of the space. Beautiful bouquets, filled with blooms of cream, gold, and lilac are stunning centerpieces on all the tables. The girl we hired to play the harp is entertaining our family and friends as they make their way into the tent. At the top of the room is a stage and a dance floor for later. Waiters and waitresses canvass the room offering beverages and canapes.
“Congratulations.” Caleb is the first to greet us with Terri by his side. She’s cradling their sleeping, four-month-old son in her arms, and my heart melts looking at him.
To say I’m broody is an understatement.
Ryder and Billy grin at one another as they make a beeline for the dance floor, and I can’t help smiling. They are as close as brothers, and I’m happy they have one another.
Slater slides his arm around my shoulders. “Thanks, brother.”
Caleb slaps him on the back and leans in to kiss my cheek. “You look stunning, Gabby. Far too good for Evans.”
“Don’t I know it,” Slater says, rolling with it. “And I’m not ever going to forget.” He presses a kiss to my temple and I beam up at him.
“This is so beautiful, you guys.” Terri looks around with a hint of envy. “I’m sorry we got married in a hotel now. Having it at home is much more special.”
“We were fortunate we could make it happen, but your wedding was fantastic too,” I reassur
e her.
“I’m sorry I missed it,” Slater says. Terri and Caleb got married a year after Dylan passed, and it was while Slater was still living in Iowa. He was invited, naturally, but chose not to come because of me.
I’m so glad those lonely, single days are behind us.
Caleb looks over my shoulder, frowning a little. “I hope they’re not going to make a scene.”
We all turn and look. Ryan and Myndi are exchanging what looks like heated words in the far corner.
“Do you think we should intervene?” I ask my husband.
“Allow me.” He kisses me softly on the lips before walking to the warring couple.
My nieces-slash-flower girls rush into the marquee, heading straight for the dance floor to join their cousins. Dean and Alice make their way over to us, laughing as the girls race through the room.
“Congrats, Gabby.” Dean pulls me into a hug. “I hope you, Slater, and Billy are very happy.”
“Thanks, big bro.” I squeeze him tight. “And thanks for letting me borrow the two little princesses for the day.”
Dean snorts, jerking his head up. “I don’t know about that. Look.”
Mia has her gorgeous lilac dress hitched up to her knees as she prances around the dance floor chasing a clearly terrified Ryder. Tia sits on the middle of the floor, in a most unladylike position, rummaging through the party bag we gave her, with her dress in a million creases. Billy looks on like girls are some weird alien creatures, and I can’t control my laughter.
While everyone is preoccupied watching the kids, I ditch my champagne in the plant pot behind me.
“You’ll have to lock those two up when they get to their teens,” Alice jokes with Dean before pulling me in for a hug. “The boys will be lining up outside the front door.”
“Over my dead body,” Dean hisses. “My daughters aren’t dating till they’re at least eighteen.”
I roll my eyes. “Good luck with that plan.”
“I approve,” Slater says, circling his arms around me from behind and pulling me into him. “And if we’re lucky enough to have any daughters, I’ll be right there with you, bruh.”
“This isn’t the dark ages, and there’s no need to act like such cavemen.” I roll my eyes.
“We’re well aware of what century it is, Belle. Why the hell do you think we want to keep the girls away from boys? We know exactly the kind of naughty thoughts are running through boys’ heads.”
“Do tell,” Ryan says, swiping a beer from a passing waiter as he joins us. “What kind of naughty thoughts were you having about Gabby when you were just a boy?”
Alice and Terri giggle, and Slater groans. “If I told you, I’d have to leave the country,” he quips.
“I’ll bet.” Ryan smirks. “I remember your dirty mouth, Evans. You’re lucky I haven’t beat your ass before now.”
“Only because you know you wouldn’t win.”
Ryan puffs out his chest. “I can take you any day and you know it.”
“You two sound like some of the punks in my class,” Terri says, popping a canape in her mouth. “You almost make me miss them.”
Just then, I spot Laini hovering nearby trying to get my attention. I wave her over, and she offers us congratulations before ushering everyone to the gazebo area for the wedding photos.
The sun is starting to set in the sky when the band commences playing. Slater enfolds me in his arms as we share our first dance as man and wife. Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” is another one of my all-time favorites, and it happens to be a song Slater connects with too, so the choice was easy. The words convey our history and the depth and strength of our love, and it’s one of the most romantic songs I’ve ever heard.
It couldn’t be more perfect.
This whole day couldn’t be any more perfect.
