by Mari Brown
I look at Mason who has been cleaned up and changed for the second half of his party and I smile. My hand goes to my belly in the protective gesture that every expectant mother does at one time or another. I can’t believe I have another life growing in me. I felt so complete when Mason was born, but now that I am expecting again, it feels like I am truly complete.
My heart soars with love as I look at Troy talking to some guys on the football team. I can tell he is enjoying this time. I see David talking to some other guys from the team and it makes me think of all the times Troy and David have picked on me. Sometimes, I can’t believe they are the same two punks from my childhood. This brings a smile to my face. All the memories that we share include Amy, who is talking to my mom, and I know the four of us have been placed in each other’s lives for a reason. The four of us have a bond that no one can ever break. We know one another inside and out. We will always be there for each other.
The next two weeks are spent packing up our home to move to Vegas. Troy and I are excited, and Mason doesn’t care one-way or the other because he is just a baby. The movers have loaded everything into the truck and I am walking around the house for the last time. Tears pool in my eyes. This is the first house Troy and I lived in as husband and wife. The home where we brought Mason home from the hospital. The memories in this house are precious. That is why I made Troy promise that we will not sell this house. He has agreed with me even though he does not fully understand my reasons, but he will do anything to make me happy. We have contacted a realtor who will be in charge of renting it out for us. I just ask one thing from her. To make sure it is rented to a new couple just starting out so they can make memories like Troy and I did. Yes, I am a hopeless romantic. I admit it.
Troy comes back in the house and finds me in what was our bedroom. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls my back into his chest.
“Princess, we will make new memories in Vegas. Home is wherever we are together.”
I know he is right.
I turn toward his face and give him a quick kiss. “I know, Troy.”
My parent's drive David, Troy, Mason, and me to the airport. We stand there in the airport looking at one another, no one wanting to say goodbye. But it really isn’t goodbye, just a see you later. My dad has already been looking for a coaching job in Vegas because my mom says she can’t be away from her babies and grandbabies. She is so funny. Amy has come to see us off. She is taking care of packing up the old house we all shared my freshman year. Then she will fly out a week later to join us in Vegas for a while. I really hope she will stay with us. I can’t imagine life without her right there beside me.
We hug and kiss with tears mixed in. The four of us board the plane. The team has paid for us to fly first class. As I lean my head back against the seat and close my eyes, I know that the detour my life took two years ago is the best thing that ever happened to me. I know that my destiny has been fulfilled. Life is an adventure and I am waiting for the next detour.
5 years later
I sit in the living room of my house in Vegas and wait for my husband to come home from a day of football practice. His contract has just been renewed for another three years with the Wolves. My brother has also received a contract extension with the Wolves. We are having a family dinner to celebrate. My parents will be joining us along with David’s wife.
Shortly after moving out to Vegas, my dad found a local high school coaching job nearby and they moved across town from us. A year after that, Amy moved to Vegas after spending two years dancing on Broadway.
You know the saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’? Well, that worked wonders on David and Amy. It seems they didn't know how much they cared for each other until the day they were no longer close enough to see each other often. It wasn't long after her move to Vegas that David and Amy began dating. I was a little surprised at first and wasn’t sure how that was going to work out for them. My brother had been a manwhore since coming out to Vegas with a different girl each weekend at the after game parties. I always shook my head at my brother’s antics. Then suddenly, Amy was the only one going to the after parties with him and coming home with him. Two years ago, they were married in a beautiful ceremony.
Troy and I have been married for six years and are still just as in love as we were when we got together seven years ago. Mason is now 6 years old and our daughter, Jewel, is 4. We have a full, rewarding life.
Troy walks in the door and is immediately attacked by Mason and Jewel. I can hear their cries, “Daddy's home, Mama. Daddy's home” I smile as I picture them wrapping their little arms around Troy. I don’t have to wait long before he comes into the living room with a child in each arm. My heart melts at the sight of my husband with our two children. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Later that evening, we are sitting around the table eating, laughing, and talking. Amy and I look at each other and nod our heads to acknowledge it is time to do what we have planned. She and I both stand up and walk towards each other, standing to face our family together.
She starts out with, “I have an announcement to make…”
You can see grins breaking out across the faces at the table. “I have one, too.”
I see Troy stiffens. He knows.
At the same time, we announce, “I’m pregnant.”
Chaos erupts around the table that night. Somehow, my best friend and I wind up pregnant at the same time. We have figured our babies will only be born within days of each other. I notice Troy and David sharing a hug, a real hug, not one of those fake man hugs. And I think how ironic it is that they are best friends, too.
Our family is happy and growing. Life’s detours aren’t always so bad.
Keepin’ it Real Book Blog Girls: My girls who do so much for me without even realizing how important they are. Thank you for all the support during the publishing process.
Indie Authors: Robin, Tyf, Erika, Sloan (this is personality I chose). There are way too many of you to list by name but each one of you have played some role as mentor and friend as I journey to publishing. Thank you for listening to me and answering all my silly questions about this crazy journey.
