by S. Moose
“I’m so happy for you, baby sister.”
“Thank you, Kemper. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Okay! Kemper get out,” Shelby snaps, “And Leigh get over here and help me get her dress on. I swear there better not be any more gifts.”
I look over and see my blue heels as my something blue and I’m wearing a pin my mama loves so much. It’s a heart with a diamond in the middle. The pin’s my something borrowed.
“Oh! Where the hell are Ellie and Ari? Can you please tell me them to get away from their men so they can come in and help?”
Before Kemper’s able to leave and get them, they walk in and hand me a glass of champagne. I look at the glass and smile, politely declining because I didn’t want to ruin my gloss and piss off Shelby.
In twenty minutes, I’m ready and standing next to Kemper with my arm through his as we wait for the music to start.
Chapter 17
Landon
GUNNER AND JEFF ARE HELPING Ellie and Ari with last minute touches to the flowers. I’m thankful for my friends and everything they’ve done to make this day possible for us.
“You okay, man?”
I lift my head and see Memphis walking out from the barn and lean against the wood as I’m currently doing.
“I never said thank you, Memphis.”
“Thank you?” he repeats.
“For being Ashley’s friend and helping her whenever she needed someone. I know she went to you a lot and I’m glad you were there.”
“I’m here for both of you. You’ve been waiting for this day since we were kids, man. I’m happy for you. Ashley loves you, and damn, I’m glad you opened your eyes again.”
I chuckle and nod in agreement. “It’s been a long time coming.”
“You nervous?” Memphis asks.
“Not anymore. I was scared that she’d change her mind and wouldn’t walk down the aisle.”
“And now?”
“If she changes her mind then I’ll chase her wherever she goes.”
Shelby comes outside and tugs on my arm. “You ready, handsome?”
Before I answer her, Mama Monroe comes outside and asks Memphis and Shelby to give us a minute. The moment we’re alone, she hugs me, and releases me to cup my face.
“Your parents would be so happy if they were here, honey. Even though they’re in Heaven, they’re still here with you. With all of us. I’m so proud of you, Landon, and everything you’ve done. And now I get to have you as my son. Officially.” She laughs and it’s nice to hear what she’s telling me.
“All I want is to make her happy. I’m sorry I was difficult in the beginning. I never meant any disrespect.”
“No, honey. I know. Remember, love will always throw curves and obstacles. You and Ashley will conquer each one together, and as a strong unit. She’s going to stand by your side the way you stand by hers. Cherish each other and love one another.”
“I will, ma’am.”
“Oh, hush now.” She winks and lightly pats my cheek. “Mama from now on hmm?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Okay then. Let’s go get you and my baby girl married.”
I let out a breath and look at my friends, then inside the beautifully decorated barn. It’s everything Ashley wants—the tables are perfectly lined with white table clothes and chairs surrounding each side. Lights are hanging throughout the barn, wrapped around the wood, with sheer fabrics hanging over the wood ceilings, and elegantly tied. Outside, where we’re getting married, chairs are on each side of the field with a white runner separating them.
“Come on. Let’s get you ready to be with your forever.”
The music starts playing and I take in a deep breath, preparing myself to watch Ashley walk down the aisle with Kemper. Our eyes lock on one another when she comes into view. I’m watching the steps she’s taking and the smile on her face growing.
“She’s beautiful, man.” I look over my shoulder to see Memphis smile and Gunner and Jeff giving me the thumbs-up.
“She’s everything,” I tell them, and turn back to see with a few more steps she’ll be in front of me.
“Take care of her,” Kemper tells me with a deep tone and places Ashley’s hand on mine. Neither of us say anything, as I take her in front of the minister and we listen to him speak of love and patience.
Instead of repeating the traditional vows, we decided to write our own. As we turn to face each other, her hands reach for mine, and she stares at me. Relief pushes away the nerves and I start my vows.
“Ashley, we’ve been through so much and I don’t regret any of it. You’re my world. My everything. When I look at you, I see my best friend and someone I’ll walk through this life with forever. You pushed down the walls and never gave up. The pain in my heart dissipated, and I realized we needed to fall apart only to be stronger. This is our second chance, and I promise to cherish you. I promise to love you and always stand by your side. I love you, Ashley, and I’ll love you always and forever.”
Kemper hands me her rings and I slide them down her finger. I stare at them and bring her hand to my lips and feel her softness.
“Landon, love only comes once in this lifetime. Our love has gone through the storm and the aftermath was difficult. Fighting for you is something I’ll never regret. You mean the world to me and I can’t see tomorrow without you. Your strength is inspiring. Your heart is whole. You complete me in every way possible. This next chapter in our lives will be beautifully written. Our words will create magic and demonstrate that love will always conquer. The light in your eyes gives me strength to handle everything that comes my way. I love you, Landon, always and forever.”
