by Unknown
Exactly a week to the day, I was dressed in my gorgeous wedding dress waiting for my dad to walk me down the aisle to marry the man I loved with all my heart. True to form, Dad was running late. Mom was sighing and fussing. But there was something different when our eyes met in the mirror as he tied his bow tie. Dad’s eyes had a glint that hadn’t been there before. I asked what was up but he shrugged and said, “I’m just so happy for you.”
The ceremony was beautiful and it didn’t matter that no one but me, Danny, my parents, and Reverend Barnes was there. All that mattered was that I was Mrs. Daniel Allen McBride.
We danced and laughed. Everyone else drank champagne and ate Prime Rib catered by Cattleman’s. Our wedding cake was a fantastic two-tiered creation with red roses and vines delicately placed to perfection.
In the wee hours of the morning, long after the minister had left, we made our way into the house and collapsed in the living room, unable to take another step. Well, everyone but my dad. He beat a trail to his study, but this time didn’t shut the door and returned almost as quickly as he’d left.
Holding a brown glass vial in front of him, he began to speak like the well-respected doctor we all knew and loved. “I know y’all wondered what I was doing locked in that room day after day.”
He paused and looked at Mom and then Danny before settling his gaze on me. “You remember I told you I had found something interesting in Woody’s tests?”
I nodded as he continued. “You said he had scratched you with his claws, but I believe you were actually wounded when his sharp canines came in contact with your wrist. The contagion was then transferred to you through his saliva. That’s where I found the antibodies.”
Once again he paused and looked around the room. I wanted to scream for him to continue, but I knew whatever he was about to say was going to change my ‘not-quite’ zombie life forever. I just knew…so I waited.
When my dad spoke again, he walked forward. “I created a vaccine…a cure. I am ninety-five percent sure it will work. It’ll give you back your life. There’s no one like you. Because of that, I can’t run physical trials, but I believe with all my heart that it’ll work. I can’t make you take it. It’s totally up to you, but it is an option I wanted you to have.”
Stunned, I stared at my dad. The man that had always been there for me, had supported all my hair-brained schemes, and helped me to become the woman I was, and I felt totally unworthy and eternally grateful for both of my parents.
Then I looked to my husband. The man that loved me more than his own life, that wanted to spend all his days with me no matter how long or short they may be, and that I loved without question. I knew in that moment, cure or not…I had my everything.
Dad placed the bottle in my hands and went to stand beside my mom. It took a few minutes, but I found my voice. “Thank you, Daddy. Thank you so very much. This is something Danny and I need to decide together.”
“I understand Zoey girl. I understand.”
Epilogue
Stop your cussing. Did you really think I was gonna leave you hanging like that? Come on, give me a little credit. It’s been six months since Danny and I got married. It is complete and total bliss. (Stop rolling your eyes. Didn’t your momma tell you they’d get stuck that way?)
Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for everything I have. After we returned from Hawaii, Mom and Dad threw us a coming home party. They invited everyone and we told my crazy story. They accepted me right back into the fold like not a day had passed.
Danny and I moved into my house–our house now. And as the saying goes, we are living happily ever after. So you see, life as a ‘not-quite’ zombie worked out for me.
But I bet you’re waiting to hear if I took the cure or not…right? How about I just tell you that in four months, Danielle Anne McBride will enter the world, and I will be the happiest momma that ever lived.
Happy New Year! May all your dreams come true!
Also by Julia Mills
~~~~~~~
The Dragon Guard Series
Her Dragon to Slay, Dragon Guard Series #1
Her Dragon’s Fire, Dragon Guard Series #2
Haunted by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #3
For the Love of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #4
Saved by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #5
Only for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #6
Fighting for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #7
Her Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Guard #8
Her Dragon’s Soul, Dragon Guard #9
The Fate of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #10
Her Dragon’s No Angel, Dragon Guard #11
Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins, A Dragon Guard Prequel
*****
The ‘Not-Quite’ Love Story Series
Vidalia: A ‘Not-Quite Vampire Love Story
Phoebe” A ‘Not-Quite’ Phoenix Love Story
Coming February 2016
The First book in the Kings of the Blood Series
VIKTOR: Heart of Her King
Three millennium has brought the great Commander to this place in this time to meet the one woman who can save not only his soul but his very existence.
Too many days pondering her life. Too many nights dreaming of a nameless, faceless man who makes her feel things she never thought possible.
One has a chance for revenge, the other a chance for redemption. Together they must make a choice. Together they hold the key. Together only they can save the heart of her king.
HEY Y’ALL!!!
I sure hope you enjoyed reading Zoey’s story as much I enjoyed writing it!
Here’s a little about me: I have been so blessed to become a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. THANK Y’ALL SO MUCH! I am a sarcastic, southern woman who would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. I have two of the most amazing daughters ever created, a menagerie of animals and a voracious appetite for reading. I decided to write the stories running through my brain and am having an absolute blast!! I read my first book, Dr Suess' Cat in The Hat at four years old and have been hooked ever since.
I believe a good book along with shoes, makeup and purses will never let a girl down. I know for a fact that all heroes in all the books I have ever read or will ever write pale in comparison to my hero, her dad! I’m a sucker for a happy ending and love some hot sweaty sex with a healthy dose of romance.
I’m still working on my story but I can guarantee you that it'll contain as much love and laughter as I can cram into it!!!!!
Dare to Dream! Have the Strength to Try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!
I ABSOLUTELY love stalkers, so feel free to look me up when you have a minute.
Here are the links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLakeMills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaMills623
Website: http://www.juliamillsauthor.com/