Bloggers: As one of you I know how much time and effort you put into pimpin’ authors and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to all the bloggers that took a chance on a new author and participated in my first blog tour. I hope I did not disappoint :) You guys ROCK!
Julie D, Nieves, and Amy C: You guys really are the best betas a girl could ask for. Thank you for your willingness to help me prepare my novel for editing.
Amanda W.: Thank you for coming in at the last moment and helping me do a clean read for editing.
Katie Mac: Best editor ever! When I felt like giving up, you wouldn’t let me. I love you so much and I will forever be grateful for you taking a chance on me.
Misty: You are the best Pimpette to ever to hit Facebook. You rock hard! One day we will be more then drunk text buddies.
Kim: An awesome friend, keeping me supplied with hot pics and gifs and running Keepin’ It Badass so at the end of a stressful day I can have FUN! We will always have Nashville!!!!!!!!
Taylor: My Little Cricket. The best PA I could ask for. Always willing to do what I am asking even at the last minute. Running my author page so my fans aren’t neglected. We are in for more good times ahead.
Julie: If it weren't for you I would not be here. I am so proud to call you my sister, my best friend and wife (lol). To our crazy late night conversations, and decision-making. I mean seriously who decides at 3am it’s a good idea to start a book blog? Oh yes we do! The person who shares a brain with me so much so it’s scary most days. We understand each other in a way that no one else could ever. You have let me laugh, cry, yell, and whatever else I needed to get through this process. Thank you for helping with edits, and for designing my beautiful cover. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it.
To My Readers: OMG!! I am a published author and have rea
ders. That is just surreal. Thank you so much for taking a chance on me and buying my book. Troy and Destiny have a special place in my heart and I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed writing them. I have so many more great characters in my head and I hope you enjoy them just as much.
About the Author
I have always loved reading and writing. When I was in the fifth grade I became a published writer (okay so it was the school newspaper). I spent the better part of my teen years writing stories for my friends. Sometime between ages of 16 and 35 life happened and I stopped writing but I never stopped reading. It was only after my grandfather passed away in early 2012 that I decided to go for my dreams and write a novel and self-publish it.
I write under the pen name Mari Brown, which is just a play on my real name. I am happily married to my own alpha/ former bad boy male, we have been together for 18 years. We have a 17 year old daughter and two sons ages 15 and 14. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats. There is never a dull moment around my house. We live on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Alabama.
In addition to writing I am also co-owner of Keepin’ it Real Book Blog, where I share my love of reading other Indie Authors.
SNEAK PEEK AT ON THE EDGE (The Knight Series)
Release Date TBA - Unedited Excerpt
Chapter One
I sip on the coke in front of me while my eyes dart around the crappy diner I’m sitting in. Only my brother would pick this shady, hole in the wall "shit shack" to meet him. After all he is into all kinds of shady things. I am thankful that when I called him he was willing to drop everything and meet up with me. He knows I am upset when we talked on the phone. I didn’t want to go into detail over the phone so I ask him to meet me wherever he wants. I am upset, pissed off and our dear mother is going to be no help in the situation. In fact, she is part of the damn problem. She is constantly picking the biggest assholes to date and the latest one has already moved in with us. I am always trying to keep my distance from him.
My mom left for a week long business trip this morning and of course Jim, the asshole, decides to start slinking up on me. Yeah, not happening buddy. I was out that door as fast as my ass could carry me. I am a senior and determined to get the hell out of this town one way or another. I want a fresh start where I don’t have to deal with my bitch of a mother who cares more about her boyfriend then her kids and my brother, who is always busy with “stuff”. I don’t want to know what the “stuff” is but I am not stupid either. I know my brother is part of the Knight Crime family. Even though he is legitimately paid by Knight’s Construction. I hear what people say on the streets. I know about the drugs, gun running, gambling, and lord only knows what else he is into.
The door rings signaling someone entering the diner. I look up to finally see Drew entering the diner. Watching as my brother approaches, I take in his 6’3 frame looking like he could take you down with one swing of his muscular arm. His dark hair matches mine is cut close to his head and stands up on top with little spikes all over. Our brilliant emerald green eyes leave little doubt that we are related. Drew sees me and heads straight for me. Two guys I have never seen before flank him. One you couldn’t miss if you tried, he is huge... I mean like "The Hulk" huge. He is scary looking too. He is not only big in size but his face is hard and gives the impression that he would show no mercy if you cross him. The other guy catches my attention for a whole different reason. I have seen some good-looking guys in my short eighteen years but damn the eyes alone on this guy just pull me in like a fucking magnet. I can’t get past the eyes to even look at the rest of the guy. They are the most amazing shade of blue. You can almost see the water of the Mediterranean Sea in them. Yeah, I need to stop staring into his eyes before I embarrass myself.
Drew slides in next to me while “Pretty Eyes” and “The Hulk” slide into booth across from us.