The minister announces us as husband and wife. Those words burst in my ears and I dip her down, bringing down my lips to hers.
“Mine,” I whisper, “Mine.”
“Yours.”
Chapter 18
Ashley
Twelve Months Later
“I NEED TO FOLLOW MY plan!” I yell, gripping the railings on the hospital bed. “Get me my plan, Landon!”
“Sweetheart, it’s okay. We don’t need your birth plan. Right now, you need to hold my hand and breathe. Easy, in and out.”
I look at my husband and all I want to do is punch him in the face and then scream at him to shut the hell up. He’s not making this easy. Each time I’m screaming, he’s right in my face, telling me to breathe. How the hell am I supposed to do that when my insides are tearing apart?
“Oh, screw you! I swear to the Heavens if your dick ever goes near my vagina, I’m going to put a hit on you!”
Another contraction hits me and I’m screaming so loud, Landon freaks out and rubs my back while asking if he can do anything.
“SHUT UP!” I scream and squeeze the hell out of his hand. “I CAN’T DO THIS! PLEASE GET ME A C-SECTION!”
Landon takes his free hand to move my face so we’re looking at each other. “Sweetheart, you’re so strong. You can do this. Pretty soon, we’re going to meet our son. I love you so much. I believe in you and I’m right here. So breathe with me, sweetheart.”
I’m sobbing and muttering how sorry I am. “I’m such a bitch.”
“No, sweetheart.” He kisses the side of my head. “You’re in a lot of pain, but just remember it’ll all be worth it when we meet Wyatt.”
“Wyatt,” I say his name and close my eyes, willing myself to get through the pain. “I’m doing this for Wyatt. For Wyatt.”
“Hello! Time to see where you are!” Our nurse comes in and she’s so happy and bubbly. I hate her.
I lean back and Landon’s right there with me.
“I’m going to get the doctor because you are ready, my dear.”
The next twenty minutes go by and I’m exhausted. I don’t think I can keep pushing. Everything hurts and I wish I had gotten an epidural.
“Come on, Ashley. Just one more push.”
“You can do this, baby. I’m right here with you. O
ne more push and Wyatt will be here.”
With the last ounce of strength, I push and soon the most beautiful sound in the world fills my ears.
Landon kisses me and rests his head on my shoulder. We watch the nurses clean our son and when they place him in my arms, everything stops and it’s just the three of us.
“Happy birthday, Wyatt Arthur Fisher.”
About the Author
S. MOOSE IS A NEW York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of new adult romance. She writes emotional and romantic stories that will make you swoon, cry, yell, laugh, and love.
She is living her own happily ever after with a man who loves her with his whole heart. She is a proud mother to their beautiful son, and adorable puppy.
When she is not writing you can find her hanging out with her family, and friends, getting lost in romantic books, and indulging on Starbuck lattes.
To keep up with the latest from S. Moose be sure to visit her social media sites:
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Acknowledgements
KELLY ELLIOTT THERE WILL NEVER be enough words to express how grateful I am that you asked me to be part of this journey with you. I’ll never forget this experience.
Danielle Sanchez thank you for everything you’ve done and will continue to do. You’re amazing. Awesome. Incredible.
Alyssa Garcia thank you for making our teasers and helping us out in this Kindle World for the Wanted series.
Sommer Stein thank you for creating my cover and making it look beautiful as usual.
Christine Borgford thank you for formatting our stories for this Kindle World and being incredibly patient and sweet.
To my BETA readers thank you for taking the time to read the very early stages of Another Round of Whiskey and talking me off the ledge on several occasions! I’m so thankful for you.
Bloggers thank you for supporting us and this Kindle World. Thank you for helping us promote and reading ARCs so that you can spread the news about the books.
Readers thank you for picking up my books and the books in this Kindle World. With every book I release, you’re making it a million times better because you’re letting my words in your heart. Thank you so much for everything you do.
Lastly, to my husband and son. You’re my world and make my life complete. I love you both so much.
Books in the Wanted World
The Wanted Series (7 Books) ~ Kelly Elliott
Another Round of Whiskey ~ S. Moose
Beyond the Lights ~ Casey Peeler
Blurred Lines ~ Nazarea Andrews
Church Bells ~ Jennifer Rebecca
City Girl ~ Kahlen Aymes
Everything I Needed ~ Ellie Wade
Found ~ Kristin Mayer
Adored ~ Georgia Cates
Mercy ~ Andrea Johnston
My Unexpected Cowboy ~ Kenzie Rose