This man—my husband, my soul mate, the man who has loved me from boyhood, the man who completes me in every way, the man who brings a smile to my face just by existing—couldn’t be more perfect. I’m crying and laughing and full of so much elation as we sing the words to each other. Slater spins me around before pulling me in closer for the more intense parts. He fuses our mouths, and I’m lost in his kiss and the moment, knowing I’ve found my eternal love, the man who will share my life and be by my side until I take my last breath.
It’s an exhilarating feeling, and as we dance, surrounded by family and friends, by our adorable son and our nieces and nephews, sharing this wonderful occasion with all those who are near and dear to us, I know I’ll cherish this day for the rest of my life.
It’s after midnight before we make it out of the house and into our wedding car, en route to the hotel where we’re spending the night, and I can’t keep the secret inside me anymore.
I’ve been bursting to tell him all day, but I wanted to wait until we were alone, and this is the first opportunity I’ve had.
“I want to give you your present now, dearest, darling husband.”
Slater smirks, eyeing the driver in front. “What, right here?”
I smack his arm. “Not that kind of present.” I shoot him a wicked grin. “I’m saving that for when we get to the hotel.” Watching to ensure the driver isn’t looking, I pull the skirt of my dress up and flash my garter and suspenders at him.
“Holy fucking shit.” He pulls me to him. “You’re a real temptress, Mrs. Evans, and you’ll pay for that.”
“I’m holding you to that promise, Mr. Evans.”
He discreetly places my hand on his hard cock. “So am I.” He kisses me tenderly. “Little tease,” he murmurs, nibbling on my lower lip.
“Hey, stop distracting me. I haven’t given you your present yet.” A massive grin spreads across my mouth as I pull the little wrapped package from my purse and hand it to him.
He slants me a lopsided grin as he shakes the box. “What is it?”
I roll my eyes. “Open it and see!”
He tears at the wrapping, opens the box, and gasps. His wide eyes flit to mine, and they’re already glistening with tears. “Is this real?” he whispers, holding up the little booty.
I take his other hand, placing it over my stomach. “It’s real. We’re having a baby.”
He pulls me to him, circling his arms around me and raining kisses on my face. “Just when I thought I couldn’t love you anymore.” He’s openly crying now, and it’s one of the things I love about him. He’s never afraid of vulnerability or of showing his true emotions. “You have made me so happy today, Belle. I wished for this life with you, and now we’re living it. I’m so in love with you. I love you so much; more than I can ever convey.”
“Right back at you, Slate.” I rest my head on his shoulder. “Thank you for letting me back in. For letting me prove how much I love you.”
“Thank you for going to so much trouble to reassure me.”
“That’s what true love is.” I lift my head to look at him. “It’s not being afraid to fight for the person you love, and never giving up even when all seems lost.”
And it’s about realizing that sometimes love changes and takes a new direction. It doesn’t replace the love that came before or diminish its importance. It’s about rebuilding the foundations and understanding that sometimes love can throw you curveballs that seem like it’s the end of the world.
When it’s only the beginning.
The End
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A new adult standalone college/rock star romance.
A troubled popstar forced into hiding… A sweet small-town girl overcoming tragedy… And the kind of love that only happens once in a lifetime.
Dakota’s dreams of attending Juilliard were shattered the night tragedy struck her family. It’s one year later, and she’s now enrolled at a local university trying to piece her life back together.
Shawn is one of the world’s most famous faces, having lived under a spotlight since his star exploded when he was fourteen. Now jaded by an industry forcing him to perform music he no longer enjoys, he craves normalcy and the opportunity to rediscover his muse. When a crazy stalker gets too close, and death threats start mounting, Shawn’s management team comes up with a plan—one which will allow him to work on his latest album while staying incognito on a college campus.
Romance is the last thing on Dakota’s mind, but after she crosses paths with a hot, prickly cutie with rock-hard abs and smoldering good looks, she can’t shake him from her thoughts.
Shawn can’t afford to bring any girl into his fucked-up life, but the gorgeous blonde with the sad blue eyes captivates him in a way no girl ever has, and he finds himself falling hard and fast.
But outside forces are conspiring against them.
When danger draws closer, and secrets are revealed, will their love survive?
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Incognito - Sample
PROLOGUE
Shawn
I bolt upright in the bed, my heart hammering behind my ribcage. Blinking through sleepy eyes, I struggle to identify exactly what woke me up. The black silk sheets are slightly damp underneath me, and beads of sweat cling to my brow. Pushing my longer hair back off my face, I stifle a yawn.
When Forever Changes Page 42