"So what’s going on Kat?”
“Mom left on a trip today and her new boyfriend is living with us. Well, I get home from school today and he tried to put the moves on me.”
My brother stiffens next to me and a look crosses the other guys’ faces. They don’t seem to like what I have to say either and they don’t even know me.
“So, what happened?” Drew manages to ask me through clenched teeth.
I fiddle with the napkin holder on the table while I talk, “Soooo, I may have punched him in the face, kneed him in the balls, grabbed my keys and got the fuck in my car.”
I see the smirk on the “The Hulk's” face and “Pretty Eyes” lips turns up in a faint smile, while my brother full out laughs. Pulling himself together, eventually, Drew turns towards me.
“So what you need?”
“I need somewhere to stay until mom gets home because I am not staying in that house alone with him or a hotel for the next week” Crossing, my arms over my chest so he gets the full effect.
“Done, but first I want to pay the asshole a little visit.”
I know the visit is not going to be pleasant. This is not a “let’s sit down and have a beer together” kind of visit.
“You’re gonna pack your shit and come stay at my place until "The Bitch" gets home.”
There is no love lost between my mother and brother. Since she has always been more concerned about her love life then her children, it’s always been just the two of us. Shit, we aren’t even sure we share the same dad.
“So are you going to introduce me to the two guys sitting across from me or should I just go with the names I made up in my head?” I ask my brother. He nods his head towards the one I nicknamed “The Hulk”.
“That’s Pete” I smile. “And Cole” I turn towards “Pretty Eyes” and smile.
“Cole Knight?” I question. I see surprise register across Cole’s face at my recognition. My brother shakes his head in the affirmative.
I find myself intrigued. My brother works for this guy's family but what is the major doing hanging with my brother. Coming to see me no less. I notice even more about Cole as I sit there staring. His dark hair sticks up in that sexy messy way that can make a girl swoon. He has just a small bit of facial hair, just enough to scratch just right when he gets real close. I see some tattoos peeking out of his shirt and I wonder just what he has hiding under there. I want to lick those tattoos without even knowing what they are.
I shake my head trying to clear my dirty thoughts. I do not need to go there. This guy is 23 and as badass as they come. I don’t need to get mixed up with someone like him if I want out of this fucking town. Drew decides that since they walked to the diner from wherever they had been, we will all travel in my car back to my mom’s house. I find myself in the back seat with “Pretty Eyes”. I am fighting really hard not to move in closer to him. There is just something about him that draws me in. My pussy is wet from just being close to him. I hope he can't smell my arousal from sitting in this small backseat. I need a new pair of panties after this ride. What I really have to do is get away from this guy before I do something stupid. Images of me straddling him in the backseat and not even caring that my brother is sitting in the driver’s seat are running rampant through my mind.
It doesn’t take us long to pull up at my house and the guys all get out of the car and walk behind me as we walk toward the front door. I open the front door and Jim’s voice shouts out, “Hey Kitty Kat! You smarten up and change your mind?”
I hear several male growls come from behind me at Jim’s words. Jim not realizing I have company walks around the corner from the kitchen, stopping short when he sees the three guys behind me.
“Who the fuck are these guys?” Jim yells at me.
Drew steps in front of me. I suddenly feel a set of arms grab me and pull me back. “The Hulk” steps up next to Drew.
“I'm her fucking brother, shithead and I take it you're the fucker who tried to put the moves on my little sister when you supposed to be my mom's latest fuck?” Jim registers the threat in Drew’s voice and his face pales at my brother's words.
“Kat,
go upstairs with Cole and start packing your shit! Pete and I are gonna have a little chat with Jimmy boy here.”
Drew doesn’t turn to look at me and I feel myself being gently guided by Cole towards the stairs. I'm floating, my brain not really registering what is going on. We reach the top of the stairs and Cole whispers quietly into my ear “Where’s your room kitten?” His voice brings me out of the haze. He is standing pressed right up against my back. I can feel the heat radiating off of him. My pussy is throbbing and I can’t move. I want to turn around, latch my mouth onto his, wrap my legs around his waist and devour him. As if sensing what I’m feeling Cole turns me around and we are now face to face. I am looking up into those gorgeous blue eyes. I can’t think straight. I can’t breathe right. His eyes darken as he looks at me and in that moment I know we are in a shitload of trouble because he is just as attracted to me as I am to him. This is so not good.
I shake my head to clear the fogginess from my brain, turn and head off towards my room. I can hear Cole as he comes in behind me. I go to the closet, grab a suitcase and start tossing my clothes in. Cole sits down on my bed to watch me and I can still see the desire burning in his eyes.
“Fucking stop looking at me like that asshole!” I yell at him in a low tone so they don’t hear me downstairs. “Whatever is that dirty mind of yours, it's not gonna happen. My brother would fucking flip.”
“Your brother won't say shit. He answers to me not the other way around, baby. When I want something I go for it and I want you kitten so I will have you.”